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Book 6 in the Impossible Series- Can be read as a standalone.


I’m not a damsel in distress. Well, if I’m being honest, I’m a kick-ass FBI agent in distress.

My sexy new partner Reed Miller is determined to protect me, and he insists on staying close. Too close. His allure frightens me almost as much as the sadistic man who is stalking me.

I’m hunting down the most heinous criminal I’ve ever encountered. The man known to us only as The Mentor abducts and tortures women. And now he’s set his sights on me…


Note: Master is part of the Impossible Series, but it can be read as a standalone story. It is directly connected to Knight and Mentor, and it is recommended that it be read after those books.

220 pages, ebook

First published June 23, 2014

182 people are currently reading
789 people want to read

About the author

Julia Sykes

137 books2,014 followers
Julia Sykes is a USA Today bestselling author of edgy, emotional romance. When she's not writing, she's usually reading.

Other than reading, her obsessions include iced coffee, unicorns, charcuterie, aged Manchego cheese (or any cheese, really), and fancy dresses.

An American expat, Julia now lives in her adopted, beloved home of York, England. Most days, you can find her wandering the cobbled streets and daydreaming about her next novel.

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5 stars
370 (51%)
4 stars
239 (33%)
3 stars
86 (11%)
2 stars
19 (2%)
1 star
9 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
Profile Image for Siobhan.
5,030 reviews598 followers
October 1, 2018
Master is the sixth book in the Impossible series, and it was another enjoyable read. If I’m being completely honest, this was not my favourite book in the series – in fact, of the full-length novels, this was my least favourite – but it was enjoyable enough that I had to round my rating up.

Although Master can be read as a standalone novel, you do much better to read this after Knight and Mentor. Master builds heavily upon the events that took place in Knight, bringing to a close the mystery introduced in book four. Mentor allows for a better understanding of why certain things played out, with Master making the somewhat disappointing ending of Mentor understandable. The romance within this one is a single story, the mystery can be understood without the prior books, but it is much better if you read Knight, Mentor, and then Master.

I think the reason Master is my least favourite of the Impossible books thus far is because of our heroine. I never really connected with her, and it made it difficult to care about what was happening. Add in that I worked out who the bad guy was as soon as they were introduced to us, and it was a case of working through a book as I held in my screams of ‘it is really obvious who it is, open your eyes to what is before you’. I think I would have just liked more of a backbone to our heroine – the women in the Impossible series are not the strongest heroines I have ever read, I will admit that – but I’ve seen more spine in jellyfish than I saw in our female lead in this one.

Although Master was not quite all it could have been, I did enjoy watching how the mystery came together and getting to see more of one of the characters I’d come to enjoy. I’m also super eager to dive into King, now.
Profile Image for RedRedtheycallmeRed.
1,972 reviews49 followers
September 11, 2014
So the Mentor's identity is finally revealed, and it's even more twisted and disturbing than I anticipated. Also, it's pretty unbelievable that someone with that high level of a job could get away with that for 35+ years. Believability is pretty lacking throughout the book. I was happy that poor, tortured Kathy finally got some closure.

I was expecting a strong, kick-ass heroine in Katie, since she's an FBI agent, but was sorely disappointed. She just came across as pathetic, weak, and brainless whenever she's near her "hot alpha" partner (who's of course a Dom, because apparently that's the only kind of men the FBI hires).

Reed is arrogant and insensitive, and seems to think with his penis more than his brain. There was nothing I liked about him.

I'm glad I found out the identity of the Mentor, but I didn't like the rest of the book.
Profile Image for lynn❤️lynn.
409 reviews1 follower
March 12, 2017
This was an ok read, but not something I was totally overwhelmed by. I just found something missing,
The main Character Kathy, for me was just too weak, and FBI agent, chasing a psycho sex crazed killer, give me a break. She was such a wet blanket, and gives us women a bad name. I just wanted to flipping slap her, and say for god sake, bloody wise up and grow up. It was like listening to a whining child, sorry, but she just didn't do it for me. I don't do the pathetic female types.
Reed her new partner was ok, but Dec, again, what the hell. Old partner, who it turns out, had the hots for her. What is she, a walking sex magnet, and all the men in this book happpen to be Doms, which she wasn't aware of. Reed points out she's submissive and just takes over.
Frank her father figure, since her dad dies, it too turns out he's a Dom.

There are twists and turns, but I had guessed before the end, who the rapist/ BDSM killer was, ( the Mentor), but I won't give that away. Nice way he was dispatched, but again, it was romanticised, and not consistent. An ex sub comes to Reed and Kathy's aid, but it turns out she does it not only for love, but to get her life back...what????

As you can tell, this just wasn't for me. Some nice BDSM sex scenes, but just not enough for me. I needed more

I have not read the series...just jumped to the end
Profile Image for Janey.
478 reviews22 followers
October 2, 2014
Really good full on mystery thriller with a BDSM theme running through it, now I'm not a huge fan of BDSM, the more I read of it the more I understand, I get it it's about trust but for this book I couldn't wrap my head around the way Reed was with Katie, he was full on, she was a newbie to being a submissive and he pretty much just took over, considering the job she did and cases she worked on I would have thought him being in the same profession would been a little more gentle with her, i was cringing in parts cause I could feel the terror in Katie's when he was doing his Dom bit. Now My heart went out to dexter, not enough was mentioned about him and he was pretty much sidelined as soon as Reed appeared. Dex definitely needs his own book. But to get to the big bit you finally find out who the Mentor was and..... I'm not saying!, you have to read it, the scenes with Kathy (from the previous book) and mentor had me with a lump I'm my throat. talk about drama!! Really good gripping read, definitely worth a go and getting out of your comfort zone but would suggest starting from the beginning with saviour.
Profile Image for Christine Brady.
152 reviews10 followers
August 13, 2014
Just because reed is a dom (which apparently every fbi agent is) doesnt mean its acceptable to speak to his coworker the way he does. Theyre not in the bedroom. And katie seems way too skittish to be an agent. Give me a break!! Another thing, he says " i love you more than I've ever loved anyTHING". Ummmm, shes not a thing!! I know its all the bdsm stuff, but seeing the person you love as an object is not good in ANY type of relationship! This bugged me and made me like reed even less. I think the only reason i finished this book was to identify the mentor!
1,230 reviews14 followers
July 5, 2024
It would be laughable if I wasn’t cringing all the time.

I finished the book and i’m amazed. Terrible writing about trauma, the F.B.I and sex. Omg! The sex scenes are horrific and that’s putting it mildly.

The book starts off okay and I was enjoying it, even if I did cringe at times. Katie was orphaned at 17 when her dad was shot and killed while in duty. On duty doing what I’ve no idea whether he was a cop or an FBI agent. Her dads best friend Frank takes her under his wing and trains her to fight and shoot and she becomes an FBI agent under Frank. Straight away there’s glaring inconsistencies and weird relationships in the office. Frank is creepy with her and very controlling and she just accepts it. She hates being an agent and always wanted to be a vet so why doesn’t she? Reed says it’s because she’s a submissive err no! Just because she’s a submissive SEXUALLY, doesn’t mean that carries into her work! When she’s partnered with Reed who came from out of town to hunt a serial killer, straight away he’s ‘dominating’ her in the OFFICE!! It’s weird and so inappropriate.

As the case progresses the serial killer might as well hang a sign on his head saying it’s him, and of course no one guesses. Katie is the most inept agent ever! She didn’t know her close friend and partner was in love with her and a dom as well. Of course Reed and Katie get into a relationship and it’s weird! Katie is being hunted by the serial killer who tells her to call him master, so Reed makes her CALL HIM MASTER, to conquer her fear apparently. 😡😡

After the killer manages to get Katie briefly, he puts a blindfold over her eyes, so Reed does that as well to CONQUER HER FEARS! 🤮🤮 I’m hating this book but for some bizarre reason I kept reading it. While having sex he whips her down below and she orgasms. 😂😂😂 Yeah of course she does. He takes an*lly without any lube or preparing her and tells her it will hurt but she will enjoy it. REED SOUNDS LIKE A RAPIST AT TIMES!!!

Hated it!
Profile Image for Naomi.
770 reviews1 follower
July 31, 2022
Finalmente ho letto il tanto atteso seguito della serie Impossible di Julia Skyes.
Dopo tanto tempo avevo paura di non ricordarmi bene, e apparte un piccolissimo particolare di un indagine, per il resto mi sono ricordata tutto, e tutti i personaggi.
Finalmente in questo libro si scopre chi è il famoso Maestro/Master che rapiva e uccideva le donne.
Anche se il libro dedicato a lui mi era molto piaciuto, pur essendo il cattivo.
Quindi consiglio di leggere tutta la serie in ordine se no non si capisce niente.
È stato bello rivedere due protagonisti del mio libro preferito della serie “il cavaliere” bello.
Per tirare le somme nel complesso mi è piaciuto perché la storia è andata avanti e forse a trovato un piccolo scioglimento.
Quello che invece non mi è proprio piaciuto è stata la durata del libro, secondo me troppo corto, Reed, io protagonista maschile era più da approfondire, anche lei un po’.
E secondo me, questa brevità del libro, infatti l’ho letto in una giornata, ha portato ad una superficialità dei protagonisti che invece mi piacevano, e se raccontati un po’ di più sarebbero stati perfetti.
Detto questo la serie è stupenda, e non vedo l’ora di leggere il prossimo libro.
Profile Image for Lisa.
2,341 reviews13 followers
October 30, 2017
I struggled with this one. It didn't feel right teaching Katie to be submissive whilst there was a BDSM rapist and serial killer on the loose. I kind of understand why it happened but it didn't feel comfortable and I don't feel Reed took enough time to explain or reassure. How on earth Katie lasted as long as she has as an FBI agent and actually be pretty good at it given her predisposition is a miracle. She wants to be a vet so she can help animals - a long way from her position. The revelation of the Mentor was surprising but not and the way that it came to its conclusion was slightly bizarre. This one was not for me but I'm sure that there are plenty out there who will think this was brilliant and I completely respect those opinions.
Profile Image for D.F. Jones.
Author 23 books478 followers
May 31, 2017
Master Nails It!

Reed is brought in to work with Katie on the Mentor case. Mentor sets his sight of terror, fear, and intimidation toward Katie. The plot thickens with three possible suspects. Little notes left by Mentor let's her know that he watches her every move.

Reed (love the name) vows to protect Katie who insists she can take care of herself. As the dynamic duo gets closer to the case, so does their relationship. Major heat, and I mean steamy, Fifty Shades heat, fires up the pages.

This is the first book I've read from Julia Sykes but not the last. Her ability to weave a suspense yet passionate love story is a skill, and she nailed it!

Profile Image for Wild.
2,336 reviews2 followers
May 7, 2018
Book 6 of the series concentrates on Katie. The strong, capable FBI Agent is currently assigned to the Violent Crimes Task Force. Sickened by the sexual violence she sees all too often at work, she is determined not to become a victim herself. Her Father figure, also her boss, is determined that she will never experience anything, using his power and the office he holds to chase off any interested suitors.
Until a note arrives. Addressed to "Kathy", Kate knows it is for her. And the threat it contains is both chilling and real.
Working with her new, attractive partner, Kate's emotions are on a rollercoaster.
Can the FBI save her before she becomes the Mentor's victim?
This book picks up where the novella "Master" leaves off although you do not have to have read it to enjoy Mentor.
I was gripped all the way through this and the twists and turns of the plot made it a read I couldn't put down
Profile Image for Francesca.
528 reviews
November 30, 2025
devo dire che mi è piaciuto aveva quel mix di suspense, thriller, poliziesco e anche romance (di tipo diverso a cui sono abituata ma questa è una caratteristica dell autrice), che mi ha fatto rimanere incollata al libro. allora dopo un pò ho iniziato a pensare che il colpevole fosse qualcuno vicino a lei e in particolare qualcuno che poi ho azzeccato ma non ne ho avuto la certezza fino all ultimo. diciamo che rispetto al precedente si è ripresa alla grande. diciamo che ho capito il perché del libro/novella precedente anche se ne avrei comunque fatto a meno lo stesso. 4.5/5 stelle
Profile Image for Vanessa97.
612 reviews25 followers
August 1, 2021
Carino come libro, ma niente di che. Non sono riuscita ad entrare in contatto con i protagonisti e tutto inizia con l'insta-love. Qui però è stato scritto alla bel è meglio. Sul finale si è risollevato, anche se si capisce da subito chi è il Mentore. Peccato per la fine, l'unica volta che avrei voluto che il cattivo vincesse. E quella reunion straziante alla fine, mamma mia .... sarà da pazzi ma sognavo che il Mentore e la sua Kathy potessero vivere felici e contenti
3,5⭐
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Michele02.
147 reviews1 follower
June 5, 2024
Good thriller with BDSM elements, the book can be read as a standalone but you would lose a bit in terms of context without having read the previous two books. I appreciated the story beyond the sex scenes, and in this type of book that means a lot: I didn't particularly love the two protagonists (nor did I hate them, they're okay, I just wasn't too fond of them) but trying to discover the identity of the mentor was actually an interesting effort, it wasn't immediate and to be honest maybe it took me a little too long to figure it out. We finally have some real closure between him and his first victim, which gives even more value to the short previous book that shows us his past: like his "relationship" the meeting between the two is sweet and poetic in a sickeningly sick way, which makes it the perfect ending to his story
Profile Image for Jennifer Oloughlin.
878 reviews3 followers
February 28, 2017
The search hasn’t stopped for The Mentor. Reed and Katie have that perfect Dom/sub relationship Julia Sykes writes so well. I love that Reed was super protective over Katie. My heart hurt for Dex, and the original Kathy. The ending was fantastic. We, and some of the characters finally get the closure some of them desperately need.
69 reviews
April 14, 2020
This book was great. I figured out the mentor about 2 chapters before he was revealed. Not much abuse in this one so it was much better than Knight. Felt bad for Dex but here has his own book coming up. So I'm excited about that.
Profile Image for Gerry.
1,789 reviews
April 23, 2023
Master

Really enjoyed reading this book just as much as the previous ones. Highly recommend reading this series. What an imagination to be so talented and write such a great series.
Profile Image for Katie Pedersen.
466 reviews45 followers
August 5, 2019
I have to admit, at the end of Mentor (book 5), I actually kind of liked The Mentor. I thought he was softening because of Kathy and he grew on me, despite his flaws. But by the time I finished Master, I was kind of conflicted with how I felt. He didn't seem like the same character that was in Mentor. The plot/characters were slightly confusing for me (I struggle with audiobooks when there are too many characters), but overall it was enjoyable. Not my favorite in the series, but still worth a listen.
2,500 reviews
books-boxed-sets
April 27, 2020
In boxed set - "Impossible Series Box Set"
492 reviews
June 20, 2020
The story was ok. She fbi & fell into bed with a strange, looking for a killer. I knew who was the killer to early.
1,193 reviews5 followers
November 1, 2021
4 Stars

Definitely a strong BDMS novel.. This was darker than I thought it was going to be and quit scary as well. A little too dark for me.
Profile Image for Secretary.
409 reviews9 followers
December 11, 2023
I was super into this audiobook for about 70-80% of the way through and then just started to loose interest. I was super disappointed because up until that point I’d give this book ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️!!!!
4 reviews
February 7, 2024
Love it has many twist

Love the way it all plays out and never seen it coming that is was the father figure in her life.
900 reviews4 followers
October 30, 2024
The Mentor is revealed but the twist is unexpected. Another woman who opens up to her submissive side with a strong Dom next to her.

M/F, Mystery, Libby, BDSM, Kidnapping, Master, Dark,
245 reviews
April 30, 2025
Master

What a gripping tale of mystery and violence all tied up with the FBI. The BDSM thread runs through from start to Finish and the characters were compelling.
3 reviews
March 1, 2017
A great plot.

I chose this rating because if you read the series in order you understand the characters better. I like to figure out where the plot is going and in this particular book I enjoyed trying to figure who the mentor was along with relationships with the FBI and the woman they get involved with. Yes you can read them out of order but I prefer in order.
Profile Image for Heather.
465 reviews30 followers
June 28, 2014
The last couple of books I read from Julia were heavy heavy emotional material (that I loved). I knew this one was going to be a little lighter on the emotions going in, which was ok. I have loved ever last book by Julia Syke’s. She is one of those authors whose books I buy the second they are released (if she hasn’t already sent it to me to read, which BTW, thank you for Master!!!). Whether the book is emotionally draining or leans more to the mystery/suspense angle, I end up loving it. If you haven’t read her books you should and I recommend started with The Impossible Trilogy then moving on down the series.

In Master, Katie and Reed are after the Mentor, the one who abducts and tortures women, the one who mentored Carl from Mentor. Katie starts out with Dex as her partner but because Reed has experience with this case, he is brought in from New York to team up with her.

Katie reminded me a lot of Sharon (from Rogue) in her attitude to towards BDSM, curious, but sickened by her own curiosity because she equated what The Mentor did to women with the BDSM lifestyle. With Sharon, that drove me a little crazy in the beginning, but having read her story, I understood where Katie was coming from.

As we got into the mystery of who is The Mentor, my mind was going all over the place. I bet its him, no, I think its him, no way could it be him!!! I got to say, I never suspected who he actually was until a few pages before it was revealed.

I only flinched a couple of times during the hot scenes between Reed and Katie (in pure Julia Syke’s style, they were incredibly hot and made me a tad uncomfortable in my own skin, why do I love that?). I have to say when the word that is the title of the book was said, that was one of the moments when I flinched. I understood why it was pushed, but man, that would have been so hard to be standing there in that character’s shoes as they tried to recover mentally from something that had happened.

As always, Julia’s writing had me completely engrossed, I pushed everything on my calendar aside to read this when she sent it to me, I was flipping through the pages wanting to know who done it, wanting to see how our heroine would grow in this book, wanting to get to know these characters who I had been introduced to in previous books in the series. She brought back some of my favorite characters (like Smith and Lydia) and introduced us to new characters. This was a one sitting book for me. I read and read until I swiped over to the last page.

Master was just as amazing as the rest of the series, with characters I love, suspense, drama, and an understanding of the BDSM way of life that I have gotten from another.

Julia, you are amazing!

I cannot wait to read what comes next from you! <3

Profile Image for Jane.
556 reviews24 followers
June 26, 2014
Master (Impossible #6) by Julia Sykes

4.5 Stars

Hunting for the Mentor, FBI agent Katie Byrd finds herself being the hunted when she receives a threatening letter on her desk. Along side Dex, Reed is assigned as her new partner and protector and much to Dex’s distain the pair become rather close. Following what appear to be solid leads, the team end up on a wild goose chase and Katie’s life is put at risk when the mentor seems to have inside information and can get to her where ever she goes.

Unlike the women in previous books in this series, Katie does not suffer the physical abuse we have seen before. Her terror is more emotional as she is stalked and video’s of her in her bedroom are sent to her works computer. This made for an easier to stomach read than the violent abuse we witnessed earlier in the series.

When the Mentors identity was finally revealed I was surprised, but had from around 50% of the book narrowed the suspects down to two, so wasn’t gob-smacked with the revelation.

I finished this book in one sitting and I’m not sure if, now the Mentor has been caught, this was the end of the series, but whether it’s this series or something completely new, I can’t wait to read more from Julia.

Copy supplied for review


Profile Image for Heart5.
766 reviews
September 23, 2014
I have followed the Impossible series from the first book Monster through the latest Master. I have enjoyed not only the series, but also watching the author’s skills improve with each new release. Master follows the story of Katie Byrd a tough FBI agent and her new partner Reed Miller as they try to catch the mentor, a criminal accused of kidnapping, torturing and murdering young women. As this story picks up the mentor has made the chase personal by targeting Katie. Like the other novels in the series this story follows the developing BDSM relationship between Katie and Reed while still focusing on the crime drama aspect of the story. I felt like the ending to this story was a little rushed and there a few technical issues that I would question, but overall I really enjoyed this story. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a moderate BDSM romance with some crime drama thrown in on the side.
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