Reviewed: April 3rd, 2022
Released: October 26th, 2018
Genre: Contemporary Fantasy
For an empath, “How do you feel?” is never just a question.
Not when it can kill you.
These are the rules:
1. Rare and powerful empaths never escape the compound.
(Bastian Lucas escaped a year ago, and just because he’s been dragged back doesn’t mean he won’t escape again.)
2. Compound officers don’t ask questions.
(Captain Henry Mortimer has always followed orders, but Bastian’s arrival—and the disappearance of one of Henry’s team—have him wondering things he probably shouldn’t be wondering.)
When Major Valentine orders Bastian and Henry to investigate a series of murders committed by an asset with powers similar to Bastian’s, it brings to light more than just a cover up. Things like why an empath who shouldn’t exist is killing senators, what’s really behind the compound’s sinister asset program, and whether Bastian and Henry will live to see the end of this case.
Because they’re in danger of breaking rule number three as well:
3. Don’t fall in love.
Helen’s thoughts: 4/5
Enjoyable paranormal fantasy about an empath called Sebastian who has grown up in the compound, suffering untold experiments and treated like a prisoner. Managing to escape he is soon retrieved by Captain Henry Mortimer and returned to the compound.
This story reminds me of the Dark Flame series by Kat Silver, though a lot tamer and without the vampires! Although there are plenty of characters with unusual powers instead, you don’t really see much of them, and I think their was a missed opportunity to add colour and depth to the world by exploring what could have been possible.
Bastian and Henry are sympathetic characters, and their slow burn romance is lovely as they discover more about each other and find out what is going on around them.
Against the backdrop of a murder investigation, the plot is a little predictable, and it’s only the characters which engage and draw you in.
All in all, a well written book, penned in the third person POV which always takes me a while to get used to.
About the author:
Katy Morgan is an indie fantasy author and fiction editor with an eye for detail and a heart for supporting the creative community. When she’s not writing or editing, she can be found cross-stitching something sassy, daydreaming about hedgehogs, or drinking far too many mochas–usually all at once.
Find out more about her work at https://www.bardicfool.com.
Purchase via Amazon
Link to book on Amazon UK: eBook | Paperback
Link to book on Amazon US: eBook | Paperback
As an Amazon Associate I may benefit from purhcases made using these links.
If you enjoy fantasy books then you will love my books which are available in eBook or paperback: Book One: Sentinals Awaken. Book Two: Sentinals Rising. Book Three: Sentinals Justice. Book 3.5: Sentinals Recovery. Sign up to my newsletter and download a free novella called Sentinals Stirring and get notified when my next books are published.
Helen Garraway 