It wouldn't be October without a new steamy vampire novel for us to sink our teeth into. And while, for once, we aren't talking about "Twilight," Christine Feehan's new book, "Dark Storm," packs the same powerful bite that makes us vulnerable humans all a quiver. 

Read chapter one from "Dark Storm" here

The 23^rd entry in Feehan's "Carpathian" series of novels, "Dark Storm" is already making quite a name for itself, debuting at No. 9 on The New York Times bestseller list. This should come as no surprise to the author's fans. Feehan is known for her deft mix of heart-tugging melodrama and action-filled fantasy.  

The author of over 45 novels, Feehan's Carpathian books have dominated bestseller lists with their steamy romance and snaking, page-turner narratives. The first novel in Feehan's series -- as well as her debut novel -- "Dark Prince," won three Paranormal Excellence Awards for Romantic Literature in 1999. Feehan also received a Career Achievement Award from Romantic Times and the Borders 2008 Lifetime Achievement Award.

The Carpathian series centers on an ancient race with surprising powers. They can shape-shift, and live for thousands of years, but they must feed on human blood. However, unlike other vampires, they don't kill their prey, and spend the majority of their time undetected by humans. But the Carpathian are on on the verge extinction, only birthing a few children over several centuries. A female Carpathian has not been born in over 500 years -- without female counterparts, male Carpathians lose the ability to feel emotions and to see in color. The only feeling left to them is the thrill of making a kill.

"Dark Storm" continues to build on the magic Feehan's been conjuring for over a decade.

Plot synopsis:

Awakening after all this time in a world of absolute darkness and oppressive heat, Dax wonders in how many ways the world above must have changed. But it is how he has changed that fills him with dread and loathing. Buried alive for hundreds of years in a volcano in South America, Dax fears that he has become the full-fledged abomination that every Carpathian male fears, a victim of the insidious evil that has crept relentlessly into his mind and body over the centuries.

But there are some things that never change.

His name is Mitro, the vampire Dax had hunted all these long centuries. Once at the side of the prince of the Carpathian people he is the epitome of everything malevolent, and perpetrator of one of the most shocking killing sprees known to man -- and beast. Even his friends and family weren't safe from Mitro's bloodlust. Neither was Mitro's lifemate, Arabejila, an extraordinary woman with extraordinary gifts.

But now that Dax has re-emerged, so too has Mitro. The ultimate battle between good and evil has been re-engaged. Between Dax and Mitro, a violent game has begun -- one that has marked Riley Parker, the last descendent of Arabejila, as the reward.

Reviews for "Dark Storm" are mostly positive. The book currently scores 4 out of 5 on at Barnes & Noble and 4.13 out of 5 on Goodreads.com.

"Feehan has turned out a sweeter paranormal romance then what fans have seen in the previous three titles without losing any of the sexual heat ... Although there are some holes in the plot, this is an enjoyable addition to the Carpathian series," said Monsters and Critics.

 "My only complaint was that it was too short! I could have read another 300+ pages! I enjoyed the fact that Riley accepted him right away and didn't fight their relationship. It put a different spin on her books. Well done ... can't wait for the next one to come out," said an anonymous Barnes & Noble reviewer.

"The last few stories in this series have been thoroughly disappointing, following almost the same cookie cutter story line. The mating was just too soon leaving so much angst and need for additional creation of problems. This story however, gave some great lead up, with both characters growing and learning about themselves before they were through into an overly intense romance. The battles and character growth were awesome, reminding me why I originally started this series in the first place" said Michelle the Romance Novel Junkie on Good Reads.

"This book was as wonderful as every Carpathian novel Christine has written! I love love love this series! These books, to me, are the most valued books in the history of my reading selections! Thank you Christine!" wrote Diana on Good Reads.

"Dark Storm" is available now.