Rebecca Zanetti - Knight Awakening

The world has changed. Any rules that might’ve been in place before the Scorpius bacterium ripped through civilization and decreased its population are no longer in place. Obsession and survival are the new reality. So, Marcus Knight, after a hellish time in captivity that stole most of his memory and all of his soul, has one focus, and that’s keeping Dr. Penelope Kim safe in the aftermath. She’d risked her life to save him once, and she’s all that matters. For months, he’s kept his distance, protecting her from afar, because he knows that one touch—one sigh—one kiss—from her will never be enough.
Penny Kim is one of the few doctors still living, and she alone holds the key to ensuring the human race continues. Several of her friends are pregnant, and the clock is ticking down on their survival. Her days are filled with experiments and hope, while her nights are consumed with visions and dreams of the hard-bodied and powerful soldier who’s made her safety his one and only mission. She should be wary of him; she should be terrified of him. Yet all she feels is an unreal craving for his touch that gets stronger every day. Life is short, and she’s unwilling to wait, unaware of the danger already hunting them both. Some risks are worth it, even in this new and dangerous world.

Comment: This is the 6th installment in the Scorpius syndrome series, following the events of a pandemic (ha, thankfully ours isn't like this) which affected the population in different ways: some have died, others turned into zombie-like creatures, others have survived and evolved and some have escaped it. The series has followed a group of survivors as they try to survive while fighting against enemies and lack of supplies. 

When this story begins, our group is still focused on uncovering more information from the bunkers, so they can try to find a cure for the syndrome but they are also thinking about relocating, since water might end soon. Before this happens, they need to be ready, in particular Marcus Knight, younger brother of Jax (from book #1) after his release from the torture he suffered while in the bunker lab he was rescued from. The only person who was kind to him there was dr Penny, who also participated in the escape, but he knows he has become obsessed with her and wanting to protect her. He believes if things between them change into an even more personal relationship, he might not be able to let her go... and what about Penny's will, could she imagine a life where Marcus wasn't around? She knows her medical expertise is important and her research too, but can she also have a personal heaven with this tortured but loyal man?

From my descriptions above, I believe any new reader might feel confused. As always, edition choices aside, any book in this series can be read as stand alone but it's really best to read in order not only for better enjoyment if one knows what happened, but because some comments, some actions get a different meaning beyond the basics if one has read the previous books.

This said, I have to say, I feel this book was pretty much what I expected until the final 10% or so. I already imagined the end wouldn't be perfectly rosy or filled with unsuitable choices for the kind of story we've followed so far, but I must say things were wrapped up a lot more... swiftly than what I hoped for. I wish more pages have been dedicated to the final battle with the enemy - not in descriptions or tactics but in emotional impact. And the last pages, no matter how hopeful, felt like they weren't enough.

Don't get me wrong, the author did a good job in putting together the loose ends, in coming up with believable actions to fix some issues. I just think that, this being the last book in the series, after following these characters for so many books, with difficult scenes and situations, I kind of hoped we could follow them into their new life with a bit more content, with more details of wat was going on with them, say, a few years later. I didn't want a silly end where their lives were perfect, but a vision of what could be. Sure, I can imagine, but... the end felt rushed.

As for the last protagonist couple, whom we already knew were quite in sync with one another from previous books, everything went as expected. They faced adversity, they were unsure what the other one might feel but after a few attempts, they hit if off. Marcus is a fascinating character, the way his torture and the virus affected him wasn't that original, but it allowed him to have a unique personality. I was rooting for him and for the possibility he might start feeling worthy of the others' affection for him. Penny is a pretty common type of heroine: dedicated, wanting to fix everything, wanting to be useful...unsure about the guy's feelings for her but willing on taking a chance. I liked Marcus better than her, but overall, their HEA made sense.

The interactions between characters and the cute moments they all shared among the hard to imagine scenarios were really my favorite part of this series. It feels good to think that, in similar chaos and demanding sets, anyone could hold on to their humanity by bonding with others and forming a small family/community like these characters have done. I think this was, indeed, the best part of the books, this one included.

I don't know if I'll read other books by the author (too big a TBR) but who knows, her writing style is certainly appealing...

Grade: 8/10

Rebecca Zanetti - Winter Igniting

With nothing to lose, former cop Damon Winter agrees to an undercover op, infiltrating a cult in the dangerous post-Scorpius world. After one look at his new partner, he knows she belongs far away from not only the cult, but from him. She's sweet and kind and has no business being in peril, but she's determined to help. Suddenly, the part he's playing as her man explodes into a passion neither of them had expected.
April Snyder has survived loss, pain, and uncertainty. Now she's ready to live again. There's nothing left but to make a difference for others, so why not go undercover in the cult? Now all she has to do is keep it professional and ignore her handsome, deadly, overbearing partner, who's too sexy for her peace of mind. Intrigue, risk, and danger make for an irresistible temptation--until enemies close in, threatening everyone they've sworn to protect. 

Comment: This is the fifth story in the Scorpius Syndrome series by author Rebecca Zanetti. I've been positively surprised by the series despite featuring an apocalypse type story, something I usually don't like much. I had hopes for this one too but it wasn't as captivating overall.

In this story we have April as they protagonist, someone who has been a recurrent character in the series, and she is about to participate in a mission for the group. Along with her is Damon, one of the recently joined Mercenary elements to the Vanguard one. The two seem to be mutually attracted but Damon is as alpha like as they come and April is still seen as someone fragile after the death of her daughter in one of the first books.

As the mission moves forward to try to make certain a smaller group currently isolated within Vanguard territory, April and Damon have to decide if there is a chance they can be a couple or not...

The books in this series have been quite addictive to read and probably what I liked the most about them was how, despite such a dire theme and some less than interesting scenes (namely the ones from the villain's POV which I never like in any book), the focus still felt optimistic and the focus on the characters made me "forget" some of the less than good parts or details.

In this book I think the distracting elements just didn't work as well and although the issues the characters had to face were solved, the overall feel is that the story was not as engaging.

The relationship between hero and heroine is usually a strong point in the stories but in this case I couldn't find April and Damon to be that impressive together. Yes, they do seem to match or made to match in the necessary ways but their connection didn't feel that strong.

Damon has a very alpha personality despite the scenes where he acted like a more laid back guy before. I can understand the more active evidence of his personality now he is the main character but some of his attitude felt a bit too much sometimes.

As for April, she has always been fragile but not inept so I was not surprised she found more strength in her usefulness and in how she felt being with Damon. 

As a couple, though, I was convinced by their feelings.

In regards to the plot, of course I expected some more development in what is going on. I understand the need to keep things in a low level so that there is always something to add, to develop but I just think some things could just move on more quickly. It's not know if this will be a longer series or how many books will exist but it would be nice to see if the groups could move to a better spot, if there's a way to save those not in danger, if the enemies could be vanquished... it would also be nice to see the focus go from fighting enemies to establish a new society and how that would happen.

To me this book was a bit boring at times. The characters take some time to act, to decide...then if they do, there's something interrupting, something more important to do first... I get this tactic to keep a fast pace and the attention always on the page but at the same time, it can be a little complicated to remain interested if things are just being described and described and then it takes time to happen. In the other books this situation was not such a problem because the romance felt better but in this one, things were just more evident to me in how they didn't work.

The end of the story was positive, though. There is a specific situation that gives me hope the next one will focus on developing something new and that is hopeful. The next couple is also very promising in terms of a possible relationship.

I just hope the book can be balanced and the author keeps up with moving things forward instead of just hinting at some things over and over.

Grade: 6/10

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

Rebecca Zanetti - Justice Ascending

Before surviving the Scorpius bacterium, Tace Justice was a good ole Texas cowboy who served his country and loved his mama. After Scorpius, the world became dark, dangerous, and deadly... and so did he. The Vanguard medic is stronger, faster, and smarter than before, but he's lost the line between right and wrong. His passion is absolute, and when he focuses it on one woman, there's no turning back for either of them.
Sami Steel has been fighting to survive right alongside Tace, convincing the Vanguard soldiers she's one of them. In truth, Sami is a former hacker turned government agent who worked at The Bunker, where scientists stored both contaminants and cures. Only she knows the location, and she's not telling. Yet when sexual fire explodes between her and Tace, she'll face even that hell again to save him.

Comment: Considering I was positively surprised by the previous installments in this Scorpius Syndrome series, I also felt like reading the following books and this is #3. I usually dislike apocalyptic scenarios because in my mind there could only be space for fighting and drama and the most negative side of humans but thankfully this series also focuses on good things like romance and friendships.

In this third story, the focus goes on to Tace Justice, the medic at the "facility" called Vanguard and where a large group of survivors of the infection have settled in.

Tate was a very nice and helpful man butt he bacteria affects different people in many different ways and Tace has noticed he has gotten more focused and cynical, with difficulty to absorb emotions. Except, though, in relation to fellow Vanguard soldier Sami Steel. someone he can't seem to let go of, even if there was nothing between them before. However, Tace fears his obsession with her is only another proof the virus is changing him and his feelings aren't rear. Or is the virus just an excuse for something he always wanted but never dared to go after?

Sami has secrets and one of those is how she really feels about Tace. But among so many problems and tasks, can she trust him with who she really is?

In terms of plot this story pretty much follows the same pattern the previous ones did: the main couple is attracted to one another, they feel their bond could only be temporary even while they fall in love and on the backstage there's a need to solve a problem, there are people to fight and people to help/save. It's not a very ingenious plot but I suppose it's what it is, knowing other situations would be way over the top, after the wiping of the population anyway.

What I liked the best on this story is also exactly the same I did in the other ones. The proximity of the characters who live together and the attempts they do to make it easier for weaker members to survive is commendable. The general atmosphere of difficulties and the fact they no longer have a solid government or a dependable lifestyle is quite harsh but they never lose hope and they try their best to do with what they manage to find. I like that there are enough elements in the stories to give us the idea of how hard it is to accomplish daily routines but it's not so desperate to the point of not showing them as good human beings. 

The romance in this book was consistent to what the characters were going through. They are friends, they have fought together and although their personalities are different, they still have enough in common to be a good match. I like to imagine, if this wasn't an apocalyptic sub genre, in a standard type romance novel, they would be as suitable too.

Sami has some secrets but when we discover them, things don't seem that dire to be honest and I can understand why she didn't come clean but it's not that bad.

Tace faces a possible personality change scenario but I'm glad to say although he does become more cynical and obsessed with certain details, he is still the same good person.

I think they were good together but in terms of relationship evolution, because they had known each other for a while, opposed to the previous two couples, who met in their respective books, I wasn't as thrilled with seeing them fall in love but it's all good in the end.

As any reader can imagine, it's the everyday situations the characters face that makes this interesting. I liked having glimpses of other characters, their possible romantic entanglements, there are secondary plots going on, some stronger than others, but they provide a good overall effect. I still can't understand if the series is meant to simply show case this dire scenario of an apocalyptic society or if there are plans to improve things, to solve them or even, maybe, to reveal others scenarios in other places, like is the problem of the world so bad everywhere? I do hope the author starts making a more obvious plan on what it is to come.

At the time, I'm looking for the next book. The couple that will be featured intrigues me and I have hopes things will progress faster in terms of plot too.

Grade: 8/10

Rebecca Zanetti - Shadow Falling

Before the Scorpius Syndrome tore through North America and nearly wiped out the population, Vivienne Wellington was the FBI’s best profiler. The bacteria got her anyway. But she survived. She recovered. And when she woke up from a drug-nightmare of captivity, her skills as a hunter of men had gone from merely brilliant to full-on uncanny.
Her mysterious rescuer wants her to put them to the test. But no matter how tempting he is, with his angel’s eyes and devil’s tongue, Vinnie knows she shouldn’t trust him.
If the FBI were still around they would rate Raze Shadow as one of the bad guys. His military training can’t wipe out his association with the Mercenaries, the most feared gang in a thousand miles. His loyalties are compromised. He won’t even tell Vinnie his real name. But there’s no FBI in the new America of fear and firepower, only instinct and risk. And the way his arms wrap around Vinnie tells its own story. Whatever else Raze is concealing, he can’t hide his desire . . .

Comment: This is the second installment in the Scorpius Syndrome series by author Rebecca Zanetti. I confess I was surprised by having enjoyed the first book in the series because the setting is an apocalyptic world devastated by a virus that killed most of the human population in North America and those who haven't died have turned into sociopaths or were changed somehow. Very few survived the virus and few less haven't been infected.

I usually avoid these scenarios because I can't help but thinking it would focus too much on the negative aspects and how could a HEA really work out but...I'm glad I was proven wrong.

In this second adventure we have the focus on Vivienne Wellington, a woman who used to work as a profiler of sociopaths and serial killers for the FBI. Vinnie has been caught by the ripper (an intelligent sociopath - opposed to those who can't focus) who now is the President but at the end of last book she was rescued by Raze Shadow, a mercenary who then joined the Vanguard.

Raze has wanted to be part of a community again for a long time and he recognizes in the Vanguard a place where he can be useful and feel worthy, same as Vinnie, but he also has a secret agenda about betraying her. However, with time passing and situations developing unexpectedly, will he be able to go with it, especially after realizing Vinnie means too much for him to let her go?

Usually, I prefer novels where we can have a broad sense of the world building, the settings, of everything that surrounds the characters and the places where they live/work/interact, etc.

In this case, because the world out there has been affected so terribly, it's actually interesting to focus on small communities and how they must be ruled in order to work properly for everyone. 

I think this aspect has worked out pretty well and this surprised me. We could have a very claustrophobic scenario but thankfully it isn't so and I believe it has helped me to imagine a wider setting.

As for the plot in this second story, again, I was positively surprised. I liked how we were able to have a good sense of the characters' movements, their tasks, their daily interactions... there was also a certain situation in this book that wasn't completely solved but which allowed for an interesting social situation to be explored. I think the author has thought about possibly realistic situations that might arise n such a scenario and she inserted one of them quite well here. However, part of me would have preferred it to be solved more firmly, without much room for second doubts (which I assume might be reason for further conflicts).

I also liked how more characters were introduced and we now have the idea of which paths might be taken in the following books to make the plot move forward. I'm curious about how the new characters will be placed in contact with the ones we already knew.

There's a romance, of course. Vinnie and Raze have a very quick development in their relationship. One could debate on the emotional aspect of involving oneself in such dire circumstances and making it work but this aspect is obviously enhanced for plot reasons. I still think every romance happens a bit too quickly, even bearing in mind adversity, life is short and so on. But the couple's interactions make for it a bit and I liked how they trusted each other about their inner thoughts and feelings somehow, even if not in the best way they could have, were the situation different.

I was quite eager to keep reading. I don't think this is the best story ever but it was compelling for me, mostly because I wanted to see the characters interact in such a scenario. More than the problems with their enemies (which I understand why exist but could do without), what I want to see is the human behavior, the expectations, the way the characters deal with normality in such a abnormal world.

It was also great to see the characters - mainly the women - put their knowledge and intelligence to use for the goodness of the groups and to find help and necessary things.

I'll keep on reading the series...

Grade: 8/10

Rebecca Zanetti - Mercury Striking

With nothing but rumors to lead her, Lynne Harmony has trekked across a nightmare landscape to find one man—a mysterious, damaged legend who protects the weak and leads the strong. He’s more than muscle and firepower—and in post-plague L.A., he’s her only hope. As the one woman who could cure the disease, Lynne is the single most volatile—and vulnerable—creature in this new and ruthless world. But face to face with Jax Mercury…   

Comment: This is the book chosen for the book club I'm participating in. This is the first book I've read by this author and I was positively surprised. I might try something else after I read the books in this series, when that happens... This is the first installment in the Scorpius Syndrome series and I really hope all of them have the same structured plot and captivating romance.

In this book we have a catastrophist scenario, for a strange bacteria has infected the world's population, apparently around 99% have died and the remaining people are changed, for better or worse.

Lynne Harmony is a wanted woman, many thing she is cause of the bacteria and its spreading out, others say she wasn't clever enough to stop it, others even claim she might carry a worse strain within her body. What Lynne knows is she needs Mercury, a mercenary of sorts that will help her achieve her goals. She looks for him and is found but she didn't understand she would need to face more people in his group as well...

Jax Mercury is wary of this woman but she might be the key to find one cure or to at least find a way to help those in his care. What he didn't expect is for her to become so important to him.

I must say I still feel rather surprised by how much I liked this story. I mean, it's not a favorite but considering the theme and concept I think it's quite the surprise for me.

I have to say I'm not fond of apocalyptic stories that feature (often) the need for survival of the human species or how difficult it is to manage different groups or goals in surviving. Shows like The Walking Dead truly annoy me, not because I don't appreciate the psychological path characters take - which I do - nor due to the fact I hate blood and death - which I do, but... What really annoys me is how there's this need to focus on how bad things are, how people dream of hope but then we still die, good people die as much as bad people...yes, it can be realistic considering the world affairs but fo that we do have reality. I prefer shows and things where eventually the good guys don't ALL die or where there's a HEA somehow. 

This was what surprised me in this book. We still have glimpses of the wonders of the human race, for good and bad, but the focus is a romance story and that changes everything.

The romance isn't exaggerated to the point where the main characters don't think about anything else but it's was cute at time to see them slowly change because they were falling in love, even if their relationship didn't start as a romance, only a way to share something.

Jax is an intriguing character, he's strong and smart but he's not perfect and not a total alpha..he learns and he suffers and he protects those he considers his "family".

Lynne also grew up during her stay with Jax's group, she is a sweetheart but obviously people are suspicious of her. I liked how she never tried to be someone she's not.

Together, Jax and Lynne aren't the perfect couple, they don't always agree on everything, but the hopeful take they both have because they are in love is sometimes enough to support even terrible things...

The plot has a purpose, obviously. There are some weird types of humans that survived the bacteria and some of them turned into serial killers. These people are now the enemies and, of course, Jax and Lynne ae looking for a cure but will need to face one of these changed humans - called rippers - before any other solution can be discovered. There are battles, there are enemy groups trying to survive...I'm glad we didn't spend too much on that, Jax's group was what really interested me and not all the fights outside.

I hope the next book, featuring a different couple, is as focused as this was on the romance.

All things considered, I liked this book, I feel glad the author wrote things in a way that despite us being aware of dangers and having to face violent and sad things, there is enough goodness to counterbalance and there is always the romance to make it easier to read.

I'm looking for to read the next one, eventually.

Grade: 8/10