cover image SHADOW GAME

SHADOW GAME

Christine Feehan, . . Jove, $6.99 (352pp) ISBN 978-0-515-13596-1

Having fast made a name for herself in the vampire romance realm, Feehan (Dark Symphony, etc.) now turns her attention to other supernatural powers in this swift, sensational offering. When Lily Whitney's adopted father asks her to act as consultant on a project involving the development of advanced psychic powers, she is stunned to learn that he is experimenting on men from an elite military squadron. The men, lead by Capt. Ryland Miller, are separated and caged like lab rats in an underground facility where they have learned to communicate with each other telepathically, a talent Lily has had since birth. In true romance form, Lily and Ryland share an instant attraction, which leads to a few intriguing sexual liaisons (such as the sequence where Ryland enters Lily's dream). After Lily's father is murdered, she discovers that he harbored some despicable secrets, but that doesn't stop her from searching for his killer. At times it's difficult to overlook the story's improbabilities (e.g., Lily can move objects, but when in danger, she can't help herself) and Feehan's overly dramatic prose ("Small bolts of lightening whipped in his bloodstream"; "Tongues of fire raced along her skin"); however, this is still the sultry, spine-tingling kind of read that her fans will adore. (Sept.)