Rebecca Zanetti

Shadow Falling

Briar's Reviews

Rebecca Zanetti's Shadow Falling is a fun little book packed full of dystopian, sci-fi romance.

To be blunt, this genre is not my go to. Science fiction books tend to not sit high or well on my shelf, but I do like to dip my toes in the water once and a while. Changing my reading habits up makes life a little more exciting and let's me see into some of the other genres I don't frequent. That being said, I am not the ultimate science fiction lover so my review will not reflect as well as other reviewers.

In this dystopian world, Vivienne was a former FBI profiler. After this world has had a massive wipe over with some crazy bacteria (which got Vivienne), she must now live and see the man who was her rescuer (from the last book). Her rescuer? Oh yeah, Raze is basically a bad guy.

The worst part about this book for me was that I didn't read the first one, so I wasn't entirely sure what was going on. I felt like Rebecca gave me enough to go on, but I still felt mighty lost. After peeking at other reviews, a different couple was followed in book but, yet I still think reading the first one would have prepared me better for this book.

Like most science fiction books, Shadow Falling has a lot going on. There's lots of plots and drama to follow along the way, so it's not a casual reading book. You need to be invested and want to devour all of the insanity that's going on. That was another place where I faltered - I just wanted to casually stroll through this book, and then I realized it was as complicated as Game of Thrones and the other amazing books out there. I got lost easily and had to put down this book a lot and almost DNF it. I just wasn't prepared AT ALL. So, buyer's beware! Do a little research before you throw yourself in a book.

All that being said, I think this book was still super well written. Rebecca's style is to die for and I'd highly recommend this book for romance, sci-fi and dystopian book lovers. It's honestly a great ride if you like books like this. Since this isn't my primary genre, I didn't appreciate it as much. I can totally see this book flying off the shelves. It's amazing!

Highlights:
1. The whole sexy, alpha male thing is going on
2. Lots of action and plot lines to keep you busy and occupied
3. Totally binge worthy - fast paced, great timing, excellent writing style that's engaging
4. Gritty, dark and absolutely insane plot

Three out of five stars.

I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.

Lover of Romance 

THIS REVIEW MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS, SO FAIR WARNING, UPON READING THE REVIEW.
Shadow Falling is the second book in the Scorpius Syndrome series by this author. This series is set in a dystopian-post apocalyptic world and I am not sure why it has taken me so long to get to this series, I do think it’s one of the more brilliant series that she has done. Of course, I have adored just about everything that this author has written, and especially in regards to her world-building talents, she is at the top of the pyramid of authors for me. There is something that she crafts, a certain vibe that is felt so deeply within the reader that resonates in such a human way that I have simply appreciated from Rebecca Zanetti. I do think she is one of the more undervalued authors in the genre and while I didn’t love this enough to give it a 5 rating, I truly adored this book. I just wasn’t as immersed in the writing as I was in the first book and there were some other elements that I will get to later on in this review.

SHADOW FALLING IS AN INTENSE FILLED THAT WILL GET YOU TO THE EDGE OF YOUR SEAT THAT FEATURES:
Raze Shadow– An ex-military officer, technically an AWOL, protector and defender, and brother
Vivienne Wellington– recently rescued and deals with some unique psychic abilities, a survivor of the Scorpius Syndrome, and an FBI profiler before the infection decimated the world.
Vivienne was highly respected in the government and science circles before the bacteria hit their populations and is destroying their society, she was captured by the “claimed” President who was infected and now is a psychopath and a danger and seeking to destroy any who stands in his way. But he wanted Vivienne but then she was rescued and brought to a safe haven in California. Then Vivienne meets closed-off Raze Shadow, who has secrets of his own. She knows that he could be dangerous, but there is a powerful connection that builds very quickly between Raze and Vivienne. Raze isn’t as honest as he would like to be, and is here under false pretenses but his intentions are to do everything in his power to save his sister, but his loyalties are becoming divided between saving his baby sister or finding another way without having to betray the woman he is coming to love and the found family he has discovered in this haven. But there is more at work than meets the eye, and only when Raze learns to trust in others and build those strong bonds of family and friendship, will he be able to find what he has always been looking for including Vivienne, a woman he would fight to keep by his side….

We are who we are, and we’ve done what we’ve done. Heartbreak makes no difference

This was such a powerful story and from the moment that I found myself truly captured by this story, I was all the way into this one here. I didn’t want to let go of this pairing, and I just fell hard for Raze and Vivienne and wanted them to find smooth sailing towards their HEA. But of course, this is Rebecca Zanetti, so that doesn’t happen (HAHAHA) however you see such delights in the unique twists and turns in which this author is capable to building in such a satisfying way. You definitely will feel the moments of suspense and the “edge of a cliff” feels that I guarantee will capture your attention from beginning to end. You do realize from the beginning the intentions of the hero, so I am not really spoiling anything there. You really see how even in the beginning, he is torn by what he will have to do with Vivienne because he knows she is innocent and has already suffered at the hands of their sadistic President. But he will do anything for his sister. You see his deep bond of loyalty to those he calls “family”. You can see the evidence of how this infection has destroyed their world in so many ways. But what is most captivating about the story is the “found family” feel to this series. For those who are new to this series, this is set in a dystopian post-apocalyptic world where a dangerous bacterial infection permeated society, and if you didn’t get the right medication right away, you turned insane, or into a psychopath, or your mental functions changed. This small group of humans where some aren’t infected yet or those that have recovered are looking for a cure or treatment. But this has infection has devastated the world and you see the evidence of the good and the evils that human beings are capable of here. There is so much suspense and intensity packed within these books.

I’m doing this because I like you. By failing to prepare, you’re preparing to fail.

The romance that we see develop between Raze and Vivienne is what I would categorize as a bit forbidden. I mean the hero doesn’t want to fall for Vivienne because he knows he will have to betray her and their group. But he can’t deny their instant connection (now this is more instant lust and not instant love) but the love part does build quickly but not to the extent that you will struggle with. It was so fun to see these two battle out their lust and yet aware but not fully acknowledge the deeper relationship that was building between them. I also will guarantee that this “secret” of our hero isn’t extended all the way through the book. It is revealed much earlier than I expected (which I was more than happy about) and I truly respected the heroine in how she deals with the reveal. You definitely see how torn the hero is about it and his conflicting emotions surrounding her. The heroine is a pure delight though. She is very savvy and on her feet smart, but not a “kick-ass” type. She is more of a scientist and I really liked the balance of this pairing. With the hero being so military-focused and the heroine more empowered in the brain capacity. I found they really balanced each other out so well. But there is definitely an appeal in this world in women knowing how to defend and protect themselves. But seeing our pair here learning to trust in each other and really understand the other in the best of ways was a plus to the story. And we do get some teasers from other pairings in the series so I definitely got a kick out of that.

I want you, all of you, as completely as I can get you. That means marriage and same name. Mine.

Overall I found Shadow Falling to be a delicious read and I am quite eager to continue on with this series here and see how Zanetti develops the world-building and see how this group will overcome what is against them. It’s a story that will intrigue your romantic reader’s heart in a way that will build your imagination in such a pivoting way.

JoLee

Rating: 4 Stars - Loved It

Thoughts: Shadow Falling was a great follow up to Mercury Striking book one. Once again Rebecca Zanetti gave me an alpha male hero to fall for. Anybody Raze cares for it is in his nature to protect them. He has his reasons for being in Vanguard the safe-haven where Jax from Mercury Striking is the leader. Jax still does not fully trust a lot of people and the one who he really is not trusting is Raze. Interesting moments with these two.

Vinnie I just adored her character. She was kind of quirky and had a tendency to speak what she was thinking without really wanting to. She really needed a place to feel wanted. Loved the friendship she had with Lynne. Their girl time was fun and never took away from the story. It showed that they are still human and trying to survive as best as they can.

Jax and Lynne from book one play a big part in Shadow Falling. Loved seeing how they are doing. He is a hard ass leader and is set in his ways. Love that she is there to help him feel for others emotions. While I was missing the close knit community before I started to feel that everyone is slowly becoming close. Loving the secondary characters more. Like Rebecca Zanetti style always part of the story and this time around were so much fun seeing them interacting. Not only does Rebecca Zanetti teases her readers with one possible couple but two. I have not read any of the synopsis for future books so I am really hoping a certain couple who the possible hero I have no clue if he is a bad or good guy get a story.

Few plots going on that help break up the book for me. Not only have the plot with Raze his secrecy and the follow to that but inside Vanguard drama dealing with the Priest.

Jolie

Before I start my review, I would like to thank Kensington Books and NetGalley for allowing me to review Shadow Falling by Rebecca Zanetti.

*All opinions stated in this review are mine and mine alone. I received Shadow Falling from Kensington Books through NetGalley as an ARC for my honest and unbiased review**

Now onto my review:

Oh. My. God.

I LOVED this book. Forget that it is a 2nd book in a series (if you have been reading my blog long enough you know my feelings on that). Just forget it. This book is just that awesome.

Raze, oh where do I start with him. He is so bad that he’s good, in a delicious way and he just oozed sex appeal. What appealed to me about him was that he was 100% devoted to his family and those who he considers family. Even when he got sick with the Scorpius Syndrome, he was still a complete badass.

Vinnie (or Vivienne) Kennedy was a mess when we met her. Not only is she dealing with the aftermath of her kidnapping/drugging/torturing by the President but she was infected with Scorpius Syndrome and her brain is all wonky. To the point where she is seeing hallucinations of her dead schizophrenic step mother and she believes that she can read minds (or can she??). Plus, she doesn’t have a filter and I was laughing out loud when she told Jax, Lynn and Trace that Raze had a huge erection because she wouldn’t have sex with him…..lol.

I will say that President Atherton and Vice President Lake were completely creepy and I got chills when I read their scenes and I honestly can’t wait to see both of them get what they are due.

The main storyline was great but I kinda called what would happen with it. Not that it took away from the story in any way. I did like the 2nd storyline, a lot and the way that the author wrapped that up was great. The 3rd storyline really annoyed me for some reason. The Reverend was sneaky and I really don’t understand why Jax didn’t just shoot him the first time Vinnie told him that he was up to something. But then again, I can see why he didn’t.

The ending was great and it was left open for Trace and Sami’s story. Which I can’t wait to read. Now, I just have to read the first book and I will be all set…lol.

How many stars will I give Shadow Falling? 4/4.5

Why? A great romance/post apocalyptic book!! This book was jam-packed with sex and action and it was written so that you didn’t get sick of the book or its characters.

Will I reread? Yes

Will I recommend to family and friends? Yes

Age? Adult

Why? Lots of sex that includes some light BDSM. Also a lot of violence.

Ranem radwan

'This dark, post-apocalyptic tale is a testament to the power of hope and love against all odds' Romantic Times It's a dangerous race for survival in the aftermath of a deadly bacteria spreading across the globe. And danger has never looked quite so delicious... Before the Scorpius Syndrome tore through North America and nearly wiped out the population, Vivienne Kennedy 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. 'Thrilling post-apocalyptic romance at its dark, sizzling best!' Lara Adrian For more thrilling passion played out against the dangerous race for survival, look for all the titles in The Scorpius Syndrome series: Mercury Striking Shadow Falling Justice Ascending Storm Gathering Winter Igniting Knight Awakening