Shield

Bridge & Sword #2

by J.C. Andrijeski

ONLY 99 CENTS FOR 1ST WEEK OF RELEASE!! From USA TODAY bestselling author, a psychic warfare alternate history set in a gritty version of Earth. Contains strong romantic elements - a book in the Bridge & Sword World. Apocalyptic. Psychic Romance.

"And Death will live among them in the guise of a child..."

Grappling with her new identity as "Bridge," a being meant to herald the end for all of humanity, isn't even Allie's biggest problem. A new set of rules around Seer culture and her relationship with the infamous Seer infiltrator, Revik, keep getting her in trouble, and the power-hungry Rook she helped put in the White House wants war with China.

Then the boy appears. A sociopath with all of the energetic markings of Syrimne, a deadly telekinetic who killed thousands during World War I, he doesn't appear to have aged in one hundred years.

Worse, he thinks Allie belongs to him.

NOTE: An alternate version of this book was previously published as part of the "ALLIE'S WAR" series (this version has been revised/edited prior to re-release).

Standalone novel. No cliffhanger.

*Warning: this book contains graphic language, sex, and violence. Mature readers only. Not intended for young readers.*

SHIELD is book 2 in the Bridge & Sword: Awakenings series - a series set in the Bridge & Sword World. It is also related to the Quentin Black World, and takes place in the wider history/world of the seers.

Next in the Bridge & Sword world: SWORD (Bridge & Sword: Awakenings #3) - coming soon! Or if you'd like to read more about seers, check out BLACK IN WHITE (Quentin Black Mystery #1), which occurs in a version of Earth much closer to our own.

THE BRIDGE & SWORD WORLD encompasses a number of dark, gritty science fiction and apocalyptic story arcs with romantic (and sexy) elements, starring Alyson Taylor and her partner, dark and dangerous infiltrator, Dehgoies Revik. For fans of gritty, character-driven science fiction and fantasy worlds, filled with twists and turns and backstabbing betrayals, with heroes and villains who can be equally relatable (and sometimes the same people). The Bridge & Sword books span continents and historical periods as Allie and Revik try to save the human and seer races from destroying one another, and keep their friends and loved ones alive in the process.

Genres: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Romance, Paranormal Romance, Urban Fantasy, Paranormal, Slow Burn

432 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 16, 2011

About the author

Also publishes under the name Julie Light


JC Andrijeski is a USA TODAY bestselling author who writes sexy, apocalyptic and cyberpunk-y science fiction romance and mystery books, often with a metaphysical bent. Current works include the gritty, epic, psychic warfare romance, ALLIE'S WAR, which follows Allie Taylor and her antihero partner, Revik, in their attempts to save the world from a dark, psychic force. Her dystopian science fiction romance series, ALIEN APOCALYPSE, features Jet Tetsuo, survivor and slave under alien conquerors, and her GATE SHIFTER series is about a shape-shifting alien and a tough-girl PI from Seattle. Her newest launch is QUENTIN BLACK, a science fiction romance and mystery series that’s a spin-off from Allie’s War but set in our own version of Earth.

JC has a background in journalism, history and politics, travels extensively and has lived abroad in Europe, Australia and Asia, and from coast to coast in the continental United States. She currently lives in Bangkok, Thailand.

To learn more about me and my writing, please visit http://jcandrijeski.com. For more about the Allie's War series, visit http://allieswarseries.com

If you want to get an automatic email when JC's next book is released, join THE REBEL ARMY at tinyurl.com/JCAndrijeski.

Reviews

[The Mysterious Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

JC Andrijeski is one of my favorite authors, and her stories of Allie and Revik are among the reasons why. Now she’s rebooted her fabulous Bridge & Sword series, and it’s a true treat. For newcomers, this series is fabulous (and also highly addictive, even if each book stands alone, so beware). It’s the epic, soul-crushing, world-spanning dark romance promised in the publisher’s blurb - and if you’re a fan of slow-burn fated mates stories then this series is for you. It’s also realistically gritty, which is a neat truck for fantasy. Highly imaginative too. For those who’ve read the books before, however, you’ve a troubled choice. You see, as (totally) wonderful as those books were, the author is being really unfair in that the book is even better now. The story doesn't differ significantly at all, but there is a lot of new material (including a bonus epilogue) that makes it worth downloading again. So, do you just reread the older version (which I’ve done more than once) or go for the new woth it’s added deliciousness? I did the latter and am totally happy I did. No matter where you are coming from, however, I highly recommend this tale.

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

That was definitely not the ending I was expecting. Even knowing how many books there are in the series that come after this, I wasn’t prepared for where this story left me. Or where it took me, for that matter. Heroes have to endure situations that would break us lesser mortals. And witnessing what these two are subject to in this book came close to breaking me. I was taken to an emotionally charged place. A place where I wanted to lash out at someone, anyone, for failing to protect Allie and Revik better. After finishing reading, my jaw aches from suppressing my anger and my eyes are gritty and the back of my throat burns from fighting tears. Both Allie and Revik learn so much about who they are, but that knowledge requires some brutal sacrifices. Now, I’m even more desperate than ever to dig into the next book and find out how many of those sacrifices were worth it
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

The naked guy on the cover is enormously misleading. It's really not that kind of book. It's slowburn, lots of drama and tension. Fast paced, lots of action.

I'm enjoying the series.

[Shelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC generously provided by publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Shield begins after a short time period where Rook left off. We catch up with the Bridge, Allie, while she is trying to adjust to her new position. She is now a leader to her people and worshipped by most of them. She is married to Revik yet she hasn't really had much time to spend with him and is unsure where their relationship lies. She has Cass and Jon and she is trying to adjust.

Then her husband comes back and they must find out what they are to each other. They both love each other but Revik is afraid that Allie only loves him because she feels she has no other choice. He refuses to consummate the marriage until Allie has time to be sure. This sets of a series of events that are shocking and you can't put down to find out what happens.

The question remains can Allie and Rook be each others mates and can Allie really be the leader of the Seers.

Okay I will admit that I don't really understand everything in this series, when it starts talking about the Barrier and lights I get a little lost. I am starting to catch on more but I do find myself having to just accept some things and move on or I will drive myself nuts.

That being said, I really enjoy this story. Allie is a strong leader but she is also a woman in love and caught in a culture she doesn't understand or know all the rules. She is also surrounded by people who don't feel the need to fill her in on all the rules.

There is a scene after Revik asks her to wait to consummate the marriage involving Maygar that shocked me. I couldn't believe what he did when I thought he was a good guy. Then revelations later in the book really make things click into place.

I love Revik and Allie together, even if a lot of their issues would be resolved if they would just talk. Even though Revik puts Allie off he does love her and he makes it so they have time to get to know one another. I really enjoyed the section about them making their marriage legit. Then Allie is taken my their enemy right from Reviks arms and it completely changes him. (Side note: the part about Nenzi had me a little lost and was a bit hard to follow but once again I let it go and just accepted it and it made it much easier on me) Revik will do anything and become anything in order to save her, even if it means losing himself.

I look forward to finding out what happens with Allie, Revik, Cass, Jon, and Balidor. Yes there were several times where I doubted my intelligence while reading because some of JC's concepts are just hard to grasp and understand but still they are entertaining. There are a few parts of the book where a chapter will leave off with a situation hanging and then later it is just somehow resolved and we are never really sure how that happened but once again I found myself having to let that go and then I enjoyed the ride.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Take an apocalyptic heroine, monks with psychic powers, villages in the Himalayas, a very torrid romance and a political thriller that reaches right to the core of the US government and you have this complex and compelling thrill-ride of a novel.

Allie now lives with the Seers after humankind has named her an enemy and terrorist. She’d like to heal the world and finally have sex with her husband, except her husband is gone on a secret mission and everyone—humans, and every enemy faction of seer—is hunting her. And meanwhile darker forces bring to play a seemingly ageless monk of surreal power, an old nemesis biding his time as the President of the United States, and horrible secrets from her husband’s past. These forces together might tear her love apart, and might bring about the apocalypse she would do anything to stop.

A great read. Highly recommended. Superior book to book one.

[S.M. Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my. And by that I mean, OH MY! I devoted every waking moment of two days to this book - never have I been so grateful for the kid's karate and gymnastics. I only give 5 stars when putting a book down feels like grieving. JC Andrijeski has the storyteller's gift.

This book picks up shortly after Rook: Allie's War Book One leaves off, and it has a forward momentum that just doesn't quit. The tension between Allie and her mate, Revik, never completely resolves, and the two of them are so in love, and yet so damaged. One thinks they might heal each other, if they ever get enough time.

I want to stay in Allie and Revik's world. These characters have become completely real to me, more than that, they feel like they've always somehow been a part of me, but have always been just out of heart's reach. Until now.

JC Andrijeski is a rising star. Mark my words.

[debturk1970_bookvibes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Annoyingly Captivating!!😱

These characters are likeable in the extreme. The ones you think you should love you end up resenting & vice versa, it's weird!!😳

This book, overall, is heart breaking!!💔😭 There are some triggers in it but these aren't easy reading anyway. 😢 The languge/terminology used is easier to understand this time, I think that's probably from becoming more used to it while reading book's #0.5 & #1 👍

The concept is brilliant but mindbending!!💥🔥😎

Debbie, 1970, UK

[Mandy (MP Book Reviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Allie is still trying to get used to the concept that she is now this being called "The Bridge" and all that it entails. Plus she is also trying to work out the rules around the culture of being a Seer and how that affects her relationship with Revik - problem is no one will tell her the rules so she gets it wrong and into trouble! Even worse the Rook she helped get into the White House in the US is gunning for a war with China. Then confusingly a mysterious child appears that could be Syrimne but he should be more like 100 years old not a child. Then he announces that Allie belongs to him and is his wife! Can it get any worse?

WOW - so many things happened in this story. There were lots of twists, turns and moments when you just had to go with it until it became clearer (a bit like it was for Allie herself). There were times of joy and happiness which must have been a pleasant relief for Allie and Revik, but then ultimately a lot of sadness which means I absolutely have to read the next in the series in order to hopefully see the return of some happiness and normalcy even for a while. The book was well written and I could definitely feel the emotions and experiences the characters were going through.

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Just ... wow.

My emotional response to this book went something along these lines:

hopeful
Nooooooo!
Aaah, yes
Nooooooo!
hopeful
Nooooooo!
Aaah, yes
...and so on.

I don't think that the term "rollercoaster" really does justice to the highs and the very vicious lows that Allie and Revik (and me!) are exposed to within the space of these 500 kindle pages.

Already, this couple's love story has burrowed into my psyche, such that they may have made an appearance in my dreams after I finished this book.

The unflinching nature of this conflict and the steps taken to win are sometimes difficult to read. I felt shellshocked more than once. And yet, I know that I will keep coming back to this until Allie and Revik get their HEA. I know that there going to be a lot more to come. And although this may be somewhat masochistic of me, I can't wait to read more.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.

[Jen T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mated Seers begins with Allie living with the Seers in Seertown, while Revik is away. They're both experiencing separation pain, but are trying to get on with their lives despite it. Allie's dealing with her new infamy as the Bridge as people come to meet and be blessed by her, while others view her as a terrorist. Meanwhile, one of Terian's personalities, the President of the United States, has started a war with China. Another of Terian’s personas has found a mysterious Seer boy who's been imprisoned for decades in a cave without ageing. The boy alternates between appearing sane and older than his years and being a psychopath and Terian has his hands full with the boy.

Needless to say, there's a lot going on in this book. My favorite part was the time Allie and Revik spent in the cabin, but of course that was short lived. I enjoyed this book, as I do most of JC Andrijeski’s books and I recommend the series, but you definitely need to start with the first one.

[Nicole Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading the new version of Rook, Shield was a must for me, so I grabbed an ARC copy when I got the chance. WOW JC did it again.
With so many twists and turns, your on the edge for the whole time, experiencing some shocks, mood shifts, and emotional turmoils. Although the relationship between Allie and Ravik certainly improves where communication issues are involved, that does not mean things are less complicated between them. They manage to get into even more chaos if thats even possible which it is.
Great characters with realistic personalities and a developing storyline. There is lots of action, suspense and drama. A vast range of emotions of all kinds.
Pick up this book and you won't regret it.
I received an ARC copy and I'm leaving a review voluntarily.
Would I recomend this book YES

[V.readz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like this book better then the one before.
The storyline , the characters and stuff.
The character i like the most is Balidor.
I don't know , for some reason i really like him.
And i like the thought of him and Cass together.
I was beginning to suspect he had a thing for her , so i hope he gets 'lucky' in the next book.
And then the romance between Allie and Revik !
So much better !
They finally decided to be a real husband and wife to each other and then it all goes to hel.
And about the boy .. I did not see that coming !!
For some reason , i like it how his story goes.
Probably becoming a psycho in the next book but i hope he will have a happy ending.

I had doubts about the former book and after reading it i still was not 100% sure.
But this book made it for me.
I absolutely loved everything in it.
And i'm guessing that it will only get better with every book.

[Sherry Haynes · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was gifted a copy and writing a voluntary review:

I want to say that this book offers a great deal for the reader to keep track of and to be honest is not meant for just a quick easy read. It has a great deal of detail that will keep the reader guessing just what will happen next but also requires the reader to think about how each situation is affected by something that happened before. It isn't a book that can be skimmed through or else you will lose out on the details that will be needed to comprehend another event. Good story but not just for the casual beach reader. Looking forward to seeing where it goes from here. Wow what an ending to this book.

Note: There are some adult situations that I recommend this book for readers over 18.

[April Mollenkopf · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book before when it was published as Shield. But I can honestly say I am so glad I am doing a re-read under the new branding because, holy cow, not only has the author added new material and tightened up plots/scenes, but I have I forgotten a few things.

While I was reading, thoughts kept going through my head like, OMG, how did I not remember that happening. I love the characters (ok, maybe not Terran) and the world the author has created. There are so many twists and turns that you never know which way is up. It definitely keeps you turning the page. And again, because I had forgotten, the ending killed me. I never saw it coming until two seconds after something happened. Then it clicked. Definitely ready for book three.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of this book.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Split Personality

Another excellent book by JC Andrijeski! Allie and Revik relationship has had its up and downs and some really bad times. They are finally going to consummate their marriage and while doing so all hell breaks loose. You now have many revelations and Allie realizes during all the things happening in the end that Revik is different. To say too much would spoil the story but you will see a new person and the seer world is going through many changes. This book will make you think but I loved reading it!

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

That was definitely not the ending I was expecting. Even knowing how many books there are in the series that come after this, I wasn’t prepared for where this story left me. Or where it took me, for that matter. This took me to the same emotionally charged place as The Guardian did, where I wanted to lash out at someone for failing to protect Allie and Revik better. They both learn so much about who they are, but that knowledge requires some brutal sacrifices. Now I’m even more desperate than ever to read the next book and find out if any of those sacrifices were worth it

[Marit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, while I did see the twist come in some capacity (and well - from reading Black's books), it still shocked me. It all makes sense now though. And Terian is becoming a meme to me. Not sure if terribly cunning or slightly comedic. I'm leaning towards the latter now, LOL. I also wonder why rape and infidelity is the number 1 solution in seer universe, it's like a theme in these books it's crazy. Not for the light hearted...

Can't wait to read the next book, shit's going down and I feel bad for Allie and Revik. But I'm especially interested in how Revik is going to deal with his predicament

[Joy Ki`Ili · Rating 5 out of 5]

We pick up right where we left off and just when we think Allie & Revik are going to get some time with one another and work on their relationship wham! We get split personalities, kidnappings, beatings and all manner of torture in this tale. You are left wondering where the next one can possibly go. This is extremely intense in its delivery.

I received an ARC and have voluntarily chosen to review it here.

[Dawn Ireland · Rating 5 out of 5]

JC Andrijeski is one of my favorite authors. Shield was such a tense read! Allie and Revik are two of my favorite characters. I love them. And I hate Terry with every bone in my body. When an author can make the reader tense, cry or want to peek through their fingers, that's freaking damn good writing. This book was interesting in a historical nature. I love learning about seer culture and histories. I'm on to the next book...

[Patti · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a seriously intense book 2. Perfect continuation from book 1 (Rook). Our two main characters, Ally and Revik truly can't get any breaks in this saga. The suspense runs rabid throughout this book! Flying through these pages will not be a problem! The writing is impeccable! Hands down worthy of a five star rating but you definitely need to read from book 1.

[ANDREA · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the first book. The second book had me saying how much stuff do we have to put these characters thru? I stopped half way because I was mad then bored. I tried again and made it 3/4 but I could not take the sadness and boring. I may come back but if I do, it will be a page flipper to get thru. Makes me sad.

[Peter Bruyns · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best Read in Ages

This book might very well have been tailored for me. No pun intended! I used to read all the comics, listen to Superman on the radio. We all wanted extra abilities, and it comes with long life too!!! The end is a bit tough, but hey, I've already bought the next in the series. To read more, buy your own.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating

I am really enjoying the time I spend in this series. Each chapter feels realistic and has me spell bound, I can’t stop reading! There is so much action within the lives of the characters it keeps pulling me back in. Can’t wait to see in book three what direction Allie takes as a leader as she deals with her emotional turmoil for Revik.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm starting to understand this world and its functions and complexes a bit better, which makes the reading experience more pleasurable. The author has the knack of making her characters seem real to the reader. That is the true talent of a good storyteller. It amazes me that this place, people and events are the creation of someone's imagination. Keep it up!!

[Suz · Rating 3 out of 5]

3+

Significantly better than the first one if for no other reason than the story is comprehensible. The twists were original and surprising as well.

I'm not crazy about the on again off again nature of the primary relationship, at least not so far, but the rest of the story is interesting enough to keep me engaged.

[DMA · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Just WOW!

OMG this part of Alyson and Reviks story has just about blown my mind! It will tie your heart and soul into knots!!
The complexity and depth of detail that goes into these books is breathe taking!
This book keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.
The main plot twist in this one really blind sided me!
Be prepared to be sucked into the rich depths of the seers world!
Highly recommended.

[Joy Ki`Ili · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yep, we pick up right where we left off and just when we think Allie & Revik are going to get some time with one another and work on their relationship wham! We get split personalities, kidnappings, beatings and all manner of torture in this tale. You are left wondering where the next one can possibly go. This is fast paced and intense in its delivery.

[Penelope · Rating 4 out of 5]

The characters are definitely growing into themselves and the storyline is moving smoothly ahead. It's not an easy read in the sense that there is a lot of emotional angst and upheaval.
The ending leaves a strange feel to everything and you can't wait to get onto book 3 to see how things will continue.

[catherine jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Epic

This is my second time around with Revik and Allie. It's even better than the other books. I can't praise this writer enough her imagination is amazing. It's scarily similar to the state of our world today.

[Lynn Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much..

As always these books have so much content that you literally go through so many journeys with these beloved characters. It’s impossible to not get attached and root for them or vise versa. These are amazing books!