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Nightlife (novel)
Encyclopedia
Nightlife is the debut novel
from author Rob Thurman
(not to be confused with the writer Robert Thurman
). It is an urban fantasy novel focused around Caliban Leandros and his older brother Niko as they roam around New York City
trying to stay alive and keep Cal's dark lineage a secret. Nightlife is followed by its sequels, Moonshine
, and Madhouse
.
Caliban is the result of his mother mating with an otherworldly creature, a "Grendel" (Auphe). Although Cal is half-monster, he is also half-human and therefore looks like every other inhabitant of Manhattan. Cal inherited his Greek-Romani mother's raven hair, but has the pale skin of his father. Technically, Cal should be 17 years old, but wherever he went when he was kidnapped by the Auphe aged him two years, so he is now 19. He used to work at a local bar, but has since switched to working as a bodyguard with Niko.
Niko is Cal's older half-brother and only sibling. He is described as being handsome, with the nose of a Roman soldier. Because of this he is often referred to by Cal as Cyrano
. As their mother was neglectful and really didn't pay much attention to them, Niko took to looking out for his younger brother at a young age. Considered the "practical" one of the pair, Niko is calm, enjoys meditating and natural foods. Although Niko has no relation to the Auphe, he is as tough as nails and practices many types of martial arts
. Niko also works as a body guard with Cal.
Rob Fellows, more commonly known as Robin Goodfellow, is one of the last known Puck
s in existence. He poses as a car salesman and due to his sly, sneaky nature, fits in very naturally. Goodfellow is described as good-looking with a constant look of mischief on his face. Although seemingly perverted and selfish, he eventually proves to be useful to the brothers and becomes a good friend.
George is a 17-year-old psychic who befriended the brothers when they first arrived in Manhattan. Small and biracial with curly red hair, George is one of the only people aware of Cal's secret. She's very mature for her young age and Cal often finds himself fascinated and somewhat attracted to her. Because of what he is this is a worrying thought, but George has so far assured Cal that their relationship is strictly platonic.
Rafferty is a healer who can speed up the healing process with touch of a hand. He lives in a secluded area with his cousin, Catcher, who was turned into a wolf.
Promise is a vampire living in the Upper East Side. The brothers met her through a body guarding job and she especially captured Niko's interest.
Debut novel
A debut novel is the first novel an author publishes. Debut novels are the author's first opportunity to make an impact on the publishing industry, and thus the success or failure of a debut novel can affect the ability of the author to publish in the future...
from author Rob Thurman
Rob Thurman
Robyn Thurman, writing under the name Rob Thurman, is the author of the Cal Leandros Series of six novels: Nightlife, Moonshine, Madhouse, Deathwish, Roadkill, and Blackout...
(not to be confused with the writer Robert Thurman
Robert Thurman
Robert Alexander Farrar Thurman is an influential and prolific American Buddhist writer and academic who has authored, edited or translated several books on Tibetan Buddhism. He is the Je Tsongkhapa Professor of Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Studies at Columbia University, holding the first endowed chair...
). It is an urban fantasy novel focused around Caliban Leandros and his older brother Niko as they roam around New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
trying to stay alive and keep Cal's dark lineage a secret. Nightlife is followed by its sequels, Moonshine
Moonshine (novel)
Moonshine is the second fantasy novel by Rob Thurman, and the second in her series featuring the monster hunter/private investigator Cal Leandros.-Plot summary:Moonshine is the sequel to Nightlife...
, and Madhouse
Madhouse (novel)
Madhouse is a novel by Rob Thurman, the third in her Cal Leandros Series, after Nightlife and Moonshine. Its plot centers around the vicious Sawney Beane, who has mysteriously come back from the dead, and is killing innocent New Yorkers...
.
Main characters
- Caliban "Cal" Leandros
Caliban is the result of his mother mating with an otherworldly creature, a "Grendel" (Auphe). Although Cal is half-monster, he is also half-human and therefore looks like every other inhabitant of Manhattan. Cal inherited his Greek-Romani mother's raven hair, but has the pale skin of his father. Technically, Cal should be 17 years old, but wherever he went when he was kidnapped by the Auphe aged him two years, so he is now 19. He used to work at a local bar, but has since switched to working as a bodyguard with Niko.
- Niko Leandros
Niko is Cal's older half-brother and only sibling. He is described as being handsome, with the nose of a Roman soldier. Because of this he is often referred to by Cal as Cyrano
Cyrano de Bergerac
Hercule-Savinien de Cyrano de Bergerac was a French dramatist and duelist. He is now best remembered for the works of fiction which have been woven, often very loosely, around his life story, most notably the 1897 play by Edmond Rostand...
. As their mother was neglectful and really didn't pay much attention to them, Niko took to looking out for his younger brother at a young age. Considered the "practical" one of the pair, Niko is calm, enjoys meditating and natural foods. Although Niko has no relation to the Auphe, he is as tough as nails and practices many types of martial arts
Martial arts
Martial arts are extensive systems of codified practices and traditions of combat, practiced for a variety of reasons, including self-defense, competition, physical health and fitness, as well as mental and spiritual development....
. Niko also works as a body guard with Cal.
- Rob Fellows
Rob Fellows, more commonly known as Robin Goodfellow, is one of the last known Puck
Puck (mythology)
In English folklore, Puck is a mythological fairy or mischievous nature sprite. Puck is also a generalised personification of land spirits. In more recent times, the figure of Robin Goodfellow is identified as a puck.-Etymology:...
s in existence. He poses as a car salesman and due to his sly, sneaky nature, fits in very naturally. Goodfellow is described as good-looking with a constant look of mischief on his face. Although seemingly perverted and selfish, he eventually proves to be useful to the brothers and becomes a good friend.
Secondary characters
- Georgina "George" King
George is a 17-year-old psychic who befriended the brothers when they first arrived in Manhattan. Small and biracial with curly red hair, George is one of the only people aware of Cal's secret. She's very mature for her young age and Cal often finds himself fascinated and somewhat attracted to her. Because of what he is this is a worrying thought, but George has so far assured Cal that their relationship is strictly platonic.
- Rafferty
Rafferty is a healer who can speed up the healing process with touch of a hand. He lives in a secluded area with his cousin, Catcher, who was turned into a wolf.
- Promise Nottinger
Promise is a vampire living in the Upper East Side. The brothers met her through a body guarding job and she especially captured Niko's interest.