From Publishers Weekly
This decent if unoriginal vampire thriller, the sequel to the authors' Keeper of the King (1997), resumes the adventures of Richard d'Orleans, who became a vampire at some unspecified medieval date and had to leave home to avoid a fatal confrontation with his viciously abusive father. A tie-in to the Forever Knight TV show starring Bennett, who's also a stage and film actor, most of the book concerns a contemporary mystery, as Richard tries to save, then avenge, his godchildren and their mother. His enemies at first appear to be Colombian drug dealers, but the mystery complicates and recomplicates itself in classic and intelligent fashion. Interspersed with this contemporary action are more historical vignettes of Richard's past and progeny he was once Arthur's Sir Lancelot, and unlike many vampires, he definitely did not lose his sexual capacity. Quite the contrary. The authors are good on visual effects, and the writing quality is much better than one would expect in a TV novelization. Though the story doesn't escape some of the standard gimmicks and limits on characterization associated with tie-in work, it's certain to have a strong appeal to the Forever Knight's dedicated fans. Nor will it be a failure with the large and variegated audience for the vampire tale in general. (Apr.)novels, including the I, Strahd novels and the Vampire Files series.Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.


From Library Journal
When an assassin threatens a family under his protection, Richard Dun the vampire once known as Lancelot places his immortality and his honor on the line. Coauthors Bennett and Elrod combine modern-day mystery with medieval adventure in a well-paced tale of undying chivalry and eternal truths. A good choice for most fantasy collections, particularly where vampire fiction is popular. Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.


From Booklist
Combining vampire lore and Arthurian legends, Bennett and Elrod have come up with a vampire hero, Richard d'Orleans, who is also none other than Sir Lancelot. Richard, a security specialist in present-day Canada, receives a call for help from a former lover, Stephanie, who afterward married and had three children. When Stephanie's husband, Luis, got mixed up in his brother Alejandro's drug business and then helped the authorities catch some of the drug runners, Richard in turn helped secretly relocate the family to Texas. After reading Stephanie's urgent e-mail, Richard hops a plane to Texas, where he is confronted with a horrifying sight: Stephanie and her two daughters have been shot to death. Richard manages to rescue Stephanie's young son, Michael, who ran away and hid after witnessing the murders. Determined to avenge Stephanie and protect Michael, Richard sets out to find Alejandro, who he is convinced is responsible for the massacre. A gripping thriller with a likable, swashbuckling hero. Kristine Huntley
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FROM THE CRITICS

Publishers Weekly

This decent if unoriginal vampire thriller, the sequel to the authors' Keeper of the King (1997), resumes the adventures of Richard d'Orleans, who became a vampire at some unspecified medieval date and had to leave home to avoid a fatal confrontation with his viciously abusive father. A tie-in to the Forever Knight TV show starring Bennett, who's also a stage and film actor, most of the book concerns a contemporary mystery, as Richard tries to save, then avenge, his godchildren and their mother. His enemies at first appear to be Colombian drug dealers, but the mystery complicates and recomplicates itself in classic and intelligent fashion. Interspersed with this contemporary action are more historical vignettes of Richard's past and progeny he was once Arthur's Sir Lancelot, and unlike many vampires, he definitely did not lose his sexual capacity. Quite the contrary. The authors are good on visual effects, and the writing quality is much better than one would expect in a TV novelization. Though the story doesn't escape some of the standard gimmicks and limits on characterization associated with tie-in work, it's certain to have a strong appeal to the Forever Knight's dedicated fans. Nor will it be a failure with the large and variegated audience for the vampire tale in general. (Apr.) FYI: Elrod is the author of more than 20 fantasy and horror novels, including the I, Strahd novels and the Vampire Files series. Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.

KLIATT

A sequel to Keeper of the King (1997), this novel opens with a steamy lovemaking scene between Richard d'Orleans and his female lover. It is the Middle Ages and d'Orleans, we find, is really Sir Lancelot. But this is only the beginning. The major plot and work of this novel takes place in the present. In fact, it is said to be a tie-in to TV's long-ago cancelled Forever Knight, in which Bennett played an evil but wise vampire foil to the major good-guy vamp. He has turned his skills to writing and happily collaborates with P.N. Elrod, which may help to explain the high level of writing in this book. The authors make you see and feel, smell and taste everything that comes the way of the characters￯﾿ﾽincluding sex, and there's lots of it. In the present, Richard d'Orleans is a security specialist in Canada and receives an urgent e-mail from a former lover. It seems her husband got mixed up with his brother's drug dealings but then had misgivings and turned state's evidence. This is a no-no where drug cartels are concerned. Richard helped to relocate the family in Texas but now the drug troubles seem to have resurfaced. Richard flies to the rescue once more but finds he is too late￯﾿ﾽhis former lover is dead, along with her two daughters. Her son Miguel escaped and is found by Richard, who vows to find the killers and take care of Miguel. The plot has more twists and turns and surprises than a reader may expect. It swings back and forth between the present and the past, mixes Arthurian legend into the plot and is quite entertaining. It is definitely a good read and a good addition to vampire collections. Be advised that there is lots of sex and it isn't tame. Category: Science Fiction, Fantasy &Horror. KLIATT Codes: A￯﾿ﾽRecommended for advanced students and adults. 2001, Baen, 398p., , Philadelphia, PA

Library Journal

When an assassin threatens a family under his protection, Richard Dun the vampire once known as Lancelot places his immortality and his honor on the line. Coauthors Bennett and Elrod combine modern-day mystery with medieval adventure in a well-paced tale of undying chivalry and eternal truths. A good choice for most fantasy collections, particularly where vampire fiction is popular. Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.

Internet Book Watch

He was once Lancelot the knight, she was once Sabra the priestess. Now they are vampires sworn to protect the weak, facing a romance and challenge which has lasted the ages. This different fantasy will appeal to any who appreciate a blend of intrigue, romance and fantasy.

Kirkus Reviews

Another adventure in the series, following Keeper of the King (1997), featuring Toronto security consultant Richard Dun. Long ago, Richard was Sir Lancelot, Knight of the Round Table; he's still alive, or, rather, undead, because he's also a vampire. His sidekick is Sabra, vampire and once priestess of the goddess, Lady of the Lake; their story alternates between post-Roman times and modern Toronto. Actor Bennett has teamed up with Elrod, the author of another successful vampire gumshoe series (The Dark Sleep, 1999, etc.). Okay for fans of the series; browsers may well find the combination of King Arthur with vampires one unlikely complication too many.