Lynn Viehl: Evermore

Review by Vicky London

Evermore by Lynn Viehl is the fifth book in the popular Darkyn series. This is the story of Jayr, seneschal to the Darkyn lord Aedan mac Byrne. Nearly 700 years ago, a young Jayr gave her life to save the Scottish warrior dying on a bloody battlefield. In return, she was made Kyn and has served Aedan since that day. Trapped in the body of a young teen, her androgynous looks often leave her mistaken for a boy. That’s okay with Jayr, she is a strong fighter in her own right and well respected among the Darkyn. The only opinion that matters is Aedan’s, the man she has faithfully served and secretly loved for centuries.

Unknown to Jayr, Aedan has decided to leave his jardin and retreat to a life of isolation. The beast within him has become too strong and he is afraid those he loves most will be harmed. He decides to hold a tournament to find a new master for Jayr and the jardin. As the Kyn compete to be the new lord of the realm, secret passions and old grudges are unearthed. One of the competitors will stop at nothing until revenge is satisfied.

Evermore is another highly satisfying chapter in the Darkyn saga. Jayr is a fascinating character inspired by Lynn Viehl’s grandmother Thelma Jean. During the depression she dressed as a man, went by the name Steve, and worked at a gas station to feed her family and pay for her father’s medical treatment. Her sacrifice and determination makes a wonderful basis for this character.

The unrequited love between Jayr and Aedan is excruciatingly palpable. Jayr’s longing for Aedan is eloquently expressed in her loyal service to him. Even the smallest touch between the two becomes unbearably erotic. Viehl has a gift for writing intense emotion in a way that makes you feel as if it’s happening to you.

One of the best things about the Darkyn books is the regular re-appearance of Michael Cyprien and Alexandra Keller. Alex is the comic relief and reality check to Kyn that can take themselves too seriously at times. Other fun characters like Robin of Locksley appear, and it looks like Robin will get his own book soon.

If you can’t tell by now, I loved Evermore. I think it’s a great book. If you haven’t read any of the Darkyn books you can get a taste of the series with two free e-books from Lynn. You can visit her blog Paperback Writer and download Worthy and Willing. They are also a nice treat for readers who are already fans of the series.

You can buy Evermore or any of the Darkyn books by clicking on the cover above.

You can find the reading order for the Darkyn series here.

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