NIGHTBOUND picks up the plot thread of the search for the Emeralds of Eternity from Nightbred, the previous book of the Lords of the Darkyn series. This story, however,builds off of a much stronger and appealing plot than its predecessor. Richard Tremayne, the High Lord of the Darkyn, is still determined to get his hands on the emeralds, one of the artifacts of immortality hidden away for centuries. The story flips between the Knights Realm stronghold and the site of the excavation where the emeralds are thought to be hidden.

Alys Stuart is a brilliant archeologist who has discovered where the find the Emeralds of Eternity, jewels thought to impart immortality to the holder. She has been hired by Richard Tremayne to find the artifacts for him. Beaumaris of York, a Darkyn from Knights Realm, has been sent by Tremayne to keep an eye on the human archeological dig. The jewels are also being sought by a group of rogue Tresori (human servants to the Kyn) and are being protected by a ghostly priest who does not want them to fall into the wrong hands.

Knights Realm is Lady Jayre's Darkyn stronghold in central Florida which doubles as a medieval tourist attraction. A new and highly qualified Tresora has just been hired to take over the day to day running of the stronghold. Unknown to the Kyn living there, Devan Leeds is not who they think he is. He is a spy sent to infiltrate the Kyn stronghold to prepare for an attack by the Tresori who have broken away from the Kyn. These Tresori also want the Emeralds of Eternity in order to gain immortality for themselves.

Alys and Beaumaris stay alone at the dig site each day while the student archeologists go back to their hotels to sleep. They are not only looking for the emeralds, but are keeping the Tresori at bay, and trying to figure out what the ghostly priest wants to tell them, and wants with them. As they live in close quarters, not only do they grow closer; but Alys comes to understand that Beau is a 700 year old Darkyn immortal. As the danger around them intensifies, their love for each other grows.

This story is an outstanding entry in the world of the Darkyn; with an excellent plot and high octane action. Several of the major players of the series are back for this story, and some long-held secrets and family connections between the Kyn come to light. The various plot threads from the previous Darkyn books are beginning to tie together. Alexandra is getting a little closer to finding a cure for the Darkyn, a cure that not all of the Kyn would take well to; as they would once again be mortal and have a human life span. NIGHTBOUND is a fascinating, exciting story, and a treat for all fans of Lynn Viehl's Darkyn world.