Shannon K. Butcher Prize Package Giveaway

Shannon K Butcher Prize Package Giveaway

Giveaway Banner

Today’s ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY prize package giveaway is graciously donated by Shannon K. Butcher. Shannon has donated a SIGNED copy of Burning Alive (The Sentinel Wars) and a hand-made glass bookmark.

ONE giveaway winner will received a SIGNED paper copy of Burning Alive and the glass bookmark.

Click HERE for Shannon K Butcher’s website.

shannonbutchergiveaway

TO ENTER: Open to 18 years of age and older.

NOTE: Register at The Reading Cafe using the log-in at the top of the page or by using one of the social log-ins. If you are using a social log-in such as Twitter or Facebook etc, please post your email address with your comment, as Twitter etc does not account for email contact.

1. Giveaway is open INTERNATIONALLY

2. Please post a comment telling us to enter you in the giveaway.

3. Giveaway runs until February 28, 2013

Share

COVER REVEALS -January 1, 2013

COVER REVEALS-January 1, 2013

Falling Blind

 

TITLE: Falling Blind

AUTHOR: Shannon K Butcher

SERIES: The Sentinel Wars

RELEASE DATE: April 2013

 

 

 

january black cover

 

TITLE: January Black

AUTHOR: Wendy Russo

SERIES: N/A

RELEASE DATE: 2013

 

 

 

better-nature

 

TITLE: Better Nature

AUTHOR: Elizabeth Sharp

SERIES: Forces of Nature

RELEASE DATE: 2013

 

 

 

Reckless March 2013

 

TITLE: Reckless

AUTHOR: S.C.Stephens

SERIES: N/A

RELEASE DATE: March 2013

 

 

 

Claim Me July 2013

 

TITLE: Claim Me

AUTHOR: J. Kenner

SERIES: Release Me series

RELEASE DATE: July 2013 (Note: this may not be the final cover)

 

 

 

FORGED IN STEEL

 

TITLE: Forged in Steele

AUTHOR: Maya Banks

SERIES: KGI

RELEASE DATE: July 2013

 

 

 

Levet

 

TITLE:  Levet

AUTHOR:  Alexandra Ivy

SERIES: Guardians of Eternity

RELEASE DATE:  March 2013

 

 

Tempting the Jaguar Feb 13

 

TITLE: Tempting the Jaguar

AUTHOR: Katie Reus

SERIES:  Shifters

RELEASE DATE: March 2013

 

 

 

 

Share

Edge of Sanity by Shannon K Butcher – a Review

Edge of Sanity by Shannon K Butcher – a Review

 

Edge of Sanity by Shannon K. Butcher is her third book in her Edge series.  This was a terrific non stop action filled book. Edge of Sanity will be released on December 4th.

Description:
“I NEED TO KNOW IF ANYONE WAS KILLED LAST NIGHT.”


In his years working for the private security firm The Edge, Clay Marshall has seen it all. But the recent blackouts he’s been having are new. So is waking up with blood on his hands and clothes, with no memory of where the blood came from—or who he might have killed. He hates to admit it, but he needs help.
 
Dr. Leigh Vaughn has treated other Edge employees before, but from the moment she sees him for the first time, Clay strikes her as a special breed of man. She knows he’s dangerous, and distrustful of doctors, but she finds herself drawn to him even as his own steely exterior gives way to his growing desire for her.

Neither knows, however, that Clay is being used as a pawn in a larger experiment, and that his blackouts are only the first step toward a terrifying goal. And both Leigh and Clay will put themselves in harm’s way to stop an unseen enemy—and to save one another

Review

Edge of Sanity starts immediately into a tense action filled story of Clay Marshall, our hero in this book.  Clay works for The Edge, a private security firm, which is the background of this series.  Clay has recently been having blackouts, waking up covered with blood.  He cannot remember anything.  He doesn’t know where to turn, and decides to tell his best friend, Mira.  She is concerned for Clay, knowing he is not telling her the whole story, but knowing something is terribly wrong.  Mira goes to Payton Bainbridge, her boss at The Edge.  Payton, knows immediately what is wrong, once he listens to Mira, but he doesn’t tell her anything, other then he will help Clay, and to keep this private.  Payton goes to Clay, tells him to go away to his secluded vacation home, and bring no technical items. No phone, no computer, nothing.  He is to lock himself in the house, and only let in one person, whom he will send to help him.  Clay, seeing how serious and troubled Payton is, becomes concerned, but he knows he must follow Payton’s orders.

We now meet our heroine, Dr. Leigh Vaughn.  Leigh is a doctor, who helps Payton on occasion, to secretly fix up injuries to members or clients of The Edge.  It is Leigh, whom Payton sends to watch over Clay.  She accepts the assignment, with the promise that Payton will allow her to see her brother, who is locked away in a private facility.  Clay is immediately attracted to Leigh, but forces himself to be distant, as he isn’t sure what is happening to him, and he fears he is dangerous to anyone near him. 

We learn early on, that Clay has been brainwashed as a child, and just recently someone has triggered his activation.  Whoever is behind this has had him unknowingly going on missions to kill.  Clay doesn’t believe this at first, but learns from both Leigh, whose brother was also brainwashed, and from Payton, who confessed about his own involvement many years ago, and he was now trying to stop it and find out who is behind those early experiments, and the recent activation. 

This was a tremendous storyline, extremely exciting, and non stop action.  The race was on with Clay and Leigh being threatened at every step, as they were constantly hounded by the enemy, who was able to track them down.  Once Clay and Leigh realized how deep Payton was in this mess, they weren’t sure they could trust him, even though Payton told them he has been trying to stop this for a long time, and rectify his past mistakes.  What made this story great, was the developing romance between Clay and Leigh.  Clay knows he has fallen for Leigh, but he wants her far away from him, as he knows he has no control if someone pulls his trigger, and in that case anyone within reach of him is in terrible danger.  Leigh wants to help Clay, and she also knows she has fallen hard for Clay, but Leigh needs to help save her brother, and feels Clay must learn to trust her.  Despite their love, and great sex, the danger facing both of them, keeps them from any type of commitment.

The last 1/3 of the book was totally filled with non stop excitement, bringing in some other players into this dangerous game.  There were a number of twists and surprises that endanger their own lives, as well as those close to them.  Shannon Butcher outdid herself in this fantastic exciting story, as I could not stop reading.  Not to mention having a wonderful couple made it even better, as I loved Clay and Leigh together.  Edge of Sanity was an emotional roller coaster ride, and it had a sensational ending.   

Edge of Sanity Pre-Order Links:Amazon / Barnes and Noble / The Book Depository

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Author

Share

Cover Reveals

SOUL SCREAMERS Vol !! by Rachel Vincent




TITLE: Soul Screamers Vol !!

AUTHOR:  Rachel Vincent

RELEASE DATE:  December 2012



 

 

 

 

 

 

 


FORGET ME NOT by Shannon K Butcher




TITLE:  Forget Me Not (e-novella)

AUTHOR:  Shannon K Butcher

RELEASE DATE:  August 2012











 

 

EDGE OF SANITY by Shannon K Butcher

 

TITLE: Edge of Sanity

SERIES: The Edge Series

AUTHOR: Shannon K Butcher

RELEASE DATE:  December 2012

FROM the website:

The Edge, Book Three

The third novel in The Edge series now has an official cover! Here’s a closer look at it. We’ll add more about the book as we can, too! The release date for this novel is December 4, 2012.

“I NEED TO KNOW IF ANYONE WAS KILLED LAST NIGHT.”

In his years working for the private security firm The Edge, Clay Marshall has seen it all. But the recent blackouts he has been having are new. So is waking up with blood on his hands and clothes, with no memory of where the blood came from—or who he might have killed. He hates to admit it, but he needs help.

Dr. Leigh Vaughn has treated other Edge employees before, but from the moment she sees him for the first time, Clay strikes her as a special breed of man. She knows he’s dangerous and distrustful of doctors, but she is drawn to him even as his own steely exterior gives way to his growing desire for her.

Neither knows, however, that Clay is being used as a pawn in a larger experiment, and that his blackouts are only the first step toward a terrifying goal. And both Leigh and Clay will put themselves in harm’s way to stop an unseen enemy—and to save one another.

 


 

 

TITLE: After Moonrise

AUTHOR: PC Cast & Gena Showalter

RELEASE DATE: October 23, 2012



 

 

 

 

 

 

TITLE: Death, Doom and Detention

SERIES: Darklight

AUTHOR: Darynda Jones

RELEASE DATE: March 2013



 

 

 

 

TITLE: Finale

SERIES: Hush Hush

AUTHOR: Becca Fitzpatrick

RELEASE DATE: October 2012

 

 


 

 

 

 

TITLE: Fearless

SERIES: Elemental

AUTHOR: Brigid Kemmerer

RELEASE DATE: July 2012

Share

Shannon K. Butcher Bio-Book List

Shannon K. Butcher Bio/Book Listing


Shannon K. Butcher Biography
Since launching her career in 2007, award-winning author Shannon K. Butcher has penned more than eighteen titles, including the paranormal romance series, the Sentinel Wars; the action-romance series, the Edge; and a handful of romantic suspense novels and works of short fiction. Being a former engineer and current nerd, she frequently uses charts, graphs and tables to aid her in the mechanics of story design and to keep track of all those pesky characters and magical powers. An avid beader and glass artist, she spends her free time playing with colored glass and beads. You can find her online at http://shannonkbutcher.com/.

 

Shannon K. Butcher Bibliography

The following list contains novels by Shannon as well as a listing of anthologies in which she has a short story.

Paranormal Romance

The Sentinel Wars
There are worse ways to die…
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

Burning Alive (May 2009)
One warrior must fight his own desire if he is to discover the power that lies within his one true love…

For too long, Helen Day has been haunted by visions of her own death, surrounded by flames as a dark-haired man watches her burn. So when she sees the man of her nightmares staring at her across a diner, she attempts to flee–and ends up in the man’s arms. There, she awakens a force more powerful and enticing than she could ever imagine.

The instant the Theronai warrior Drake touches Helen, the anguish he has borne for years fades away. He is determined to know why this beautiful, fearful woman has such power over him. The answer lies in his very blood–and in Helen’s as well. For together, they may become more than lovers–they may become a weapon of light that could tip the balance of the war–and save Drake’s people… ‘Til death…

Helen shivered and heard a small moan lift from her mouth. Every cell in her body stood at attention from that one little touch. Her skin grew warm and her abdomen tightened against a jolt of heat. She wanted something she couldn’t name. Needed it. It wasn’t just desire. It went deeper than that. Bone deep. Soul deep. He had something that belonged to her and she wanted it. Even if it killed her.

His lips slid over her cheek, barely touching. Maybe not even touching, just stirring the fine hairs along her skin. Whatever he was doing, it was wonderful, fear or not. She felt like she was being filled up with energy. She felt more alive than she ever had before.    All from a barely-there touch from the man who would watch her die…

Finding the Lost (November 2009)
Now a young woman must put faith in a warrior whose power frightens her even as it draws her in.

Andra Madison knows that monsters are real. She’s been fighting them ever since her family was victimized by the Synestryn eight years ago. Now she’s devoted to finding children who’ve been abducted by the Synestryn. When she gets a call about a lost little boy, she tracks him to a warehouse on the outskirts of town, where she’s aided by a trio of human men…or so she thinks.

Paul has been searching for centuries for a woman like Andra. To find her, he strikes a bargain with a bloodhunter that could cost him his life.  Now his desire for Andra threatens to destroy his much-needed control. Against her wishes, Andra agrees to join Paul on a journey fraught with danger–one that leads directly to the Synestryn.

Running Scared (May 2010)
One Sentinel’s survival determines the fate of them all.

Lexi Johns has one purpose: to free her best friend from the hands of the Sentinels. And Zach, the Sentinel she has been running from for months, has one goal: to convince her that their destinies are entwined. For the magic that Zach has absorbed could destroy him if he doesn’t find the woman who can channel it for him. And he knows Lexi is the one.

From an early age, Lexi has been taught to fear the Sentinels. And now she is an agent of a group out to destroy them. So when Zach finds her, it is Lexi’s chance to strike at the heart of the Sentinels. But, as Lexi sees Zach’s courage, selflessness, and honor, she begins to doubt her beliefs — and is faced with an unbearable choice.

Living Nightmare (November 2010)
One Sentinel’s burning loyalty and love may prove to be her greatest weapons.

For nine years, Nika has had one goal: to save her younger sister from the Synestryn who hold her captive. Now the psychic bond Nika forged with her sibling is fading, and time is running out. But the one man who can unlock the power inside her left and never returned, leaving Nika alone to rescue a sister everyone else believes is dead.

Madoc swore to himself he would never enter Dabyr again. For his soul is nearly dead, and he fears what he might do to those he’s sworn to protect — especially Nika. If he accompanies her into the Synestryn realm, his forbidden desire for her may unleash the savage monster within him. But Nika’s need to rescue her sister is soon becomes intertwined with her passion for Madoc, while the a key to victory in the war may be within her reach…

Blood Hunt (August 2011)
Now, for one Sentinel, the only way to reclaim her forgotten past is to follow the blood.

Hope appeared out of nowhere, naked and alone, a woman without past. The only thing she knows is that she is imbued with a strange power. It’s in her blood. And two men want to possess it.

One is Logan, a Sanguinar demon-fighter who needs Hope’s essence to survive. As a vampire he’s well-equipped to find her a like-blooded mate whose progeny could sustain his race for generations. The other is Krag, a Synestryn lord whose desire is to enslave Hope, and drain her of the lifeforce. With it he could control humanity forever.

When Hope and Logan both fall prey to Krag, a powerful desire grows between them. But is it enough to thwart their captor’s diabolical plan and his demon warriors, and survive a vampire’s destiny written in blood?

Bound by Vengeance (February 2012)
The guilt that Defender Dakota Kacey feels about her brother’s death is all-consuming, making her determined to find and kill the demon who murdered him. But the leader of the Defenders is worried about what Dakota is capable of, and calls in Liam Lann to keep an eye on her. Dakota knows what kind of power a Theronai like Liam possesses, and agrees to bind herself to him if he’ll help her exact vengeance. But a bond to a Theronai is not a decision to make lightly, and as the search for the killer intensifies, Dakota will have to learn to trust Liam completely, or risk losing everything

Dying Wish (March 2012)
A beautiful but damaged Sentinel may be a warrior’s last hope…

Jackie Patton has been rescued by the Theronai from her captivity and torture at the hands of the Synestryn. All she wants is to be left alone, but that isn’t possible — not when she’s a potential match for the Theronai warriors who need a woman to literally save their lives.

Forced to choose, she unexpectedly selects Iain, a cold-hearted warrior who doesn’t want to be saved. Iain is convinced that it’s too late for him — that his soul is already as dead as his former betrothed, killed by the Synestryn. Still, he is the only man Jackie feels a measure of peace around, the only one she wants. But is Iain indeed beyond saving?

Falling Blind (April, 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….



Romantic Suspense

The Edge

Living on the Edge (March 2011)
After a devastating injury, Lucas Ramsay knows he’s finished as a soldier.But when the general who saved his life asks him for a favor, he says yes. All Lucas has to do is keep the general’s daughter from getting on a plane to Colombia — which is easier said than done…

Independent to the core, Sloane Gideon is a member of the Edge-a group of mercenaries for hire. But she’s not on the clock for this mission. Her best friend is being held by a vicious drug lord, and Sloane must rescue her — no matter how many handsome ex-soldiers her father sends to dissuade her.

With little choice, Lucas tracks Sloane to Colombia-where she reluctantly allows him to aid her in her search. But as they grow closer to the target, they grow closer to each other. And before the battle is over, both will have to decide just what they are willing to fight for…

Razor’s Edge (November 2011)
“BURN EVERYTHING. THEY’RE COMING.”

Roxanne “Razor” Haught is used to being in control. An expert in stealth security for corporate espionage cases, Razor is all about setting traps for the bad guys. But suddenly she is the target. A mysterious man is following her. Someone has trashed her house, searching for something. Then there is the cryptic coded message from her army friend: “Burn everything. They’re coming.”

Tanner O’Connell has no intentions of leaving Razor’s side. Despite her objections to having a “babysitter,” his orders as the newest member of the Edge are to watch her back. Of course he can’t help watching a lot more than that. But with some brainwashed assassins after his partner, Tanner cannot afford to let his desire for Razor interfere with his duty. His special ops skills might be all that stand between saving Razor — or losing her forever…

The Delta Force Trilogy

No Regrets (February 2007)
No Surrender
Renowned cryptologist Noelle Blanche refuses to have blood on her hands. So when the military asks for her help in a covert operation, she refuses – until masked gunmen raid her home and threaten her life. Suddenly it’s all too clear that the blood spilled may be her own. Noelle has no choice but to trust the dangerous stranger sent by the military to safeguard her. A stranger who is everything she detests, everything she fears…and everything she desires.

No Looking Back
Former Delta Force operative David Wolfe thought he left it all behind—the horror, the hurt, the guilt. But now the men who savagely murdered his wife have set their sights on a brilliant cryptologist who can lead them to the cache of weapons they prize. As passion ignites between David and the woman he’s sworn to protect, what began as just a mission escalates into the fight of his life. But can he prevent history from repeating itself?

No Regrets
The last thing ex-cop Trent Brady needs is more blood on his hands. Yet when he catches Elise breaking into her sister’s house, full of reckless determination and fear, he knows she needs his help. But just as desire ignites between them, a twisted madman sets his sights on Elise. Hell-bent on possessing her for himself, this psychopath won’t rest until he has his perfect woman.

No Control (February 2008)
No Hiding
Lana Hancock knows all about danger — and betrayal. Eighteen months ago, she was captured by a terrorist group known as the Swarm while one of its member, a rugged man with sinfully dark eyes, did nothing to help her. Now when she’s freed and desperate to put it all behind her, the unthinkable happens. The Swarm is targeting Lana once again and the man who stood silently by has become her protector. But can she trust him?

No Escape
Delta Force operative Caleb Stone will never forget the hatred shining in Lana’s eyes. Ordered to take down the Swarm by infiltrating its ranks, Caleb couldn’t blow his cover to save her — no matter how much it haunted him. Now, gifted with a second chance, he vows to move heaven and earth to protect her…and fulfill her every desire. But the Swarm has reorganized. It’s more powerful than ever and hell-bent on revenge…

No Control

No Escape (September 2008)
No Hiding
Lana Hancock knows all about danger — and betrayal. Eighteen months ago, she was captured by a terrorist group known as the Swarm while one of its member, a rugged man with sinfully dark eyes, did nothing to help her. Now when she’s freed and desperate to put it all behind her, the unthinkable happens. The Swarm is targeting Lana once again and the man who stood silently by has become her protector. But can she trust him?

No Escape
Delta Force operative Caleb Stone will never forget the hatred shining in Lana’s eyes. Ordered to take down the Swarm by infiltrating its ranks, Caleb couldn’t blow his cover to save her — no matter how much it haunted him. Now, gifted with a second chance, he vows to move heaven and earth to protect her…and fulfill her every desire. But the Swarm has reorganized. It’s more powerful than ever and hell-bent on revenge…

No Control

Stand-Alone Novel

Love You to Death (September 2009)

Anthologies with a Short Story by Shannon

The Mammoth Book of Special Ops Romance (May 2010)

Dark and Stormy Knights (July 2010)

On the Hunt (February 2011)

Share

RAZOR’S EDGE by Shannon K Butcher-a review

RAZOR’S EDGE by Shannon K Butcher

RAZOR’S EDGE by Shannon K Butcher

RAZOR’S EDGE, released November 2011, is the second book in The Edge series by Shannon K. Butcher. A romantic suspense series, The Edge novels focus on a group of elite, military trained personnel who have all been ‘conditioned’ and ‘trained’ as killing machines, and are somehow linked to a 20 year old experimental operation known as The Threshold Project. The Threshold Project was a failure that left many children, who are now adults, on the brink of psychological collapse and physical destruction. The Edge is a private security company backed by Payton Bainbridge and owner Bella Bayne. 

Roxanne ‘Razor’ Haught is a operative working for The Edge.–A group of trained security experts, in the field of military and corporate espionage. But when an assignment goes wrong, Razor’s supervisor Bella Bayne is pissed. Razor is assigned a partner, a babysitter in one—Tanner O’Connell. An ex-military man, Tanner has returned state side, on compassionate leave, due to a family accident, that killed his father and brother, Tanner needs this job, to help pay for his mother’s expenses and his sister in laws family and children. So under the guise of training, Razor is expected to train Tanner in the ways of The Edge.

With her ego hurting, Razor makes several attempts to elude Tanner, and takes him on a wild ride through downtown Dallas, but a burglary that destroys her childhood home, and an explosion that rocks her new place turn a lesson in self-pity, into a search and rescue. Razor realizes that she has become a target. When a mysterious, encrypted email arrives, from her best friend Jake Staite……saying to ‘burn everything, they are coming’, Razor knows that something is wrong. With Jake currently on an undercover assignment, Razor is unsure, whether the message can be true. Having not heard from Jake in months, and not knowing with which branch of security Jake is now working, Razor suspects that Jake is in trouble.

With Tanner’s help, they search Jakes’ possessions, only to find he has sent her a journal, documenting a series of medical mind control experiments (using powerful drugs) that are resulting in the death of his friends and those targeted by the mission. As a result of this information, Razor and Tanner, must take the journal to their superiors at The Edge, hoping that their ‘friends’ in powerful places, would be willing to help rescue Jake. When the leads take Razor and her fellow Edge personnel to New Mexico, a series of attempted abductions and death threats, against Razor, put the team on alert. But when her supervisor Payton, discovers that the man who was tracking Razor back in Dallas, has been brainwashed and control, in similar stylings to The Threshold Project, Payton must make a decision. As a member of the original Threshold Project-along with General Norwood, it has become apparent to Payton, that Dr. Stynger, a woman who was presumed dead, is still alive and continuing to push the limits of the human mind.

We are introduced to Clay, a fellow Edge team mate, who is showing symptoms of abnormal behavior, and Reid, Tanner’s brother. The anger between the brother’s regarding their father and brother’s death, places the team members in the unwanted position on the sidelines. But when Reid admonishes Tanner for his relationship with Razor, we see a side to the brothers, that reveals more jealousy than hate. Tanner and Razor’s relationship has gone beyond partners to lovers, against company policy, and with the knowledge, that both are equally aggressive with their assignments, the others are once again, forced to watch as their team mates, play a game of cat and mouse with each other.

Jake has found a friend in Jordyn Stynger. She was the person instrumental in sending the email to Razor, but paid a high price for her disobedience. Her mother, Dr. Norma Stynger, head of the current mind control project, continues to make an example of her daughter. But after a horrific demonstration of torture against Jake, Jordyn reveals the location of Razor to her mother, but once again, must face the consequences of her actions. It is not until Jake has been thoroughly brain-washed, and in a drug controlled stupor, does Jordyn affect his escape from the facility in New Mexico. But unbeknownst to everyone, Jake is leading Stynger and General Bower, straight to Razor and the Edge Team. Wanting Jake’s journal returned and destroyed, Stynger and her team of vigilante ex- military, set a trap to ensnare Razor, for the return of the journal.

When the team finally discovers the where-abouts of Razor, Tanner is almost destroyed learning she has been beaten. Their relationship is no longer a forced partnership, but one building on love. But when a mind-controlled Jake, is told to kill them both, Tanner will stop at nothing to save the woman he has fallen in love with. With Razor’s reluctant help, Tanner subdues a raging Jake, only to realize there is nothing that will stop the man, in his murderous rage. Knowing that he must take Jake down, Tanner is reluctant to kill Jake, but he must shoot the man, before he kills them all. Razor’s affections for Jake are deep. She loves the man beyond measure, which leaves a confused and jealous Tanner. But as the story developed, we were witnesses to a background of love and friendship between two best friends, who would die before letting the other be harmed.

As a prolific reader of all things Christine Feehan, I could not help but make the comparisons between The Edge series and the Ghostwalkers. Although each has its’ own distinctive storylines, characters and events, The Threshold Project with its’ use of young children, and now adults, is comparable to Dr. Whitney’s experiments on young girls and the Ghostwalker Teams. Not that it is a bad thing…just comparable.  If you like Christine Feehans’ Ghostwalker series, you will like Shannon K Butcher’s The Edge series.

Razor’s Edge is a fast paced novel that encompasses both action and military style operations. Razor and Tanner’s relationship builds quickly, as the two are put into the difficult situation of guarding each other 24/7, but their chemistry is strong and not without its’ moments of lust and love. Razor is written as a strong-willed, tough character, who is continuously risking her own life, as well as those of the men around her. The Edge and its’ team members have plenty of opportunity and future storylines, to search for those men and women who were once and now continue to be part of The Threshold Project.

READING ORDER

1.  Living On The Edge (Mar 2011)
2.  Razor’s Edge (Nov 2011)

Reviewed by Sandy

Share

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

Dying Wish by Shannon K. Butcher – a Review

 

 

Dying Wish is the sixth book in Shannon Butchers 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

Share

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

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

Share