Unhidden

The Gatekeeper #1

by Dina Given

It’s not always easy to differentiate between the good guys and the bad guys, especially when your heroine is a trained killer and she may be falling in love with her evil hunter…

Emma Hayes, a former military Special Forces Operative turned mercenary-for-hire, finds her tightly controlled world turned upside down when she is attacked by horrible monsters.

Emma must use every skill in her arsenal to stay alive as she tries to solve the mystery of why she has been targeted. Her list of enemies keeps growing - from Zane Shayde, an evil Mage, to a secret branch of the US government - and she doesn't know if there is anyone left she can trust.

To complicate matters further, Emma is inexplicably drawn to Zane in a way she doesn’t quite understand, even knowing her life is forfeit if captured. Who is he and why does he have this affect on her? How can she fight a being that calls to her, body and soul?

Emma is left haunted by questions, doubts and fears as to why she has been targeted, when they will come for her next, and how she will possibly be able to survive against an enemy she doesn't understand.

Genres: Urban Fantasy, Fantasy, Magic, Paranormal, Romance, Shapeshifters, Fiction

374 pages, Paperback

First published December 29, 2014

About the author

Dina Given lives in rural New Jersey – home of farms, horses and the largest hot air balloon festival in North America – with her husband, two crazy kids, and two rescue dogs. She is an exercise enthusiast and avid lover of food and wine (hence the need to exercise). She is also a Girls on the Run coach and fundraising chair for a private school. She attributes her ability to juggle family, work and writing to her obsessive, hyper-focused, Type A personality.

Reviews

[✰ Liz ✰ · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The Battle was about to begin...."

Unhidden is the first book in The Gatekeeper Series. This book sets the questions and answers of the who, what, when, where, and why of a supernatural place with many worlds. Dina Given paints a tapestry of many different creatures vying to take power and overcome their enemies!



Emma is a strong military operative. She has a few close friends that offer her love and support. She finds solace in many men and in her home in the BIG APPLE. When a mission goes terribly wrong, Emma is injured and her life is changed forever.



She meets a man that on one hand seems to be in love with her and yet, he is continuously trying to kill her. Emma spends the majority of this book trying to figure out who she really is. Who her friends are and overcoming the deadly creatures that want to overtake her.

"I don't think you would or could. After all, you still love me. Fortunately, I don't have such emotional weaknesses and plan to kill you without any remorse whatsoever."-Zane



Unhidden is told in multiple POV. The action is intense. The characters are complex and the physical descriptions of the places, sights, and sounds are described down to the detail. The only detraction for me in this read was the lack of physical connection between Emma and Zane. I understood the need to build the suspense in their relationship and yet, I am a romance lover at heart. I would have loved for the connection between the two to have been longer and a more prominent element of the read!

"I didn't know where that was; however, for some reason, I trusted him. I would figure the rest out later."-Emma



I highly recommend Unhidden to action/Sci-Fi/PRN fans! This book has vampires, demons, elves, evil spirits, dragons, and many more mythical creatures. The author does a fantastic job drawing you in as you take off on this magical read! Just be aware the love story is definitely a background element in this read. Still, I look forward to reading more of Emma's journey of discovery, her burning connection with Zane, and her quest to find peace. Emma is one amazing heroine!

~ BR with my girl LOYDA!!!~


~ARC graciously provided via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review!~

For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:

[Lo Bookfrantic · Rating 5 out of 5]

***FREAKING AWESOME, REVIEW TO COME***



BR WITH MY GIRL LIZ...



TIME FOR SOME PARANORMAL ACTION!!



READ NOW ON NETGALLEY 9/6/15 GO GRAB THIS BABY

https://s2.netgalley.com/catalog/book...


~~~~~BLURB~~~~~

It’s not always easy to differentiate between the good guys and the bad guys, especially when your heroine is a trained killer and she may be falling in love with her evil hunter…

Emma Hayes, a former military Special Forces Operative turned mercenary-for-hire, finds her tightly controlled world turned upside down when she is attacked by horrible monsters.

Emma must use every skill in her arsenal to stay alive as she tries to solve the mystery of why she has been targeted. Her list of enemies keeps growing - from Zane Shayde, an evil Mage, to a secret branch of the US government - and she doesn't know if there is anyone left she can trust.

To complicate matters further, Emma is inexplicably drawn to Zane in a way she doesn’t quite understand, even knowing her life is forfeit if captured. Who is he and why does he have this affect on her? How can she fight a being that calls to her, body and soul?

Emma is left haunted by questions, doubts and fears as to why she has been targeted, when they will come for her next, and how she will possibly be able to survive against an enemy she doesn't understand.

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[Norah Una Sumner]

DNF at 35%.

I am truly sorry that I didn't like this one because the synopsis sounds amazing and the cover looks gorgeous. Unfortunately,I couldn't connect with the main character Emma so the story didn't capture my attention the way I thought it would. Also, the fact that she is surrounded by hot guys is just too convenient and unrealistic, at least for my taste. I guess that this book just wasn't my cup of tea.



*E-copy provided by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review via Netgalley.*

[Claudia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unhidden is the first book in a new series and also the debut from Dina Given - so I did not know what to expect but I was definitely positiv surprised.

the plot is very complex and full of action, so giving up more than the blurb said, would be a spoiler and I definitely don't want that.

from the first page on there is a lot of action and it is not getting less. when you think you have figured out something, the next twist or turn is coming and will keep you on your toes.

Emma is an interesting character and although she is not always someone likeable, I nevertheless liked her. she is tough and kick-ass, but also knows when she needs help. although she doesn't always ask for it. she does not have a lot of relationships and never lets herself fall for someone. although there are some people who can come through to her and when someone is in her inner circle, she is very loyal

the secondary characters in it are more than interesting and the world-building is more than well done. there is also a bit of a romance in it as well, which had a big emotional impact on me.

This is definitely a very strong beginning to an UF series and although the romantic aspect is light, it is heart breaking. I am so glad the second book is already out

all in all, a great book for all UF lovers

Disclaimer: an ARC was provided via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

[Gabrielle]

DNF - 15%

The same old bland, recycled characters we've seen time and time again in adult UF. Wooden dialogue. Bad pacing.

Please, no.

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

A car accident at age 16 and with no memory of her past, Emma, ex-military, is working as a mercenary for hire. After accepting a job to locate a missing child she finds herself in the jungles of Mexico where things take a strange turn.

Emma now back in New York City is the one being hunted and everything she thought she knew is called into question. Unsure of who to trust, the sexy Zane who she feels a strong yet confusing connection to, or the equally sexy Alex, she teams up with some unlikely friends to battle, save the human race and hopefully find answers to who she really is.

What happens next is a story full of non-stop action, hidden secrets, magical creatures and just a taste of romance to have you desperate for book two.

Author Dina Given did a fantastic job with her debut novel. Emma is fiercely strong, intelligent and just a lot of fun to read about. While she doesn’t take shit from anyone you can also feel that vulnerability she tries so hard to hide. I am also 100% #teamZane, he is that great combination of darkly sexy yet troubled. Finally, the secondary characters (gotta love Eddie) are so well thought out and the other-worldly creatures are described so well you can picture their uniqueness easily.

"My beautiful, crazy, uncaring, soulful, hard and loving city. It was a city of contradictions, and I supposed I was too. Born of and evil man, loved by an insane man, defined by my job as a killer, and yet, the unlikely savorer of humanity. I laughed quietly until I remembered this had only been the beginning."

There is still so much more story to tell and I can’t wait for book 2 find out what happens.

An ARC was kindly provided by the Author (aka, my sister) for an honest review.

Review posted at Love Between the Sheets
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[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a debut from Ms Given and She's definitely an Author to look out for in the future. This book was packed with action, twists and turns from the first to last page - I couldn't put it down.

I loved this book and can't wait for book 2!! Come on Dina Given - hurry up Woman write faster lol :)

[Jeanny · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF @30% boring boring boring. Shame really the synopsis looked somewhat interesting. I'm just happy it was free.
#ProjectTBR

[Lesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 to 4 stars. Review to come

[Barb Shuler · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off I would like to thank Love Between the Sheets Promotions and Dina M. Given for providing an ARC of Unhidden in return for an honest review.

***spoiler alert***

We meet Emma Hayes who at the age of 16 was in a vehicle accident that killed her parents and landed her in a coma for a year. After she woke up, she was sent into foster care. (Typical) Emma was a hard worker and that shows by how far she has come. She is a former military woman, being a part of the Army's Special Forces Delta Force Team who has turned Mercenary. (Ha! She's a bad-ass chick!!)

When we meet Mr. Darko (and yes I see that effing rabbi, Frank, from Donnie Darko every time I see the name.. LOL I blame the best friend for that.) he has his goons holding Emma by the wrists and ankles like shes a ​rag doll as he looks through a folder full of -her- information. Where he got it is unclear, just as unclear as to why he had her come to the rain forests of South America looking for his daughter when this was what he wanted? If he wanted to talk they could have done that in New York​ when he hired her to find his missing daughter. But it seems that Mr. Darko has other plans for her. One of his goons, turns to face her and its not human. Talk about a O.O moment. As Emma gets a moment to think she is able to break the hold the goons have on her and takes a position up behind Darko. Fight or flight time. ​
​
​And fight she did​. Barely making it outside where Jason -one of her team members- could take down the monster behind her with his sniper rifle. The little girl -who had been there the entire time, seems she was a rouse to Darko’s plot- had made it outside but when Emma confronted her about leaving... the little girl -monster- bit her. It was like a vipers bite. Emma had just enough time to pull the C4 trigger from her vest and blow the compound. That didn't stop Darko though. He made his way to Emma and her world went dark. When she wakes up she is in a cave… yeah like that’s not disturbing enough there is an old hag (bruja, which is Spanish for witch) who does this blood offering I guess its called by cutting her arm, bleeding her into a bowl and placing an amulet in the blood. When it fills Darko gets upset.. but before she can find out what in the name of hell they are up to her back up shows up.

As she passes out Emma clutches the amulet. It has her blood in it, its hers even if she has no idea what in the name of all that is holy is going on. A week later she meets with both Daniel and Jason to see what they saw that night. Seems they saw what she had. That means the supernatural world was now real. How could that be possible? Jason -being a gamer nerd- knew how the creatures looked and compared them to the creatures in Dungeons and Dragons and then Pokemon.. (Pikachuuuuuuuuu.. LOL sorry I squirreled.) Seems the little devil they saw is a crusher. (Makes me want to yell HULK SMASH…) Though he is kinda cuteish... in cartoon… in person yeah I’d run.. lol) This was turning out to be a memory none of them would be forgetting anytime soon. When Emma was about to leave the bar she felt a strange sensation. Someone was watching her…. finding the culprit she decided to play drunk and test him. He withdrew from her but as she left the bar she knew he would follow. But what Emma hadn’t expected was it would be someone else following her. The alley way she made her way into was not as it seems.

The man confronted her, power, anger and a mix of emotions was all she could see in his eyes. As she defended herself against him she questioned who he was.. his reply.. “There was a time when you wouldn’t have needed to ask that question. My name is Zane Shayde. I am the high commander of lord Gabriel Marduk, our protector and savior. I have been dispatched to bring you back to Urusilim, preferably alive, but dead will do just as well.” Thanks buddy that is helpful!)

Of course Emma has noooooo idea who the deranged psychopath is… but before she can do too much she notices the ‘shadows’ moved. What in the hell was she doing? As she steeled herself to fight the man from the bar showed up and greeted her new friend. A fight started and Emma was attacked by the shadows. Nasty little buggers. Alex, the man from the bar picked her bleeding, numb body from the ground after the fight was over and took her home. The next day when she woke up she was marginally better. Stiff, sore but nothing a hot shower wouldn’t help. As she made her way out of her apartment she had one destination in mind. The shop Jason had told her about last night. The one to have the amulet looked at.

Emma never expected to find what she had when she entered the small store. Not only was Lilly, the shops owner talkative but she maybe able to really help her with the amulet. According to Lilly the lettering on the amulet was old, ancient even. It was the represent of the God-Stone. Seems it was around since the dawn of time. What else would she find if she looked deeper? After leaving the shop that feeling took her over again. She was being watched. When she found her watcher she sat a trap. When she entered the train station she flipped the stakes on him and hunter became the hunter. Emma got him at gunpoint and took him into the service elevator but… she forgot she wasn't just dealing with things from the human world. He started to shift before her eyes. His big furry body was one hell of a weapon but her Sig was good too. Not working out like he wanted he shifted again. But again, Emma beat his ass. (laughs hard)

When he -the shifter- woke up he was in an old train car, Emma’s Sig focused on him. Just when she thought she was getting the best of him -since she had finally made it clear she was in charge of this situation- things went wiry. As soon as the shifter went to tell her who she was… he was killed. Emma had no clue they were not alone. In the back of the car sat Alex, a sternness about him. He had just saved her from being killed by the shifter who had her knife in his hand at a second glance she couldn't believe it. He had turned the tables on her? Emma didn’t want to believe that but what could she do? Nothing. Alex calls her Ash and speaks to her as if she should know what was going on around her though she has no clue.

As Alex talks he gives away little bits of information to her. She has been using magic this whole time. To help with her natural abilities (ie:; eyesight, hearing , agility...etc) but the confusion she feels is only topped when Alex reveals her given name is Ashnan and she is from Urusilim. Another world all its own. Shock hits her. But she denies it. She had parents, siblings, she had a life here. How can she be from some other world? SHe has to find answers and she knows just the person to go to. An army ally and a friend, Benjamin.

Emma and Jason go to Benjamin’s home on Long Island and they talk. Ben is hiding something from her but he warns her. there are people involved in this that will kill her or anyone. They are that powerful. So of course she is more confused when she leaves his place. At the drive while they wait for a cab a limo pulls up and Jason along with Emma are asked politely at gunpoint to get in. “Mr. Smith’s” boss would like to see them. Back in Manhattan they meet with Nathan Anshar. Billionaire, mogul and avid collector. But what in the name f hell does he want with Emma? Seems Emma can help him if she is up for it. A weapon of his wet missing 10 years ago. He knows where it is and sends her after it. Its a sword, forged by the Gods and he will teach Emma to use it if she will retrieve it.

Before they can talk more than to get her to agree Black Ops men show up. Emma and Jason are able to escape them down a secret staircase in Nathan;s office but that doesn’t last long. The military men follow them to the downstairs car garage when Lilly and Alex show up to help them escape. For now. Needless to say things are not as they seem. The military is now after Emma, Zane is after Emma and the fate of the two worlds is dropped on her back. What does she chose to do? Who can she really trust? Emma learns of her relationship with Zane, why he fights her now. Why Alex seems to hate her and what really happened to her ten years ago.

Can she handle it all and keep herself sane enough to do what she knows she needs to do? Will Zane be the end of her? Will the two worlds collide in an epic battle or will one fall to the malicious intent of the other? So many questions. so much emotion and it all revolves around Emma.

This is all I can give you because really I don’t want to spoil the rest. Hopefully I didn’t spoil any of it. It is a page turner from page one. The story goes from a O.O moment to O.O moment and the pages just fly. The story is awesome; on a high level of awesome I might add. I am so ready and excited for book 2. The emotions are just… gah! I am not even sure. When I finished I was like Nooooo I need more. (laughs hard) That right there is a good thing. Very good. Trust me this book has a lot of awesome and if you like paranormal in any way you will LOVE this one!!

[Tawallah · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have two disclaimers. I received this free in exchange for an honest opinion from NetGalley. And secondly I am not a fan of urban fantasy. The synopsis and cover fascinated me to give this a try. And unfortunately urban fantasy does not interest me.

The first 10% of this book was intriguing but then it faltered. The setup of an employer who misleads a mercenary for hire, Emma Haynes , led to the introduction of otherworldly beings and an amulet. But hereafter, it became cliche and fast paced. There was little world building and the characters behaved inconsistently given the initial framework.

This may be better suited for those who want a quick urban fantasy adventure and don't mind the tropes.

[Toni FGMAMTC · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would categorize Unhidden as adult urban fantasy with a helping of sci-fi, a little paranormal, a hint of mythical and some dark fantasy mixed in. The author mentions or hints at certain aspects of several Comic Con hits and geeky fan favorites which should give you an idea of the what to expect from the storyline. The following are some that I remember: Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, Halo, The X-Files, Pokémon, Star Wars, Conan the Barbarian, James Bond, Superman, Men in Black, Ghostbusters, Awakenings, The Matrix, Dungeons & Dragons, True Blood, Star Trek, The Walking Dead, Indiana Jones, World of Warcraft and Stargate.

The main character is Emma, a very tough chick. She grew up in an abusive foster home after loosing her family. When she was old enough, she joined the military and was eventually accepted into the Army Special Forces' Delta Force. Later she left to become a hired mercenary. She knows how to handle her weapons, is skill in martial arts and responsible for many kills. With all of this you would expect her character to come off as uncaring and cocky, any maybe perhaps a bit too badass to be realistic, but she isn't any of these. She is the leader of a three people team—her younger foster brother (a world class hacker) who she saved from further pain at the hands of their foster father and an ex soldier from her Army days (a sexy playboy) who met her the first day and will now follow her anywhere. She loves these people immensely, and she knows her limits. Although she does love them, she has a hard time letting anyone be there for her.

The plot just does not stop in this book, total action cover to cover. It was very hard for me to find a spot to leave off in order to get things done around the house or go to bed. Something important and interesting is always happening.

"In the past week, I have been set up; almost killed in some sort of voodoo ritual; attacked by ghouls, Pokémon, and shadow demons, not to mention your psycho buddy; tailed by a shape shifter you murdered right in front of me; and then you—a complete stranger, by the way—threaten me about lying when no one has yet to tell me the truth!"

The US government is running Blacks Ops missions. Different creatures are popping up like elves, a chimera, shape shifters, manticores, gargoyles and dragons, all from another world and even government made monsters from secret labs. The Mage Council is also representing with their magic.

He appeared to be talented and capable; however, I didn't think he was at the Gandolf or Dumberdore level, given his youth and periodic erratic outbursts, especially with me.

There's lots of planning and gearing up on side for an approaching war. The reader only learns as Emma does so you have to try to figure out what to do, who to align with, etc. Who is more powerful? Who is good? Who is bad?

"All of the greatest moments in history occurred when the little guy overcame all odds: David and Goliath, the Spartans and the Persians, the American Colonies and the British, Rocky and Apollo Creed."

During the battles, everything is all out. Intent to kill is high, and mercy is low.

I took the first few creatures by surprise and was able to slice off heads and limbs without much of a fight. Blood and brains flew through the night air, splattering my face as I pushed through the throng.

It was impossible not to get an adrenaline rush while reading this book. I will definitely pick up book 2.

4.5 star blasts

***Copy given in exchange for an honest review***

toni

FangirlMoments and My Two Cents

FULL REVIEW CAN BE FOUND AT http://fangirlmomentsandmytwocents.bl...

[Agnieszka · Rating 2 out of 5]

*Received a copy of this through netgalley*

Ugh. Okay. This was a quick read, and that’s not a good thing, because I was skipping through a shit load of descriptions of people and interiors it just made things annoying. Also, As much as i love action, there was just too much of it here, and no where near enough development in character or story line. I was so frustrated 57% through when I kept hearing “You’re special” directed at Emma. Especially whenever she asked why, no one would give her an answer. They would just be all. “It’s classified”, or “Not my place to say”. After a whale it got so old. A lot of mystery and very little answers.

The characters were so yawn worthy too, It was ridiculous. For one, there were no where near enough female characters. There were 3 or four that I can recall at the top of my head, while everyone else was male, and “looked like he could have been a god in a passed life.” Next to no diversity, and everyone's personalities were so 2 dimensional, It was like I was looking at a 5 year old’s drawing of a boy or a girl. No personality, just one signifying feature that made them into the heteronormative ideal of boy/girl.

Emma was a nightmare, honestly. She was naive and incredibly stupid. Diving into a world and a war that she knows next to nothing about, and everyone somehow follows her? Like? Why? Each action scene was the same with her, she would run the show being all “badass” but inevitably her stupidity would make things go south.

As for everyone else.. Ugh, there is Alex, the at the start mean character wanting revenging only to find out he’s “kinda cool” but with no real personality or history OR development. Zane, the “evil” but “under a spell evil” who apparently is the love of Emma’s, spends half the time trying to kill her, the other half making love to her. I got a headache. Then there was Jason, who was another godly like figure, human and inevitably in love with Emma (obvs, who wouldn’t be apparently.) Who has no real independent thought, apart from his love for Emma. Like, give me something other than romance! He has got to have something going for him excluding his love for her. Daniel, the technical geek who is still good looking, we don’t get anything from him, he says a few lines in the book, while Emma basically keeps thinking about him and loves him, yet I don’t know anything about him. There was no where near enough info him, or his thoughts and feelings. These characters were all so underdeveloped I couldn’t even invest myself to what happened to them. If one got hurt, I just shrugged. I’ve said this multiple times, if your characters can’t make me believe in their “realness’ or authenticity, I won’t enjoy a book. I need characters with, well, character. I didn’t get that in this.

The plot was also very straight forward, all leading up to a battle with a few bumps on the way, which weren’t even bumps because they got resolved rather quickly. It was rather predictable in setting, considering the main characters naivety so I saw where the story was going to go from a mile away. It would have been nice to see something unexpected happen, but even the ‘reveal’ at the end was so predictable I groaned. Out loud.

One thing I did like in this, was the detail of the ‘monsters’, the creepiness intrigued me of the shapeshifters and the chimera’s and all of them creatures. I felt like these creatures had more personality than the main characters actually specifically looking at Eddie.

The writing was also average, I found a few words in there that weren’t actually words, and a bit more editing would have made the story better, at least in terms of writing.

Overall, I didn’t enjoy this book personally, I thought there was too much mystery involving the main character, and not enough answers or development with Emma or everyone else. The story was predictable to me, and there wasn’t enough diversity in the characters. GIVE ME MORE FEMALE CHARACTERS. (and don’t make them paper cut outs. please.)

[Emmeline (The Book Herald) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I receive this ARC from Team D Enterprises, LLC via NG in return for an honest review

"Do you think this is a James Bond movie, Miss Hayes? Should I go off on a lengthy soliloquy, revealing my dastardly plans, buying you precious time until you are able to free yourself or until the cavalry arrives?"

This book was really good!

Emma Hayes is one tough gal,
She finds people who were taken, she has her gun, her two sidekicks and a mean temper that will cower most men.
That is until a job takes a turn into the weird, into the supernatural, into the impossible.
Emma gets more than she bargains for.
Now thrown into a world where mythological beings are real and a threat to national soil.
Where a man who knows her intimately wants to kill her but she has no recollection of him.
Everything she knew is about to change, everything she knew will be unraveled, everything she knew...will be destroyed.
The gate of Urusilim will be opened and hell unleashed.

This books was soooooo entertaining!!!!

This is the first time I've read anything from Dina Given, and honestly, it probably won't be the last! This author knows how to write, knows how to engage her audience and deliver a thoroughly entertaining story!!

This book will be suitable for New Adults and Adults!

When we encountered Emma at first, I wasn't sure if i'd like her. She's not the kind of gal i really like as a character but then as the book progresses she changes and grows. Especially when she comes into her own and finds out all the secrets that are tied to her.

I especially liked how impossible this romance is! I know that sounds crazy, if not a little weird but it's sooo intense!

Zane Shayde is High Commander of Lord Gabriel Marduk and in Emma's words:

"Tall-dark-and-handsomely-insane"

Their first meeting is a strange one, he doesn't know whether to kill her or kiss her.

I'm not going to give spoilers but it is an impossible love story and I hope in someway it can be fixed!

The suspense in this book is real! wow, if you want a book that keeps you on the edge of your seat, this one fits the bill for sure!

The characters in this story were really fleshed out and poignant too.

Also, that plot twist towards the end! I did not see that coming!

Looking forward to the follow up!

Stay awesome my lovelies!

-The Book Herald

Tweet me @thebookherald

[Lynsey is Reading · Rating 3 out of 5]

Emma Hayes, ex military, ex foster kid, current mercenary for hire is introduced to a world of evil monsters and government conspiracy in this debut from Dina M. Given.

I found main character Emma a bit of a cold fish. One of those tough as nails female UF characters that are so serious and so independent to the point of seeming emotionally stunted that it's actually quite hard to connect to them as a reader. She doesn't have many friends, only has one-night-stands, etc. So although I respected her abundant badassness in the action scenes, I felt a little detached from her personality-wise.

Overall the story and world building were enjoyable and interesting, and parts of it I'd say were a solid 4 stars, but very occasionally parts drew me out of the story. The way the little rag-tag group came together, for example, seemed a little disingenuous and unnatural. Particularly, as I said, as Emma isn't a very friendly person. I didn't believe she'd trust these people or let them tag along after such a short amount of time and neither did feel any connection between Emma and her love interest.

3 Stars ★★★ A copy of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Sue Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unhidden By Dina M Given is a mystery and thriller and sci-fi and fantasy read.

It’s not always easy to differentiate between the good guys and the bad guys, especially when your heroine is a trained killer and she may be falling in love with her evil hunter…

Emma Hayes, a former military Special Forces Operative turned mercenary-for-hire, finds her tightly controlled world turned upside down when she is attacked by horrible monsters. 

This was a fantastic read. Gripped from start to finish with brilliant characters. Stayed up late just to finish it Highly recommended. 5* from me. thanks to netgalley for the arc.

[Tiffany Riach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unhidden is a great read with a little bit of everything from action to romance and plenty of paranormal creatures and twists. I love a kick ass main character and Emma definitely fills that role. This is a great beginning to a new series and I look forward to reading the next book and more from Dina Given.

[Emily Maynard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unhidden by Dina M. Given

Four stars


I would like to thank Love Between the Sheets Promotions and Dina M. Given for providing an ARC of Unhidden in return for an honest review.


Emma Hayes has had an interesting life. Despite having no memories due to an accident and a year long coma, she has filled the ten years since with more action than most people see in their whole lives. She is a former member of the Army’s Delta Force, and at the beginning of this novel, is a mercenary. This novel starts off with a bang - literally. Emma discovers that the South American mansion she is breaking into to rescue a kidnapped little girl belongs to none other than the girl’s “father” and her employer, Vincent Darko.


(Everytime I read “Darko” I saw the rabbit from the movie.)


Anyway, Darko (Bwahahaha) hired her not to find his child - but to get his hands on Emma. He has plans for her that include her blood and a ritual sacrifice. Emma is beyond shocked when Darko’s henchmen attack her, and she realizes that they are NOT human. She barely escapes the house only to be bitten by the same “child” that she thought she was rescuing. Paralyzed, she watches her pursuer walk out of a raging fire without even getting singed. When she wakes, she is tied down in a cave, face to face with Darko and a very old woman with a very sharp knife. Her team rescues her, but not before she is nearly bled out. She gets her hands on the amulet that the old woman bathed in her blood, and takes it with her. After all, she thinks, it has her blood now, it sort of belongs to her.


See what I mean about starting with a bang? The craziness is just getting started in this novel. Back home in New York Emma is trying to get her head back on straight, not sure how to deal with the things that she saw in South America. She meets with her teammates Jason and Daniel, who saw (and shot at, in Jason’s case) the same creatures. They have no explanation for it either, but Daniel, her tech guy, and also her foster brother, mentions that the creature he saw resembles a Nidoking, a reptilian Pokemon.


(Yes, I had to look that up. I missed Pokemon by a few years. They’re cute - I guess less so when they are trying to kill you, though.)


They speak about the amulet as well, (which she is wearing constantly) and Daniel tells her of a shop where she may be able to get someone to translate the writing on it. After the meeting with Jason and Daniel she notices she has a watcher. She and her team had met in a bar, so she takes the initiative and flirts with him, acting like she is more tipsy than she actually is. He doesn’t respond the way that she thinks he should, but when she leaves the bar she is sure that he will follow her. She thinks that he is another one of Darko’s people, sent to either kill her or kidnap her, since Darko never finished what he started with her. She leaves the bar, purposefully walking in a dangerous part of town. Someone has followed her all right, but not who she was expecting. Instead she is faced with a tall man with long dark hair, who seems familiar to her, but she can’t place him. The first thing he does is to ask her if she knows him.


When she says that she doesn’t this seems to sadden him for just a brief moment, like he expected her to know him. Then he totally flips his attitude. He has control of these shadow creatures, and orders them to capture her. She fights back, gets the advantage over him, and demands answers. He says this, which makes no sense whatsoever to her:


“There was a time when you wouldn’t have needed to ask that question. My name is Zane Shayde. I am the high commander of Lord Gabriel Marduk, our protector and savior. I have been dispatched to bring you back to Urusilim, preferably alive, but dead will do just as well.”


The fight is on. He calls her a traitor, and she objects, saying she has never betrayed her country. He fires back, saying he’s not talking about her missions and service in this world but in his. (I’m thinking that something must have happened that year she was in a coma, maybe?) She still doesn’t know what the hell he’s on about, and he’s acting quite bipolar. One minute he’s telling her that he missed her and is grinding up on her and the next he’s calling her a harlot and the destroyer of worlds and trying to kill her. Even though her brain is screaming at her that this is just not right, her body reacts to him like it knows him, even if her mind doesn’t. This guy seriously needs his meds. The guy she was trying to get to follow her, Alex, shows up right on time, and is apparently familiar with Mr Mental Health 2014. Alex works for some kind of council, and says he wants to protect her. Zane, not so much. She gets her hands on Zane’s sword. Fighting begins between Alex and Zane, and between her and the shadow creatures. She’s getting her ass kicked by them, because every time they land a hit on her she doesn’t just get cut up and bleed, it feels like it’s freezing. The amulet starts to glow. When she takes it out, the demons scream and disappear. She manages to shoot Zane in the shoulder before passing out.


She wakes up the next day in her apartment, with Alex nowhere to be found. Following her only lead, Emma goes to the shop that Daniel told her about to ask about the amulet. There she Lilly Alfreda, who owns the shop. She’s bubbly to the point of pain, (I like her) but when Emma shows her the amulet she knows what it is. Lilly reveals that she is an elf, pointy ears and all, and tells Emma that the amulet is a god-stone, and that it appears in a creation myth of her people. She references Urusilim, the same place that Zane was babbling about, says that the creatures she saw were called Monere. She tells her the story of the amulet, that it was made to separate the realities of the human world and Urusilim, the world of fae and elves, demons, angels, trolls and everything supernatural. Lilly takes a picture of the amulet, saying that she can’t read the writing, but she will show it to her grandmother, who might be able to decipher it.


By now Emma is wondering if the whole world has gone crazy. She’s fought with more than a couple of creatures that not that long ago she wouldn’t have believed existed. She just met an elf. Zane can’t decide if he wants to kiss her or kill her. She’s drawn to him, even though she thinks he’s insane. Alex says he wants to help her, but can she trust him? Just who the hell are all these people? She wonders just who the hell she is, just for good measure. Is she just as nuts as Zane? On her way back from the shop, she notices she is being followed. She lures the guy to Grand Central Station and manages to get the drop on him, thinking that she will get him alone and get some answers. Just her luck, he turns out to be a shifter, and she barely manages to incapacitate him. The guy says he was hired by Gabriel Marduk, the same guy Zane works for. She tries to ask him about Marduk, but Eddie (the shifter) catches on that she can’t remember anything that he thinks that she should know.


He doesn’t know why Marduk wants her, he was just supposed to find out what and with whom was she was working, and if she was using magic. He also tells her more about Zane when she asks, saying that he was a mage, and also crazy. (yeah, figured that one out earlier….) He tells her that he doesn’t know why Marduk wants her, but he either wants her on his side in some sort of battle or disagreement, or he wants her dead, so that she can’t help the other side. Eddie is about to tell her something about who she is (his words) when Alex, who was apparently also following Emma and is much better at hiding, shoots Eddie in the neck, killing him. She shoots Alex back, and he deflects it with what she calls a staff, which acts sort of like a more beefed up looking version of a magic wand. (**expelliarmus!!**bwhahahha) He very calmly tells her that Eddie was going to kill her. He calls her Ash, which gives her a shock. Now she finally get some more information.


Alex tells her that he’s a mage as well, (cause mage sounds soooo much cooler than wizard, right? **snort**) and was able to hide himself from her to follow her. He says she is using magic to enhance her natural abilities without even knowing it. He tells her that her real name is Ashnan, and that she is actually from Urusilim. She says no, she had parents, even if she can’t remember any of her childhood. This makes her question herself and stop and think. What if she really was from there? She doesn’t have anything to go on other than what she’s been told by other people. Her whole world is suddenly turned on its side. Who can she trust? She visits Ben, an old friend from the military. Ben’s speciality is procurement and financial wizardry - he is also the only person that she trusts that knows the details of her “accident” and early life. He tells her some things that confirm what Alex and Zane have been saying, and only serve to make her more confused. She was found in the desert, and yes, she was out of it for a year, but when she did come to she was speaking nonsense about other dimensions and such. Ben was instrumental in having her placed in foster care, with the government continuing to watch her for any signs of her memory returning.

There is a massive government conspiracy and cover up. Emma finds out more about herself and Zane and how they are connected. (It’s closer than you think.) Our dimension isn’t the only world with struggle and intrigue; Urusilim has just as many different groups all vying for control. When an ancient weapon is the only thing that stands between Urusilim and the human world colliding, Emma has to make some sacrifices for the greater good. Believe it or not, at this point, this novel is just getting started. There is so much here, that I hesitate to reveal any more its secrets. This author has created a world so wide and varied that I can’t help but hope that this series goes on for a long, long time.

[Lilivette · Rating 2 out of 5]

*First of all, I’d like to thank the Publisher on Netgalley for giving me a chance to read this in exchange of an honest review.*

For me, what came to life through this book felt like a mess and I'm not happy about it. It brought one hell of a lot of questions and just not enough answers about our own main character Emma and this other world called Urusilim: a land full of paranormal creatures and magic that we barely learn anything about. Even though this was a fast read, I didn’t really enjoy it because this story was confusing, irritating and annoying, and because I couldn’t connect with our main character Emma. Why? Because this felt like the usual adult urban fantasy where the main character is a hot and badass female surrounded by hot men who are in love with her, find her hot, etc. And also, because this is another one of those stories where the main character is powerful but she doesn't know it because she mysteriously lost her memories. And that's honestly not my cup of coffee anymore! 

The author’s writing was okay. Not good, not bad, just fair enough to be read through fast. The setting for this story was mainly Manhattan, but there was nothing wow or fun about how we got to explore this setting or the things that happen in it. The characters that we get to meet through this story and spend some time with were just as “meh” as the story itself; they weren’t memorable at all! They were mostly irritating. First, we have our wonderful and hot and badass and intelligent main character called Emma who was anything but what I just mentioned. She’s your typical paranormal/romance main character that’s hot and close to everyone and has every guy checking her out and on top of her. Then, we have Daniel, who was like a younger brother to our main character and was probably the only character I enjoyed until our dear main character forgot about him in the worse moment. Then we have Alex, Zane and Jason, who were basically the same person for me because the three of them were hot and wanted to be close to our little main character for different reasons like: one wanted to protect her, the other one wanted to take her away to the bad guy and the other one just wanted to have a relationship with her and yadi-yada. And then we have Lilly Alfreda, her family of elves and the mage council who tried to help on keeping the bad guy called Marduk away from earth but failed. I won’t say much about them because besides being annoying, they were very confusing and not deep enough for me to care about them, what they represented or what happened to them.

In the end, Unhidden by Dina Given was worse than I imagined. I went in hoping for a dark, steamy and badass read and instead of that, I found a story more confusing than I thought possible. In other words, I didn't enjoy this at all and sorry, but I don't really recommend this at all. But who knows? Maybe you could enjoy it!

[Lulu [at] Reckless Reading · Rating 3 out of 5]

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3 and a half stars!

I picked this book up simply because I want to read something fun with a kick ass female protagonist and with a cover just screams fun girl power, how could I go wrong? Unhidden by Dina M Given was everything I wanted it to be! It was a very fun, light, fast-paced read that included surprise!sex.

The book starts right in the middle of some action. Emma is a gun-for-hire in the middle of a deal gone wrong. How it all went wrong, and more importantly, why, is something she is anxious to find out, especially as she finds herself at the centre of a hotbed of attention, and not the good kind. After almost being killed four times, by inhuman creatures she doesn’t recognize, she realises she needs to find out what is going on if she’s to survive.

Surprisingly, Emma and her cohorts Daniel and Jason, don’t seem too bothered by the realisation that there are mutants, or ghouls, or shifters, or however you want to call them. It’s actually refreshing to see characters that are just like hey, I don’t care what you are, but if you try to kill me, I will try to kill you, instead of standing still in shock thinking they’re losing their minds.

Speaking of cohorts, I like Jason but not with Emma. Maybe with red haired elf Lilly, who is smitten over the tall, muscular Texan, but not with Emma who has already explained to Jason theirs was a passing thing. Daniel, I am suspicious. Emma loves him like a brother, having grown up in foster care with him, but I’m pretty sure he’s a double agent. It’s too convenient and an easy way for one of the many enemies Emma has to get her vulnerable. Unhidden does have a sequel, so maybe my suspicions will come to fruition there.

Then there’s Alex and Zane and the surprise!sex I mentioned earlier! Normally, I don’t care for books that stray away from the main story to give me a romance. I want action, I want plot, I want strong female characters that don’t need no man. But with Unhidden, I was TOTALLY ON BOARD with romance! Emma remained fierce and determined, focused on the problem at hand, even with romance introduced! I really, really like Emma and Zane and I want him to be saved because my heart at what happened with Emma and Zane before her amnesia. BUT, I also really like the idea of Alex and Emma! Will this blossom into a juicy love triangle as the series continues?? I HOPE SO!

In all, Unhidden by Dina M Given is a great, fun read. It’s light, it’s easy, and it’s entertaining, and sometimes, that’s just what you need!

// I received this title for free in exchange for an honest review //

[Aldii - perfectioninbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received a copy of this book through Netgalley*

I finally read this and I have to say that I'm asking myself 'why did I not read it sooner?'

The Writing:
I have to say that I enjoyed the writing, this was a fast paced book that got me interested all time. We read from Emma's POV all time, I enjoyed that but now that I know the other characters I want to read from other character perspective (Zane) and that would be so interesting.

The Story:
When I asked for this copy I read the blurb and found it interesting, because I requested it. Though I think that has been a year ago. I didn't remember what this was about and I didn't read the blurb before reading it.
Maybe because of that this story surpirsed me.
The world the book presents is quite big, with these I mean that we have a lot of creatures in it, and worlds/universes too. I liked that, that everyone was different and that we knew different things about the species.
This book is a lot about learning truths, facing the past and learning about yourself, not in a lyrical way, it about finding who you are, your life.
We find Emma, an asassin who was in coma and before that she knows nothing, she has no family, just two friends and her job. When one of her jobs goes wrong everything starts to change, we meet new characters, we find the creatures and magic.
I enjoyed the story, didn't have any trouble with it, as I said I enjoyed the creatures, I enjoyed the action and the romance.
This has a kind of impossible-that-I-really-hope-is-possible love and I enjoyed to read it so much because I wanted it to happen but its so difficult! It's not a main thing in the plot but it's important.
Action from the beginning to the end.

The Characters:
Emma: I really liked her. She was a great fighter, she didn't play with the people around her and she is loyal to the bone. She wasn't also the main character who just thinks of herself or just can't see a bigger situation than her own mind. She thought of others, of what would happen, of consequences. And I enjoyed that!
Zane: You have me so intrigued. Omg. I just need to know more, to read more about him. My baby ♥
Alex: I really like him. He can be such a great bff and I hope he becomes that.
There are a lot of characters, some I doubt we can trust, some good guys, bad guys and those we can't trust.

Overall, I really enjoyed this urban-fantasy, I really recommend it if you like that genre. Lots of action, creatures, strategy, badass main character, and an impossible/difficult love.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of Unhidden by Dina Given
5 stars

This book is an adrenaline rush, a mind f*&% and a safe escape all rolled into one. I couldn’t put it down and I can’t wait to continue the adventure when book 2 comes out.

Emma is a trained killer. She has learned to do her job and keep her emotions separate. She is smart and she is lethal and she’s not one to get scared easily. She hasn’t had an easy life. At least from as far back as she can remember which is only 10 years, before that it’s blank after a car accident left her with no memory of her life prior.
Waking up on the floor of a potential client’s home with her wits scattered and her defenses weakened, Emma is confused but ever clear minded that she needs to get out of the situation. However, she is about to be faced with impossible odds by impossible beings. She fights like hell against creatures she isn’t even sure she is seeing correctly but in the end is bested when she underestimates the creatures she encounters.

Emma is able to finally escape with the help of her team, Daniel and Jason, and after a long period of recuperation is back in New York with them both. Each plays an important role in her life and they are the closest thing to family she has, even if Jason would like to be more. As she tries to piece together what she saw, what she did, and what it all means, she discovers that the fantastical world she wasn’t sure existed is just as interested in her, and that isn’t always a good thing.

Dodging new creatures daily and learning more and more about her past, she tries to figure out which side she should be on while trying to find her true self in the process. She is tested beyond measure. Can she figure out the past in time to save the present? Will she be able to land on the side of good and defeat evil or when her worlds collide will they leave nothing but destruction in their wake?

Unhidden was a wild ride for sure but one I’m so glad I took. This isn’t the “typical” type of book I go for but sometimes something different is exactly what you need and in this case it was a perfect fit. I would recommend this book to anyone because it truly has something for everyone. Guns, car chases, hot sex, mystery, mystical beings, government plots and conspiracies, hell even Men in Black references. C’mon, what more could you ask for? Dina Given hit a home run with her debut novel, don’t miss out on Unhidden.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5*s
Review posted here - http://bookpassionforlife.blogspot.co...
Unhidden is the first book in 'The Gatekeeper' series and it was fab!
I'm not going to rehash the synopsis because it outlines the book really well and is sure to draw you in anyway.
I will start by saying that this book came across as very serious and mature – so, very much aimed at the adult reader and I thought that added to its appeal. Emma was a heroine that was more than capable of looking out for herself and fighting her own battles, she is military trained and hires herself out for missions – so men aren't needed to be her knight in shining armour in this book. She has no shortage of admirers but none that have stirred anything substantial in her until she meets Zane; the problem is....Zane is an evil mage that is sent to hunt and retrieve Emma for his master. I love the enemies to lovers kind of romance and that is sort of what we get but it has a couple of twists along the way and it also isn't the main focus of the book. Their connection – when revealed-
is really interesting and I'm really curious to see how it will play out.
The storyline could be classed as a gritty urban fantasy – what you don't know is that Emma has missing memories following the death of her parents and most of the purpose of the storyline is to introduce Emma to her true self, enlighten her on her missing memories, and a few other secrets that you will only find out if you read it. There is no shortage of action with Emma being chased by Mages, the Government, evil creatures etc. so there will be fighting and action galore! There is a lot of mystery which not only revolves around Emma but also her new acquaintances – and they really piqued my curiosity. A lot of the story also happens directly because of what Emma discovers so it is hard to not spoil it...just know that it is a great book with an intriguing premise, the characters are ones you can really get behind and you really want to know all about them – even the secondary characters, there is lots to discover, it's filled with danger and excitement and it's only just the beginning.... I can't wait for more!

[Mary Tatar · Rating 5 out of 5]

You better buckle up and hold on tight! Dina Given's debut novel will take you on one wild ride. Through the dangerous jungles of Mexico and the mean streets of New York City there is no shortage of adventure or mystery in Unhidden.


We meet Emma in the very beginning of the book. She is in a highly dangerous job, where she was hired to rescue a little girl. When she locates the said girl is when things go from normal to a giant conundrum. While we learn that Emma was involved in a car accident when she was sixteen where she lost all her memories. She quickly starts to question her reality and if everything, she ever believed has been a lie. Soon Emma is thrust into a quest to get to the bottom of this mystery of her life. She is chased, attacked, and nursed back to health by the most unlikely of allies. It's up to Emma to decide who and what is the actual threat, and how she will survive it all.


Emma was a strong, resourceful, and wanted woman. Honestly, I don't think there is anything she can't handle. I was so connected to her character. I could see myself standing beside her against evil. She surrounded herself with some great people. I loved her tenacity and intuition. The story was a non-stop thrill ride that I didn't want to end. Do you hear that? Yes, that's my heart beating out of my chest until the very end.


There are plenty of characters in this book to fall for. For me, it was Alex. He was a swift protector, and his callous demeanor made me want to know more of the story. I can't mention Alex and not Zane, he was certainly one for the other characters I was drawn to. These three surely get you in the mood for adventure.


Unhidden had danger, suspense, mystery, and a great mystic factor. I loved being immersed in this whole new world. I look forward to more of the story. This is a must-read for any danger enthusiast. It kept me on my toes from the beginning to end.

[Shelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unhidden, book one in The Gatekeepers Chronicles, by Dina Given is an adult urban fantasy novel. It has everything a fan of the genre would love, action, adventure, mystery, suspense…and has some Sci-fi and PNR thrown in for good measure. The story is very intriguing, and will hook you in from the very beginning. Even with the supernatural element, you will feel as you can connect with the characters, and like you are right there with them engrossed in the action!

This is Dina’s debut novel, and she hit a grand slam in my opinion!! Reading and listening to this story you would never guess that it was her first book ever! Dina has an incredible way with words, and the world that she created is quite genius! I love how she built not just the characters in the story, but she built their whole world. As a romance fan, I am always looking for the love connection, and you will definitely find that with Emma and Zane. Oh, lets chat about Zane for s sec. I love those sexy, dark, broody, troubled, strong male types, and Zane is that and more!!

I had to the chance to not only read this incredible book, but also listen to the audiobook. The narrator, Cate Strey, did a fantastic job on Unhidden. For me to enjoy an audiobook, I have to have certain elements. One being, the narrators tone. I can’t stand monotone! Cate read this story with many different voice elements, and I loved that! You could feel the feelings and emotions right thru her voice. The second, is was I engaged, and intrigued. I can give a big 10-4 on that one. Once I hit play, I never pressed pause once. I really must thank Dina and Cate for making a day full of chores and laundry one where I didn’t want to pull my hair out!

In either form, Unhidden by Dina Given is a book you will want to read/listen to! I can’t wait for more from this amazing author!!

[Kristin Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a nonstop adventure, with page turning danger and mystery.
There is a lot of mystery behind who Emma is, what her purpose is, and why she was “hidden.” Her character is very strong, a warrior through and through. She’s a protector, looking out for her closest friends, which aren’t many because she doesn’t trust easily. She is constantly fighting the darkness she feels inside her, and tries to protect the world from forces unknown to her until her world turns upside down. She’s been told one thing for most of her life, to find that everything was a lie.
Characters are introduced to Emma. Alex, who has sworn to protect her, though he would rather kill her for things she can’t remember doing. Zane, who has been sent out to take or kill her, whatever he has to do, though he battles his insane mind in doing so. Beneath the insanity, something else lives. It’s so sad and tragic. 
There are people from her past; those she knows, who try to protect her, and those she doesn’t know, who all want something from her. Then there is the mysterious Nathan, who offers his help, but to what gain? Who is he and what does he want in return? I’m really intrigued with his character.
Givens introduces a world full of all monsters and creatures of the imagination. You don’t know what is going to be thrown at Emma next, and you don’t know which direction she’s going to turn or be turned towards. The chapters end in such a way that you couldn’t stop there, you had to start the next chapter to see what happens next. It was overall thrilling!

[Nikki Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

It takes a lot to shock someone like Emma Hayes, but one mission shocks her to the core. All in a moment, life as she has known it is thrown upside down. Her past only brings more questions about her future, and no one is willing to tell her the whole story. Emma has to choose who to trust and who to fight against with half truths and intuition. As she meets new people and creatures beyond her imagination, she finds out more about herself than she was even searching to find.

Unhidden takes readers into a world of magic, with terrible and wonderful creatures hidden among us. The story starts in action and stays moving until the very end. Small pauses for readers to catch their breath are still filled with attention grabbing details to fill the holes Emma is trying to fill. Excellent read for someone looking for a female lead who does more than just drool over a man! Emma is definitely not one to sit on the sidelines, and this book brings the readers right along with her.

[Raylene Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed for Hooked on Books

Boy oh boy this story sure was a treat for my eyes and my brain. I'll start off by saying that as a general rule, it's REALLY hard for me to get into paranormal books. When I took this book and offered to read it for review, even the description doesn't really divulge what this book truly is capable of making you feel. It was Amazing! There's so much that you read in the beginning that just doesn't come together until you get close to the end of the book. Emma is military that was in an 'accident' that doesn't allow for any memories of her past. You have the bad guys (Darko), you have Zane, Jason, and Alex---I'll leave you to figure out who they are!!!! ;) There is so much weird shit in this book. A lot of gore, a lot of trials and tribulations but the story line is fan efffin' tastic and the writing is amazing! I cannot WAIT to see what's in store for Emma in the next book!!!!!!!!!!

[Hooked On Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed for Hooked on Books---5 stars!

Boy oh boy this story sure was a treat for my eyes and my brain. I'll start off by saying that as a general rule, it's REALLY hard for me to get into paranormal books. When I took this book and offered to read it for review, even the description doesn't really divulge what this book truly is capable of making you feel. It was Amazing! There's so much that you read in the beginning that just doesn't come together until you get close to the end of the book. Emma is military that was in an 'accident' that doesn't allow for any memories of her past. You have the bad guys (Darko), you have Zane, Jason, and Alex---I'll leave you to figure out who they are!!!! ;) There is so much weird s*** in this book. A lot of gore, a lot of trials and tribulations but th

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 of 5 stars

This is an entertaining and fast paced read for any paranormal lovers out there! The action starts on page one and doesn't end until the "To Be Continued". The characters are awesome and likable, and even a little mysterious.

There is some romance here, but the main plot is about the adventures of Emma. She is a strong and independent woman and you will find yourself rooting her on through most of the book. I would have loved a little more character development, but the plot doesn't really allow us to see too deeply into the minds of many of the main characters. I am looking forward to the next installment, as I'm sure many secrets will be revealed!

I recommend this book for any paranormal lovers looking for a energetic read!