Author: Amanda
Bonilla
Series: Shaede
Assassin #1
Genre: Urban
Fantasy
Publisher:
Signet Publishing
Format:
eBook/Paperback
Release
Date: December 26, 2011
Pages: 317
Source: Purchased
from Amazon
Contact Amanda
Overall Rating: 4 Bad Boys – Really Enjoyed It!!!!!
Reviewer: Kat
Author Summary
In the
shadows of the night, Darian has lived alone for almost a century. Made and
abandoned by her former love, Darian is the last of her kind—an immortal Shaede
who can slip into darkness as easily as breathing. With no one else to rely on,
she has taught herself how to survive, using her unique skills to become a
deadly assassin.
When
Darian's next mark turns out to be Xander Peck, King of the Shaede Nation, her
whole worldview is thrown into question. Darian begins to wonder if she's taken
on more than her conscience will allow. But a good assassin never leaves a job
unfinished...
My Thoughts
Shaedes of Gray is a great first novel in Amanda Bonilla’s Urban
Fantasy series, Shaede Assassin. The
plot is interesting, well structured with lots of action and conflict. The story
is expertly delivered with a gradual recounting of background information,
smooth transitions from scene to scene, told at a pace just right for the
story.
This story has great characters: kick-ass heroine, dangerous love
interests, and an array of supporting characters that all have a special role
in the story. All are well developed with
just the right amount of background information for a first novel in a
(hopefully) long series.
Overall, I really enjoyed this novel and would recommend it
reading it. If you are a fan of Urban
Fantasy, this is one that should go to the top of your To Be Read list.
About the story…
Our heroine, Darian, is 100 year-old Shaede who lives as an
assassin. Having the ability to become
part of the shadows, Darian uses her special abilities to become the best hired
killer of the ‘dregs of society’. She works for Tyler who is the liaison
between her and clients requiring her services.
Working exclusively for humans, Darian is unaware that there is
an entire supernatural population in Seattle.
Everything she knows about Shaedes, their origins and abilities can fit
in a thimble. Her maker, Azriel, lied to
her for years telling her that they were the only two surviving Shaedes and
avoided answering any questions she had during their years together. After he failed to return home one night, she
believed him dead and in turn believed she was the only Shaede left in the
world.
When Darian was requested to personally take care of a target,
Tyler was suspicious, however he agreed.
The job set an entire plan into motion that alters Darian’s life
forever. She discovers that not only do other Shaedes exist but so do many
other supernatural beings. And some of
those beings are bringing war to the Shaedes doorstep. Darian will be playing a role in this war
whether she likes it or not.
About the Characters…
Darian has all the characteristics of a trained assassin – fearless,
ruthless and emotionally detached. She
is also very sarcastic and witty, and I particularly enjoyed her internal
dialogue - especially when dealing with the men in her life. Even the toughest of assassins can be
vulnerable and Darian has a naive side that makes her susceptible to harm. Her vulnerability is a result of the constant
lies told by those close to her. Despite
her ignorance of the world in which she lives, Darian is very resilient and
handles each situation that is thrown her way the only way she knows
how…headfirst and fearlessly.
There are love interests aplenty for Darian. The old adage you
want what you can’t have is true here.
Her indifference to having a relationship with anyone makes her a
challenge to all the men around her. Azriel
was her maker and lover for 20 years, Tyler (her current employer) is in love
with her and has been trying to move their relationship to a new level for years,
and her new king quickly becomes smitten.
Of course, she thinks they are all ridiculous and gets annoyed at the
many episodes of male posturing. The
author relays these episodes in the most amusing of ways.
Bottom Line
If you are a fan of Urban Fantasy story worlds, kick-ass heroines
and sexy supernaturals, I highly recommend you read this one. A little on the lighter side of UF, Shaedes of Gray is a very well written
and enjoyable read. The author has created an interesting story world and compelling
characters and I am looking forward to the next release, Blood Before Sunrise, on July 3rd.
Happy Reading!!
4 Bad Boys – Really Enjoyed It!!!!
BUY NOW…
Thank you for the wonderful review! I already have this one on my TBR. :)
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome Tina luv! I hope you enjoy it like i did. i'm a big fan of UF!
DeleteOh I do have this one on the shelf here! I do look forward to reading it. :) Can't wait! So glad to hear you enjoyed this one so much.
ReplyDeletei had it on my shelf for a while too but things kept coming up. her new one is coming up soon so i wanted to read it. hope you like it! you can come back and tell me what you thought if you like.
DeleteThank you for thegreat review. I heard this series is amazing. It is on my wishlist. I must get it and soon. Kickass heroines and sexy paranormals sre my bread and butter LOL! I can't wait to discover the way how Darian reacts to all the men. It sounds like a lot of fun. Thank you so much hon :)
ReplyDelete