Blood Bond (Sentinel Wars #10) by Shannon K Butcher-Dual Review

Posted on October 28, 2018 by Sandy

BLOOD BOND (Sentinel Wars #10) by Shannon K Butcher-dual review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 23, 2018

Justice has never known freedom. She woke up ten years ago, naked and alone with no memory of who or what she was. Since then, she’s been a prisoner, compelled by powers she doesn’t understand. She’s roamed the country, doing whatever the fates demanded of her, good or bad. Completely alone.

Until now.

Ronan is starving to death. Like all the Sanguinar, his survival depends on finding the dwindling traces of blood left behind by an ancient, magical race. Weeks ago, Justice saved his life and since then, it’s been her blood he craves, her face he dreams about.

As evil closes in on all sides, threatening the only stronghold the Sentinels have to protect them, Ronan must find a way to gain Justice’s trust and free her from the dark powers that control her. Because if he can’t, the next person she is compelled to kill may be him.

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Sandy’s REVIEW:

BLOOD BOND is the tenth instalment in Shannon K Butcher’s SENTINEL WARS paranormal, fantasy romance series. This is Sanguinar Ronan, and Justice’s story line. BLOOD BOND can be read as a stand alone but for cohesion and history, I would suggest reading the series in order as many of the storylines overlap and continue in each successive instalment. Shannon is an author who builds up future storylines in many of the previous novels.

SOME BACKGROUND: The Sentinels are three races descended from an ancient race of guardians known as the Athanasians, who defend and protect mankind from the demons at the door. The Theronai are the protectors whose Theronai lifemark-The Tree of Life-begins to lose its’ leaves if a Theronai warrior does not find his mate. The lifemark is a visual gage of a soul’s health, and all of the warriors suffering with the pain are running out of time. The Synestryn have killed most of the female Theronai and the warriors are in need of women whose DNA and heritage will match with their own: the Sanguinar are the healers (as well as blood feeders) and the Synestryn are the demons whose humanity has been lost for centuries.

Told from several third person perspectives including Justice and Ronan BLOOD BOND follows several paths as Justice is ‘compelled’ to retrieve a number of items from various locations. Weeks (or months) earlier Ronan was dying and our heroine was the only source of sustenance for the ailing Sanguinar, a source that now connects our leading couple. As Justice is coerced by an unidentified psychic entity, Ronan must ensure that the woman that calls to his blood survives her journey into the unknown. Several attempts on both of their lives forces Justice to walk away before doing further damage, damage she fears to destroy the man with whom she is falling in love. What ensues is the building romance between Justice and Ronan, and the fall-out as the Theronai compound in Dabyr is targeted by the Synestryn demons.

Meanwhile Madoc and Nika are awaiting the arrival of their first born child, the first born Theronai in close to two hundred years. The attack on the compound is imminent but from who or what remains a mystery. Preparations were made in advance of the attack but they never expected the overwhelming hoard or the identity of their ultimate prize.

BLOOD BOND is a fast paced, action packed story line of good vs evil; betrayal and revenge; power and control. The premise is engaging; the romance is fated; the characters are colourful, energetic and powerful. Shannon K. Butcher’s world of the paranormal is exciting and dangerous.

It has been close to three years since the last Sentinel Wars book was released, and I struggled to remember all of the connections, and various paths on which the Theronai travel. The war between the Theronai and Sanguinar, and the Synestryn has come full circle-a war in which not all will survive.

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BARB’s Review:

Blood Bond by Shannon Butcher is the 10th book in her Sentinel Wars series. It has been a long time (3 years) since the last book, and I had to go back to my reviews to refresh my memory. What I did know was that I loved this series, and Shannon’s wonderful writing. Needless to say I am thrilled to be in this world again. Refresher: The Sentinel Wars series revolves around immortal warriors that protect the humans from the evil demons, Synestryn. The Sanquinars are healers, who need blood to survive, and they are dwindling; and the Theronai, who are elite protectors, who need to find their life mates to survive.

We meet Justice, our heroine, from the start, as she is compelled to save a young girl, who is being kidnapped. Justice has been besieged with voices (fates) telling her what to do, and has no memory of the past 10 years. When she is attacked, and left to die, Ronan, our hero, will come to her rescue, saving her and the young girl. But he needs to move her quickly, as the blood scent will draw the Synestryn demons. Ronan needs to convince Justice to allow him to help her, as she remembers when she tried to help him previously; when he took a lot of her blood. Her worry about the little girl and her weakness forces her to accept his help.

Ronan will bring both of them to safety to the Dabyr compound, where the Sanquinar and Theronai live. In a short time, Justice will learn all about the people in Dabyr, and they are good people. Though Ronan needs her blood to survive, she begins to trust him, and have feelings for him. It is those feelings that will force Justice to follow her voices, and in so doing that, runs from Ronan, in fear of him getting himself killed helping her.

What follows is an exciting, fast paced, action packed adventure, where Ronan and some of his warrior friends fight to save Justice, and then race back to help fight off a major demon attack on Dabyr. The Synestryns are determined to kill all the Theronai woman and children, in order to destroy the Theronai warriors. As we raced to the finish, this was a wild crazy battle with so many of our old and new favorites in a fight to death; keeping us on the edge of our seats. I loved the romance that was slow build between Ronan and Justice, and cannot wait to see what Shannon has in store for us. As I said before, I loved seeing some of our old favorites, and there was a nice side story about the arrival of a Theronai baby girl, the first in 200 years.

I am happy to be reading the Sentinel Wars again, and Shannon Butcher has once again gives us a great exciting story, a great couple, and wonderful secondary characters. If you enjoy paranormal fantasy, with lots of action and romance, then you should start reading this series.

Copy supplied for review

Binding Ties (Sentinel Wars #9) by Shannon K Butcher-Dual Review & Giveaway

Posted on March 5, 2015 by Sandy

Binding Ties (Sentinel Wars #9) by Shannon K Butcher-Dual Review and Giveaway

Binding Ties
The Sentinel Wars 9
by Shannon K Butcher
Genre: adult, paranormal romance, UF
Release Date: March 3, 2015

Binding Ties March 15

Amazon.com / Barnes and Noble / KOBO / The Book Depository

BINDING TIES (Sentinel Wars #9) by Shannon K. Butcher

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 3, 2015

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 his onetime enemy—without succumbing to his darkest desires.

Lyka Phelan is a Slayer, sent to live among her enemy to guarantee lasting peace with the Theronai. Yet she has a secret—and it could make her a slave to their power. But when a pack of Synestryn destroys her home and captures her packmates, Lyka realizes her freedom is a small price to pay for the safety of her people. So she strikes a bargain with the leader of the Theronai—one that reveals her true identity and binds her to him forever.

Joseph thought he knew better than to tangle with the beautiful, hot-blooded Lyka. One misstep could send their races straight back to war. But now he has no choice other than to help her. Forced to protect her with his life, Joseph finds himself increasingly drawn to Lyka. As they risk everything in their fight against the demons, he realizes he must convince her to surrender to him completely—otherwise she will never truly be his.

••••••••••••••••••

Sandy’s Review:

BINDING TIES is the ninth full length installment in Shannon K Butcher’s SENTINEL WARS paranormal romance, fantasy series. This is Slayer Lyka Phelan and leader of the Theronai Joseph’s storyline. BINDING TIES can be read as a stand alone but for cohesion and history, I would suggest reading in order as many of the storylines overlap and continue in each successive installment. Shannon is an author who builds up future storylines in many of the previous novels.

The premise finds Lyka as a ‘guest’ of the Theronai. To keep the tentative peace between the Slayers and the Theronai, Lyka’s brother Andreas and the Theronai leader Joseph have inked out a plan for a provisional truce between the once combative enemies. The accord offers a member of each race in exchange for peace and understanding. Lyka was sent to the Theronai while Joseph’s adopted daughter was sent to the Slayers. Lyka believes she is nothing more than a prisoner in a gilded cage.

Joseph is in constant pain as his lifemark continues to lose its’ leaves. Nearing the end, Joseph is a man whose desire to lead his people is waning; he is tired of the battles and knows that he does not have much time left but Lyka’s presence eases his pain and without knowing, Lyka may be the answer to all of Joseph’s prayers. There is something about Lyka that calls to Joseph’s heart-something that Lyka would like to keep secret from all Theronai Males.

Lyka’s pack has been decimated. The demons have destroyed their village and Lyka’s brother Eric and the youngest members of the pack are missing. Lyka’s need to search for her brother finds Joseph on the hunt alongside his potential mate. What ensues are several demon attacks, a near death experience for both Joseph and Lyka, and the revelation that someone is controlling the demons-behind the scenes. Lyka’s brother Eric will sacrifice himself to save the youngest members of his pack.

The world building finds several smaller storylines continuing to develop as per Shannon’s writing style. Ronan, the Sanguinar and Theronai healer, perseveres in his search for the woman who saved his life. This woman is familiar to Ronan but he is unable to place her identity or the nature of the battle she fights within herself. Connal is still missing and his actions have caused a rift between the Sanguinars and the human feeders who once opened their homes as safe houses for the warriors and healers.

SHANNON K BUTCHER is an amazing storyteller. The SENTINEL WARS is an infinitely detailed series about a supernatural species that defend and protect but a species that is also dependent on the people they protect. There are moments of anger and betrayal; lust and need; romance and love. But there are also times that romance on the run can be difficult when facing the demons who want to destroy your life. There is an urban fantasy feel to Shannon’s Sentinel War series as the Theronai continue to do battle with a foe that refuses to stop the hunt. There is always something or someone waiting on the other side.

Barb’s Review:

Binding Ties by Shannon K. Butcher is the 9^th book in her fantastic Sentinel Wars series. For those who have not read this series, this blurb on the back cover gives you enough to understand what it is all about. “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”

Throughout this series, we have waited for the Sentinel leader Joseph’s story, and it was worth the wait. Joseph being the leader of the Sentinel’s has given up hope of finding a mate, and concentrates solely to help the people in their compound survive against all threats by the Synestryn demons. He has more or less given up on his own life, as he fears he is near the end. Lyka, is a Slayer, living with the Sentinels as part of a peace treaty that her brother agreed upon with Joseph.

When Lyka finds out that one of her other brothers, and a group of children have been captured by the evil demons, she is determined to use her enhanced tracking ability to find them. However, Joseph feels responsible for Lyka and refuses to let her go. Joseph himself has not been in the field for a long time, having to keep things organized and controlled behind a desk.

Lyka has a secret that she hides from everyone, especially Joseph. But to be able to help find her Slayer family that is in danger, she offers Joseph a deal he can’t refuse. Wear his lycra, and bond with him, in order for him to allow her freedom…nothing more. It will save Joseph’s life, not to mention his true feelings for Lyka that will enable him to accept. Will he keep his promise to allow her freedom, once she completes her mission? Will Joseph and Lyka act on their growing sensual feelings for each other? What is Lyka’s secret?

Since Lyka is adamant about finding the captured Slayers, Joseph arranges to go with her. Together they have to face danger against the evil demons in an exciting adventure that will put both of their lives in danger. In between the pulse pounding action, the romance between Joseph and Lyka grows and despite her attempts to avoid contact, she finds herself unable to resist Joseph.

Binding Ties was another fantastic addition to Shannon K. Butcher‘s Sentinel Wars series. It was an exciting, action packed, tense, romantic and steamy storyline. There were so many wonderful parts, as we learned more about both Joseph and Lyka. This is a fun series, with fabulous characters, great couples, exciting stories, which we have come to expect from Shannon K. Butcher. If you have not read this series, I suggest you do so.

Reading Order
1. Burning Alive
2. Finding The Lost
3. Running Scared
3.5 The Collector
4. Living Nightmare
5. Blood Hunt
5.5 Bound by Vengeance
6. Dying Wish
7. Falling Blind
8.Willing Sacrifice
9. Binding Ties

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley.

Giveaway Black and Lime

The Reading Cafe and Shannon’s publisher are offering a paper copy of BINDING TIES to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

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

Posted on April 1, 2013 by Sandy

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

Falling Blind

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 2, 2013

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.

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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

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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

Giveaway-Blue:Black

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.

Shannon K Butcher giveaway

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

Dying Wish (Sentinel Wars #6) by Shannon K. Butcher – a Review (New Release)

Posted on March 4, 2012 by Barb

Dying Wish by Shannon K. Butcher – a Review

Dying Wish is the sixth book in Shannon Butcher’s Sentinel Wars series. Before I do my review, in case you don’t know what the Sentinels are, here is brief description direct from Butcher’s site.

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 beautiful but damaged Sentinel may be a warrior’s last hope…

Jackie Patton is the heroine in Dying Wish. Jackie herself has been a captive and tortured by the evil Synestryns, since we have met Jackie previously, when she was rescued by the Theronai warriors. We find Jackie living in the compound run by the Theronai’s, where they all live, as well as many of the humans, who have survived attacks from the Synestryns.

Jackie wants nothing but to be left alone, she is still badly traumatized, and plans to run away from everyone. She is determined to rebuild her life, and become the strong person she once was. Helen, the first of the Theronai women to be found, is Jackie’s sister. But no one can get through to Jackie that living outside of compound is dangerous, as the Synestryn’s will always find her. But Jackie can’t take living there, where she feels she has escaped one prison for another. Especially with all the warriors constantly trying to push Jackie to choose one of them as her mate, since she is a potential match for the desperate Theronai men, who need a woman to literally save their lives.

Iain is one of the Theronai men who are close to death, and is one of their strongest and best warriors, but he is very cold hearted, and only looks to kill the enemy. Iain has lost all his leaves on his lifemark tree, that all Theronai men have. He secretly manages to hold on to life, as he is in constant pain, but only a select few who are in the same boat as Iain, know that he is soulless, which is a automatic death sentence. Iain is the only one of the Theronai who is not interested in Jackie, he feels it too late for him. He wants her to choose any of his ‘brothers’, who have a chance at life.

Jackie unable to escape is forced to choose one of the men, and of course, she chooses Iain. Jackie feels safe and in peace when she is near Iain, and she senses that he doesn’t care, and will let her go free, when they leave the compound.

Early on, Jackie despite her torture, comes across as unfeeling and selfish. But once she leaves the compound with Iain, everything begins to change. Iain stays with Jackie in her attempt to return to her former life, but they do not get very far. The Synestryn’s always seem to find them. Jackie must take Iain’s lucera, to help him fight the demons. The lucera allows her to be able to use his powers, and Jackie learns how to make them her own. While they fight for their lives, Iain is badly hurt, and Jackie has to use her newfound powers to save him. But she must return to the compound once again to ensure that Iain is saved.

Both Jackie and Iain have become very attracted to one another, and each fights this off. But after they go on a mission (Jackie unable to not to help find a child kidnapped by the demons), their attraction becomes a sizzling romance. The monster that resides in Iain, causes him to lose control, but Jackie finds a way to keep in control of his monster.

This was truly a great story, with a lot of action. It was great to see Iain, beginning to have feelings once again. For Jackie to allow herself to open up and to care for Iain, and to fight to help and save him. There are many added stories, with other characters that add so well into the story….Torr and Grace, will they ever be together; Tory, will she come whole; Cain, one of Iain’s ‘brothers”, whom Iain tries to pass Jackie off to; Serena, the long dead lover of Iain, who turns up alive 200 years later; Samson, the young child saved by Jackie during her captivity, is growing rapidly, with the jury still out if he will be human or synestryn, just to name a few.

It was an exciting ending, with Jackie becoming a very powerful Theronai to help save Iain, who had been discovered as being Soulless. She forces him to escape with her to stop him from being executed, as the soulless are totally beyond control. But they end up on rescue mission for another young girl who had been with Jackie, and was recaptured. Iain, whose dying wish is to die in battle, begins to give up on life. But it is Jackie’s powers that keep him alive, as she has her own agenda for Iain. With an unbelievable twist, where Jackie makes a deal with a monster to save Iain.

Some more interesting twists, such as two of the women are now pregnant, something that was a curse and never could have happened. The future of the Sentinels is with hope, though still very much in danger. This was a great read, right from the start. Shannon Butcher does such a wonderful job hooking you into the story, into the lives of the men and women in this fantastic world. I loved Dying Wish, and the entire Sentinel Wars series, and love Shannon Butchers storytelling and how she writes. If you have not started this series, please do not miss it.

Reviewed by Barb

Bound by Vengeance (Sentinel Wars Novella) by Shannon K. Butcher – A Review (New Release)

Posted on March 3, 2012 by Barb

Bound by Vengeance by Shannon K. Butcher – a Review

Bound by Vengeance is a novella by Shannon K. Butcher. This is part of her Sentinel Wars series, and it is right before her Dying Wish full novel, which is due next week.

Generally, novellas are a bit too short, and just when things look like its going to get exciting, it ends. This is not the case with Bound by Vengeance, as it was exciting right from the start, and you immediately identified with the characters. Shannon has done it again.

Bound by Vengeance is about Dakota Kacey, who knows all about the Theronai warriors, and the women they become bonded to save their lives. Dakota is one the Defenders, who help the Theronai’s against the evil Synestryns. Dakota blames herself for the death of her brother Daren, who was killed by the demons. She is determined to avenge her brothers’ death, and plans to go after the demon responsible.

Liam Lann is a Theronai warrior who is called in by Dakota’s cousin (one of the leaders of the Defenders) to help Dakota. Liam is near his end, having given up at any chance of finding the women who can save him. But when he comes close to Dakota, his luceria around his neck, starts turning colors. Liam is shocked and finds it impossible that maybe Dakota is the women to save him.

This is a short story, but it is an excellent story I could not put it down. The romance that develops between Dakota and Liam is great. Early on, Liam tries to convince Dakota to take his necklace (luceria), and she is drawn to the power she receives from it. It is this, and her determination to kill the demon that makes her work with Liam and train on how to use the powers that he is able to feed to her through the luceria.

Dakota fears to make a commitment that would bind her to Liam forever, but she is drawn to Liam sexually, something they both find difficult to ignore. They work together to find and kill the demon. But Dakota feels like a failure, as the demon was not killed by her. She wanted to redeem herself with her parents, whom she feels blames her for her brother’s death. Liam too has his own issues, as he feels Dakota does not want him, and he is willing to let her go, but to another Theronai warrior, whose she might save.

It was nice to see them finally realize they belong together, and they will become full partners in helping all the Theronai’s fight this war. This was such a pleasant read, exciting to the end in a short series. But it was so well done. I love this series, and love Shannon Butcher’s writing. Now on to Dying Wish.

Reviewed by Barb

THE COLLECTOR (Sentinel Wars) by Shannon K. Butcher-a review

Posted on March 3, 2012 by Sandy

THE COLLECTOR (Sentinel Wars) by Shannon K Butcher

THE COLLECTOR by Shannon K Butcher

THE COLLECTOR by Shannon K Butcher is a novella found in the anthology ON THE HUNT. Part of the Sentinel Wars series of books, The Collector considered number 3.5 in the series is Neal Etan and Vivian Rowan’s story. Like the previous novels, 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.

Neal Etan is a warrior on the hunt. Hoping to locate the missing medallions that will save his friend Torr, Neal must convince antique’s collector Vivian Rowan that the medallions she has in her possession, will cure his friend’s paralysis. Still suffering the lingering side effects from a near –electrocution, Neal’s amped up power reserve is tapping his lifemark faster than normal, and the pain has increased exponentially. But when Vivian offers her hand in introduction, Neal’s years of pain and suffering are eased and with it the knowledge that she is his soulmate-his other half-the woman who can syphon the mounting power that Is building within his body.

Vivian Rowan has always felt alone. All her life, as an adopted child, she has never fit in. But one touch from Neal Etan, has marked her forever. There is a connection unlike anything she has ever felt. With her power to sense when something or someone is near, Vivian knows that this man is somehow connected to the many antique collectibles that she has amassed over the years. She is drawn to these ancient articles, feeling a connection to their history and lore. But Neal’s aggression and need for the medallions forces Vivian to send Neal away.

A call to Drake, another Theronai warrior reveals that now that Neal has connected with his soulmate, she is at risk for an attack by the Synestryn demons. Her protective barriers are no longer able to hide her Theronai heritage and presence in the human world. Hoping to protect his future mate, Neal arrives only to find the demons have already located Vivian. Using his skill as a warrior and the magic sword, Neal and Vivian make their escape.

But Neal is still in need of the medallions, and Vivian is not willing to acknowledge their existence. To complicate matters, the medallions have been separated and Vivian can only sense the whereabouts of one

Vivian takes Neal to Professor Reynold’s house, where she has hidden the first of the medallions, but it is too late. The Synestryn demons have already killed the professor and now Vivian blames herself for her friend’s death. When Neal finally locates the medallion, he urges Vivian to use her to locate the other antiquity, but her powers are not strong enough.

Neal, needing the connection to his mate, reluctantly offers a deal. Trying not to overwhelm his mate, Neal explains a partial history of the Sentinel Warriors who guard the gate between Athanasia and the human world, and suggests that to heighten her powers of sense, she wear his Luceria-a necklace that symbolizes the mated pair, and one that will increase their powers together.

Because The Collector is a short story, the relationship development is quick. When Vivian agrees, Neal pledges his life to protect his mate, but she is still reticent and is not willing to pledge an eternity to the man, who may be her future. Neal knows to complete the bonding, the pair must engage is making love, but if Vivian walks away from their relationship, Neal will die- a risk he is willing to take to save the life of his friend and his mate. With her new powers, Vivian locates the second medallion at a limestone cave, but they are once again attacked by the Sgath demons. Channeling her new-found powers, Vivian draws energy from her mate, and aids Neal in his battle to save their lives and the life of his friend. Vivian and Neal’s connection, and her proclamation of love and pledge to protect her mate, the luceria colors of bronze to match, as does her new title of The Bronze Lady.

THE COLLECTOR is a wonderful short story. We were first introduced to Neal in the earlier storylines and now that he has found his mate, we hope to hear more about these characters. I always worry, that when an author writes a novella, the mated pair tend to fall by the wayside, rarely to be heard from again. But with his friend Torr still in need and the many other Sentinels still requiring mates, I am hoping for a reunion of all the warriors when we meet again. Another great story from Shannon in The Sentinel Wars series.

Reviewed by Sandy

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