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Infected #7
Undertow
In a world where a werecat virus has changed society, Roan McKichan, a born infected and ex-cop, works as a private detective trying to solve crimes involving other infecteds.
Now Roan is locked in a coma as the struggle between his human and werecat sides reaches a new extreme. All Dylan can do is sit, wait, and think.
Meanwhile, Roan’s assistant, Holden, wants to shed his old street life and his relationship with Scott, but he can’t seem to do either. Holden doesn’t want a relationship with Scott but finds himself drawn to him all the same, even if he can never fully reveal his past.
With Roan out of commission, Holden looks into the murder of an old friend. At the same time, Fiona takes on a case about underground death matches between infecteds—one with connections to the Church of the Divine Transformation.
Finally Roan wakes only to discover that his shifts have new consequences. His lion’s strength is growing, and he can’t hide from it any longer….
First Edition published by Dreamspinner Press, June 2013
Now Roan is locked in a coma as the struggle between his human and werecat sides reaches a new extreme. All Dylan can do is sit, wait, and think.
Meanwhile, Roan’s assistant, Holden, wants to shed his old street life and his relationship with Scott, but he can’t seem to do either. Holden doesn’t want a relationship with Scott but finds himself drawn to him all the same, even if he can never fully reveal his past.
With Roan out of commission, Holden looks into the murder of an old friend. At the same time, Fiona takes on a case about underground death matches between infecteds—one with connections to the Church of the Divine Transformation.
Finally Roan wakes only to discover that his shifts have new consequences. His lion’s strength is growing, and he can’t hide from it any longer….
First Edition published by Dreamspinner Press, June 2013
350 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 13, 2013
9 people are currently reading
435 people want to read
About the author
Andrea Speed
77 books511 followersSuper nerd. Former EIC at Cx Pulp. I've won Rainbow Awards, and still can't believe it. A small medicinal horse. The Meryl Streep of stunt corpses. Enby.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
April 6, 2015
Yeah, this book reads like filler, or a stopgap, but it's enjoyable filler. It's like when you go out to eat and feel like being "healthy" so you order a big salad. Then some asshole points out that with all the calories in the cheese and bacon bits and the lack of any nutritional value in the iceberg lettuce, you could've just eaten a hamburger and fries. And you think, "why is this asshole talking to me?" and "shit, I could've had red meat." But, hey, it doesn't mean the cheese and bacon bits weren't yummy.
Some of the yumminess I enjoyed was Scott. Now, I have never been partial to Scott, mainly, entirely, because he put the moves on Roan. ROAN IS TAKEN, OKAY, SCOTT?!??!?? But after this little speech I'm willing to forgive him:
"How can you, as a gay man, do this shit? 'Oh, morons think we're all infected, so let's pick on the infected and make the morons like us again.' Newsflash, idiot--those morons who say all gays are infected are the same morons who say all gays molest children. They will never like you or approve of you. You're simply trying to sacrifice another minority to save yourself, when all you will really do is play their game and make yourself look pathetic. Congratulations, you're a softheaded pussy. The decision you have to make now is this: do you want to be a softheaded pussy in the hospital, or do you want to walk away and ponder your bad life choices without the body cast?"Good sense followed by threats of physical violence--I like it.
Btw, I really miss Tank. And now Grey? You give us these awesome characters, Ms. Speed, and we make friends with them and then you take them away! Hello? Matt?!? *sob*
3.5*? 3.7958*? Something like that.
And thank you BR buddies Sheri, Otila, R and Sofia! Mwah!
April 5, 2015
I liked getting another dose of these guys but I have to admit that this was not one of my favorites. With Roan we remain in a kind of status quo so it was kind of good that we had Holden & Co to enliven the story.
BR with my lion pride Rosa, RA, Otila, Sheri, Desinka
Our BR link
April 4, 2015
I always enjoy my time with our poor tortured King of the PNR world.
I love Roan.
His life is such an endless train-wreck it simply makes for riveting entertainment.
However, this leg of his journey felt.....monotonous.
Ro is fighting a losing battle with the Lion. The cliffhanger of book six is resolved but then things pick right back up where they left off. Barely a trip in his step.
What's happening to him? Can he hold onto his human self?
His pain and suffering is worse. His self-loathing is worse. And the constant reaffirmation that Dylan is happy to pick up the pieces left in the wake of Roan's storms became trying. Okay, okay...he's willing to pay the heavy price of being married to the Hulk, if you say he's happy...I believe you. But I'd rather that you stop reminding us that he wishes he fell in love with an easier man. It makes my heart ache for him.
I was happy to see Matt's brief return yet longed for more time with him.
I absolutely adore the hockey boys. I missed Tank.
I was irritated and annoyed that Seb continued to call him to save the day when he could barely function.
I yearn for his peace and happiness that seems only a coveted dream for Roan.
Holden and Scott are an interesting mess...but I'm not holding any stock in their success, they are doomed for disaster. I'm still searching for the reason for Den's fan club, I just don't see it.
Their journey is nearing the end.
I'm anxious and nervous....and waiting for the last showdown.
*3.5 somebody-please-save-him stars *
I love Roan.
His life is such an endless train-wreck it simply makes for riveting entertainment.
However, this leg of his journey felt.....monotonous.
Ro is fighting a losing battle with the Lion. The cliffhanger of book six is resolved but then things pick right back up where they left off. Barely a trip in his step.
What's happening to him? Can he hold onto his human self?
His pain and suffering is worse. His self-loathing is worse. And the constant reaffirmation that Dylan is happy to pick up the pieces left in the wake of Roan's storms became trying. Okay, okay...he's willing to pay the heavy price of being married to the Hulk, if you say he's happy...I believe you. But I'd rather that you stop reminding us that he wishes he fell in love with an easier man. It makes my heart ache for him.
I was happy to see Matt's brief return yet longed for more time with him.
I absolutely adore the hockey boys. I missed Tank.
I was irritated and annoyed that Seb continued to call him to save the day when he could barely function.
I yearn for his peace and happiness that seems only a coveted dream for Roan.
Holden and Scott are an interesting mess...but I'm not holding any stock in their success, they are doomed for disaster. I'm still searching for the reason for Den's fan club, I just don't see it.
Their journey is nearing the end.
I'm anxious and nervous....and waiting for the last showdown.
*3.5 somebody-please-save-him stars *
Thanks for another lovely buddy read ladies!
You're da best!!
August 4, 2022
What stands out for me in this series is that in and amongst the heavy tone, depressing reality of hate, and the constant self loathing Roan has - this is probably one of the smartest, snarkiest, funniest series I've read.
At times, I'm equally tickled silly and horribly saddened about the fantastic adventures of Roan and company, and the second to the last book in this series was no different.
Suffice it to say everyone is evolving - Holden, Dylan, Roan. They're making some changes, opening their eyes to things they didn't want to face. But scary things are happening - I don't blame Roan for his fears or his bitterness. He chose the difficult path but it wasn't a difficult decision to make. He's making plans, settling his affairs, getting his ducks in a row. He pretty much has accepted the conclusion to what he deems is his inevitable demise. His only question that remains is will he go out in a hail of bullets and fire or quietly into the night?
"He was doomed anyway right? He got that completely. Which was why he'd just decided to give into the nihilism and stop worrying about it all. Fuck it. He'd make himself enjoy the human time he had left."
Let's hope he's wrong on both fronts.
Thanks Sofia, Sheri, Rosa, and Otila for the BR - looking forward and dreading reading the last book with all of you!
At times, I'm equally tickled silly and horribly saddened about the fantastic adventures of Roan and company, and the second to the last book in this series was no different.
Suffice it to say everyone is evolving - Holden, Dylan, Roan. They're making some changes, opening their eyes to things they didn't want to face. But scary things are happening - I don't blame Roan for his fears or his bitterness. He chose the difficult path but it wasn't a difficult decision to make. He's making plans, settling his affairs, getting his ducks in a row. He pretty much has accepted the conclusion to what he deems is his inevitable demise. His only question that remains is will he go out in a hail of bullets and fire or quietly into the night?
"He was doomed anyway right? He got that completely. Which was why he'd just decided to give into the nihilism and stop worrying about it all. Fuck it. He'd make himself enjoy the human time he had left."
Let's hope he's wrong on both fronts.
Thanks Sofia, Sheri, Rosa, and Otila for the BR - looking forward and dreading reading the last book with all of you!
May 21, 2014
3.5 Stars
“This world was far weirder than most people gave it credit for, and while he knew it, he sometimes forgot it too.”
Undertow, book 7 in the Infected series, had so many highs and lows for me. Huge loves and disappointments. Smiles and eye rolls. But I still had fun. Haha…I can’t help it. I love Roan’s life. The swirl of chaos, violence, humor, weirdness, and love. It always seems to capture my full attention and heart.
My biggest disappointment with this leg of the journey was the repetitions and stalling. It felt like Ms. Speed was focusing on issues we already knew—Roan’s lack of control over the lion, the medical unknowns, and his superhero role. It’s time for Roan to make some big changes and decisions, but all the same questions, problems, observations, and pity party lines came out to play with no answers in sight. We need to move forward. I know Roan is slow to realize his own issues and emotions, but Come on! Let’s do this! :D
Once again, I found myself leaning in closer to hear Holden’s story. I click faster and faster to get to him. I hang on every clue and detail. Will the street kid turned high class escort finally leave the prostitute life? Does he love him? Does he say anything that’s not a come on? Haha…So many questions still surround Holden and I can’t wait to find out more. This icy hustler-vigilante-sidekick-puzzle of a man has stolen my heart!
And my reading heart and head love the similarities and parallels between Roan and Holden. Their journeys feel so intertwined to me. Such different men, but so alike in many ways too. They click and roll on the page with jabs, jokes, one liners, and energy. They are the perfect duo! From scary vigilantes to hilarious smartasses! I love watching them go at it on the page. Both Roan and Holden seem to live for the weirdness in life—thrive on the unpredictable energy and trouble. Ready to run off into the night at the drop of a hat or phone call. Roan has his people to protect and so does Holden. And both jackasses avoid talking about their feelings like pros! Haha…Men! But my favorite aspect of Roan and Holden is their heart. Huge heart whether they like to admit it or not. It still surprises me at times too. Even at book 7! Awhile back, Roan’s compassion touched my heart so deeply when he checked in on Rainbow after a very difficult time. That one unselfish, beautiful, human act made me love him even more. Holden got me in this book with a move of his own…
Sooo…Undertow was a bumpy ride, but one that I can’t get out of my head either. Where the hell is all this headed?
”Is the lion adapting to the human’s mind, or is the human adapting to the lion?”
p.s. I missed Tank.
June 22, 2013
I am intensely fond of these books, despite their flaws (more on that later). Unfortunately, it feels as though the story isn't moving significantly forward in this one. Yes, Holden does make some advances in his personal and professional life -- but, for Roan, it seems to be mostly just more of the same.
As for flaws -- I've criticized Speed's prose in the past, and that's still somewhat problematic here. Nonetheless, I do think there's a notable progression since the first book in the series. She seems to have a better grasp on her previously-overflowing commas and run-on sentences, for one thing. There's still nothing polished about the way she writes, but she gets her point across for the most part.
Unfortunately, there are also other sorts of problems that have plagued her throughout the series. For instance, these books have always had consistency problems that should have been resolved before the books ever made it into print -- one example is a character who is described as having "liver failure" at one point, but then is said to have "kidney failure" later in the book. Another example regards Roan's tattoos. Roan already has a tattoo of the biohazard symbol, and at one point he considers adding a tattoo of the "medical waste" symbol -- even though "medical waste" and "biohazard" both use the SAME symbol.
These are careless mistakes that should have been caught. Though they don't usually have a huge impact on the story itself, they are distracting and damage the suspension of disbelief.
Also, I still dislike the series' pattern of breaking down each book into two distinct halves, with separate short mysteries in each half. Forcing mysteries into such short spaces prevents Speed from adequately developing *any* of the mysteries, and fragments the plot arc over the course of the book as a whole. I wish she would take the time to expand ONE mystery plotline through an entire book -- these things would benefit from being given the room to breathe.
On the up side, I still love the way Speed handles angst and emotion in general. I'm not sure how she does it, but she does manage to make all those emotions real for me. For the most part she does a good job of bringing the characters to life.
Because of the lack of significant progression in this book, I can't give it 4 stars. I'm rating this one at 3.4, and rounding down.
As for flaws -- I've criticized Speed's prose in the past, and that's still somewhat problematic here. Nonetheless, I do think there's a notable progression since the first book in the series. She seems to have a better grasp on her previously-overflowing commas and run-on sentences, for one thing. There's still nothing polished about the way she writes, but she gets her point across for the most part.
Unfortunately, there are also other sorts of problems that have plagued her throughout the series. For instance, these books have always had consistency problems that should have been resolved before the books ever made it into print -- one example is a character who is described as having "liver failure" at one point, but then is said to have "kidney failure" later in the book. Another example regards Roan's tattoos. Roan already has a tattoo of the biohazard symbol, and at one point he considers adding a tattoo of the "medical waste" symbol -- even though "medical waste" and "biohazard" both use the SAME symbol.
These are careless mistakes that should have been caught. Though they don't usually have a huge impact on the story itself, they are distracting and damage the suspension of disbelief.
Also, I still dislike the series' pattern of breaking down each book into two distinct halves, with separate short mysteries in each half. Forcing mysteries into such short spaces prevents Speed from adequately developing *any* of the mysteries, and fragments the plot arc over the course of the book as a whole. I wish she would take the time to expand ONE mystery plotline through an entire book -- these things would benefit from being given the room to breathe.
On the up side, I still love the way Speed handles angst and emotion in general. I'm not sure how she does it, but she does manage to make all those emotions real for me. For the most part she does a good job of bringing the characters to life.
Because of the lack of significant progression in this book, I can't give it 4 stars. I'm rating this one at 3.4, and rounding down.
June 21, 2013
If you're reading this, you've probably read all the previous installments of this series and I don't think you need to be convinced to read this one too, because, if you're like me, you're totally in love with Roan by this point and you just care for him. I don't know if I have a clear idea of where the series is going, but I think I've never seen Roan so confused and also so on the verge of truly embracing his future until now. The book treads between dark moments of despair and brighter moments of enlightment. It's elusive like Roan's lion, this incredible creature inside him that saves him and damns him at the same time. The relationship between Roan and his lion is the most interesting and unbalacing element of the series.
This is the 7th book of the series and I'm still invested in it as if it were the first book. It doesn't tire me, the characters evolve while the world of the book seems to strain just a little bit to accomodate all the developments, but it still challenges Roan, both in a positive and in a negative way. I'm still intrigued.
Next, pretty please...
This is the 7th book of the series and I'm still invested in it as if it were the first book. It doesn't tire me, the characters evolve while the world of the book seems to strain just a little bit to accomodate all the developments, but it still challenges Roan, both in a positive and in a negative way. I'm still intrigued.
Next, pretty please...
April 9, 2015
This book felt mostly like it was setup for book 8. There were no big revelations and it was mostly more unanswered questions. Those really aren't complaints, though. Just observations.
I really enjoyed it. I liked seeing more of Holden's POV and the hockey guys are always entertaining (I miss Tank!).
I'm anxious to see how all this is wrapped up in the next book.
Thanks to my BR buddies, R, Rosa, Sofia and Sheri. You guys make this experience better
June 4, 2016
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zUPpqg...
4.5 stars Excellent characterisation but no sex, somehow you do not miss it in these books. Roan continues to fight the lion escaping from his control. Holden and Scott become an item.
'Dylan slipped his arms around him and held him tight, allowing Roan to cry into his neck as he kissed the side of his head and smoothed a hand down his back. "You're the best man I've ever known. "You're just a little too emo for your own good sometimes."
4.5 stars Excellent characterisation but no sex, somehow you do not miss it in these books. Roan continues to fight the lion escaping from his control. Holden and Scott become an item.
'Dylan slipped his arms around him and held him tight, allowing Roan to cry into his neck as he kissed the side of his head and smoothed a hand down his back. "You're the best man I've ever known. "You're just a little too emo for your own good sometimes."
November 1, 2016
This book put me through the emotional ringer for sure. After all of the emotional pain of book 6, I was expecting to feel melancholy. It's not quite how I felt at the end. I think I felt resolve for myself mostly. I felt all of Roan's pain, and it was several times while reading this that I had to stop because I was crying uncontrollably. I get it, and I feel so bad and super protective over Roan. The two mysteries were good for different reasons but my review is based on the characters that's all at this point. Roan is tired. That's basis of this story. I think he's been tired for a while, maybe even before Paris. All the events and everything he had to do was the icing on the cake to me. I'm tired for Roan. I cannot imagine what he was going through, and in the book my heart went out for Dylan. I 100% believe if Dylan left Roan then Roan would commit suicide. No one can change my mind on that one. So I have book 8 left, and a few novellas but I'm not sure how I feel this close to the series ending.
I don't know how I feel about Holden at this point. My thoughts are all over the place, because unlike many characters Holden likes being himself. I don't know if it's selfish or a sociopath. He has the tools to be someone better, but I don't know if he thinks he's worth it, and that's what I'm getting from him. On the other hand maybe normalcy is starting out with a relationship. It seems to be the path that Scott and Holden are on. Either brings baggage to the table, and both of them seem so damn stubborn that it shouldn't work. Maybe expectations are super low that they are willing to deal with whatever when it comes to being together.
Roan's vigilantism seems to catch up with him. I feel like I like/dislike the justice that he doles out. He is the only of his kind that is able to help people, but in helping people Roan losing his self, not just the lion surfacing and taking over, but Roan moral compass seems to decline. I don't necessary like who he becomes, but it's so unfair that its an necessary evil. I honestly don't know how much more Dylan can take. It's a lot mentally & emotionally to be with Roan. I could never take Dylans' love away from him, but I feel like Dylan should re-evaluate his life. Is this what he wanted? How many more hospital visits, comas, and tears can you take. How much more personal attacks, and brutalization is enough for his sanity to still be in check.
I'm going to wrap this up because this down feeling I get with writing this review further proves my point of me loving and rooting for fictional characters. I would love to see Roan walk about from MK Investigations with Dylan and move away to open space off the coast of the Pacific Ocean. I pray book 8 gives Roan his peace that he so deserves.
September 20, 2014
I've finally worked my way through all 7 books in this series and the great thing is that I don't have to wait too long before the new book book:Epitaph|20895677] comes out in November! I love Roan, Dylan, Holden and the rest of the gang and I am just hoping that things will work out for Roan in the end.
November 23, 2014
Quick Information:
This book consists of two separate stories. Based on the free version, chapter 1 - 20 is titled "Meantime" while chapter 21 - 38 is titled "Undertow". Just in case if you think the flow between chapter 20 and 21 is a bit weird :)
Meantime: (Chapter 1-20)
Roan was locked in a coma and struggled between his lion and human side. Holden looked into a murder of an old friend. Fiona took case about underground death matches between infecteds. When Roan woke up, he went straight back to work and involved in both cases...
Holden got a little bit more spotlight here, since Roan was in a coma. And I loved that. I loved how he was confused with his relationship with Scott (Holden didn't do boyfriend!) but he realized that he liked being with Scott, and when he got toughen up from a job, he came to Scott's instead of his own place. I loved Grey, Scott's hockey buddy -- though I was sad that he got signed with the Flyers and must left Seattle.
Roan and Dylan was as solid as ever. It was interesting with this series because I loved Paris (Roan's first husband) and I thought Paris was the love of Roan's life. But at the same time, I knew that Roan also loved Dylan (and vice versa). Dylan wasn't a consolation prize and their relationship was good and comfortable and significant. I guess it showed how one's heart was capable of different kind of love. One of my favorite scenes would be in the hospital, when Roan first woke up and found Dylan in the room. Or when Roan apologized to Dylan for making his husband worried. It was beautiful...
Read 23 Nov 2014
Undertow: (Chapter 21-38)
Although it is opened with Roan's police friend retirement party, this story moves to a different path altogether. No long after, Roan is hired by the daughter of a missing woman, who is considered as a 'probable' victim of serial rapist. This case have Roan and Dylan visiting a town where the woman used to lived with her family. And after investigating, Roan finds out that the murderer was closer to home.
But to me, this one was pretty much like an afterthought mystery. It was solved pretty 'early' ... what followed mostly was Roan's struggling with his lion. It seems that his lion taking more control when Roan is semi-unconscious so he needs to check himself to the clinic, to see what is wrong with him. There are moments where Roan seems so vulnerable, when he seeks comfort from his husband, Dylan, and for me this was heartbreaking.
The tone of this second part feels more somber. Roan needs to deal with his lion and the possibility that his lion may surface on its own and hurt the people he loves. There are a couple of chapters from Dylan's perspective in here too, and I felt closer to him as well.
There was also a development with Holden whose relationship with Scott was, well, moving to further point. It was funny to me, as well as endearing, how Holden doesn't know how to deal with this relationship with Scott. Holden doesn't do falling in love, and the way that he starts to care for Scott so very much infuriates the hell out of him. I was giggling when Holden moans over this issue to Roan. Scott totally destroys Holden's 'wall' *laugh*. Oh, and Holden finally gets his license, that is totally something to look forward to.
This book consists of two separate stories. Based on the free version, chapter 1 - 20 is titled "Meantime" while chapter 21 - 38 is titled "Undertow". Just in case if you think the flow between chapter 20 and 21 is a bit weird :)
Meantime: (Chapter 1-20)
Roan was locked in a coma and struggled between his lion and human side. Holden looked into a murder of an old friend. Fiona took case about underground death matches between infecteds. When Roan woke up, he went straight back to work and involved in both cases...
Holden got a little bit more spotlight here, since Roan was in a coma. And I loved that. I loved how he was confused with his relationship with Scott (Holden didn't do boyfriend!) but he realized that he liked being with Scott, and when he got toughen up from a job, he came to Scott's instead of his own place. I loved Grey, Scott's hockey buddy -- though I was sad that he got signed with the Flyers and must left Seattle.
Roan and Dylan was as solid as ever. It was interesting with this series because I loved Paris (Roan's first husband) and I thought Paris was the love of Roan's life. But at the same time, I knew that Roan also loved Dylan (and vice versa). Dylan wasn't a consolation prize and their relationship was good and comfortable and significant. I guess it showed how one's heart was capable of different kind of love. One of my favorite scenes would be in the hospital, when Roan first woke up and found Dylan in the room. Or when Roan apologized to Dylan for making his husband worried. It was beautiful...
Read 23 Nov 2014
Undertow: (Chapter 21-38)
Although it is opened with Roan's police friend retirement party, this story moves to a different path altogether. No long after, Roan is hired by the daughter of a missing woman, who is considered as a 'probable' victim of serial rapist. This case have Roan and Dylan visiting a town where the woman used to lived with her family. And after investigating, Roan finds out that the murderer was closer to home.
But to me, this one was pretty much like an afterthought mystery. It was solved pretty 'early' ... what followed mostly was Roan's struggling with his lion. It seems that his lion taking more control when Roan is semi-unconscious so he needs to check himself to the clinic, to see what is wrong with him. There are moments where Roan seems so vulnerable, when he seeks comfort from his husband, Dylan, and for me this was heartbreaking.
The tone of this second part feels more somber. Roan needs to deal with his lion and the possibility that his lion may surface on its own and hurt the people he loves. There are a couple of chapters from Dylan's perspective in here too, and I felt closer to him as well.
There was also a development with Holden whose relationship with Scott was, well, moving to further point. It was funny to me, as well as endearing, how Holden doesn't know how to deal with this relationship with Scott. Holden doesn't do falling in love, and the way that he starts to care for Scott so very much infuriates the hell out of him. I was giggling when Holden moans over this issue to Roan. Scott totally destroys Holden's 'wall' *laugh*. Oh, and Holden finally gets his license, that is totally something to look forward to.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 18, 2013
This book only works as part of the excellent series it belongs to - do not start here. In this seventh book, we get to spend time with old friends. Holden in particular gets more on page time, and progression in both his personal life and his role as a high-octane Robin to Roan's Batman. This is a good thing - I really appreciate time spent with Holden.
The cliff-hanger ending of book six is resolved with a surprisingly low-key progression. In fact, although Roan moves forward in his increasingly amoral vigilantism, and escalates his battles with self-loathing as much as with the lion within, this book feels a bit status quo for Roan, and Dylan. This has a couple of mysteries, one fairly minor and swiftly resolved. There are some fun scenes with the country's coolest hockey team. Roan and Dylan share a few emotional moments, while still choosing to keep half of a wall between them about important issues. Publicity about Roan's unique status as an evolving viral-human hybrid, with the avalanche of disasters that could ensue, hovers but never falls. This is a nice series book, about characters I care for, but not one that breaks new ground for them. It feels like that's coming, though. Roan's secret can't be kept forever, and perhaps Dylan and Holden can gang up on Roan's damnable obsession with self-sufficiency.... next book?
The cliff-hanger ending of book six is resolved with a surprisingly low-key progression. In fact, although Roan moves forward in his increasingly amoral vigilantism, and escalates his battles with self-loathing as much as with the lion within, this book feels a bit status quo for Roan, and Dylan. This has a couple of mysteries, one fairly minor and swiftly resolved. There are some fun scenes with the country's coolest hockey team. Roan and Dylan share a few emotional moments, while still choosing to keep half of a wall between them about important issues. Publicity about Roan's unique status as an evolving viral-human hybrid, with the avalanche of disasters that could ensue, hovers but never falls. This is a nice series book, about characters I care for, but not one that breaks new ground for them. It feels like that's coming, though. Roan's secret can't be kept forever, and perhaps Dylan and Holden can gang up on Roan's damnable obsession with self-sufficiency.... next book?
August 4, 2021
I've got to start this review off by talking about Holden and Scott. Whodathunkit? I was pretty hesitant about it when it started and I'm still not sure it'll last (at all) but I like it. I like them together. I actually think it's very healthy for the both of them. Huh. Will be interesting to see what happens. Of course this does ensure that the hockey guys are still hanging around. At least for a bit. Thank you, Ms. Speed!
Roan. Shouldn't have been surprised that he wakes up from a coma after a week and a half and checks out of the hospital, takes Dylan home, and heads to work. Amazing. You really don't know whether to kiss him or slug him. But the underground gambling/cat fight/snuff web site is a doozy problem especially as it's tied to the Church of the Divine Transformation. Those people are whacked and are never going away! And the closed case of the missing woman in Eastern Washington is quite the mystery.
Please find my full review at Rainbow Book Reviews
Roan. Shouldn't have been surprised that he wakes up from a coma after a week and a half and checks out of the hospital, takes Dylan home, and heads to work. Amazing. You really don't know whether to kiss him or slug him. But the underground gambling/cat fight/snuff web site is a doozy problem especially as it's tied to the Church of the Divine Transformation. Those people are whacked and are never going away! And the closed case of the missing woman in Eastern Washington is quite the mystery.
Please find my full review at Rainbow Book Reviews
July 16, 2017
I loved the book, but because of that last scene, this is the only thing happening in my head right now:
January 18, 2016
This is yet another solid installment in a great series. There's so much pain going on in Roan's head and in his body, I just hurt for him. But I also want to smack him for his inability to share what's going on with those closest to him. I know this series is winding itself down to a conclusion and I just don't know how it's going to wrap up to my satisfaction but I hope that it can.
I did love the Holden/Scott side story line here as well. Holden's transition in the last couple of books has been really fun to watch. It's nice to see the jaded hooker not really know how to process what he's got going on in his own life.
The mysteries in this story were all relatively short and simple, while the focus was more on Roan's deterioration and Holden's personal battles. The cop/vigilante angle in this book plays out farther, and yet I felt Roan was more in bounds in this book than he's been in the past. The cops are taking an interesting angle with him and I'm very curious to see where this all ends up.
I did love the Holden/Scott side story line here as well. Holden's transition in the last couple of books has been really fun to watch. It's nice to see the jaded hooker not really know how to process what he's got going on in his own life.
The mysteries in this story were all relatively short and simple, while the focus was more on Roan's deterioration and Holden's personal battles. The cop/vigilante angle in this book plays out farther, and yet I felt Roan was more in bounds in this book than he's been in the past. The cops are taking an interesting angle with him and I'm very curious to see where this all ends up.
March 12, 2016
I don't know what to think about this book at all...for me it's a 3-star read compared to the others because there's nothing new, no action, nor interesting mysteries. And at first the repetition of how the characters feel was starting to get on my nerves i was going to start skipping paragraphs but then, i continued until those repetitions ceased, a little...
I give this book a 4-start because is one of the books whose more than one scenes inspired me enough to want to draw them, and i really appreciate when a book helps me to get motivation to draw. Also, a big highlight of the book is Holden, this book confirmed he'd pull off a book on his own.
I feel this book is mainly an anticipation of what it comes in book 8, and i'm so nervous...i get glimpses of what's about to come...i feel Roan's depression raw and hard, pulsing...waiting....
I don't think i'm ready for book 8...but here we are and i can't turn back.
I give this book a 4-start because is one of the books whose more than one scenes inspired me enough to want to draw them, and i really appreciate when a book helps me to get motivation to draw. Also, a big highlight of the book is Holden, this book confirmed he'd pull off a book on his own.
I feel this book is mainly an anticipation of what it comes in book 8, and i'm so nervous...i get glimpses of what's about to come...i feel Roan's depression raw and hard, pulsing...waiting....
I don't think i'm ready for book 8...but here we are and i can't turn back.
February 17, 2015
Another wonderful addition to a series that has become a favorite. I'm almost loathe to start the next one as I know it's the last. And that just makes me want to curl up into a ball and cry like a 10-year-old girl. This series is highly recommended.
July 20, 2013
This series makes me happy. :)
March 2, 2016
There are might be possible spoilers.
It's not a bad story, but it's glacial, more and more of the same-old same-old. Self-loathing on Roan's part, and poor-poor-poor Dyl on the other. And The Church is... well The Church. After Eli died it's more of a crutch than anything else to carry the story on.
The cat-fighting episode resembled the snuff case too much. Stray cat cases are really more of the same as well.
The story on the whole doesn't really progress a lot over 600+ pages (on my iPad). The only momentum there is comes from Holden. I don't deny - Roan changes, but only physically so. To himself he is still a monster. To everybody else AND the readers poor Dyl is still poor. Andrea is too eager to convince us that Dyl is happy, but I don't see it. He is not. He is upset and crying and too worried.
To me, what I see right now looking back at book 7, is a freeze. There is something going on under the surface (and the title is perfect in that sense) but the surface itself is frozen solid. Nothing changes except for that weak undertow under the solid thickness of ice.
2.75 stars is all I can give it.
It's not a bad story, but it's glacial, more and more of the same-old same-old. Self-loathing on Roan's part, and poor-poor-poor Dyl on the other. And The Church is... well The Church. After Eli died it's more of a crutch than anything else to carry the story on.
The cat-fighting episode resembled the snuff case too much. Stray cat cases are really more of the same as well.
The story on the whole doesn't really progress a lot over 600+ pages (on my iPad). The only momentum there is comes from Holden. I don't deny - Roan changes, but only physically so. To himself he is still a monster. To everybody else AND the readers poor Dyl is still poor. Andrea is too eager to convince us that Dyl is happy, but I don't see it. He is not. He is upset and crying and too worried.
To me, what I see right now looking back at book 7, is a freeze. There is something going on under the surface (and the title is perfect in that sense) but the surface itself is frozen solid. Nothing changes except for that weak undertow under the solid thickness of ice.
2.75 stars is all I can give it.
November 9, 2017
Hm, not sure what to say about this one. It more or less starts off where the last one ended, but then it kind of meanders from there. Roan's condition keeps changing and no one knows what it means - which has been par for the course throughout the series. There's some repetition that could have been edited out to provide a tighter story, and at this point in the series, it really doesn't add anything to keep going over the same ground. It feels like Ms. Speed is treading water, more than anything, and I'm getting rather tired of how impressed everyone is with themselves. Let's just say, I'm glad there's only one left.
Once again, the characters themselves are the best part. Holden and Scott are the special treat here, since their not-exactly-a-relationship-but-it's-totally-a-relationship relationship allows us to see different facets of Holden and actually see him have no clue what he's doing for once. :D I wish we'd seen more of Fiona, Seb, Dropkick and the other side characters, but they were mostly shunted to the side so Roan. Even Dylan wasn't as prominent in this one.
The cases were more hodgepodge than usual and not even worth mentioning, really. At least Roan solves one.
Once again, the characters themselves are the best part. Holden and Scott are the special treat here, since their not-exactly-a-relationship-but-it's-totally-a-relationship relationship allows us to see different facets of Holden and actually see him have no clue what he's doing for once. :D I wish we'd seen more of Fiona, Seb, Dropkick and the other side characters, but they were mostly shunted to the side so Roan. Even Dylan wasn't as prominent in this one.
The cases were more hodgepodge than usual and not even worth mentioning, really. At least Roan solves one.
November 6, 2020
Reread 2020
Nothing has changed. Still feel the same way.
Original review
Andrea Speed again delivers a book that keeps you spellbound from beginning to end. The characters are still evolving, even after 7 books. There is still more to discover. More to work through and more to learn about all of them.
Some characters have moved on and others have stepped up and taken a much larger role in Roan and Dylan's life. This book again focuses on Holden as well, which makes me quite happy. He is another one of these characters that are built with layers. And more layers. Hard shelled, yet soft cored. I'm honestly amazed at this authors ability to bring these complex characters to life, keep them consistent throughout the whole series and still make me wanting more, and more, and still more again.
I'm waiting with baited breath for the next one...
Nothing has changed. Still feel the same way.
Original review
Andrea Speed again delivers a book that keeps you spellbound from beginning to end. The characters are still evolving, even after 7 books. There is still more to discover. More to work through and more to learn about all of them.
Some characters have moved on and others have stepped up and taken a much larger role in Roan and Dylan's life. This book again focuses on Holden as well, which makes me quite happy. He is another one of these characters that are built with layers. And more layers. Hard shelled, yet soft cored. I'm honestly amazed at this authors ability to bring these complex characters to life, keep them consistent throughout the whole series and still make me wanting more, and more, and still more again.
I'm waiting with baited breath for the next one...
July 18, 2013
If you haven't read the Infected series yet, whyever not?
You're missing a great treat.
Andrea writes with great humour, love for her characters, and imaginative, fast-moving plots.
She makes you believe in the world of the infected, and of Roan's special place in that world.
He's so heartbreaking, and yet so cool.
I hope there will be more of them; I can't get enough.
J.R. Ward, this is how you write male pairings.
You're missing a great treat.
Andrea writes with great humour, love for her characters, and imaginative, fast-moving plots.
She makes you believe in the world of the infected, and of Roan's special place in that world.
He's so heartbreaking, and yet so cool.
I hope there will be more of them; I can't get enough.
J.R. Ward, this is how you write male pairings.
August 7, 2013
I feel that after Paris died, the books became a little stagnant. Roan is basically still having the same problems and considering he's the focal point of the books it becomes a little dull. It's still a good series though.
June 10, 2018
This series has such a melancholy undertone, yet it's super addictive and you can't help but love the characters, the writing, and their world. It isn't always a downer though, there are some funny bits, but I just feel like Roan can't catch a break (even though out living all other infecteds is kind of a break in itself) and I'm still unsure of Dylan's place in this book. I think that's mainly why I am sticking with this series,I really need to know what happens with Roan and the gang of misfits. I think Dr. Rosenberg is one of my favorite characters.
June 9, 2013
4 1/2 Hearts
Review written for MM Good Book Reviews
This story is part of a series and must be read in order. While Roan is still locked in a coma with Dylan worrying beside his bedside, Holden tries to make sense of his relationship with Scott and fails miserably. Holden takes a case involving the murder of an old friend and Fiona digs into some unsavoury happenings at the Church of the Divine Transformation. When Roan wakes he realises him and his lion are more closely entwined than he realised, trying to get back into the swing of things Roan helps Holden with his investigation and takes over from Fiona with Holden’s help, but it just leads Roan to wonder just how much of a danger he really could be.
This story continues from where Lesser Evils ended with Roan in a coma that no one knows if he will recover from. Holden is confused by his non-relationship with Scott, he doesn’t know what the two have them have together and he doesn’t know if he likes it either. On another note, Holden dives into investigating an old friend’s murder and is quite happy with his escort business. Dylan is left adrift with everything that emerges about Roan but knows he has to stick by the man he loves, even when said man drives him insane. Roan and his lion become better acquainted as his Infected status develops further.
Damn, how the hell does Roan even get out of bed in the morning with all the crap that comes his way? Roan has his hands full with his investigations and keeping a tight rein on his lion, Dylan has his hands full dealing with Roan and Holden is much more involved with the investigations. Holden has more of a starring role in this story and the assistant investigator/escort gets a headache trying to figure out what he is doing with Scott. Dylan is still on the fringes when it comes to what is happening between Roan and his lion but Roan opens up more to him. And Roan is beginning to worry about his control of the lion which sends him into a tailspin.
This story is as harsh and brutal as the ones before it, Roan’s lion is beginning to get a foothold and it shows. The investigations are as interesting as always, especially when it comes to the church. Roan’s development is scary, startling and worrying, but you can’t help love the man for his take no prisoner’s attitude. There’s a wealth of emotions running through this book from anger and frustration to senseless loss and helplessness, and you know that there is nothing anyone can do about it. I have absolutely loved this series from the very beginning, it’s a brutal shifter story that doesn’t pull its punches, it is laid out in all its glory from horrific shifts to the bigotry and hatred from others and it never apologises for the bloodshed.
I have to recommend this if you love brutal shifters, unapologetic actions, great investigations that could turn bloody at any moment, fantastic characters, deep love, confused relationships and an ending that leaves you wondering where it’s going next.
Review written for MM Good Book Reviews
This story is part of a series and must be read in order. While Roan is still locked in a coma with Dylan worrying beside his bedside, Holden tries to make sense of his relationship with Scott and fails miserably. Holden takes a case involving the murder of an old friend and Fiona digs into some unsavoury happenings at the Church of the Divine Transformation. When Roan wakes he realises him and his lion are more closely entwined than he realised, trying to get back into the swing of things Roan helps Holden with his investigation and takes over from Fiona with Holden’s help, but it just leads Roan to wonder just how much of a danger he really could be.
This story continues from where Lesser Evils ended with Roan in a coma that no one knows if he will recover from. Holden is confused by his non-relationship with Scott, he doesn’t know what the two have them have together and he doesn’t know if he likes it either. On another note, Holden dives into investigating an old friend’s murder and is quite happy with his escort business. Dylan is left adrift with everything that emerges about Roan but knows he has to stick by the man he loves, even when said man drives him insane. Roan and his lion become better acquainted as his Infected status develops further.
Damn, how the hell does Roan even get out of bed in the morning with all the crap that comes his way? Roan has his hands full with his investigations and keeping a tight rein on his lion, Dylan has his hands full dealing with Roan and Holden is much more involved with the investigations. Holden has more of a starring role in this story and the assistant investigator/escort gets a headache trying to figure out what he is doing with Scott. Dylan is still on the fringes when it comes to what is happening between Roan and his lion but Roan opens up more to him. And Roan is beginning to worry about his control of the lion which sends him into a tailspin.
This story is as harsh and brutal as the ones before it, Roan’s lion is beginning to get a foothold and it shows. The investigations are as interesting as always, especially when it comes to the church. Roan’s development is scary, startling and worrying, but you can’t help love the man for his take no prisoner’s attitude. There’s a wealth of emotions running through this book from anger and frustration to senseless loss and helplessness, and you know that there is nothing anyone can do about it. I have absolutely loved this series from the very beginning, it’s a brutal shifter story that doesn’t pull its punches, it is laid out in all its glory from horrific shifts to the bigotry and hatred from others and it never apologises for the bloodshed.
I have to recommend this if you love brutal shifters, unapologetic actions, great investigations that could turn bloody at any moment, fantastic characters, deep love, confused relationships and an ending that leaves you wondering where it’s going next.
August 17, 2013
I love Roan, I love the writing style, the universe - hells, I'm even warming up to Dylan by now simply because he's so God damn loyal, making me able to look past the fact that he's pretty boring. It would be interesting to have Roan be with someone more... interesting, but I can see why Dylan is the guy for him - he needs someone boring and stable with all the other shit in his life, doesn't he? A rock, a home. Poor lad.
Anyway. I'm not going to review the whole series or the book down to every singly dot, I just thought I would mention my sole problem with the series by book 7; Roan's self-pity. It's understandable and natural and I had absolutely no problem with it during the first 4-5 books. It grew steadily as his powers grew and it was completely believable. However, 5-6 are pretty tough to get through. I mean, how much can one person hate himself before he offs himself? Have we reached the highest point yet? And everyone constantly being pissed at him for it too, cursing at him. I had to take a break halfway through six because I was growing so damn tired of it. ACCEPT YOURSELF ROAN YOU LOVELY, LOVELY CREATURE!
Luckily book 7 wasn't so heavy with self-loathing, but then a considerable portion of it was seen from Holden or Dylan's point of view, which, hand on the bible, I have to admit I skipped. I'm here for Roan!
Anyway. I love the series, but I hope Roan grows to like himself better in the future, otherwise it's gonna be dragging out teeth. Continue the good work!
Anyway. I'm not going to review the whole series or the book down to every singly dot, I just thought I would mention my sole problem with the series by book 7; Roan's self-pity. It's understandable and natural and I had absolutely no problem with it during the first 4-5 books. It grew steadily as his powers grew and it was completely believable. However, 5-6 are pretty tough to get through. I mean, how much can one person hate himself before he offs himself? Have we reached the highest point yet? And everyone constantly being pissed at him for it too, cursing at him. I had to take a break halfway through six because I was growing so damn tired of it. ACCEPT YOURSELF ROAN YOU LOVELY, LOVELY CREATURE!
Luckily book 7 wasn't so heavy with self-loathing, but then a considerable portion of it was seen from Holden or Dylan's point of view, which, hand on the bible, I have to admit I skipped. I'm here for Roan!
Anyway. I love the series, but I hope Roan grows to like himself better in the future, otherwise it's gonna be dragging out teeth. Continue the good work!
August 6, 2014
Roan continues to struggle with the virus and the way it's evolving, and all of the emotions and challenges that creates for him. These books are much more a character study than they are a plot driven series, and I'm in love with those characters. From the free-wheeling hockey team, to the ever patient Dylan, to the amoral and oh so charming Holden, to the irascible and foul mouthed Dr. Rosenberg, they are all fascinating. None so much as Roan, who is the reason this series is so excellent. He got to me more in this book than in any prior (except for tiny moments of three), with his struggle and his fragile vulnerability. He's closer than he's ever been to breaking and it's painful to watch.
I'm scared what's coming when the series concludes. Given the lack of closure in many of the crime storylines, the grim reality of the world they all inhabit, it's hard to imagine Speed ending this as anything but a tragedy, but I can't bear to imagine it ending that way. I'm hoping against hope that she surprises me, and now I'm left waiting the next book with equal parts impatient anticipation and dread.
I'm scared what's coming when the series concludes. Given the lack of closure in many of the crime storylines, the grim reality of the world they all inhabit, it's hard to imagine Speed ending this as anything but a tragedy, but I can't bear to imagine it ending that way. I'm hoping against hope that she surprises me, and now I'm left waiting the next book with equal parts impatient anticipation and dread.
July 20, 2013
4.5 stars.
I love Roan as a character; he's dark and cranky and scared of hurting the people he loves. And that makes him very believable to me. And I love the world - it's an interesting twist on shapeshifting, including the general reactions to the Infected.
Oddly one of things I liked most about this one is also what made me rate it down a little - it was great to see more of Holden; both his personal life and him working as an investigator. But at the same time he is such a strong character that I found it distracting - I either wanted to know more of what was happening with Roan or more about Holden. Wishful thinking - but a Holden spin off would be nice :)
I really enjoyed the interactions between Roan and Dylan; the relationship seems to have matured and settled - yes they still have problems, but they seem to have almost accepted them.
And as ever I'm left desperately waiting on the next one :)
I love Roan as a character; he's dark and cranky and scared of hurting the people he loves. And that makes him very believable to me. And I love the world - it's an interesting twist on shapeshifting, including the general reactions to the Infected.
Oddly one of things I liked most about this one is also what made me rate it down a little - it was great to see more of Holden; both his personal life and him working as an investigator. But at the same time he is such a strong character that I found it distracting - I either wanted to know more of what was happening with Roan or more about Holden. Wishful thinking - but a Holden spin off would be nice :)
I really enjoyed the interactions between Roan and Dylan; the relationship seems to have matured and settled - yes they still have problems, but they seem to have almost accepted them.
And as ever I'm left desperately waiting on the next one :)
June 25, 2022
I am not sure if my favorite part was the Roan/Dylan story line or the Holden/Scott story line.
Roan’s ever changing shifts and lion behavior continues. He actually starts this book in a coma from the events at the end of the previous book. He does finally come to and is really struggling with what is happening to him. He has an interesting encounter with the Church of Divine Transformation and solves a decades old murder, but he is really focused on what is happening to him. Now, Holden and Scott. Poor Holden suddenly realizes that he has slipped into a relationship with Scott and is completely flustered, which I found pretty funny. This was another amazing saga in this series and I am looking forward to the next book. .
Roan’s ever changing shifts and lion behavior continues. He actually starts this book in a coma from the events at the end of the previous book. He does finally come to and is really struggling with what is happening to him. He has an interesting encounter with the Church of Divine Transformation and solves a decades old murder, but he is really focused on what is happening to him. Now, Holden and Scott. Poor Holden suddenly realizes that he has slipped into a relationship with Scott and is completely flustered, which I found pretty funny. This was another amazing saga in this series and I am looking forward to the next book. .
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