Backtracking in her continuity, Ms. Shayne gives her readers the long demanded tale of Max (Maxine) and Lou who she had skipped over a bit to give Amber Lily her own story. Classic traditions are adhered to - to an extent, such as the setting, a rather rural New England town that seems to be a haven of normal conceals a darkness that has begun to claim innocent lives.

In this epic battle, Max's greatest strength is the greatest liability as well. Together with Lou, she battles an ancient evil that lusts for power and twisted love.

Though a bit less compelling than the earlier books in the Twilight series, fans will undoubtedly enjoy having a few holes in the timeline plugged. The most interesting turns of the plot occur near the end, and the pacing is a bit slower than normative for this series.