Shattered Web

Deizian Empire #4

by Crista McHugh

An alternate cover edition can be found here.

With the birth of the imperial heir days away, Marcus is entrusted with an urgent mission by his best friend, Emperor Titus Sergius Flavus – unraveling the mysterious disappearance of every living soul in a trading post along the barrier. Unfortunately, all the clues point to Sexta, the woman he loved and lost, and despite his better judgement, he can't keep his hands off her.

The daughter of the most infamous courtesan in Emona, Sexta faked her death in order to gain her freedom, never guessing fate would entwine her path with the one man she loved enough to let go. But now that she’s been arrested and charged with a crime she didn’t commit, Sexta not only has to deny her feelings for Marcus after every tantalizing kiss, she needs to prove her innocence before the true enemy brings the empire to its knees.

Genres: Romance, Fantasy, Magic, Science Fiction, Paranormal Romance, Ebooks, Historical

184 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 1, 2014

About the author

Crista McHugh is a NEW YORK TIMES and USA TODAY BESTSELLING author of fantasy and romance with heroines who are smart, sexy, and anything but ordinary.

She also writes fantasy with less kissing and a lot more action as C. A. McHugh.

She currently lives in the Tesla-filled suburbs of Seattle with her husband and two children, maintaining her alter ego of mild-mannered physician on the weekends.

Reviews

[Shauni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally Reviewed For: Tea and Book

Shattered Web is the fourth book in Crista McHugh's Deizian Empire series... While it is a bit shorter than the other books it still backs an emotional punch! And we get Marcus' story. Marcus has been a strong secondary character from the beginning and we have had hints of what his love life might be.. But Ms. McHugh offers us so very much more than mere hints!! This time we get an insiders view. And an excellent view it is.

Sexta is the daughter of an infamous courtesan. Born into a form of sexual slavery she knows she will never be more than what she is. Even if she does finally manage to escape her life. With plans in effect she closes all doors to her past. Making sure to leave no trails including letting everyone around her think she is dead. A hard choice but she chose freedom over love. Never believing that she could be accepted into any man's regular day to day life. But death isn't all that it's cut out to be and Sexta discovers that neither is freedom. As with all things there is a price to pay and Sexta is realizing that the price might just be too high.

Marcus. best friend to the king since childhood, a loyal servant and something of a rogue. Only he has loved one woman, Sexta and is willing to make her his bride. When he is told she has died his light went with her. No longer the charming rogue, rather a man unafraid.. willing to lose himself in battle at just about any cost. It's been months but the King needs him and Marcus is ever loyal. Someone has destroyed an entire village and Marcus has been tasked to discover how this happened. Imagine his surprise to discover that not only is Sexta still alive but her ship was the last one to leave the town. Putting her at the top of his suspect list.

Star-crossed lovers? Not quite.. But Marcus and Sexta have a lifetime of bigotry to overcome. Neither is full blood Deizian and while Marcus has been accepted in the royal circles, Sexta is a whore.. and she feels that is all she will ever be seen as. She honestly felt that it would be best for Marcus to think her dead and then move on with his life. To realize, too late, that he is dead without her was heartbreaking.

As usual, Ms. McHugh writes an intriguing and detailed story. There is so much more to this than just a lover come back to life. The enemies have found a way to infiltrate the aristocracy and no one is safe. It's a scary world and Marcus, Sexta and a select few others have their hands full.

One of the things I like about this series was the decision to add racism and the desire to smash it. Barriers come down in every book and in this one, the heir to the thrown is born. Half Deizian and half Alpirion. A show that some things are no longer accepted and change is coming right from the top. Now this is a true trickle down concept.

The relationships in this series are strong and worth emulating. I have found characters that I truly enjoy and know I will go back and re read this series many times. Crista has said that for now she is leaving the Deizian Empire.. one can only hope she returns soon.


Shauni

This review is based on the ARC of Deception's Web, provided by the author for my honest opinion and is scheduled to be released as part of Alphas After Dark Anthology on April 1, 2014

[Carly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sexta is the most powerful and feared Madam in the Deizian Empire, but not by choice. She inherited the business from her mother, whose penchant for blackmailing Deizian nobles. The secrets she guards are what what keep her safe, but they also trap her inside the cold stone walls of the pleasure house she calls home.

Marcus has been in love with Sexta for years, but despite recent changes in the empire, is unable to convince Sexta to leave her business behind and allow him to love and protect her instead. His status as a powerful nobleman and warrior, along with his close friendship with the Emperor, assures Marcus that no one would dare to challenge his choice of wife. Sexta keeps her heart well guarded; instead only offering precious stolen moments of passion and tenderness that are few and far between.

When a dangerous plot to overtake the empire begins to emerge Marcus is shocked to discover that Sexta, the woman who broke his heart and believed to be forever lost to him, is now suspected of committing treason.

Will Marcus ever be able to convince her that they were meant to be together forever, or will he learn that the honest character of the woman he loves is instead an intricately woven lie to cover the heart of a traitor?

A well written and developed adventure, Shattered Web, the fourth in Crista McHugh's Deizian Empire Series can be read as either a stand alone novella or part of the ongoing saga. The passion that ignites between Sexta and Marcus burns brighter than the stars that light the Deizian Empire's sky, sure to make this a bestseller in no time!

[Steph at Starry Night Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crista McHugh takes us on a sexy and dangerous adventure in Shattered Web the 4th book in the Deizian Empire series. Fate sure does have a way of bringing people together, even when one of them would rather run in the other direction.

Sexta has loved Marcus for a long time, she loved him enough to let him go but fate has other Ideas. When she fakes her own death to gain her freedom she is finally able to do what she has always wanted. But is she really free? Soon Sexta is in a battle for not only her life but the safety of the whole empire. Can she prove that she is incent or will her and the empire fall?

Sexta and Marcus are in for one hell of a ride, Love, adventure and heart break are in their future, they will have to learn to trust one another to save each other along with the empire.

What a great adventure! I loved Sexta and Marcus, they are so perfect for one another and are so funny when they are battling each other. They seem to butt heads a lot because are both strong willed and refuse to give up, and this makes for a really great story. I found myself finishing this book in one day, I just could not put it down I had to know what happened next. I highly recommend reading this if you love a great Fantasy adventure, its perfect!!

[Rosemary K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sexta has found a way to obtain freedom. She makes a bargain with Numicius, but her escape comes with a high price. She's leaving Marcus, the man she loves. Sexta knows in her heart that they can't be together, but Fate has different plans. The Royal family and the Emperor Titus are at risk and Sexta is somehow involved. At his request Marcus is investigating. Will the truth save them or kill them? Are the Barbarians poised for attack? Shattered Web is the fourth book in The Deizian Empire Series. This story doesn't disappoint. It's an exhilarating adventure filled with unforgettable characters. Sexta is more than a match for Marcus. She loves him but she won't let him dominate her. Marcus is torn between duty and love. Can he trust Sexta after her betrayal? They are driven by deep and powerful emotions. To be victorious they need to work together. The action and suspense are non-stop in this well plotted novel. The intense sexual chemistry between Sexta and Marcus make for a very intense romance. The secondary characters are all well written and add excitement and color to Shattered Web. I couldn't stop reading. I had to know what would happen next. I can't wait to read the rest of the books in this series.

[Kristi Cramer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A strong 4.5 stars.

I had the pleasure of reading an advance copy of this book. It is sexy and sweet, and exciting. Set in a well-crafted world full of danger and glimpses of political intrigue and violence. Marcus is a treasure of honor, valor and strength, and Sexta is determined to make her own way independently in the world.

I felt the struggle keeping Marcus and Sexta apart was for the most part believable, though at times I wanted to smack Sexta for being too blind or stubborn to trust that Marcus could be trusted.

I liked all the secondary characters, especially Rufius. Looks like lots of potential to continue the series.

This is the first book I have read set in the Deizian Empire, so I am a little in the dark about some elements of this world, but the story stands alone well enough, as long as I set aside my curiosity about the Roman names and magical airships.

To be sure, I will be backtracking to catch up with the rest of the Deizian books, because I learned just enough about some of the other characters to be very curious about their stories. And knowing Ms. McHugh's style and ability to spin a very fine story, I know I will enjoy them.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a new to me series and I must admit I dug the world that's been built. Magic, an old-world political vibe, assassins, courtesans, slaves, and airships. Airships elevate everything. *dies at my punning* No, really. Airships make everything 10% more awesome. I'm sure that's a scientific fact. Or something.

The relationship between Sexta and Marcus is pretty heartbreaking in the beginning. Sexta feels trapped by circumstance and she refuses to drag Marcus down with her. Cue her disappearing act. When a mystery causes them to cross paths, things look pretty dicey. Because how can Marcus trust a woman who FAKED HER OWN DEATH, especially with the fate of the empire at stake.

Against all odds, he does trust her. Good thing, too.

Very cool world, very intriguing characters. I honestly loved the events that led up to the ending and how far Marcus fell from the brave, fearless soldier he once was. *thumbs up*

-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal

[Angel Graham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shattered Web was one of my favorite books so far this year. Crista has done a faboulous job on the Deizian Empire Series and each book gets better and better. I have been wondering about Marcus and if there was a love interest for him, and now we know. There was/is.

Sexta is a bit too trusting of those around her, and makes some decisions at the beginning of this book that have repercussions, as one would expect.

Marcus loses his love, and when he finds her again, trouble is attached to her. Big trouble.

I don't want to give away anything, so not going to say much more, other than there is a climatic ending that will leave you with your jaw dropped. It's a fitting ending, that ends on a good note.

I received an ARC of this book to read in exchange for an honest review.

[Sherry Christenson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Explosive from the start! I fell in love with Marcus in Tangled Web and couldn't wait for his story. He certainly has his hands full with Sexta who is an unpredictable as a woman can be. The unselfish love they share is one we we all dream of. the friendship between her and Djer, Marcus and Titus and we even begin to see a friendship between Marcus and Rufius remain strong despite the threat to the Empire. I love this world Crista has created for us and With the birth of Azurah's child I know the threats will keep coming, I can't wait Varro's to have his own.

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 rating overall. I enjoyed this continuation of the series and it's nice to see when there are mentions of the previous books' characters. My only problem with this one is that it seemed too simple, which made it feel shorter than the rest of the series. It was still a great read and I recommend the series, but Shattered Web just left me wanting more.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book as part of the Alphas After Dark box set. This is the second book by Ms. McHugh that I've read and I really enjoyed it! It felt more Sci-Fi to me than Fantasy (maybe because of the spaceships?), but I still enjoyed it. I haven't read any of the prior books in the series, but I had no problems with following along in this novella.

[Erin Burns · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 4th book in this series. It was well written and the characters were relatable and the world McHugh has created seems interesting. I enjoyed it quite a bit, however it doesn't seem to work well as a stand alone. I will be going back to read the first three entries in this series.

[Allison Connors · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great continuation of the series by Crista McHugh. High energy between Sexta and Marcus really packed a punch. Glad to hear his story. He is a great character!

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked very much the fantasy mix of demons, vixen, satyrs and other images. Truth to be told, most important thing is honesty. No one can loves you without accepting what and who you are.

[Nitchi Shade · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sexy and exciting

A great ending to a good series. This book can be read alone completely from the rest of the series. In fact it’s almost a perfect standalone while giving the perfect ending to the whole series. A great fun read.

[Debbie "Buried in Her TBR Pile"]

Own in box set: Alphas After Dark

[Nessa]

Loved Titus and Azurha's story, but Marcus's story seemed a bit lusty and too superficial.

[Laurel]

Part of the Alphas After Dark box set.

[Llaph · Rating 2 out of 5]

I just didn’t think this was my thing. I like fantasy and enjoyed reading about the setting and world built in the story. However, I am not a fan of angst and drama stuff and there was a bit too much of it in this story for me. If I read the previous books and was more invested in the story thus far I might have liked it more.
Not to say that you couldn’t enjoy this book without having read the previous books first though. The author did a good job of creating a self contained story that doesn’t require you to catch up, but there were enough clues to interest someone to look into getting and reading the earlier books. Especially if they would enjoy the Roman empire-isk+ magic + evil/nasty race/enemy it had going on.

[Claudia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hmm, I don't think this was for me. I felt a little lost in this book, not enough background to go on. I suppose if I had read the other books it would be clearer for me. Some of this story felt rushed, not enough history on any of the characters, I feel like I didn't really get to know any of them.

[Lydia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting setting; mixing roman and futuristic elements into a new world. As I read this in a compilation I didn't have the added detail and world building from the other books. The thing which lowered the rating for me was the romance: I couldn't understand the attachment of the hero because there appeared to be very few redeeming qualities to the heroine apart from her physicality.

[Timitra · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked the world the author created, I found it both interesting and intriguing however I didn't like the main characters because I couldn't understand why they wanted to be together when there was no trust between them.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is the fourth book in the series but the first book that I have read from this author.It's a strange mix of historical times with a hefty dose of modern technology thrown in too.There is magic in the mix too,a decent enough read if quirky romance is what you are looking for

[Deniz · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5 Stars

[Stace]

Alphas After Dark