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Night Runner #1
Running in the Dark
Santiago, Chile
After surviving a vampire turf war in Alaska, vampire courier Sydney Kildare is back behind the wheel and working under an assumed name in Chile. She doesn't speak the language, doesn't know the city and-worst of all-has to drive a crappy car.
What she does have is Malcolm Kelly, her sort-of boyfriend and manager of the city's vampire population. But with Malcolm preoccupied by bloodsucker business-and a gorgeous vampiress from his past-Sydney feels more alone than ever.
But Sydney has more than her love life to worry about. She's got vamps on her tail, mysterious deliveries that leave death in their wake, and old enemies targeting her to get to Malcolm. Turns out he's got a history more deadly than she ever imagined, and she'll have to use every skill in her arsenal to stay alive...
60,000 words
After surviving a vampire turf war in Alaska, vampire courier Sydney Kildare is back behind the wheel and working under an assumed name in Chile. She doesn't speak the language, doesn't know the city and-worst of all-has to drive a crappy car.
What she does have is Malcolm Kelly, her sort-of boyfriend and manager of the city's vampire population. But with Malcolm preoccupied by bloodsucker business-and a gorgeous vampiress from his past-Sydney feels more alone than ever.
But Sydney has more than her love life to worry about. She's got vamps on her tail, mysterious deliveries that leave death in their wake, and old enemies targeting her to get to Malcolm. Turns out he's got a history more deadly than she ever imagined, and she'll have to use every skill in her arsenal to stay alive...
60,000 words
146 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 29, 2012
5 people are currently reading
170 people want to read
About the author
Regan Summers
4 books51 followersAuthor of the Night Runner series, Regan Summers lives in Anchorage, Alaska with her son and undying cat..
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
November 10, 2012
This review was originally published at Book Lovers Inc.
If Sookie Stackhouse has a kick-butt older sister in thermals and hiking boots, it's Sydney Kildare. They are both humans who have just a bit extra, who are making their way, not just in a world where the vamps have come out of the coffin, but specifically in spheres that are vampire-dominated.
Oh yeah, and they both have boyfriends who are vampires, although Sookie seems to have ditched both of hers for the moment.
The big difference is that Sookie started out as an innocent in her vamp-infested world, and also seems to spend a lot of time either waiting for the next supernatural male to waltz into her life, or angsting about the one currently messing it up.
Sidney Kildare may have a vamp in her life, but that's not what her story is about. Malcolm is extra, except where he causes more trouble.
Sidney is a courier for the vampires. It's a dangerous job, but it pays well. And somebody's got to do it. Sidney likes the danger, and she is very, very good at her work. That's why she's still alive. She has skills. Mostly survival skills. And paranoia. Lots and lots of paranoia.
In Don't Bite the Messenger, the prequel novella to the Night Runner series, Sydney helped get a good chunk of Anchorage Alaska blown up as rival vampire gangs went after the Master Vampire she did courier service for. His rivals tried to mess with his business by targeting his pet courier. It didn't work, but Anchorage is now too hot for her (as hard as that is to believe.)
Since the vampires go to the South Pole, and no one knows her there, in Running in the Dark, Sidney tries to spend the southern winter in Santiago Chile with Malcolm, while he takes care of business. Trouble follows, but in this case it's Malcolm's trouble. One of his old enemies finds him in Chile, and targets the courier service Sidney is working for as collateral damage.
Santiago will never be the same.
Verdict: I will say that it is more fun reading about a place you've lived blowing up than someplace unfamiliar (I spent three years in Anchorage). But except for the extra added vicarious thrill, Running in the Dark is every bit as much fun an urban fantasy as Don't Bite the Messenger. There is some romance between Malcolm and Sidney, but they are already together by this point. I liked Don't Bite the Messenger, and not just because it's set in Anchorage. It's definitely worth a read (see review) before Running in the Dark. The emphasis in Running is on the suspense. Malcolm's old enemy is causing trouble and Sidney (and Malcolm) have to figure out what's causing it.
The mystery was nasty, gross and disgusting, but then, this is an urban fantasy. The ending was satisfying all around. I am wondering where Sidney, and by extension Malcolm, can possibly go next, because they are running out of dark to hide in.
I give Running in the Dark 4 darkly dripping stars.
If Sookie Stackhouse has a kick-butt older sister in thermals and hiking boots, it's Sydney Kildare. They are both humans who have just a bit extra, who are making their way, not just in a world where the vamps have come out of the coffin, but specifically in spheres that are vampire-dominated.
Oh yeah, and they both have boyfriends who are vampires, although Sookie seems to have ditched both of hers for the moment.
The big difference is that Sookie started out as an innocent in her vamp-infested world, and also seems to spend a lot of time either waiting for the next supernatural male to waltz into her life, or angsting about the one currently messing it up.
Sidney Kildare may have a vamp in her life, but that's not what her story is about. Malcolm is extra, except where he causes more trouble.
Sidney is a courier for the vampires. It's a dangerous job, but it pays well. And somebody's got to do it. Sidney likes the danger, and she is very, very good at her work. That's why she's still alive. She has skills. Mostly survival skills. And paranoia. Lots and lots of paranoia.
In Don't Bite the Messenger, the prequel novella to the Night Runner series, Sydney helped get a good chunk of Anchorage Alaska blown up as rival vampire gangs went after the Master Vampire she did courier service for. His rivals tried to mess with his business by targeting his pet courier. It didn't work, but Anchorage is now too hot for her (as hard as that is to believe.)
Since the vampires go to the South Pole, and no one knows her there, in Running in the Dark, Sidney tries to spend the southern winter in Santiago Chile with Malcolm, while he takes care of business. Trouble follows, but in this case it's Malcolm's trouble. One of his old enemies finds him in Chile, and targets the courier service Sidney is working for as collateral damage.
Santiago will never be the same.
Verdict: I will say that it is more fun reading about a place you've lived blowing up than someplace unfamiliar (I spent three years in Anchorage). But except for the extra added vicarious thrill, Running in the Dark is every bit as much fun an urban fantasy as Don't Bite the Messenger. There is some romance between Malcolm and Sidney, but they are already together by this point. I liked Don't Bite the Messenger, and not just because it's set in Anchorage. It's definitely worth a read (see review) before Running in the Dark. The emphasis in Running is on the suspense. Malcolm's old enemy is causing trouble and Sidney (and Malcolm) have to figure out what's causing it.
The mystery was nasty, gross and disgusting, but then, this is an urban fantasy. The ending was satisfying all around. I am wondering where Sidney, and by extension Malcolm, can possibly go next, because they are running out of dark to hide in.
I give Running in the Dark 4 darkly dripping stars.
November 11, 2012
A worthy sequel to Don't Bite the Messenger!
As a messenger for vampires, Sydney Kildare is used to danger at every turn. After a brush with death left her fleeing from her job and home in Alaska, Sydney is back to doing what she's great at, running, this time on some unfamiliar turf: Santiago, Chile. Working under an alias, Sydney must make a new name for herself in this new and unknown city but at least she has her boyfriend, vampire Malcolm by her side. With her latest deliveries leaving a trail of death and enemies from the past on her tail, Sydney soon finds herself in a run for her life.
This book is a non-stop thrill ride in a dark and dangerous world. While I love the setting of Alaska for the prequel, Don't Bite the Messenger, the new setting in Chile adds a grittier feel to the already
exciting world of Ms. Sydney Kildare. What draws me the most to this fierce heroine is that she's 100% human and has no supernatural abilities but can still stand her ground, Sydney is no damsel in distress, she's a true fighter! Sure she has a sexy vampire boyfriend to protect her, but she never relies on that and always finds a way to get out of a life threatening situation.
The element that drives this story is the ongoing suspense and constant action. We learn more about Malcolm and the relationship between him and Sydney as things get more serious now that the two are living together, that's not to say there isn't any unresolved tension going on. Just when you think this is the end of the road for any possible future for these two, they manage to strengthen their bond in the midst of all the chaos. Add a few villains into the mix and you have the makings of an action packed story.
I feel this story has a lot more character development than Don't Bite the Messenger, now that we're familiar with Ms. Summer's vampire world. The change of scenery kept the plot interesting and had that "anything can happen" feel halfway through the story that keeps you guessing. Fueled with vampire politics, old rivals, secrets and romance, Running in the Dark is a unique fantasy world of vampires that will leave you hungry for more of its charismatic characters!
{ebook courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review.}
Original Romancing the Darkside review:
http://romancingthedarkside.blogspot....
As a messenger for vampires, Sydney Kildare is used to danger at every turn. After a brush with death left her fleeing from her job and home in Alaska, Sydney is back to doing what she's great at, running, this time on some unfamiliar turf: Santiago, Chile. Working under an alias, Sydney must make a new name for herself in this new and unknown city but at least she has her boyfriend, vampire Malcolm by her side. With her latest deliveries leaving a trail of death and enemies from the past on her tail, Sydney soon finds herself in a run for her life.
This book is a non-stop thrill ride in a dark and dangerous world. While I love the setting of Alaska for the prequel, Don't Bite the Messenger, the new setting in Chile adds a grittier feel to the already
exciting world of Ms. Sydney Kildare. What draws me the most to this fierce heroine is that she's 100% human and has no supernatural abilities but can still stand her ground, Sydney is no damsel in distress, she's a true fighter! Sure she has a sexy vampire boyfriend to protect her, but she never relies on that and always finds a way to get out of a life threatening situation.
The element that drives this story is the ongoing suspense and constant action. We learn more about Malcolm and the relationship between him and Sydney as things get more serious now that the two are living together, that's not to say there isn't any unresolved tension going on. Just when you think this is the end of the road for any possible future for these two, they manage to strengthen their bond in the midst of all the chaos. Add a few villains into the mix and you have the makings of an action packed story.
I feel this story has a lot more character development than Don't Bite the Messenger, now that we're familiar with Ms. Summer's vampire world. The change of scenery kept the plot interesting and had that "anything can happen" feel halfway through the story that keeps you guessing. Fueled with vampire politics, old rivals, secrets and romance, Running in the Dark is a unique fantasy world of vampires that will leave you hungry for more of its charismatic characters!
{ebook courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review.}
Original Romancing the Darkside review:
http://romancingthedarkside.blogspot....
September 26, 2012
Favorite Lines: “He’s what was waiting for me when you turned your back and let your guy throw me out of your club. I don’t know how well you’re acquainted with him, but in my experience, he isn’t very nice” (p. 142, e-galley)
I read and enjoyed the first book in Regan Summers’ Night Runners series so much that I’ve read it a couple of times. I’m happy to say I enjoyed the second installment in the series even more.
Running in the Dark picks up a few weeks after Sydney and Malcolm move to Chile. They are hiding their relationship from others, but it hasn’t stopped someone from trying to take out Sydney. The danger is coming from many directions and it isn’t clear who Sydney can trust. I love the action, but the emotional drama got me. With sections like:
"But to have someone treat me like I mattered, not my body, not my connections, but me…and then to have him take that away…It was like falling from a great height. Painful and numbing and accompanied by some bitter version of resignation. I didn’t even have the energy to curse."–p. 142
See I love books that I can connect to. Stories that I can become invested in. I’ve found that in Summers’ Night Runners series. A heroine who has bettered her life. One serious about surviving on her own terms but who found a guy to spend it with is more than interesting to me. When it is paired with nonstop Fast and Furious action…I’ll read it again and again.
The books aren’t very long, but feel just right. So far I’ve only wanted and have never felt like I haven’t been given enough. I’ve learned new information about characters that only whets my appetite for more. If you’re into vampires and urban fantasy with a strong romance thread you’ll find that in Running in the Dark.
I read and enjoyed the first book in Regan Summers’ Night Runners series so much that I’ve read it a couple of times. I’m happy to say I enjoyed the second installment in the series even more.
Running in the Dark picks up a few weeks after Sydney and Malcolm move to Chile. They are hiding their relationship from others, but it hasn’t stopped someone from trying to take out Sydney. The danger is coming from many directions and it isn’t clear who Sydney can trust. I love the action, but the emotional drama got me. With sections like:
"But to have someone treat me like I mattered, not my body, not my connections, but me…and then to have him take that away…It was like falling from a great height. Painful and numbing and accompanied by some bitter version of resignation. I didn’t even have the energy to curse."–p. 142
See I love books that I can connect to. Stories that I can become invested in. I’ve found that in Summers’ Night Runners series. A heroine who has bettered her life. One serious about surviving on her own terms but who found a guy to spend it with is more than interesting to me. When it is paired with nonstop Fast and Furious action…I’ll read it again and again.
The books aren’t very long, but feel just right. So far I’ve only wanted and have never felt like I haven’t been given enough. I’ve learned new information about characters that only whets my appetite for more. If you’re into vampires and urban fantasy with a strong romance thread you’ll find that in Running in the Dark.
December 27, 2012
I'm thoroughly enjoying this series, despite being a really tough sell on vamps. It's fast-paced, witty, clever and fun. This installment is longer than 'Don't Bite the Messenger,' allowing more thoroughly developed secondary characters and world building. I love the concept of the courier moving oh-so-carefully between the human and vampire worlds. I love the unusual urban settings (Anchorage, AK in the first one; Santiago, Chile in this one), but most of all I love Syd. Such a tough and creative exterior, all the better to hide the warm, squishy heart that dwells within her.
The ending of this one suggests the series will continue. Where will Syd and Mal will go next? What villains will they have to join forces against? I can't wait to find out!
4.5 stars.
The ending of this one suggests the series will continue. Where will Syd and Mal will go next? What villains will they have to join forces against? I can't wait to find out!
4.5 stars.
November 26, 2012
I'd forgotten the hardback I was reading when I traveled for Thanksgiving, so I pulled out the iPad and started reading this book.
And I found myself doing things like standing in the bedroom with only one sock on, because I needed to find out what happened next and couldn't put the book down long enough to put my other sock on.
Or reading at 3am, because I just needed to finish the next chapter, and then I could go to sleep.
Needless to say, the story is gripping. Lots of action. But what I liked the most was Ms. Summers take on Vampires. They're predators, but intelligent ones who realize they need to live in this world, too. And her protagonist, Sydney isn't perfect. She's smart, but also real.
Very enjoyable read. I can't wait to see what's next.
And I found myself doing things like standing in the bedroom with only one sock on, because I needed to find out what happened next and couldn't put the book down long enough to put my other sock on.
Or reading at 3am, because I just needed to finish the next chapter, and then I could go to sleep.
Needless to say, the story is gripping. Lots of action. But what I liked the most was Ms. Summers take on Vampires. They're predators, but intelligent ones who realize they need to live in this world, too. And her protagonist, Sydney isn't perfect. She's smart, but also real.
Very enjoyable read. I can't wait to see what's next.
November 1, 2012
Review originally posted here: http://thebookpushers.com/2012/10/29/...
Publisher: Carina Press
Publish Date: Out now
How I got this book: ARC from the publisher via Netgalley
Santiago, Chile
After surviving a vampire turf war in Alaska, vampire courier Sydney Kildare is back behind the wheel and working under an assumed name in Chile. She doesn’t speak the language, doesn’t know the city and—worst of all—has to drive a crappy car.
What she does have is Malcolm Kelly, her sort-of boyfriend and manager of the city’s vampire population. But with Malcolm preoccupied by bloodsucker business—and a gorgeous vampiress from his past—Sydney feels more alone than ever.
But Sydney has more than her love life to worry about. She’s got vamps on her tail, mysterious deliveries that leave death in their wake, and old enemies targeting her to get to Malcolm. Turns out he’s got a history more deadly than she ever imagined, and she’ll have to use every skill in her arsenal to stay alive…
This blurb came from the author’s website here.
I read, enjoyed and did a short review on what is now The Night Runners 0.5, Don’t Bite the Messenger earlier this year. I was really happy to find out that Summers was going to continue to write in this world. When I received a note letting me know that Running in the Dark had review copies available I couldn’t resist. I am pleased to say that Summers took everything I enjoyed about the first one and made it better as well as providing some of the things I wished had been in her novella.
Sydney is back working as a runner for the vampires but in an entirely different area. She moved from Alaska to Chile, left her name, her reputation, and her rather nice car behind but she has her life, a new job, and her vampire “boyfriend.” I enjoyed watching her deal with being the “new girl” instead of the top runner and in a new much larger city. Regardless of her name change, she still kept the same drive to be the best and her insistence on disguising any personal aspect that could be used to trace her. She also retained the same suspicious nature which had kept her alive in the previous story. I will admit I was slightly worried with the mention in the blurb about a gorgeous vampiress because love triangles can become extremely tiresome rather quickly. Thankfully Summers handled my suspicions deftly and in a way that I enjoyed. This did not mean that everything was nice and peaceful for Sydney because vampire politics are never peaceful.
Malcolm was much less of a mystery this time. I was able to see him in his “day job” so to speak. He also managed to get in hot water with Sydney a few times and in order to keep her around as his girlfriend he realized that he had to start explaining things to her. Through Sydney I learned a lot about his past and why he occupies the position he does in vampire hierarchy. I had no idea just how messy and complicated vampire politics could become. I liked seeing how convoluted circumstances could get and how that made an impact on their personal lives in more ways than one..
It was interesting to watch Malcolm and Sydney in their relationship together after the first flush of attraction and adrenaline-fueled lust had past. Now they were trying to live with each other and see where their relationship could take them despite all of the challenges. There were times when it looked extremely doubtful they were going to make it to the end of the book for a variety of reasons, not the least of which was the fact that Malcolm had enemies who held grudges for a very long time.
Running in the Dark had a lot more character development now that the basic world was set. The change in location and activities allowed for more world-building so things did not seem to remain static while I was able to learn more about Sydney and Malcolm. Their characters demonstrated some nice depth and additional resources that I hadn’t even considered before. It is refreshing to read about vampires that are back to being scary and yet also attractive. They put me more in mind of Dracula and his dichotomy of sex appeal and deadly attraction. Even with all the activity and things I discovered about Summers’ world there are still things I am wondering about. Not because they were left out of the story but because I think the characters have yet to need to know or do certain things. I am certainly looking forward to what comes next for the Night Runners.
I give Running in the Dark a B+
Publisher: Carina Press
Publish Date: Out now
How I got this book: ARC from the publisher via Netgalley
Santiago, Chile
After surviving a vampire turf war in Alaska, vampire courier Sydney Kildare is back behind the wheel and working under an assumed name in Chile. She doesn’t speak the language, doesn’t know the city and—worst of all—has to drive a crappy car.
What she does have is Malcolm Kelly, her sort-of boyfriend and manager of the city’s vampire population. But with Malcolm preoccupied by bloodsucker business—and a gorgeous vampiress from his past—Sydney feels more alone than ever.
But Sydney has more than her love life to worry about. She’s got vamps on her tail, mysterious deliveries that leave death in their wake, and old enemies targeting her to get to Malcolm. Turns out he’s got a history more deadly than she ever imagined, and she’ll have to use every skill in her arsenal to stay alive…
This blurb came from the author’s website here.
I read, enjoyed and did a short review on what is now The Night Runners 0.5, Don’t Bite the Messenger earlier this year. I was really happy to find out that Summers was going to continue to write in this world. When I received a note letting me know that Running in the Dark had review copies available I couldn’t resist. I am pleased to say that Summers took everything I enjoyed about the first one and made it better as well as providing some of the things I wished had been in her novella.
Sydney is back working as a runner for the vampires but in an entirely different area. She moved from Alaska to Chile, left her name, her reputation, and her rather nice car behind but she has her life, a new job, and her vampire “boyfriend.” I enjoyed watching her deal with being the “new girl” instead of the top runner and in a new much larger city. Regardless of her name change, she still kept the same drive to be the best and her insistence on disguising any personal aspect that could be used to trace her. She also retained the same suspicious nature which had kept her alive in the previous story. I will admit I was slightly worried with the mention in the blurb about a gorgeous vampiress because love triangles can become extremely tiresome rather quickly. Thankfully Summers handled my suspicions deftly and in a way that I enjoyed. This did not mean that everything was nice and peaceful for Sydney because vampire politics are never peaceful.
Malcolm was much less of a mystery this time. I was able to see him in his “day job” so to speak. He also managed to get in hot water with Sydney a few times and in order to keep her around as his girlfriend he realized that he had to start explaining things to her. Through Sydney I learned a lot about his past and why he occupies the position he does in vampire hierarchy. I had no idea just how messy and complicated vampire politics could become. I liked seeing how convoluted circumstances could get and how that made an impact on their personal lives in more ways than one..
It was interesting to watch Malcolm and Sydney in their relationship together after the first flush of attraction and adrenaline-fueled lust had past. Now they were trying to live with each other and see where their relationship could take them despite all of the challenges. There were times when it looked extremely doubtful they were going to make it to the end of the book for a variety of reasons, not the least of which was the fact that Malcolm had enemies who held grudges for a very long time.
Running in the Dark had a lot more character development now that the basic world was set. The change in location and activities allowed for more world-building so things did not seem to remain static while I was able to learn more about Sydney and Malcolm. Their characters demonstrated some nice depth and additional resources that I hadn’t even considered before. It is refreshing to read about vampires that are back to being scary and yet also attractive. They put me more in mind of Dracula and his dichotomy of sex appeal and deadly attraction. Even with all the activity and things I discovered about Summers’ world there are still things I am wondering about. Not because they were left out of the story but because I think the characters have yet to need to know or do certain things. I am certainly looking forward to what comes next for the Night Runners.
I give Running in the Dark a B+
November 15, 2012
I loved Syndey's personality, style and independence in DON'T BITE THE MESSENGER so I was excited when Regan contacted me with RUNNING IN THE DARK for review. I think its pretty important to read book 0.5 before you jump into book 1 as it will give you the background on the characters and their situations. You might be a bit lost if you try to jump into book 1 without the back story.
It was a bit hard to read the first half of the book watching Sydney struggle with not having complete control of her life nor being able to do what she loves to do at the pace she wants to do it. The change of scenery in RUNNING IN THE DARK was interesting. I have never been to Anchorage or Chile so both were fun to witness through the two separate adventures. Malcolm ticked me off at multiple points throughout the book but his attitude makes complete sense by the last chapter and he is perfect for Sydney and vice versa. I really liked meeting Soraya she turned out being a great ally and I see more of her in Sydney and Malcom's future (at least I'm hoping she will be in their future). Because Sydney isn't in the same situation as in DON'T BITE THE MESSENGER we didn't get her high tech cars and fast driving but there was a ton of fantastic action scenes and deathly situations. Both of Regan's books were fast paced with simple to connect to worlds.
It shouldn't be long before the whole vampire community knows who Sydney and Malcolm are and the ending sets up book 2 a bit.
It was a bit hard to read the first half of the book watching Sydney struggle with not having complete control of her life nor being able to do what she loves to do at the pace she wants to do it. The change of scenery in RUNNING IN THE DARK was interesting. I have never been to Anchorage or Chile so both were fun to witness through the two separate adventures. Malcolm ticked me off at multiple points throughout the book but his attitude makes complete sense by the last chapter and he is perfect for Sydney and vice versa. I really liked meeting Soraya she turned out being a great ally and I see more of her in Sydney and Malcom's future (at least I'm hoping she will be in their future). Because Sydney isn't in the same situation as in DON'T BITE THE MESSENGER we didn't get her high tech cars and fast driving but there was a ton of fantastic action scenes and deathly situations. Both of Regan's books were fast paced with simple to connect to worlds.
It shouldn't be long before the whole vampire community knows who Sydney and Malcolm are and the ending sets up book 2 a bit.
November 1, 2012
This review is from an original post at Http://bookedandloaded.com
Running in the Dark by Regan Summers was a fast pasted vampire romance with lots of action. The heroine, Sydney Kildare, was clever and unique. Her internal dialog was very entertaining and her overall resilience and spunk was a great recipe for an awesome heroine. Running in the Dark starts out after a major change in Sydney’s life. She has been uprooted to Chili after a disturbance in vampire politics in Alaska forced her to relocate into hiding. I would have liked to learn more about this major event before reading Running in the Dark and believe Don’t Bite The Messenger probably clarifies a lot of Sydney’s history. I will be snatching it up as soon as I am finished here! At times It felt that I was reading the second book in a series. However, I still really enjoyed Running in the Dark. I enjoyed Regan Summers spin on vampires and the relationships they have with humans. The world rules were clear and Running in the Dark had a great Urban Fantasy feel with a touch of paranormal romance added in! The action in this book was fantastically written and I loved this blend of genres.
*I received this book from Carina Press via NetGalley and received no compensation for this review.
Running in the Dark by Regan Summers was a fast pasted vampire romance with lots of action. The heroine, Sydney Kildare, was clever and unique. Her internal dialog was very entertaining and her overall resilience and spunk was a great recipe for an awesome heroine. Running in the Dark starts out after a major change in Sydney’s life. She has been uprooted to Chili after a disturbance in vampire politics in Alaska forced her to relocate into hiding. I would have liked to learn more about this major event before reading Running in the Dark and believe Don’t Bite The Messenger probably clarifies a lot of Sydney’s history. I will be snatching it up as soon as I am finished here! At times It felt that I was reading the second book in a series. However, I still really enjoyed Running in the Dark. I enjoyed Regan Summers spin on vampires and the relationships they have with humans. The world rules were clear and Running in the Dark had a great Urban Fantasy feel with a touch of paranormal romance added in! The action in this book was fantastically written and I loved this blend of genres.
*I received this book from Carina Press via NetGalley and received no compensation for this review.
June 24, 2013
We first met Sydney Kildare in Don't Bite the Messenger. She is a strong, feisty, take no guff gal who works as a vampire courier. In this installment she has relocated to Chile and is trying to get in the game under an assumed name and without her reputation she worked so hard to build. Once again there is plenty action and plots and sub plots galore and Sydney must keep on top of her game to survive. This was an awesome read that in my opinion was very well written with wonderful world and character building. I loved Sydney going in, having already read her other story, and continue to enjoy her very much. I definitely recommend this series and strongly suggest starting with Don't Bite the Messenger first. I am looking forward to and can't wait to enjoy Sydney's next adventure. I received this book from the author with a request for my honest review without any compensation whatsoever, other than the joy of reading a new book.
November 1, 2012
Running in the Dark is follow up to Don't Bite the Messenger and the start of a new series. I do recommend reading these in order. Vampire Courier Sydney Kildare is now in Santiago, Chile. She doesn't know the language, the roads or pretty much anybody other than sexy vampire Malcolm Kelly. Syd has to start from the bottom at her new job because she can’t call Alaska for references. They think she is dead and it is better that way. Malcolm is busy doing for the Master he owes when crap from his past comes to bite them all on the butt. Syd wants excitement but this may be more than she bargained for.
I love the excitement of a new series learning about new worlds and characters. Running in the Dark lives up to the promise of Don't Bite the Messenger and I look forward to following Syd and Malcolm through further adventures.
I love the excitement of a new series learning about new worlds and characters. Running in the Dark lives up to the promise of Don't Bite the Messenger and I look forward to following Syd and Malcolm through further adventures.
November 10, 2012
Sequel to Don't Bite the Messaenger. Another fast-paced urban fantasy adventure featuring Syd, a courier who works for vampires. This one's set in Chile instead of Anchorage, and has a mostly new set of characters. I enjoyed the developing relationship between Syd and Malcolm, and I liked the new developments with Syd's vampire-resistant power. I'll definitely be on the lookout for book three.
July 22, 2013
I Love Sydney
She tried retirement. It didn't agree with her.
Vampire courier Sydney Kildare survived a turf war in Alaska and retired to Hawaii, a wonderfully vampire-free state. She was enjoying island life just fine (being bored senseless) until the goons of a sucker with a grudge showed up and tried to kidnap her. That's about when she realized the danger was the most fun she'd had since she retired.
Now Sydney is in Chile with her vampire sorta-boyfriend Malcolm, who had been sent to South America to manage the holdings of master vampire Bronson in his continued absence. Sure, Sydney can't speak the language beyond a few important phrases, she's stuck with the low-money newbie routes at her new courier agency, and the car she's driving is a real POS, but the thrill being a runner is universal.
All in all, life is going pretty well for her. At least it is until vampires on her route start dying under highly disturbing circumstances and an old enemy of Malcolm's decides that the best way to piss him off is to break the little human courier he's so fond of. As she is that little human courier, that's a plan that just doesn't work for Sydney. Whether or not she'll survive long enough to lodge a formal complaint is another matter entirely.
~*~
There's just something about Sydney Kildare, and because of her, this series, that makes me smile. There is a lot of charming...and sometimes not-so-charming quirks in her character. She's an inveterate adrenaline junkie, but she's not foolhardy with her safety. She runs messages, a dangerous occupation on lots of levels, and that puts her into direct contact with vampires she mostly fears and dislikes, but she is hyper-vigilant around them. She keeps everyone she knows at a distance and looks at the world through street-wise, sometimes jaded eyes, but throws herself into a relationship with a vampire she doesn't exactly know that well.
Those sorts of quirks, when paired with an inner monologue peppered with sarcasm and attitude, make her a very appealing and interesting heroine. She's certainly not out to save the world, just survive it while making the most money possible. I have to admit, her prosaic approach to her life appeals to me.
I like the stories Summer writes surrounding her, too. This is not a warm, fuzzy world. It's dark and gritty, and while vampires may have an excellent PR firm, Sydney is under no delusions about their nature. That's probably a good thing given how often she seems to find herself in situations that show off the worst of it. Meanwhile, her relationship with Malcolm, which is really more of a subplot of the story, is fraught with the sort of growing pains one would expect from two people who not only don't know each other well, but are in very different places in their lives, despite the obvious chemistry between them.
I like Malcolm a lot. I like his relationship with Sydney, too, and I literally laughed long and loud when he cooked (or tried to) paella for her. I'm just not on real firm footing about the potential longevity of that relationship. There is a lot about them together that works, but there's also a hell of a lot of things that could explode them at any given moment, and they don't actually seem to really have a place in each others world. It makes me leery of becoming too attached to him.
I'm already attached to the series. I do wish there'd been a bit more resolution of the plot thread left dangling in Don't Bite the Messenger, but that got only a passing nod a time or two in this story. It looks like it was being set up to be addressed in the next book, so hopefully we'll see resolution some day. I still believe that reading DBtM before this one is the way to go, even if you're like me and prefer to avoid prequel novellas. In this case, it was integral in setting up the world and the relationship between Sydney and Malcolm, and shouldn't be missed if you're going to read this book.
And really, if you like urban fantasy that's just a step outside the box with a heroine who can drive like a demon and the vampire who will brave electronic equipment for her, you should read this book. I just hope like hell we'll see a "second" book in the series soon.
Disclosure: An ARC of this book was provided to me by Carina Press via NetGalley. This rating, review, and all included thoughts and comments are my own.
~*~*~*~
Reviewed for One Good Book Deserves Another.
She tried retirement. It didn't agree with her.
Vampire courier Sydney Kildare survived a turf war in Alaska and retired to Hawaii, a wonderfully vampire-free state. She was enjoying island life just fine (being bored senseless) until the goons of a sucker with a grudge showed up and tried to kidnap her. That's about when she realized the danger was the most fun she'd had since she retired.
Now Sydney is in Chile with her vampire sorta-boyfriend Malcolm, who had been sent to South America to manage the holdings of master vampire Bronson in his continued absence. Sure, Sydney can't speak the language beyond a few important phrases, she's stuck with the low-money newbie routes at her new courier agency, and the car she's driving is a real POS, but the thrill being a runner is universal.
All in all, life is going pretty well for her. At least it is until vampires on her route start dying under highly disturbing circumstances and an old enemy of Malcolm's decides that the best way to piss him off is to break the little human courier he's so fond of. As she is that little human courier, that's a plan that just doesn't work for Sydney. Whether or not she'll survive long enough to lodge a formal complaint is another matter entirely.
~*~
There's just something about Sydney Kildare, and because of her, this series, that makes me smile. There is a lot of charming...and sometimes not-so-charming quirks in her character. She's an inveterate adrenaline junkie, but she's not foolhardy with her safety. She runs messages, a dangerous occupation on lots of levels, and that puts her into direct contact with vampires she mostly fears and dislikes, but she is hyper-vigilant around them. She keeps everyone she knows at a distance and looks at the world through street-wise, sometimes jaded eyes, but throws herself into a relationship with a vampire she doesn't exactly know that well.
Those sorts of quirks, when paired with an inner monologue peppered with sarcasm and attitude, make her a very appealing and interesting heroine. She's certainly not out to save the world, just survive it while making the most money possible. I have to admit, her prosaic approach to her life appeals to me.
I like the stories Summer writes surrounding her, too. This is not a warm, fuzzy world. It's dark and gritty, and while vampires may have an excellent PR firm, Sydney is under no delusions about their nature. That's probably a good thing given how often she seems to find herself in situations that show off the worst of it. Meanwhile, her relationship with Malcolm, which is really more of a subplot of the story, is fraught with the sort of growing pains one would expect from two people who not only don't know each other well, but are in very different places in their lives, despite the obvious chemistry between them.
I like Malcolm a lot. I like his relationship with Sydney, too, and I literally laughed long and loud when he cooked (or tried to) paella for her. I'm just not on real firm footing about the potential longevity of that relationship. There is a lot about them together that works, but there's also a hell of a lot of things that could explode them at any given moment, and they don't actually seem to really have a place in each others world. It makes me leery of becoming too attached to him.
I'm already attached to the series. I do wish there'd been a bit more resolution of the plot thread left dangling in Don't Bite the Messenger, but that got only a passing nod a time or two in this story. It looks like it was being set up to be addressed in the next book, so hopefully we'll see resolution some day. I still believe that reading DBtM before this one is the way to go, even if you're like me and prefer to avoid prequel novellas. In this case, it was integral in setting up the world and the relationship between Sydney and Malcolm, and shouldn't be missed if you're going to read this book.
And really, if you like urban fantasy that's just a step outside the box with a heroine who can drive like a demon and the vampire who will brave electronic equipment for her, you should read this book. I just hope like hell we'll see a "second" book in the series soon.
Disclosure: An ARC of this book was provided to me by Carina Press via NetGalley. This rating, review, and all included thoughts and comments are my own.
~*~*~*~
Reviewed for One Good Book Deserves Another.
January 7, 2015
In the interest of full disclosure, I know Regan Summers from the writing forum, Absolute Write. That said, I would have still bought and loved this book, even if we weren't friends.
Running in the Dark is the second book of the Night Runner Series and while you don't need to read Book 1, Don't Bite the Messenger, I highly recommend it. DBtM gives you some of the background for the world Regan has created and it introduces you to the two main characters. Not to mention, it's a well-written, fast read that's worth picking up. Plus, you get to follow the characters grow into Book 2, which is a heck of a lot of fun.
In Running in the Dark, we find vampire courier Sydney Kildare living under an assumed name in Santiago, Chili. Having fled her home in Alaska, she's now splitting her time delivering packages to questionable folks, bending over backwards to prove herself worthy to her new employer, and struggling to carve out more than 5 minutes with her vampire lover, Malcolm Kelly. But as much as Malcolm and Syd want, or in many cases need, some alone time, Malcolm is busy serving as the on-site representative for his Master who happens to own/run/rule Santiago. And if dealing with a boyfriend who's trying to convince the local vampire population that The Man is still in charge isn't hard enough, Syd soon finds herself caught in a massive power-play between vampire sects. With both her love-life and neck on the line, Syd is forced to do what she does best: create mayhem.
And believe me, there's a lot of it.
Regan does an outstanding expanding on her world where humans and vampires cohabitate. There are political and economic forces constantly in play which ebb and flow as the various parties maneuver for power and influence. Her vampires come off as beautiful mixtures of ruthless business owners and borderline monsters that are working to maintain a sense of unity (albeit superficial at times) with their human counterparts.
But while the world is fascinating in and of itself, the characters and dialogue are where Regan's talents truly shine. Syd is a ball of kinetic energy, always moving, always resisting that which might root her in place. But that trait comes into direct conflict with Malcolm: the only force that makes her want to slow down. Malcolm, on the other hand, is sometimes cool, sometimes burning hot like the sun, the latter usually because of Syd.
The friction between them is tangible, but that's not a bad thing. You can feel the struggle within Syd as she not only copes with a relationship unlike anything she's ever known, but also with a person that gets her engines going. She's quick with a joke or biting retort and almost always does the exact opposite of what she's told. There were moments when I had to go back and re-read a section because the dialogue had me laughing.
Even the side characters pop in this story. Instead of feeling two-dimensional, they click with realism. They are so well developed that you come to love and hate each one and none of them ever feels like a throw-away or plot device.
Overall, Running in the Dark is an excellent read for anyone who enjoys Urban Fantasy or plain-old good writing. There are a few steamy moments, a whole lot of action sequences, and gargantuan truck-load of goose-bump-worthy vampires. With a strong plot, great characters, and top-notch dialogue, Running in the Dark is a sure-fire book to add to your To Be Read pile.
Running in the Dark is the second book of the Night Runner Series and while you don't need to read Book 1, Don't Bite the Messenger, I highly recommend it. DBtM gives you some of the background for the world Regan has created and it introduces you to the two main characters. Not to mention, it's a well-written, fast read that's worth picking up. Plus, you get to follow the characters grow into Book 2, which is a heck of a lot of fun.
In Running in the Dark, we find vampire courier Sydney Kildare living under an assumed name in Santiago, Chili. Having fled her home in Alaska, she's now splitting her time delivering packages to questionable folks, bending over backwards to prove herself worthy to her new employer, and struggling to carve out more than 5 minutes with her vampire lover, Malcolm Kelly. But as much as Malcolm and Syd want, or in many cases need, some alone time, Malcolm is busy serving as the on-site representative for his Master who happens to own/run/rule Santiago. And if dealing with a boyfriend who's trying to convince the local vampire population that The Man is still in charge isn't hard enough, Syd soon finds herself caught in a massive power-play between vampire sects. With both her love-life and neck on the line, Syd is forced to do what she does best: create mayhem.
And believe me, there's a lot of it.
Regan does an outstanding expanding on her world where humans and vampires cohabitate. There are political and economic forces constantly in play which ebb and flow as the various parties maneuver for power and influence. Her vampires come off as beautiful mixtures of ruthless business owners and borderline monsters that are working to maintain a sense of unity (albeit superficial at times) with their human counterparts.
But while the world is fascinating in and of itself, the characters and dialogue are where Regan's talents truly shine. Syd is a ball of kinetic energy, always moving, always resisting that which might root her in place. But that trait comes into direct conflict with Malcolm: the only force that makes her want to slow down. Malcolm, on the other hand, is sometimes cool, sometimes burning hot like the sun, the latter usually because of Syd.
The friction between them is tangible, but that's not a bad thing. You can feel the struggle within Syd as she not only copes with a relationship unlike anything she's ever known, but also with a person that gets her engines going. She's quick with a joke or biting retort and almost always does the exact opposite of what she's told. There were moments when I had to go back and re-read a section because the dialogue had me laughing.
Even the side characters pop in this story. Instead of feeling two-dimensional, they click with realism. They are so well developed that you come to love and hate each one and none of them ever feels like a throw-away or plot device.
Overall, Running in the Dark is an excellent read for anyone who enjoys Urban Fantasy or plain-old good writing. There are a few steamy moments, a whole lot of action sequences, and gargantuan truck-load of goose-bump-worthy vampires. With a strong plot, great characters, and top-notch dialogue, Running in the Dark is a sure-fire book to add to your To Be Read pile.
December 16, 2012
The scenery has changed, but life as a courier for the vampires is just as crazy as ever for Sydney Kildare. She had to flee Alaska, where she had made a name for herself in her profession and now she is starting over from the ground-up in Santiago, Chile. And she's trying to make a go of her relationship with Malcolm, the vampire running the city for his boss. Things aren't going well on either fronts.
As the low man on the totem pole, Syd is getting the lowliest jobs and her ambition is riding her hard. That would be bad enough, but there are problems in the vamp population which are starting to make life difficult. A new drug is is on the street and its slowly making the vamps lose it. Not only does that make things more dangerous for Sydney on the job, it's also pulling Malcolm away from her.
She doesn't really set out to solve the mystery or to jump into middle of it all, yet she ends up there just the same. It's bloody and ugly --and Malcolm's true loyalties are called into question more than once. There is a lot of action and plotting and gore. But what I really wanted was more on the characters, and especially, more on the relationship between Malcolm and Sydney. Maybe it's the romance reader in me, but I felt like I was only getting little nuggets of what I most interested in. The glimpses of their time together were good, but it wasn't enough.
I don't really feel like I know either Syd or Malcolm. What really makes them tick. Obviously, with Sydney's first person narrative, we know her a little better, but I want more character development. This, even more so with Malcolm.
I feel like the potential is there. I'm interested in what happens, but not very emotionally engaged for the most part. The moments where Malcolm and Sydney are together draw me in, though. So I'm going to give book three a try and see where it leads.
Rating: B-
*ARC Provided by Carina Press via NetGalley
As the low man on the totem pole, Syd is getting the lowliest jobs and her ambition is riding her hard. That would be bad enough, but there are problems in the vamp population which are starting to make life difficult. A new drug is is on the street and its slowly making the vamps lose it. Not only does that make things more dangerous for Sydney on the job, it's also pulling Malcolm away from her.
She doesn't really set out to solve the mystery or to jump into middle of it all, yet she ends up there just the same. It's bloody and ugly --and Malcolm's true loyalties are called into question more than once. There is a lot of action and plotting and gore. But what I really wanted was more on the characters, and especially, more on the relationship between Malcolm and Sydney. Maybe it's the romance reader in me, but I felt like I was only getting little nuggets of what I most interested in. The glimpses of their time together were good, but it wasn't enough.
I don't really feel like I know either Syd or Malcolm. What really makes them tick. Obviously, with Sydney's first person narrative, we know her a little better, but I want more character development. This, even more so with Malcolm.
I feel like the potential is there. I'm interested in what happens, but not very emotionally engaged for the most part. The moments where Malcolm and Sydney are together draw me in, though. So I'm going to give book three a try and see where it leads.
Rating: B-
*ARC Provided by Carina Press via NetGalley
April 6, 2014
How on earth had I not added this to my read shelf and not done a review?? This is so goood!
This is the 2nd book in the series and things really amp up. I loved the relationship between Sydney and Mal - the super hot vampire. Like super hot. And you can't blame her for being worried about the stunning woman who seems to be at his beck and call. I'd be worried. And there's more to Mal than she knows - we find out why he's working for the vampire boss that he hates and we learn more about the gorgeous woman that is so dedicated to him and also has a dark past.
Sydney and Mal have to hide their relationship, so that adds to the tension. Mal is also really busy so their time together is limited - he's also really closemouthed about what is going on and that doesn't help Sydney's unease about their relationship. She's also living under an assumed name so the vampires that are after her can't find her.
Supposedly.
Then Malcom's past catches up, an old enemy finds him and then plot and action ensue. A great follow up with a lot more character development. I loved the scenes between Sydney and Saroya (Mal's lackey) which moves from distrust and enmity (mostly on Sydney's side) to something that is almost friendship. I'm getting impatient for the next one.
This is the 2nd book in the series and things really amp up. I loved the relationship between Sydney and Mal - the super hot vampire. Like super hot. And you can't blame her for being worried about the stunning woman who seems to be at his beck and call. I'd be worried. And there's more to Mal than she knows - we find out why he's working for the vampire boss that he hates and we learn more about the gorgeous woman that is so dedicated to him and also has a dark past.
Sydney and Mal have to hide their relationship, so that adds to the tension. Mal is also really busy so their time together is limited - he's also really closemouthed about what is going on and that doesn't help Sydney's unease about their relationship. She's also living under an assumed name so the vampires that are after her can't find her.
Supposedly.
Then Malcom's past catches up, an old enemy finds him and then plot and action ensue. A great follow up with a lot more character development. I loved the scenes between Sydney and Saroya (Mal's lackey) which moves from distrust and enmity (mostly on Sydney's side) to something that is almost friendship. I'm getting impatient for the next one.
October 30, 2012
While I enjoyed this quick read I would have probably appreciated it a bit more by reading the first novella in the series. I am going to end up going back and reading the first one but it may be a while as my TBR is a bit out of control.
Sydney is a courier and the lover of the local head vampire. She's kick-ass and yet vulnerable which was something I enjoyed. She doesn't do a lot of stupid things even though at times you just want to go why?? You know they will gladly kill you but you still put yourself in the line of fire. I mean I get it but… LOL
The little we saw of Malcolm had me intrigued. He is definitely a powerful man but for her he tempers it. He could kill her with just a wrong move but he wants her so much that he tempers the strength and power to a level that won't harm his mortal lover. He's a great leader who understands how to play the game he hates but is willing to do in order to keep those important to him safe.
Thanks to Carina Press and NetGalley.com for giving me the chance to read this in exchange for my honest review.
Sydney is a courier and the lover of the local head vampire. She's kick-ass and yet vulnerable which was something I enjoyed. She doesn't do a lot of stupid things even though at times you just want to go why?? You know they will gladly kill you but you still put yourself in the line of fire. I mean I get it but… LOL
The little we saw of Malcolm had me intrigued. He is definitely a powerful man but for her he tempers it. He could kill her with just a wrong move but he wants her so much that he tempers the strength and power to a level that won't harm his mortal lover. He's a great leader who understands how to play the game he hates but is willing to do in order to keep those important to him safe.
Thanks to Carina Press and NetGalley.com for giving me the chance to read this in exchange for my honest review.
May 19, 2013
Unique worldbuilding and a fabulous heroine make this a must read for urban fantasy fans. Syd is one of my favorite UF heroines because she is smart, careful, and courageous. She carefully guards herself from the very risky world she runs in, but when the chips are down, she does what she feels is right.
This book is also filled with other wonderful characters. Malcolm, the very hot and mysterious love interest--who is a bit less mysterious by the end of this story (in a good way). And Soraya--we only get glimpses of her back story here, but combined with the strength of her character, it is enough to make you want to simultaneously cry and cheer for her.
Great read. I'd recommend reading Don't Bite the Messenger first simply because it's a great story, and seeing how Mal and Syd meet is worthwhile (to say the least), but Running in the Dark can be read without confusion as a stand-alone.
This book is also filled with other wonderful characters. Malcolm, the very hot and mysterious love interest--who is a bit less mysterious by the end of this story (in a good way). And Soraya--we only get glimpses of her back story here, but combined with the strength of her character, it is enough to make you want to simultaneously cry and cheer for her.
Great read. I'd recommend reading Don't Bite the Messenger first simply because it's a great story, and seeing how Mal and Syd meet is worthwhile (to say the least), but Running in the Dark can be read without confusion as a stand-alone.
October 31, 2012
The action was high, the risk was high, the drama was high. But for some reason I just didn't feel connected to the story. I liked Sydney/Aerin. She's smart, witty and kick ass. And Malcolm was a good hero/boyfriend. The other character's were likable too, my fav's being Micky and Soraya. The bad guys were evil, and the mystery was good. But something that I can't quite put my finger on was missing. I didn't love it so I won't be going back to read the first book in the series, but I liked it enough that I would read the next book.
March 24, 2013
I'm completely digging this series. Fast paced, with a female protagonist full of clever humor, and containing vampires that are as dangerous as they are sexy. (Not to mention, I have a major crush on Malcolm.)
I'd definitely recommend to anyone who likes their paranormal with a darker edge and their vamps to be a little less cuddly!
I'd definitely recommend to anyone who likes their paranormal with a darker edge and their vamps to be a little less cuddly!
October 29, 2012
I think I would have done better with this one had I read the previous novella. Hard for me to grasp the world.
Full review to come
Full review to come
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