spiringvenus's review against another edition
5.0
This book was so incredibly awesome! I finished it in a 24 hour period! I am so excited that I found this series and can't wait to devour the rest. Ms. Butcher really knows how to write a cliffhanger!
kblincoln's review against another edition
3.0
While the first in this series was refreshingly different installation in paranormal urban romance for me to score it high despite some flaws, this second one did not live up to my expectations.
Which is frustrating, because I totally wanted to like the second in the series. You see, the problem is that the detailed IDEA of the demon Synestryn and the different races; Sanguinar, Sentinel, Slayers, who fight them is really well developed and intriguing.
The story of Andra, who specializes in finding "lost" children (who are really being kidnapped by Synestryn demons) and Paul, a Sentinel warrior looking for the woman who can save him by accepting his magic necklace and stored power, is a good set-up.
I love how Andra is really, really strong and proactive. I love the face that the relationships between Paul and his other Sentinel buddies isn't all buddy-buddy.
However, the story doesn't stay focused on Andra and Paul, it goes off into other POV's of other couples and a too-short glimpse of the big bad. Each of those other stories could be a whole novel-length story (and probably will be in later sequels) but while interesting, the short glimpse only ends up being frustrating for me as it interrupted Paul and Andra's story without giving me enough to want to follow the other story.
This also serves to highlight the main trouble with Andra and Paul, mainly that in the latter part of the book the obstacle for them getting together is Andra's feelings of failure related to how she couldn't save her sisters from the Synestryn long ago. And despite her many successes since, and her overall badass attitude, she doesn't want to commit to Paul because she is afraid she might fail him? Really?
It didn't quite ring true to me.
So while it was an entertaining read in an intriguingly developed world, my frustration at how the multiple storylines were handled as well as wanting more of a real conflict for the love interests may overshadow whether I'll pick up the next in the series.
It's a toss up.
This Book's Food Designation Rating: A bag of Gardetto's snack mix because of all the interesting bits and pieces of the story that after a while begin to make you tired of juggling it all so that you reach into the bag and try to snag just the rye toasts and pretzels that you love the best.
Which is frustrating, because I totally wanted to like the second in the series. You see, the problem is that the detailed IDEA of the demon Synestryn and the different races; Sanguinar, Sentinel, Slayers, who fight them is really well developed and intriguing.
The story of Andra, who specializes in finding "lost" children (who are really being kidnapped by Synestryn demons) and Paul, a Sentinel warrior looking for the woman who can save him by accepting his magic necklace and stored power, is a good set-up.
I love how Andra is really, really strong and proactive. I love the face that the relationships between Paul and his other Sentinel buddies isn't all buddy-buddy.
However, the story doesn't stay focused on Andra and Paul, it goes off into other POV's of other couples and a too-short glimpse of the big bad. Each of those other stories could be a whole novel-length story (and probably will be in later sequels) but while interesting, the short glimpse only ends up being frustrating for me as it interrupted Paul and Andra's story without giving me enough to want to follow the other story.
This also serves to highlight the main trouble with Andra and Paul, mainly that in the latter part of the book the obstacle for them getting together is Andra's feelings of failure related to how she couldn't save her sisters from the Synestryn long ago. And despite her many successes since, and her overall badass attitude, she doesn't want to commit to Paul because she is afraid she might fail him? Really?
It didn't quite ring true to me.
So while it was an entertaining read in an intriguingly developed world, my frustration at how the multiple storylines were handled as well as wanting more of a real conflict for the love interests may overshadow whether I'll pick up the next in the series.
It's a toss up.
This Book's Food Designation Rating: A bag of Gardetto's snack mix because of all the interesting bits and pieces of the story that after a while begin to make you tired of juggling it all so that you reach into the bag and try to snag just the rye toasts and pretzels that you love the best.
tkat's review
4.0
I picked up Shannon Butcher's work because I am such a fan of her husband I figured she can't be half bad, and I was right.
We get more clarification and information on the workings of the three different Sentinel races which is great, but for me still a bit confusing as to who is who.
Interesting leapfrogging story lines. Bounces from one set of people to the next. Doesn't detract from the story at all, but rather is a fantastic set up for books four and five.
Good story, loved the characters, nothing much more to say aside from looking forward to reading the next one.
We get more clarification and information on the workings of the three different Sentinel races which is great, but for me still a bit confusing as to who is who.
Interesting leapfrogging story lines. Bounces from one set of people to the next. Doesn't detract from the story at all, but rather is a fantastic set up for books four and five.
Good story, loved the characters, nothing much more to say aside from looking forward to reading the next one.
raven_acres's review against another edition
3.0
Another fast read, but almost too busy, which makes for a lack of depth. However, I did enjoy it and am diving into the next book.
nelsonseye's review
4.0
Another good opening to get the reader sucked into the story. I liked both Paul and Andra although, like Drake, sometimes Paul's behaviour (and Joseph's suggestions) was what I would call morally reprehensible. I really think Andra should have been more upset at a particular moment. Issues of non-communication were very frustrating and the resolution of these issues was, in my opinion, too rushed. I will definitely read more of the series; I hope there are more references to Eron (I think his name was), Torr, and of course, Madoc and Nika. But first we get to read about Zach and Lexi :)
laurenjodi's review against another edition
4.0
Finding the Lost
3.5 Stars
Synopsis:
Her family torn apart by the Synestryn, Andra Madison has dedicated her life to rescuing children who fall prey to these grotesque monsters. On one such mission, Andra encounters Paul, a Theronian warrior, searching for the woman who can save his life. As one of these rare women, Andra agrees to join Paul in order to seek a cure for her traumatized sister, and the two set out on a journey fraught with danger and the possibility of true love.
Review:
A good sequel with some excellent action scenes and interesting detail added to the world building. However, the romance is weak with the hero and heroine lacking the chemistry and intensity of connection that characterized the couple in the first book.
Paul and Andra’s relationship fails to resonate perhaps because each is preoccupied with their own problems – Paul with his need to find a compatible mate and keep her once he has, and Andra with her overwhelming desire to save her sister.
Neither character is completely sympathetic. Even though Andra is attracted to Paul on a physical level, she remains distant and aloof. She initially comes across as strong-willed and self-confident, but devolves as the story progresses and becomes insecure and hesitant to love because she feels that her failures make her undeserving. Similarly, Paul is never completely honest with Andra and the impression you get from him is that any woman would suffice to fulfill his requirements. Furthermore, the idea that he would force Andra to be with him against her will is repellent.
In terms of the plot, Butcher has created a fascinating world with a multitude of layers and several interlocking storylines. The writing is fast-paced and interspersed with hints of events to come. One of the best aspects of the book is the inclusion of compelling secondary characters, especially Madoc and Nika, who are a far more appealing couple than Paul and Andra. I look forward to reading their book as well as that of the other couple from book one – Zach and Lexi.
3.5 Stars
Synopsis:
Her family torn apart by the Synestryn, Andra Madison has dedicated her life to rescuing children who fall prey to these grotesque monsters. On one such mission, Andra encounters Paul, a Theronian warrior, searching for the woman who can save his life. As one of these rare women, Andra agrees to join Paul in order to seek a cure for her traumatized sister, and the two set out on a journey fraught with danger and the possibility of true love.
Review:
A good sequel with some excellent action scenes and interesting detail added to the world building. However, the romance is weak with the hero and heroine lacking the chemistry and intensity of connection that characterized the couple in the first book.
Paul and Andra’s relationship fails to resonate perhaps because each is preoccupied with their own problems – Paul with his need to find a compatible mate and keep her once he has, and Andra with her overwhelming desire to save her sister.
Neither character is completely sympathetic. Even though Andra is attracted to Paul on a physical level, she remains distant and aloof. She initially comes across as strong-willed and self-confident, but devolves as the story progresses and becomes insecure and hesitant to love because she feels that her failures make her undeserving. Similarly, Paul is never completely honest with Andra and the impression you get from him is that any woman would suffice to fulfill his requirements. Furthermore, the idea that he would force Andra to be with him against her will is repellent.
In terms of the plot, Butcher has created a fascinating world with a multitude of layers and several interlocking storylines. The writing is fast-paced and interspersed with hints of events to come. One of the best aspects of the book is the inclusion of compelling secondary characters, especially Madoc and Nika, who are a far more appealing couple than Paul and Andra. I look forward to reading their book as well as that of the other couple from book one – Zach and Lexi.
laprofedelengua's review against another edition
3.0
Ok. Está mezcla de amor instantáneo y posesión masculina no me termina de cerrar. Entiendo que después de perder a Kate, Paul sienta miedo de que Andra lo abandone. El problema es que ella también siente que no es lo suficientemente buena para él.
Y la guerra sigue...
Y la guerra sigue...
namita's review
4.0
This book was so much better than the first. Really enjoyed it. Looking forward to continuing the series.
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