Review: Dark Sins and Desert Sands (Mythica series) by Stephanie Draven
10:17 am in Harlequin Nocturne, November 2011, Reviews by Amelia
The fifth book in the Mythica series is exceedingly original as it takes several myths and creates a very believable tale entwining the lives of these legends. There is innovativeness and much skill by Stephanie Draven in crafting these stories filled with constant fascination.
After Ray Stavrakis is able to break out of the Syrian prison where he has been held for two years, his main thought concerns proving the accusation that he worked with the enemy is false. He is a dedicated U.S. soldier, regardless of his heredity, and he wants the person who made the allegation to pay. While Ray was incarcerated, he was somehow given the mysterious power of controlling the mind of others plus can even change into a Minotaur. These capabilities allow him to learn the name of one of his torturers, and she now lives in Las Vegas.
Although Layla Bahset is a psychologist and enjoys aiding those who suffer troubling quandaries, she has a big problem of her own. It seems she has no recollection of her life before coming to Las Vegas two years ago, so she cannot recall the man who she has just encountered nor can she answer his demanding questions. Ray keeps watching Layla as he knows the information he wants is somewhere in her mind, and he comes to realize he is not the only one pursuing her. They both want to learn the truth about what has happened to them and why, but uncovering the reality may come with a steep price.
Stephanie Draven is at her imaginary best in the Mythica series. The brilliant blending of modern day facts with legendary fables results in stories that not only entertain but capture your every thought. From the very first paragraph to the last sentence, I was totally enthralled in each happening to the hero and heroine in DARK SINS, DESERT SANDS. Whether they are entangled in discovering secrets from their pasts or experiencing an emotional incident, every single detail comes across as emotively convincing and draws you even more into their complex lives. So many unknowns are in the story, and those pertaining to the history of Ray and Layla are gradually divulged with often startling answers. Ms. Draven has certainly come up with unique background for these two, and her reasons for these circumstances are extremely inventive. The Mythica series is not like anything I have ever read before, and its distinctiveness has kept me engrossed during each of the previous books, too. Ray and Layla both make a number of insightful remarks throughout the story, and the truth of these statements really touched me with their profoundness. Their sincere feelings also frequently come to the surface though they try to keep them under control, and these moments are poignant time and again. The intensity of the desire they take pleasure in when passion overrules their control is fervently sensual yet particularly caring with tender compassion. There are several secondary characters who play large parts in the story, and they contribute rewardingly whenever they are present. DARK SINS, DESERT SANDS is a creative paranormal novel packed with imaginative characters and intriguing scenarios.


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