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The Borders War #3
Powerless
He was built to be invincible.
Merq and Armise return to the States after their mission to assassinate the remaining Committee members only to find the leadership of the Revolution isn’t as stable as they had thought.
Outside forces come crashing down on a Revolution stronghold, leaving two of their soldiers gravely wounded. Merq’s history with his brothers in arms Simion and Neveed forces him into making decisions that will impact his future with the Revolution.
Merq has always identified as a soldier first. Always known who deserved his loyalty and who didn’t. But with the uncertainty surrounding the leadership of the Revolution, the mysterious disappearance of the jacquerie and increased activity with the PsychHAgs, Merq knows there are few people he can trust.
The only man Merq wants or needs at his side is Armise Darcan. But his reliance on his former enemy may be a miscalculation that will threaten everything Merq stands for.
Reader Advisory: This book contains reference to genetic experimentation on children.
Merq and Armise return to the States after their mission to assassinate the remaining Committee members only to find the leadership of the Revolution isn’t as stable as they had thought.
Outside forces come crashing down on a Revolution stronghold, leaving two of their soldiers gravely wounded. Merq’s history with his brothers in arms Simion and Neveed forces him into making decisions that will impact his future with the Revolution.
Merq has always identified as a soldier first. Always known who deserved his loyalty and who didn’t. But with the uncertainty surrounding the leadership of the Revolution, the mysterious disappearance of the jacquerie and increased activity with the PsychHAgs, Merq knows there are few people he can trust.
The only man Merq wants or needs at his side is Armise Darcan. But his reliance on his former enemy may be a miscalculation that will threaten everything Merq stands for.
Reader Advisory: This book contains reference to genetic experimentation on children.
239 pages, Paperback
First published March 28, 2014
3 people are currently reading
477 people want to read
About the author
S.A. McAuley
27 books246 followersSam is a wandering queer romance author who sleeps little and reads a lot. Happiest in a foreign country. Twitchy when not mentally in motion. Her name is Sam, not Sammy, definitely not Samantha. She’s a dark/cynical/jaded person, but hides that darkness well behind her obsession(s) with shiny objects.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
March 4, 2019
⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱*It's Getting Better*⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱
Finally! We finally got some more depth and emotions to the story. However, there's still the problem of having way too much information. Also, a new problem appeared when a certain character was gone from the book for a long period of time. I wasn't happy with this, but at least that's what forced the emotions to come through. As the book/series is told in Merq Grayson (36 or 37), Armise Darcan (40) is still quite a mystery. I hope next book will bring them way more closer. I also need Merq to Overall, it was better than book #2, but there's still things that bothers me - ehem, too much information and I simply need more emotions (what we got wasn't enough, I deserve more) - and I hope I get what I want.
I repeated my mantra in my head as he dressed and left without another word.
One breath.
Inhale.
Hesitation is my enemy.
Solitude my ally.
Death the only real victory.
Exhale.
If I had to be solitary to be safe, then that was how I would stay alive.
I wouldn’t allow someone else to be my fatal flaw.
Quick basic facts:
Genre: - (Adult) Dystopian (M/M).
Series: - Series, Book Three.
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Favorite character? - A tie between Armise Darcan & Merq Grayson.
Would I read more by this author/or of series? - Yes.
Would I recommend this book/series? -Sure.
Will I read this again in the future? - No.
Rating - 3 stars.
January 29, 2016
REREAD REVIEW
January 27, 2016
4.5 stars
I have a feeling that since the first 2 books were cleaned up for rerelease, it made book 3 that much better. Because there was less confusion. And WAY more connection for me to the characters and their relationship. There's a scene in an interrogation room between Merq and Armise that had my heart in a vice grip. And I was loving it. Yeah...I think this book now feels like the best in the series for me. But, I do have 2 new releases to read. Let's hope we FINALLY get some answers!!!!
********************
ORIGINAL REVIEW
March 26, 2014
4 stars
I have been SUCH a big fan of The Borders War series, and I wish that more of you were reading it. Yes, the world-building is a little confusing and the layers and layers of political intrigue are enough to make even the most secure person paranoid. But, I could overlook every single thing that might lack about these books for this: Merq & Armise. The testosterone in these 2 alphas and the commitment to one another is…transformative for the characters…and addictive for the reader. That’s it…this series is ADDICTIVE!
With an intriguing start in book 1, and then a captivating/yup-ya-got-a-hold-of-me-now turn in book 2…I was anxious to see where book 3 would lead. What I did not anticipate was the emotion…that was a new twist for me. We feel Merq go through confusion, betrayal, pain, loss…and ultimately, become a different man, a different kind of soldier on the other side.
I doubted the author during some of this book. I was worried she was taking the series in a direction she couldn’t…control. But, she brought it back and reeled it in to a place where it made sense again. I loved the side characters, introduced in other books, but explored further in this one (especially Naveed and Simion). And even more so than ever…I NEED to know what the fuck is going on!
Book 3 feels different than the first 2. More…story…a little bulkier. Not enough Armise & Merq time, if you ask me. And if McAuley doesn’t start answering some of the plot questions she’s circling around, I can see myself giving up…a reader can only be pulled along so far.
BUT…the thing is…I trust this author. I’m a fan of her work and I think she has this story in her head that’s going to work…and it’s gonna feel like a reward at the end. So, I’m sticking with it. Plus…Merq & Armise. Duh.
April 5, 2014
Oh… My… God… Sam McAuley, what an intriguing and compelling tangled web of deceit and lies you weave. As always with this series I was hooked and totally engrossed from the very first page! Merq and Armise are my hero’s, two characters that will always have my heart!
It is very hard to review a book from a series, especially when you start moving away from the first book… without spoiling it for those that have not read the series yet, by giving the plot away… especially when the not knowing of the intricacies is what gives the book it’s impact. I have begged, pleaded, implored and demanded that people read this author and her books, because I know how absolutely incredible they are… I have even gifted friends this series so they too can enjoy it. So yet again I highly recommend this series and all that remains is …It’s FUCKING-BRILLIANTLY-AMAZINGLY- WONDERFUL!!! READ IT!!!…please!!!
One breath.
Inhale.
Hesitation is my enemy.
Solitude my ally.
Death the only real victory.
Exhale.If I had to be solitary to be safe, then that was how I would stay alive.
I wouldn’t allow someone else to be my fatal flaw.
Every time I read a book from this author she totally and utterly BLOWS ME AWAY! Just when I think this series or her writing can’t possibly get any better she produces yet another piece of writing that is just incredible! …and I know that authors say the characters live inside their heads, but as a reader I can assure you Merq and Armise are firmly planted inside mine and have taken up residence for the near future… I think I may actually be a little obsessed, I LOVE them and the complex and desolate world in which they live.
For me these books are like an EPIC television series, and in all honesty that is exactly how it plays in my mind… the imagery is vivid, the characters (all of them) perfectly created to give an impact that has you so invested in them, their lives, their hopes and their dreams for a future in a world that seems beyond repair… one to which they somehow hold the key to it’s survival. I tell you, the wait and anticipation of the next book seems unbearable.
The plot spans years, it’s stunningly executed and each piece of the puzzle is starting to bring the whole picture together… It’s gripping and fascinating, and definitely white knuckle ride worthy… but also thought provoking, with layer upon layer of camouflaged deception, tiny seeds planted to pique your interest further, threads interwoven, constantly making you ask questions, paths that lead you down one road only to take you on another. Secrets, lies, manipulations, mind fucks and revelations that shock the pants off you! The strategies and plays are constantly shifting, leaving you unsure as to who are the players and the pawns. This is an all action series with two Alpha males that will leave you squirming in your seat, the chemistry between these two men, despite their lack of communication and seemingly lack of emotion, is beyond palpable, and the hotness factor??? …well my imagination runs wild with these two!!!
He tilted his head and licked his lips. “If I let you fuck me can we cuddle afterwards and talk?”
“Fuck you,” I spat at him, even as my hands ached to move away from my weapons and touch him.
There is nothing pretty about Merq and Armise, there is no fluff and puff or hearts and flowers, they are soldiers, trained fighting machines who’s endurance and commitment go beyond the level of what is required. They are fighters for a cause with no emotions to distract them from what they have been indoctrinated to all their lives. Fight and Fuck has been the story of their lives for years… Yet in this third instalment we get to see a different side to Merq and it completely shattered my heart… after years of being the machine required to get the job done, emotionally he joined humanity, unable to comprehend the feelings and emotions he was experiencing, sent him spinning out of control, laid bare and vulnerable… his focus in life gone, and abandoned and betrayed by the only person he felt an affinity with, the man he trusted with his life… it just about killed me and yes, I cried!!!
No matter how much I sought him out, those blue-silver eyes were elusive. I could no longer feel his presence, and the lack of what should have been spectral—surreal and untethered to reality, yet so real to me—was jarring. I hadn’t realized how much I’d pinned my own existence to his until he wasn’t with me anymore.
The story is told from Merq’s POV and although we do get an insight in to Armise with him being slightly more communicative than Merq, and as more of those layers are peeled away his story is beginning to unfold, but the man still remains and enigma. I am desperate for more from him… but I am sure Ms McAuley won’t leave us dangling too long before his past is revealed in it’s full glory. We also see more of the secondary characters coming to the fore, and I’m loving that, it seems that the core players are now in place and it is yet again set up nicely for the forth book in the Borders War Series.
It is very hard to review a book from a series, especially when you start moving away from the first book… without spoiling it for those that have not read the series yet, by giving the plot away… especially when the not knowing of the intricacies is what gives the book it’s impact. I have begged, pleaded, implored and demanded that people read this author and her books, because I know how absolutely incredible they are… I have even gifted friends this series so they too can enjoy it. So yet again I highly recommend this series and all that remains is …It’s FUCKING-BRILLIANTLY-AMAZINGLY- WONDERFUL!!! READ IT!!!…please!!!
June 13, 2018
So. Fucking. GOOD!
While the second book felt like a transitional book between the main action, more like setting it up, although making necessary building blocks in Merq and Armise's relationship, this one got back to the main action, and it was a doozy.
It hurts, what Merq goes through in this. What Armise goes through too, although it seems like he leaves Merq and betrays him. But this is ultimately their love story, so that isn't truly the case.
Doesn't mean it isn't damn painful and as if Merq and us aren't worried and lose our faith in Armise a little - well for Merq, it was a lot. We almost get back to book one when they were mortal enemies, but it was different this time, because there a lot pain behind Merq's anger and "hate" and a lot more feelings this time around.
The action almost immediately picks up from the second book in this. Merq and Armise get back to protect the president, but there are still SO many things left unsaid between Merq and Armise, something that Merq knows Armise is hiding, and when their bunker is attacked, it all goes to shit.
Merq's unwavering trust in Armise was taken away in this. Now Armise has to earn it back, because while he didn't actually betray Merq, he was an idiot, in my opinion, for not talking to Merq about, for shutting him out. He had good reasons, yeah, but he needs to trust Merq as much as he wants Merq to trust him. There are still barriers he needs to learn to let down when it comes to Merq - although less than Merq, still...I think unnecessary pain happened between these two because Armise shut Merq out. Or at least, a worse, different kind of pain - because Merq might not have believed Armise, might have fought it, and maybe Armise would have ended up anyway, but Merq would have at least known why, even if he didn't believe it.
These two have gotten SO far from that first book, and their obvious love and passion for each other (even though Merq won't admit it! At least out loud!) was at an all time high, the intensity was crazy good, but they still aren't quite there yet, to that full trust and love that they both desperately want - that Armise, I think, needs to learn how to have, even though he freely admits he wants it, he still has to learn how to work for it and keep it, and that Merq is terrified of having, and I think he always has been, but after the pain and hurt in this book, I think he is even more so.
It's like his feelings for Armise have evolved so much, that I think he really is all the way in love with him now, it's evident in the books, but he's regressed back to not being able to even think or say the word 'love' because of what happened. But it's all about fear now, when before I think it was part fear, but mainly because he thought he could never have it, not in the world they lived in or with who he was, as a soldier first and foremost.
But now he totally has it with Armise, it's as clear as day - - but they're both pretty fucked up from their shitty lives of constant war, basically, that they haven't quite gotten to a place where they communicate well or be all the way in and trusting each other completely. Steps still need to be taken for them to be all the way there.
And I cannot wait to read more. This story is so engaging, and Armise and Merq are so fucking great together - their chemistry is scorching and their love for each other is so amazing, I just...AHH! I'm loving these two and this wild, crazy, entertaining story.
It's totally sucked me in, and I SO recommend it. Now I'm off to read the 4th book because I need more Armise and Merq in my life, and to find out what happens next! AH :D
While the second book felt like a transitional book between the main action, more like setting it up, although making necessary building blocks in Merq and Armise's relationship, this one got back to the main action, and it was a doozy.
It hurts, what Merq goes through in this. What Armise goes through too, although it seems like he leaves Merq and betrays him. But this is ultimately their love story, so that isn't truly the case.
Doesn't mean it isn't damn painful and as if Merq and us aren't worried and lose our faith in Armise a little - well for Merq, it was a lot. We almost get back to book one when they were mortal enemies, but it was different this time, because there a lot pain behind Merq's anger and "hate" and a lot more feelings this time around.
The action almost immediately picks up from the second book in this. Merq and Armise get back to protect the president, but there are still SO many things left unsaid between Merq and Armise, something that Merq knows Armise is hiding, and when their bunker is attacked, it all goes to shit.
Merq's unwavering trust in Armise was taken away in this. Now Armise has to earn it back, because while he didn't actually betray Merq, he was an idiot, in my opinion, for not talking to Merq about, for shutting him out. He had good reasons, yeah, but he needs to trust Merq as much as he wants Merq to trust him. There are still barriers he needs to learn to let down when it comes to Merq - although less than Merq, still...I think unnecessary pain happened between these two because Armise shut Merq out. Or at least, a worse, different kind of pain - because Merq might not have believed Armise, might have fought it, and maybe Armise would have ended up anyway, but Merq would have at least known why, even if he didn't believe it.
These two have gotten SO far from that first book, and their obvious love and passion for each other (even though Merq won't admit it! At least out loud!) was at an all time high, the intensity was crazy good, but they still aren't quite there yet, to that full trust and love that they both desperately want - that Armise, I think, needs to learn how to have, even though he freely admits he wants it, he still has to learn how to work for it and keep it, and that Merq is terrified of having, and I think he always has been, but after the pain and hurt in this book, I think he is even more so.
It's like his feelings for Armise have evolved so much, that I think he really is all the way in love with him now, it's evident in the books, but he's regressed back to not being able to even think or say the word 'love' because of what happened. But it's all about fear now, when before I think it was part fear, but mainly because he thought he could never have it, not in the world they lived in or with who he was, as a soldier first and foremost.
But now he totally has it with Armise, it's as clear as day - - but they're both pretty fucked up from their shitty lives of constant war, basically, that they haven't quite gotten to a place where they communicate well or be all the way in and trusting each other completely. Steps still need to be taken for them to be all the way there.
And I cannot wait to read more. This story is so engaging, and Armise and Merq are so fucking great together - their chemistry is scorching and their love for each other is so amazing, I just...AHH! I'm loving these two and this wild, crazy, entertaining story.
It's totally sucked me in, and I SO recommend it. Now I'm off to read the 4th book because I need more Armise and Merq in my life, and to find out what happens next! AH :D
March 29, 2014
You know how every great series has that one book where the other shoe drops, and shit hits the fan? Where someone took your heart and crushed it into dust (a la Regina from Once Upon A Time)? I'm thinking Afterimage, Special Forces - Mercenaries Part I, Death of a Pirate King, or perhaps First Against the Wall.
Well, Powerless was pretty much that for The Borders War. We see unimaginable events unfold. There's surprise, suspense, feelings of desperation, of denial and betrayal. And of course, you can't feel betrayal without some inkling of love. Gosh, so much love that I felt myself brimming with almost-tears (it was way to late in the night for me to start crying!). We see a soldier of 36 years become one of the finest in this war, experience his downfall, and witness who comes out of the settling ashes.
It was painful.
It was beautiful.
I hated it.
I couldn't see it any other way.
The world for Merq has suddenly become a bigger place. We explore more into secondary characters, which was a good and bad thing. Good, because it adds more character to Merq himself while widening the interesting cast members. Bad, because there was few physical Merq x Armise time (so prepare!).
The plot felt like it was getting a bit out of hands, but the author was able to reign it back in, making it come to a full circle. While I felt the series up to this point feel more futuristic/dystopian, Powerless seemed to add a very strong "science fiction" presence that was missing in the other books.
So anyways, I really liked this book, despite the man pain I went through. I am pleasantly surprised with how much Merq has changed throughout this series, especially in Powerless. All I can say is that the next book better have more Merq & Armise time, or I'm gonna end up ripping my hair (or heart) out!
Well, Powerless was pretty much that for The Borders War. We see unimaginable events unfold. There's surprise, suspense, feelings of desperation, of denial and betrayal. And of course, you can't feel betrayal without some inkling of love. Gosh, so much love that I felt myself brimming with almost-tears (it was way to late in the night for me to start crying!). We see a soldier of 36 years become one of the finest in this war, experience his downfall, and witness who comes out of the settling ashes.
It was painful.
It was beautiful.
I hated it.
I couldn't see it any other way.
The world for Merq has suddenly become a bigger place. We explore more into secondary characters, which was a good and bad thing. Good, because it adds more character to Merq himself while widening the interesting cast members. Bad, because there was few physical Merq x Armise time (so prepare!).
The plot felt like it was getting a bit out of hands, but the author was able to reign it back in, making it come to a full circle. While I felt the series up to this point feel more futuristic/dystopian, Powerless seemed to add a very strong "science fiction" presence that was missing in the other books.
So anyways, I really liked this book, despite the man pain I went through. I am pleasantly surprised with how much Merq has changed throughout this series, especially in Powerless. All I can say is that the next book better have more Merq & Armise time, or I'm gonna end up ripping my hair (or heart) out!
June 19, 2014
Powerless is the conclusion of The Border Wars trilogy. I think.
Our contemporary geopolitical climate, or some derivation thereof, has been transformed into a dystopian society 500 years in the future for this trilogy. Two peripatetic mercenaries were cast as our saviors with the looming question of where one of their loyalties ultimately lies. Are either worthy of such a moniker? These are the questions we’ve been seeking answers to throughout this series.
The power dynamics between governments and behind the scenes machinations are handled superbly. The romance between Merq and Armise I continue to see as playing second fiddle to the action/adventure storyline. What’s more, I feel like I was told they were in love rather than shown it. A feeling was only exacerbated by the fact that Merq and Armise spend the majority of Powerless apart with Merq traversing his own personal hell.
I think this could’ve been ameliorated to a certain extent if we were given dual perspectives, but this entire trilogy has been told through Merq. I concede that it probably would take some of the oomph out of the climatic event, but on the other hand, I think it would’ve shown the reader their relationship progression, development and depth. It would’ve been nice to know if Armise was suffering the toll of loneliness as deeply as Merq.
Many questions are tied up nicely, but there is an undeniable open ending which left me with a feeling of incompleteness and slight dissatisfaction despite its hopeful tone. The writing is sound as is the political message; it’s just lite on the romance which is what I was after.
Addendum: My sincere apologies to Ms. McAuley for mistakenly believing The Border Wars was a trilogy. I've since learned it's to be a 5 part series, so take this review with that grain of salt.
Reviewed for
Our contemporary geopolitical climate, or some derivation thereof, has been transformed into a dystopian society 500 years in the future for this trilogy. Two peripatetic mercenaries were cast as our saviors with the looming question of where one of their loyalties ultimately lies. Are either worthy of such a moniker? These are the questions we’ve been seeking answers to throughout this series.
The power dynamics between governments and behind the scenes machinations are handled superbly. The romance between Merq and Armise I continue to see as playing second fiddle to the action/adventure storyline. What’s more, I feel like I was told they were in love rather than shown it. A feeling was only exacerbated by the fact that Merq and Armise spend the majority of Powerless apart with Merq traversing his own personal hell.
I think this could’ve been ameliorated to a certain extent if we were given dual perspectives, but this entire trilogy has been told through Merq. I concede that it probably would take some of the oomph out of the climatic event, but on the other hand, I think it would’ve shown the reader their relationship progression, development and depth. It would’ve been nice to know if Armise was suffering the toll of loneliness as deeply as Merq.
Many questions are tied up nicely, but there is an undeniable open ending which left me with a feeling of incompleteness and slight dissatisfaction despite its hopeful tone. The writing is sound as is the political message; it’s just lite on the romance which is what I was after.
Addendum: My sincere apologies to Ms. McAuley for mistakenly believing The Border Wars was a trilogy. I've since learned it's to be a 5 part series, so take this review with that grain of salt.
Reviewed for
March 8, 2017
Another 5 STARS
Even though I'm flying through this fantastic series I do have one gripe as all of the novel's are falling short of 200 pages and it could have easily been made into a trilogy instead of 5 novels. I'm only saying this because of the prices asked for each novel's of such a short length. Book 1 & 2 have already been combined but I must admit asking an average of $5.30 is a bit much but they're damn fine books.
Even though I'm flying through this fantastic series I do have one gripe as all of the novel's are falling short of 200 pages and it could have easily been made into a trilogy instead of 5 novels. I'm only saying this because of the prices asked for each novel's of such a short length. Book 1 & 2 have already been combined but I must admit asking an average of $5.30 is a bit much but they're damn fine books.
October 20, 2014
3.5 stars
I’ve been saying since I first read this series that it felt very Special Forces to me, but in this one I started seeing comparisons to another series and a lot of what I loved in the last book really began to frustrate me in this one.
Basically this is an overly complicated story of two alpha super fighters on opposing sides of the Borders War. Broken, genetically altered enemies to lovers. Throughout the series both men have been very hesitant in what they reveal to each other and even the reader is mostly in the dark. It works sometimes, but overall as the series continues, it makes me feel like I’m reading about cardboard characters. There are some really good and emotional moments there with betrayal, confusion, feeling abandoned and wanting to accept love. They should have gutted me. I should have been punching the air with “yes!” but the whole thing left me a bit cold or so what? These characters remind me very much of Special Forces, like I’ve said, but in this one I felt like I was reading a bit of In the Company of Shadows well…shadow. Little glimmers of those more finally drawn characters.
I think this author has a lot of great ideas. I think she builds the world well, writes well, and can cast a set of characters that I’m interested in. However, it’s like threads are started but just underdeveloped. Also I like to explain my feelings on this book series to my personal interest in television series. So for me, something like Game of Thrones vs Breaking Bad is an easssssssy decision. I’ll take Breaking Bad every time. Why? Because I’m more interesting in character driven stories; I love character arcs over an extended time and ensemble type shows, or books, don’t draw me in as much. The problem with this book, and series, for me is I can’t really tell what the author is going for and I keep feeling torn. I think Merq and Armise’s relationship is the core of this series and the decisions they make will affect everyone. Armise has numerous secrets; everything he does is supposedly only for Merq, but SO MUCH of them and their growth gets buried with all the other stuff going on. It’s starting to feel more about ALL of the characters fighting against something and that’s the most important item to the books. That’s fine if I wanted to read that kind of story, but seeing as I’m not interested in a Walking Dead-esque fight it’s starting to lose me. I want to read about how the war has damaged them both, how the war and the training and feelings of honor and duty and what’s right and wrong are changing and shaping them with each other.
I think moving forward I need to feel better connected to Armise and Merq. Until now, everything has been from Merq’s perspective and while that’s made sense so far, I’m hoping the series moves away from so much secrecy to more of Armise and Merq conquering forces together, more revealing moments between the two of them, and more emotional connection.
I would still recommend this series to many people, but it’s not something I’m *dying* for the next book.
I’ve been saying since I first read this series that it felt very Special Forces to me, but in this one I started seeing comparisons to another series and a lot of what I loved in the last book really began to frustrate me in this one.
Basically this is an overly complicated story of two alpha super fighters on opposing sides of the Borders War. Broken, genetically altered enemies to lovers. Throughout the series both men have been very hesitant in what they reveal to each other and even the reader is mostly in the dark. It works sometimes, but overall as the series continues, it makes me feel like I’m reading about cardboard characters. There are some really good and emotional moments there with betrayal, confusion, feeling abandoned and wanting to accept love. They should have gutted me. I should have been punching the air with “yes!” but the whole thing left me a bit cold or so what? These characters remind me very much of Special Forces, like I’ve said, but in this one I felt like I was reading a bit of In the Company of Shadows well…shadow. Little glimmers of those more finally drawn characters.
I think this author has a lot of great ideas. I think she builds the world well, writes well, and can cast a set of characters that I’m interested in. However, it’s like threads are started but just underdeveloped. Also I like to explain my feelings on this book series to my personal interest in television series. So for me, something like Game of Thrones vs Breaking Bad is an easssssssy decision. I’ll take Breaking Bad every time. Why? Because I’m more interesting in character driven stories; I love character arcs over an extended time and ensemble type shows, or books, don’t draw me in as much. The problem with this book, and series, for me is I can’t really tell what the author is going for and I keep feeling torn. I think Merq and Armise’s relationship is the core of this series and the decisions they make will affect everyone. Armise has numerous secrets; everything he does is supposedly only for Merq, but SO MUCH of them and their growth gets buried with all the other stuff going on. It’s starting to feel more about ALL of the characters fighting against something and that’s the most important item to the books. That’s fine if I wanted to read that kind of story, but seeing as I’m not interested in a Walking Dead-esque fight it’s starting to lose me. I want to read about how the war has damaged them both, how the war and the training and feelings of honor and duty and what’s right and wrong are changing and shaping them with each other.
I think moving forward I need to feel better connected to Armise and Merq. Until now, everything has been from Merq’s perspective and while that’s made sense so far, I’m hoping the series moves away from so much secrecy to more of Armise and Merq conquering forces together, more revealing moments between the two of them, and more emotional connection.
I would still recommend this series to many people, but it’s not something I’m *dying* for the next book.
May 12, 2018
This third book of the ‘Borders War’ series is no less amazing than the first two, and this was as true for me during the second reading as it was back when I devoured the first edition. If anything, and despite the fact I wouldn’t have thought it possible, the tension ratchets up further, the emotions become almost too much to handle, and the “thick fog” of political intrigue and deceptive manipulation lifts just a little—only to rapidly thicken again. I was intrigued to find out more about the new world powers on this Earth of the 26th century, allowing me to better understand some of the events and trends on a larger scale. On the other hand, the interpersonal relationships getting messier more than counteracted that effect, and the end result was me turning the pages as fast as possible, remaining glued to the story as tightly as I did in books one and two.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
January 12, 2016
“We were both externally marked, battle-hardened, on every inch of our skin. But it was the memories we carried with us, the depth of surety in each other – and not those slashes woven with ink – that marked us in an indelible way.”
What to say about Powerless, book three in S.A. McAuley’s epic Borders War series… To paraphrase the opening line of Peter Travers’ recent Rolling Stone review of the new film The Revenant – Note to book pussies: Powerless is not for you. This book will kick your ass and rip your heart out. BUT, IT’S SO WORTH IT.
The storyline picks up right where it left off in Dominant Predator. Merq and Armise have been called back from their hunt of the remaining Opposition Committee members to protect President Wensen Kersch from an assassination threat. Things begin to get out of hand straight away. Merq is certain that Armise is hiding something from him, and he’s getting some very strange and mostly vague information regarding the state of the union, so to speak, from Jegs. Still, at first it seems to be clear where they are needed most at the moment.Only, what is obviously a cut-and-dried decision for Merq isn’t so black and white for Armise, and thus, the first conflict of the book arises.
Circumstances cause a lengthy separation between Merq and Armise. And, by “circumstances,” I mean chalk it up to Armise’s hard-headedness, or stubborn male miscommunication, or the fucked up mess that is war…take your pick. In hindsight, of course, I see it was necessary; you do get the satisfaction of some explanations along the way. Also, McAuley has written a harrowing, gorgeous, EXTREMELY well-thought-out novel here. There is no doubt that she executed the story brilliantly. BUT, that doesn’t mean I have to like it, or that it didn’t shred my heart to smithereens.
Merq is tested beyond what any human should have to endure. Physically, emotionally, and every other way you can imagine. He even completely gives up at one point – which was one of the toughest chapters I’ve ever had to muscle through.Three different people have to remind him of his worth, and that he is stronger and smarter than he thinks.He has to dig deep in this one. This book marks a turning point for Merq. No longer is the mission everything. Powerless is what he intends to no longer feel, ever again. From this point forward, any fighting Merq does is on his terms, either for himself, or later, for his future with Armise.
“You’re only powerless if you let them take away your power.”
As in the first two installments, the writing blew my mind. This book, and this entire series, contains some of the most powerful and gut-wrenching dialogue I have ever read. There is so much brilliant foreshadowing in this book I can’t even tell you. And, there are incredible scenes between Merq and various other characters, particularly President Kersch, Simion, and Neveed, which are unforgettable. I grew to love both Simion and Neveed more than I can express; at one point the dynamics change between Sims, Neveed, and Merq, and their interactions become absolutely priceless.
The politics are fascinating, never tedious. I think McAuley nailed the perfect balance of politics, action and love story. The entire series is a statement on the human condition, the levels people will go to in the name of power, and the presence and shifts of good and evil, both in the world and in individuals.
“We’re bad people, Darcan. We’ll always exist more in the darkness than the light. But if we’re going to make it, we have to find some way not to be bad to each other.”
Intense doesn’t even begin to describe the final chapters of Powerless, and what’s in store for you in the rest of the series. There are secrets, lies, and mind-blowing revelations. I get goosebumps and/or burst into spontaneous tears every time I think about it. If I had the fortitude, I would read this series multiple times; in fact, I do plan to read it again as soon as I’m out of therapy for the PTSD from this go ’round. I truly do think you could read it five times and see something new each reading, that’s how detailed and amazing this world is. My hat is off to you, Sam; thanks for the incredible ride. And, I’ll be sending you my therapy bill.
Reviewed by Jules for The Novel Approach
http://www.thenovelapproachreviews.co...
What to say about Powerless, book three in S.A. McAuley’s epic Borders War series… To paraphrase the opening line of Peter Travers’ recent Rolling Stone review of the new film The Revenant – Note to book pussies: Powerless is not for you. This book will kick your ass and rip your heart out. BUT, IT’S SO WORTH IT.
The storyline picks up right where it left off in Dominant Predator. Merq and Armise have been called back from their hunt of the remaining Opposition Committee members to protect President Wensen Kersch from an assassination threat. Things begin to get out of hand straight away. Merq is certain that Armise is hiding something from him, and he’s getting some very strange and mostly vague information regarding the state of the union, so to speak, from Jegs. Still, at first it seems to be clear where they are needed most at the moment.Only, what is obviously a cut-and-dried decision for Merq isn’t so black and white for Armise, and thus, the first conflict of the book arises.
Circumstances cause a lengthy separation between Merq and Armise. And, by “circumstances,” I mean chalk it up to Armise’s hard-headedness, or stubborn male miscommunication, or the fucked up mess that is war…take your pick. In hindsight, of course, I see it was necessary; you do get the satisfaction of some explanations along the way. Also, McAuley has written a harrowing, gorgeous, EXTREMELY well-thought-out novel here. There is no doubt that she executed the story brilliantly. BUT, that doesn’t mean I have to like it, or that it didn’t shred my heart to smithereens.
Merq is tested beyond what any human should have to endure. Physically, emotionally, and every other way you can imagine. He even completely gives up at one point – which was one of the toughest chapters I’ve ever had to muscle through.Three different people have to remind him of his worth, and that he is stronger and smarter than he thinks.He has to dig deep in this one. This book marks a turning point for Merq. No longer is the mission everything. Powerless is what he intends to no longer feel, ever again. From this point forward, any fighting Merq does is on his terms, either for himself, or later, for his future with Armise.
“You’re only powerless if you let them take away your power.”
As in the first two installments, the writing blew my mind. This book, and this entire series, contains some of the most powerful and gut-wrenching dialogue I have ever read. There is so much brilliant foreshadowing in this book I can’t even tell you. And, there are incredible scenes between Merq and various other characters, particularly President Kersch, Simion, and Neveed, which are unforgettable. I grew to love both Simion and Neveed more than I can express; at one point the dynamics change between Sims, Neveed, and Merq, and their interactions become absolutely priceless.
The politics are fascinating, never tedious. I think McAuley nailed the perfect balance of politics, action and love story. The entire series is a statement on the human condition, the levels people will go to in the name of power, and the presence and shifts of good and evil, both in the world and in individuals.
“We’re bad people, Darcan. We’ll always exist more in the darkness than the light. But if we’re going to make it, we have to find some way not to be bad to each other.”
Intense doesn’t even begin to describe the final chapters of Powerless, and what’s in store for you in the rest of the series. There are secrets, lies, and mind-blowing revelations. I get goosebumps and/or burst into spontaneous tears every time I think about it. If I had the fortitude, I would read this series multiple times; in fact, I do plan to read it again as soon as I’m out of therapy for the PTSD from this go ’round. I truly do think you could read it five times and see something new each reading, that’s how detailed and amazing this world is. My hat is off to you, Sam; thanks for the incredible ride. And, I’ll be sending you my therapy bill.
Reviewed by Jules for The Novel Approach
http://www.thenovelapproachreviews.co...
May 20, 2014
Excellent--can't say enough good things about this book---I'm not sure why more people aren't reading this series--had several quotes highlighted but my favorites are below:
"Well, he's a much better assassin than a lover. At least when he kills someone they get off before he does."
"Death would never be eliminated as a part of human existence, but how much more violence could any of us see and still maintain the fragile bend of our souls?"
"Well, he's a much better assassin than a lover. At least when he kills someone they get off before he does."
"Death would never be eliminated as a part of human existence, but how much more violence could any of us see and still maintain the fragile bend of our souls?"
July 19, 2016
I am loving this series! This series is exciting, fast moving and it has two characters I absolutely love!!! Woohoo!!
September 21, 2021
FIRST READ: APRIL 2016
SECOND READ: SEPTEMBER 2021
SECOND READ: SEPTEMBER 2021
March 30, 2014
This book deserves more than a five stars rating, the first two books were amazing and I already rated them five stars but this one is even better, it's fantastic! This whole series is fantastic; it only gets better with each book! Seriously if you haven't tried it yet, do it now.
So now let me explain why you are missing something amazing if you don't read Powerless.
This story is about trust, loyalty, manipulation, betrayal, kindness, love, loss of hope and then hope conquered again.
It's showing that you can only be powerless if you let others take away your power and give up hope.
That power is not just something about control, power can be about letting people in after you thought you lost everything.
You are the only one choosing to keep your power or accepting to lose it.
I've been so angry and sad on Merq behalf in this story, I've almost screamed in frustration, almost cried at one point (I need to stop reading great books in public, it's so hard to explain why my heart is repeatedly broken in a handful of pages), it has been a big whirlwind of emotions that left me lost and craving for more ( this is the best kind of books in my opinion.)
Merq feels like he lost his goal, he doesn't know if being a soldier defines him anymore, he realizes that he is a pawn and everyone uses him, he feels lost, empty and sad.
He lost hope.
But then he fought back and realized he was powerless only because he accepted it and he understood that he wasn't just a soldier, he is more than that, he is human.
This story marks the point where Merq accepts the idea that having feelings doesn't make him weak. Trusting people doesn't make him weak.
All of this only makes him stronger with people who got his back, people he can trust. Not just allies but friends.
“ I was stronger now because I cared. Because I wouldn’t let the loss of life go unmourned.”
And it was beautiful, it was sad and painful to read but it made him so memorable.
“It was all ludicrous. Patently unfair. I wanted to laugh at the absurdity of it all. But there was too much pain, too much lost that could never be brought back for me to find any humour in it.”
And I'm not forgetting Armise either. Damn Armise! You made me feel so sad too. We never get his pov but still, we can feel his emotions so strongly, understood why he did what he had to do. This man is the definition of how duty could break you but thankfully he is strong enough and he has a perfect reason that keep hom going : Merq.
“Everything I have ever done has been for you.”
Having them tearing at each other and then tentatively trying to reach out, beyond their issues, beyond the obstacle of conveying their emotions was heartbreaking but so worth it. They allowed their relationship to really mean something beyond an obvious physical aspect. They didn't let the barrier becomes insurmountable, they understood the need for communication (even if it was not easy, far from it) and worked on fixing their issues.
“ I don’t want to be a machine of war, a cog, a pawn, a mindless drone. I want to live. I don’t want to give up fighting or abandon the cause. I’m a soldier, it’s who I am. But I’m also a man, and goddammit, Armise. I want you.”
Of course, this book wouldn't be so great if the plot wasn't truly fantastic (and the ending was exciting and just let me wanting more)!
The Revolution is fragile and under constant threat, someone is betraying them from inside and Merq doesn't know who he can trust anymore.
Add to that psychological manipulation, genetic modifications and dangerous assassins, kidnapping of children and constant danger and you can't stop reading this book.
Oh and also the secondary characters are awesome, made of flesh and blood and I'm scared for them too now. (Simion grew on me during this book and I spent half the book silently praying for him not to die. Please don't kill him. Or maybe I shouldn't ask, it's a sure way of making him die, right?)
I highlighted so many quotes on my Kindle that I now have pages and pages of highlighted text, S.A. McAuley is definitely becoming of my favourite authors.
The plot is fantastic. The characters are awesome. The emotions are real.
But do you know how rare it is to fall in love with an author's writing, not just their stories but the way they play with words and produce sentences that echo inside you?
S.A. McAuley is among these few authors for me. She belongs to my “I'm in love with her writing and she is an auto-buy now” list because I just want to keep all her words with me.
So I couldn't resist from adding a few of my favourites quotes (even if basically, favourites quotes mean almost the whole book and I already added so many of them to this review).
“So much death. All of it in the name of governments and movements. But where was the tipping point? When did the loss of life outweigh the end goal? […] Death would never be eliminated as a part of human existence, but how much more violence could any of us see and still maintain the fragile bend of our souls?”
“We were both externally marked, battle-hardened, on every inch of our skin. But it was the memories we carried with us, the depth of surety in each other—and not those slashes woven with ink—that marked us in an indelible way.”
“Don’t offer that fucking traitor any kindness.”
“It’s all we have left,” Chen chided Jegs in a quiet but stern voice.
“You know what? Fuck you. Fuck this war. Fuck this cause. You want to die and let your precious citizens be thrown into mass graves? Go right the fuck ahead. Neveed was right in that bunker. You don’t know the whole truth. Because you don’t want to. You want to live in your deluded world where everyone exists as either good or evil. You’ve been so fucked over by what you think you’ve seen that you can’t see what’s really in front of you. So fuck you. Do whatever it is you’re going to do to me. Don’t listen to me. Don’t think past what you’ve been told for one fucking second. March into battle like a good fucking soldier and be slaughtered.” Armise spat out another line of blood, the spittle tracking down his chin and over his clothes. “Keeping you alive is a fucking impossible goal.”
So now let me explain why you are missing something amazing if you don't read Powerless.
This story is about trust, loyalty, manipulation, betrayal, kindness, love, loss of hope and then hope conquered again.
It's showing that you can only be powerless if you let others take away your power and give up hope.
That power is not just something about control, power can be about letting people in after you thought you lost everything.
You are the only one choosing to keep your power or accepting to lose it.
I've been so angry and sad on Merq behalf in this story, I've almost screamed in frustration, almost cried at one point (I need to stop reading great books in public, it's so hard to explain why my heart is repeatedly broken in a handful of pages), it has been a big whirlwind of emotions that left me lost and craving for more ( this is the best kind of books in my opinion.)
Merq feels like he lost his goal, he doesn't know if being a soldier defines him anymore, he realizes that he is a pawn and everyone uses him, he feels lost, empty and sad.
He lost hope.
But then he fought back and realized he was powerless only because he accepted it and he understood that he wasn't just a soldier, he is more than that, he is human.
This story marks the point where Merq accepts the idea that having feelings doesn't make him weak. Trusting people doesn't make him weak.
All of this only makes him stronger with people who got his back, people he can trust. Not just allies but friends.
“ I was stronger now because I cared. Because I wouldn’t let the loss of life go unmourned.”
And it was beautiful, it was sad and painful to read but it made him so memorable.
“It was all ludicrous. Patently unfair. I wanted to laugh at the absurdity of it all. But there was too much pain, too much lost that could never be brought back for me to find any humour in it.”
And I'm not forgetting Armise either. Damn Armise! You made me feel so sad too. We never get his pov but still, we can feel his emotions so strongly, understood why he did what he had to do. This man is the definition of how duty could break you but thankfully he is strong enough and he has a perfect reason that keep hom going : Merq.
“Everything I have ever done has been for you.”
Having them tearing at each other and then tentatively trying to reach out, beyond their issues, beyond the obstacle of conveying their emotions was heartbreaking but so worth it. They allowed their relationship to really mean something beyond an obvious physical aspect. They didn't let the barrier becomes insurmountable, they understood the need for communication (even if it was not easy, far from it) and worked on fixing their issues.
“ I don’t want to be a machine of war, a cog, a pawn, a mindless drone. I want to live. I don’t want to give up fighting or abandon the cause. I’m a soldier, it’s who I am. But I’m also a man, and goddammit, Armise. I want you.”
Of course, this book wouldn't be so great if the plot wasn't truly fantastic (and the ending was exciting and just let me wanting more)!
The Revolution is fragile and under constant threat, someone is betraying them from inside and Merq doesn't know who he can trust anymore.
Add to that psychological manipulation, genetic modifications and dangerous assassins, kidnapping of children and constant danger and you can't stop reading this book.
Oh and also the secondary characters are awesome, made of flesh and blood and I'm scared for them too now. (Simion grew on me during this book and I spent half the book silently praying for him not to die. Please don't kill him. Or maybe I shouldn't ask, it's a sure way of making him die, right?)
I highlighted so many quotes on my Kindle that I now have pages and pages of highlighted text, S.A. McAuley is definitely becoming of my favourite authors.
The plot is fantastic. The characters are awesome. The emotions are real.
But do you know how rare it is to fall in love with an author's writing, not just their stories but the way they play with words and produce sentences that echo inside you?
S.A. McAuley is among these few authors for me. She belongs to my “I'm in love with her writing and she is an auto-buy now” list because I just want to keep all her words with me.
So I couldn't resist from adding a few of my favourites quotes (even if basically, favourites quotes mean almost the whole book and I already added so many of them to this review).
“So much death. All of it in the name of governments and movements. But where was the tipping point? When did the loss of life outweigh the end goal? […] Death would never be eliminated as a part of human existence, but how much more violence could any of us see and still maintain the fragile bend of our souls?”
“We were both externally marked, battle-hardened, on every inch of our skin. But it was the memories we carried with us, the depth of surety in each other—and not those slashes woven with ink—that marked us in an indelible way.”
“Don’t offer that fucking traitor any kindness.”
“It’s all we have left,” Chen chided Jegs in a quiet but stern voice.
“You know what? Fuck you. Fuck this war. Fuck this cause. You want to die and let your precious citizens be thrown into mass graves? Go right the fuck ahead. Neveed was right in that bunker. You don’t know the whole truth. Because you don’t want to. You want to live in your deluded world where everyone exists as either good or evil. You’ve been so fucked over by what you think you’ve seen that you can’t see what’s really in front of you. So fuck you. Do whatever it is you’re going to do to me. Don’t listen to me. Don’t think past what you’ve been told for one fucking second. March into battle like a good fucking soldier and be slaughtered.” Armise spat out another line of blood, the spittle tracking down his chin and over his clothes. “Keeping you alive is a fucking impossible goal.”
March 29, 2016
POWERLESS. That describes my feelings to the point!
What the hell am I going to do after finishing this series? The withdrawals will be severe, that's for sure!
Especially Merq is going through hell in this book, but he comes out stronger than ever, more reckless and more determined, to shut it all out. But he has to learn that emotions and memories can't be buried that deep, so as not to remain right under the surface.
This book is definitely the best in the Borders War series so far and I practically inhaled it in one day. Powerless is so gripping, so suspense-packed, it was nearly unbearable. Loyalties are called into question. It's about betrayal, about doubts and about hurt. But it's also about heartbreak. Lots of heartbreak. Most of it being mine, over and over again...
What the hell am I going to do after finishing this series? The withdrawals will be severe, that's for sure!
Especially Merq is going through hell in this book, but he comes out stronger than ever, more reckless and more determined, to shut it all out. But he has to learn that emotions and memories can't be buried that deep, so as not to remain right under the surface.
This book is definitely the best in the Borders War series so far and I practically inhaled it in one day. Powerless is so gripping, so suspense-packed, it was nearly unbearable. Loyalties are called into question. It's about betrayal, about doubts and about hurt. But it's also about heartbreak. Lots of heartbreak. Most of it being mine, over and over again...
May 2, 2016
This book has everything that needed to to catch my attention immediately.
The political issues take shape with each book and the black-white ideals start to merge forming gray areas that make the worldbuilding more interesting. Merq's struggle is heartwrenching but i think it was necessary for his development, and Armise's information provides an unexpected twist that makes you want to know what'll happen in the next book.
The highlights of the book is the relationship between the MC's, they feel more complex, you can feel their emotions, their fear and pain. The secondary characters also get stronger in this book, personally I like Chen a lot.
I can't wait to start the next installment.
The political issues take shape with each book and the black-white ideals start to merge forming gray areas that make the worldbuilding more interesting. Merq's struggle is heartwrenching but i think it was necessary for his development, and Armise's information provides an unexpected twist that makes you want to know what'll happen in the next book.
The highlights of the book is the relationship between the MC's, they feel more complex, you can feel their emotions, their fear and pain. The secondary characters also get stronger in this book, personally I like Chen a lot.
I can't wait to start the next installment.
November 28, 2016
I think this title is very apt as Merq spends a lot of this book feeling powerless, I think by the end of it he has a better understanding of himself.
So much pain is felt by so many of the characters in this book, it really is a dystopian world they are living in where most people are treated as pawns by the powerful.
The story continues to grip me and the twists and turns in the plot keeps me guessing about what will happen next.
So much pain is felt by so many of the characters in this book, it really is a dystopian world they are living in where most people are treated as pawns by the powerful.
The story continues to grip me and the twists and turns in the plot keeps me guessing about what will happen next.
March 30, 2017
Fucking fantastic! Piercing and profound character development. Merc and Armise's restrained relationship has progressed into a powerful and raw connection, vulnerabilities laid bare, as bare as the emotionally stunted twosome can manage. The political manouverings are fittingly dystopian and gritty. Another addictive installment.
February 19, 2016
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
Powerless is the third book in S.A. McAuley’s fascinating The Borders War series, and it fits perfectly as the middle book in this series. While the first two stories built and solidified the relationship between Merq and Armise, here things get changed up again, leaving Merq to question what he has be led to believe about his lover. Things are in turmoil and this story represents a turning point, both within the war and their relationship. This is really a transition story as we see the leadership changing, the mission shifting, and the relationship between the men adapting. I think McAuley really sets things up nicely here to move the series into the final two books.
In Powerless, Merq and Armise find themselves separated for a lot of the book. This isn’t usually something I love in my series, but I think it works well here. Merq really needs time to figure himself out and to understand his feelings, and that is hard to do when Armise is around. This story ends with the guys stronger than ever, but it takes time for them to get there. Once again we are in Merq’s POV and we follow along his journey as he figures out what he wants and slowly learns what is happening around him. I like that this controlled POV means we only really understand the big picture as Merq does, and so we can feel his confusion as he faces these changes and must figure out who to trust. It is something that has worked really well in previous books and I think it adds intensity to the series.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
4.5 stars
Powerless is the third book in S.A. McAuley’s fascinating The Borders War series, and it fits perfectly as the middle book in this series. While the first two stories built and solidified the relationship between Merq and Armise, here things get changed up again, leaving Merq to question what he has be led to believe about his lover. Things are in turmoil and this story represents a turning point, both within the war and their relationship. This is really a transition story as we see the leadership changing, the mission shifting, and the relationship between the men adapting. I think McAuley really sets things up nicely here to move the series into the final two books.
In Powerless, Merq and Armise find themselves separated for a lot of the book. This isn’t usually something I love in my series, but I think it works well here. Merq really needs time to figure himself out and to understand his feelings, and that is hard to do when Armise is around. This story ends with the guys stronger than ever, but it takes time for them to get there. Once again we are in Merq’s POV and we follow along his journey as he figures out what he wants and slowly learns what is happening around him. I like that this controlled POV means we only really understand the big picture as Merq does, and so we can feel his confusion as he faces these changes and must figure out who to trust. It is something that has worked really well in previous books and I think it adds intensity to the series.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
December 15, 2016
3.25 stars
'Powerless' hit more high notes for me than the preceding two books.
While I felt that the previous book was a bit too slow and the plot ended up being anticlimactic, that certainly wasn't the case here. There were many moving factors, so I got the different political factions mixed up a few times, but it wasn't too complicated.
The plot takes off running, and doesn't stop. I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see what would happen next. The twists and turns were thoroughly entertaining. If this book were adapted into film, it would be an impressive action flick.
There were also good amounts of character and relationship development. I got a better understanding of Merq and Armise, and their dysfunctional relationship. They may not be the most honest or healthiest of couples, but there's no denying that they live and breathe for one another.
But did I enjoy the book enough to continue on to the last two books in this series? I don't think so. The book ends on a hopeful note - Armise and Merq are together, and the Revolution is moving in the right direction. That's good enough for me.
'Powerless' hit more high notes for me than the preceding two books.
While I felt that the previous book was a bit too slow and the plot ended up being anticlimactic, that certainly wasn't the case here. There were many moving factors, so I got the different political factions mixed up a few times, but it wasn't too complicated.
The plot takes off running, and doesn't stop. I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see what would happen next. The twists and turns were thoroughly entertaining. If this book were adapted into film, it would be an impressive action flick.
There were also good amounts of character and relationship development. I got a better understanding of Merq and Armise, and their dysfunctional relationship. They may not be the most honest or healthiest of couples, but there's no denying that they live and breathe for one another.
But did I enjoy the book enough to continue on to the last two books in this series? I don't think so. The book ends on a hopeful note - Armise and Merq are together, and the Revolution is moving in the right direction. That's good enough for me.
January 28, 2016
This book was another really good addition to this series!
We get more of this amazing world and characters this author has created in this book. But I have to be honest a say there were a few parts in this book that did drag a little bit for me and I can not say I was a huge fan of what Armise does in this book either.
You do get a lot of action with this book and more of these two men together but not as much as the previous books in this series. There was so much that Merq has to go through in this book and then finding out what Armise did I really felt so bad for his character.
But overlooking those few parts I have to say I did love the gritty aspect to this world and these characters. I actually ended up staying up all night reading the first three books in this series because I could not put them down and once I finished one I had to know what happened next lol.
So I will leave this review with... I really liked this book and would definitely recommend this series!
I received this book free in exchange for an honest review from Inked Rainbow Reads.
We get more of this amazing world and characters this author has created in this book. But I have to be honest a say there were a few parts in this book that did drag a little bit for me and I can not say I was a huge fan of what Armise does in this book either.
You do get a lot of action with this book and more of these two men together but not as much as the previous books in this series. There was so much that Merq has to go through in this book and then finding out what Armise did I really felt so bad for his character.
But overlooking those few parts I have to say I did love the gritty aspect to this world and these characters. I actually ended up staying up all night reading the first three books in this series because I could not put them down and once I finished one I had to know what happened next lol.
So I will leave this review with... I really liked this book and would definitely recommend this series!
I received this book free in exchange for an honest review from Inked Rainbow Reads.
July 4, 2017
Freaking brutal.
This book had me on the edge the whole time. Merq went through so much...he got punched again and again, questioning everything and everyone he knew, feeling betrayed and destroyed. It was painful to witness this strong, loyal man crash and burn. But then he rose from the ashes, became even stronger - and that was pretty amazing. He and Armise have much to face, though, and I hope they will restore their relationship, and take it even further.
Loved every minute of this book.
This book had me on the edge the whole time. Merq went through so much...he got punched again and again, questioning everything and everyone he knew, feeling betrayed and destroyed. It was painful to witness this strong, loyal man crash and burn. But then he rose from the ashes, became even stronger - and that was pretty amazing. He and Armise have much to face, though, and I hope they will restore their relationship, and take it even further.
Loved every minute of this book.
June 5, 2014
This whole series is just great... complex and creative, dark and scary. Sometimes I like Armise and Merq, sometimes I don't! All the extra characters add so much to these stories. Just perfect!
February 19, 2016
***RE-READING 2ND EDITION JAN 2016***
ORIGINAL READ ON 1/28/15
ORIGINAL READ ON 1/28/15
February 28, 2016
This one was pretty hard on the reader emotionally. Lot's of heartache and pain here. I love this couple though and I can't wait to get to the next book in the series.
January 28, 2024
4.5 stars rounded up
Oh my word!! This was too tragic😭 even though i got frustrated with the MCs due to their lack of communication when they did talk it was so intense. It was painful to read at time and i could feel Merq’s anger and sadness vividly. I love the writing style. Although i didnt think that the third book would be the one to get a five star out of me. The emotions and crying I did while reading this book hasn’t happened in a really long time.
Oh my word!! This was too tragic😭 even though i got frustrated with the MCs due to their lack of communication when they did talk it was so intense. It was painful to read at time and i could feel Merq’s anger and sadness vividly. I love the writing style. Although i didnt think that the third book would be the one to get a five star out of me. The emotions and crying I did while reading this book hasn’t happened in a really long time.
January 3, 2019
This series stresses me out. I mean, sure, I love it and all, but grrrrrr . . .
January 2, 2021
5 'This series is packed full of intrigue action mystery - full on dystopian war and the MCs are just amazing' stars.
March 14, 2021
4.5 Stars!
April 21, 2016
This book broke me.
It. Broke. Me.
Into tiny little pieces, and if I'm honest, I wasn't sure that it would put me back together. In this moment, I feel like it did, but at the same time, there's so much going on that I'm not sure I'm.. Whole. Not yet.
I'm not sure what can I say that won't give much of the plot away, so I'll stick by just throwing in random words: love, growth, betrayal, pain, hurt, hitting rock bottom, finding your way out of that hole, more hurt, honesty, fear, more love, sacrifice, changes, more changes, all unstable, then finding a bit of that stability back. Love to the core, then hurting a bit more. Grieving. Uncertainty, certainty. Fighting. Alone. Fighting together. Betrayal. Putting all together. And finally.. What. Is. Happening. War. More war. Death. And hope. Maybe.
All those things - not quite in that order but that's just how messy this is.
If one thing I must say is that so far this series has one for the most amazing relationship and character development that I've read in a very long time. The "love scenes" here are heartbreaking and emotional in a very special way. Yo feel the characters, you feel their emotions, you feel their fear and their love and their pain. You don't only read about it, it kinda crawls into you. It's creepy, an I mean that in a very good way.
The world building so far, has been amazing. The secondary characters get stronger with each installment and nothing here seems to be totally black or totally white, and I love that.
I haven't finished the series yet, but there's one thing I know - if you haven't read these books,you should probably consider doing it. Actually, scratch that. Do it. Read them.
It. Broke. Me.
Into tiny little pieces, and if I'm honest, I wasn't sure that it would put me back together. In this moment, I feel like it did, but at the same time, there's so much going on that I'm not sure I'm.. Whole. Not yet.
I'm not sure what can I say that won't give much of the plot away, so I'll stick by just throwing in random words: love, growth, betrayal, pain, hurt, hitting rock bottom, finding your way out of that hole, more hurt, honesty, fear, more love, sacrifice, changes, more changes, all unstable, then finding a bit of that stability back. Love to the core, then hurting a bit more. Grieving. Uncertainty, certainty. Fighting. Alone. Fighting together. Betrayal. Putting all together. And finally.. What. Is. Happening. War. More war. Death. And hope. Maybe.
All those things - not quite in that order but that's just how messy this is.
If one thing I must say is that so far this series has one for the most amazing relationship and character development that I've read in a very long time. The "love scenes" here are heartbreaking and emotional in a very special way. Yo feel the characters, you feel their emotions, you feel their fear and their love and their pain. You don't only read about it, it kinda crawls into you. It's creepy, an I mean that in a very good way.
The world building so far, has been amazing. The secondary characters get stronger with each installment and nothing here seems to be totally black or totally white, and I love that.
I haven't finished the series yet, but there's one thing I know - if you haven't read these books,you should probably consider doing it. Actually, scratch that. Do it. Read them.
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