The best way to describe this book is that it is a cross between the movie “Men In Black” (1997) and the television show “Supernatural.” The book is set in a world where Abraham Van Helsing isn’t just a fictional character

in Bram Stoker’s “Dracula.” In this book, the descendants of Van Helsing are carrying on the family tradition by hunting down supernatural forces, but now they are funded by the government and are known as The Initiative.

The story centers on Isabelle Van Helsing, a fierce warrior against all things supernatural. Everything is business as usual for her until a friend and coworker is brutally murdered by a supernatural entity. This sets her down a path that will challenge her skills as a fighter as well as test her humanity. Joining her is her lover McGrady, a Scottish version of Gerard Butler.

This book is a paranormal romance and therefore contains some ‘romantic’ scenes that surpass some other paranormal romances I’ve read.

The best part of this book isn’t the creatures, cool weapons, sex scenes, or the characters. The thing that makes this book so great is the way Kindra Sowder weaves her tale together. Anyone can throw Van Helsing and monsters together and try and make it look cool, if you don’t believe me check out the movie “Van Helsing” (2004), but Sowder delivers where others have failed.

Sowder creates such rich characters that makes the reader believe that they are real. McGrady for example talks with a heavy Scottish accent and when you read it, you’ll find yourself speaking out loud in that same accent. Sowder makes the reader care about the characters. If they live you’ll cheer, if they die you’ll most likely cry or even curse Sowder. You’ll keep reading though, because the writing hooks you from page one.

The action scenes are intense and fast paced while the ‘romantic’ scenes are steamy (I dislike this word but there’s no other way to say it) and just as intense as the action scenes.

I won’t spoil anything else with this review, but I would encourage readers of all genres, not just paranormal romance, to check out “Chasing Shadows.” It has a little bit of everything.