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3.93 AVERAGE
3.93 AVERAGE
Boy oh boy! I wasn't sure anyone could top Jax Mercury, but Raze Shadow surprised me! I loved the grumpy/sunshine between him and Vinnie. And Vinnie's inability to control what she said was highly entertaining! I have quickly fallen in love with this series, and I can't wait to read about Tace and Sami!
HFN? yes
3rd act break-up? no
HFN? yes
3rd act break-up? no
adventurous
dark
emotional
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Shadow Falling by Rebecca Zanetti
Scorpius Syndrome #2
Well worth the wait for book two in this marvelous series BUT now I have to wait for book three! Just looked…won’t be out till next January! Jax Mercury and Lynne Harmony are still together in what was once Los Angeles and continue to play a big part in this new and wonderful post-apocalyptic dystopian series set in California. Although this is the story of Vinnie and Raze it also keeps tracking characters from the first book while introducing new characters who easily could show up in future books.
Vinnie was rescued from evil President Brett Atherton at the end of book one, Mercury Striking, and was carried out of the horrors she had suffered through by Raze Shadow. This book begins about a week after her rescue and she is having a rather difficult time dealing with flashbacks, hallucinations and nightmares. Raze offers his room to her in headquarters so she can live with others rather than on her own in a place that will put her closer to where she will begin to work for Vanguard – the group Jax is leading.
Vinnie and Raze are drawn to one another but Raze has a secret that is tearing him apart and Vinnie fears she is never going to be the same after what she has been through. That does not stop them from growing closer to one another both mentally and physically. Raze is on a mission that is compelling but as he gets to know Vinnie better he is nearly torn in two while contemplating what to do. Vinnie is a strong woman with a great deal of empathy with the ability to can “read” people and this asset is wanted by many for a variety of reasons. Raze’s military skills and other strengths will stand him in good stead wherever he goes. Both Vinnie and Raze want to “belong” and may have found where they will fit best in Vanguard…if they survive.
In this crazy new world many have been attacked by the Scorpius virus and it has had an impact in ways that have changed the world forever. Most are dead, many have become raving maniacal cannibals and others have become stronger and faster and much more lethal. Groups have been created by leaders and those known of through the books so far include: Vanguard led by Jax and in what was once Los Angeles, the Mercenaries led by Greyson “Grey” Storm located further up the California coastline, the 20’s – a Los Angeles gang Jax once belonged to long ago. Some might end up working together in an attempt to create a new world order while others might only be interested in promoting themselves.
With plenty of action, interesting new characters, mysteries to solve, some flirting and romance, the need for a cure and the search for the bunker that may hold answers I found that this book had everything I needed to keep me reading into the wee hours of the morning. I hated it ending and look forward to finding out what will happen in book three where Tace and Sami will have their stories told. I see more books in the future and look forward to reading each and every one of them! This book made me think, again, of the “what if” of a world changed forever…and just how scary it might be.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
5 Stars
Scorpius Syndrome #2
Well worth the wait for book two in this marvelous series BUT now I have to wait for book three! Just looked…won’t be out till next January! Jax Mercury and Lynne Harmony are still together in what was once Los Angeles and continue to play a big part in this new and wonderful post-apocalyptic dystopian series set in California. Although this is the story of Vinnie and Raze it also keeps tracking characters from the first book while introducing new characters who easily could show up in future books.
Vinnie was rescued from evil President Brett Atherton at the end of book one, Mercury Striking, and was carried out of the horrors she had suffered through by Raze Shadow. This book begins about a week after her rescue and she is having a rather difficult time dealing with flashbacks, hallucinations and nightmares. Raze offers his room to her in headquarters so she can live with others rather than on her own in a place that will put her closer to where she will begin to work for Vanguard – the group Jax is leading.
Vinnie and Raze are drawn to one another but Raze has a secret that is tearing him apart and Vinnie fears she is never going to be the same after what she has been through. That does not stop them from growing closer to one another both mentally and physically. Raze is on a mission that is compelling but as he gets to know Vinnie better he is nearly torn in two while contemplating what to do. Vinnie is a strong woman with a great deal of empathy with the ability to can “read” people and this asset is wanted by many for a variety of reasons. Raze’s military skills and other strengths will stand him in good stead wherever he goes. Both Vinnie and Raze want to “belong” and may have found where they will fit best in Vanguard…if they survive.
In this crazy new world many have been attacked by the Scorpius virus and it has had an impact in ways that have changed the world forever. Most are dead, many have become raving maniacal cannibals and others have become stronger and faster and much more lethal. Groups have been created by leaders and those known of through the books so far include: Vanguard led by Jax and in what was once Los Angeles, the Mercenaries led by Greyson “Grey” Storm located further up the California coastline, the 20’s – a Los Angeles gang Jax once belonged to long ago. Some might end up working together in an attempt to create a new world order while others might only be interested in promoting themselves.
With plenty of action, interesting new characters, mysteries to solve, some flirting and romance, the need for a cure and the search for the bunker that may hold answers I found that this book had everything I needed to keep me reading into the wee hours of the morning. I hated it ending and look forward to finding out what will happen in book three where Tace and Sami will have their stories told. I see more books in the future and look forward to reading each and every one of them! This book made me think, again, of the “what if” of a world changed forever…and just how scary it might be.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
5 Stars
I really liked this book. There were several plot lines and all of them were exciting. The characters from the previous book were in this one, but they were an integral part of the plot. It's not one of the couple per book stories that forgets about the previous characters. This book follows smoothly from the last book despite there being a different central couple.
Vinnie, a profiler, is rescued by Raze and Vanguard soldiers. She had been held prisoner by the President because he thinks she knows where the mysterious bunker is. Vinnie is good at holding her own against Raze, who is an ultra alpha type. He says things like "you might want to reflect on the fact that I've tamed wilder animals than you" and "I'll tie you to the bed, I'll shackle you to that radiator, I'll beat your ass until you can't walk . . . in order to keep you safe and keep you here". I was relieved when nothing like this really happened. Vinnie didn't take his crap, but she was smart enough to know when he was the expert and she wasn't.
Minor
I really recommend this book.
Vinnie, a profiler, is rescued by Raze and Vanguard soldiers. She had been held prisoner by the President because he thinks she knows where the mysterious bunker is. Vinnie is good at holding her own against Raze, who is an ultra alpha type. He says things like "you might want to reflect on the fact that I've tamed wilder animals than you" and "I'll tie you to the bed, I'll shackle you to that radiator, I'll beat your ass until you can't walk . . . in order to keep you safe and keep you here". I was relieved when nothing like this really happened. Vinnie didn't take his crap, but she was smart enough to know when he was the expert and she wasn't.
Minor
Spoiler
Initially, Raze was supposed to kidnap Vinnie and deliver her to the mercenaries in return for his sister. What I really loved is that this plan is dumped pretty quickly and Vinnie and everyone else find out about it.I really recommend this book.
adventurous
hopeful
fast-paced
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
tense
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I may have given this a higher rating if it weren't for the big finale scene that played out like a prime time TV thriller/drama. A huge stand-off; everybody armed, no way out, somebody/everybody is going to die...but, no! Suddenly, everything happens just right for none of the good guys to get killed, and and all of the bad guys to get away. Again.
This book reminded me a lot like the tv show The Walking Dead. I love that show, so this is a compliment for sure. A bacteria has spread that turns people in different ways. Some resemble Zombies, some return to almost normal with a boost to their system and then some turn into sociopaths. It kept the story line flowing and on the move constantly. I would recommend reading book one first. This is a continuous series that seem to focus on one couple but all the key players are just as much in this book that were in the first book. It ended with a HFN ending. I look forward to the next in the series because I not only enjoy the continuous evolving plot, but I love the super strong Alpha men the author creates. Plus, I'm intrigued to find out what this desease will develop in some of the characters. There's hints of extra physical and mental abilities that make this story that much more exciting.
ARC was provided by the publisher via netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was a great follow up to Mercury Striking!
Vivienne Kennedyused to one of the best profilers in FBI, helping track down sociopath/serial killers was just a normal day for her but that was before Scorpius Syndrome destroyed almost all of the population leaving a few survivors, even fewer sane ones. After being kidnapped and abused at the hands of the current President who believes that she's some psychic who can help him find the bunker where the answers to Scorpius Syndrome lies. She is no longer the same person as she used to be. Infection with Scorpius and later the chemical concoctions used has left her thinking she's crazy. Now rescued, Vinnie has no idea how difficult her life can get.
Raze Shadow is one of the Vanguard's Lieutenants (a camp of survivors in LA), he also happens to between a rock and a hard place. He doesn't want to betray Vanguard or hurt Vinnie but he would do what he needs to be done. No matter what the cost. His conflicting loyalties between the Vanguard and the mercenaries and his growing feelings towards Vinnie are making everything difficult.
Everything on earth can be explained in terms of atoms and matter…… except love. – Dr. Franklin X Harmony
Vinnie and Raze had a abundant of chemistry. Vinnie is extremely attracted to intense and brooding Raze, she knows she shouldn't trust him but can't help but be compelled and comforted by his presence. Raze couldn't help but fall for this little blonde with her feisty attitude and a kind heart. They were very good together, an unlikely duo with one hiding so much while the other has no filter at all which made for some fun banter between the two. They were at times intense, other times sweet and then passionate. I really liked their relationship, Vinnie bought out the softer side of Raze and Raze made Vinnie feel less crazy.
I really liked Vinnie, the girl has been through a lot but she's a fighter. Jax giving her position of the compound psychiatrist helped her feel useful, settled and made her like she finally belonged I loved her blurt out moments, they made for hilarious moments and lowering the tension in the some situations. Raze on the other hand, was possessive and protective.
This was a great follow up to Mercury Striking!
Vivienne Kennedyused to one of the best profilers in FBI, helping track down sociopath/serial killers was just a normal day for her but that was before Scorpius Syndrome destroyed almost all of the population leaving a few survivors, even fewer sane ones. After being kidnapped and abused at the hands of the current President who believes that she's some psychic who can help him find the bunker where the answers to Scorpius Syndrome lies. She is no longer the same person as she used to be. Infection with Scorpius and later the chemical concoctions used has left her thinking she's crazy. Now rescued, Vinnie has no idea how difficult her life can get.
Raze Shadow is one of the Vanguard's Lieutenants (a camp of survivors in LA), he also happens to between a rock and a hard place. He doesn't want to betray Vanguard or hurt Vinnie but he would do what he needs to be done. No matter what the cost. His conflicting loyalties between the Vanguard and the mercenaries and his growing feelings towards Vinnie are making everything difficult.
Everything on earth can be explained in terms of atoms and matter…… except love. – Dr. Franklin X Harmony
Vinnie and Raze had a abundant of chemistry. Vinnie is extremely attracted to intense and brooding Raze, she knows she shouldn't trust him but can't help but be compelled and comforted by his presence. Raze couldn't help but fall for this little blonde with her feisty attitude and a kind heart. They were very good together, an unlikely duo with one hiding so much while the other has no filter at all which made for some fun banter between the two. They were at times intense, other times sweet and then passionate. I really liked their relationship, Vinnie bought out the softer side of Raze and Raze made Vinnie feel less crazy.
I really liked Vinnie, the girl has been through a lot but she's a fighter. Jax giving her position of the compound psychiatrist helped her feel useful, settled and made her like she finally belonged I loved her blurt out moments, they made for hilarious moments and lowering the tension in the some situations. Raze on the other hand, was possessive and protective.
....Whatever happens, Vinnie. It's you and me. Forever. - Raze Shadow.
There is action and adventure as usual, with suspense peaking in the second half. With internal conflicts arising as well as the enemies beyond the border of Vanguard, finding the cure, protecting the survivors as well as finding the bunker with limited supplies and information is getting harder by the minute. I really like the way the action and suspense is written, it made me feel the urgency of the situation. I also loved the budding camaraderie between Jax and Raze as well as the dynamic between the secondary characters.
I also loved those quotes at the start of each chapter!
Only the insane truly fall in love. -Dr. Vinnie Wellington, Perceptions.
Quibbles: I do wish that Vinnie's whether or not she's psychic bit was explored a bit further as well as maybe some information about how Scorpius is effecting people in different ways giving them unique abilities? and less time on the issue with the preacher. Also at times Raze's behaviour was quite close to being barbaric towards Vinnie which I wish was slightly toned down. But apart from that it was great addition to the compelling plot line of the series.
I'm really looking forward to the next one which involves a hero, Trace who after the infection seems to no longer feel much and is kind of becoming a sociopath and Sami the lieutenant who is hiding quite a lot from her fellow survivors at vanguard (Side Note: I KNEW IT about Sami I mean). That is all sort of exciting stuff there. I'm also hoping that we get Raze's sister and the Mercenary leader's book as well. Can't wait for more from this series!
I simply love this series. The Scorpius Syndrome series features a post-apocalyptic world where a bacteria killed 99% of the US populations, those who survived and receive B-12 shots are carriers, require less sleep, suffer from headaches are unable to reproduce (not confirmed) and can affect others. Some who survive become what is known as Rippers. Much like zombies, or worse become mentally unhinged serial killers. Sweet right? These stories should be read in order and I strongly recommend the prequel The Scorpius Syndrome #0.5 found in the anthology The Hunt.
Most of our story takes place in the crumbling remains of Los Angeles and picks up right where Mercury Striking lets off. The story has an overall story ARC revolving around the Ripper president, finding a cure and surviving to live another day. Each of the books features movement in the overall ARC, a romance and side threads containing danger and action scenes that will delight action moviegoers and gamers.
Raze Shadow is or was a part of the military. Raze is highly skilled and is a known associate of the Mercenaries a ruthless gang. In Mercury Striking, he aided in an attack on the President’s compound where he rescued Vivienne Kennedy a former FBI Profiler. Vivienne was tortured and experimented using drugs that have affected her in unsettling ways. If Alpha men make you swoon, Raze will knock your socks off. He is possessive of loved ones, loyal until the end but also willing to compromise.
Vivienne Kennedy has a career I find completely fascinating. If you follow Caffeinated, you know I have a thing for serial killers. I love shows, books, and documentaries about them. Twisted right? The Vivienne we first meet is unhinged. Not surprising considering what she went through. We slowly see her regain her confidence and witness the emergence of her snarky and a feisty personality.
We see advancement regarding the overall story arc, but I still have questions and my only complaint was my thirst for more details regarding the virus. We meet other groups, get perspectives from the President's camp and gain insight into the general direction book three will take us. We learn about those within the compound, and I love this motley crew of survivors. Tace and Sami have a little spark igniting and I cannot wait for their story. Zanetti did a great job of sharing this apocalyptic world along with the fears, needs and daily bullshit necessary to survive.
Aside from the overall ARC, we had two intense threads. The reason Raze joined the group and a group of unaffected humans within the compound who refer to themselves as the “Pure”. Both threads were developed. I particularly liked seeing Raze open up and trust. His secret led us to other discoveries and new characters. The leader of the “Pure” was freaky, and this is exactly the kind of stuff I could see happening in this type of world.
Zanetti delivered a fully developed romance with snarky, humor, bite and delicious heat. Balanced moments of tenderness, playfulness and explosive passion had me rooting for this couple. Even when Raze went into Alpha mode, you had to love his reasoning. These two traded barbs and had fantastic chemistry. One of the things I like about this series is the romantic thread tucked within the post-apocalyptic world where every day you struggle to live another day. It nicely balances out the intense action scenes and climatic battles.
Copy Provided by publisher. This review was originally posted on Caffeinated Book Reviewer
Most of our story takes place in the crumbling remains of Los Angeles and picks up right where Mercury Striking lets off. The story has an overall story ARC revolving around the Ripper president, finding a cure and surviving to live another day. Each of the books features movement in the overall ARC, a romance and side threads containing danger and action scenes that will delight action moviegoers and gamers.
Raze Shadow is or was a part of the military. Raze is highly skilled and is a known associate of the Mercenaries a ruthless gang. In Mercury Striking, he aided in an attack on the President’s compound where he rescued Vivienne Kennedy a former FBI Profiler. Vivienne was tortured and experimented using drugs that have affected her in unsettling ways. If Alpha men make you swoon, Raze will knock your socks off. He is possessive of loved ones, loyal until the end but also willing to compromise.
Vivienne Kennedy has a career I find completely fascinating. If you follow Caffeinated, you know I have a thing for serial killers. I love shows, books, and documentaries about them. Twisted right? The Vivienne we first meet is unhinged. Not surprising considering what she went through. We slowly see her regain her confidence and witness the emergence of her snarky and a feisty personality.
We see advancement regarding the overall story arc, but I still have questions and my only complaint was my thirst for more details regarding the virus. We meet other groups, get perspectives from the President's camp and gain insight into the general direction book three will take us. We learn about those within the compound, and I love this motley crew of survivors. Tace and Sami have a little spark igniting and I cannot wait for their story. Zanetti did a great job of sharing this apocalyptic world along with the fears, needs and daily bullshit necessary to survive.
Aside from the overall ARC, we had two intense threads. The reason Raze joined the group and a group of unaffected humans within the compound who refer to themselves as the “Pure”. Both threads were developed. I particularly liked seeing Raze open up and trust. His secret led us to other discoveries and new characters. The leader of the “Pure” was freaky, and this is exactly the kind of stuff I could see happening in this type of world.
Zanetti delivered a fully developed romance with snarky, humor, bite and delicious heat. Balanced moments of tenderness, playfulness and explosive passion had me rooting for this couple. Even when Raze went into Alpha mode, you had to love his reasoning. These two traded barbs and had fantastic chemistry. One of the things I like about this series is the romantic thread tucked within the post-apocalyptic world where every day you struggle to live another day. It nicely balances out the intense action scenes and climatic battles.
Copy Provided by publisher. This review was originally posted on Caffeinated Book Reviewer