While visiting Egypt, math professor Rae Lambers unwittingly stumbles across
and open the ancient and powerful Forbidden Tarot. On the flight back, she
meets debonair fellow passenger Simeon and is charmed and flattered by his
attentions. Back at work, Rae finds her beloved mentor has died and left her
part-owner of his dilapidated mansion, along with his son Michael.
Although they were once friends, there is nothing but bitterness between Rae
and Michael now. Coming to an uneasy truce, they settle in the mansion where
inexplicable occurrences soon become the norm. Meanwhile, Simeon begins to
court Rae, a fact that enrages Michael. Somehow the evil of the Tarot has
invaded her life, and Rae has to figure which of the two men in her life is
the literal devil before it’s too late.
Publisher Tor once again scores with this scintillating powerhouse of a novel
by Patricia Simpson, a sterling addition to their growing new paranormal
romance line. The breathless pace of the book is well-matched by its growing
suspense, while the increasing supernatural tension and gothic atmosphere is
enough to give one chills. Simpson’s compellingly real characters are
individually and interactively exceedingly complex and seem to have more
than their share of internal conflict and torment, thus providing plenty of
drama and action. The sensuality and growing passion between the characters,
together with the permeating aura of evil, creates an unsurpassed effect of
an alluring, silky danger. Besides the eerie paranormal elements, the book
also touches upon serious issues of abuse, teenage arthritis, parental
neglect, etc. Overall, The Dark Lord is the first book of what promises to
be a top-notch new series and is certainly not be missed.