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The Syndicate
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 a seventeen-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.
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.
301 pages, Hardcover
First published July 9, 2012
10 people are currently reading
2042 people want to read
About the author
Shelena Shorts
11 books378 followersShelena Shorts is an alumni of George Mason University where she studied English and Education. She uses her passion for literacy to entertain readers through writing and publishing. When she’s not working, she can be found wherever her super active kids are. Shelena lives in Virginia and is grateful for God's daily blessings.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
April 21, 2012
First Thoughts:
Wow, I never wanted this book to end, I fell in love with the characters and didn’t want to let them go, there’s just so much depth and character to them that I wanted to keep reading about them. And to make this an even greater book was the plot! No cookie cutter plot, there was definitely originality and creativity poured into each and every page. I was so engrossed in this new “society” and how it worked; it was really cool to see two sides of the same blade…
Plot:
Okay so I really enjoyed the whole concept and plot line of this book, it was so new and intriguing that it kept me reading and reading to the point I didn’t want to put it down. I love when there isn’t the same plot lines a lot of young adult books are spitting out these days, it’s hard to really come by a book where it follows its own path and gives the reader a new experience. Yes this has the slight element of forbidden romance but in all honesty I really didn’t see all too much of it or better put, it wasn’t the main conflict of the story. The romance was more of a subtle background element while the whole story based its conflict with the society itself. The beginning of the story was a little slow going, the author had to introduce the reader to the world and set the ground rules but once that was done the story really took off, it started throwing curve balls and adding in new conflict, it really became more of a movie than a book, it didn’t even feel like reading. The pace was average but got really fast near the end….oh the end how it left off…I really want the next book like right now! I can see some speculations that could appear as part of the plot and I really want to know if their right because if they are… just wow. And as for the romance it was so gentle and gradual, I liked that it didn’t seem rushed or forced, it was more of what was meant to be. As for the sub-plots there weren’t really many of them; the story really seemed to focus on the overall large conflict but I have a hunch that there are going to be some in the books to come. There was one part of the story that I found a little…strange? No that’s not the right word…I don’t know it’s just kind of seemed random like the character had stored this plan in his mind for half the story and didn’t share it with the reader…it kind of was fun, usually that would deter me but it actually added to the story, I like it when the characters surprise the reader like that, it definitely added more to the plot. So overall I really enjoyed the overall storyline of this world.
Characters:
Move over Wes and come here Vasi! Oh Vasi, Vasi, Vasi how I have fallen for your physique and inner warmth, I’d take you any day! And Here’s to hoping Riley doesn’t mind a little competition ( I think we know who would win ;D )
I loved these characters; the author did such an amazing job on creating unique personalities for each one and making them fit in just the right way that they added to the texture of the story. I found it easy to connect with the characters, they just seemed so easy to get to know and though each one has their secrets it’s still good to learn who they are on the outside. So overall I really liked the creation of these characters and I’m glad they were so easy to like or dislike, this was definitely a great aspect of the book.
Transformation of the Character:
Though I wouldn’t use the word transformation these characters did in a way change, not into a new person but like they discovered something that had been a part of them the entire time but hadn’t known that it had been there, does that make sense? But I think with what’s to come there’s actually going to be some full-blown transformations, I could tell just by the way the author had set up some of the conflicts in this first book.
Description:
I liked how the author chose to describe some of the targets I won’t lie some of them were eerie at times, it was almost like staring at a double mirror…definitely mind numbing and fun to read. I like authors who aren’t afraid to describe the less than pretty things in the world. As for the amount of description I thought she had just the right amount, she did a great job describing the scenery and the rules of the world. She was able to set up the world in a way for the reader to easily understand it and at the same time enjoy reading about it. As for the dialogue I found it to be an adequate amount, not too much and not too little and it seemed true to the characters speaking. I really like the way the author described some of the inner thinking, each inner thought seemed true to the character and added with precision. So overall the description was fun and fast to read, it’s definitely something a reader shouldn’t have a problem with in this book.
Style:
The author’s style was unique in the way that it seemed to stay steady throughout and it seemed smooth and jagged it at times, it was like the writing itself became more jagged in the more intense moments and more smooth in the calmer and more progressive scenes, really cool to see. Also I liked that we only got one POV, it helped keep some of the stories secrets and conflict buried for just the right moment, there’s still secrets I don’t know and I can’t wait to figure them out. Also the use of first person allowed us to connect better with the main character, we could see through his eyes what he saw and the his thought process afterward there’s a lot you can learn about a person by just studying them from inside out.
Quote of the book:
“…we have to make the decision in time, we have to mark it, put it in the envelope, stick a stamp on it, and mail it back. We can’t just decide, but then let the deadline pass, because if we do, it’s like we never made the decision to begin with.”
Goodreads Summary:
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.
Last Thoughts:
I would recommend this book to fans of “The Pace” series and to anyone who loves a unique and good story. This story was a fast read to me, I’m still reeling from how quickly I devoured it, I tried savoring it but I finally gave into temptation, call me weak I don’t care all I want is some personal time with Vasi. I love this author’s writing and can’t wait to continue to read more from this author. I really enjoyed this book a lot, I never wanted it to end but like they say all great things have to come to an end sometime, guess this was no exception.
Wow, I never wanted this book to end, I fell in love with the characters and didn’t want to let them go, there’s just so much depth and character to them that I wanted to keep reading about them. And to make this an even greater book was the plot! No cookie cutter plot, there was definitely originality and creativity poured into each and every page. I was so engrossed in this new “society” and how it worked; it was really cool to see two sides of the same blade…
Plot:
Okay so I really enjoyed the whole concept and plot line of this book, it was so new and intriguing that it kept me reading and reading to the point I didn’t want to put it down. I love when there isn’t the same plot lines a lot of young adult books are spitting out these days, it’s hard to really come by a book where it follows its own path and gives the reader a new experience. Yes this has the slight element of forbidden romance but in all honesty I really didn’t see all too much of it or better put, it wasn’t the main conflict of the story. The romance was more of a subtle background element while the whole story based its conflict with the society itself. The beginning of the story was a little slow going, the author had to introduce the reader to the world and set the ground rules but once that was done the story really took off, it started throwing curve balls and adding in new conflict, it really became more of a movie than a book, it didn’t even feel like reading. The pace was average but got really fast near the end….oh the end how it left off…I really want the next book like right now! I can see some speculations that could appear as part of the plot and I really want to know if their right because if they are… just wow. And as for the romance it was so gentle and gradual, I liked that it didn’t seem rushed or forced, it was more of what was meant to be. As for the sub-plots there weren’t really many of them; the story really seemed to focus on the overall large conflict but I have a hunch that there are going to be some in the books to come. There was one part of the story that I found a little…strange? No that’s not the right word…I don’t know it’s just kind of seemed random like the character had stored this plan in his mind for half the story and didn’t share it with the reader…it kind of was fun, usually that would deter me but it actually added to the story, I like it when the characters surprise the reader like that, it definitely added more to the plot. So overall I really enjoyed the overall storyline of this world.
Characters:
Move over Wes and come here Vasi! Oh Vasi, Vasi, Vasi how I have fallen for your physique and inner warmth, I’d take you any day! And Here’s to hoping Riley doesn’t mind a little competition ( I think we know who would win ;D )
I loved these characters; the author did such an amazing job on creating unique personalities for each one and making them fit in just the right way that they added to the texture of the story. I found it easy to connect with the characters, they just seemed so easy to get to know and though each one has their secrets it’s still good to learn who they are on the outside. So overall I really liked the creation of these characters and I’m glad they were so easy to like or dislike, this was definitely a great aspect of the book.
Transformation of the Character:
Though I wouldn’t use the word transformation these characters did in a way change, not into a new person but like they discovered something that had been a part of them the entire time but hadn’t known that it had been there, does that make sense? But I think with what’s to come there’s actually going to be some full-blown transformations, I could tell just by the way the author had set up some of the conflicts in this first book.
Description:
I liked how the author chose to describe some of the targets I won’t lie some of them were eerie at times, it was almost like staring at a double mirror…definitely mind numbing and fun to read. I like authors who aren’t afraid to describe the less than pretty things in the world. As for the amount of description I thought she had just the right amount, she did a great job describing the scenery and the rules of the world. She was able to set up the world in a way for the reader to easily understand it and at the same time enjoy reading about it. As for the dialogue I found it to be an adequate amount, not too much and not too little and it seemed true to the characters speaking. I really like the way the author described some of the inner thinking, each inner thought seemed true to the character and added with precision. So overall the description was fun and fast to read, it’s definitely something a reader shouldn’t have a problem with in this book.
Style:
The author’s style was unique in the way that it seemed to stay steady throughout and it seemed smooth and jagged it at times, it was like the writing itself became more jagged in the more intense moments and more smooth in the calmer and more progressive scenes, really cool to see. Also I liked that we only got one POV, it helped keep some of the stories secrets and conflict buried for just the right moment, there’s still secrets I don’t know and I can’t wait to figure them out. Also the use of first person allowed us to connect better with the main character, we could see through his eyes what he saw and the his thought process afterward there’s a lot you can learn about a person by just studying them from inside out.
Quote of the book:
“…we have to make the decision in time, we have to mark it, put it in the envelope, stick a stamp on it, and mail it back. We can’t just decide, but then let the deadline pass, because if we do, it’s like we never made the decision to begin with.”
Goodreads Summary:
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.
Last Thoughts:
I would recommend this book to fans of “The Pace” series and to anyone who loves a unique and good story. This story was a fast read to me, I’m still reeling from how quickly I devoured it, I tried savoring it but I finally gave into temptation, call me weak I don’t care all I want is some personal time with Vasi. I love this author’s writing and can’t wait to continue to read more from this author. I really enjoyed this book a lot, I never wanted it to end but like they say all great things have to come to an end sometime, guess this was no exception.
April 27, 2012
Mind blowing Awesomeness!
The Syndicate, is nothing short of AMAZING!! The cover is enough to lure the reader in, but the story within is full of conspiracy, twists, an unforgettable budding romance, bonds, action and more! This is one book you will NOT want to miss out on.
Vasile Petrescu is a Guard for Syndicate. Their duty is to protect the world from the awful Hybrids, who infect them if bitten. The Guards get assignments to hunt and kill these evil Hybrids when told, but Vasi's new assignment isn't what he or his sister, Rosi (his Scout), suspected. Riley Bennett is a girl. It didn't make sense. They don't harm women. Females can't be Hybrids. The DNA doesn't mix and never has. What's worse...she isn't infected.
Vasi has a choice to make. Follow through on this assignment against his instincts or listens to the wisdom that his father had shared with him, “Follow his intuition.” And risk being terminated from the Syndicate.
The plot is solid and the chemistry between the characters is fantastic. It is told from a male POV, which is becoming quit popular. I have become fond of this myself. She does an excellent job portraying the story from a male POV, which is nice to eliminate the emotional tides female protagonist usually take on. The writing is smooth and the action is paced perfectly. Weaving in unexpected twists throughout the story was executed with precision that only a skilled and crafted writer can do, which Shelena obviously mastered. I was so impressed with this story, I will be on pins and needles until there's another book. This, my friends, is not an exaggeration. I loved every facet of this story.
Shelena makes her own rules. Doesn't use the cat and mouse scenario. She plays it how we want it. -I Loved this! I definitely recommend this book.
I would like to Thank, Shelena for the opportunity to review her phantasmagorical story.
The Syndicate, is nothing short of AMAZING!! The cover is enough to lure the reader in, but the story within is full of conspiracy, twists, an unforgettable budding romance, bonds, action and more! This is one book you will NOT want to miss out on.
Vasile Petrescu is a Guard for Syndicate. Their duty is to protect the world from the awful Hybrids, who infect them if bitten. The Guards get assignments to hunt and kill these evil Hybrids when told, but Vasi's new assignment isn't what he or his sister, Rosi (his Scout), suspected. Riley Bennett is a girl. It didn't make sense. They don't harm women. Females can't be Hybrids. The DNA doesn't mix and never has. What's worse...she isn't infected.
Vasi has a choice to make. Follow through on this assignment against his instincts or listens to the wisdom that his father had shared with him, “Follow his intuition.” And risk being terminated from the Syndicate.
The plot is solid and the chemistry between the characters is fantastic. It is told from a male POV, which is becoming quit popular. I have become fond of this myself. She does an excellent job portraying the story from a male POV, which is nice to eliminate the emotional tides female protagonist usually take on. The writing is smooth and the action is paced perfectly. Weaving in unexpected twists throughout the story was executed with precision that only a skilled and crafted writer can do, which Shelena obviously mastered. I was so impressed with this story, I will be on pins and needles until there's another book. This, my friends, is not an exaggeration. I loved every facet of this story.
Shelena makes her own rules. Doesn't use the cat and mouse scenario. She plays it how we want it. -I Loved this! I definitely recommend this book.
I would like to Thank, Shelena for the opportunity to review her phantasmagorical story.
May 17, 2012
4.5 stars
Already loving this more than The Pace series!
Speaking of 'the pace', The Syndicate really is fast-paced. It wasn't a problem to me though because it just felt right. And in the beginning I thought this book was going to end up being the usual read, but it wasn't. It definitely had its moments. I was very impressed and love that it's in the male POV! I hope there's more books! :)
Already loving this more than The Pace series!
Speaking of 'the pace', The Syndicate really is fast-paced. It wasn't a problem to me though because it just felt right. And in the beginning I thought this book was going to end up being the usual read, but it wasn't. It definitely had its moments. I was very impressed and love that it's in the male POV! I hope there's more books! :)
July 28, 2012
The Syndicate has such a great summary but that's about it for me. Wasn't a fan of the writing, I thought this would be an actioner and yeah there's plenty of Hybrid slaying but the prose was just too passive to carry it. And beyond the solid premise, there's just not a lot of plot or character development, instead Shorts devotes a lot of this short read to a somewhat strange romance and wraps things up with a rushed ending. I'm disappointed.
My biggest problem though is the writing. I'm not usually a fan of male points of view by female authors because they don't really feel authentic to me, but that wasn't really the case here. Instead, it's the way Vasi narrates everything, he's like, I do this, he's my brother, I think that because, a lot of telling rather than showing. I didn't have a problem getting inside his head, but Vasi's narrating style unfortunately just didn't connect with me, rather it lost me. Even the fight scenes, he's rushed by more than a dozen hybrids at one point, there's a lot of shooting, throat slitting, and daggers in spines, but the whole scene was just mechanical, somewhat detached, didn't feel exciting. And there's also a surprising lack of blood for so many slit throats, the stuff should just be gurgling everywhere but Vasi just puts the bodies in the back of his car. I'd expect one messy car but no.
Beyond that, Vasi's supposed to be this conflicted character having to chose between staying loyal to the Syndicate or loyal to his ideals. I really didn't feel that, at times he almost feels flippant at the Syndicate (one of his brothers, not him) having to kill Riley, just brushes off the whole thing as Syndicate loyalty, but when he's with Riley he suddenly becomes loyal to her. Maybe it's because the two of them suffers from some massive instant love and the romance plot involves Vasi learning about Riley's past rather than figuring things out about himself, but he just doesn't really have the internal conflict I'd expect from someone taught to obey this organization without question and then is ordered to do something that goes against his conscience. Instead, he's more like I can't kill her, and then, yeah, I was right not to kill her. Riley really surprised me though, she seems like the more conflicted character, balancing her safety with her attraction to Vasi, but Vasi's sister Rosie has them both beat in characterization because she at least makes sense as the moral compass character.
A lot of other things ended up being pretty simple too. The backstory's really a modified werewolf killing thing, yeah call the Syndicate’s targets Hybrids and give them fangs and yellow eyes and long nails and transformations without going full werewolf, but the whole thing with the Readers and the Guard and how they came into being really lacked any complexity. And the explanation for how the rushed ending comes together, Readers and Guards don't mix, yeah right. I can’t believe I’m saying this, but the last few chapters just feels like a worse version of Breaking Dawn. The mythology, all of it, just feels, I don't know, amateurish.
I'm not saying this book is a pain to read, it actually goes pretty quickly, but I can't say I enjoyed the writing or the plot. I just expected so much more, and ended up with something really simple in every way.
My biggest problem though is the writing. I'm not usually a fan of male points of view by female authors because they don't really feel authentic to me, but that wasn't really the case here. Instead, it's the way Vasi narrates everything, he's like, I do this, he's my brother, I think that because, a lot of telling rather than showing. I didn't have a problem getting inside his head, but Vasi's narrating style unfortunately just didn't connect with me, rather it lost me. Even the fight scenes, he's rushed by more than a dozen hybrids at one point, there's a lot of shooting, throat slitting, and daggers in spines, but the whole scene was just mechanical, somewhat detached, didn't feel exciting. And there's also a surprising lack of blood for so many slit throats, the stuff should just be gurgling everywhere but Vasi just puts the bodies in the back of his car. I'd expect one messy car but no.
Beyond that, Vasi's supposed to be this conflicted character having to chose between staying loyal to the Syndicate or loyal to his ideals. I really didn't feel that, at times he almost feels flippant at the Syndicate (one of his brothers, not him) having to kill Riley, just brushes off the whole thing as Syndicate loyalty, but when he's with Riley he suddenly becomes loyal to her. Maybe it's because the two of them suffers from some massive instant love and the romance plot involves Vasi learning about Riley's past rather than figuring things out about himself, but he just doesn't really have the internal conflict I'd expect from someone taught to obey this organization without question and then is ordered to do something that goes against his conscience. Instead, he's more like I can't kill her, and then, yeah, I was right not to kill her. Riley really surprised me though, she seems like the more conflicted character, balancing her safety with her attraction to Vasi, but Vasi's sister Rosie has them both beat in characterization because she at least makes sense as the moral compass character.
A lot of other things ended up being pretty simple too. The backstory's really a modified werewolf killing thing, yeah call the Syndicate’s targets Hybrids and give them fangs and yellow eyes and long nails and transformations without going full werewolf, but the whole thing with the Readers and the Guard and how they came into being really lacked any complexity. And the explanation for how the rushed ending comes together, Readers and Guards don't mix, yeah right. I can’t believe I’m saying this, but the last few chapters just feels like a worse version of Breaking Dawn. The mythology, all of it, just feels, I don't know, amateurish.
I'm not saying this book is a pain to read, it actually goes pretty quickly, but I can't say I enjoyed the writing or the plot. I just expected so much more, and ended up with something really simple in every way.
May 24, 2012
First off, I have to acknowledge this is not going to be everyone's cup of tea. A lot of you will not like this because of the lack of action and the abundance of romantical/relationship/lovey moments. But, if you are like me, you might just end up liking it for those reasons.
Spoilers ahead:
Vasi is part of a secret society, one that takes out hybrids. They are sort of contracted out by the government and kept a secret. Readers have visions that show them who the hybrids are, and from there the fighters like Vasi are given the name of their target. Vasi is really growing into his potential, he's good at what he does until one day he draws out a name. The name Riley. It is a girl and she is most definitely not a Hybrid. So, why is she considered a threat? Vasi will not kill her just beacuse he is ordered to, he can't. The more he gets to know her the more certain he is that he can not kill her. He fights his feelings for her, but sometimes you can't fight destiny.
Ahhhh. I am already to read the next book.
I am so glad this was a book I could get excited to read. I wanted to finish this, I wanted to know what was going to happen. Hopefully, this is the push I needed to get me out of my summer slump!
3.75 stars <<<<< Yeah, I know I'm just making up my own rating system, but this one is very close to 4 stars for me.
Spoilers ahead:
Vasi is part of a secret society, one that takes out hybrids. They are sort of contracted out by the government and kept a secret. Readers have visions that show them who the hybrids are, and from there the fighters like Vasi are given the name of their target. Vasi is really growing into his potential, he's good at what he does until one day he draws out a name. The name Riley. It is a girl and she is most definitely not a Hybrid. So, why is she considered a threat? Vasi will not kill her just beacuse he is ordered to, he can't. The more he gets to know her the more certain he is that he can not kill her. He fights his feelings for her, but sometimes you can't fight destiny.
Ahhhh. I am already to read the next book.
I am so glad this was a book I could get excited to read. I wanted to finish this, I wanted to know what was going to happen. Hopefully, this is the push I needed to get me out of my summer slump!
3.75 stars <<<<< Yeah, I know I'm just making up my own rating system, but this one is very close to 4 stars for me.
June 17, 2012
(4.5 stars)
Shelena Shorts has done it again! I love her Pace series so I was exciting to see what this incredible women cooked up next.
The Syndicate is a great read. It's exciting and intriguing and romantic. The sap in me wanted to hug Vasile and Riley. I loved the story line and the idea's around the Guard, Scout, Readers, Shadows and Hybrids and I also really loved the twist in the end.
This wraps up nicely, but I would love another book!
Brilliant!
Shelena Shorts has done it again! I love her Pace series so I was exciting to see what this incredible women cooked up next.
The Syndicate is a great read. It's exciting and intriguing and romantic. The sap in me wanted to hug Vasile and Riley. I loved the story line and the idea's around the Guard, Scout, Readers, Shadows and Hybrids and I also really loved the twist in the end.
This wraps up nicely, but I would love another book!
Brilliant!
August 18, 2012
Certainly each of us has something inside that sometimes makes us doubt some choices, sometimes prompts us to do something, as if it could guide us from the shadows, and often helps us to male decisions. It's called instinct, that little voice in our head that it’s always present, and gets out when feels it's needed .. At women I would call it the sixth sense, the ability to perceive certain things, to choose a way because you feel that. At men I don’t know how to call it, but they certainly possess it, too. The question is: how often do you rely on your instinct, and trust it? Sometimes it can be a trusted friend in our life, but sometimes it can be deceiving. What do you do when he dictates you to make something crazy, or something that it’s against your principles, but you have that feeling that this is right to do, and something surprising and positive awaits you at the end?
Vasi Petrescu lived all his life, until now, true to its rules, and the Syndicate, which he considers his family. He was raised in the spirit of his father that was the leader of this secret organization that deals with the elimination of hybrids, men who were infected with a virus, and now have become a danger to society. He's an assassin, trained from when he was a child, and now he's the best. Besides others like him, there are Readers, who have a vision and find the names of hybrids, and Scouts that deal with their investigation , and find all necessary information about the hybrids, how to be killed quietly, without any humans around.
Nothing seems unusual with his life, because he makes a good think to keep humans safe. Orphaned since his parents were killed, he is totally committed to the Syndicate, which he obey blindly, and his younger sister, the only relative left. However, things are more complicated, and the leader, Henri, warns Vasi that a huge danger threatens to destroy forever their organization, and that one of them will betray them. Things got crazy when he is send to kill a girl .. what is so unusual. They have never killed a woman and didn’t have to do that because they cannot gets infected with the virus, women are immune to it. And then, why Henri still insists that he must liquidate her because it will bring a disaster to the Syndicate?
Vasi is for the first time completely confused and doesn’t know what to do, he who was always sure of himself. He meets his target, a poor alone girl who doesn’t seem to have anything evil, and has no idea about his world and the Syndicate, although he had some dreams of him, and of certain creatures - hybrids ..
The executioner starts protecting his prey, and a friendship is born between them, at least temporarily, until Vasi tries to discover what's wrong with Riley, his victim .. and feelings gradually become stronger between them.
He will have to make a crucial decision: to trust his instinct that tells him that there is nothing dangerous of this young girl, and not to kill her, but betray his family or to obey blindly the Syndicate 's orders? Listen to duty, or to his heart?
I was very intriguated by this book when I read the description and I made the conclusion that the main character’s name is Romanian, and I wasn’t wrong. Although I didn’t understood why Shelena decided that my country should play a role in her novel, because Vasile, and his family are natives of Romania, I felt flattered. The majority of characters have Romanian names .. Adela, Ramona, Basil, Stefan, Valentin, Alexander, Daniel, and Ovidui (but I think there is a little mistake here, the correct name is Ovidiu) and firstly I felt that I was reading a novel written by a Romanian writer, which was translated into English: )). Anyway, it was s very pleasant feeling.
I read this book in a couple of hours, and I didn’t realize when I finished it honestly. Seriously, I was very curious and intrigued by the subject, it seemed so interesting. The style is alert, full of action. It had beautiful moments and pleasant teasing between Vasi and Riley, and I liked a lot his inner struggles .. and some lines or ironic conclusions.
But I liked than Vasi, his character, that he is a noble person, and smart. He is funny or rather ironic, sexy, deep, protective and cute, and in some moments rebel, unsafe and impulsive. However, that he has qualities and defects made him seem very human in my perception, and I loved that.
I didn’t understood Riley sometimes, I didn’t managed to make an opinion about her personality, and I thought her behavior was.. unclear. I always had the feeling that she's not a good character, and there's something evil about her, she seemed too innocent. If Shelena wanted that the readers have doubts about her, she made a great job! But if Riley didn’t convince me, Vasi's sister Rosie, was brilliant! Funny, honest, fair, direct.. and the teasing between the brothers and the little ironies were so delicious!
If you read the book carefully, you will surely learn that you should not blindly trust in someone or something, that you have the right to make your own choices, and above all, have faith in instinct sometimes, because he knows what he knows! And that love is more important than duty!
Vasi Petrescu lived all his life, until now, true to its rules, and the Syndicate, which he considers his family. He was raised in the spirit of his father that was the leader of this secret organization that deals with the elimination of hybrids, men who were infected with a virus, and now have become a danger to society. He's an assassin, trained from when he was a child, and now he's the best. Besides others like him, there are Readers, who have a vision and find the names of hybrids, and Scouts that deal with their investigation , and find all necessary information about the hybrids, how to be killed quietly, without any humans around.
Nothing seems unusual with his life, because he makes a good think to keep humans safe. Orphaned since his parents were killed, he is totally committed to the Syndicate, which he obey blindly, and his younger sister, the only relative left. However, things are more complicated, and the leader, Henri, warns Vasi that a huge danger threatens to destroy forever their organization, and that one of them will betray them. Things got crazy when he is send to kill a girl .. what is so unusual. They have never killed a woman and didn’t have to do that because they cannot gets infected with the virus, women are immune to it. And then, why Henri still insists that he must liquidate her because it will bring a disaster to the Syndicate?
Vasi is for the first time completely confused and doesn’t know what to do, he who was always sure of himself. He meets his target, a poor alone girl who doesn’t seem to have anything evil, and has no idea about his world and the Syndicate, although he had some dreams of him, and of certain creatures - hybrids ..
The executioner starts protecting his prey, and a friendship is born between them, at least temporarily, until Vasi tries to discover what's wrong with Riley, his victim .. and feelings gradually become stronger between them.
He will have to make a crucial decision: to trust his instinct that tells him that there is nothing dangerous of this young girl, and not to kill her, but betray his family or to obey blindly the Syndicate 's orders? Listen to duty, or to his heart?
I was very intriguated by this book when I read the description and I made the conclusion that the main character’s name is Romanian, and I wasn’t wrong. Although I didn’t understood why Shelena decided that my country should play a role in her novel, because Vasile, and his family are natives of Romania, I felt flattered. The majority of characters have Romanian names .. Adela, Ramona, Basil, Stefan, Valentin, Alexander, Daniel, and Ovidui (but I think there is a little mistake here, the correct name is Ovidiu) and firstly I felt that I was reading a novel written by a Romanian writer, which was translated into English: )). Anyway, it was s very pleasant feeling.
I read this book in a couple of hours, and I didn’t realize when I finished it honestly. Seriously, I was very curious and intrigued by the subject, it seemed so interesting. The style is alert, full of action. It had beautiful moments and pleasant teasing between Vasi and Riley, and I liked a lot his inner struggles .. and some lines or ironic conclusions.
But I liked than Vasi, his character, that he is a noble person, and smart. He is funny or rather ironic, sexy, deep, protective and cute, and in some moments rebel, unsafe and impulsive. However, that he has qualities and defects made him seem very human in my perception, and I loved that.
I didn’t understood Riley sometimes, I didn’t managed to make an opinion about her personality, and I thought her behavior was.. unclear. I always had the feeling that she's not a good character, and there's something evil about her, she seemed too innocent. If Shelena wanted that the readers have doubts about her, she made a great job! But if Riley didn’t convince me, Vasi's sister Rosie, was brilliant! Funny, honest, fair, direct.. and the teasing between the brothers and the little ironies were so delicious!
If you read the book carefully, you will surely learn that you should not blindly trust in someone or something, that you have the right to make your own choices, and above all, have faith in instinct sometimes, because he knows what he knows! And that love is more important than duty!
April 5, 2024
????
so what happened? Do we get an open end? Will there be a second book?
so what happened? Do we get an open end? Will there be a second book?
July 28, 2012
I really wanted to like this book, but I just couldn't.
I thought the concept had a lot of potential, and I was really interested in seeing what Shorts had in stored. Unfortunately, I never really understood her world at all. In the beginning, you learn about the Guard, Scouts and Readers and how they make up the Syndicate, and I guess why it was formed to protect the world from the Hybrids. But what we don't get a clear picture of is what a Hybrid is (I'm guessing some sort of animal-like monster because Shorts describes changing spines and doggy nightmares) or what it means to be infected.
It wasn't until probably 60 percent (wow, REALLY late in the book) through that you learned about the history of their people, and you begin to get an idea of how to picture what a Hybrid is. And you find out how it spreads, but you still don't know what it means to be infected or how it even started in the first place. And the history itself, I'm sorry, but it was a bit silly, and I didn't buy into the whole curse and help from the dogs and cats. I think I may have if it had been explained more clearly rather than just skimming the surface.
Overall, I thought the writing was a bit elementary, and the dialogue wasn't that great. But it was bearable - except when it came to Vasi and Riley. My biggest problem with the book was the "romance." How do I explain their relationship without spoiling it other than WHAT THE EFF!!! Yes, please tell me or or the church scene or the big decision. It was really rushed, which okay, if I worked hard to get over the fact that it's really not THAT big of a deal with all the instalove in YA books nowadays. But the relationship was so AWKWARD.
Otherwise, I would say the story itself was okay, nothing special. Still, I was expecting more action - and there was very little. Now, Shorts did try to throw in a twist at the end, but the whole big reveal and face-off occurred very quickly, and it was over before you knew it. It was a bit disappointing, and I was left thinking, "What? That's it?"
Like I said, I really, really, really wanted to like this book. And I tried hard to look past the things that I thought the book failed to do. But there was just too much that I didn't like about it, and the whole simple yet awkward writing and dialogue were reasons why I couldn't give it anything higher. However, this was just my opinion, and I hope others do like it, because honestly, I did try to like it.
I thought the concept had a lot of potential, and I was really interested in seeing what Shorts had in stored. Unfortunately, I never really understood her world at all. In the beginning, you learn about the Guard, Scouts and Readers and how they make up the Syndicate, and I guess why it was formed to protect the world from the Hybrids. But what we don't get a clear picture of is what a Hybrid is (I'm guessing some sort of animal-like monster because Shorts describes changing spines and doggy nightmares) or what it means to be infected.
It wasn't until probably 60 percent (wow, REALLY late in the book) through that you learned about the history of their people, and you begin to get an idea of how to picture what a Hybrid is. And you find out how it spreads, but you still don't know what it means to be infected or how it even started in the first place. And the history itself, I'm sorry, but it was a bit silly, and I didn't buy into the whole curse and help from the dogs and cats. I think I may have if it had been explained more clearly rather than just skimming the surface.
Overall, I thought the writing was a bit elementary, and the dialogue wasn't that great. But it was bearable - except when it came to Vasi and Riley. My biggest problem with the book was the "romance." How do I explain their relationship without spoiling it other than WHAT THE EFF!!! Yes, please tell me or or the church scene or the big decision. It was really rushed, which okay, if I worked hard to get over the fact that it's really not THAT big of a deal with all the instalove in YA books nowadays. But the relationship was so AWKWARD.
Otherwise, I would say the story itself was okay, nothing special. Still, I was expecting more action - and there was very little. Now, Shorts did try to throw in a twist at the end, but the whole big reveal and face-off occurred very quickly, and it was over before you knew it. It was a bit disappointing, and I was left thinking, "What? That's it?"
Like I said, I really, really, really wanted to like this book. And I tried hard to look past the things that I thought the book failed to do. But there was just too much that I didn't like about it, and the whole simple yet awkward writing and dialogue were reasons why I couldn't give it anything higher. However, this was just my opinion, and I hope others do like it, because honestly, I did try to like it.
April 25, 2012
I love Shelena Shorts and was dying to get my hands on this book. She was awesome enough to send me an ARC (thank you!). It was an entirely different book from The Pace series. Written from the male (Vasi's) perspective, the story felt a little more detached to me. Which is why I give it 4 rather than 5 stars; it did take me a little bit to connect with Vasi as a character (probably the result of never having been an 18 year old male assassin, I found it hard to relate).
That being said, I loved that Vasi acted like a typical 18 year old male -- he didn't swoon, or gush -- but he found himself distracted by and drawn to Riley. He was smart but impulsive when it came to love and the decisions surrounding it.
And once the action in this story got going, I kept flipping the pages, because I just had to know what the couple was going to uncover next. The pieces of the puzzle in this story kept dropping into place at a great pace that made me not want to set it down.
That being said, I loved that Vasi acted like a typical 18 year old male -- he didn't swoon, or gush -- but he found himself distracted by and drawn to Riley. He was smart but impulsive when it came to love and the decisions surrounding it.
And once the action in this story got going, I kept flipping the pages, because I just had to know what the couple was going to uncover next. The pieces of the puzzle in this story kept dropping into place at a great pace that made me not want to set it down.
January 19, 2016
-1.5 stars-
This mostly got me like:
I just needed a light, standalone read. However, this book was just: ugh. It threw me in a reading-slump. It was a short book but it dragged on for days...
Though, after the half of the book it perked up enough interest to wrap up the book. The climax was fine. So added ‛0.5' in my rating. The ending was abrupt and...something lacked... The start was like the gif.
The plot and storyline was well thought and imagined, but it wasn't developed as good..
This mostly got me like:
I just needed a light, standalone read. However, this book was just: ugh. It threw me in a reading-slump. It was a short book but it dragged on for days...
Though, after the half of the book it perked up enough interest to wrap up the book. The climax was fine. So added ‛0.5' in my rating. The ending was abrupt and...something lacked... The start was like the gif.
The plot and storyline was well thought and imagined, but it wasn't developed as good..
October 20, 2022
Leuk boek. Leest vlot door.
Er had meer ingezeten. Maar op zich nog steeds goed. Het einde was op zich ook goed, maar iets te afgeraffeld
Er had meer ingezeten. Maar op zich nog steeds goed. Het einde was op zich ook goed, maar iets te afgeraffeld
May 16, 2012
Full Review Here
þ Action packed from beginning to end
þ Secrets, conspiracies, lies, and a truth that no one will see coming
þ Steamy heated romance that seems magnetic at times.
Wow. For the first time since reading Divergent I am sitting here speechless after finishing a book. I took notes while reading for the first time ever because I was feeling and thinking so many things I didn't want to forget any of it. This book is definitely an adrenaline pumper and emotional roller coaster.
It has to be. The main character is deciding if he will chose his family and the morals he has been taught all his life, or his instincts and what he believes is right. But the plot of this book has so much more than just duty vs. love. I'm going to break down this review in sections.
Characters:
At first I didn't like the name Vasile, or Vasi for short. Mostly because I wasn't sure how to pronounce it. But after awhile I realized if he had a common name like Tom or John it wouldn't seem right. He was really special and unique and his name should be too. He is strong physically, trained to assassinate hybrids (or men infected with a disease), but he is also strong emotionally, having lost both his parents. Shelena wrote his thoughts so well, I felt like I really was lost in the mind of a 17 year old boy. He was impulsive with his hormones raging and instinctive. He didn't over think things like a girl would and he felt the need to protect his family and eventually Riley.
Riley is such a mystery to the reader because we are seeing her through Vasi's perspective. At first I thought she was really weak. She's clingy and unpredictable. But as the story went on I realized she's actually really strong. She has provided for herself, living alone, having to deal with her mother being gone in a mental hospital...and her nightmares being a continuous threat that she may end up like her mother. Who wouldn't want someone to protect them after going through all that? I really liked Riley and kinda wish she was a real person so I could meet her. Also, she's going to college to be an elementary school teacher, like myself...just sayin.
Rosie is Vasi's sister and I loved their connection. Her job was to research hits before Vasi goes out to assassinate them. She was most of the comic relief and helped the plot along nicely.
Henri is the villain we all love to hate. He's just so annoying thinking he's so powerful as the leader of The Syndicate. He makes it feel like he's running a cult.
Plot :
I counted five times where my jaw hit the floor and I had to pick it back up. Five twists in the plot right at the end one right after another. Some books focus on one aspect like love. And while this book had plenty of romance and steamy scenes, it had so many other plot points. Sometimes while reading I think I wish the author did this instead of that with the plot. Not this time. I wouldn't change a thing.
Fun Fact: This book reminded me so much of the movie Wanted and The Bourne Identity (two movies which I love btw). Later while reading an interview with the author, Shelena Shorts, I noticed she actually got inspiration to write the book from the movie Wanted!
Setting:
Vasi's world feels very much like ours today, with the exception of the rabid hybrids of course. They felt real, like they could possibly exist in the future. Although I would have liked to know more of how they came to be it wasn't really necessary for the plot.
Romance:
The only way I can describe it is two magnets being pulled together. It felt real and was definitely not insta-love which many books nowadays have. Instant attraction? Yes, but the actual love part was gradual. It was a nice change reading the romance from the guy's perspective. More focused on physical than emotional thoughts, but it definitely made for hotter romance scenes.
Writing:
Because it was so action packed and through Vasi's pov I felt like the writing was more to the point and flowed seamlessly. I read most of the book in one sitting because it was so easy to get lost in not only the plot, but there were never really any ending to chapters...no place to stop. Each chapter continued into the next and I didn't want to put it down.
What I didn't like:
As far as I can tell this isn't a trilogy or series. While everything was wrapped up in the end, I still wanted more. I want to know what Vasi's future will be. I'm hoping somewhere down the line there will be another book. *Crosses Fingers*
This is definitely one of those books I will be recommending to all my friends. I'm on my way now to read the synopsis' of Shelena's other books. I never usually say this because I don't want people thinking the author asked me to advertise, but I really feel this way. I'll say it anyway. You should go preorder your copy of The Syndicate. It comes out July 9, 2012.
þ Action packed from beginning to end
þ Secrets, conspiracies, lies, and a truth that no one will see coming
þ Steamy heated romance that seems magnetic at times.
Wow. For the first time since reading Divergent I am sitting here speechless after finishing a book. I took notes while reading for the first time ever because I was feeling and thinking so many things I didn't want to forget any of it. This book is definitely an adrenaline pumper and emotional roller coaster.
It has to be. The main character is deciding if he will chose his family and the morals he has been taught all his life, or his instincts and what he believes is right. But the plot of this book has so much more than just duty vs. love. I'm going to break down this review in sections.
Characters:
At first I didn't like the name Vasile, or Vasi for short. Mostly because I wasn't sure how to pronounce it. But after awhile I realized if he had a common name like Tom or John it wouldn't seem right. He was really special and unique and his name should be too. He is strong physically, trained to assassinate hybrids (or men infected with a disease), but he is also strong emotionally, having lost both his parents. Shelena wrote his thoughts so well, I felt like I really was lost in the mind of a 17 year old boy. He was impulsive with his hormones raging and instinctive. He didn't over think things like a girl would and he felt the need to protect his family and eventually Riley.
Riley is such a mystery to the reader because we are seeing her through Vasi's perspective. At first I thought she was really weak. She's clingy and unpredictable. But as the story went on I realized she's actually really strong. She has provided for herself, living alone, having to deal with her mother being gone in a mental hospital...and her nightmares being a continuous threat that she may end up like her mother. Who wouldn't want someone to protect them after going through all that? I really liked Riley and kinda wish she was a real person so I could meet her. Also, she's going to college to be an elementary school teacher, like myself...just sayin.
Rosie is Vasi's sister and I loved their connection. Her job was to research hits before Vasi goes out to assassinate them. She was most of the comic relief and helped the plot along nicely.
Henri is the villain we all love to hate. He's just so annoying thinking he's so powerful as the leader of The Syndicate. He makes it feel like he's running a cult.
Plot :
I counted five times where my jaw hit the floor and I had to pick it back up. Five twists in the plot right at the end one right after another. Some books focus on one aspect like love. And while this book had plenty of romance and steamy scenes, it had so many other plot points. Sometimes while reading I think I wish the author did this instead of that with the plot. Not this time. I wouldn't change a thing.
Fun Fact: This book reminded me so much of the movie Wanted and The Bourne Identity (two movies which I love btw). Later while reading an interview with the author, Shelena Shorts, I noticed she actually got inspiration to write the book from the movie Wanted!
Setting:
Vasi's world feels very much like ours today, with the exception of the rabid hybrids of course. They felt real, like they could possibly exist in the future. Although I would have liked to know more of how they came to be it wasn't really necessary for the plot.
Romance:
The only way I can describe it is two magnets being pulled together. It felt real and was definitely not insta-love which many books nowadays have. Instant attraction? Yes, but the actual love part was gradual. It was a nice change reading the romance from the guy's perspective. More focused on physical than emotional thoughts, but it definitely made for hotter romance scenes.
Writing:
Because it was so action packed and through Vasi's pov I felt like the writing was more to the point and flowed seamlessly. I read most of the book in one sitting because it was so easy to get lost in not only the plot, but there were never really any ending to chapters...no place to stop. Each chapter continued into the next and I didn't want to put it down.
What I didn't like:
As far as I can tell this isn't a trilogy or series. While everything was wrapped up in the end, I still wanted more. I want to know what Vasi's future will be. I'm hoping somewhere down the line there will be another book. *Crosses Fingers*
This is definitely one of those books I will be recommending to all my friends. I'm on my way now to read the synopsis' of Shelena's other books. I never usually say this because I don't want people thinking the author asked me to advertise, but I really feel this way. I'll say it anyway. You should go preorder your copy of The Syndicate. It comes out July 9, 2012.
May 23, 2012
Originally posted @ Book Whales
This is my first book from Shelana Shorts. The first time I saw “The Syndicate” on Goodreads, I was salivating to read it. The cover draws me in! I mean, who could not look away? Vasi in the cover, looks so gorgeous. This book will not disappoint you. It is infused with adrenaline and a twist that will blow your mind. It was that good! One of the best books I’ve read so far.
The story is about how the world was kept safe by trained assassins. Vasi Petrascu is part of The Syndicate, a secret group of trained assassins. He was given an assignment to kill a hybrid (or so he thought). He had never had a problem carrying out his duty before. Until, he was assigned to kill an Eighteen-year old girl. He now questions his loyalty to The Syndicate. Torn Between his loyalty to The Syndicate and the girl he loves. Vasi and Riley go on a journey to find out answers. Why kill a non-hybrid? Who or What is Riley? You have to pick up this book to find out.
The world building is outstanding. I love the world Shelena had created. It was believable! The pacing is good, no dull moments. There were times when, I find myself on the edge of my seat. The action scenes are very cinematic. This book can be made into a movie. When it comes to her writing style, it is really good. The scenes were described pretty well. I didn't had a hard time picturing it. She also has a talent to keep the readers guessing. There were times when I wanted to squish the book to get some answers. The revelations and twists will leave your mouth hanging open. I didn't want it to end. This book is a great read!
As for the characters, I connected to them easily. They were realistic and well described. Again, I did not have a hard time picturing them in my head. I also like how unique each of them are. Each has his/her touch of individuality. Vasi is my favorite character here. I love his personality! The way he talks to himself in his head, made me laugh loads of times. An ideal guy! He is strong, funny and a gentleman. Rosie is my second favorite. I love how mature she is for her age. She complements her brother. Both are opposites yet they support what each one lacks. She is strong-minded and sweet. As for Riley, I find it hard to connect to her at first. Her character is confused. Well, I don’t blame her. She had no family and knows nothing about who she really is. I connected to her mid-part. I get that she is lonely and bewildered. But her vulnerability made me like her. She is fragile yet strong at the same time. Her courage to face The Syndicate, awed me.
Lastly, the love angle is quite good. I get their instant connection. It was believable. Their relationship made by stomach flutter. I didn’t expect them to do two things “Sex and Marriage” but that actually gave spice to the story. I didn’t question it because of the characters’ maturity.
Overall, this book is an excellent read. I recommend this to action and conspiracy lovers. I have to patiently wait for book two now -sigh-. I will definitely read the Pace Series while waiting.
Rating:
This is my first book from Shelana Shorts. The first time I saw “The Syndicate” on Goodreads, I was salivating to read it. The cover draws me in! I mean, who could not look away? Vasi in the cover, looks so gorgeous. This book will not disappoint you. It is infused with adrenaline and a twist that will blow your mind. It was that good! One of the best books I’ve read so far.
The story is about how the world was kept safe by trained assassins. Vasi Petrascu is part of The Syndicate, a secret group of trained assassins. He was given an assignment to kill a hybrid (or so he thought). He had never had a problem carrying out his duty before. Until, he was assigned to kill an Eighteen-year old girl. He now questions his loyalty to The Syndicate. Torn Between his loyalty to The Syndicate and the girl he loves. Vasi and Riley go on a journey to find out answers. Why kill a non-hybrid? Who or What is Riley? You have to pick up this book to find out.
The world building is outstanding. I love the world Shelena had created. It was believable! The pacing is good, no dull moments. There were times when, I find myself on the edge of my seat. The action scenes are very cinematic. This book can be made into a movie. When it comes to her writing style, it is really good. The scenes were described pretty well. I didn't had a hard time picturing it. She also has a talent to keep the readers guessing. There were times when I wanted to squish the book to get some answers. The revelations and twists will leave your mouth hanging open. I didn't want it to end. This book is a great read!
As for the characters, I connected to them easily. They were realistic and well described. Again, I did not have a hard time picturing them in my head. I also like how unique each of them are. Each has his/her touch of individuality. Vasi is my favorite character here. I love his personality! The way he talks to himself in his head, made me laugh loads of times. An ideal guy! He is strong, funny and a gentleman. Rosie is my second favorite. I love how mature she is for her age. She complements her brother. Both are opposites yet they support what each one lacks. She is strong-minded and sweet. As for Riley, I find it hard to connect to her at first. Her character is confused. Well, I don’t blame her. She had no family and knows nothing about who she really is. I connected to her mid-part. I get that she is lonely and bewildered. But her vulnerability made me like her. She is fragile yet strong at the same time. Her courage to face The Syndicate, awed me.
Lastly, the love angle is quite good. I get their instant connection. It was believable. Their relationship made by stomach flutter. I didn’t expect them to do two things “Sex and Marriage” but that actually gave spice to the story. I didn’t question it because of the characters’ maturity.
Overall, this book is an excellent read. I recommend this to action and conspiracy lovers. I have to patiently wait for book two now -sigh-. I will definitely read the Pace Series while waiting.
Rating:
July 27, 2012
Vasi Petrescu has only ever known one life: the role of a Guardian who protects the humans from Hybrids - humans infected by a virus that turns them into rabid animals. But when he was given an assignment to kill a suspected female hybrid, he began to question just how reliable their Readers and Elders are. One look at Riley Bennett and he knew instantly that someone made a mistake. First of all, she's female; Hybrids aren't able to infect those of the xx chromosomes. Second of all, Riley isn't even infected. Caught between duty to protect his family and protecting a girl he barely knew, he was forced to make a decision that will ultimately change the future of The Syndicates.
The Syndicate wasn't...bad. But it wasn't that good for me either. Consider me apathetic. There were just things that Ms. Shorts had fallen, er, short on and it starts with her writing. Male POVs from a female writer is such a different ballgame and more often the story itself suffers if not done well. I can only name a few female authors that have excelled in this. Unfortunately, I found Vasi's voice dry and a little too matter-of-fact that he comes off cold.
This isn't a very long book pages wise but for some reason, I found myself bored and consequently, skimming a lot. My main problem is the slow pace for which Riley's role as the catalyst was revealed. It literally took the entire book. It wouldn't be such a problem if not for the fact that I felt detached for the most part. The mark of a good mystery is the author's ability to keep a reader engrossed and interested right from the beginning till the end. This reader, however, wasn't. The history and the much-needed information to acquaint the readers to the world Shelena Shorts was trying to sell was ambiguous and sometimes convoluted. Which is surprising since she only spent about a page or two on the history of how The Syndicate came to be.
It's hard to picture Riley as a girl plagued with endless nightmares involving monsters. If anything, I thought she was well-adjusted. I couldn't decide if she was an incredibly strong-willed character that she wasn't at all bothered by the nightmares or the author forgot that Riley needed to show any indications that her nerves were fried. She's a religious girl who was told by God not have sex before marriage but I guess He was a little late since she's already done it. Uhm. Okay. I guess it all boils down to the underdevelopment her character has suffered. There's not much you'd know about her. And the little interactions she had with Vasi didn't really give the readers much to go on but then again, I can say the same thing about Vasi.
VERDICT: At first glance, The Syndicate will lure you with the forbidden romance it alludes to. If not, it's the young executioner who hunts 'hybrids' and therefore, the expectations of action galore. Unfortunately, both story arcs weren't really executed well. However, some readers may still enjoy this take on the lycanthrope myth and the secret society that protects the people from ever knowing they exist.
The Syndicate wasn't...bad. But it wasn't that good for me either. Consider me apathetic. There were just things that Ms. Shorts had fallen, er, short on and it starts with her writing. Male POVs from a female writer is such a different ballgame and more often the story itself suffers if not done well. I can only name a few female authors that have excelled in this. Unfortunately, I found Vasi's voice dry and a little too matter-of-fact that he comes off cold.
This isn't a very long book pages wise but for some reason, I found myself bored and consequently, skimming a lot. My main problem is the slow pace for which Riley's role as the catalyst was revealed. It literally took the entire book. It wouldn't be such a problem if not for the fact that I felt detached for the most part. The mark of a good mystery is the author's ability to keep a reader engrossed and interested right from the beginning till the end. This reader, however, wasn't. The history and the much-needed information to acquaint the readers to the world Shelena Shorts was trying to sell was ambiguous and sometimes convoluted. Which is surprising since she only spent about a page or two on the history of how The Syndicate came to be.
It's hard to picture Riley as a girl plagued with endless nightmares involving monsters. If anything, I thought she was well-adjusted. I couldn't decide if she was an incredibly strong-willed character that she wasn't at all bothered by the nightmares or the author forgot that Riley needed to show any indications that her nerves were fried. She's a religious girl who was told by God not have sex before marriage but I guess He was a little late since she's already done it. Uhm. Okay. I guess it all boils down to the underdevelopment her character has suffered. There's not much you'd know about her. And the little interactions she had with Vasi didn't really give the readers much to go on but then again, I can say the same thing about Vasi.
VERDICT: At first glance, The Syndicate will lure you with the forbidden romance it alludes to. If not, it's the young executioner who hunts 'hybrids' and therefore, the expectations of action galore. Unfortunately, both story arcs weren't really executed well. However, some readers may still enjoy this take on the lycanthrope myth and the secret society that protects the people from ever knowing they exist.
August 22, 2016
Oh wow, can this book just not end? It's like I'm watching a paranormal series minus the whole heart attack thing and the trashy storyline. Can this not be over? Honestly, I was stunned that I got to the last part without even really noticing it. I wa seven in a fit of indenial afterwards.
Vasi is a Guard, and a good one at that. His father definitely made sure he knew what he was doing, and where his loyalties belong. He seems to live in a different world because of how he lives, thinks, and acts. Still, it was undeniable that he's a good man.
For the longest time, he never questioned his motives and purpose for doing what he does, but when his mission becomes shadier than usual, and a huge twist is added, he ponders over it before acting. All this time, how come a girl is included in the picture now?
Riley shouldn't even be involved with Vasi for every possible reason. She's had drama on her own without the interference of a Guard, but it seems like they have no choice in this matter. Somehow, they are drawn to one another and helpless to fight it off.
I expected their story to be average for me, but I didn't expect that I'd be truly into them. I loved Vasi & Riley, even Rosie. In a very unconventional way, their story works. I truly wanted more from this book and if I can find any disappointment with this, it's that I want to know more of how things unraveled.
Reader & Guard.
Vasi is a Guard, and a good one at that. His father definitely made sure he knew what he was doing, and where his loyalties belong. He seems to live in a different world because of how he lives, thinks, and acts. Still, it was undeniable that he's a good man.
For the longest time, he never questioned his motives and purpose for doing what he does, but when his mission becomes shadier than usual, and a huge twist is added, he ponders over it before acting. All this time, how come a girl is included in the picture now?
Riley shouldn't even be involved with Vasi for every possible reason. She's had drama on her own without the interference of a Guard, but it seems like they have no choice in this matter. Somehow, they are drawn to one another and helpless to fight it off.
I expected their story to be average for me, but I didn't expect that I'd be truly into them. I loved Vasi & Riley, even Rosie. In a very unconventional way, their story works. I truly wanted more from this book and if I can find any disappointment with this, it's that I want to know more of how things unraveled.
Reader & Guard.
June 28, 2012
I didn't like The Syndicate. It started off slow, and continues that way throughout most of the book. The last fifty pages started to get interesting, but it didn't make up for the rest of the book. The plot was easy to follow. It just got really boring. I didn't care for the characters. The main character, Vasi, was okay at the beginning of the book. Then after he met Riley, he turned into an overprotective creeper and a stalker. He would sit outside Riley's apartment in his truck, and watch her apartment. He used the excuse of protecting her from the hybrids, , but he was still stalking her. He was also controlling. He wanted to know where she was at all times. He even had his sister follow her to church. Vasi's sister, Rosie, was whiny and annoying. She always wanted something in return for doing favors for him. She had to constantly be praised about how good of a job she did. Henri, the leader of The Syndicate, was ridiculous and irrational. He was also power hungry. Henri did whatever he wanted, regardless of the rules. He had no negative consequences for the horrible things he did. I didn't care for The Syndicate, and would not read it again. I don't recommend this book to anyone.
August 6, 2012
I was so excited to start this book! With an afternoon free of distractions, I was ready. This was my first time reading Short, but from the synopsis, I had high hopes of drama, action, and a sweet love story. Within the first twenty pages, my hopes were dashed. This story is under developed, rushed, and lacking in emotional connection. I wanted to like these characters and to become attached to them, but that never happened. The plot had a good concept and ideas that had potential but never developed. I,as a reader, want to go on a journey with characters, love them or hate them, cry or laugh with them, see the world through their eyes. I, as a reader, do not want to be asked by an author to invest my time, imagination, and emotions into a story only to have the climax of the plot be summed up in less than ten pages. This book seemed to me to be more of a rough draft than a polished finished product.
July 26, 2012
Barf.
Halfway through, but not even going to bother finishing it.
It's not bad, but just kind of weak and unsophisticated, I guess. The premise was intriguing-ish, but there is very little added to it (by page 150 at least). The pacing is sluggish, the plot drags, and sorry, but Vasi is a dope. Even the "forbidden romance" is rather lackluster.
Props to the author, though, for her mixed-race heroine: how refreshing!
Halfway through, but not even going to bother finishing it.
It's not bad, but just kind of weak and unsophisticated, I guess. The premise was intriguing-ish, but there is very little added to it (by page 150 at least). The pacing is sluggish, the plot drags, and sorry, but Vasi is a dope. Even the "forbidden romance" is rather lackluster.
Props to the author, though, for her mixed-race heroine: how refreshing!
August 18, 2012
I liked it, but not as much as I hoped. I don't at all regret reading it though.
It starts off great, but then it's all just pretty much romance, romance I didn't enjoy (but then I've always been picky with that genre), and there were a lot of things unexplained. Then it picked up at about 60% I think it was. I was expecting it to be a series though.. I was kinda surprised when I remembered it wasn't.
It starts off great, but then it's all just pretty much romance, romance I didn't enjoy (but then I've always been picky with that genre), and there were a lot of things unexplained. Then it picked up at about 60% I think it was. I was expecting it to be a series though.. I was kinda surprised when I remembered it wasn't.
August 30, 2012
I really liked this book. It was fast paced and full of action. The characters could have been more developed but it was still a good book to read. I also found it original and it had a few nice twists in it to keep it surprising.
All in all a really good read:)
All in all a really good read:)
September 16, 2022
📚 recensie 📚
'De Kring’ – Shelena Shorts - Dutch Venture Publishing
Vasi Petrescu is een achttienjarige Wachter bij Het Genootschap. Hij wordt beschouwd als de meest betrouwbare en meest efficiënte kracht. De geheime organisatie is opgericht om de samenleving te beschermen tegen Halfbloeden en het is de taak van de Wachters hen te doden. Deze wezens zijn zo gevaarlijk omdat ze niet te onderscheiden zijn van gewone mensen en zich dus onopgemerkt onder hen kunnen begeven en zo dodelijke slachtoffers kunnen maken. De Wachters zijn echter getraind om te letten op de kleine details die een Halfbloed verraden. Tot Vasi’s verbazing is zijn volgende opdracht een vrouwelijk doelwit, een meisje van zijn eigen leeftijd, met de naam Riley. Dit is een enorme verrassing voor Vasi, Halfbloeden zijn normaalgesproken namelijk altijd mannelijk. Hij vindt het dan ook moeilijk om de opdracht zomaar uit te voeren. Hij komt voor de moeilijke keus te staan om zijn opdracht uit te voeren en haar om te brengen of om haar te laten leven.
Shelena Shorts heeft een aangename, beeldende schrijfstijl. Ik heb al eerder met veel plezier boeken van haar gelezen, die van de Momentum-serie. ‘De Kring’ is een erg spannend verhaal, vooral de tweede helft van het boek hield mij in zijn greep. Vanaf het moment dat Vasi zijn opdracht krijgt had ik met hem te doen. De opdracht Riley om te brengen gaat tegen zijn principes in. Ten eerste is ze vrouwelijk en ten tweede nog steeds menselijk. Hij snapt niet dat Riley op de eliminatielijst van Het Genootschap staat.
Het verhaal is goed opgebouwd. De diverse personages hebben allemaal een duidelijke functie. Met de Halfbloeden heeft de schrijfster een bijzondere en angstaanjagende vijand gecreëerd. Helaas blijven de meeste personages vrij vlak. Dit stoort echter niet, Vasi en Riley zijn de belangrijkste personages om wie het verhaal draait en deze twee zijn goed uitgewerkt. Er was echter halverwege het verhaal een moment dat ik de interactie tussen Vasi en Riley stroef vond verlopen. Ik weet niet of dit de opzet was van de schrijfster, maar ik vond dat stukje minder prettig lezen dan de rest, met name omdat Vasi erg veel in herhaling valt. Gelukkig weet de schrijfster zich daarna te herpakken en zat ik weer helemaal in het verhaal.
‘De Kring’ is een spannend verhaal waarbij er meer op de achtergrond speelt dan Vasi kan vermoeden. Ook als lezer tast je tot het laatst in het duister over wat er nu precies aan de hand is. Het is een afgerond verhaal zonder cliffhanger, de schrijfster laat echter een mogelijkheid open tot een vervolg. Ik hoop van harte dat dit er ook komt. Ik geef ‘De Kring’ graag 3 sterren.
Genre: YA (paranormaal)
Uitgeverij: Dutch Venture Publishing
ISBN: 9789493265295
Uitvoering: paperback
Pagina’s: 235
Verschijningsdatum: 14 september 2022
Met dank aan uitgeverij Dutch Venture Publishing voor het recensie-exemplaar.
'De Kring’ – Shelena Shorts - Dutch Venture Publishing
Vasi Petrescu is een achttienjarige Wachter bij Het Genootschap. Hij wordt beschouwd als de meest betrouwbare en meest efficiënte kracht. De geheime organisatie is opgericht om de samenleving te beschermen tegen Halfbloeden en het is de taak van de Wachters hen te doden. Deze wezens zijn zo gevaarlijk omdat ze niet te onderscheiden zijn van gewone mensen en zich dus onopgemerkt onder hen kunnen begeven en zo dodelijke slachtoffers kunnen maken. De Wachters zijn echter getraind om te letten op de kleine details die een Halfbloed verraden. Tot Vasi’s verbazing is zijn volgende opdracht een vrouwelijk doelwit, een meisje van zijn eigen leeftijd, met de naam Riley. Dit is een enorme verrassing voor Vasi, Halfbloeden zijn normaalgesproken namelijk altijd mannelijk. Hij vindt het dan ook moeilijk om de opdracht zomaar uit te voeren. Hij komt voor de moeilijke keus te staan om zijn opdracht uit te voeren en haar om te brengen of om haar te laten leven.
Shelena Shorts heeft een aangename, beeldende schrijfstijl. Ik heb al eerder met veel plezier boeken van haar gelezen, die van de Momentum-serie. ‘De Kring’ is een erg spannend verhaal, vooral de tweede helft van het boek hield mij in zijn greep. Vanaf het moment dat Vasi zijn opdracht krijgt had ik met hem te doen. De opdracht Riley om te brengen gaat tegen zijn principes in. Ten eerste is ze vrouwelijk en ten tweede nog steeds menselijk. Hij snapt niet dat Riley op de eliminatielijst van Het Genootschap staat.
Het verhaal is goed opgebouwd. De diverse personages hebben allemaal een duidelijke functie. Met de Halfbloeden heeft de schrijfster een bijzondere en angstaanjagende vijand gecreëerd. Helaas blijven de meeste personages vrij vlak. Dit stoort echter niet, Vasi en Riley zijn de belangrijkste personages om wie het verhaal draait en deze twee zijn goed uitgewerkt. Er was echter halverwege het verhaal een moment dat ik de interactie tussen Vasi en Riley stroef vond verlopen. Ik weet niet of dit de opzet was van de schrijfster, maar ik vond dat stukje minder prettig lezen dan de rest, met name omdat Vasi erg veel in herhaling valt. Gelukkig weet de schrijfster zich daarna te herpakken en zat ik weer helemaal in het verhaal.
‘De Kring’ is een spannend verhaal waarbij er meer op de achtergrond speelt dan Vasi kan vermoeden. Ook als lezer tast je tot het laatst in het duister over wat er nu precies aan de hand is. Het is een afgerond verhaal zonder cliffhanger, de schrijfster laat echter een mogelijkheid open tot een vervolg. Ik hoop van harte dat dit er ook komt. Ik geef ‘De Kring’ graag 3 sterren.
Genre: YA (paranormaal)
Uitgeverij: Dutch Venture Publishing
ISBN: 9789493265295
Uitvoering: paperback
Pagina’s: 235
Verschijningsdatum: 14 september 2022
Met dank aan uitgeverij Dutch Venture Publishing voor het recensie-exemplaar.
September 20, 2022
Opdracht of intuïtie?
Vasi Petrescu beschermt de mensheid tegen een dreiging waarvan ze het bestaan niet eens kennen. Net zoals zijn familie al eeuwenlang doet, elimineert Vasi gevaarlijke halfbloeden.
Hij heeft daar nooit moeite mee gehad. Maar als zijn nieuwe opdracht hem leidt naar een meisje van zijn leeftijd, krijgt Vasi twijfels. Nooit eerder was er een vrouwelijk doelwit.
“Zonder nog verder te twijfelen, duw ik mezelf tegen haar aan en begeef ik me in een wereld die ik voorlopig niet wil verlaten.” Shelena Shorts
Als Vasi antwoorden probeert te vinden en de tijd begint te dringen, komt hij voor een keuze te staan. Riley ombrengen of tegen de wens van zijn familie ingaan.
De Kring van Shelena Short is een young adult fantasy verhaal over gevaar, familie en moeilijke keuzes.
Van Shelena Shorts las ik eerder al de Momentum serie, waardoor ik weet dat deze auteur haar boeken rustig en gedegen opbouwt, en dat het venijn altijd in de staart zit. Ook bij deze stand alone is dat niet anders. Shelena Shorts zorgt dat alle belangrijke details duidelijk zijn en daar neemt ze de tijd voor. Op zich is dat ook best prettig, maar het verhaal komt daardoor wel wat langzaam tot bloei en duurde het even voordat het me echt begon te boeien.
Maar als je er eenmaal in zit dan laat het verhaal, waarin opnieuw een rol is weggelegd voor voorbestemming, je met volle teugen genieten. Overigens is de aanwezigheid van voorbestemming ook gelijk de enige overeenkomst met de eerdere verhalen van Shelena Shorts, want verder heeft ze ook nu een originele invalshoek gevonden.
De Kring herbergt een aantal interessante personages, die je niet perse allemaal heel goed leert kennen, maar waarmee je desondanks toch een bepaalde connectie kan voelen. Shelena Shorts geeft steeds voldoende prijs om je geïnteresseerd te houden en door te laten lezen. En alhoewel het einde op zich wel een punt achter het verhaal zet, blijven er wel wat lijntjes open waarover je nog even door kan fantaseren. Deze stand alone van Shelena Shorts krijgt 4 sterren van mij.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
sheila_hjv_inbooks
Vasi Petrescu beschermt de mensheid tegen een dreiging waarvan ze het bestaan niet eens kennen. Net zoals zijn familie al eeuwenlang doet, elimineert Vasi gevaarlijke halfbloeden.
Hij heeft daar nooit moeite mee gehad. Maar als zijn nieuwe opdracht hem leidt naar een meisje van zijn leeftijd, krijgt Vasi twijfels. Nooit eerder was er een vrouwelijk doelwit.
“Zonder nog verder te twijfelen, duw ik mezelf tegen haar aan en begeef ik me in een wereld die ik voorlopig niet wil verlaten.” Shelena Shorts
Als Vasi antwoorden probeert te vinden en de tijd begint te dringen, komt hij voor een keuze te staan. Riley ombrengen of tegen de wens van zijn familie ingaan.
De Kring van Shelena Short is een young adult fantasy verhaal over gevaar, familie en moeilijke keuzes.
Van Shelena Shorts las ik eerder al de Momentum serie, waardoor ik weet dat deze auteur haar boeken rustig en gedegen opbouwt, en dat het venijn altijd in de staart zit. Ook bij deze stand alone is dat niet anders. Shelena Shorts zorgt dat alle belangrijke details duidelijk zijn en daar neemt ze de tijd voor. Op zich is dat ook best prettig, maar het verhaal komt daardoor wel wat langzaam tot bloei en duurde het even voordat het me echt begon te boeien.
Maar als je er eenmaal in zit dan laat het verhaal, waarin opnieuw een rol is weggelegd voor voorbestemming, je met volle teugen genieten. Overigens is de aanwezigheid van voorbestemming ook gelijk de enige overeenkomst met de eerdere verhalen van Shelena Shorts, want verder heeft ze ook nu een originele invalshoek gevonden.
De Kring herbergt een aantal interessante personages, die je niet perse allemaal heel goed leert kennen, maar waarmee je desondanks toch een bepaalde connectie kan voelen. Shelena Shorts geeft steeds voldoende prijs om je geïnteresseerd te houden en door te laten lezen. En alhoewel het einde op zich wel een punt achter het verhaal zet, blijven er wel wat lijntjes open waarover je nog even door kan fantaseren. Deze stand alone van Shelena Shorts krijgt 4 sterren van mij.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
sheila_hjv_inbooks
September 30, 2022
De kring - Shelena Shorts
✨Samenvatting✨
Het boek "de kring" geschreven door Shelena Short gaat over de achttienjarige Vasi Petrescu. Zijn familie beschermt al eeuwenlang de samenleving tegen een gevaar dat zich onopgemerkt onder de mensen bevindt: de Halfbloeden.
Vasi heeft nooit problemen gehad met het uitvoeren van zijn plicht, maar wanneer hij de opdracht krijgt een meisje van zijn eigen leeftijd uit de weg te ruimen, heeft hij het daar moeilijk mee. De Kring heeft nog nooit een vrouw als doelwit gehad, maar toch is Riley op de een of andere manier op hun hitlijst terechtgekomen.
Vasi wil graag begrijpen waarom, maar misschien is er wel geen tijd om dat uit te zoeken. Al snel moet hij beslissen of hij Riley ombrengt of laat leven, zelfs als dat laatste betekent dat hij tegen de wensen van zijn eigen familie ingaat...
✨Boekrecensie✨
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Dit is het eerste boek dat ik van de schrijfster en ik ben erg enthousiast. Het is geschreven in een makkelijk te begrijpen taal en leest heel vlot. In het begin van het verhaal zit er nog heel veel mysterie rond de Halfbloeden, wat het nu net zijn, hoe ze ontstaan zijn enzovoort, maar dat wordt naarmate je verder zit in het boek heel duidelijk. de personages hebben allemaal heel uiteenlopende karakters en dat maakt het leuk om te lezen. Je ziet vriendschappen tot zijn recht komen, het verhaal heeft zoals eerder gezegd een heel mysterieuze kant, op romantisch vlak zit je ook zeker niet op je honger en de complotten maken het plot heel spannend. Ik ben benieuwd naar meer van deze auteur. Dit boek heeft 4 sterren gekregen.
Ik kreeg de kans van uitgeverij Dutch Venture Publishing om dit boek te recenseren en ben er echt weg van. Ik wil d uitgeverij daarom heel erg bedanken voor het recensie-exemplaar.
Op naar het volgende, want ik heb er nog 4 klaar staan.
Groetjes
Liesbeth
Genre: YA
ISBN:
Uitgever: Dutch Venture Publishing
Aantal pagina’s: 235
Uitvoering: ebook
Uitgave: september 2022
✨Samenvatting✨
Het boek "de kring" geschreven door Shelena Short gaat over de achttienjarige Vasi Petrescu. Zijn familie beschermt al eeuwenlang de samenleving tegen een gevaar dat zich onopgemerkt onder de mensen bevindt: de Halfbloeden.
Vasi heeft nooit problemen gehad met het uitvoeren van zijn plicht, maar wanneer hij de opdracht krijgt een meisje van zijn eigen leeftijd uit de weg te ruimen, heeft hij het daar moeilijk mee. De Kring heeft nog nooit een vrouw als doelwit gehad, maar toch is Riley op de een of andere manier op hun hitlijst terechtgekomen.
Vasi wil graag begrijpen waarom, maar misschien is er wel geen tijd om dat uit te zoeken. Al snel moet hij beslissen of hij Riley ombrengt of laat leven, zelfs als dat laatste betekent dat hij tegen de wensen van zijn eigen familie ingaat...
✨Boekrecensie✨
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Dit is het eerste boek dat ik van de schrijfster en ik ben erg enthousiast. Het is geschreven in een makkelijk te begrijpen taal en leest heel vlot. In het begin van het verhaal zit er nog heel veel mysterie rond de Halfbloeden, wat het nu net zijn, hoe ze ontstaan zijn enzovoort, maar dat wordt naarmate je verder zit in het boek heel duidelijk. de personages hebben allemaal heel uiteenlopende karakters en dat maakt het leuk om te lezen. Je ziet vriendschappen tot zijn recht komen, het verhaal heeft zoals eerder gezegd een heel mysterieuze kant, op romantisch vlak zit je ook zeker niet op je honger en de complotten maken het plot heel spannend. Ik ben benieuwd naar meer van deze auteur. Dit boek heeft 4 sterren gekregen.
Ik kreeg de kans van uitgeverij Dutch Venture Publishing om dit boek te recenseren en ben er echt weg van. Ik wil d uitgeverij daarom heel erg bedanken voor het recensie-exemplaar.
Op naar het volgende, want ik heb er nog 4 klaar staan.
Groetjes
Liesbeth
Genre: YA
ISBN:
Uitgever: Dutch Venture Publishing
Aantal pagina’s: 235
Uitvoering: ebook
Uitgave: september 2022
July 2, 2012
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.
Vasi Petrescu has grown up in a world full of champions and heroes. The only problem is that the world has never heard of them. For in Vasi’s world, creatures called Hybrids roam the streets. Hybrids can blend in. They can look and speak just like an average human. In fact, if it were up to normal humans, they would never be able to pick one out of a line up. But Vasi knows better. Vasi knows that Hybrids are evil creatures who can snap at a moments notice, killing hundreds in their wake.
Now that Vasi has been initiated to a full fledged guard, he can help his brothers hunt down the Hybrids, saving the world from the terror and doom they bring to the Earth. The only problem is, Vasi has been assigned to assassinate a female. Vasi knows that females cannot become Hybrids, so he begins to question the family that has supported him and his kind since before he was born. Follow Vasi on his journey to the truth and witness him try to find himself in the process.
The first thing that drew me to The Syndicate was the cover. When I see a cover that I’m in love with it, I could care less about the description of the book. The only thing that matters is that the cover is pretty and I want to read what’s behind that beautiful image. Not only is the cover absolutely gorgeous, but it definitely relates to the book itself. It’s an image of a male, presumably Vasi, and I feel that you can really get a sense of his strength and confusion from the expression on his face. I know that when I was reading about Vasi’s story, I often would find myself referring back to the cover to get a good look at him.
I find that most female writers narrate from a female character’s perspective. There are a few exceptions to this. For example, Beautiful Creatures, by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl, is narrated from the main male character, Ethan. I give major points to authors who go out of their realms and write from a totally different perspective. However, I often find that I have problems with male narrators written by female authors. That was no exception for this book. I often feel that the male character is either slightly feminine or over the top stereotyped masculine. In this case, it was the latter. I felt that Shorts did a great job identifying the main character was a male. Vasi really had no feminine traits, which is something that I enjoyed. However, females (society even) tend to create a majority stereotype for men. I felt that a lot of those stereotypes were released onto the character of Vasi. I would have appreciated it a little more if he had had a uniqueness to his personality. Something that separated him from the typical male stereotype.
If you follow my reviews, you may have noticed that I have a huge problem with weak female characters. It drives me nuts for a female to listen to everything a male says and to follow on his heels like he’s God himself. I want my female characters to be strong, independent, self-serving, a go-getting-I-can-do-it-myself female. This was not the case with the main female character, Riley. Riley completely depended on Vasi. She never once thought she could take care of herself, and she made that pretty clear throughout the whole book. There were even a few times where she basically mentioned that she needed Vasi to protect her. I just wanted to shake the girl and tell her that she wasn’t useless material. Girls and women alike can be very powerful, and I find that books often stereotype them to be the weakling that needs saved from the handsome prince.
I did enjoy the mystery of the book. It may have been my age level, but I figured out everything relevantly quickly. There was a twist at the end that I didn’t see, though, and I really appreciated that. I think that younger age groups will stay in suspense a lot longer than I did. One thing I didn’t like, though, was how quickly Vasi and Riley fell in love. I don’t even want to call it love, so I’m going to call it lust. They seemed to feel this way after two days, which is not enough time for anyone to fall in love. I wish that they didn’t attach themselves so quickly. In fact, I would have rather it not happened at all during this book. I would have liked to see the wooing process and witness Riley stand up for herself a little bit more. Some of the things at the end of the book (don’t worry, I won’t give anything away) really threw me. They just moved way too quickly. I know that when I first meet a guy, it takes months before I really let him in. Riley and Vasi didn’t take the initial time that couples take to get to know each other, which made it a little awkward to follow their story.
Younger teenagers, between the ages of 11-16, will probably really enjoy this book. It sort of reminded me of a cross between White Cat, by Holly Black, and The Strange Angels series by Lili St. Crow. I don’t think that people above the age of 20 will fully get into this book. It definitely targets a younger audience. There are a couple references to sexual encounters in the book. There are no explicit details included. Overall, though, it was an interesting read and I think that the younger generation will really appreciate it.
Pages: 301
Publication Date: July 9, 2012
Publisher: Lands Atlantic Publishing
Rating: : 2
Teaser Quote: “…we have to make the decision in time, we have to mark it, put it in the envelope, stick a stamp on it, and mail it back. We can’t just decide, but then let the deadline pass, because if we do, it’s like we never made the decision to begin with.”
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.
Vasi Petrescu has grown up in a world full of champions and heroes. The only problem is that the world has never heard of them. For in Vasi’s world, creatures called Hybrids roam the streets. Hybrids can blend in. They can look and speak just like an average human. In fact, if it were up to normal humans, they would never be able to pick one out of a line up. But Vasi knows better. Vasi knows that Hybrids are evil creatures who can snap at a moments notice, killing hundreds in their wake.
Now that Vasi has been initiated to a full fledged guard, he can help his brothers hunt down the Hybrids, saving the world from the terror and doom they bring to the Earth. The only problem is, Vasi has been assigned to assassinate a female. Vasi knows that females cannot become Hybrids, so he begins to question the family that has supported him and his kind since before he was born. Follow Vasi on his journey to the truth and witness him try to find himself in the process.
The first thing that drew me to The Syndicate was the cover. When I see a cover that I’m in love with it, I could care less about the description of the book. The only thing that matters is that the cover is pretty and I want to read what’s behind that beautiful image. Not only is the cover absolutely gorgeous, but it definitely relates to the book itself. It’s an image of a male, presumably Vasi, and I feel that you can really get a sense of his strength and confusion from the expression on his face. I know that when I was reading about Vasi’s story, I often would find myself referring back to the cover to get a good look at him.
I find that most female writers narrate from a female character’s perspective. There are a few exceptions to this. For example, Beautiful Creatures, by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl, is narrated from the main male character, Ethan. I give major points to authors who go out of their realms and write from a totally different perspective. However, I often find that I have problems with male narrators written by female authors. That was no exception for this book. I often feel that the male character is either slightly feminine or over the top stereotyped masculine. In this case, it was the latter. I felt that Shorts did a great job identifying the main character was a male. Vasi really had no feminine traits, which is something that I enjoyed. However, females (society even) tend to create a majority stereotype for men. I felt that a lot of those stereotypes were released onto the character of Vasi. I would have appreciated it a little more if he had had a uniqueness to his personality. Something that separated him from the typical male stereotype.
If you follow my reviews, you may have noticed that I have a huge problem with weak female characters. It drives me nuts for a female to listen to everything a male says and to follow on his heels like he’s God himself. I want my female characters to be strong, independent, self-serving, a go-getting-I-can-do-it-myself female. This was not the case with the main female character, Riley. Riley completely depended on Vasi. She never once thought she could take care of herself, and she made that pretty clear throughout the whole book. There were even a few times where she basically mentioned that she needed Vasi to protect her. I just wanted to shake the girl and tell her that she wasn’t useless material. Girls and women alike can be very powerful, and I find that books often stereotype them to be the weakling that needs saved from the handsome prince.
I did enjoy the mystery of the book. It may have been my age level, but I figured out everything relevantly quickly. There was a twist at the end that I didn’t see, though, and I really appreciated that. I think that younger age groups will stay in suspense a lot longer than I did. One thing I didn’t like, though, was how quickly Vasi and Riley fell in love. I don’t even want to call it love, so I’m going to call it lust. They seemed to feel this way after two days, which is not enough time for anyone to fall in love. I wish that they didn’t attach themselves so quickly. In fact, I would have rather it not happened at all during this book. I would have liked to see the wooing process and witness Riley stand up for herself a little bit more. Some of the things at the end of the book (don’t worry, I won’t give anything away) really threw me. They just moved way too quickly. I know that when I first meet a guy, it takes months before I really let him in. Riley and Vasi didn’t take the initial time that couples take to get to know each other, which made it a little awkward to follow their story.
Younger teenagers, between the ages of 11-16, will probably really enjoy this book. It sort of reminded me of a cross between White Cat, by Holly Black, and The Strange Angels series by Lili St. Crow. I don’t think that people above the age of 20 will fully get into this book. It definitely targets a younger audience. There are a couple references to sexual encounters in the book. There are no explicit details included. Overall, though, it was an interesting read and I think that the younger generation will really appreciate it.
Pages: 301
Publication Date: July 9, 2012
Publisher: Lands Atlantic Publishing
Rating: : 2
Teaser Quote: “…we have to make the decision in time, we have to mark it, put it in the envelope, stick a stamp on it, and mail it back. We can’t just decide, but then let the deadline pass, because if we do, it’s like we never made the decision to begin with.”
September 14, 2022
Shelena Shorts heeft opnieuw fascinerende personages ontwikkeld. In De Kring zit de wereld van Vasi ingewikkeld in elkaar, vanwege de plicht die hij heeft. De Kring is namelijk een gemeenschap van mensen die de samenleving tegen Halfbloeden beschermd. Het is snel duidelijk dat deze wezens mensen infecteren.
Fascinerend om te zien hoe een koelbloedig opgeleide moordenaar een zachte kant kan hebben. Riley blijft een mysterie die Halfbloeden aantrekt. Het draait dan ook om verraad en verandering binnen een samenleving, naast loyaliteit en trouw.
Het achtergrondverhaal, het ontstaan van deze Halfbloeden is redelijk geloofwaardig. Een andere kijk op het Roswell- verhaal, waarin UFO’s welig tieren zet lezers aan het denken. Het geeft dus een andere dimensie aan bestaande geschiedenis. De verhaallijn kan dus enige speculatie rondom bepaalde zaken in de hand houden. Het verhaal heeft een paranormale knipoog zoals alleen Shorts dat kan uitbeelden. Alle puzzelstukjes passen naadloos in elkaar, en de schrijfster werkt naar een solide einde toe. Mooi gedaan.
Fascinerend om te zien hoe een koelbloedig opgeleide moordenaar een zachte kant kan hebben. Riley blijft een mysterie die Halfbloeden aantrekt. Het draait dan ook om verraad en verandering binnen een samenleving, naast loyaliteit en trouw.
Het achtergrondverhaal, het ontstaan van deze Halfbloeden is redelijk geloofwaardig. Een andere kijk op het Roswell- verhaal, waarin UFO’s welig tieren zet lezers aan het denken. Het geeft dus een andere dimensie aan bestaande geschiedenis. De verhaallijn kan dus enige speculatie rondom bepaalde zaken in de hand houden. Het verhaal heeft een paranormale knipoog zoals alleen Shorts dat kan uitbeelden. Alle puzzelstukjes passen naadloos in elkaar, en de schrijfster werkt naar een solide einde toe. Mooi gedaan.
July 7, 2023
Ik heb slechtere boeken gelezen, ook van deze auteur. Ik ben er niet uit of ik dit 1 of 2 sterren waard vind. Maar die slechtere boeken zorgden gek genoeg voor meer plezier omdat ik iets had om mij aan te ergeren. Dit boek leest alsof iemand veel te weinig kruiden gebruikt heeft bij een spicy gerecht. Het smaakt naar niets.
De plot vond ik veel potentie hebben. Ik hoopte op starcrossed lovers, op een monster dat menselijke kanten heeft en de jager voor zich wint. Maar de hoofdpersonages kunnen niks fout doen, daardoor gaat het boek minder over vooroordelen aan de kant zetten en verliefd worden op wat je leerde te haten. Zoals het nu geschreven is, past het denk ik beter bij de traditionele Christelijke normen en waarden van de auteur en daar heb ik respect voor. Maar ik mis een stukje je eigen slechte kanten durven omarmen. De bad guy is iemand waar we uiteindelijk bijna niks van weten en dat vind ik een gemiste kans. Ik had liever het boek dat ik in mijn hoofd kreeg gelezen.
De plot vond ik veel potentie hebben. Ik hoopte op starcrossed lovers, op een monster dat menselijke kanten heeft en de jager voor zich wint. Maar de hoofdpersonages kunnen niks fout doen, daardoor gaat het boek minder over vooroordelen aan de kant zetten en verliefd worden op wat je leerde te haten. Zoals het nu geschreven is, past het denk ik beter bij de traditionele Christelijke normen en waarden van de auteur en daar heb ik respect voor. Maar ik mis een stukje je eigen slechte kanten durven omarmen. De bad guy is iemand waar we uiteindelijk bijna niks van weten en dat vind ik een gemiste kans. Ik had liever het boek dat ik in mijn hoofd kreeg gelezen.
August 31, 2022
In dit verhaal neemt Vasi het op tegen moordzuchtige geïnfecteerde halfbloeden. De Kring is speciaal opgericht om deze monsters uit de weg te ruimen. Wanneer Vasi de opdracht krijgt om een meisje uit te schakelen die volgens de zieners een bedreiging vormt voor de Kring twijfelt hij aan zijn opdracht. Welke geheimen onvouwen zich en waarom voelt hij zich zo aangetrokken tot haar.
Een fijne young adult fantasy. Ik had hem zo uit want de schrijfstijl is vloeiend en hij is ook niet al te dik. Gevuld met romantiek en actie. Ik mis wel wat wereldopbouw, na de uitleg halverwege was ik niet voldaan. Ik zou nog veel meer willen lezen over deze wereld.
Een fijne young adult fantasy. Ik had hem zo uit want de schrijfstijl is vloeiend en hij is ook niet al te dik. Gevuld met romantiek en actie. Ik mis wel wat wereldopbouw, na de uitleg halverwege was ik niet voldaan. Ik zou nog veel meer willen lezen over deze wereld.
November 23, 2022
Een heerlijke Young Adult Fantasy van Shelena Shorts. Een spannend en mysterieus verhaal waar je wilt blijven lezen tot het einde.
Hoe zit De Kring in elkaar, waarom moet Riley worden uitgeschakeld? blijf lezen en vind de waarheid. Enige jammere is dat het einde nogal open is en voor mij niet af voelt.
De rest van de recensie lees je hier
https://divabooks.nl/2022/09/16/blogt...
Hoe zit De Kring in elkaar, waarom moet Riley worden uitgeschakeld? blijf lezen en vind de waarheid. Enige jammere is dat het einde nogal open is en voor mij niet af voelt.
De rest van de recensie lees je hier
https://divabooks.nl/2022/09/16/blogt...
August 18, 2022
Ik las de Nederlandse vertaling van dit boek en hoewel dit boek even inkomen is, is de finale enorm de moeite waard. Een uitgebreide recensie lees je tijdens de blogtour op mijn blog booksofhopeanddreams.wordpress.com
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