Gwen’s review of Burning Alive (Sentinel Wars, Book 1) by Shannon K. Butcher
Contemporary paranormal romance released by Onyx 5 May 09
As any of you who have read my reviews know, I loathe selfish or TSTL characters. I can forgive the occasional fall off the Smart Wagon into Stupid Land, but I really hate characters that make it a habit to return again and again to the to-stupid-to-live side of the tracks. And selfish people just suck.
What I didn’t like about Burning was how often the heroine was sincerely clueless. I got so frustrated by her that I wanted to slap her around a bit (so I slapped the book). The hero was much more interesting and yummy.
The main romance in Burning is really very nice, even if it is one of those “fated to be” kinds of things. I enjoyed the complications Butcher introduces, giving the heroine choices. I also enjoyed the implication that there are motivations within motivations, plots within plots, even within the good guys’ camp.
Burning is an excellent paranormal romance with a very interesting world and story. I mostly enjoyed the characters – Butcher does a nice job of building the backstory for each. This promises to be an interesting series with nice romances and good action.
Grade: C
Read other reviews of this by following the book’s tag here.
Summary:
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…
For too long, Helen Day has been haunted by visions of her own death, surrounded by flames as a dark-haired man watches her burn. So when she sees the man of her nightmares staring at her across a diner, she attempts to flee–and ends up in the man’s arms. There, she awakens a force more powerful and enticing than she could ever imagine.
The instant the Theronai warrior Drake touches Helen, the anguish he has borne for years fades away. He is determined to know why this beautiful, fearful woman has such power over him. The answer lies in his very blood–and in Helen’s as well. For 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…
Read an excerpt here.
Other books in the series:
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Running Scared, Book 3 – May 2010 |
I’ve been curious if Shannon Butcher is a good writer ever since I saw that she claimed writing to be no more then a formula and that anyone can learn to do it.
Interesting, Simcha, I haven’t heard much about the author was that in an interview? Do you have a link?