Rebecca Zanetti - Storm Gathering

Even before surviving the Scorpius bacterium, Greyson Storm was a lone wolf navigating minefields. As a kid, he learned to take a hit and find safety. As an adult, he joined the military and quickly learned how to protect and defend. When the world ended, he created a mercenary camp with military precision, no entanglements, and a promise to avenge a fallen friend. As part of that vow, he kidnapped Maureen Shadow, but now that he has let her go, her blue eyes and intriguing mind keep haunting him…
As possibly the only Biotechnology Engineer still living, Maureen Shadow might be humanity’s one hope to survive the aftermath of Scorpius, making her frighteningly valuable to both allies and enemies. Even after sexual tension explodes between her and Greyson, she’s not sure which camp he belongs to—friend or foe? Worse yet, survival may mean thwarting his prime mission, putting her in even more peril. When danger and seduction collide, there is no safety in this new world.

Comment: This is the fourth installment in the Scorpius Syndrome series by author Rebecca Zanetti. This is a post apocalyptic world where the characters still maintain their humanity and help each others in small groups, in order to ensure their survival and, hopefully, peace once the world starts to get back to normal...

In this fourth story, the author keeps up with the situation between the two groups familiar to the readers, the Vanguard and the Mercenaries as the elements from both sides have slowly started to get acquainted and even some friendships seemed to have started. An interesting situation is the one between Greyson, the leader of the Mercenaries and Maureen, sister to one of the top lieutenants of the Vanguard. Before Maureen was reunited with her brother she was kidnapped by the Mercenaries and stayed with them for a while and something happened between her and Greyson.

Now that things have changed and the two groups are getting closer to work together, can Maureen accept to go back to help with something important for all regarding her work and still face what she and Greyson seem to have together?

This is a series about a complicated hypothetical situation concerning the possible fate of humankind. However, unlike some other books/worlds, the author isn't stressing out the negative without positive aspects and I like the series precisely because despite the fact things are dire the characters don't stop being human, don't stop having hope and still hold on to the interactions and affection that people usually depend on to fully function.

The romance in this story wouldn't have been difficult to guess because it was understood by several clues in previous books there is something between Maureen and Greyson. In terms of personality there's really nothing in each one that would make them such amazing characters.

Greyson is one of those apparent lone wolf types but who actually hides a softer and caring side, especially regarding those he loves or feels responsible for. He's the personification of the expected hero. There is some interesting facts about his past, not too detailed but enough to let the reader know he is a natural leader but not mean or forced.

Maureen is more difficult to "read" because she isn't such a remarkable character nor does her personality strike that much. She is a heroine who is worth more by her connection with the others than by her own person. I mean, it's good she's part of the group and all but she's not that memorable.

Considering this, of course the author had to increase the intensity of the relationship by introducing a situation not yet seen between the main characters in the other books and although it offered some interesting scenarios and possibilities, it wasn't as decisive as I imagined.

The majority of the story really focused on the plot and that is good on one hand but on the other, the interactions between Maureen and Greyson weren't as romantic or such deal breakers as I hoped for. I just think their relationship was a little too predictable, even with the novelty of their circumstances.

The plot really seemed to have center stage here. I liked some of the new information gained by the main characters and I hope that what is happening will be as significant as it is implied for the future. I must say I see where this is possibly going but it's interesting to imagine how it might not too. I'm just waiting to see how the author will solve other issues without making it too easy even though, at the same time, some of the problems the groups face are taking a little too long to be solved. This is somewhat paradoxical: if the problems were to be solved too quickly it would sound silly but this way it can be a little frustrating. Not that the balance is wrong but... I always notice it anyway.

All things considered, this is a good installment but I'd say it works better if one thinks about those readers who have been following the main story line. Some things just aren't that easy to follow if one starts here. Ok, we can say this isn't a difficult stroy anyway but there's something to be gained by knowing who's who and where the major players are at. I do hope things change quickly because it can also be easily get stagnated and I hope it won't.

Grade: 7/10