Shelena Shorts

Though this book had a promising start, I lost interest rather quickly in both the characters and the plot. The idea that people could be cold-blooded was rather interesting, as was the idea of going through life at a different pace. But, when all was said and done, THIS BOOK WASN'T ABOUT THOSE THINGS--it was mostly about the two main characters talking about how they are in love and how Sophie keeps being reincarnated (or something?) and how they can't be apart a la Edward and Bella but I really felt nothing between them. One of my biggest pet peeves is when two characters tell each other "I love you" too early in their relationship and in the story. I don't care if they are "an old soul" or whatever lame excuse an author tries to make up.

And a large portion of the book is dedicated to building up suspense about who is stealing stuff from the labs about Wes' cold-blooded serum. Now listen here, goodreads friends, Wes has been alive since 1916. He's been out and about for almost a century now interacting with people. It would make perfect sense for the person stealing the *&^% in the labs to be someone that interacted with Wes. But no, instead it is the ex-boyfriend of one of Sophie's reincarnations who got pissed because Wes broke his hand THIRTY YEARS AGO and then was so pissed about that (and a few other things) that he starts taking alligator blood in the army and then stealing from Wes' research labs to make himself immortal. I felt like this was that scene in Role Models where Martin tells a ghost story and then the punchline goes, "and holding the severed head of the
pediatrician's mother in his hand, was Philip,the pizza delivery boy from when they ordered pizza at the beginning of the story!" This ending was just blech. But the author set it up for a second forthcoming book. I don't think I'll be reading it...

… (altro)

GoodReads Synopsis: For centuries, the Petrescu family has been protecting society from a danger that moves among the population undetected. Eighteen-year-old Vasi Petrescu has never had a problem carrying out his duty, but, when ordered to eliminate an eighteen-year-old girl, he is immediately taken out of his comfort zone.

The Syndicate has never targeted a female before, yet somehow this one has ended up on more than one hit list. Vasi would like to find out why, but there may not be time.

Now, he'll have to decide whether or not to keep her alive even if it means going against his own family.

The action, mystery, and conspiracy in The Syndicate will take readers on an immersing journey in which decisions are not only life changing, but irreversible.

My Thoughts: This book used one of my favorite tricks to hook the reader…mystery. The reader doesn’t completely comprehend who and/or what the Syndicate and Hybrids are. So I had to keep reading to see what the deal was. By the time you do learn the answers to that question, others have replaced it and keep you reading.

Vasi is portrayed as a young man fighting an internal struggle between the integrity his parents instilled in him before their death, and the demands of the Syndicate. Most of the time they are in alignment, but at one, crucial, instance they are not. Vasi is a strong character with strong character. I wasn’t as big on Riley, I found her whiney…but loved how Vasi dealt with her.

I enjoyed this story immensely. It was a quick, one-sitting read. And one of the few I wouldn’t mind if they turned it into a series.… (altro)

The Syndicate is a very unique storyline that will entice a selective audience. Narrated by a eighteen year old young man that happens to be an assassin, for the secret organization known as the The Syndicate, readers will notice a very different dialect, and overall experience. Watching this story unfold from a males point of view may deter some readers, but those that find their selves invested will be rewards with this action packed adventure. Shockingly, this is also a love story which was quite interesting paired with the males point of view. The fast pace will carry readers through effortlessly as this author builds an entire world of danger; only to break it back down with the climax of the novel. Upon concluding the book I have many lingering questions, and hopes to see another novel for this unique and refreshing story. I look forward to more, and anxiously anticipate reading author novels by this talented author.… (altro)