Tag Archives: dystopian

Siren’s Curse (The Cursed Seas Collection) by Carly Fall-a review

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SIREN’S CURSE (The Cursed Seas Collection ) by Carly Fall-a review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 20, 2018

Her Siren Clan is dying, and she’ll face death to save them.

The only thing that can reverse the curse and save her people from extinction is a long-lost Legacy Stone.

But Rainie won’t be able to find it alone. She must travel to land and locate a mage who knows where the magical stone is hidden. With the assistance of the one man willing to help her, they battle foreign creatures and the most dangerous animals of all – humans – while looking for the stone.

Death hunts them down at every turn. And even if they can find the stone in time to save her people, the cost of her clan’s survival may be paid with her own life.

••••••••••

REVIEW: SIREN’S CURSE by Carly Fall is a stand alone, dystopian, fantasy story line in the multi-authored Cursed Seas Collection.

SIREN’S CURSE follows Rainie, a hunter-siren who volunteers to go in search of the Legacy Stone, a stone purported to reverse the curse inflicted upon her people, years before, by the mage who granted the once-humans the ability to live and breath under water. Knowing her people were on the verge of extinction, not only from a lack of food but the monstrous beasts that inhabited the waters, Rainie will soon find herself ‘the hunted’ as sirens are traded to pirates in exchange for food and clean water. Meeting Jonah, a human male, gives Rainie a hope for the future but a series of trials, misfortunes, betrayal and attacks on their journey into the unknown, finds our couple struggling to survive. What ensues is the building relationship between Rainie and Jonah as they search for the Legacy Stone, and the mage who started it all.

SIREN’S CURSE looks to the future as most of the planet Earth is under water; monsters and beasts hunt humans for food; and those who survive battle thirst and famine. SIREN’S CURSE is a dystopian tale of adventure and survival, endurance and strength. The text is simple and easy to read, feeling more like a young adult story line. An imaginative tale with a determined heroine who struggles against the odds.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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Of Blood and Bone by Nora Roberts – a Review

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Of Blood and Bone by Nora Roberts – a Review

 

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Description:
They look like an everyday family living an ordinary life. But beyond the edges of this peaceful farm, unimaginable forces of light and dark have been unleashed.

Fallon Swift, approaching her thirteenth birthday, barely knows the world that existed before—the city where her parents lived, now in ruins and reclaimed by nature since the Doom sickened and killed billions. Traveling anywhere is a danger, as vicious gangs of Raiders and fanatics called Purity Warriors search for their next victim. Those like Fallon, in possession of gifts, are hunted—and the time is coming when her true nature, her identity as The One, can no longer be hidden.

In a mysterious shelter in the forest, her training is about to begin under the guidance of Mallick, whose skills have been honed over centuries. She will learn the old ways of healing; study and spar; encounter faeries and elves and shifters; and find powers within herself she never imagined. And when the time is right, she will take up the sword, and fight. For until she grows into the woman she was born to be, the world outside will never be whole again.

 

Review

Of Blood and Bone by Nora Roberts is the 2nd book in her Chronicles of The One trilogy. I loved the first book in this trilogy, Year One, and waited impatiently for Of Blood and Bone, and I have to say it is equally as good or even better as the first book and once again, I will wait with high anticipation for the final book in this trilogy.  I have the utmost respect for Nora Roberts, who changes things with this dark dystopian fantasy, and still manages to gives us another masterpiece.

Note:  Of Blood and Bone is not a standalone, as it is book 2 of a trilogy.  If you have not read Year One, you need to read that book first to fully understand the story line.

Background of The Chronicles of One: a  post apocalyptic dystopian, with a bit of fantasy, that starts with a lethal virus (The Doom) that will destroy most of the world. A new beginning will start with the survivors, which will pit the dark (evil) and the light (good) against each other that will divide and separate all. Magic (witches, elves, etc) rises, causing  division among those with newfound powers that are used for good, and those who are evil and want to hurt others, and the humans with no power at all, bent on destroying all magic.

Of Blood and Bone picks up 12 years later, after the massacre that made Lana run away to save the others, and protect the baby she was carrying. We catch up with Lana, her husband, Simon and their 4 kids living on the same farm where they last left off.  Time is close for when Mallick promised he would return when their daughter Fallon reached the age of 13, and he would take her away for two years, to train, as everyone has been waiting for the girl who is the One; the one who will save them all from the evil that still threatens the world.  Lana, who has witch powers, has trained Fallon all her life, teaching her what is her destiny as the One.  But now Mallick will take her to further train her how to fight, use a sword and most importantly use her powers in leading the light to win this oncoming war. When Mallick comes, both Lana, Simon and the 3 boys are unhappy, but they knew this day would come.  As Fallon leaves with Mallick, Simon and Lana will begin to work on training their boys how to fight.

The story centers on Fallon, who even at 13 is a great heroine, and as the story progresses, she will be even more so.  I loved how Fallon grew stronger with each passing day, and most of all loved her bonding with the three animals that will stand beside her throughout this adventure; Taibhse, the Owl; Faol Ban, the Wolf and  Laoch, the horse (Alicorn).   This was just another wonderful element to this story.

Another great part that I worried about at the end of the first book; we returned to New Hope, and got to spend a lot of time with most of the originals.   Many of our favorites (Arlys, Fred, Will, Katie, Rachel, Eddie, Jonah, Bill,etc just to name a few) continued to build up New Hope, with their children (many Fallon’s age) having their own gifts, and destined to join with Fallon in fighting all evil.  I absolutely loved (almost to tears) when Fallon, Lana, Simon and the boys finally arrive in New Hope (close to 16 years after Lana left) and the emotional responses from Lana and those still there from when she left.  Very nice indeed.

What follows is an exciting, action-packed, at times dark and intense adventure, with everyone working together and preparing for the war of good vs evil.  The last quarter of the book was captivating, with us on the edge of our seat, and there were some twists and surprises that shocked us all.  Fallon and her team, old and young, were amazing, and I for one cannot wait to see what Nora has in store for us in the third and final book of this trilogy.

Of Blood and Bone was a fantastic addition to this trilogy, which is no surprise, as Nora Roberts is a master at her craft.  There is so much to love about this dark, tense and magical world, in a dystopian fantasy that was a thriller. I will not give spoilers, but you need to read this and enjoy the amazing wild ride, fabulous characters, fantastic animals, and a heroine that you will be rooting to win and bring light back to the world.  We all need a Fallon Swift.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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The Phoenix Project / The Science of Pleasure by Jacquelyn Frank – reviews

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THE PHOENIX PROJECT / THE SCIENCE OF PLEASURE (The Morphates #1 & #2) by Jacquelyn Frank-reviews

THE PHOENIX PROJECT
(Morphates #1)
by Jacquelyn Frank
Genre:sci-fi/paranormal/urban fantasy/dystopian/post apocalyptic

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo / Google Play

ABOUT THE BOOK: Re-Release Date March 27, 2018

In a hidden desert lab compound, unwilling subjects are held for experimentation with an unthinkable goal—the genetic mutation of human beings . . .

All Amara knows is that the complete lack of freedom, the endless experiments and personal indignities have tested the limits of her sanity. But nothing prepares her for being locked away—naked—with a sexy ex-cop . . .

The department shrink always told Nick Gregory he had a hero complex that was going to get him killed one day, or worse. This is definitely worse. Even drugged so that his most basic animal instincts are uncontrollable, he is driven to protect the beautiful female with whom he’s supposed to mate. One way or another, he will escape this hell . . . and take her with him.

••••••••••••

REVIEW: THE PHOENIX PROJECT is the first instalment in Jacquelyn Frank’s multi-genre sci-fi/paranormal/urban fantasy/dystopian/post apocalyptic MORPHATES erotic romance series focusing on a scientific experiment known as the Phoenix Project that resulted in a hybrid human known as the Morphate. This is former federal agent Nick Gregory, and Amara’s story line.

NOTE: THE PHOENIX PROJECT was originally released in the 2010 Nocturnal Anthology.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Amara and Nick) THE PHOENIX PROJECT follows federal agent Nick Gregory as he is thrown into a world  he knew nothing about. Investigating the disappearance of a number of people Nick finds himself one of the many, a part of a scientific experiment that goes horribly wrong. An anti-aging protocol has somehow been modified such that the victims are turned into hybrid beings of man and beast. To ensure the survival of the fittest, the new creations are thrown together in an effort to ferret out the weak and the strong, as well as forcing the interactions between potential mates. Enter Amara, Nick’s alpha mate, and the woman with whom he will fall in love. In order to survive Nick and Amara must prove they are worthy of the title of alpha, as well as ensuring the survival of everyone involved. Escape is the only option in the hopes the government will come through with a mandated policy in order to prevent the destruction of the beasts known as the Morphates.

THE PHOENIX PROJECT is an action packed, entertaining and intriguing story line that looks at the possibility of scientific research used for nefarious purposes. The premise is provocative and dramatic; the characters are charismatic and strong; the romance is erotic, intense and fated by DNA- the relationship between Amara and Nick is highly sexual and animalistic. I do have a concern about the origin of the Phoenix Project and how potential life-saving research resulted in hybridized DNA-some background information is warranted. There is no mention of the how and why. I am hoping for more information in the upcoming sequel.

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Reviewed by Sandy

________________

THE SCIENCE OF PLEASURE
(Morphates #2)
by Jacquelyn Frank
Genre: sci-fi/paranormal/urban fantasy/dystopian/post apocalyptic

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo / Google Play

ABOUT THE BOOK: Re-Release Date June 26, 2018

In the Name of Science

Dr. Jenesis DeBruehl once hoped that her scientific research would have positive ramifications for humanity, only to have her work twisted by the evil Dr. Eric Paulson and used to torture innocents.

Seven years later she finally has her own lab again, despite her checkered past. Kincaid “Kin” Gregory is a Morphate, one of the people mutated by Paulson. Now running the lab that Jenesis is joining, Kin is surprised by the lust he feels for the human woman. While Jenesis struggles with her guilt over the role she played in Kincaid’s mutation, he encourages her to use him as her personal test subject. No limitations. With Kin’s body all hers, Jenesis is about to make a whole new kind of discovery

••••••••

REVIEW: THE SCIENCE OF PLEASURE is the second instalment in Jacquelyn Frank’s multi-genre adult, sci-fi/paranormal/urban fantasy/ post apocalyptic Morphate romance series focusing on a scientific experiment known as the Phoenix Project that resulted in a hybrid human known as the Morphate. This is scientist Dr. Jenesis DeBruehl, and alpha Kincaid ‘Kin’ Gregory’s story line. THE SCIENCE OF PLEASURE can be read as a stand alone but I recommend reading book one The Phoenix Project for some backstory and history. Kincaid Gregory is Nick Gregory’s brother (The Phoenix Project).

NOTE: The Science of Pleasure was originally released in the 2013 anthology The Pleasure Project.

Told form dual third person perspectives (Jenesis and Kincaid) THE SCIENCE OF PLEASURE fast forwards the series seven years in that the government has disbanded the scientific research that resulted in a catastrophic experiment by a man hoping to create a more powerful being. Genetic experimentation into cellular death and recovery (anti-aging protocol) known as the Phoenix Project was headed by Dr Jenesis DeBruehl, but unbeknownst to our heroine, the results were used by her mentor, Dr. Eric Paulson, to create a hybrid army of immortal beings. Enter Alpha leader, and former police officer Kincaid Gregory, and the man with whom Jenesis will fall in love.

Jenesis DeBruehl was caught up in the disaster that destroyed so many lives. Her life ruined, and her reputation shattered, seven years later our heroine finds herself working for the very people, beings, she helped to create. Kincaid Gregory is more beast than man but meeting the woman who discovered the cellular tag that delivers specified cellular mutation commands pulls at the primal longing of a male for his mate. Hoping to take down Dr. Eric Paulson, Kincaid and Jenesis put together a plan, a plan that wasn’t as well thought out as our couple had hoped.

The initial relationship between Jenesis and Kincaid is caustic and acerbic as Kincaid struggles with the knowledge that the woman with whom he would fall in love is the very woman responsible for the mutation that destroyed so many lives. The $ex scenes are aggressive, erotic and intense-Kincaid’s beast is animalistic in his taking of our story line heroine.

THE SCIENCE OF PLEASURE is an intriguing, imaginative and intoxicating tale of the potential for the human race to destroy itself through scientific discovery. The premise is dramatic and intense; the characters are spirited, charismatic and animated; the romance is fated by passion and need.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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Broken Wide (Mindjack #6: Zeph #3) by Susan Kaye Quinn-a review

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BROKEN WIDE (Mindjack #6: Zeph #3) by Susan Kaye Quinn-a review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 16, 2018

All he wanted was peace; all he had was hope.
Zeph had spent half his life hiding what he was—keeping his mindjack powers away from dangerous men and running away from everyone he loved to keep them safe. Now that his life is finally coming together—his mom and sister are safe; the girl he loves in his arms—the world is falling apart. The mindreader backlash against jackers is growing daily. Jacker-bigot politicians are stoking fear and gaining power. And jackers on the Fronter’s Purity list are winding up dead on the streets outside Jackertown.

Even the Jacker Freedom Alliance is tearing itself apart.

All Zeph wants is a chance to build a life with Tessa—but even she is losing faith. If there’s no peace between jackers and readers, what future could they have? Then a protest goes terribly wrong, the president starts talk of a Jackertown siege, and a MINDWARE CEO races to develop a dangerous mind-blasting technology. It seems foolish to even hope for peace, but one thing becomes very clear—the only way to put the world back together is to bring down the powerful people breaking it apart.

The conclusion to the bestselling Mindjack: Zeph series, where daring to hope for peace could be the most radical—and dangerous—move of all.

•••••••••••

REVIEW: BROKEN WIDE is the sixth full-length instalment in Susan Kaye Quinn’s young adult (YA) MINDJACK urban fantasy, sci-fi, dystopian series, and the third and final instalment focusing on Zephyr ‘Zeph’ MacCay-a young man with the ability to lock down, lock out, unlock and scramble the human mind.

SOME BACKGROUND: In a world where mindreading is the norm (due to decades of contaminated or purposely poisoned water) there are those with more powerful abilities than most. These are their stories of discrimination, betrayal, retribution and control. Throughout the years the human population has developed various forms of mind-reading, mind altering and mind controlling abilities due to environmental toxins. And to complicate matters those without the ability to mindjack are purposely setting out to bring war between the have and the have-nots fearing for their own peace of mind.

Told from first person point of view (Zeph) BROKEN WIDE continues to focus on Zeph, and his underground group of mind ‘readers’, and mind ‘jackers’ as they struggle to prevent anti-jacker technology destroying them all. Zephyr MacCay, blessed with powerful abilities beyond anyone’s comprehension finds himself imprisoned by warring government factions whose primary goal is to eradicate the mind jackers, and everyone they love. From the proverbial frying pan into the fire Zephyr must ‘sell’ himself to the man in charge but not before placing a plan into motion to reveal the truth about what happened and what is about to go down.

BROKEN WIDE is an infinitely detailed, well-written, extensive look at discrimination at the highest levels. From ‘fake news’ to autocratic and authoritarian government leaders BROKEN WIDE reveals the fight for power and the destruction of the mind as greed, authority and the right to control are at the center of a decades old scientific disaster that has led to the bigotry, hatred and injustice for all. Susan Kaye Quinn pulls the reader into a potential future marred by secrets, lies and inexcusable experiments resulting in a world determined to destroy itself one mind at a time.

Reading Order and previous reviews
Mind Games (Mindjack Origins 1)
Open Minds
Closed Hearts
Free Souls
The Locksmith
The Handler/ The Scribe (Mindjack Origins 2 & 3)
Keeper (Mindjack Origins 4)
Locked Tight
Cracked Open
Broken Wide

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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The Final Six by Alexandra Monir – Review & Giveway

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The Final Six by Alexandra Monir – Review & Giveway

 

 

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Description:
When Leo, an Italian championship swimmer, and Naomi, a science genius from California, are two of the twenty-four teens drafted into the International Space Training Camp, their lives are forever altered. After erratic climate change has made Earth a dangerous place to live, the fate of the population rests on the shoulders of the final six who will be scouting a new planet. Intense training, global scrutiny, and cutthroat opponents are only a few of the hurdles the contestants must endure in this competition.

For Leo, the prospect of traveling to Europa—Jupiter’s moon—to help resettle humankind is just the sense of purpose he’s been yearning for since losing his entire family in the flooding of Rome. Naomi, after learning of a similar space mission that mysteriously failed, suspects the ISTC isn’t being up front with them about what’s at risk.

As the race to the final six advances, the tests get more challenging—even deadly. With pressure mounting, Naomi finds an unexpected friend in Leo, and the two grow closer with each mind-boggling experience they encounter. But it’s only when the finalists become fewer and their destinies grow nearer that the two can fathom the full weight of everything at stake: the world, the stars, and their lives.

 

 

Review:

The Final Six by Alexandra Monir, which is the first book in an unnamed YA SciFi/Dystopian series/trilogy. Having read Monir before, she writes YA very well, and I looked forward the reading this new one.  I am happy to say I loved The Final Six, and will wait impatiently for the next book.

In The Final Six, Earth is going through terrible climate change with the sea rising (tsunami’s) to dangerous and death defying heights.  The world as we know it is slowly dying, with cities throughout the world going under water,  and with little hope of survival.  The International Space Committee has devised a desperation plan to send the most talented 16-18 years old young adults to Europa (Jupiter planet) to find a new habitual planet to send survivors to live before Earth is totally destroyed.  The plan is to quickly send 24 of the chosen ones to America’s Space center to quickly train them, and then pick the final six to go to Europa.

Right from the start, we meet Leo (a champion swimmer), who lives in Rome, and watched his whole family drown in the devastation that flooded his city.  Leo is despondent, and just about ready to kill himself, when he sees the announcement of the 24 chosen ones is about to be revealed.  He decides to go watch, hoping someone he knows will become part of this.  To his shock, his name is called and he is thrilled to be one of those to help find a solution to the world’s troubles.

Naomi Ardalan, is an American Science genius, who is also one of the chosen 24.  Naomi is the opposite of Leo, she is very unhappy to have been chosen, as she does not want to leave her family, especially her younger brother, whom she helps take care of.  

Naomi and Leo will become friends, and eventually find themselves falling for each other.  This is not really a romance at this point, but it has started and they become even closer nearer to the end.  They both will work together, as Naomi suspects that something is not right, and she uses her hacking ability and other skills to delve into the truth.  Leo wants to protect and help Naomi, but he is also determined to be one of the final six.  There are a number of twists and turns, especially as we get closer to the end.

What follows is an in-depth look at the overall competition, as all participants have to go through so many mind boggling situations to train them on space travel and surviving on a foreign planet.  I loved everything about the complex completion, even if I am not really a Sci Fi buff.  Leo and Naomi were great heroes, and I did like a number of the other secondary characters. Of course, there are a couple of villains that we know to watch out for.  Will Leo and Naomi be part of the final six?  Will Naomi be able to find out the truth behind this mission?

The Final Six was a wonderful story line that kept our attention throughout.  I am amazed at the writing by Monir, especially with all the sci fi details.  I will not give spoilers, as you need to read this to enjoy everything.  But I will say there are some amazing surprises at the end, and of course, the dreaded cliffhanger.  I hate cliffhangers, but I will be there when Monir gives us the next book. If you enjoy YA dystopian, Sci Fi, competition,  great characters, mystery, and at little romance, I suggest to read this book.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by publicist

 


Alexandra Monir is the Iranian-American author of the upcoming YA sci-fi novel The Final Six, the best-selling time-travel romance Timeless, and three other young adult novels. She is also a professional recording artist and composer. Alexandra lives in Los Angeles, California with her husband and newborn son, where she is at work on her next novel. To learn more about Alexandra, visit her online at www.alexandramonir.com.

LINKS: Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Instagram

 

 

 

Alexandra is graciously is graciously offering a paper copy of THE FINAL SIX to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

NOTE: If you are having difficulty commenting after logging onto the site, please refresh the page (at the top of your computer).

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. Follow ALEXANDRA MONIR on Facebook.

4. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

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8. Giveaway is open to USA only

9. Giveaway runs from March 5 – 10, 2018

 

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Winter Igniting (Scorpius Syndrome #5) by Rebecca Zanetti-a review

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WINTER IGNITING (Scorpius Syndrome #5 ) by Rebecca Zanetti-a review

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release date February 20, 2018

His only goal was survival until he met her…

With nothing to lose, former cop Damon Winter agrees to an undercover op, infiltrating a cult in the dangerous post-Scorpius world. After one look at his new partner, he knows she belongs far away from not only the cult, but from him. She’s sweet and kind and has no business being in peril, but she’s determined to help. Suddenly, the part he’s playing as her man explodes into a passion neither of them had expected.

She hadn’t purposefully faced risk until she met him…

April Snyder has survived loss, pain, and uncertainty. Now she’s ready to live again. There’s nothing left but to make a difference for others, so why not go undercover in the cult? Now all she has to do is keep it professional and ignore her handsome, deadly, overbearing partner, who’s too sexy for her peace of mind. Intrigue, risk, and danger make for an irresistible temptation–until enemies close in, threatening everyone they’ve sworn to protect.

•••••••••

REVIEW: WINTER IGNITING is the fifth full-length instalment in Rebecca Zanetti’s adult SCORPIUS SYNDROME cross genre Sci-Fi/ UF/Dystopian series focusing on a biological pandemic sweeping the planet that has already killed 99% of the world’s population. This is former cop and SWAT team member Damon Winter, and April Snyder’s story line. For more background information and some history, there is a prequel novella-SCORPIUS RISING-which can be found in the ON THE HUNT anthology (August 2015), and the author’s new novella companion series The Brigade.

SOME BACKGROUND: Some of those infected with the biological virus have survived to become something known as a Ripper, but there are two types of Rippers inhabiting the world-one is a zombie like creature who feasts on the living; the other is a survivor whose brain has been altered resulting in a stronger, more powerful enhanced human being sometimes bordering on the sociopathic ideology with delusions of grandeur, obsession and hate. If you are a fan of the series The Walking Dead (or Mad Max), you will see many similarities in the story line premise including the search for food and supplies, attacks of the ‘undead’, and various groups of survivors vying for power and control.

Told from several third person perspectives including Damon and April WINTER IGNITING follows several factions of survivors now living in the Vanguard Compound including the arrival of the Mercs (mercenaries), and those not affected by the virus who call themselves the Pure; and the ongoing war for survival against the self-proclaimed president of the United States Bret Atherton, and his Elite Force of soldiers. Damon Winter former SWAT team member in the ‘before’ has been tasked to go undercover with one of the other women who has not been affected by the virus, a woman who has lost much more than most. Enter April Snyder, the woman with whom Damon will fall in love but not before battling for his own life, and the life of his friend, as the Mercs and the soldiers from Vanguard stumble upon more trouble as they search for information and supplies at one of the hidden Bunkers. What ensues is the acrimonious relationship between Damon and April, and the potential fall-out when a suspected traitor begins to take down the compound one explosion at a time.

April Snyder has no plans to fall in love but pretending to be in a relationship with Damon Winter has our heroine conflicted about her feelings and emotions as it pertains to the man in question. Damon is an over protective, alpha male who isn’t willing to risk April’s life including the possibility that the Pure are hoping to entice our heroine to the other side.

The relationship between April and Damon begins as an undercover assignment wherein our couple must gather as much information at the secret society known as the Pure. Believing the members to be part of a cult, April and Damon must report back what they find while keeping up the ruse of having fallen in love. The $ex scenes are intimate and intense; Damon keeps threatening to spank April for defying his orders, and setting out on her own.

There is a very large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including Tace and Sami (Justice Ascending), Vivi and Raze (Shadow Falling), Lynn and Jax (Mercury Striking), Greyson and Maureen (Storm Gathering), Marcus and Dr. Penelope; and little Lena, a young girl who refuses to speak but says more with her actions and little gifts that she finds. There is a large contingent of men, women, and children seeking refuge with the Pure including their leader Pastor Zachary King, and his assistant Sharon Matson . The requisite evil has many faces including the gang known as the Twenty, the Scorpius Virus, President Bret Atherton, and his new VP Jerome Blankenship. Marcus and Penny’s story line is next in KNIGHT AWAKENING.

WINTER IGNITING is a fast paced, energetic, and suspenseful story line with spirited and courageous characters; a complex and fascinating look at a post-apocalyptic future where the survivors are at war with themselves. The premise is intriguing and electrifying; the characters are playful, captivating, inspiring and tragic; the romance is seductive and emotional. Rebecca Zanetti’s SCORPIUS SYNDROME is a thrilling and exciting series you do not want to miss.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Scorpius Rising (On the Hunt Anthology)
Mercury Striking
Shadow Falling
Justice Ascending
Storm Gathering
Blaze Erupting (The Brigade .5)
Winter Igniting

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Rebecca Zanetti is the author of over twenty-five romantic suspense, dark paranormal, and contemporary romances, and her books have appeared multiple times on the New York Times, USA Today, and Amazon bestseller lists. She has received a Publisher’s Weekly Starred Review for Wicked Edge, Romantic Times Reviewer Choice Nominations for Forgotten Sins and Sweet Revenge, and RT Top Picks for several of her novels. She lives in the wilds of the Pacific Northwest with her own alpha hero, two kids, a couple of dogs, a crazy cat…and a huge extended family. She believes strongly in luck, karma, and working her butt off…and she thinks one of the best things about being an author, unlike the lawyer she used to be, is that she can let the crazy out. Find Rebecca at:www.rebeccazanetti.com

Website * Twitter * Facebook * Amazon * Goodreads

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Blaez: The Reluctant Alpha (World of Shifters #2) by G. A. Hurst-a review

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BLAEZ: THE RELUCTANT ALPHA (World of Shifters #2) by G.A. Hurst-a review

Blaez

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon. uk / B&N /

About the book: Release Date October 23, 2017

Super eruptions and tectonic plate movements have left the planet in destruction. Most of civilization and humanity did not survive. Survival was hard and only the strongest and smartest managed. However, smart and strong does not mean all good and loving. Evil is sometimes equally strong and smart.

Blaez is a wolf shifter, an alpha male who has a desire to see what this world now holds. Blaez is a loyal son and loves his pack. But his wolf says the wind calls them…from the mountains of North Carolina. What future can be built from this ruined world? What of adventure and exploration? He’s cared for several females, but his wolf has accepted no one as a mate, does one even exist for him? Is he ready to find out?

Miranda is a strong alpha female from a wolf shifter pack in what used to be the mountains of Vermont. She’s lovely and desired by many, but she’s headstrong and wants more than tradition allows. Her wolf wants more too…does a male exist that’s strong enough to give them both the love and freedom they need?

Adventure and danger in a world just beginning to come back to life!

•••••••••

REVIEW: BLAEZ: The Reluctant Alpha is the second instalment in G.A. Hurst’s adult World of Shifters paranormal, dystopian romance series. This is alpha wolf shifters Blaez and Miranda’s story line. BLAEZ: The Reluctant Alpha can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.

SOME BACKGROUND: Twenty years earlier, a catastrophic natural disaster destroyed most of mankind and the infrastructures where they lived and worked. As the few remaining people begin to emerge into the post-apocalyptic world, the shifters begin to realize that to live they will have to join together with their human counterparts in an effort to survive.

Told from several third person points of view including Blaez and Miranda BLAEZ: The Reluctant Alpha focuses on two struggling Packs of shifter wolves as they set out on a cross country journey in search of survivors, and the possibility of finding more of their kind. From opposite sides, the Packs and their human counterparts will meet reuniting families with missing loved ones, and the merging of a potential new Pack as Blaez will meet his fated mate-a woman who has starred in his fantasies and dreams. What ensues is the quick building, love and relationship between Blaez and Miranda, and the potential fall out when both Packs are pulled into a former government compound run and operated by a number of humans who have no knowledge of the supernatural existence- an existence that will be threatened by betrayal and revenge.

The relationship between Miranda and Blaez is one of insta-love. Both wolf-born shifters, our couple are aware of the shifter history, and the need and devotion to find the one that calls to their souls. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

BLAEZ has an extremely large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters from two shifter Packs, and the former government compound now housing over one hundred human survivors. Gage and Rissa (Heart of an Alpha #1), along with Rissa’s father Henry are reintroduced; there is a building relationship and possible new mating between wolf shifter Mercer, and human female Maxi.

BLAEZ is a slow building story line that struggles with telling rather than showing: as well as the propensity for redundancy and retelling of recent events. The story line bounces between two shifter Packs whose membership is large, and at times I found myself confused as to the who, what and where. Once the two Packs merged together there was more confusion as many of the shifters were related or friends-the problem, in my opinion, is too many characters thus leading to distraction and chaos throughout the story.

BLAEZ is an interesting and curious story line; a journey of discovery for fated mates whose lives will be enriched with their new found love- but – BLAEZ is also a story line that meanders in too many directions and got lost in the copious number of characters who appear in limited scenes for a singular or limited purpose. You may need a spread sheet to keep everyone in line. 😉

Click HERE for Sandy’s Review of book one-HEART OF AN ALPHA

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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Storm Gathering (Scorpius Syndrome #4) by Rebecca Zanetti-a review

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STORM GATHERING (Scorpius Syndrome #4) by Rebecca Zanetti-a review

Storm Gathering

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo /

About the book: Release Date September 19, 2017

Even before surviving the Scorpius bacterium, Greyson Storm was a lone wolf navigating minefields. As a kid, he learned to take a hit and find safety. As an adult, he joined the military and quickly learned how to protect and defend. When the world ended, he created a mercenary camp with military precision, no entanglements, and a promise to avenge a fallen friend. As part of that vow, he kidnapped Maureen Shadow, but now that he has let her go, her blue eyes and intriguing mind keep haunting him…

As possibly the only Biotechnology Engineer still living, Maureen Shadow might be humanity’s one hope to survive the aftermath of Scorpius, making her frighteningly valuable to both allies and enemies. Even after sexual tension explodes with Greyson, she’s not sure which camp he belongs to—friend or foe? Worse yet, survival may mean thwarting his prime mission, putting her in even more peril. When danger and seduction collide, there is no safety in this new world.

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REVIEW: STORM GATHERING is the fourth full-length installment in Rebecca Zanetti’s  adult SCORPIUS SYNDROME cross genre Sci-Fi/ UF/Dystopian series focusing on a biological pandemic sweeping the planet that has already killed 99% of the world’s population. This is US Marine sniper Greyson Storm, and biotechnology engineer Maureen Shadow’s (Raze’s sister) story line that looks at life in the aftermath, and the fallout from an unknown bacteria-from space. For more background information and some history, there is a prequel novella-SCORPIUS RISING-which can be found in the ON THE HUNT anthology (August 2015).

NOTE: Some of the premise of STORM GATHERING runs parallel to and crosses over with the events of book three-Justice Ascending.

SOME BACKGROUND: Some of those infected with the biological virus have survived to become something known as a Ripper, but there are two types of Rippers inhabiting the world-one is a zombie like creature who feasts on the living; the other is a survivor whose brain has been altered resulting in a stronger, more powerful enhanced human being sometimes bordering on the sociopath ideology with delusions of grandeur, obsession and hate. If you are a fan of the series The Walking Dead (or Mad Max), you will see many similarities in the story line premise including the search for food and supplies, attacks of the ‘undead’, and various groups of survivors vying for power and control.

Told from several third person perspectives including Greyson and Maureen STORM GATHERING continues to focus on the struggle to survive as the depleting inventory at the Vanguard compound and Mercenary territories begins to push at the fragile hold each has on their safety, sanity and dwindling reserves. As head of the ‘Merc’ faction of post-apocalyptic warriors Greyson Storm is desperate to find more food and weapons for his growing population of forgotten refugees. Enter biotechnology engineer Maureen Shadow and the woman with whom Greyson will fall in love. What ensues is the back and forth, tepid relationship between the Vanguard compound and Mercenary territory; the struggle in their search for supplies; and the continuing attacks by the government’s Elite Forces, and the self-proclaimed president of the USA- a man once infected by the Scorpius virus who has since become a sociopathic Ripper. Greyson Storm is on a mission not only to protect the woman that he loves but to take down a tyrant desperate to take control of the few remaining resources .

The relationship between Greyson and Maureen begins as a one-night stand following Maureen’s abduction from the Vanguard compound. Greyson’s attempts to secure a future for the many mouths he has to feed finds our hero taking risks including the kidnapping of the woman with whom he will fall in love. The $ex scenes are intimate and provocative without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text. The sexual attraction is palpable; their energy is passionate and sensual. Greyson’s protective instinct goes into over-drive where our story line heroine is concerned.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including Tace and Sami (Justice Ascending), Vivi and Raze (Shadow Falling) , Lynn and Jax (Mercury Striking), as well as Greyson’s second in command Damon Winter, Marcus and Dr. Penelope. The requisite evil, aside from the Scorpius virus, has many faces including President Bret Atherton, and his Vice President Lake. Damon Winter’s story is next in Winter Igniting.

The world building continues to focus on the search for a cure. With the growing number of scientists and researchers under protection at the Vanguard Compound and Mercenary headquarters, the intrepid group of survivors starts locating some of the hidden files that focus on the bacteria and a potential cure. A possible merger between the two camps may be required if everyone is to survive the ongoing wars, and the raging wild fires burning out of control.

STORM GATHERING is an edgy, encouraging and engaging story line. The premise will captivate your attention; the characters are colorful, animated and determined; the romance is hopeful and seductive.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Scorpius Rising (On the Hunt Anthology)
Mercury Striking
Shadow Falling
Justice Ascending
Storm Gathering

Copy supplied through Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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