librovert's review
2.0
I'm going to be honest, I almost gave up on this book. The first two chapters had me pretty psyched for some ancient intrigue and some cool world building. The third chapter was the beginning of the end.
In said chapter, our hero and heroine meet for the first time, when Ares breaks into her home. Although it was against his better judgement and he kicks himself in the ass for not leaving after realizing she was home, he is totally enthralled with her and decides to use his telekinetic powers to bodily pull her to him and shove his tongue in her mouth. And this is how all good relationships should start... only NOT.
As the book progressed it had it's good points and it's bad points. I had a couple moments where I really considered putting it down for good, but I also felt like I was watching a train wreck and I just. Couldn't. Look. Away.
Half way through the book I wanted to slap Emma across the face. Unless it was an intimate moment, poor Ares couldn't do anything right. She got mad when he hid things from her, she got mad when he told her things. He's trying to tell her that he cares and she just thinks he's using her. As soon as her immediate anger would fade, she would start to think that he did care and then, without fail, she would scold herself for making excuses for him. Meanwhile she's meddling in Sicari affairs that she knows nothing about when she was explicitly told NOT TO INTERFERE. Quite aggravating.
I'm putting this series on hold for now, I'm intrigued by Phae and Lysander's story and the overarching story and I've read that the next two books get better. But I was so let down by this book that I just don't know.
In said chapter, our hero and heroine meet for the first time, when Ares breaks into her home. Although it was against his better judgement and he kicks himself in the ass for not leaving after realizing she was home, he is totally enthralled with her and decides to use his telekinetic powers to bodily pull her to him and shove his tongue in her mouth. And this is how all good relationships should start... only NOT.
As the book progressed it had it's good points and it's bad points. I had a couple moments where I really considered putting it down for good, but I also felt like I was watching a train wreck and I just. Couldn't. Look. Away.
Half way through the book I wanted to slap Emma across the face. Unless it was an intimate moment, poor Ares couldn't do anything right. She got mad when he hid things from her, she got mad when he told her things. He's trying to tell her that he cares and she just thinks he's using her. As soon as her immediate anger would fade, she would start to think that he did care and then, without fail, she would scold herself for making excuses for him. Meanwhile she's meddling in Sicari affairs that she knows nothing about when she was explicitly told NOT TO INTERFERE. Quite aggravating.
I'm putting this series on hold for now, I'm intrigued by Phae and Lysander's story and the overarching story and I've read that the next two books get better. But I was so let down by this book that I just don't know.
mtaylor414's review
3.0
I really enjoyed this book. I actually would give it a 3 1/2 star if I could. This was a little different than what I normally read. I enjoyed the story of artifacts and archeology. It was also refreshing to read about an assassin's guild instead of vampires, demons or angels, which is what I'm normally into. So this was definitely a good change of pace and well worth it. I loved the tension between Ares and Emma too. Can't wait to read the following books. Great story.
rclz's review
2.0
The action and adventure part of this book could have been really good. I like the overall plot line but the romance is so bad that it kills any desire I have for the rest of the book. I really like some of the secondary characters but the two mains in this book were awful. Really couldn't stand Emma. Ick.
brookeonbooks's review
3.0
An fun, action packed romance, this novel had an intriguing plot and engaging characters. I enjoyed entering the world of the Sicari, an ancient Roman order of bodyguards turned assassins, and appreciated the author's attention to detail when describing their rituals, clothing, fighting styles, and belief system. The focus of the story is on Emma, an archaeologist who unknowingly holds the key to locating a lost Sicari artifact, and Ares, a Sicari lord with telekinetic powers, who must find this artifact before his enemies do. Of course, this being a romance novel, the usual "hate each other, love each other, hate each other, love each other" pattern is present along with stubbornness and miscommunication from both Emma and Ares throughout the book until the final resolution. One of the hidden gems in this novel is the character of Atia, the leader of the Sicari order. I want to learn more of her story, including her rise to the top of the leadership of the Sicari, and I hope this is included in the future novels written for this series. The ending of the book leaves several questions unanswered, which I much prefer to conclusions that tie everything up in a pretty bow for the reader. I found one element of this book to be quite annoying. Ares frequently swears in Latin. I liked that he swore in Latin, which matched the culture of the Sicari assassins, but I felt there was just too much of it, especially at the begin of the book. It didn't add to the story and just distracted me from the action. Overall, however, I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone wanting a light, fun romance with a touch of the paranormal.
jonetta's review
3.0
Emma Zale is an archeologist working on a dig in Cairo when her world is suddenly turned upside down. She discovers her murdered colleague, is held by the police as a suspect and is released and rushed back home to Chicago. If that wasn't enough trauma, she is confronted in her home the next evening by the Sicari assassin, Ares, just before an attempt is made on her life.
This story begins with excitement, mystery and suspense and we're soon introduced to the paranormal when Emma and Ares' "gifts" come to light. The mysterious Sicari Order is intriguing and the game is on when Emma comes under their protection, more specifically, Ares'. The attraction between these two is undeniable and almost metaphysical.
I was loving this story until a little over the halfway mark. Then we began on the journey of "I trust him, I trust him not" by Emma and "I can't have these feelings for her, but I do" by Ares. Of the two, Emma drove me the most crazy but Ares came a close second with his inability to finish a conversation before being distracted by lust. This story took a detour into a really childish emotional conflict that became tedious and I struggled to finish the book. It overpowered the strength of the story...who was behind the murders and the attempt on Emma's life.
I recommend reading this book but you should do some serious skimming of Emma's angst-filled musings as they become repetitive. The world created here is intriguing and the clashes between the Sicari and their enemy, the Praetorians, are exciting. By the end of the story, there are still mysteries to solve and the turmoil between Ares and Emma is resolved. I'm definitely going to read the next book but was disappointed that this one took the trite romantic detour it did before it got back on track.
This story begins with excitement, mystery and suspense and we're soon introduced to the paranormal when Emma and Ares' "gifts" come to light. The mysterious Sicari Order is intriguing and the game is on when Emma comes under their protection, more specifically, Ares'. The attraction between these two is undeniable and almost metaphysical.
I was loving this story until a little over the halfway mark. Then we began on the journey of "I trust him, I trust him not" by Emma and "I can't have these feelings for her, but I do" by Ares. Of the two, Emma drove me the most crazy but Ares came a close second with his inability to finish a conversation before being distracted by lust. This story took a detour into a really childish emotional conflict that became tedious and I struggled to finish the book. It overpowered the strength of the story...who was behind the murders and the attempt on Emma's life.
I recommend reading this book but you should do some serious skimming of Emma's angst-filled musings as they become repetitive. The world created here is intriguing and the clashes between the Sicari and their enemy, the Praetorians, are exciting. By the end of the story, there are still mysteries to solve and the turmoil between Ares and Emma is resolved. I'm definitely going to read the next book but was disappointed that this one took the trite romantic detour it did before it got back on track.
nataliemonique777's review
4.0
Assassin's honor was very compelling to read. I tried taking my time with it, but it was pretty hard not to turn the pages. I liked how Burns added much action and spice as well as a mixture of Italian and Latin. I will definitely be reading Assassins Heart.
bananatricky's review
1.0
DNF at 55%.
I was looking for an exciting swords and archaeology novel with secret societies and ancient artefacts. Unfortunately, what I got was more of a PNR complete with telekinesis powers, which are used to remove a woman’s towel (against her will).
Ares DeLuca (even his name irritates me) is the leader of a branch of an ancient secret society called the Sicari. Back in the time of Ptolemy the Sicari and the Praetorian were Ptolemy’s guards but there was a schism and since then they have been mortal enemies. The Praetorian hunt down and murder the Sicari in vicious and ghastly ways (flaying alive seems to be a favourite), it is how his own parents were killed.
Emma Zale is a young archaeologist working in Egypt on a dig, she discovers evidence that the Sicari truly existed, something her father had passionately believed until his death, but that she had doubted. Whilst investigating further her colleague is viciously murdered and everyone suspects that Emma herself is the murderer.
Ares believes that Emma and her deceased parents are actively working with/for the Praetorians but assists in her release by the Egyptian authorities, only so that he can force/ blackmail her into helping him.
There’s lots of use of Latin, Ares in particular likes to swear/ make exclamations in Latin but at other times uses modern idioms. He is in fact not immortal, just brought up in a closed, secret society who’s membership is dwindling. Also, everyone is a special snowflake. Ares has telekinesis, his sister Phae has miraculous healing powers (although since she takes on the wounds physically I’m not sure I want that power), and Emma can read an artefact’s history just by touching it. Of course most ancient artefacts have blood-soaked histories so she spends a lot of time incapacitated by the visions she receives.
One of Emma’s close colleagues is in league with the Praetorian, he or she may have murdered both Emma’s parents and her colleague. Someone also tries to kill Emma and it is only Ares’ quick actions that saved her, at the cost of one of his men. At this point I was kind of enjoying this Indiana Jones style novel but then Ares whisked Emma away to his secret lair, of course the Sicari are rich beyond imagination, with ancient documents and weapons. There’s lots of mutual erotic dreams, pointless rituals and bizarre ceremonies, many of the Sicari hate Emma for being an outsider (and possibly a Praetorian sympathiser). All of this is interspersed with smouldering looks, stolen kisses, pouty lips, pert breasts and overwhelming attraction. I expected Ares to imprint on Emma at any second (or at least become a sparkly vampire!).
But hey, I was on the Eurostar and I was gamely ploughing, waiting for the plot to resume, when Ares is seriously wounded having been forced to suffer a ritual punishment which he volunteered to take on Emma’s behalf after she interferes (after being expressly told not to interfere of course). For some ridiculous trumped up reason no medical assistance can be provided for 24 hours after the ritual, so Emma decides to look after Ares herself, then gets distracted removing his clothes. The guy is unconscious, bleeding from multiple wounds, he may not last the night but she is staring at his dangly bits! Of course by the next day he is well enough to get out of the bed by himself and stumbles into the bathroom where Emma just happens to be having a shower. When he uses his telekinesis powers (which were totally depleted in the previous days’ fight) for the ridiculous purpose of pulling Emma’s towel out of her reach I decided the plot had literally and figuratively been lost and I threw in the towel.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
I was looking for an exciting swords and archaeology novel with secret societies and ancient artefacts. Unfortunately, what I got was more of a PNR complete with telekinesis powers, which are used to remove a woman’s towel (against her will).
Ares DeLuca (even his name irritates me) is the leader of a branch of an ancient secret society called the Sicari. Back in the time of Ptolemy the Sicari and the Praetorian were Ptolemy’s guards but there was a schism and since then they have been mortal enemies. The Praetorian hunt down and murder the Sicari in vicious and ghastly ways (flaying alive seems to be a favourite), it is how his own parents were killed.
Emma Zale is a young archaeologist working in Egypt on a dig, she discovers evidence that the Sicari truly existed, something her father had passionately believed until his death, but that she had doubted. Whilst investigating further her colleague is viciously murdered and everyone suspects that Emma herself is the murderer.
Ares believes that Emma and her deceased parents are actively working with/for the Praetorians but assists in her release by the Egyptian authorities, only so that he can force/ blackmail her into helping him.
There’s lots of use of Latin, Ares in particular likes to swear/ make exclamations in Latin but at other times uses modern idioms. He is in fact not immortal, just brought up in a closed, secret society who’s membership is dwindling. Also, everyone is a special snowflake. Ares has telekinesis, his sister Phae has miraculous healing powers (although since she takes on the wounds physically I’m not sure I want that power), and Emma can read an artefact’s history just by touching it. Of course most ancient artefacts have blood-soaked histories so she spends a lot of time incapacitated by the visions she receives.
One of Emma’s close colleagues is in league with the Praetorian, he or she may have murdered both Emma’s parents and her colleague. Someone also tries to kill Emma and it is only Ares’ quick actions that saved her, at the cost of one of his men. At this point I was kind of enjoying this Indiana Jones style novel but then Ares whisked Emma away to his secret lair, of course the Sicari are rich beyond imagination, with ancient documents and weapons. There’s lots of mutual erotic dreams, pointless rituals and bizarre ceremonies, many of the Sicari hate Emma for being an outsider (and possibly a Praetorian sympathiser). All of this is interspersed with smouldering looks, stolen kisses, pouty lips, pert breasts and overwhelming attraction. I expected Ares to imprint on Emma at any second (or at least become a sparkly vampire!).
But hey, I was on the Eurostar and I was gamely ploughing, waiting for the plot to resume, when Ares is seriously wounded having been forced to suffer a ritual punishment which he volunteered to take on Emma’s behalf after she interferes (after being expressly told not to interfere of course). For some ridiculous trumped up reason no medical assistance can be provided for 24 hours after the ritual, so Emma decides to look after Ares herself, then gets distracted removing his clothes. The guy is unconscious, bleeding from multiple wounds, he may not last the night but she is staring at his dangly bits! Of course by the next day he is well enough to get out of the bed by himself and stumbles into the bathroom where Emma just happens to be having a shower. When he uses his telekinesis powers (which were totally depleted in the previous days’ fight) for the ridiculous purpose of pulling Emma’s towel out of her reach I decided the plot had literally and figuratively been lost and I threw in the towel.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
laurenjodi's review
4.0
Assassin’s Honor by Monica Burns
Book #1 in The Order of the Sicari
4.5 Stars
Synopsis:
Emma Zale is an archeologist with the uncanny ability to "see" the past upon touching ancient relics. Now she is in danger as two separate secret societies are under the mistaken impression that she is in possession of an ancient artifact. In order to survive, she must rely on a deadly assassin who is as much a danger to her heart as a threat to her life.
Review:
This is a tremendously entertaining book. The plot revolving around archeological findings and secret societies is excellent. It would have been even better with additional detail in this area but hopefully it will be forthcoming in the next book – gives readers something to look forward to.
The characterization is brilliant as Ares and Emma’s backgrounds and motivations come to life on the pages. Emma’s sarcasm and stubbornness may be off putting to some readers but I found it very much in line with her personality and past experience. The supporting characters are just as well developed, especially Lysander, the tortured hero who will appear in the next book. I am just dying to find out about his past relationship with Phaedra.
The amalgamation of the historical, paranormal and contemporary elements is fluid and contributes to the unique sub-culture within the book. The language and dialogue are intelligent and witty, and I enjoyed the inclusion of words in Latin and Italian (don't worry, their meaning is quite clear from the text and there is always Google Translate). This element adds authenticity to the world Burns has created. My one small nitpick, however, is with the writing style as some of the descriptions of the characters internal thoughts are repetitive.
Recommendation: A definite must read for lovers of romance of any kind.
Book #1 in The Order of the Sicari
4.5 Stars
Synopsis:
Emma Zale is an archeologist with the uncanny ability to "see" the past upon touching ancient relics. Now she is in danger as two separate secret societies are under the mistaken impression that she is in possession of an ancient artifact. In order to survive, she must rely on a deadly assassin who is as much a danger to her heart as a threat to her life.
Review:
This is a tremendously entertaining book. The plot revolving around archeological findings and secret societies is excellent. It would have been even better with additional detail in this area but hopefully it will be forthcoming in the next book – gives readers something to look forward to.
The characterization is brilliant as Ares and Emma’s backgrounds and motivations come to life on the pages. Emma’s sarcasm and stubbornness may be off putting to some readers but I found it very much in line with her personality and past experience. The supporting characters are just as well developed, especially Lysander, the tortured hero who will appear in the next book. I am just dying to find out about his past relationship with Phaedra.
The amalgamation of the historical, paranormal and contemporary elements is fluid and contributes to the unique sub-culture within the book. The language and dialogue are intelligent and witty, and I enjoyed the inclusion of words in Latin and Italian (don't worry, their meaning is quite clear from the text and there is always Google Translate). This element adds authenticity to the world Burns has created. My one small nitpick, however, is with the writing style as some of the descriptions of the characters internal thoughts are repetitive.
Recommendation: A definite must read for lovers of romance of any kind.
ajenkins979's review
4.0
I did not enjoy this book as much as I did the author's other work, but still a great story.
This book is mostly full of suspense, with smut and romance thrown in.
I was not fully captured by the story, only some parts were captivating.
The story was very well written.
Because the story is written about an ancient warrior group, the modern day warriors still use some of the old language. Ms Burns includes such words in the story, if you don't know them you have to figure them out with context.
This book is mostly full of suspense, with smut and romance thrown in.
I was not fully captured by the story, only some parts were captivating.
The story was very well written.
Because the story is written about an ancient warrior group, the modern day warriors still use some of the old language. Ms Burns includes such words in the story, if you don't know them you have to figure them out with context.
schomj's review
ETA: I had to give up, this is a DNF. I have too many other books on my TBR pile to put up with Emma for another 150ish pages.
I'm halfway through and not sure if I'm going to make it to the end. It's obvious the author did a lot of research for her world-building, which I appreciate. The pacing was... kind of jerky. Sometimes fast and engrossing, other times so slow that I had time to notice the details that were kind of off. The secondary characters (Lysander, Phaedra, etc.) were what kept me reading as far as I have. I'm kind of tempted to put this in DNF territory and just try the next in the series, but I'm afraid that Burns might be one of those authors who is really good at doing secondary character, but it all falls apart with the primaries.
Ah, the primaries... that is what is making this such a tedious read for me. Ares is ok. He's a kind of typical alpha male hero with the under-explaining, over-protecting shtick. Not very interesting, in my opinion, but not very off-putting either. Off-putting is more how I would describe Emma. For someone who is supposed to be an academically trained archaeologist, she's infuriatingly lacking in curiosity and cultural competence and, comparing her to the people I know who do field work, it just... it doesn't fit, her character doesn't make any sense to me. There's a big gap between the person she's described as being and her actions and internal dialog. I'm really trying to like this, because it seems like it should be a really great story, but the characters are too off and the romance too tepid for me to really enjoy it.
I'm halfway through and not sure if I'm going to make it to the end. It's obvious the author did a lot of research for her world-building, which I appreciate. The pacing was... kind of jerky. Sometimes fast and engrossing, other times so slow that I had time to notice the details that were kind of off. The secondary characters (Lysander, Phaedra, etc.) were what kept me reading as far as I have. I'm kind of tempted to put this in DNF territory and just try the next in the series, but I'm afraid that Burns might be one of those authors who is really good at doing secondary character, but it all falls apart with the primaries.
Ah, the primaries... that is what is making this such a tedious read for me. Ares is ok. He's a kind of typical alpha male hero with the under-explaining, over-protecting shtick. Not very interesting, in my opinion, but not very off-putting either. Off-putting is more how I would describe Emma. For someone who is supposed to be an academically trained archaeologist, she's infuriatingly lacking in curiosity and cultural competence and, comparing her to the people I know who do field work, it just... it doesn't fit, her character doesn't make any sense to me. There's a big gap between the person she's described as being and her actions and internal dialog. I'm really trying to like this, because it seems like it should be a really great story, but the characters are too off and the romance too tepid for me to really enjoy it.