Review - The Segonian (Aldebarian Alliance #2) by Dianne Duvall

REVIEW

Tension in The Segonian's inception leads to an introduction to their broader universe. We spend time getting acquainted with Dagon's crew on their ship, the Ranasura, during their rescue mission in deep space. Races within, and some outside of the Aldebarian Alliance, are introduced as Elaina and Dagon become close. With a grand battle at the end, the primary antagonist finally comes into play. Sci-fi is typically not a genre of choice for me, but as The Segonian unfolded, I found myself more and more enveloped in this world. I am definitely eager for the next installment of the Aldebarian Alliance.

I did not mind the bulk of the action was at the end of their story. Eliana and Dagon are charming enough in their environment that I thoroughly enjoyed their company. Dagon and Eliana couple well. Dagon has honor, calm masculinity, and genuine respect for his comrades. Everyone takes an instant liking to Eliana, which is entirely believable. She is kind, quick-witted, and resilient. 

In essence, this book is well worth the time. I laughed, cried, and experienced the anxiety for Eliana and Dagon to fulfill their mission. On a side note, if you are an audiobook fan, you must consider this medium for The Segonian. The narrator is a remarkable vessel. But no matter print or audio, The Segonian by Dianne Duvall is an excellent sci-fi fantasy romance.

ABOUT THE BOOK

The Segonian by Dianne Duvall Blog Tour Author's Post - The Segonian Playlist

The Segonian Playlist

Hello! Thank you for joining us today in celebrating the release of THE SEGONIAN, the second stand-alone novel in my exciting Aldebarian Alliance series. If you’re new to my work and enjoy sci-fi and paranormal romance novels that feature strong heroes who love strong women and have lots of action, passion, humor, and happily-ever-afters, then I think you’ll enjoy Dagon and Eliana’s story. 

One of the questions readers frequently ask me is what kind of music I listen to when I write. Those of you who have hung out with me in my Street Team, my Dianne Duvall Books Group, or elsewhere on social media already know what I’ve going to say: I rarely listen to music when I’m in writer mode, because I inevitably end up singing along with the songs and lose focus. BUT that doesn’t mean that music and writing never intermingle for me. Certain songs always bring specific characters, books, or scenes to mind. So today I thought I would share with you my playlist for THE SEGONIAN:

1 E. T. — Katy Perry. 

I couldn’t resist adding this one. Commander Dagon is an alien, after all. And, technically speaking, Eliana is as alien to him as he is to her. ;-)

2 What’s Up Danger — Blackway & Black Caviar. 

This could be Eliana’s anthem. She does NOT shy away from danger and totally kicks ass. I love her strength. Dagon does, too. And he doesn’t shy away from danger either, diving right into battle alongside Eliana and his men.

3 Resilient — Katy Perry. 

If Eliana had another theme song, this would be it. In the beginning of this book, she finds herself in an absolutely terrifying situation. (You can read the preview on my website: http://www.dianneduvall.com/TheSegonian.htm ) But boy, does she bounce back!

4 Scared of the Dark — Lil. Wayne & Ty Dolla $ign. 

Eliana has spent most of her long life hunting psychotic vampires night after night. So she is definitely not afraid of the dark and doesn’t back down when times get tough.

5 Familia (featuring Bantu)—Nicki Minaj & Anuel AA. 

This one I associate with Eliana and quite a few characters in my Immortal Guardians series. My Immortal Guardians are like one great big family, loving and teasing and utterly loyal. They will do anything for each other. And if someone wrongs one of them, the rest won't hesitate to seek vengeance.

6 Down with the Sickness — Disturbed. 

I had to add this one, too, since Eliana is an Immortal Guardian. (Don’t worry. You don’t have to read that series to understand this one. This is a stand-alone novel in a new series.) Immortals and vampires in my fictional universe are infected with a very rare virus that behaves more like a symbiotic organism and grants them their amazing strength, speed, regenerative properties, and longevity.

7 At Last — Etta James. 

This is another song I now associate it with Eliana and Dagon. You’ll know why when you read or listen to THE SEGONIAN. ;-)

__________________________________________________

What about you? What songs are currently on your playlist? Are there any that make you think of specific books or characters?

ABOUT THE BOOK

The Guardian by Donna Grant

ABOUT THE BOOK

Knowledge is power.

They live to protect. They live to fight for honor and justice. They live to love the women who have captured their souls. These are the Sons of Texas, from New York Times bestselling author Donna Grant.

As a double agent, Maks Petrov has been so many people, he doesn’t know who he is anymore. While he prefers to work alone, taking down an organization like the Saints requires some help—even if he loathes asking for it. Just one day in the company of a sexy, fearless, and brilliant information broker makes him realize what he’s been missing in life…and fantasizing about what he could have.

Eden Fontaine thought she knew the evils of the world until she was confronted with knowledge of the Saints and what they’ve done—and still could do. Lucky for her, she has Maks by her side, a trained operative who not only makes her feel safe and cared for but also makes her blood run hot. Eden’s never thought much about settling down, but Maks makes her crave a world without the Saints and the handsome guardian by her side for all eternity.

With the Saints upping their game, Maks and Eden have one shot at assembling the intelligence necessary to take down the evil organization for good. If they can, they may have a chance at the happily ever after they both deserve.

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REVIEW

The Guardian by Donna Grant is the first book I have read in the Sons of Texas series. Although I did not have the lead-up information, I never felt lost while reading The Guardian.  It can certainly serve as a standalone novel.  Maks is as spy on the run, who commissions help from Eden to uncover a secret government group who seem to be trying to take over the world.

The Guardian had me hooked right away.  The storyline balances action-based thrills with the downtime of computer research and Maks and Eden getting to know each other.  The scenarios never pause long enough to become stagnant, making it a well-rounded plot.  

The Suspense and romance make The Guardian well worth a read.  Even without the benefit of witnessing their past wrongs, watching the bad guy fall here was extremely satisfying.

The Fiery Crown by Jeffe Kennedy

ABOUT THE BOOK

A desperate alliance. A struggle for survival. And a marriage of convenience with an epic twist of fate come together in Jeffe Kennedy's The Fiery Crown.

WILL THEIR LOVE STAND THE TEST OF TIME

Queen Euthalia has reigned over her island kingdom of Calanthe with determination, grace, and her magical, undying orchid ring. After she defied an empire to wed Conrí, the former Crown Prince of Oriel—a man of disgraced origins with vengeance in his heart—Lia expected the wizard’s prophecy to come true: Claim the hand that wears the ring and the empire falls. But Lia’s dangerous bid to save her realm doesn’t lead to immediate victory. Instead, destiny hurls her and Conrí towards a future neither could predict…

OR TEAR THEIR WHOLE WORLD APART?

Con has never healed after the death of his family and destruction of his kingdom—he’s been carefully plotting his revenge against his greatest enemy, Emperor Anure, waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike. When Lia’s spies gather intelligence suggesting that Anure is planning an attack against Calanthe, Con faces an agonizing choice: Can he sacrifice Lia and all she holds dear to destroy the empire? Or does his true loyalty exist in the arms of his beguiling, passionate wife—’til death do they part?

The Forgotten Empire series is:

“Captivating…engrossing.” —Romance Reviews Today

“Sensual fantasy romance you won’t want to miss!”—Amanda Bouchet, USA Today bestselling author of The Kingmaker Chronicles

“Action-packed…sexy…highly recommend.”—Harlequin Junkie (Top Pick)

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REVIEW

The Fiery Crown is book 2 of the Forgotten Empires series.  At this point, Conri and Euthalia are preparing for the backlash of their marriage.  Expecting Emperorer Anure to retaliate soon, and the couple must agree on a way to keep Calanthe safe from his forces while Con attempts to exact his revenge. 

There is nothing about this book/ series I do not like. The fantasy elements are unique and exciting. Euthalia's connection to her land and her magical ties to the orchid ring is clever and interesting. She is a strong leader, intelligent, and dedicated to her people. Conri begins as a reluctant partner, but slowly he and Euthalia work together to combat the impending war. During preparations, you see a strong partnership begin to grow between them, and the people around them fall in line with it. 

Prophecies are an exciting plot device. When handled properly, it can inject a good deal of suspense into the story. In The Fiery Crown, the true meaning is not obvious until it is. It does not contradict itself. I just buzzed right through this story, on the edge of my seat, trying to figure it all out. And I did not see everything coming.

Jeffe Kennedy did an excellent job keeping me engaged in the Fiery Crown. I absolutely cannot wait for more of the Forgotten Empires series.

Broken Dawn by Dianne Duvall

REVIEW

The Immortal Guardian series, a standard recommendation to everyone I talk to, takes a unique spin on the vampire mythology, one that sets it far apart from other PNRS. I adore Dianne Duvall's heroes and heroines. Her Immortals are powerful and protective without being domineering. Here you will not encounter the stereotypical situation of the male domineering the female. The couples are equal in tenacity, clever wit, and charm. I enjoyed shifting away from North Carolina to Texas in this installment, while still keeping a direct connection to the original group. 

Nick and Kayla have marvelous chemistry, and they were absolutely adorable together. Their relationship slowly develops over time, and when they discover the mutual reciprocation, their interactions are wonderfully steamy. The action and suspense are on par with what I expect from this remarkable series. Everything that I appreciate about the Immortal Guardians is present in Broken Dawn. Dianne Duvall does not disappoint.

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Shatter the Earth by Karen Chance

ABOUT THE BOOK

Ironically for the time traveling, chief seer of the supernatural world, time has never been on Cassie Palmer’s side. There has always seemed to be too much to learn, too much to master, and never enough hours in a day. But the tables have now turned, and the fluctuating timelines of Earth and Faerie are diverging, slowing time in Faerie relative to Earth, and giving humans an advantage for the first time in their war with the fey. It is one they desperately need, for a literal war of the worlds is about to take place. To win, or even to survive, Cassie and her allies, the powerful vampire senator Mircea Basarab and the formidable war mage John Pritkin, will have to pull off their greatest feat yet. And find a way to become more than the sum of their parts.

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REVIEW

Shatter the Earth is the latest in the remarkable Cassie Palmer series by Karen Chance. I cannot state how much I genuinely enjoy these books. There is wry humor, non-stop action, and steamy romance. After ten full-length novels, various short stories, and spin-off books (see Dorina Basarab), I am extremely invested in the complex characters that drive these books. Vampires, Mages, Fae, Demons, and even mythological Gods weave into the intricate plot in unique ways. Every story consistently utilizes elements that genuinely surprise me, which I absolutely adore. In a genre that frequently possesses the same old same old, I can count on Cassie Palmer to not follow my expected path. When speaking to others about the joy in reading a great urban fantasy/paranormal romance, the Cassie Palmer books by Karen Chance are the first on my list of recommendations.

Random spoilery thoughts: My main comment here is holy crap, that Lover's Knot spell! That is most definitely an excellent pay off for them. I wait impatiently to see where this goes. And boy, I hope Dory does not hold too much of a grudge for how that last battle started. Thank you Karen Chance, for constantly surprising me. 

The Demon's Possession Shadow Quest Book 1 by Kiersten Fay

ABOUT THE BOOK

April 2020 edition. Re-edited, this second edition contains an extended ending.

A devilishly passionate tale of a fierce demon captain and the mysterious young princess he vows to protect. Their passion will ignite the stars.

As captain of the merchant ship Marada, Sebastian has been commissioned to deliver a curious parcel to a ruthless pirate named Ethanule. But when a bewitching young woman mysteriously appears on his ship, he finds it impossible to focus on the job...and to keep his hands off her.

Held captive most of her life, Analia makes a desperate bid for freedom and escapes onto a craft led by a fearsome demon who sparks her desire, but her secrets are more dangerous than she knows. If she is to maintain her freedom, she must gain Sebastian's trust while concealing her true nature.

The Demon's Possession is the first installment of the bestselling paranormal romance series, Shadow Quest.

INTERVIEW WITH THE AUTHOR

Q - Tell us a little bit about your Shadow Quest series.

Shadow Quest is a unique mix of genres that incorporates paranormal romance, fantasy romance, and science fiction romance. My characters are based loosely in mythology with some kick-but mythical creatures such as demons, dragons, witches, and fey-like beings. Since they’re all from different planets, I suppose they’d be considered aliens.

Each book focuses on the relationship of the hero and heroine and the trust they must build with one another. The connection they form is a slow-burn at first, and then turns combustible. I play with the fated mates theme, but the conflict and mistrust keeps things interesting. Ultimately love wins out in the end, if they can survive the journey.

Q – What order should I read the books in?

Each book can be read in any order and the reader can still follow along, but for the full experience, I suggest the following sequence:

- The Demon's Possession

- The Demon Slave

- The Demon's Retribution

- Demon Untamed

Q - So, why should readers give these books a try?

Paranormal romance fans are ravenous, and my Shadow Quest series hits the spot. Readers have told me they have read The Demon's Possession several times over and still enjoy it. It’s a series that draws you in and makes you long for more.

Readers who enjoy witty romance, alpha males, and lots of action will want to take this epic journey.

Q - What inspired the world you created in The Demon's Possession, having it take place in space and different planets?

I’ve always been interested in scifi, fantasy, paranormal, and mythology. I thought about the kind of romance novels I enjoy reading and what I liked about them: the idea that there could be a supernatural world within our own, veiled from sight.

Then I thought, “What if all these creatures from lore were really from different planets?” After that, the world building came naturally.

Shadow Quest series ebook Categories

- Paranormal Romance Series

- Futuristic Romance

- Science Fiction Romance Series

- Scifi Romance

- Fantasy Romance Series

- Demons & Devils

- Demon Romance

- Romance With Alpha Males

- Witches & Wizards

- Myths & Legends

- Aliens

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REVIEW

What I enjoyed: Close to midway through the novel, the story took a turn I didn't fully anticipate. As I learned more about Analia's past, I discovered I genuinely wanted to follow her journey to the ultimate end. Therefore, I will be picking up the next installment (this is book one of the Shadow Quest series). 

Sebastian and Analia are charming enough. Sebastian, the demon captain of the Marada, is super sexy and very Alpha male. Analia starts out timid, and as her confidence grows, she becomes the emotional anchor Sebastian needs. 

All of this inevitably leads to what made the story less likable. The couple is a bit stereotypical. I honestly almost stopped reading it, although when the plot began to thicken, I was glad I didn't. 

Typically sci-fi is not my go-to, but The Demon's Possession was a nice diversion from my normal genre.

Into the Fire: An Orphan X Novel by Gregg Hurwitz

ABOUT THE BOOK

The New York Times bestselling Orphan X returns - just when Evan Smoak thinks he's done, his deadliest job yet pulls him back Into The Fire...

Evan Smoak lives by his own code.

Once he was known as Orphan X. Trained as an off-the-books government assassin and spoken about only in whispers, Evan Smoak was one of the most talented – and most feared – men in the Program. But he broke free and reinvented himself as The Nowhere Man, a figure shrouded in mystery, known for helping the truly desperate.

If anyone is truly desperate, it’s Max Merriweather.

Max is at the end of his rope. His cousin has been brutally murdered, leaving Max an envelope that contains nothing but a mysterious key. However, someone really wants that key, badly enough that Max – and anyone he turns to – is in deadly danger. What seems like a simple job for The Nowhere Man turns out to be anything but. Behind every threat he takes out, a deadlier one emerges and Evan Smoak must put himself in greater danger than ever before as he heads once more Into The Fire.

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REVIEW

After five books, thrillers in the same vein of the Bourne series, I am fully involved in Evan Smoak's journey. His moral compass guides him to take up the mantel of the Nowhere Man, aiding those in danger with no recourse but to look beyond the law for justice. Evan desires to redeem his perceived wrongs. He endeavors to convince himself, after one more job, and he can embark on regular life. 

As the series moves forward, consequences escalate for Evan. Into the Fire is the most intense book yet. The level of conspiracy Evan encounters goes deep, and the mounting threats kept me on the edge of my seat. When this book concluded, I immediately wished for the next one. If crime thrillers are your thing, I enthusiastically recommend Into the Fire by Gregg Herwitz.

The God Game by Danny Tobey

ABOUT THE BOOK

You are invited!

COme inside and play with G.O.D.

Bring your friends!

It;’s fun!

But remember the rules. Win and ALL YOUR DREAMS COME TRUE.™ Lose, you die!

With those words, Charlie and his friends enter the G.O.D. Game, a video game run by underground hackers and controlled by a mysterious AI that believes it’s God. Through their phone-screens and high-tech glasses, the teens’ realities blur with a virtual world of creeping vines, smoldering torches, runes, glyphs, gods, and mythical creatures. When they accomplish a mission, the game rewards them with expensive tech, revenge on high-school tormentors, and cash flowing from ATMs. Slaying a hydra and drawing a bloody pentagram as payment to a Greek god seem harmless at first. Fun even.

But then the threatening messages start. Worship me. Obey me. Complete a mission, however cruel, or the game reveals their secrets and crushes their dreams. Tasks that seemed harmless at first take on deadly consequences. Mysterious packages show up at their homes. Shadowy figures start following them, appearing around corners, attacking them in parking garages. Who else is playing this game, and how far will they go to win?

And what of the game’s first promise: win, win big, lose, you die? Dying in a virtual world doesn’t really mean death in real life—does it?

As Charlie and his friends try to find a way out of the game, they realize they’ve been manipulated into a bigger web they can’t escape: an AI that learned its cruelty from watching us.

God is always watching, and He says when the game is done.

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REVIEW

What I liked: The God Game by Danny Tobey is an intense ride. I was completely enthralled and on the edge of my seat for the duration of the story. The God Game could serve as an effective cautionary tale. With anonymity so easy to achieve in today's digital age, it is too easy to distance ourselves from one another. Insults, small bits of trickery, why should we care if we don't have to confront our victims? The God Game grasps that and blows it up, presenting the players a huge lesson in morality. The pit in my stomach grew as the participants are drawn further into the game, and it is more clear what is at stake for the players. 

What I didn't like: Not much. I did become a bit aggravated with some of the player's choices. Most of it was trivial things, and in the end, many did get resolved. And I am still unsure of the ending, but it does leave room for more stories later. With more questions answered, I may feel better about it.

The plot feels similar to Ready Player One, meets War Games with a bit of Ex Machina thrown in for good measure. Quite the combo in today's society. The God Game could be good for anyone looking for a digital age thriller.

Blood Truth (Black Dagger Legacy 4) by J.R. Ward

ABOUT THE BOOK

The #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Savior brings you the next sizzling and passionate paranormal romance in the Black Dagger Legacy series.

As a trainee in the Black Dagger Brotherhood’s program, Boone has triumphed as a soldier and now fights side by side with the Brothers. Following his sire’s unexpected death, he is taken off rotation against his protests—and he finds himself working with Butch O’Neal, former homicide cop, to catch a serial killer: Someone is targeting females of the species at a live action role play club. When the Brotherhood is called in to help, Boone insists on being a part of the effort—and the last thing he expects is to meet an enticing, mysterious female...who changes his life forever.

Ever since her sister was murdered at the club, Helaine has been committed to finding the killer, no matter the danger she faces. When she crosses paths with Boone, she doesn’t know whether to trust him or not—and then she has no choice. As she herself becomes a target, and someone close to the Brotherhood is identified as the prime suspect, the two must work to together to solve the mystery...before it’s too late. Will a madman come between the lovers or will true love and goodness triumph over a very mortal evil?

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REVIEW

Part four of the Black Dagger Legacy books, Blood Truth, is the tale of the final trainee Boone. After an injury takes him out of the field, Boone works to solve a murder case. During the investigation, he meets Helaine and is instantly drawn to her, as she is to him. 

Boone and the rest of the trainee group for that matter, have escaped the glymera's aristocratic confines, which thrills me to no end. It appears the largest conflicts come from their old world, prejudice beliefs, and the next generation is rising above it. Boone struggles with this in his household, but Helaine supports him in coming to terms with it. The couple has great chemistry, and they meet at a time when they both require a change in their lives.

Although the core focus is not on the Brotherhood, they are still present throughout Boone's story. I enjoy that every legacy book assumes a minor pause from the main BDB story arc. I enjoy the trainees interacting with the Brothers away from the war. Blood Truth, for example, is predominantly a murder mystery. Butch puts his detective shoes on, and it is delightful to experience. I have a secret hope he can eventually go back to that full time. 

J.R.Ward's world of vampires is one of the best in the genre. These books possess a unique voice, are suspenseful and witty. I typically find little wrong when reading from the Black Dagger Brotherhood world. I did experience some minor annoyance during Blood Truth with the convenient wrap up of the murders and a lack of thorough explanation, but I can live with that. Everything else lives up to my expectations. 

The Burglar by Thomas Perry

ABOUT THE BOOK

A cunning thief is on the run for her life in a breakneck thriller from the New York Times–bestselling “master of nail-biting suspense” (Los Angeles Times).

Elle Stowell is a young woman with an unconventional profession: burglary. But Elle is no petty thief—with just the right combination of smarts, looks, and skills, she can easily stroll through ritzy Bel Air neighborhoods and pick out the perfect home for plucking the most valuable items. This is how Elle has always gotten by—she is good at it, and she thrives on the thrill. But after stumbling upon a grisly triple homicide while stealing from the home of a wealthy art dealer, Elle discovers that she is no longer the only one sneaking around. Somebody is searching for her.

As Elle realizes that her knowledge of the high-profile murder has made her a target, she races to solve the case before becoming the next casualty, using her breaking-and-entering skills to uncover the truth about exactly who the victims were and why someone might have wanted them dead. With high-stakes action and shocking revelations, The Burglar will keep readers on the edge of their seats as they barrel towards the heart-racing conclusion.

“The fact is, there are probably only half a dozen suspense writers now alive who can be depended upon to deliver high voltage shocks . . . Thomas Perry is one of them.” —Stephen King

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REVIEW

I would like to disclose that I did not finish this novel, the following is my opinion until chapter 16. Grove Atlantic, through NetGalley, gave me a copy of The Burglar by Thomas Perry for my honest opinion. I encourage all readers to draw their own conclusions.

Elle is good at her job as a cat burglar. She does her homework to ensure she does not get caught and no one gets hurt, she gets in and out quickly and is not too greedy. It is interesting to watch her execute plans. A lot of thought is put into the best way to present a successful thief. Elle takes advantage of an empty house and happens upon a crime scene which threatens her anonymity. A trio of naked victims who were in the midst of recording their interlude is dead, and Elle is on film entering the area. She attempts to guarantee she is not implicated in the crime while trying to ensure the police solve the murder.

Elle attempts to investigate the crime herself in case something eventually points to her. As the story moves forward, Elle seems to make little progress. She discovers someone breaks into her apartment, someone is stalking her favorite hang-out spot, she tracks someone following her to what could be a base of operations, but none of them lead to any revelations. 

Instead, she moves to several hotels within the city, changing cars often to throw off any pursuers, this is the majority of what she does, for too long. A Canadian Cowboy, as Elle he calls him, hits on her at one of her hotel stays. Elle fills some inner monologue hinting she shouldn't trust him, then she lets him drive her to the middle of nowhere. When it turns out the cowboy is not what he seems Elle spends several more paragraphs berating herself for trusting him. That is where the book lost me. Maybe it gets better when the loose ends start tying together. Unfortunately, I don't have the patience to find out. Although there were a few interesting occurrences, my particular favorite is when Elle stands up to a threatening jewel fence, her story did not grip me. I wish it did. 

Out of the Dark by Gregg Hurwitz

 ABOUT THE BOOK 

"A shocking stunner in every way. The perfect thriller." —Robert Crais

When darkness closes in—he's your last, best hope. Evan Smoak returns in Gregg Hurwitz’s #1 international bestselling Orphan X series.

Taken from a group home at age twelve, Evan Smoak was raised and trained as part of the Orphan Program, an off-the-books operation designed to create deniable intelligence assets—i.e. assassins. Evan was Orphan X. He broke with the Program, using everything he learned to disappear and reinvent himself as the Nowhere Man, a man who helps the truly desperate when no one else can. But now Evan's past is catching up to him.

Someone at the very highest level of government has been trying to eliminate every trace of the Orphan Program by killing all the remaining Orphans and their trainers. After Evan's mentor and the only father he ever knew was killed, he decided to strike back. His target is the man who started the Program and who is now the most heavily guarded person in the world: the President of the United States.

But President Bennett knows that Orphan X is after him and, using weapons of his own, he's decided to counter-attack. Bennett activates the one man who has the skills and experience to track down and take out Orphan X—the first recruit of the Program, Orphan A.

With Evan devoting all his skills, resources, and intelligence to find a way through the layers of security that surround the President, suddenly he also has to protect himself against the deadliest of opponents. It's Orphan vs. Orphan with the future of the country—even the world—on the line.

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Read An Excerpt

 REVIEW 

Out of the Dark is the latest in the Orphan X series, one that I have come to enjoy considerably. The Orphan series is not exactly a fresh idea: a boy is taken from foster care and trained to become a covert assassin for the government. What keeps me coming back is Evan's personal development as the stories continue. Evan craves emotional bonds with those around him he just doesn't know how to accomplish it. I have grown attached while watching Evan struggle to find meaning in his life. 

As the Nowhere Man, a mantle he takes up after going rogue, Evan has become a type of avenging angel. Whether he is protecting a young man from those who murdered his family, saving an abuse victim and her child from their abuser or going after those who threaten the remaining Orphans, Evan thinks well on his feet and excels at planning. He is formidable when adversarial, using both his brain and his physical training to master any situation. Although some circumstances require a suspension of disbelief, Evan's journey is worth the experience.

Random spoilery thoughts: I appreciated when Evan explained to his foes how he would defeat them, and then did exactly what he described. The boldness of the act was fun to witness.

Mia needs to find a way to deal with the sense Evan works outside of the law, or she needs to stay away from him. It does neither of them any good doing their back and forth.

I am most pleased that in the end, Evan prevailed with his smarts rather than his brute force.

I was granted a copy of this book by St. Martin's Press, through NetGalley, for my honest opinion.  I suggest all readers come to their own conclusions.

Concealment by Rose Edmunds

Amy is a part of the Blue Skies Brainstorming Group at Pearson Malone, whose focus is on tax law. This company is currently brokering a big sale for one of the firm's major clients. In the beginning of Concealment by Rose Edmunds, a lot of tax jargon was present. The explanations of tax law are relevant clues relating to the plot. I, unfortunately, realized early that this did not hold my attention. It was difficult for me to push my way through to get to the action. A member of Amy's advisory group is found murdered. Through an unlucky chain of events, Amy becomes entangled in the investigation. At one point, she even becomes a suspect.

The reveal of Amy's psychological condition seemed to take a while, so long that not knowing became an annoyance for me. Amy is clearly delusional. She sees, and often converses with, a manifestation of her teenage self. Learning, finally, that her mother is a hoarder, I had the thought that it could not be as traumatic as she leads it out to be. When the character soon references derision from others that mirrors my own thoughts, it gave me pause. Amy's mother blames her for the urges she fights. The suffering from that alone would likely leave Amy with severe self-esteem issues if nothing else. Amy inwardly berates herself about her weirdness. She considers herself masquerading as someone she is not, lending credibility to that theory.

The stress on Amy increases, due to the murder investigation and her responsibilities to her firm's client, and she experiences a mental break. Here, I found myself reevaluating the plot thus far, and I began to suspect Amy was an unreliable narrator. The people disagreeing with her explanation of events seemed reasonable. Amy's scenario, suddenly, appeared to be ludicrous. I don't know if this was intentional on the author's part, but Amy's instability gave an extra layer of suspense to the action. The indecision continued until I convinced myself Amy was completely irrational. When deciding if Amy was seeing and concluding things correctly, or if her delusions got the better of her, it was an intriguing inner battle to experience. One I enjoyed as much as I became frustrated by it. The bonus came when a plot twist vindicates Amy.

I have mixed feelings about Concealment. The mystery aspect held my attention. I did not see the resolution coming, which is a significant allure to me. Admittedly though, I did not like Amy. She was not a sympathetic character to me at all. Arguably, that doesn't matter. In the end, her detachment to those around her is explained through her illness. My focus on her journey was how her mental abuse hindered healthy adult relationships in her life. I encourage all readers to draw their own conclusions.

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Hellbent by Gregg Hurwitz

Hellbent by Gregg Hurwitz is book three in the Evan Smoak Orphan X series.   Every installment can be read as a stand alone, but are more enjoyable when read in order.  In Hellbent the need to eliminate Evan, previously an active government assassin known as Orphan X, is becoming more imperative for Sciver. The current project runner of the Orphan program catches up with Evan's former handler Jack. Sciver plans to torture Evan's location out of him and assassinate Jack to induce a reaction from Evan that forces him out of hiding.

Hellbent takes on an emotional undercurrent that the other two books have only touched on. Evan is facing his past, his desire for a better life and the consequences the Orphan program created for him.  He is now painfully aware of how unequipped he is at dealing with human connections. The addition of Joey serves as a reflection of his past and the turning point in his life that made him what he is. I was just as invested in Joey's salvation as Evan. I want more than anything for both characters to experience a human connection, a sense of normalcy and to not feel so alone.

As always with this series, the action of Hellbent is fast-paced and smart. I spend most of my time on the edge of my seat. Often I do not see a solution for Evan's conflicts, which is quite nerve-wracking. And I love it. Now my eight-day binge reading of this series is over. Only a few months to go before the next installment, which is already on my to-read list. I was granted a copy of this book by St Martin's Press, through Netgalley, for my honest opinion. I encourage all readers to reach their own conclusions.

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Nowhere Man by Gregg Hurwitz

Nowhere Man by Gregg Hurwitz is book two in the Evan Smoak series. This book could easily be read as a standalone, although I would suggest reading book one as well. Active members of the Orphan program nearly succeeded in assassinating  Evan. After the confrontation, Evan resumes his undertaking of helping those unable to turn to anyone else. While tying up loose ends with a human trafficking ring, Evan is kidnapped.

Most of Nowhere Man takes place while Evan is in his kidnapper's custody. What proceeds is an intricate game of cat and mouse where both men consistently underestimate each other. This conflict makes for suspenseful interactions that kept me eager for a resolution. I was honestly unsure how Evan would make it out of his situation. When the ending did come, it was quite epic and served as a turning point for Evan.

I am surprised at how attached I have become to this character. The author is not only presenting a thrilling vigilante story. Evan is a vastly sympathetic character that the reader gets to know slowly through his adventures. I, of course, have already started the next book in the series. I can tell reaching the end will make for a bittersweet wait until more books come out. Nowhere Man was given to me by St Martin's Press through NetGalley for my honest opinion.  I encourage all readers to come to their own conclusions.

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Orphan X by Gregg Hurwitz

Through a series of flashbacks, we see 12-year-old Evan Smoak inducted into the Orphan program. In this highly covert, government-funded program the Orphans become some of the best assassins in the world.  Years later Evan has gone underground. No longer an agent he becomes the Nowhere Man, a moniker he obtains due to the number those in need call, 1-855-2-NOWHERE. With his skills, Evan can help those with no other recourse. Ones in dire straights with no way of improving their situation. Defending his latest client becomes difficult as Evan learns his cover is no longer intact, and those from his past are out to kill him.

As I started Orphan X by Gregg Hurwitz, I was a little unsure what to expect. Then on page one, there is an acknowledgment "to all the bad boys and girls, rulebreakers, and vigilantes --- for being so wicked that they're good."  One of the greatest I have seen. Vigilante stories attract me. Taking an impressive skill set that can harm and using it to help is, well, the stuff of superheroes. And something I can get behind.

Evan's handler Jack gives him harsh training to make him the best of his field. Slowly we observe Jack's relationship with Evan goes deeper than the job. Procedures, or commandments, taught to Evan include never let an innocent be harmed. One thing other Orphans don't seem to mind. Jack often tells Evan the hardest part is keeping him human, implying Jack cares he stay that way. Which validates that Evan would choose the path he did after going underground. You can't help but root for him and worry for him. Even hope the brief connections he makes with those outside his job will lead to a personal connection. The author does an excellent job of making Evan sympathetic.

Orphan X delivers on the suspense. Whether coming from the tension of his missions or the fear Evan will be found by those seeking to harm him, this story is a page-turner. There is action, and subterfuge, and even a bit of a twist I did not see coming.

If I were to mention anything slightly negative, and this is minor, I am lost in the fight scenes sometimes. Specific style names about fighting techniques get lost on me. Usually, I gain definition through context. A fight is a fight. I retain the overall events, but the specific descriptors don't help me much.

I finished Orphan X and immediately started Nowhere Man. I am fully rooted in Evan Smoak's world and cannot wait to see what happens next. I was granted an ARC copy of this book by St. Martin's Press through NetGalley for my honest opinion. I encourage every reader to reach their own conclusions.

Dagger's Edge by Lora Leigh

Dagger's Edge (Brute Force 2) by Lora Leigh is a romantic crime thriller. The events begin directly after Collision Point's ending. Information relevant to current affairs is summed up when necessary, but there is a depth to the relationships if one reads both.

Crimsyn, on the run and desperate to escape her corrupt, powerful family befriends Ivan's daughter.  Ivan is a dominant man possessing a significant Russian family legacy. Having ties to Ivan from her past, she knows he can help her maintain cover. Syn, as Ivan calls her, realizes it is a risky request due to a violent feud between their families. After a passionate night in Ivan's bed, Syn runs again with the intent of leaving Ivan behind permanently. Several weeks after Syn's escape, Ivan catches up with her. Together they devise a plan to stop Syn's family from causing more horror in their lives.

Ivan persuades Crimsyn they must get engaged. He hopes the betrothal going public will lure those trying to abduct Syn in the open. When that occurs, he intends on striking them down permanently. Syn's only requirement for participation is Ivan helps her believe the love she wants for them is real. Ivan's passion for Syn is apparent, and the love between them feels authentic. It's fulfilling Ivan accepting he needs Syn. Even more satisfying is Syn accepting her fairy tale has become a reality.

Ivan exudes power. He doesn't give excuses regarding possessing and shielding those he loves. Nor his drive to complete those tasks by any means necessary. Rising above his treacherous past gained Ivan a vast empire, which ensures Syn can remain by his side and protected. Syn has a tenacity to her. Her strength comes from within. Moments passed I saw a week woman who needed rescuing, but never so much so that I was totally put off by her.

Dagger's Edge is a great addition to the Brute Force series. Ivan and Syn were well paired, and quite sexy together. There was a great amount of mystery and suspense. I am enjoying piecing the character's background stories together. I was granted an ARC copy of this book by St. Martin's Press through NetGalley for my honest opinion. I encourage all readers to come to their own conclusions.

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