“Dark Lycan” by Christine Feehan (Berkley, $27)

Christine Feehan is the grande dame of paranormal romance.

Her long-running Carpathian series features a powerful and long-lived race of night dwellers who feed on blood and have special abilities, such as telepathy and shape-shifting. The male Carpathian eventually loses his emotions and ability to see colors until he finds his life mate. She is the one woman who can keep him from becoming a vampire, a male Carpathian who has turned evil by giving in to the thrill of killing while feeding.

With more than 20 books and novellas in Feehan’s series, “Dark Lycan” features cameos by many characters from previous works. The book can be enjoyed by a novice, but familiarity with the series makes it a richer experience.

“Dark Lycan” tells the story of Tatijana of the Dragonseekers, a female Carpathian who had been imprisoned for centuries deep in an ice cave with her sister, held by their evil father, a mage. Recently rescued, Tatijana is still finding her way as a free woman. She meets Fenris Dalka, and they are instantly attracted to each other. They come to realize they are life mates, but Fenris has a secret. He is part Carpathian and part Lycan (werewolf). He is an abomination, especially to the Lycans, who would kill him if they found out.

The growing love between Tatijana and Fenris helps them work through their trust issues as they battle alongside others against a powerful vampire force threatening all Carpathians.