July 1, 2012

Review: Blood Before Sunrise by Amanda Bonilla


Title: Blood Before Sunrise
Author: Amanda Bonilla
Series: Shaede Assassin #2
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Publisher: Signet Publishing
Format: eBook/Paperback
Release Date: July 3rd 2012
Pages: 336
Source: ARC from Author


Contact Amanda


Overall Rating: 5 Bad Boys – Absolutely Loved It!!!!!
Reviewer: Kat


Author Summary
“She needed a bargaining chip and this was it. Raif’s daughter’s life for hers. And he knew damn good and well I was right. Just like he’d assured me the night I’d killed Azriel, this was far from over. His daughter was alive, I knew it. And I was going to find her.”

For months Darian and her Shaede guardian Raif have searched for the Oracle who attempted to overthrow the Shaede Nation—and kill Darian in the bargain. But now that they’ve finally found the half-crazed Oracle, for their efforts they are granted a possibility too painful for Raif to imagine, and too enticing for Darian to ignore.

Darian is determined to reunite Raif and the daughter he thought was dead, but her mission quickly proves dangerous when her lover Tyler is almost killed. And when a brooding and mysterious Fae warrior offers his guidance—at an extraordinary price—Darian finds herself willing to risk everything. As her single-minded hunt turns into an obsession, and she and Tyler grow further apart, Darian finds herself caught between the man she loves like a brother, and the man whose love she can’t live without


My Thoughts

Urban Fantasy fans are going to be so happy with this novel. Everything that makes this genre fabulous is in this novel. Tons of action, great storylines, plot twists and turns, kick-ass heroine, sexy men, inner turmoil and more.  Well-written, perfectly paced so not to overwhelm, outstanding character development, Shaede Assassin is definitely a new addition to my favorite UF series list.


About the story…


Our heroine, Darian, is a Shaede assassin who had lived for years unaware of the entire supernatural community around her.  Head down, keeping out of trouble. Killing the occasional bad guy.  Life has drastically changed for her since finding out she has a much larger role to play in the supernatural world that she ever thought possible.

In this second installment of the series, Darian has some especially difficult choices to make.  Should she follow her instincts and do whatever it takes to find Raif’s daughter that he’s believed dead for years?  If she does, it may cost her the relationship she has with the man she desperately loves.

As Darian sets out on this dangerous road, she runs into way more than she ever could have expected.  As well as her mission to find Raif’s daughter, she’s also on a path to self-discovery. The plot thickens and is full of suspense and intrigue.


About the Characters…


Darian is a fabulous character.  She handles each situation that is thrown her way the only way she knows how…headfirst and fearlessly. And she has a lot of difficult situations thrown her way.  She’s sarcastic and witty, and I particularly enjoyed her internal dialogue - especially when dealing with the men in her life.  I misunderstood Darian at first and didn’t get why she chose to do things the way she did.  But eventually I started to understand her a little better.  Thanks to the author’s brilliant writing.  She’s lived alone taking care of only herself for so long, she has trouble letting anyone help her. Darian is at the precipice of self-actualization and she has a way to go yet.

Tyler is Darian’s model-gorgeous lover and protector. He is a Jinn and very much in love with Darian.  He’s bonded himself to Darian - which is the way of the Jinn. They can bond themselves to another three times in their long lifetime.  Being Darian’s protector is no easy feat. She’s headstrong and doesn’t always make the right choices.  Tyler is very understanding and patient with Darian.  However, when someone starts messing with their bond, he starts to become a tad unhinged and possessive. Ok, well maybe a bit more than a tad, but that’s all I can say about that without going into spoiler territory.

Then we have Raif. Umm, I like this mysterious one.  Darian’s mentor and friend, he’s probably the only person she cares what he thinks of her.  He’s the King’s brother and protector of the Shaede Nation. Not to mention hot-as-hell.  Might be the whole mystery thing, but I can’t wait to see what further role the author is going to give him in the story. 

Xander, King of Shaede Nation, has all the arrogance that comes with being a King of anything. His unabashed flirting with Darian adds a lot to the story. The way she handles him adds even more. She’s not completely unaffected by him but is too much in love with Tyler to even go there. I love it when she puts him in his place.

Our sleazy villain, Fallon, is batshit crazy. And what an amazing villain he makes! As no one is entirely good or evil, we get to hear about his personal demons that motivate him. The way the author developed his character and delivers his story is pure brilliance.  When it all comes out, it was one of my favorite parts of the entire story.



My favorite Darian quote in the novel:
“Posturing is just part of the battle. Elk paw at the earth and thrash their massive racks of antlers; birds display and puff their feathers; canines circle one another, hackles raised and lips curled. We upright animals, we talk shit.”


Bottom Line


If you are a fan of Urban Fantasy, kick-ass heroines and sexy supernaturals, I highly recommend you read this one. Blood Before Sunrise is very well written and a great read. The author has created compelling characters, a great storyworld and gives us an edge-of-you-seat reading experience.

Happy Reading!!

5 Bad Boys – Absolutely Loved It!!!!!



1 comment:

  1. So cool to see that the sequel is even better than the first one. Always a great sign. Thank you for the great review again hon. Loved your favorite quote LOL! Awesome review again hon. Thank you :)

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