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The Dark-Hunters Volume 4    by Sherrilyn Kenyon & Claudia Campos Amazon.com order for
Dark-Hunters Volume 4
by Sherrilyn Kenyon
Order:  USA  Can
Griffin, 2011 (2011)
Softcover
* *   Reviewed by Ricki Marking-Camuto

The first two volumes of Sherrilyn Kenyon's The Dark-Hunters manga series focused on Amanda and Kyrian's relationship. Volumes 3 and 4 turn the spotlight on Talon and Sunshine, and I think their story makes for a slightly better manga.

Talon is an ancient Celt who sold his soul to Artemis and became a Dark Hunter after his wife died. Centuries later, his wife has reincarnated as Sunshine, a free-spirited New Orleans artist. When the two meet, there is an instant connection, but Talon has a curse on him and knows he cannot fall in love – plus he needs to focus on his Dark Hunter duties as Mardi Gras rolls around and a wolf pack with pups on the way is forced to stop in New Orleans. Sunshine, though, is still determined to live her life despite the dangers around every corner, but there is more to men hunting Talon - and herself – than she could ever imagine.

Even though this volume still had some of the pitfalls of the first couple – pages overloaded with dialogue, uneven art (this time, though, in the form of chibis that just did not fit with the story) – the pacing was very good. The short chapters kept the action moving and the story itself seemed more engaging. Also, the characters were clearly delineated from one another (including the twins), so this made it much easier for the reader to follow what was going on.

I still do not agree with the 'T' rating given to this series as teens just will not connect with the characters or understand the story, plus there are few adult moments. Older teens, though, transitioning into adult novels, will enjoy the series, as will any adult paranormal fans. I am not sure if any more Dark-Hunters manga are planned, but if so, adapter Joshua Hale Fialkov and artist Claudia Campos seem to be moving the series in the right direction.

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