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Review: Burning Alive by Shannon K. Butcher (and giveaway)
Casee's review of Burning Alive (The Sentinel Wars, Book 1) by Shannon K. Butcher
They are the Sentinels...
Three races descended from ancient guardians of mankind, each possessing unique abilities in their battle to protect humanity against their eternal foes—the Synestryn. Now, one warrior must fight his own desire if he is to discover the power that lies within his one true love...
Helen Day is haunted by visions of herself surrounded by flames, as a dark-haired man watches her burn. So when she sees the man of her nightmares staring at her from across a diner, she attempts to flee—but instead ends up in the man's arms. There, she awakens a force more powerful and enticing than she could ever imagine. For the man is actually Theronai warrior Drake, whose own pain is driven away by Helen's presence.
Together, they may become more than lovers—they may become a weapon of light that could tip the balance of the war and save Drake's people...
This is Shannon K. Butcher's first paranormal book and first book in The Sentinel War series. I wasn't really in the mood for a paranormal book when I picked it up. If I can't decide what to read, I take a few books and read the first chapter of each one to see which one sounds the best. The reason I picked this one was b/c of the first sentence.
The man who was going to stand by and watch while Helen burned to death liked his coffee black.
After I read that, I had to keep reading it.
Drake is a Theronai and a Sentinel, a powerful race of warriors who protect the world and the humans in it. The Sentinels are trying to find a fallen warrior's sword before the Synestryn can release all the dark souls that was killed with the sword. Whenever a Theronai dies, retrieving his sword is paramount.
When Drake first sees Helen, he's drawn to her. When he touches her, she makes the pain he constantly feels disappear. Drake would think she was special just for that, but the Sentinels soon realize she's not a mere human. She's a female Theronai, which their race hasn't had in hundreds of years. Drake wants to bond her immediately, but knows that he has to give her some sort of choice.
Helen first thinks that Drake and his friends are crazy in the head. That's before monsters burst into her house and try to kill the lot of them. After that, it's a lot easier to believe him. Still, she can't forget her dreams, the dreams where Drake stands by with a smile on his face while she burns to death. Helen is terrified of fire, with good reason. So when Drake tells her she can help the Sentinels' cause by calling fire, she is incredulous.
While I wasn't exactly blown away by this book, I did enjoy it. I think that the world Butcher has created is an interesting one. I believe that now that the ground work in this series is laid, the books will get better. My emotions were definitely engaged while I was reading this, which is why I think that the next book will be even better.
4 out of 5.
This book is available from Onyx. You can buy it here or here in e-format.
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42 comments:
Sounds great. :)
I love the premise of this book. Sounds engaging. Would like to read it.
This book has one beautiful cover . . the 'cover Gods' have been kind!
And the storyline sounds intriguing too.
Rawr! very sexxy cover and the story doesn't sound to bad!
I REALLY want to read this one!! Sounds so good!! Please enter me. :)
This is my favorite genre to read, sounds like my kind of series!
I love Shannon K. Butcher so I'm thrilled to see she's coming out with another series!
I've been wanting to read Shannon K. Butcher's books since I've read great reviews but unfortunately my local library doesn't carry them.
Please enter me in the contest!
Thanks!
The cover of this book is really incredible. Just by looking at it I want to read it. your review makes it even more interesting. Please enter me in the contest.
This book sounds so good, and that guy on the cover, yummy!
Would be such a fun read
This book sounds awesome, count me in.
That is a really great first sentence. I read another paranormal romance (by another author) and thought that it was pretty good, but got the feeling that the ones to follow would be better. Much the same as it seems this book was to you. Would still like to read and win it!
I'd love to win this book, it sounds like a great read!
Please enter me!
Sounds like a great read. Count me in for this contest. Have a great day.
I have heard nothing but good about this book.
I'm a paranormnal newbie. This sounds good.
mj.coward[at]gmail.com
I read this and wasn't blown away either. I ended up giving it about the same rating 3.75 out of 5. I found myself left with too many questions though. Did you feel that way?
I would love a chance to win this book.
Love this contest. Count me in. The cover is really sexy. Hubba Hubba.
I think this book really sounds great. Love the cover. Very eye catching. :-)
Larena
lrwirum@cox.net
It does sound interesting, I'd give it a try, and the next if I like it enough to see where it goes.
Ooh, sounds like my kind of book! Count me in. And I love the cover-- it really does grab your attention!
Butcher is not a typical romance author's name! I'd love to read this book, thanks!
Oooh another new book to read!!!
Huh...I love paranormal books and this books sounds great
It sounds great, reminiscent of Jackie Frank's Nightwalker series. I'd love a chance to win it...count me in.
Sounds good!
I like different and this sounds different! Great to read your review and notes too! I'd love to be in the contest. Thanks!
The sensual manner in which Drake finds relief from his pain by touching Helen can be felt by the reader.
I have to agree, the first sentence is very captivating. It makes me want to read more!
This sounds like it would be right up there with the Raintree triple play written by Linda Howard, Beverly Barton, Linda Winstead Jones.
I would love to read this one as well :)
Sounds great and I love the cover. too. :)
I loved this book! I give it a 4.75, only because at times the writing was a little bit clunky, but other than that, it was fantastic. The writing was more mature to me than her other 3 contemporary romances. I can't wait for the next installment...today please! :-)
I enjoyed your review~looks like a good read!
Luvdaylilies at bellsouth dot net
This is great. Another world and series to get lost in. Can't wait.
I've been eye-balling this book whenever I went to Walmart. I just didn't have any book money to pick it up. It looks realllllly good
I would love to be entered in this contest, it sounds so interesting!
This does sound really good. Glad you liked it.
I loved her romantic suspense books and this series sounds really interesting. Count me in for the contest!
Okay...the cover...sexy as hell! I enjoyed your review too, and I would love a chance to win. Thanks!
kalea_kane(at)yahoo(dot)com
Ok, that first sentance would have got me too...how wicked!!! I am excited to read it!!
brandewaldron(at)yahoo(dot)com
This book sounds great, please enter me. Take wait to take a peek.
Dottie :)
gymmom_027@yahoo.com
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