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Sentinel Wars #7
Falling Blind
They are the Sentinels. Three races descended from ancient guardians of mankind, each possessing unique abilities in their battle to protect humanity against their eternal foes: the Synestryn. Now a warrior must protect a strong-minded woman from an incredible evil...
A beautiful, independent Theronai, Rory Rainey knows that her attempts to be a warrior are futile—unless she can stop the demonic visions that torment her. Determined to be free, Rory sets out to find the mysterious guardian who can cure her, before she loses her sight—or her life. But Rory’s journey brings its own dangers when she is attacked by a pack of Synestryn sent by the demon lord Raygh.
Cornered and desperate, Rory narrowly escapes with the help of a sword-wielding stranger. Cain knows that Rory needs his protection to survive, just as he knows that her power is compatible with his own. And when Rory binds herself to Cain, the warrior knows he will do anything to keep her safe from the threat of the demon lord that pursues her...
A beautiful, independent Theronai, Rory Rainey knows that her attempts to be a warrior are futile—unless she can stop the demonic visions that torment her. Determined to be free, Rory sets out to find the mysterious guardian who can cure her, before she loses her sight—or her life. But Rory’s journey brings its own dangers when she is attacked by a pack of Synestryn sent by the demon lord Raygh.
Cornered and desperate, Rory narrowly escapes with the help of a sword-wielding stranger. Cain knows that Rory needs his protection to survive, just as he knows that her power is compatible with his own. And when Rory binds herself to Cain, the warrior knows he will do anything to keep her safe from the threat of the demon lord that pursues her...
370 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 2, 2013
30 people are currently reading
1122 people want to read
About the author
Shannon K. Butcher
36 books1,213 followersBestselling author Shannon K. Butcher, who now writes as Anna Argent, has written more than thirty titles since launching her career in 2007. She has three award-winning series, including the paranormal romance series The Sentinel Wars, the action-romance series The Edge, and the romantic suspense Delta Force Trilogy. Her alter ego Anna Argent also writes several series with a fresh and interesting spin on paranormal romance (The Lost Shards, The Taken and The Stone Men series) as well as a contemporary romance series set in a small town in the Ozarks. As a former engineer and current nerd, she frequently uses charts, graphs and tables to aid her in the mechanics of story design, world building and to keep track of all those colorful characters, magical powers and alternate worlds. An avid bead and glass artist, she spends her free time turning small sparkly bits into larger sparkly bits. She’s rarely on social media, so the best place to find out news about upcoming releases under either name is via her newsletter. You can sign up at AnnaArgent.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
March 29, 2013
Originally reviewed for The Book Vixen
In a Nutshell: The heroine killed the romance for me with her snarky meanness to the long-suffering hero. I was also pissed that my favorite series sub-plot wasn’t mentioned at all and another one I liked had a bad conclusion. Humph.
The Set Up: Rory has always been alone even while being plagued with seeing through other people’s eyes. She knows about the demons that stalk her kind so when a man jumps in during one of her battles she can’t rely on him even though she’s attracted to him. Cain is a Theronai warrior near death since he hasn’t found a woman to help channel his power but knows Rory could be that woman if she’d just let down her guard.
Why I Read this Book: I adore this series. Book four, Living Nightmare, is one of my favorite paranormal books ever and I reread it often. To continue this series is a no brainer up until now…
What I Liked: I love the hero, Cain. He’s been an important character in the series and the last book left his character floundering and in grave danger of imploding under his guilt and grief. I was super anxious to revisit him and see him get his well-deserved HEA. Cain lived up to my expectations in that he was a strong but loving hero. This is illustrated when Cain has an internal speech weighing his need to live and have a woman channel his energy so he doesn’t implode with Rory’s desire for independence. His total willingness to sacrifice himself for Rory’s happiness is believable within his character’s development and I loved him for his selfless love.
What I Also Liked: The secondary characters continue to hold my attention here. The Theronai leader, Joseph, better have his HEA soon! I love the inclusion of previous couples in the series as they battle the demons and try to keep oblivious humans safe. The series mythos is that a couple can channel a male Theronai’s energy to be the strongest fighters and I like how the author keeps to this by having the previous couples show up for big battles. The action is plentiful in this book and kept my attention.
What I Didn’t Like: Rory. Rory is an asshole. I get that she’s isolated, lonely and used to relying on herself but it doesn’t give her license to be so cruel to Cain. Cain doesn’t do anything to cause her to mistrust him and yet she perpetually does and pushes him away. I think her snark was passively humorous until it was directed at poor Cain and then it pissed me off. Instead of coming across as independent, which I think was the author’s attempt, Rory just came across as a petulant immature child undeserving of Cain’s love.
The other thing that bummed me out was the series sub-plots. One that I’m dying to learn more about, the Theronai Thor and his human love interest, Grace, aren’t even mentioned. Okay, fine, author is leaving it for a full length book but hurry up already! The other series plot that I liked was about a half demon’s love for an abused human and their quarter-demon son. Well, they’re here but that sub-plot wrapped up quickly and badly. I am bah humbugging this book big time.
IMO: This is the series low point for me so far. I had to read it because I’m not off the series bandwagon yet but think new readers should skip this one and start with book one and see if they want to read this book when they come to it.
In a Nutshell: The heroine killed the romance for me with her snarky meanness to the long-suffering hero. I was also pissed that my favorite series sub-plot wasn’t mentioned at all and another one I liked had a bad conclusion. Humph.
The Set Up: Rory has always been alone even while being plagued with seeing through other people’s eyes. She knows about the demons that stalk her kind so when a man jumps in during one of her battles she can’t rely on him even though she’s attracted to him. Cain is a Theronai warrior near death since he hasn’t found a woman to help channel his power but knows Rory could be that woman if she’d just let down her guard.
Why I Read this Book: I adore this series. Book four, Living Nightmare, is one of my favorite paranormal books ever and I reread it often. To continue this series is a no brainer up until now…
What I Liked: I love the hero, Cain. He’s been an important character in the series and the last book left his character floundering and in grave danger of imploding under his guilt and grief. I was super anxious to revisit him and see him get his well-deserved HEA. Cain lived up to my expectations in that he was a strong but loving hero. This is illustrated when Cain has an internal speech weighing his need to live and have a woman channel his energy so he doesn’t implode with Rory’s desire for independence. His total willingness to sacrifice himself for Rory’s happiness is believable within his character’s development and I loved him for his selfless love.
What I Also Liked: The secondary characters continue to hold my attention here. The Theronai leader, Joseph, better have his HEA soon! I love the inclusion of previous couples in the series as they battle the demons and try to keep oblivious humans safe. The series mythos is that a couple can channel a male Theronai’s energy to be the strongest fighters and I like how the author keeps to this by having the previous couples show up for big battles. The action is plentiful in this book and kept my attention.
What I Didn’t Like: Rory. Rory is an asshole. I get that she’s isolated, lonely and used to relying on herself but it doesn’t give her license to be so cruel to Cain. Cain doesn’t do anything to cause her to mistrust him and yet she perpetually does and pushes him away. I think her snark was passively humorous until it was directed at poor Cain and then it pissed me off. Instead of coming across as independent, which I think was the author’s attempt, Rory just came across as a petulant immature child undeserving of Cain’s love.
The other thing that bummed me out was the series sub-plots. One that I’m dying to learn more about, the Theronai Thor and his human love interest, Grace, aren’t even mentioned. Okay, fine, author is leaving it for a full length book but hurry up already! The other series plot that I liked was about a half demon’s love for an abused human and their quarter-demon son. Well, they’re here but that sub-plot wrapped up quickly and badly. I am bah humbugging this book big time.
IMO: This is the series low point for me so far. I had to read it because I’m not off the series bandwagon yet but think new readers should skip this one and start with book one and see if they want to read this book when they come to it.
June 22, 2014
RATIING: Somewhere Between 3.5 and 4 HEARTS
Shannon K. Butcher became a favourite author of mine ever since I first read Burning Alive, and with the addition of Falling Blind, I am glad to say she continues to remain the same, despite this book lacking in several areas in which its predecessors did not.
Falling Blind has the right balance between the suspense, paranormal creatures, interesting characters and a sizzling romance, however, this story falls a little short from reaching that wowing moment.
The story that the description offers is exactly what you get out of this book. There are no twists and turns - the simple arc sets a welcome fast pace for reading. The plot flows rather continuously, and its easy to get lost within its descriptions of the abundant action scenes and love scenes, but its not a story without the cliches or a very abrupt and rushed ending. The same plot of a damaged hero finding a compatible mate, who refuses to accept her powers is getting old, and Butcher needs to find a new way of presenting this plot without it dragging down the rest of the story.
One of the most intriguing aspects of this series is its world building, and uncommonly, its further development is non-existent in this. From the slayers to the Theronai to the Sanguinar, I wanted to know more about their secrets, but unfortunately, this is a part where readers are left in the dark about. Although, with the next book being Torr’s, I am hopeful that this misgiving will be redeemed as the plot once again will focus on a world outside of the Theronai.
The last book left Cain’s character struggling with his guilt and grief, and ever since, I have been looking forward to revisiting him and finally see him get his HEA. And his character did not disappoint! I loved Cain’s strong yet gentle demeanor in the way he handles Rory, and more than that, I loved his absolute willingness to give up everything for Rory, including himself. His loyalty and selflessness is believable and effortless in his development as a hero, which I found to be very captivating. As for Rory, she is very difficult to get used to. Admittedly, I did not like her character or her indifferent attitude towards Cain, and even right until the end, her character refuses to acknowledge her situation, which is beyond frustrating. She is the first woman in this series that I did not come to accept as either a likeable character or a strong, independent heroine. Their romance on the other hand is downright naughty, sexy and nice, which I loved. The chemistry and sparks are ever present throughout the story, and oddly enough regardless of Rory’s character, this is a couple worth rooting for.
Aside from the few obstacles, the inclusion of previous couples, new sub-plots, and secondary characters, especially Joseph (the leader of the Theronai) and Lyka (a slayer) and Ronin (a Sanguinar), kept me wanting to read until the very last page and begging for more future books.
Overall, Falling Blind offers an engaging story, with the addition of some intriguing old and new elements, however, I suspect for fans of the series this will probably be a downer compared to previous books.
Updated: June 22, 2014
March 26, 2024
Actual Rating: 2.5 stars.
Interesting beginning, unfortunately the development feels too repetitive, both within its own story and in comparison to previous installments.
Interesting beginning, unfortunately the development feels too repetitive, both within its own story and in comparison to previous installments.
May 20, 2013
Seventh in the Sentinel Wars paranormal romance series. The couple focus is on Cain and Rory.
My Take
This is one of Butcher's weaknesses: the clichéd plot. One character has powers she refuses to learn about, wants to leave the one she loves because it'll hurt so much if he dies---the fact that it'll hurt so much to leave never seems to occur to them, and the trope in which one character is damaged goods so the other can't possibly want to be burdened with them.
Oh, brother…
Okay, so the big signal that a Sentinel has met his mate is his luceria goes active. So, just how does Cain miss it when his luceria goes active? How does he justify ignoring it? Then there's the "required" obsession with how he's failed. Oh, brother. Again. I'm crossing my fingers that they find a matable woman who is also a psychiatrist. These guys need to get some therapy...
Yeah, I'm being a bit hypocritical since I've complained in reviews on the earlier stories that I dislike how overpowering the men have been in crowding their potential mates. But I hate stupid characters, and I don't understand Butcher's reasoning behind having such stupid men. And women in her stories. I like her premise, and I keep reading mostly because I want to know what happens with the other plane from which it seems that the Sanguinar and the Sentinels originate.
Then there's Rory… She's desperate to find someone who can help calm her visions. Then she finds Cain and touching Cain calms her visions. Somehow, it doesn't seem to penetrate her brain---must be all that pink hair---that, huh, touching Cain calms her visions since she insists on continuing to hunt for someone to...you guessed it…calm her visions. Surprise, surprise. Um, does anyone know if Butcher, her editor, and her beta readers are on drugs that they keep missing these points?
Rory is at least consistent in her dimwittedness as she never seems to make a connection between her taking her hand away from Cain and his immediate, incredible pain. She's battling the whole idea and yet when Cain gives her what she's been demanding, she gets pissy because he does.
Well, Butcher is consistent in having stupid characters amongst the good and the bad guys. If Raygh is such a big bad demon with such tremendous power, I would have assumed that he was also intelligent. So what's the excuse for his using up that special blood supply?
Oh my god, oh my god, Rory actually demonstrates some smarts!!! Whoo-hoo. Can you tell I'm shockingly surprised?!
While I admire the care and concern the men have for others, the series so far is interesting for Butcher's concept and all the bits not involving whoever the primary couple is. It drives me mad how idiotic the couple's interactions always is. I'm not denying how much work Butcher has put into her stories. She has. A lot of work, and she's quite inventive. I guess that's what bugs me about her employing these lame clichés... It could be so good.
The Story
It's a meeting in a dark alley when Cain rescues Rory from a demon attack. One that has a sinister purpose and all the rage of a very powerful demon lord behind it.
The Characters
Rory Rainey struggles to survive the images that slam into her mind from the people around her. Nana is her grandmother, recently deceased and very much missed. Matt was the boyfriend who sold her to a demon for drugs. And she let him. I mean, duhhh.
Cain is a Sentinel and almost out of time and without purpose since Sibyl left him.
Joseph Rayd is the leader of the Theronai, the Sentinels, who are based at Dabyr. Paul and a pregnant Andra who is still missing her sister Tori (see Dying Wish , 6), and Nicholas are active in this story. Lyka Phelan is Andreas Phelan's half-sister, a hostage sent to Joseph as a pledge of the alliance between the Slayers and the Sentinels; Andreas got Carmen. Miss Mabel is a human living in the Dabyr compound, a sounding board for the other ladies and a teacher. Gilda and Angus were the leaders of the Sentinels until they died the night they rescued Maura in Living Nightmare , 4. At last, Tynan will learn the truth behind the Sentinels' inability to conceive children. Beth and Ella are sisters who were freed from the Synestryn. Ethan is Ella's baby, a half-and-half, although Ella told Joseph he was fully human.
Tynan, Logan's brother, leads the Sanguinar, a vampire-like species allied with the Theronai as medics. Logan is married to Hope (see Blood Hunt , 5), and together they run a homeless shelter. The Sanguinar have kept Project Lullaby a secret; it's intended to help their species survive. Ronan is getting set up for his HEA. Connal is a traitor, doing anything for the blood to which he's addicted.
Maura is Sibyl's other half. A curse their mother, Gilda, levied split the girls, and Maura turned against her people, fleeing to the Synestryn. With the breaking of the curse, Maura grows up and leaves the demons, but she isn't free of her guilt.
Justice has no idea who she is, but she's driven by a compulsion to help.
The demon lord, Krag, may be dead, but his father, Raygh (channeling J.R. Ward, perhaps?) is alive and feeling vengeful. Canaranth had belonged to the recently deceased Zillah, and he loved Ella.
Gerai are blooded humans, descendants of an ancient, magical race, who sometimes help the Sentinels, who are a breed of warriors whose mission is to kill Synestryn and prevent them from taking over the Earth. Synestryn is a generic term for all demons.
The Cover
The cover has a flaring purple background with a reddish-orange, well-muscled torso...mmm, mmmm...very defined with a leafless tree tattooed across his left side, comfy looking jeans riding low, and his sword held upright. A very determined Cain.
The title refers to Rory who is Falling Blind.
My Take
This is one of Butcher's weaknesses: the clichéd plot. One character has powers she refuses to learn about, wants to leave the one she loves because it'll hurt so much if he dies---the fact that it'll hurt so much to leave never seems to occur to them, and the trope in which one character is damaged goods so the other can't possibly want to be burdened with them.
Oh, brother…
Okay, so the big signal that a Sentinel has met his mate is his luceria goes active. So, just how does Cain miss it when his luceria goes active? How does he justify ignoring it? Then there's the "required" obsession with how he's failed. Oh, brother. Again. I'm crossing my fingers that they find a matable woman who is also a psychiatrist. These guys need to get some therapy...
Yeah, I'm being a bit hypocritical since I've complained in reviews on the earlier stories that I dislike how overpowering the men have been in crowding their potential mates. But I hate stupid characters, and I don't understand Butcher's reasoning behind having such stupid men. And women in her stories. I like her premise, and I keep reading mostly because I want to know what happens with the other plane from which it seems that the Sanguinar and the Sentinels originate.
Then there's Rory… She's desperate to find someone who can help calm her visions. Then she finds Cain and touching Cain calms her visions. Somehow, it doesn't seem to penetrate her brain---must be all that pink hair---that, huh, touching Cain calms her visions since she insists on continuing to hunt for someone to...you guessed it…calm her visions. Surprise, surprise. Um, does anyone know if Butcher, her editor, and her beta readers are on drugs that they keep missing these points?
Rory is at least consistent in her dimwittedness as she never seems to make a connection between her taking her hand away from Cain and his immediate, incredible pain. She's battling the whole idea and yet when Cain gives her what she's been demanding, she gets pissy because he does.
Well, Butcher is consistent in having stupid characters amongst the good and the bad guys. If Raygh is such a big bad demon with such tremendous power, I would have assumed that he was also intelligent. So what's the excuse for his using up that special blood supply?
Oh my god, oh my god, Rory actually demonstrates some smarts!!! Whoo-hoo. Can you tell I'm shockingly surprised?!
While I admire the care and concern the men have for others, the series so far is interesting for Butcher's concept and all the bits not involving whoever the primary couple is. It drives me mad how idiotic the couple's interactions always is. I'm not denying how much work Butcher has put into her stories. She has. A lot of work, and she's quite inventive. I guess that's what bugs me about her employing these lame clichés... It could be so good.
The Story
It's a meeting in a dark alley when Cain rescues Rory from a demon attack. One that has a sinister purpose and all the rage of a very powerful demon lord behind it.
The Characters
Rory Rainey struggles to survive the images that slam into her mind from the people around her. Nana is her grandmother, recently deceased and very much missed. Matt was the boyfriend who sold her to a demon for drugs. And she let him. I mean, duhhh.
Cain is a Sentinel and almost out of time and without purpose since Sibyl left him.
Joseph Rayd is the leader of the Theronai, the Sentinels, who are based at Dabyr. Paul and a pregnant Andra who is still missing her sister Tori (see Dying Wish , 6), and Nicholas are active in this story. Lyka Phelan is Andreas Phelan's half-sister, a hostage sent to Joseph as a pledge of the alliance between the Slayers and the Sentinels; Andreas got Carmen. Miss Mabel is a human living in the Dabyr compound, a sounding board for the other ladies and a teacher. Gilda and Angus were the leaders of the Sentinels until they died the night they rescued Maura in Living Nightmare , 4. At last, Tynan will learn the truth behind the Sentinels' inability to conceive children. Beth and Ella are sisters who were freed from the Synestryn. Ethan is Ella's baby, a half-and-half, although Ella told Joseph he was fully human.
Tynan, Logan's brother, leads the Sanguinar, a vampire-like species allied with the Theronai as medics. Logan is married to Hope (see Blood Hunt , 5), and together they run a homeless shelter. The Sanguinar have kept Project Lullaby a secret; it's intended to help their species survive. Ronan is getting set up for his HEA. Connal is a traitor, doing anything for the blood to which he's addicted.
Maura is Sibyl's other half. A curse their mother, Gilda, levied split the girls, and Maura turned against her people, fleeing to the Synestryn. With the breaking of the curse, Maura grows up and leaves the demons, but she isn't free of her guilt.
Justice has no idea who she is, but she's driven by a compulsion to help.
The demon lord, Krag, may be dead, but his father, Raygh (channeling J.R. Ward, perhaps?) is alive and feeling vengeful. Canaranth had belonged to the recently deceased Zillah, and he loved Ella.
Gerai are blooded humans, descendants of an ancient, magical race, who sometimes help the Sentinels, who are a breed of warriors whose mission is to kill Synestryn and prevent them from taking over the Earth. Synestryn is a generic term for all demons.
The Cover
The cover has a flaring purple background with a reddish-orange, well-muscled torso...mmm, mmmm...very defined with a leafless tree tattooed across his left side, comfy looking jeans riding low, and his sword held upright. A very determined Cain.
The title refers to Rory who is Falling Blind.
July 15, 2023
Falling Blind
3.5 Stars
Determined to be free of the horrific visions that have plagued her entire life, Rory Rainey is on a quest to find the person or object able to quiet her mind. Following a Synestren attack, Rory encounters Cain Aylward, a Theronai warrior, on the verge of losing his last leaves. Upon learning that Rory is compatible with his magic, Cain will do everything necessary to help Rory survive and escape the demon pursuing her.
Series note: Due to the ongoing story arc and character development, it is essential that the books in this series be read in order.
Despite the imaginative and engaging world-building, this installment in the series fails to completely resonate mainly due to Rory's annoying "woe-is-me" attitude and selfish nature, which is in direct contrast to Cain's self-sacrificing tendencies. Cain's love for Rory is palpable but she is often cruel and her passive-aggressive snark is not appealing. While Cain is an admirable hero, his disproportionate sense of guilt is also tiresome at times.
The developments in the ongoing struggle against the Synestren and the hints at stories to come for Ronan, Joseph and Torr are the true highlights of the book and ensure my continued interest despite Rory and Cain's lackluster romance.
On a final note, it should be noted that the descriptions in this series are often violent and gruesome. As such, it might not be to every reader's taste.
3.5 Stars
Determined to be free of the horrific visions that have plagued her entire life, Rory Rainey is on a quest to find the person or object able to quiet her mind. Following a Synestren attack, Rory encounters Cain Aylward, a Theronai warrior, on the verge of losing his last leaves. Upon learning that Rory is compatible with his magic, Cain will do everything necessary to help Rory survive and escape the demon pursuing her.
Series note: Due to the ongoing story arc and character development, it is essential that the books in this series be read in order.
Despite the imaginative and engaging world-building, this installment in the series fails to completely resonate mainly due to Rory's annoying "woe-is-me" attitude and selfish nature, which is in direct contrast to Cain's self-sacrificing tendencies. Cain's love for Rory is palpable but she is often cruel and her passive-aggressive snark is not appealing. While Cain is an admirable hero, his disproportionate sense of guilt is also tiresome at times.
The developments in the ongoing struggle against the Synestren and the hints at stories to come for Ronan, Joseph and Torr are the true highlights of the book and ensure my continued interest despite Rory and Cain's lackluster romance.
On a final note, it should be noted that the descriptions in this series are often violent and gruesome. As such, it might not be to every reader's taste.
June 20, 2019
This wasn't bad, but I didn't like the ending.
Rory was decent, I suppose. I admired her spirit and dedication and found her brave and resilient.
Cain didn't seem to be much different from Drake or Zach, he didn't have the distinct personalities that Iain and Madoc and Torr have. I didn't dislike him, but nothing about him stood out to me.
The romance was alright but nothing special- again, being that Cain was desperate for a woman like Rory, I didn't like the start to their relationship. In part, it was based on the fact that they took away each other's pain.
I enjoyed the glimpses of Tynan, Ronan, Joseph, and Lyka. I do wish that there had been more on Canaranth- maybe the Synestryn aren't all bad after all- and his family, Ella and Ethan.
I feel increasingly bad for the Sanguinar. Even if they and the Theronai were historically enemies, why can't the Theronai just try to save them from their hunger? Especially when the Theronai males know what it's like to suffer without respite.
Also, what is up with the Slayers? They're allies with the Theronai now; where are they in this war?
The plot was actually pretty interesting and well-developed, and the smaller stories of different characters were woven in nicely.
My biggest problem with this novel was the ending. It felt too rushed, too climactic. And I don't understand how Ronan managed to defeat the demon or what went on with Justice- clearly, she's like Hope, but why was she there at that instant to save Ronan's life? Then there was the thing with Rory's mother being the one to block her visions- how does that work and where do Rory's visions come from (is it because of her Theronai nature? the other Theronai females didn't necessarily have abilities before, though...)?
Overall, though, this was a nice addition to the Sentinel Wars saga, plot-wise. I am now highly anticipating Joseph and Lyka's story, as well as Torr and Grace's (though they weren't in this book).
Rory was decent, I suppose. I admired her spirit and dedication and found her brave and resilient.
Cain didn't seem to be much different from Drake or Zach, he didn't have the distinct personalities that Iain and Madoc and Torr have. I didn't dislike him, but nothing about him stood out to me.
The romance was alright but nothing special- again, being that Cain was desperate for a woman like Rory, I didn't like the start to their relationship. In part, it was based on the fact that they took away each other's pain.
I enjoyed the glimpses of Tynan, Ronan, Joseph, and Lyka. I do wish that there had been more on Canaranth- maybe the Synestryn aren't all bad after all- and his family, Ella and Ethan.
I feel increasingly bad for the Sanguinar. Even if they and the Theronai were historically enemies, why can't the Theronai just try to save them from their hunger? Especially when the Theronai males know what it's like to suffer without respite.
Also, what is up with the Slayers? They're allies with the Theronai now; where are they in this war?
The plot was actually pretty interesting and well-developed, and the smaller stories of different characters were woven in nicely.
My biggest problem with this novel was the ending. It felt too rushed, too climactic. And I don't understand how Ronan managed to defeat the demon or what went on with Justice- clearly, she's like Hope, but why was she there at that instant to save Ronan's life? Then there was the thing with Rory's mother being the one to block her visions- how does that work and where do Rory's visions come from (is it because of her Theronai nature? the other Theronai females didn't necessarily have abilities before, though...)?
Overall, though, this was a nice addition to the Sentinel Wars saga, plot-wise. I am now highly anticipating Joseph and Lyka's story, as well as Torr and Grace's (though they weren't in this book).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 4, 2013
Where to begin? I have never given such a low rating to a book in a series I have been reading from the start. Here's to a first for me. What went wrong?
By the time I was 100 pages in I was starting to get annoyed with Rory, I stayed annoyed and my level of annoyance continually mounted until the very end. By the middle of the book I no longer even cared what happened to them other than wanting to know the basics for when Ms Butcher's next book in the series comes out next year. I found myself skimming through the last 1/4 of the book so that I could get the gist of Cain and Rory's story and to get to the background stories within the book.
I read Blood Hunt last December and then read through # 5.5 to 7 in the series this month, October. I found myself somewhat irritated with Dying Wish but I am really annoyed with Falling Blind. It's like SKB went back to her cookie cutter mold, from her basic formula of dying Theronai desperate to bond with female Theronai, after the nice change up that she wrote with Logan and Hope's story in Blood Hunt. It's like SKB has all these great ideas and new characters and twists that she has bubbling up in the back ground plots but they are taking back stage to her same old formula.
That wouldn't have been so bad if Rory and Cain could have acted like adults. I couldn't relate with either of them. Their emotions and choices were so flat. I felt like Jackie's 'rejection' of Cain in the previous book was not nearly traumatic enough, nor was it really that big of a deal when you consider the circumstances she went to Cain under, to justify his complete mistrust and lack of hope that a woman would want him. His feelings of complete failure as a protector that were based on Sybil's abduction just didn't cut it for me. He's centuries old and in his mind he is defined by 2 events from the last 6 months of his life.... what????
Then there is Rory; she's so stubborn, prideful, and immature.... I didn't like her and could not have cared less if she got her HEA. I don't even know where to start with her. This is the second time I have come across a heroine where she was so stubborn and unwilling to commit that I just didn't care when she finally did. I read romance novels, right, so I am not really interested in reading about women who are so unwilling to commit or be a partner in a relationship that they don't belong in a romance novel. Rory is like this because everyone she loves has died, she is written to be a wounded individual. IMO that's just not a good enough preface to justify the way that she was written. No one acts like that... she's not relate-able. That's how I feel about Rory.
My future with SKB is uncertain. At this point I'm not very intrigued with Torr and Beth's story but rather the setting of the next story since it is supposed to take place in Brenya's world. I'm hoping SKB will take a step away from her basic formula and write something new and refreshing. I like her world, her characters, and the many directions she's left open for herself to write in. They all look exciting but if she can't make it happen then I won't stick around for much longer. We shall see.
By the time I was 100 pages in I was starting to get annoyed with Rory, I stayed annoyed and my level of annoyance continually mounted until the very end. By the middle of the book I no longer even cared what happened to them other than wanting to know the basics for when Ms Butcher's next book in the series comes out next year. I found myself skimming through the last 1/4 of the book so that I could get the gist of Cain and Rory's story and to get to the background stories within the book.
I read Blood Hunt last December and then read through # 5.5 to 7 in the series this month, October. I found myself somewhat irritated with Dying Wish but I am really annoyed with Falling Blind. It's like SKB went back to her cookie cutter mold, from her basic formula of dying Theronai desperate to bond with female Theronai, after the nice change up that she wrote with Logan and Hope's story in Blood Hunt. It's like SKB has all these great ideas and new characters and twists that she has bubbling up in the back ground plots but they are taking back stage to her same old formula.
That wouldn't have been so bad if Rory and Cain could have acted like adults. I couldn't relate with either of them. Their emotions and choices were so flat. I felt like Jackie's 'rejection' of Cain in the previous book was not nearly traumatic enough, nor was it really that big of a deal when you consider the circumstances she went to Cain under, to justify his complete mistrust and lack of hope that a woman would want him. His feelings of complete failure as a protector that were based on Sybil's abduction just didn't cut it for me. He's centuries old and in his mind he is defined by 2 events from the last 6 months of his life.... what????
Then there is Rory; she's so stubborn, prideful, and immature.... I didn't like her and could not have cared less if she got her HEA. I don't even know where to start with her. This is the second time I have come across a heroine where she was so stubborn and unwilling to commit that I just didn't care when she finally did. I read romance novels, right, so I am not really interested in reading about women who are so unwilling to commit or be a partner in a relationship that they don't belong in a romance novel. Rory is like this because everyone she loves has died, she is written to be a wounded individual. IMO that's just not a good enough preface to justify the way that she was written. No one acts like that... she's not relate-able. That's how I feel about Rory.
My future with SKB is uncertain. At this point I'm not very intrigued with Torr and Beth's story but rather the setting of the next story since it is supposed to take place in Brenya's world. I'm hoping SKB will take a step away from her basic formula and write something new and refreshing. I like her world, her characters, and the many directions she's left open for herself to write in. They all look exciting but if she can't make it happen then I won't stick around for much longer. We shall see.
did-not-finish
December 6, 2017Skim-read this. Wasn't crazy about the side stories Butcher put in here, found it very underwhelming. There are only 3 side plots in here and the most uninteresting ones to boot. What happened to Andreas and Carmen? Joseph and Lyka? An update on Torr, Ian and Jackie would have been nice. I especially wanted to see how Ian and Jackie were faring. Seemed very inconsistent with the installments before this. I felt it was a little disconnected. And the interchanging Synestryn lords I don't find interesting or terrifying. The villains are becoming very repetitive at this point and not at all exciting or suspenseful.
I really liked Cain since his introduction and his longing to have a child but the whole deal he makes with Rory made no sense. Rory has visions, she's desperate to get rid of them. Every time she touches Cain, the visions go away. So she makes a deal with him that she will wear his luceria until she finds the person who will make her visions go away. *crickets*
Rrrright. Because that makes perfect sense. Cain isn't the solution to her problem? SMH. Don't know if this was a case of severe denial or what but it just made the heroine look dense. The whole driving factor of the plot was idiotic and not well thought out. Also Rory didn't annoy me as much as I thought she would (from the parts I read) given all the negative feedback by readers, she has spunk and seemed very attracted and enthralled with Cain but still I wasn't lured in to read their story in it's entirety. It's the same template used in most of the other books in this series, a warrior entranced by a Theronai woman and wanting to woo her and an obstinate stubborn woman not willing to accept her true calling and who she is. Meh. If the side stories were more interesting I probably would have given in and read the entire book.
I really liked Cain since his introduction and his longing to have a child but the whole deal he makes with Rory made no sense. Rory has visions, she's desperate to get rid of them. Every time she touches Cain, the visions go away. So she makes a deal with him that she will wear his luceria until she finds the person who will make her visions go away. *crickets*
Rrrright. Because that makes perfect sense. Cain isn't the solution to her problem? SMH. Don't know if this was a case of severe denial or what but it just made the heroine look dense. The whole driving factor of the plot was idiotic and not well thought out. Also Rory didn't annoy me as much as I thought she would (from the parts I read) given all the negative feedback by readers, she has spunk and seemed very attracted and enthralled with Cain but still I wasn't lured in to read their story in it's entirety. It's the same template used in most of the other books in this series, a warrior entranced by a Theronai woman and wanting to woo her and an obstinate stubborn woman not willing to accept her true calling and who she is. Meh. If the side stories were more interesting I probably would have given in and read the entire book.
June 5, 2013
Rory Rainey is plagued by visions that she can't control much to her dismay. She's searching for the one person who can block her visions but no luck so far. While she's searching the streets she's attacked by a new kind of Synestryn. A sword wielding man appears out of the darkness to kill the monsters right in front of Rory, Cain Aylward has been a lost soul since Sybil left Dabyr. Cain finds new purpose upon meeting Rory with her bright pink hair and defiant expression on her face. Cain is smitten by her looks and attitude determined to know her name which she refuses to give. Hope and Logan are rebuilding the shelter in honor of Sister Olive's name. Hope wants to help others like she was helped. A new leader of Synestryn is on a mission to kill everyone that he can no matter the cost or just plain greed. An innocent woman is murdered by a Sanguinar which throws Dabyr into chaos. Will Rory accept her lack of control with these visions? Can Cain let go of the past? Will Rory anc Cain be a bonded pair? What is the Synestryn's true purpose? Your answers await you in Falling Blind.
Shannon K. Butcher has written yet another fascinating book on The Sentinel Wars. Falling Blind pulls you in from first to last page without stopping. Falling Blind is a gut wretching story about what it means to be blind and helpless with absolutely no control either. Rory is my new favorite character replacing Mac from The Fever Series by Karen Marie Moning. Rory is a no holds bar kind of person that makes you sit up and take notice no matter what you're doing. I simply adore Cain because he feels like an utter failure yet you realize that he's not a failure at all. But a man, who did his best to protect Sybil yet it wasn't enough by a long shot. The Sentinel Wars is now among my favorite series to read. I encourage you to read this wonderful series for yourself.
Shannon K. Butcher has written yet another fascinating book on The Sentinel Wars. Falling Blind pulls you in from first to last page without stopping. Falling Blind is a gut wretching story about what it means to be blind and helpless with absolutely no control either. Rory is my new favorite character replacing Mac from The Fever Series by Karen Marie Moning. Rory is a no holds bar kind of person that makes you sit up and take notice no matter what you're doing. I simply adore Cain because he feels like an utter failure yet you realize that he's not a failure at all. But a man, who did his best to protect Sybil yet it wasn't enough by a long shot. The Sentinel Wars is now among my favorite series to read. I encourage you to read this wonderful series for yourself.
April 4, 2013
I really liked Falling Blind, I loved Caine and he has such a believable struggle - planning to tie his heroine to him by devious (and sexy) means but still having that core of honor that keeps him from being able to be to completely put that agenda into play and being unable to keep from hoping for a HEA even as it is within his grasp and then pulled away more than once- yep, I'll say it again, I loved him. I know others have found his heroine annoying, but I didn't. She does put Caine through the ringer, but I liked that she is such a fighter and that since ultimately Caine is able to see that the bond is a partnership (and not just a protection detail) she is going to make them into an amazing fighting team.
There are nice little touches in the cameos (a not so bad, bad guy) and good set up for future threads (Jacob/Lykae, Ronin, Sybil/Maura) without being the mindbending who's who that the last few books have been (no Torr and Grace this time though:( No real refresher in the world building department (I wouldn't have minded a bit for the Slayers, since I am foggy on them), so this is not a book for series newbies.
There are nice little touches in the cameos (a not so bad, bad guy) and good set up for future threads (Jacob/Lykae, Ronin, Sybil/Maura) without being the mindbending who's who that the last few books have been (no Torr and Grace this time though:( No real refresher in the world building department (I wouldn't have minded a bit for the Slayers, since I am foggy on them), so this is not a book for series newbies.
September 3, 2013
This was really good. Loved Cain but Rory got on my nerves something fierce.
July 17, 2023
4.25\5
This followed a standard urban fantasy/romance as many others. There is a male and female protagonist. I enjoyed this book as I have all in the series. There is not a lot of deep thought required, but does a good job of presenting an enjoyable story that takes you away from reality for a bit. Normally the male protagonist needs the female or he will eventually die. In this version of the story that is true as well, but the female needs the male to keep from going insane and/or dying. I liked the independence and stubbornness of the female at first but it did get old as she took things to extremes to her own detriment at times. I liked that the story touched on other characters who are not yet paired to gives us clues as to where their stories will go. We saw three women from before, they reminded us of another and we were introduced to a new woman. This still leaves the woman a Sanguinar was attempting to find in an earlier book who was in custody of the demons. By my count we still have 7 stories to tell that have been foreshadowed. And that is not including any other stories that we may be introduced to later.
If you are looking for a book with deep philosophy that makes you think, this will not satisfy you. But if you want a fun read this is a good choice.
This followed a standard urban fantasy/romance as many others. There is a male and female protagonist. I enjoyed this book as I have all in the series. There is not a lot of deep thought required, but does a good job of presenting an enjoyable story that takes you away from reality for a bit. Normally the male protagonist needs the female or he will eventually die. In this version of the story that is true as well, but the female needs the male to keep from going insane and/or dying. I liked the independence and stubbornness of the female at first but it did get old as she took things to extremes to her own detriment at times. I liked that the story touched on other characters who are not yet paired to gives us clues as to where their stories will go. We saw three women from before, they reminded us of another and we were introduced to a new woman. This still leaves the woman a Sanguinar was attempting to find in an earlier book who was in custody of the demons. By my count we still have 7 stories to tell that have been foreshadowed. And that is not including any other stories that we may be introduced to later.
If you are looking for a book with deep philosophy that makes you think, this will not satisfy you. But if you want a fun read this is a good choice.
February 16, 2018
I loved it!!!
This one had to be one of the funniest I have read so far!!! Also my favourite so far!!
Action packed entertainment and some serious twists that'll make you white knuckle your seat.
I loved Rory she has to be my favourite Theroni so far she is witty and strong and incredibly interesting. Cain is fabulous I love his hard hitting arrogance and his ability to be funny and sweet.
Together they are a force to be reckoned with.
I was sooooo looking forward to Cain's story he had the most longing I have seen/read from the Sentinel men and was so excited to read his story.
All up incredibly brilliant this series goes from strengths to strengths. I felt this one had more passion more on the development of the love between the main characters. Of course left off with a nice teaser I cannot wait for the next book.
This one had to be one of the funniest I have read so far!!! Also my favourite so far!!
Action packed entertainment and some serious twists that'll make you white knuckle your seat.
I loved Rory she has to be my favourite Theroni so far she is witty and strong and incredibly interesting. Cain is fabulous I love his hard hitting arrogance and his ability to be funny and sweet.
Together they are a force to be reckoned with.
I was sooooo looking forward to Cain's story he had the most longing I have seen/read from the Sentinel men and was so excited to read his story.
All up incredibly brilliant this series goes from strengths to strengths. I felt this one had more passion more on the development of the love between the main characters. Of course left off with a nice teaser I cannot wait for the next book.
July 11, 2020
Rory Rainey can see visions of what others around her see. It’s slowly driving her crazy unless she can find the person whose presence has given her brief moments of relief.
When Cain rescues her from a demon attack, he realizes she calms his pain and could be the one he’s been waiting for if he can get her to choose him. But Rory has learned not to trust anybody, except she may have to since Cain’s touch clears her visions allowing her time to find the person she’s searching for. Hmmm.
Fave scenes: Cain seeing behind Rory’s disguise, the safe room, Gilda’s death wish envelopes and Justice’s arrival.
When Cain rescues her from a demon attack, he realizes she calms his pain and could be the one he’s been waiting for if he can get her to choose him. But Rory has learned not to trust anybody, except she may have to since Cain’s touch clears her visions allowing her time to find the person she’s searching for. Hmmm.
Fave scenes: Cain seeing behind Rory’s disguise, the safe room, Gilda’s death wish envelopes and Justice’s arrival.
December 15, 2021
Another Sentinel story
I wasn't sure what was leaking behind this title. Thankfully, it was another wonderful tale of the combining of another matched pair.
Having been reduced to only one working eye; and the horrors I've seen in real life and in my dreams; I felt more connected to Rory than even the other women. I'm a fighter too.
I wasn't sure what was leaking behind this title. Thankfully, it was another wonderful tale of the combining of another matched pair.
Having been reduced to only one working eye; and the horrors I've seen in real life and in my dreams; I felt more connected to Rory than even the other women. I'm a fighter too.
October 21, 2019
DNF at 40%
Cain suffered a lot, How could you put him with this Rory to make him suffer more?
She was intolerable, annoying and rude person.
Rory definitely ruined this book from the beginning, what a waste of time.
Cain suffered a lot, How could you put him with this Rory to make him suffer more?
She was intolerable, annoying and rude person.
Rory definitely ruined this book from the beginning, what a waste of time.
March 4, 2017
I had a hard job reading this book, because I thought the story was very slow, and the action scenes where very few.
March 31, 2018
Fantastic story
This is number 9 of the series and it was very very good! I have enjoyed all of these stories and this was no exception. I can't wait to read the next book.😁 😸 📕📑
This is number 9 of the series and it was very very good! I have enjoyed all of these stories and this was no exception. I can't wait to read the next book.😁 😸 📕📑
July 20, 2018
It's a shame there won't be Conan's book. He and Justice rock!
January 18, 2022
I love all the characters in this book. I love that most of it was outside of the complex. Cain is amazing. Rory is fantastic. Ronan has my heart. This book made me excited about the series again.
September 11, 2024
Love it. I couldn't put this down and I didn't even want to until I read to the end. I loved the writing and the characters and the way they were easily understood all the way through. A great read.
April 7, 2013
*ARC provided by Netgalley
Review originally posted at http://fictionvixen.com/review-fallin...
I’ve been following the Sentinel Wars series since it’s inception. I like this author’s voice and have enjoyed journeying with her into this paranormal world filled with monsters, aliens, talented women and powerful men. The Sentinels are warriors filled with uncontrollable power who live with pain and suffering until they can find a compatible life mate to help him channel this power. As the years go by without finding their mate they fight losing their souls and watch the leaves on their life marks slowly fall away until all that’s left is the end of their lives. Cain is such a warrior, suddenly left with nothing after his ward leaves his care, his best friends die and the woman he hoped to take for his own chooses someone else. He knows he doesn’t have a lot of time left, until he rescues a pink haired, pierced Rory one evening and he realizes that she is the woman who can save him.
Rory suffers from debilitating visions. She’s learned to keep to herself and stay away from large populations. When she is around too many people she can see what they see and after awhile these visions overwhelm her to the point that she feels like she’s going blind, or crazy. She knows there is someone out there who can help her, someone who can take away her visions for good. She’s determined to stop at nothing to find them. One evening she is out on the streets she is rescued by Cain and one touch by him and her visions are muted.
I have mixed feelings about Falling Blind. I always look forward to every new story in this world and it pains me a bit to admit that this was my least favorite of the series so far. All because of Rory. I really, really did not like Rory. At all. She was rough, abrasive and rude. I felt bad for Cain that she was his only option for redemption. They have a rocky beginning since Rory is bound and determined to be on her own, regardless of the wisdom of escaping Cain’s protection. She’s always been by herself and she did not need anyone holding her back or hanging around. Even if that person gives her some relief from her visions when she touches him. Yes, I know she is a tough girl who has been on the streets for years, but I got tired of her acting the lone bad ass when SHE HAD NO IDEA WHAT SHE WAS DOING.
I started questioning Rory’s intelligence right from the start. She makes stupid decisions, acts the bitch and even though she knows Cain will die without her she keeps trying to ditch him. He protects her over and over and offers to teach her how to turn her visions into something powerful. At one point I kept wondering why she was so keen to leave him behind when he offered respite from her visions. She insists again and again that she needs to find this magical person who will give her ease, yet Cain was right there in front of her face. I can’t tell you how weary I was of this woman by the time I finished this book. This is the only time I’ve minded the “destined mate” storyline in this series thus far. I’ve followed Cain throughout all the other installments and truly felt like he deserved a better partner than this. As much as I hated Rory, I enjoyed Cain. He does everything he can to make her want him and gets shot down at every turn. In the end I did not believe their feelings for each other, their relationship felt too unbalanced and not authentic at all.
I think this is just a bump in the road of an overall wonderful series. I’m not going to let a little thing like an annoying heroine keep me from reading the next installment. The overall world building still keeps me interested and there are quite a few characters I can’t wait to see get their happily ever after. Final Grade: C-
Favorite Quote:
Review originally posted at http://fictionvixen.com/review-fallin...
I’ve been following the Sentinel Wars series since it’s inception. I like this author’s voice and have enjoyed journeying with her into this paranormal world filled with monsters, aliens, talented women and powerful men. The Sentinels are warriors filled with uncontrollable power who live with pain and suffering until they can find a compatible life mate to help him channel this power. As the years go by without finding their mate they fight losing their souls and watch the leaves on their life marks slowly fall away until all that’s left is the end of their lives. Cain is such a warrior, suddenly left with nothing after his ward leaves his care, his best friends die and the woman he hoped to take for his own chooses someone else. He knows he doesn’t have a lot of time left, until he rescues a pink haired, pierced Rory one evening and he realizes that she is the woman who can save him.
Rory suffers from debilitating visions. She’s learned to keep to herself and stay away from large populations. When she is around too many people she can see what they see and after awhile these visions overwhelm her to the point that she feels like she’s going blind, or crazy. She knows there is someone out there who can help her, someone who can take away her visions for good. She’s determined to stop at nothing to find them. One evening she is out on the streets she is rescued by Cain and one touch by him and her visions are muted.
I have mixed feelings about Falling Blind. I always look forward to every new story in this world and it pains me a bit to admit that this was my least favorite of the series so far. All because of Rory. I really, really did not like Rory. At all. She was rough, abrasive and rude. I felt bad for Cain that she was his only option for redemption. They have a rocky beginning since Rory is bound and determined to be on her own, regardless of the wisdom of escaping Cain’s protection. She’s always been by herself and she did not need anyone holding her back or hanging around. Even if that person gives her some relief from her visions when she touches him. Yes, I know she is a tough girl who has been on the streets for years, but I got tired of her acting the lone bad ass when SHE HAD NO IDEA WHAT SHE WAS DOING.
I started questioning Rory’s intelligence right from the start. She makes stupid decisions, acts the bitch and even though she knows Cain will die without her she keeps trying to ditch him. He protects her over and over and offers to teach her how to turn her visions into something powerful. At one point I kept wondering why she was so keen to leave him behind when he offered respite from her visions. She insists again and again that she needs to find this magical person who will give her ease, yet Cain was right there in front of her face. I can’t tell you how weary I was of this woman by the time I finished this book. This is the only time I’ve minded the “destined mate” storyline in this series thus far. I’ve followed Cain throughout all the other installments and truly felt like he deserved a better partner than this. As much as I hated Rory, I enjoyed Cain. He does everything he can to make her want him and gets shot down at every turn. In the end I did not believe their feelings for each other, their relationship felt too unbalanced and not authentic at all.
I think this is just a bump in the road of an overall wonderful series. I’m not going to let a little thing like an annoying heroine keep me from reading the next installment. The overall world building still keeps me interested and there are quite a few characters I can’t wait to see get their happily ever after. Final Grade: C-
Favorite Quote:
For Rory he would do anything— find a way to give her whatever she needed. She may not stay with him forever, but for now, she was his, and it was his duty–his joy–to provide for her.
April 5, 2013
Originally posted at http://smexybooks.com/2013/04/review-...
Falling Blind (Sentinel Wars #7) by Shannon K. Butcher
Paranormal Romance
April 2, 2013
Signet
Favorite Quote: "…there is no way I’m dying now-not with you as the prize for surviving."
Cain, a centuries old warrior who has slipped into deep depression with the abandonment of his ward Sybil, finds his emotions reawakening when he comes upon a young wounded woman fighting for her life against demons.
Rory, who suffers from debilitating visions, has already escaped the vicious demons who held her captive once and will fight to the death before she allows capture again. Once Rory meets Cain and touches him, her visions disappear and she finds peace from the constant onslaught. Cain’s failure to protect his ward has left him feeling like a failure and unworthy to even consider Rory as a mate but as he and Rory spend more time together, he finds himself becoming more and more attached to her. When Rory is bitten by a demon who then uses her blood to attempt control of her, Cain and Rory work together to find the demons stronghold and destroy those who seek to subjugate her again.
The arc is set set on modern Earth, with a raging battle between good and evil is being fought right under our noses. Violence and romance go hand in hand as warriors called Sentinels fight to save mankind against the Synestryns while struggling to locate their mates before they die. Falling Blind is #7 in Shannon Butcher’s dark and gritty Sentinel series. A blending of urban fantasy and paranormal romance, Ms. Butcher gives us a series that intertwines new and old story lines to allow a smooth flowing storyline.The continuing progressive arc engages the reader and sets a fast pace for reading.
This installment focuses more on the main protagonists and their respective journey with the arc flowing softly along side, interjecting at key moments. Though I enjoyed the story overall, I felt the focus was too heavy on our protagonists which at times would cause the flow of the story to drag at times. We don’t get to spend hardly any time with the other characters and I missed that.
Rory and Cain, our hero and heroine are well matched. Both are strong, loyal, and independent. They both feel they have failed other people too many times and don’t deserve to be happy. I like that Cain, though an alpha male, quickly recognizes the strength that runs through Rory and respects it. The chemistry between them is apparently from first meeting though Butcher allows it to grow slowly and realistically. One problem that kept recurring was Rory’s stubbornness. She wanted Cain and accepted his help but every time something dramatic would happen, she would want to leave him. After the third time, it became irritating.
Ms. Butcher does grant us some past character cameos-however they are not as prominent as before. Those I enjoyed because that was really where the action played out. I continue to adore the rich depth and personality that Ms. Butcher uses to develop her characters. Ms. Butcher imparts diversity and individualism into both the characters and their dialogue. Light humor is sprinkled throughout which balances nicely against the overall seriousness of this series.
“Did you make this?
“I did.”
“You cook too? You know that is not playing far, right?”
“What?”
“Gorgeous men are supposed to be deeply flawed and relatively helpless. You’re neither, which gives you an unfair advantage over the entire man-loving population.”
Though all her characters continue to walk the gray line between good and evil, we see some very interesting changes in the landscape that I look forward to seeing develop further.
The ending is a taunt mixture of action and suspense with hints at what’s to come. It wraps up the main conflict nicely but leaves some open ended questions to help us transition into the next installment of this series; to be announced.
Overall rating: C+
Falling Blind (Sentinel Wars #7) by Shannon K. Butcher
Paranormal Romance
April 2, 2013
Signet
Favorite Quote: "…there is no way I’m dying now-not with you as the prize for surviving."
Cain, a centuries old warrior who has slipped into deep depression with the abandonment of his ward Sybil, finds his emotions reawakening when he comes upon a young wounded woman fighting for her life against demons.
Rory, who suffers from debilitating visions, has already escaped the vicious demons who held her captive once and will fight to the death before she allows capture again. Once Rory meets Cain and touches him, her visions disappear and she finds peace from the constant onslaught. Cain’s failure to protect his ward has left him feeling like a failure and unworthy to even consider Rory as a mate but as he and Rory spend more time together, he finds himself becoming more and more attached to her. When Rory is bitten by a demon who then uses her blood to attempt control of her, Cain and Rory work together to find the demons stronghold and destroy those who seek to subjugate her again.
The arc is set set on modern Earth, with a raging battle between good and evil is being fought right under our noses. Violence and romance go hand in hand as warriors called Sentinels fight to save mankind against the Synestryns while struggling to locate their mates before they die. Falling Blind is #7 in Shannon Butcher’s dark and gritty Sentinel series. A blending of urban fantasy and paranormal romance, Ms. Butcher gives us a series that intertwines new and old story lines to allow a smooth flowing storyline.The continuing progressive arc engages the reader and sets a fast pace for reading.
This installment focuses more on the main protagonists and their respective journey with the arc flowing softly along side, interjecting at key moments. Though I enjoyed the story overall, I felt the focus was too heavy on our protagonists which at times would cause the flow of the story to drag at times. We don’t get to spend hardly any time with the other characters and I missed that.
Rory and Cain, our hero and heroine are well matched. Both are strong, loyal, and independent. They both feel they have failed other people too many times and don’t deserve to be happy. I like that Cain, though an alpha male, quickly recognizes the strength that runs through Rory and respects it. The chemistry between them is apparently from first meeting though Butcher allows it to grow slowly and realistically. One problem that kept recurring was Rory’s stubbornness. She wanted Cain and accepted his help but every time something dramatic would happen, she would want to leave him. After the third time, it became irritating.
Ms. Butcher does grant us some past character cameos-however they are not as prominent as before. Those I enjoyed because that was really where the action played out. I continue to adore the rich depth and personality that Ms. Butcher uses to develop her characters. Ms. Butcher imparts diversity and individualism into both the characters and their dialogue. Light humor is sprinkled throughout which balances nicely against the overall seriousness of this series.
“Did you make this?
“I did.”
“You cook too? You know that is not playing far, right?”
“What?”
“Gorgeous men are supposed to be deeply flawed and relatively helpless. You’re neither, which gives you an unfair advantage over the entire man-loving population.”
Though all her characters continue to walk the gray line between good and evil, we see some very interesting changes in the landscape that I look forward to seeing develop further.
The ending is a taunt mixture of action and suspense with hints at what’s to come. It wraps up the main conflict nicely but leaves some open ended questions to help us transition into the next installment of this series; to be announced.
Overall rating: C+
April 16, 2013
As I prepared to write this it occurred to me that much of my review for Butcher’s two previous full length novels in this series hold true: My bottom line is that I liked this book a great deal, just as I have enjoyed all of the previous installments, but it is a series novel that needs the context of the previous stories. Read this novel only if you have already read the earlier books—there are too many subplots to wade through if you don’t already know some of what has already taken place. As with other series novels, only the main plot is given any resolution; all of the subplots are left fairly unresolved and will (hopefully) carry over to the next story.
Although the majority of the story is about Cain Aylward and Rory Rainey, Butcher digresses a great deal to introduce or touch upon other plot lines. Butcher’s Sentinel Wars series is now seven books in, and extensive world building means that each new novel has an increasing amount of subplots included. There's a woman who is being chased by Really Bad Guys who doesn't want to be found, a hero with a sword who is stuck to his heart's desire like superglue despite her best efforts to ditch him, and it all ends with a happy ever after. I keep thinking that I'll get sick of the predictability of the characters, but no. I still look forward to the next book in the series, read it in one sitting, and anxiously wait for the next book to come out a whole year later.
The subplots in this book include the leader of the Theronai, Joseph Rayd, [still] fighting his growing attraction to Lyka, who has been living with the Theronai as a hostage in trade with the Slayers. In another important plot development the source of the sterility among the Theronai is revealed, and heroines from previous books are all becoming pregnant, and the implications for the Theronai are unclear. And, just in case the reader isn’t overwhelmed by minor plot developments, there's a murder mystery involving the Sanguinar and both Sybil and Maura are suddenly grown up. These are only some of the important subplots in the novel, and I am upset that I didn't go back and read at least the last few books to remind myself of what had gone before.
Random thought: There must be no gay or lesbian Theronai, since they all must be in mated pairs of opposite genders. But now I’m the one digressing! This is definitely not the place to start reading the books, and I highly recommend a review of the series before starting this one if you have read the books! (And it all begs the question of how long it will be before a “Sentinel Companion” is released to help readers keep track of who’s who.)
I think my biggest complaint about the Sentinels series as a whole lies with the lack of discussion about the Slayers; they’ve been mentioned in several stories, but it seems like they’re an afterthought, unworthy of involvement in the series. They’re clearly an important part of the Sentinel trifecta, so why are they being shut out of the narrative? Along those same lines, the reader is also being deprived of any more details about Athanasia, or princes Eron and Lucien, who have defied their king and secretly traveled to Earth in order to father daughters who could save the Sentinels. Hope’s plot twist in a previous novel, Blood Hunt, doesn’t make this situation any better, and I do wish that Butcher would devote more time in her stories to exploring the Athanasia/Earth ties and the complex political situation that has led to this particularly troubled moment in Sentinel history.
This being said, I find these books highly pleasurable to read, and I have faith that my questions will be answered in due time. I’m already sitting on pins and needles waiting to see who is going to get the next story in the series!
Although the majority of the story is about Cain Aylward and Rory Rainey, Butcher digresses a great deal to introduce or touch upon other plot lines. Butcher’s Sentinel Wars series is now seven books in, and extensive world building means that each new novel has an increasing amount of subplots included. There's a woman who is being chased by Really Bad Guys who doesn't want to be found, a hero with a sword who is stuck to his heart's desire like superglue despite her best efforts to ditch him, and it all ends with a happy ever after. I keep thinking that I'll get sick of the predictability of the characters, but no. I still look forward to the next book in the series, read it in one sitting, and anxiously wait for the next book to come out a whole year later.
The subplots in this book include the leader of the Theronai, Joseph Rayd, [still] fighting his growing attraction to Lyka, who has been living with the Theronai as a hostage in trade with the Slayers. In another important plot development the source of the sterility among the Theronai is revealed, and heroines from previous books are all becoming pregnant, and the implications for the Theronai are unclear. And, just in case the reader isn’t overwhelmed by minor plot developments, there's a murder mystery involving the Sanguinar and both Sybil and Maura are suddenly grown up. These are only some of the important subplots in the novel, and I am upset that I didn't go back and read at least the last few books to remind myself of what had gone before.
Random thought: There must be no gay or lesbian Theronai, since they all must be in mated pairs of opposite genders. But now I’m the one digressing! This is definitely not the place to start reading the books, and I highly recommend a review of the series before starting this one if you have read the books! (And it all begs the question of how long it will be before a “Sentinel Companion” is released to help readers keep track of who’s who.)
I think my biggest complaint about the Sentinels series as a whole lies with the lack of discussion about the Slayers; they’ve been mentioned in several stories, but it seems like they’re an afterthought, unworthy of involvement in the series. They’re clearly an important part of the Sentinel trifecta, so why are they being shut out of the narrative? Along those same lines, the reader is also being deprived of any more details about Athanasia, or princes Eron and Lucien, who have defied their king and secretly traveled to Earth in order to father daughters who could save the Sentinels. Hope’s plot twist in a previous novel, Blood Hunt, doesn’t make this situation any better, and I do wish that Butcher would devote more time in her stories to exploring the Athanasia/Earth ties and the complex political situation that has led to this particularly troubled moment in Sentinel history.
This being said, I find these books highly pleasurable to read, and I have faith that my questions will be answered in due time. I’m already sitting on pins and needles waiting to see who is going to get the next story in the series!
February 10, 2023
All the heroine wants is to find the person who's capable of blocking her visions. Fiercely independent and unwilling to show any hint of weakness or allow anyone to help her, she finds herself in a dark alley fighting off hordes of demons, knowing death is close at hand. Then she's saved by a mountain of a man with a sharp sword. Past experiences with betrayal and loss hinder her from accepting him help and he practically had to kidnap her in order to get her to a safe house. The hero is close to death himself. He's down to his last 2 leaves on his tree of life and with no hope of finding a mate to ease the pain within him he knows it's only a matter of time before he's driven mad with agony. Then he meets the pink haired goddess and inside there comes a tiny spark of 'what if'. But he's been hurt before.
Once there was a woman who he thought could be the one to complete him but instead she chose another. Also, his daughter-his adopted daughter but his by love- has broken ties with him to travel the world but he knows it's really because he couldn't save her when she was kidnapped and tortured by demons. These rejections have both convinced him he is unworthy of love and happiness. So when he meets the heroine, he vows to see her safe and protected but never could she be his. She only suffers his presence because skin to skin contact with her stops her visions. But once contact is broken, the pain and agony of withdraw causes her more pain than before. It also nearly destroys him as his decaying soul returns 10-fold. But despite her strict independence and steel emotional walls, the thought of seeing him in pain drives her to inadvertently accept him as her mate- at least until she can find a way to block her visions. He takes what he can get and even though it's temporary, the sense of completeness washes over him. But the heroine has become the target of a demon possession which drives her towards suicide and madness and now she has no choice to accept help from the powerful soldier, help he willingly offers if only she can allow herself to trust again.
This was by far the best of the series and I absolutely adored both the heroine and hero and found myself lost in their story. It could have been so easy to hate the heroine because she is all that I usually dislike in a female lead. She is insanely stubborn and stupidly unwilling to trust or accept help from anybody. But there was something about her that I couldn't help but admire. There's a reason she's so emotionally distant and untrusting but that doesn't mean she can't feel for the hero. She accepts that she cares deeply for the strong man, loves him before she can really understand what that means and it's the fear of losing him the way she's lost everybody else that urges her to push him away. It becomes worse when he's injured and she can see for the first time that he's not all powerfully, that he can be hurt and it scares the shit out of her. So, when he offers her everything he is, he's hurt when she doesn't do the same. The hero was so patient and selfless. He cared only for what she wanted and did what she wanted even if the knowledge that when she rejected him, he would die. But that didn't mean he was a doormat. When it came down to it, he was the solid rock in her life. He was her guardian, her protector, her lover and when she needed it he was her push to see reason. I loved their dynamic and thoroughly loved this book.
Once there was a woman who he thought could be the one to complete him but instead she chose another. Also, his daughter-his adopted daughter but his by love- has broken ties with him to travel the world but he knows it's really because he couldn't save her when she was kidnapped and tortured by demons. These rejections have both convinced him he is unworthy of love and happiness. So when he meets the heroine, he vows to see her safe and protected but never could she be his. She only suffers his presence because skin to skin contact with her stops her visions. But once contact is broken, the pain and agony of withdraw causes her more pain than before. It also nearly destroys him as his decaying soul returns 10-fold. But despite her strict independence and steel emotional walls, the thought of seeing him in pain drives her to inadvertently accept him as her mate- at least until she can find a way to block her visions. He takes what he can get and even though it's temporary, the sense of completeness washes over him. But the heroine has become the target of a demon possession which drives her towards suicide and madness and now she has no choice to accept help from the powerful soldier, help he willingly offers if only she can allow herself to trust again.
This was by far the best of the series and I absolutely adored both the heroine and hero and found myself lost in their story. It could have been so easy to hate the heroine because she is all that I usually dislike in a female lead. She is insanely stubborn and stupidly unwilling to trust or accept help from anybody. But there was something about her that I couldn't help but admire. There's a reason she's so emotionally distant and untrusting but that doesn't mean she can't feel for the hero. She accepts that she cares deeply for the strong man, loves him before she can really understand what that means and it's the fear of losing him the way she's lost everybody else that urges her to push him away. It becomes worse when he's injured and she can see for the first time that he's not all powerfully, that he can be hurt and it scares the shit out of her. So, when he offers her everything he is, he's hurt when she doesn't do the same. The hero was so patient and selfless. He cared only for what she wanted and did what she wanted even if the knowledge that when she rejected him, he would die. But that didn't mean he was a doormat. When it came down to it, he was the solid rock in her life. He was her guardian, her protector, her lover and when she needed it he was her push to see reason. I loved their dynamic and thoroughly loved this book.
April 4, 2013
Synopsis:
They are the Sentinels. Three races descended from ancient guardians of mankind, each possessing unique abilities in their battle to protect humanity against their eternal foes: the Synestryn. Now a warrior must protect a strong-minded woman from an incredible evil...
A beautiful, independent Theronai, Rory Rainey knows that her attempts to be a warrior are futile—unless she can stop the demonic visions that torment her. Determined to be free, Rory sets out to find the mysterious guardian who can cure her, before she loses her sight—or her life. But Rory’s journey brings its own dangers when she is attacked by a pack of Synestryn sent by the demon lord Raygh.
Cornered and desperate, Rory narrowly escapes with the help of a sword-wielding stranger. Cain knows that Rory needs his protection to survive, just as he knows that her power is compatible with his own. And when Rory binds herself to Cain, the warrior knows he will do anything to keep her safe from the threat of the demon lord that pursues her...
My Thoughts:
I liked this one a lot. Not as much as Dying Wish, but it was still really good. We got a number of POVs, but it didn't feel like too many storylines were going on at once. A few ongoing ones were even put to rest.
It's been a little while since we last saw Rory Rainey. After Hope and Logan escaped from Krag's place and killed him, Rory who was also imprisoned there, beat feet and got the hell out of dodge. She's been on her own ever since suffering from visions that cause her to see through the eyes of people in her vicinity. She doesn't want anyone to know she has these visions, so she tries to avoid human contact as much as possible. She's been on a search for the person that causes her visions to go away completely, but instead, she finds a Theronai warrior that can make her visions stop only when he's touching her.
Cain was just out hunting nasty Synestryn as usual when he comes across some of them ganging up on a woman and he does his duty and saves her. He then takes her to Hope's homeless shelter so that she can get patched up and there, Rory learns that Hope is quite well and happy and she's been worried about her. Cain learns that when he stops touching Rory, the pain that beats at his body constantly comes roaring back with a vengeance. Apparently, she's compatible with him and he wants to help her ease her suffering, but he also wants to tie her to him. He spends a lot of the book going back and forth with trying to trick her into staying with him forever, but in the end, honor and the need to protect himself win out and he does what's right by Rory.
Rory is stubborn as hell. Cain would do anything for her, but she's so terrified of losing someone else that she cares for that she spends most of the book trying not to fall for him. In the end, the goodness of Cain wins her over and they get their HEA. I was frustrated watching the two of them, but they sure had some hot sex scenes together. They worked things out, but if Cain weren't so patient and willing to have hope, he probably would have cut Rory loose.
They are the Sentinels. Three races descended from ancient guardians of mankind, each possessing unique abilities in their battle to protect humanity against their eternal foes: the Synestryn. Now a warrior must protect a strong-minded woman from an incredible evil...
A beautiful, independent Theronai, Rory Rainey knows that her attempts to be a warrior are futile—unless she can stop the demonic visions that torment her. Determined to be free, Rory sets out to find the mysterious guardian who can cure her, before she loses her sight—or her life. But Rory’s journey brings its own dangers when she is attacked by a pack of Synestryn sent by the demon lord Raygh.
Cornered and desperate, Rory narrowly escapes with the help of a sword-wielding stranger. Cain knows that Rory needs his protection to survive, just as he knows that her power is compatible with his own. And when Rory binds herself to Cain, the warrior knows he will do anything to keep her safe from the threat of the demon lord that pursues her...
My Thoughts:
I liked this one a lot. Not as much as Dying Wish, but it was still really good. We got a number of POVs, but it didn't feel like too many storylines were going on at once. A few ongoing ones were even put to rest.
It's been a little while since we last saw Rory Rainey. After Hope and Logan escaped from Krag's place and killed him, Rory who was also imprisoned there, beat feet and got the hell out of dodge. She's been on her own ever since suffering from visions that cause her to see through the eyes of people in her vicinity. She doesn't want anyone to know she has these visions, so she tries to avoid human contact as much as possible. She's been on a search for the person that causes her visions to go away completely, but instead, she finds a Theronai warrior that can make her visions stop only when he's touching her.
Cain was just out hunting nasty Synestryn as usual when he comes across some of them ganging up on a woman and he does his duty and saves her. He then takes her to Hope's homeless shelter so that she can get patched up and there, Rory learns that Hope is quite well and happy and she's been worried about her. Cain learns that when he stops touching Rory, the pain that beats at his body constantly comes roaring back with a vengeance. Apparently, she's compatible with him and he wants to help her ease her suffering, but he also wants to tie her to him. He spends a lot of the book going back and forth with trying to trick her into staying with him forever, but in the end, honor and the need to protect himself win out and he does what's right by Rory.
Rory is stubborn as hell. Cain would do anything for her, but she's so terrified of losing someone else that she cares for that she spends most of the book trying not to fall for him. In the end, the goodness of Cain wins her over and they get their HEA. I was frustrated watching the two of them, but they sure had some hot sex scenes together. They worked things out, but if Cain weren't so patient and willing to have hope, he probably would have cut Rory loose.
April 5, 2013
The best part of Falling Blind for me was Rory - her spunk, her attitude, pretty much everything about her (even her freak outs) was endearing. Watching her grow as a person, and as a fighter, was fantastic.
But I'm not sure about everything else.
The plot was moved well, but at the end, I felt exhausted knowing all of this change happens over the course of 3 or 4 days. There's no downtime, no real time spent watching Cain and Rory just *be* together (Cain even says this himself), so it's hard to believe their romance is really, truly solid. Attraction I can believe, but true love? I don't know.
Same with the action - I'm all for Rory growing into her powers, but the rate and skill with which she wielded it, especially at the end, and especially because she only had two very brief practice rounds, sucked me right out of believing it. Do I believe she has skills? Yep. But that much that soon? Nope.
Cain was nice, but at times came off as needy and too accommodating. It's been a while since I read the last book, so maybe the impact of him losing Jackie was more muted than it would have been if I had read it more recently. Maybe I need to give him the benefit of the doubt. But the way this world is set up, with the men dying and searching for their female partners, there's this air of desperation and rushing that leaves me torn - I want the women to give the men better vows, and I want the men to really explain all the details and importance of the partnerships. None of this happens, and I need to stop expecting it to.
But the crux of my frustration is still the same thing I've been battling with throughout this whole series: there are absolutely no resolutions with the larger story arc. We hear nothing about what has happened with cliffhangers from past books, and frankly, that's the part that exhausts me the most. It's all go go go, oh sorry there's no time. Even the plot has become predictable - and I'm having a hard time getting excited about sticking with this series. What's the point if there's no real resolution given about loose ends from earlier books?? At this point, and despite how much I hate having action happen off screen and being told it, I'd prefer that happening just to be able to close off those questions. This not knowing limbo is so annoying.
Overall, the romance between Rory and Cain was good, so I'd give that four stars. And the story was pretty engaging, too. But for the lack of moving the larger story forward, I'd have to rate this only a 3 because after 7 books, SOME answers should be given.
But I'm not sure about everything else.
The plot was moved well, but at the end, I felt exhausted knowing all of this change happens over the course of 3 or 4 days. There's no downtime, no real time spent watching Cain and Rory just *be* together (Cain even says this himself), so it's hard to believe their romance is really, truly solid. Attraction I can believe, but true love? I don't know.
Same with the action - I'm all for Rory growing into her powers, but the rate and skill with which she wielded it, especially at the end, and especially because she only had two very brief practice rounds, sucked me right out of believing it. Do I believe she has skills? Yep. But that much that soon? Nope.
Cain was nice, but at times came off as needy and too accommodating. It's been a while since I read the last book, so maybe the impact of him losing Jackie was more muted than it would have been if I had read it more recently. Maybe I need to give him the benefit of the doubt. But the way this world is set up, with the men dying and searching for their female partners, there's this air of desperation and rushing that leaves me torn - I want the women to give the men better vows, and I want the men to really explain all the details and importance of the partnerships. None of this happens, and I need to stop expecting it to.
But the crux of my frustration is still the same thing I've been battling with throughout this whole series: there are absolutely no resolutions with the larger story arc. We hear nothing about what has happened with cliffhangers from past books, and frankly, that's the part that exhausts me the most. It's all go go go, oh sorry there's no time. Even the plot has become predictable - and I'm having a hard time getting excited about sticking with this series. What's the point if there's no real resolution given about loose ends from earlier books?? At this point, and despite how much I hate having action happen off screen and being told it, I'd prefer that happening just to be able to close off those questions. This not knowing limbo is so annoying.
Overall, the romance between Rory and Cain was good, so I'd give that four stars. And the story was pretty engaging, too. But for the lack of moving the larger story forward, I'd have to rate this only a 3 because after 7 books, SOME answers should be given.
December 27, 2023
Posted At: Riverina Romantics
My Rating: 4 out of 5 *
Romance Rating: 4 out of 5 <3
I’m not gonna lie, I wasn’t all that excited about Cain’s book. It was nothing against him as a character, I just felt he wasn’t built up enough for me to want his story yet. But alas, he was next in line and here his story is.
I have loved this series since its inception. Not only do we get an amazing main story, but the side stories Butcher weaves in always have us yearning for another story to be told. Although my favorite side story was not in this installment, she replaced it with another rather interesting one that actually had me surprised (because of who it was about) but now I want a story with that character as a main. Whenever I open a book about my beloved Sentinels, I never know what I’m going to get and I have yet to be disappointed.
I really enjoyed how Cain’s attitude towards his life changed throughout the story. From the beginning he’d been so down and had accepted that fact that he was probably never going to find a woman who could save his soul, and if he did that she wouldn’t want to be with a failure. When he saves Rory from a pack of Synestryn, he fights the concept that she could save him. He’s convinced himself it was too late for him, and therefore fought so hard to prevent himself from giving in to the idea that she might want to stay with him. He was an incredibly patient man with an incredibly headstrong woman. They were constantly pulling each other in opposite directions all the while trying to save the world. But Cain’s journey from giving up to finding hope was well executed. I believed every step on his path. It was wonderful to see how being with Rory renewed him and repaired the damage of so many scars.
I’ve heard people didn’t like Rory, and while I can definitely see why they would say that, I don’t feel like it took away from the book at all. Yes, Rory was so stubborn for a lot of the book that she put Cain through some hell, but without that irritation, I would not come to appreciate the changes she went through. I did like that she was a challenge to Cain. Anything worth having is not easy. Through experiencing Cain’s world first hand, not only did she come to rely on him, but she came to love him as well. Suddenly it wasn’t all about curing her visions, but saving them so they could be together. She really came into her own by the end of the book, and I was very happy with the outcome.
There is still so much going on in the Sentinel world. All the different side-stories have me on edge as to who will come next. It’s a never-ending cycle. The only downfall to these amazing stories is the wait in between. I wonder who will be next. So many possibilities.
So much awesome.
My Rating: 4 out of 5 *
Romance Rating: 4 out of 5 <3
I’m not gonna lie, I wasn’t all that excited about Cain’s book. It was nothing against him as a character, I just felt he wasn’t built up enough for me to want his story yet. But alas, he was next in line and here his story is.
I have loved this series since its inception. Not only do we get an amazing main story, but the side stories Butcher weaves in always have us yearning for another story to be told. Although my favorite side story was not in this installment, she replaced it with another rather interesting one that actually had me surprised (because of who it was about) but now I want a story with that character as a main. Whenever I open a book about my beloved Sentinels, I never know what I’m going to get and I have yet to be disappointed.
I really enjoyed how Cain’s attitude towards his life changed throughout the story. From the beginning he’d been so down and had accepted that fact that he was probably never going to find a woman who could save his soul, and if he did that she wouldn’t want to be with a failure. When he saves Rory from a pack of Synestryn, he fights the concept that she could save him. He’s convinced himself it was too late for him, and therefore fought so hard to prevent himself from giving in to the idea that she might want to stay with him. He was an incredibly patient man with an incredibly headstrong woman. They were constantly pulling each other in opposite directions all the while trying to save the world. But Cain’s journey from giving up to finding hope was well executed. I believed every step on his path. It was wonderful to see how being with Rory renewed him and repaired the damage of so many scars.
I’ve heard people didn’t like Rory, and while I can definitely see why they would say that, I don’t feel like it took away from the book at all. Yes, Rory was so stubborn for a lot of the book that she put Cain through some hell, but without that irritation, I would not come to appreciate the changes she went through. I did like that she was a challenge to Cain. Anything worth having is not easy. Through experiencing Cain’s world first hand, not only did she come to rely on him, but she came to love him as well. Suddenly it wasn’t all about curing her visions, but saving them so they could be together. She really came into her own by the end of the book, and I was very happy with the outcome.
There is still so much going on in the Sentinel world. All the different side-stories have me on edge as to who will come next. It’s a never-ending cycle. The only downfall to these amazing stories is the wait in between. I wonder who will be next. So many possibilities.
So much awesome.
April 1, 2013
REVIEW: Some Background: The Sentinels are three races descended from an ancient race of guardians who defend and protect mankind from the demons at the door. The Theronai are the protectors, the Sanguinar are the healers (as well as blood feeders) and the Synestryn-the demons. The Sentinels are descended from an ancient race of guardians known as the Thernai, and without a mate to absorb the excess of power to save their dying souls, the Sentinel warrior suffers immense pain and their Tree of Life-lifemark begins to lose its leaves.
To be honest, the book blurb is a little misleading. Our heroine Rory is not aware of her heritage. Her mother was a drug addict and her father was an unknown, and she was raised by her Nana. What we have is a strong woman, with visions-not of the future- but of everything that goes on around her. And to stop these visions, Rory is determined to find the one person who has the ability to ease the pain and the blinding sight. But when Rory finds herself trapped in a fight for her life, it will be the Sentinel Theronai Cain whose touch quells the images in her mind.
Cain is a Theronai warrior whose lifemark is nearly empty. At one time Cain believed he had found the one woman to bring him peace but with her betrayal, Cain never wanted to experience the loss of love and family again. But finding Rory, who called to his very soul left Cain confused especially when she was able to syphon off his powers for her own use.
Cain has always wanted a family but the Theronai warriors have been cursed with infertility. With the recent discovery of a possible drug to help with the fertility, Cain dreamed of a future with Rory, but Rory never promised –forever. They shared their most intimate thoughts and dreams, as well as their fears and mistakes, and in the end it was Cain’s luceria that made the choice. They were meant to be together but convincing Rory wasn’t so easy.
As the story progress, Shannon overlaps several smaller storylines that have all culminated in Falling Blind. We revisit a couple of Sanguinars: Ronan and Connal–one willing to help and another who makes a fatal error. The murder of a woman will have the compound on lock down and the discovery of some letters reveal more information than ever thought possible. The whereabouts of several missing women will be revealed, and the possibility a love match for one of the Sanguinars is revealed at the very end.
FALLING BLIND is another amazing and dramatic storyline in Shannon K Butcher’s Sentinal War Series. Shannon takes the reader on a heart pounding, heart breaking and revealing look at the lives and loves of the Theronai warrior. And in Falling Blind-love will conquer all-even for those who are blinded to the reality of love.
Copy supplied by publisher thru Netgalley
see all of my reviews at : thereadingcafe.com
To be honest, the book blurb is a little misleading. Our heroine Rory is not aware of her heritage. Her mother was a drug addict and her father was an unknown, and she was raised by her Nana. What we have is a strong woman, with visions-not of the future- but of everything that goes on around her. And to stop these visions, Rory is determined to find the one person who has the ability to ease the pain and the blinding sight. But when Rory finds herself trapped in a fight for her life, it will be the Sentinel Theronai Cain whose touch quells the images in her mind.
Cain is a Theronai warrior whose lifemark is nearly empty. At one time Cain believed he had found the one woman to bring him peace but with her betrayal, Cain never wanted to experience the loss of love and family again. But finding Rory, who called to his very soul left Cain confused especially when she was able to syphon off his powers for her own use.
Cain has always wanted a family but the Theronai warriors have been cursed with infertility. With the recent discovery of a possible drug to help with the fertility, Cain dreamed of a future with Rory, but Rory never promised –forever. They shared their most intimate thoughts and dreams, as well as their fears and mistakes, and in the end it was Cain’s luceria that made the choice. They were meant to be together but convincing Rory wasn’t so easy.
As the story progress, Shannon overlaps several smaller storylines that have all culminated in Falling Blind. We revisit a couple of Sanguinars: Ronan and Connal–one willing to help and another who makes a fatal error. The murder of a woman will have the compound on lock down and the discovery of some letters reveal more information than ever thought possible. The whereabouts of several missing women will be revealed, and the possibility a love match for one of the Sanguinars is revealed at the very end.
FALLING BLIND is another amazing and dramatic storyline in Shannon K Butcher’s Sentinal War Series. Shannon takes the reader on a heart pounding, heart breaking and revealing look at the lives and loves of the Theronai warrior. And in Falling Blind-love will conquer all-even for those who are blinded to the reality of love.
Copy supplied by publisher thru Netgalley
see all of my reviews at : thereadingcafe.com
May 29, 2013
Falling Blind, Sentinel Wars #7, by Shannon K. Butcher
Grade: C
“Gorgeous men are supposed to be deeply flawed and relatively helpless. You’re neither, which gives you an unfair advantage over the entire man-loving population.”
Rory Rainey has always known she was different since she’s been seeing visions ever since her mother took off years ago. Lately they have been getting worse and worse and making it even harder for her to fight the demons that come out at night. One night she meets Cain who claims to know what Rory is and vows to protect her with his life. Rory is hesitant about Cain and his promises but she he touches her he makes the vision go away and her body long for more.
Cain is a Theroni warrior and has spent his life protecting those under his care. After failing his charge Sybil and losing a woman to one of his brothers, Cain has accepted he will not find a woman who can save him until he stumbles upon Rory. Rory is strong but still needs a champion and Cain knows he’s up for the job. The more time they spend together the more Cain knows he wants Rory forever and will do everything in his power to keep her.
Let me start by saying that I love this series and having been dying to get my hands on Cain’s book. With that being said I found Falling Blind missing some of the magic that makes the Sentinel Wars series so great. I felt that a lot of time was spent building up to these two getting together, which took forever in my opinion, and then everything was rushed after that to make sure all the loose ends were tied up by the ending.
I liked Rory but the girl had some self esteem issues that she would just not get over and after 300 pages it got very old very quickly. Cain has been a character that I have loved since we first met him and I was so happy for him to get his own book but I found him having the same pity party that Rory was having over and over again. I guess these two are made for each other and I’m glad they could get over their issues but as a reader it was exhausting and not fun to read about.
The things that kept me reading were the times that Cain and Rory let their issues go and were together because they needed each other. i also loved seeing what was going on with the past characters but felt that a lot of the side stories that have been building in previous books weren’t even mentioned. I wish that more time would have been spent developing the next book because I have no idea who is up next or what’s going to happen with everyone.
Sadly I was disappointed with Falling Blind and Rory and Cain’s romance. I will of course keeping reading this series because I need to have Joseph and Lyka’s story and find out what happens to Sybil and Maura.
Grade: C
“Gorgeous men are supposed to be deeply flawed and relatively helpless. You’re neither, which gives you an unfair advantage over the entire man-loving population.”
Rory Rainey has always known she was different since she’s been seeing visions ever since her mother took off years ago. Lately they have been getting worse and worse and making it even harder for her to fight the demons that come out at night. One night she meets Cain who claims to know what Rory is and vows to protect her with his life. Rory is hesitant about Cain and his promises but she he touches her he makes the vision go away and her body long for more.
Cain is a Theroni warrior and has spent his life protecting those under his care. After failing his charge Sybil and losing a woman to one of his brothers, Cain has accepted he will not find a woman who can save him until he stumbles upon Rory. Rory is strong but still needs a champion and Cain knows he’s up for the job. The more time they spend together the more Cain knows he wants Rory forever and will do everything in his power to keep her.
Let me start by saying that I love this series and having been dying to get my hands on Cain’s book. With that being said I found Falling Blind missing some of the magic that makes the Sentinel Wars series so great. I felt that a lot of time was spent building up to these two getting together, which took forever in my opinion, and then everything was rushed after that to make sure all the loose ends were tied up by the ending.
I liked Rory but the girl had some self esteem issues that she would just not get over and after 300 pages it got very old very quickly. Cain has been a character that I have loved since we first met him and I was so happy for him to get his own book but I found him having the same pity party that Rory was having over and over again. I guess these two are made for each other and I’m glad they could get over their issues but as a reader it was exhausting and not fun to read about.
The things that kept me reading were the times that Cain and Rory let their issues go and were together because they needed each other. i also loved seeing what was going on with the past characters but felt that a lot of the side stories that have been building in previous books weren’t even mentioned. I wish that more time would have been spent developing the next book because I have no idea who is up next or what’s going to happen with everyone.
Sadly I was disappointed with Falling Blind and Rory and Cain’s romance. I will of course keeping reading this series because I need to have Joseph and Lyka’s story and find out what happens to Sybil and Maura.
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