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aligroen's review
5.0
A Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words Review An Alisa Review:
Rating: 5 stars out of 5
This was another great story in the Enhanced World series. I loved getting to see some more insight into other members of the team in this book. Talon and Jake both make some assumptions about the other and slowly learn to trust themselves and each other.
Gael uses his uniform as a mask and doesn’t want anyone to see the vulnerability that is inside of him. While Jake has been hurt in the past just not in the same ways as Gael, his need to take care of others helps break down some of Gael’s walls.
I loved both of these characters. Gael’s soft heart and ability to connect with all those around him is wonderful, I loved seeing him with Derrick and the trust the young boy showed him. Jake has made mistakes in the past but is working through his own hurt, some of the best mental healing he got was when Gael got the opportunity to take care of him. I love Jake’s declaration of love to Gael and how much he wanted to build a family together. It’s looking like the next book is going to feature Vance and I can’t wait to learn more about him and Samuel, his new regular human partner.
I love the cover art by Brooke Albrecht and it gives some wonderful visuals for the story.
Rating: 5 stars out of 5
This was another great story in the Enhanced World series. I loved getting to see some more insight into other members of the team in this book. Talon and Jake both make some assumptions about the other and slowly learn to trust themselves and each other.
Gael uses his uniform as a mask and doesn’t want anyone to see the vulnerability that is inside of him. While Jake has been hurt in the past just not in the same ways as Gael, his need to take care of others helps break down some of Gael’s walls.
I loved both of these characters. Gael’s soft heart and ability to connect with all those around him is wonderful, I loved seeing him with Derrick and the trust the young boy showed him. Jake has made mistakes in the past but is working through his own hurt, some of the best mental healing he got was when Gael got the opportunity to take care of him. I love Jake’s declaration of love to Gael and how much he wanted to build a family together. It’s looking like the next book is going to feature Vance and I can’t wait to learn more about him and Samuel, his new regular human partner.
I love the cover art by Brooke Albrecht and it gives some wonderful visuals for the story.
the_novel_approach's review
5.0
Third times a charm goes the saying, and it couldn’t be more apt with this latest book in Victoria Sue’s Enhanced World series, Beneath this Mask. We veer away from Finn and Talon to begin focusing on the stories of the other enhanced members of the task force. We also get a taste of what’s in store for the group as the director in charge introduces another non-enhanced human to partner to the group, this time with Gael. Gael’s abilities are rather interesting, as they combine armor-like skin that can deflect bullets with the ability to instantly assimilate and understand any language, including nonverbal ones such as sign language. That is going to come in handy when the team is called out on the case of a mute, autistic boy who is accused of hurting other students at his school.
Talon met Gael when he discovered him living on the docks where Talon worked. Homeless, hungry and badly scarred from an attempt by his drunken father to burn off the unique facial mark that suddenly appears when a child comes into their powers, Gael is wary of interacting with others. Gael had been his father’s punching bag in order to protect his younger brother, Wyatt, after their mother had disappeared, leaving the boys behind. Gael had always kept Wyatt safe, often denying his own basic needs in order to put his brother through school. When the team found out that they would be getting human partners, and Gael’s turn was next, the shock as to who the new guy was going to be could not be more profound.
Jake Riley was part of the enemy in most of the team’s view. A former SWAT member, his last gig was with the ENu—a tactical team that responds to any threats by an enhanced human. Known for using brute force and tranquilizers that are way too strong, the team has an apparent dislike for any person they deem irregular. Jake has a secret—one that forced him to leave the SWAT team behind and attempt to bury his painful past. He knows Talon is aware of the circumstances of his leaving his former job, and that he joined the ENu as a way to make amends, unware that the ENu was so hard on the enhanced. Jake knows he should inform the rest of the team of the reason he left the SWAT team, particularly since his previous partners at ENu have found out and are determined to make his life a living hell for joining forces with the enhanced team they despise.
Unfortunately, before he can come clean, his attraction to Gael spikes, and their one moment of unguarded intimacy allows Gael to hope that he and Jake can be more than just partners. Then Gael discovers Jake’s secret and is absolutely gutted, deciding he was a fool to trust the other man. He asks to have a new partner, and Talon reluctantly agrees, giving Jake to Vance and allowing Drew to temporarily join their team to work with Gael. Those who have read the series thus far will remember that Drew has ambitions to join the FBI’s BAU unit and is waiting to hear back from them while being assigned initially to help Finn assimilate to the enhanced team. With Drew now annoyingly partnering with Gael, and Jake trying to persuade the man to give him another chance, Gael finds himself drawn deeply into the life of an orphaned autistic boy who holds the key to the identity of the serial killer currently murdering enhanced adults. Little does Gael know he will be the killer’s next target.
I think this was the best book in the series to date. The depth to which Gael’s and Jake’s pasts were discussed gave such life to these characters. The things Gael had to deal with emotionally and physically from an early age just broke my heart. His sensitivity and gentle attitude toward little Derrick was a real indicator as to what type of man Gael was—a protector, loyal and kind. While Jake was similar, he was the stronger of the two, and as such he became the one to pursue Gael in the story.
There were several storylines running simultaneously through this novel, and the way in which the author tied them all together and created an incredibly well executed murder mystery was just outstanding. First, there was the serial killer who was going after adult enhanced victims. There seemed to be no common thread to the killer’s decision as to who he tortured and murdered next. When we get to the end of this story and see the killer in action, it is incredibly disturbing and for some might be triggering—just a warning to those who cannot handle torture and abuse. Then, we meet two new characters—one the autistic child, Derrick, who finds a unique way to communicate with Gael. I love that authors are becoming more inclusive in their characterizations, this being the second novel in as many weeks to include an autistic individual in a key way. The second person we meet is Angel, and how he figures into the story and what he turns out to be is just delightful. I am betting he and Vance will be the next story we get from this author.
Along with the serial killer plot, we revisit the “mole” thread that was introduced in book two. Finally, we are made privy as to who the person is and their motivation in playing a key role in trying to bring the enhanced/human task force to its knees. They were most decidedly hell-bent on destroying these men, and the coldblooded way in which the mole used the team and turned on them was cleverly developed and well written.
In so many ways I think the author really hit her stride with this third book. I felt that the story was more cohesive, more action packed and well balanced between the mystery and suspense elements and the romance thread. I look forward to the next chapter in this series with great excitement!
Reviewed by Sammy for The Novel Approach
Talon met Gael when he discovered him living on the docks where Talon worked. Homeless, hungry and badly scarred from an attempt by his drunken father to burn off the unique facial mark that suddenly appears when a child comes into their powers, Gael is wary of interacting with others. Gael had been his father’s punching bag in order to protect his younger brother, Wyatt, after their mother had disappeared, leaving the boys behind. Gael had always kept Wyatt safe, often denying his own basic needs in order to put his brother through school. When the team found out that they would be getting human partners, and Gael’s turn was next, the shock as to who the new guy was going to be could not be more profound.
Jake Riley was part of the enemy in most of the team’s view. A former SWAT member, his last gig was with the ENu—a tactical team that responds to any threats by an enhanced human. Known for using brute force and tranquilizers that are way too strong, the team has an apparent dislike for any person they deem irregular. Jake has a secret—one that forced him to leave the SWAT team behind and attempt to bury his painful past. He knows Talon is aware of the circumstances of his leaving his former job, and that he joined the ENu as a way to make amends, unware that the ENu was so hard on the enhanced. Jake knows he should inform the rest of the team of the reason he left the SWAT team, particularly since his previous partners at ENu have found out and are determined to make his life a living hell for joining forces with the enhanced team they despise.
Unfortunately, before he can come clean, his attraction to Gael spikes, and their one moment of unguarded intimacy allows Gael to hope that he and Jake can be more than just partners. Then Gael discovers Jake’s secret and is absolutely gutted, deciding he was a fool to trust the other man. He asks to have a new partner, and Talon reluctantly agrees, giving Jake to Vance and allowing Drew to temporarily join their team to work with Gael. Those who have read the series thus far will remember that Drew has ambitions to join the FBI’s BAU unit and is waiting to hear back from them while being assigned initially to help Finn assimilate to the enhanced team. With Drew now annoyingly partnering with Gael, and Jake trying to persuade the man to give him another chance, Gael finds himself drawn deeply into the life of an orphaned autistic boy who holds the key to the identity of the serial killer currently murdering enhanced adults. Little does Gael know he will be the killer’s next target.
I think this was the best book in the series to date. The depth to which Gael’s and Jake’s pasts were discussed gave such life to these characters. The things Gael had to deal with emotionally and physically from an early age just broke my heart. His sensitivity and gentle attitude toward little Derrick was a real indicator as to what type of man Gael was—a protector, loyal and kind. While Jake was similar, he was the stronger of the two, and as such he became the one to pursue Gael in the story.
There were several storylines running simultaneously through this novel, and the way in which the author tied them all together and created an incredibly well executed murder mystery was just outstanding. First, there was the serial killer who was going after adult enhanced victims. There seemed to be no common thread to the killer’s decision as to who he tortured and murdered next. When we get to the end of this story and see the killer in action, it is incredibly disturbing and for some might be triggering—just a warning to those who cannot handle torture and abuse. Then, we meet two new characters—one the autistic child, Derrick, who finds a unique way to communicate with Gael. I love that authors are becoming more inclusive in their characterizations, this being the second novel in as many weeks to include an autistic individual in a key way. The second person we meet is Angel, and how he figures into the story and what he turns out to be is just delightful. I am betting he and Vance will be the next story we get from this author.
Along with the serial killer plot, we revisit the “mole” thread that was introduced in book two. Finally, we are made privy as to who the person is and their motivation in playing a key role in trying to bring the enhanced/human task force to its knees. They were most decidedly hell-bent on destroying these men, and the coldblooded way in which the mole used the team and turned on them was cleverly developed and well written.
In so many ways I think the author really hit her stride with this third book. I felt that the story was more cohesive, more action packed and well balanced between the mystery and suspense elements and the romance thread. I look forward to the next chapter in this series with great excitement!
Reviewed by Sammy for The Novel Approach
_isabel_'s review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I was going to give this less than four stars BUT THAT ENDING. I cried.
I desperately missed having Talon and Finn (especially Finn) as the main characters, but I loved Gael and Jake quite a lot. I love a good ol' size difference and power imbalance in my couples, but even though we don't get that here, I adored the dynamics between these two. I loved that Gael was the one in need of care and protection and my heart literally shattered for him so many times. Jake was a gem, always there to take care of Gael, always open to getting better and understanding more of the Enhanced. He also had a deliciously protective side and ugh, I loved them together.
The story was riveting, complex and action-packed: the murder plot was heartbreaking and the big villain reveal (although I kind of expected it), and all that ensues, was still shocking.
Talon and Finn will probably remain my favourites, but I adored following these two and getting to know them better. Book #4 is about a different couple, but BOY am I excited to read Vance and Eli's stories.
I desperately missed having Talon and Finn (especially Finn) as the main characters, but I loved Gael and Jake quite a lot. I love a good ol' size difference and power imbalance in my couples, but even though we don't get that here, I adored the dynamics between these two. I loved that Gael was the one in need of care and protection and my heart literally shattered for him so many times. Jake was a gem, always there to take care of Gael, always open to getting better and understanding more of the Enhanced. He also had a deliciously protective side and ugh, I loved them together.
The story was riveting, complex and action-packed: the murder plot was heartbreaking and the big villain reveal (although I kind of expected it), and all that ensues, was still shocking.
Talon and Finn will probably remain my favourites, but I adored following these two and getting to know them better. Book #4 is about a different couple, but BOY am I excited to read Vance and Eli's stories.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual assault and Torture
teenykins's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars rounding down.
I haven't read any of Mrs. Sue books and I've only just started listening to the Enhanced series so I'm not familiar with how she's formatting her texts. And when I say "formatting her texts" I mean the transition between scenes, paragraphs etc.
Because of that there was a lot of confusion in this book when we went from one scene to another in what felt like the middle of sentences.
Also I love the back and forth and the push and pull between 2 MCs, but here it was jarring. They went from loving to hating to loving for reasons that for me ranged between confusing, uncomprehending to not explained. And then BUM they were "together".
Still it was enjoyable and I'll be waiting for Vance's audio to be released :).
I haven't read any of Mrs. Sue books and I've only just started listening to the Enhanced series so I'm not familiar with how she's formatting her texts. And when I say "formatting her texts" I mean the transition between scenes, paragraphs etc.
Because of that there was a lot of confusion in this book when we went from one scene to another in what felt like the middle of sentences.
Also I love the back and forth and the push and pull between 2 MCs, but here it was jarring. They went from loving to hating to loving for reasons that for me ranged between confusing, uncomprehending to not explained. And then BUM they were "together".
Still it was enjoyable and I'll be waiting for Vance's audio to be released :).
prgchrqltma's review
5.0
Well, that went a little darker than I expected. I think, though, it's been my favorite. There was a better power balance in the romantic leads, the plot kept me going, and the world building is still interesting to me. I would like more. Right now, please.
kaity_b's review
3.0
3-3.5 stars
I did like this one the most I think with the mystery and what the team had to do, but as for romance this one fell a little flat for me. I think that it didn’t flow as well as i hoped but that didn’t take too much away from the enjoyment from my experience reading these.
I did like this one the most I think with the mystery and what the team had to do, but as for romance this one fell a little flat for me. I think that it didn’t flow as well as i hoped but that didn’t take too much away from the enjoyment from my experience reading these.
haunted_by_humans's review
3.0
I didn’t love this ending as much as the first two and was prepared to give it two stars, until that absolutely sweet ending melted my heart and bumped it up to three.