the second in the series on the Mayfair Witches, this is a little more frustrating than the first … the story of the beautiful couple who falls in love (Michael and Rowan) in the first book was uplifting enough to read all the other dark stuff … but now they’re separated, and the kidnapping and rape described in detail is enough to turn anyone’s stomach. lots of backstory, too, which I’m coming to learn is part of Rice’s brilliance.