FALLING BLIND (Sentinel Wars #7 ) by Shannon K Butcher-a dual review and giveaway

Amazon / Barnes and Noble / The Book Depository / The Reading Cafe

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 2, 2013

They are the Sentinels. Three races descended from ancient guardians of mankind, each possessing unique abilities in their battle to protect humanity against their eternal foes: the Synestryn. Now a warrior must protect a strong-minded woman from an incredible evil…

A beautiful, independent Theronai, Rory Rainey knows that her attempts to be a warrior are futile—unless she can stop the demonic visions that torment her. Determined to be free, Rory sets out to find the mysterious guardian who can cure her, before she loses her sight—or her life. But Rory’s journey brings its own dangers when she is attacked by a pack of Synestryn sent by the demon lord Raygh.

Cornered and desperate, Rory narrowly escapes with the help of a sword-wielding stranger. Cain knows that Rory needs his protection to survive, just as he knows that her power is compatible with his own. And when Rory binds herself to Cain, the warrior knows he will do anything to keep her safe from the threat of the demon lord that pursues her.

**************************

Sandy’s Review

REVIEW: Some Background: The Sentinels are three races descended from an ancient race of guardians who defend and protect mankind from the demons at the door. The Theronai are the protectors, the Sanguinar are the healers (as well as blood feeders) and the Synestryn-the demons. The Sentinels are descended from an ancient race of guardians known as the Thernai, and without a mate to absorb the excess of power to save their dying souls, the Sentinel warrior suffers immense pain and their Tree of Life-lifemark begins to lose its leaves.

To be honest, the book blurb is a little misleading. Our heroine Rory is not aware of her heritage. Her mother was a drug addict and her father was an unknown, and she was raised by her Nana. What we have is a strong woman, with visions-not of the future- but of everything that goes on around her. And to stop these visions, Rory is determined to find the one person who has the ability to ease the pain and the blinding sight. But when Rory finds herself trapped in a fight for her life, it will be the Sentinel Theronai Cain whose touch quells the images in her mind.

Cain is a Theronai warrior whose lifemark is nearly empty. At one time Cain believed he had found the one woman to bring him peace but with her betrayal, Cain never wanted to experience the loss of love and family again. But finding Rory, who called to his very soul left Cain confused especially when she was able to syphon off his powers for her own use.

Cain has always wanted a family but the Theronai warriors have been cursed with infertility. With the recent discovery of a possible drug to help with the fertility, Cain dreamed of a future with Rory, but Rory never promised –forever. They shared their most intimate thoughts and dreams, as well as their fears and mistakes, and in the end it was Cain’s luceria that made the choice. They were meant to be together but convincing Rory wasn’t so easy.

As the story progress, Shannon overlaps several smaller storylines that have all culminated in Falling Blind. We revisit a couple of Sanguinars: Ronan and Connal–one willing to help and another who makes a fatal error. The murder of a woman will have the compound on lock down and the discovery of some letters reveal more information than ever thought possible. The whereabouts of several missing women will be revealed, and the possibility a love match for one of the Sanguinars is revealed at the very end.

FALLING BLIND is another amazing and dramatic storyline in Shannon K Butcher’s Sentinal War Series. Shannon takes the reader on a heart pounding, heart breaking and revealing look at the lives and loves of the Theronai warrior. And in Falling Blind-love will conquer all-even for those who are blinded to the reality of love.

Reviewed by Sandy

Copy supplied by publisher via Netgalley

***********************

Barb’s Review

Writing a dual review is not always easy, as we do not want to bore the reader with the same information. Sandy has written an excellent review, and has also given you all the background and information regarding Shannon’s excellent series, The Sentinel Wars. So in trying not to duplicate things, I will try to express how I felt about Falling Blind.

When Dying Wish ended, we felt bad when Cain, who is our hero in this book, lost Jackie to Iain. Poor Cain thought that was the end for him, his last chance to find his woman who will save him. Cain does not have much time left, as the branches on his tree are almost gone. Then he helps save Rory , our heroine, and Cain sees another chance, as he feels her connection. This time Cain will do all he can to win Rory for himself. I know I was rooting for Cain throughout the book

I did love Rory, she is a tough warrior, with a disabling ability, visions that blind her. She too feels Cain’s connection, and loves the power she receives from him. Cain knows Rory’s 1st priority is to find the person who will help remove her visions, allowing her peace, even if it means giving up on Cain, though she has fallen in love with him. Cain is willing to give up his life, to allow Rory to have what she needs, and that is true love.

This was a great story, with adventure, excitement, danger, and a love that might not be enough to survive. What is great about this wonderful series is that we get to revisit with many of the heroes/heroines from the earlier books. Shannon usually has small stories going on that intermingle within the major storyline. I am guessing, but I know Ronan, may get his story in the next book. Also, we have the ongoing storyline of the twins Maura, and her twin sister, Sybil, and at some point I expect Shannon will concentrate on them.

I totally agree with Sandy that Falling Blind was an amazing and dramatic storyline. I will also add in that The Sentinal Wars series just keeps getting better and better. Shannon is a wonderful writer, who grabs you early on, and never let’s go until the end, and in each book she never ceases to amaze us with wonderful characters such as Cain and Rory. Great series, great book.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy supplied by publisher through Netgalley

Shannon is offering a giveaway to one lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe. One winner will receive a signed paper copy of BLOOD HUNT and a bracelet from Shannon.

1. Please register using the log-in at the top of the page or by using a social log-in.

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment as  Twitter and Google+ etc does not allow for contact information

3. Giveaway open to US and CANADA only.

4. Giveaway runs from April 1 to April 5, 2013