The first entry in Kylie Griffin’s new series The Light Blade was a breath of fresh air. In the world of paranormal romances where a lot seem to follow the same pattern, this one was unique, creative, and I just couldn’t put it down.

Annika is the half-breed daughter of the demon king, Savyr. In the demon world of the Na’Reish, humans are used as blood-slaves, but the half-human half-demon Na’Chi children are considered even less than human. They represent a dreadful shame and as far as Annika knows, they are all killed on the day of their birth. Except for herself. She was kept alive by her father so that he could exact his retribution for his son’s death on her. Annika dreams of a chance to escape. When Light Blade Warrior Kalan is taken prisoner by the Na’Hord, Annika takes the opportunity to control her own destiny.

Kalan is a typical Light Blade, strong, capable, intelligent, and well aware that the only good demon is a dead one. When the half-breed Annika offers to help him escape, he is sure that he can’t trust her, like her, or felt sympathy for the difficult life she has led – no matter how much he starts to admire her or how many times she saves his life. Despite all the evidence to the contrary, Kalan is just waiting for Annika to prove him right. But instead, Annika shows her humanity again and again and Kalan is forced to reconsider all his preconceived notions.

Though this book is the beginning of the series and the plot isn’t very heavy (I can’t tell much more without giving up too many spoilers), it doesn’t mean that the book lacks excitement or intrigue. The story focuses on Annika and Kalan’s relationship, which is wonderful and engaging. It also spends a lot of time setting up the world that Griffin is creating and introducing readers to the characters that surround Annika and Kalan. Though it is clear who the next two couples will be (or at least I have my predictions), they exist in the story as more than just sequel fodder. The reactions of the characters to the situation are real. Annika’s half-brother doesn’t forgive the past and welcome Annika with open arms. Instead he takes his time coming to terms with what Annika is and what she means to him and all is not solved at the end of the book. Most of the characters act less than perfect and thus seem infinitely realistic.

The relationship between Kalan and Annika grows gently from hate and distrust to friendship and eventually love in a way that is infinitely believable and thoroughly enchanting. As Annika feels true acceptance for the first time in her very troubled life, Kalan opens his heart to the gentle love that she offers and the two are able to become a united front that will lead their people on the next Journey.

If I were to make one criticism of the book, it would be that the use of italics for the any mention of the deity became very disruptive. Because the deity’s name or reference was always capitalized, it seemed like overkill to italicize it as well. In my head I kept emphasizing it which never fit the context and I ended up rereading a lot of sentences. “We must have faith in Her plans for our Journey.” I thought that the capitalization was enough to make it clear that the “Her” was the Lady (which would also be italicized). Since the deity is mentioned at least a few times a page, this formatting became rather tedious. But the story, which is really the important part, was worth the extra hassle.

Vengeance Born is the first in a new series and from a wonderful new author. I know that the two sequels have been added to the list of books that I am anxiously awaiting. This series has such strong potential!. What a wonderful debut novel!