Forbidden

by Jacquelyn Frank

Published by: Ballantine Books

My Rating: 

From New York Times bestselling author Jacquelyn Frank comes this first book in The World of the Nightwalkers—an exciting and sensual new spin-off series in which the Bodywalkers, an ancient race of the night, battles the evil forces who prey on them.
 
The unexpected happens in an instant. On her way to work, secretary Docia Waverley hurtles into a crashing crossroads, and she quickly begins to suspect that things will never be the same. Then, when a tall, blond, muscular stranger intervenes on her behalf, telling her it is his duty to protect her at all cost, what is just a feeling turns to proof positive. That is, as long as Docia’s savior doesn’t turn out to be a crazed kidnapper.

When Ram finds Docia, he has no doubt that she is his queen. But as this golden warrior sweeps in to protect her, he feels something more than body heat every time they touch. He is overwhelmed by a searing connection that goes deep into the twin souls inside him. A desire rises in him that is forbidden—this woman is his queen, the mate of his king, his leader, his best friend. And yet Docia is so vulnerable and attractive that she awakens a hunger in Ram that is undeniable, a carnal craving he cannot yield to . . . not without risking the very survival of the Bodywalkers.

My Review:

I am a Jacquelyn Frank fan, her world building is fantastic. The supernatural beings she creates are wholly unique and intriguing to me.  Forbidden is the first book in a new, spin-off series about a supernatural race called Bodywalkers.  Now, I struggled a bit with the Bodywalkers.  The thought of one being taking over another was…disconcerting.  The whole concept of this new race was a bit weird, but if anyone can pull off a weird concept, it’s Jacquelyn Frank.

As the story unfolded, I began to better understand the Bodywalkers, right along with Docia (the protagonist heroine of this story).  After Docia almost dies, she accepts an offer to share her life with a Bodywalker (see, kind of weird concept).  There is a mysterious element as to who Docia’s bodywalker really is, and there is plenty of action throughout the book.  The Forbidden element to the story involves the romance between Docia and Ram, who I thought made a great couple, even though Ram had some issues to work out.  I enjoyed the characters and I loved the history that each Bodywalker carries.  I can’t wait to read more of their stories and find out how ancient Egyptian kings and queens learned and grew over the years.

While Forbidden is a spin-off book, it is still a first book in a series.  There is a whole new mythology and supernatural element to explain and develop.   I absolutely love the Egyptian mythology and historical element that the Bodywalkers bring to the story.  The concept of ancient people living multiple lives over centuries is utterly fresh and piqued my interest.  It took awhile for me to fully understand the Bodywalker’s, to get comfortable with the sharing-a-body concept, and to really get into the story.

For readers who are considering this book: be ready for a completely unique brand of paranormal.  This is not vampires, demons, shape-shifters, etc.  No, Jacquelyn Frank has created an entirely new paranormal universe, one that exists within the human world, that is fascinating and the characters will draw you in.  Now that I am more comfortable with the Bodywalker concept, I am very excited to see what comes next for the Bodywalker’s and for the characters that captured my attention.

*Note* I do not think you have to be familiar with Jacquelyn Frank’s other books or earlier series to enjoy Forbidden.  There is plenty of explanation given throughout the book, and this book is focused on the Bodywalkers.

Forbidden released the end of October.  You can find it at: