MERCURY STRIKING by Rebecca Zanetti: Review

Posted January 25, 2016 in Reviews / 0 Comments

MERCURY STRIKING by Rebecca Zanetti: ReviewMercury Striking by Rebecca Zanetti
Series: The Scorpius Syndrome #1
Published by Zebra
Publication Date: January 26th 2016
Genres: Romantic Suspense
Pages: 384
Source: Publisher
Format: eARC
Goodreads
Buy Online: Amazon  B&N  Kobo

Disclaimer: I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely mine.

With nothing but rumors to lead her, Lynn 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, Lynn is the single most volatile—and vulnerable—creature in this new and ruthless world. But face to face with Jax Mercury…

Danger has never looked quite so delicious…

 

Review

MERCURY RISING is my first foray into the post-apocalyptic/dystopian/sci-fi world and even as a huge Rebecca Zanetti fan, I had my misgivings but she brought her unique touch to this world and delivered an exciting, intense first book of what promises to be a really interesting series. It’s fast and dramatic, but it also has a lot of heart.

The US as we know has come to an end. With about 99 per cent of the population wiped out by the Scorpius bacteria, it’s become survival of the fittest and those infected by the bacteria have either survived and become enhanced; or been stripped of all humanity and become soulless killers known as Rippers.

As the former head of the CDC and a brilliant microbiologist, Lynn Harmony is both hated and feared because the outbreak happened on her watch and she’s the only person to have survived the infection with a unique memento – a blue heart – as a result of all the experimental treatment carried out on her. Lynn is also the only one who has a good chance of finding a cure or at least a way of managing the contagion, but she needs to stay alive and avoid capture as she seeks protection from Jax Mercury.

Jax Mercury is a legend – a former gang member turned special-ops soldier who has garnered a reputation as deadly and brutal in protecting his territory as he oversees his group of survivors and he’s Lynn’s only hope. Jax is by nature a protector and the proof lies in the fact that instead of using his skills to stay alive, he gathered a group of survivors into an encampment and became their leader, providing them protection from roving gangs and Rippers, teaching them survival skills and scavenging for provisions for them. 

In a post-apocalyptic world where survival is everything, the last thing either Lynn or Jax is looking for is emotional entanglements, but their connection is irresistible and together, they are combustible. Lynn’s big brain and fiery nature are very big draws for Jax and soon they both want more than mere survival, they want to live and experience life and love to the fullest.

I’m completely blown away by the world building and amount of information in this book as well as the many characters introduced, but I loved reading every bit of it. There are a lot of unanswered questions and loose end that I’m looking forward to resolving in upcoming books. The sneak peek of the next book has only served to make the wait seem unending. I don’t think that reading the prequel is necessary before starting this book, but for a more rounded picture of Lynn’s character, it may be best to start there.

For anyone who’s looking for a straight romance, the information the author has provided here to set the stage for the rest of the series may seem like a lot, but I can promise you that keeping up with the series will be worth it.

 

 

 

 

About Rebecca Zanetti

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Rebecca Zanetti has worked as an art curator, Senate aide, lawyer, college professor, and a hearing examiner – only to culminate it all in stories about Alpha males and the women who claim them. She writes dark paranormals, romantic suspense, and sexy contemporary romances.

Growing up amid the glorious backdrops and winter wonderlands of the Pacific Northwest has given Rebecca fantastic scenery and adventures to weave into her stories. She resides in the wild north with her husband, children, and extended family who inspire her every day–or at the very least give her plenty of characters to write about.


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