Shadow of Life ~ Paperback ~ G a Stratton

Shadow of Life is the first in a sweeping saga of an ancient vampire's struggle to retain her humanity. The daughter of an Akkadian king, Nadira was betrayed by her father, resulting in her brutal transformation into a vampire. She found a mentor in Amon, and their immediate and intense connection inspired him to make her his adopted daughter . . . and the future queen of the vampires. Captured during the crusades, she fell in love with Cristo, a conquistador, but her happiness was short-lived when his murder hurled her into madness, saturating the next centuries with blood. Now, years later, after running away to America, Nadira lives a life of seclusion, her only companion Gregor, a vampire she saved from his own self-destruction, not knowing that he would one day return the favor. Her relationship with Gregor begins to take a surprising turn just before she receives the unexpected news of Amon's impending death, bringing her to a crossroads. Faced with the decision that made her run from the throne in years past, Nadira must choose power, love, or succumbing to the thirst.