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The Anomaly #2
Mind Raider
Life has taught mind raider Mara Ross to never let anyone break her. Especially not the crime lord who tortured her for her ability to control other people's minds. But now her former tormentor has kidnapped another woman and Mara will do anything to save her—including joining forces with a dark, powerful man who is more dangerous than anything Mara's faced before.
The CIA's experiments left Callahan with lethal powers he must control with every inch of his will. As the leader of Haven, a sanctuary for anomalies, he stays focused and alone...until Mara blazes into his life. Cal knows he must keep his distance from the fiery mind raider because she threatens his control...and if his control breaks, people die.
On a mission deep in the wilds of Indonesia, desire explodes between Cal and Mara. But as the two wounded souls are drawn to each other, terrible secrets from Cal's past threaten to drive them apart.
Alternate Cover Edition for ASIN: B009OYZM74
The CIA's experiments left Callahan with lethal powers he must control with every inch of his will. As the leader of Haven, a sanctuary for anomalies, he stays focused and alone...until Mara blazes into his life. Cal knows he must keep his distance from the fiery mind raider because she threatens his control...and if his control breaks, people die.
On a mission deep in the wilds of Indonesia, desire explodes between Cal and Mara. But as the two wounded souls are drawn to each other, terrible secrets from Cal's past threaten to drive them apart.
Alternate Cover Edition for ASIN: B009OYZM74
93 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 10, 2012
121 people are currently reading
246 people want to read
About the author
Anna Hackett
169 books2,941 followersI’m a USA Today bestselling romance author who’s passionate about fast-paced, emotion-filled romantic suspense and science-fiction romance. I love writing about people overcoming unbeatable odds and achieving seemingly impossible goals. I like to believe it’s possible for all of us to do the same.
I love hearing from readers and you can find me on Facebook, Instagram and my website: www.annahackett.com
I love hearing from readers and you can find me on Facebook, Instagram and my website: www.annahackett.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
February 24, 2023
Fast paced, quick & action packed.
Callahan was dreamy.
Mara was a little too hot headed for my taste.
But… it was a very nice addition to the series.
Read: 23/08/2021
1st rating: 3 stars
Genre/tropes: Sci-fi/action/romance
Cover: 3 stars
POV’s: Dual -3rd person (Cal & Mara)
Will I recommend: Yes
Callahan was dreamy.
Mara was a little too hot headed for my taste.
But… it was a very nice addition to the series.
Read: 23/08/2021
1st rating: 3 stars
Genre/tropes: Sci-fi/action/romance
Cover: 3 stars
POV’s: Dual -3rd person (Cal & Mara)
Will I recommend: Yes
June 10, 2016
RATING: 4 Hearts! :)
March 6, 2016
Oh man, I had forgotten how awesome this series is. Bad guys who do very bad things, good guys who teeter on the edge of doing bad things, and women who can be a little reckless when they become focused on something. *slow thumbs up*
Mara and Cal are dancing around one another and their mutual attraction. Cal has his reasons. Mara has hers. They fight that attraction until they just can't anymore. Because that's the way sexy naked times work. By the by, Mara's ex is a major douchecanoe. So are her parents, come to think of it. (that has nothing to do with anything, I just thought I'd throw that out there.)
Awesome set up for the next books in the series. I'm VERY curious how book 4 is going to redeem someone who seems very unredeemable right now. VERY CURIOUS.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
Mara and Cal are dancing around one another and their mutual attraction. Cal has his reasons. Mara has hers. They fight that attraction until they just can't anymore. Because that's the way sexy naked times work. By the by, Mara's ex is a major douchecanoe. So are her parents, come to think of it. (that has nothing to do with anything, I just thought I'd throw that out there.)
Awesome set up for the next books in the series. I'm VERY curious how book 4 is going to redeem someone who seems very unredeemable right now. VERY CURIOUS.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
March 14, 2015
Still loving the way this author writes. Very readable, and she writes great romance and action. I enjoyed these characters, but I wish this book had been the last of the series. Maybe then, I would have seen how awesome and mysterious Callahan was instead of having to be told it constantly.
Still an enjoyable read, but I liked the first book a bit better. The bad guy is bothering me a lot. I still have no idea why he's still alive. He needs a lot more development to draw me into the story. I mean, seriously, why didn't the soul stealer they save just steal his soul? Or her torturer's souls?
I still want to read the next one. Really love the writing and action (yeah, so much I'm mentioning it twice).
Still an enjoyable read, but I liked the first book a bit better. The bad guy is bothering me a lot. I still have no idea why he's still alive. He needs a lot more development to draw me into the story. I mean, seriously, why didn't the soul stealer they save just steal his soul? Or her torturer's souls?
I still want to read the next one. Really love the writing and action (yeah, so much I'm mentioning it twice).
October 20, 2022
Book two in the Anomaly series.
Mara is tracking a young woman who has been taken by Leven.. Cal is following her, his powers eclipse everyone else’s and he is fascinated by Mara.
They share a moment and he tells her that he is dangerous to be around. But he is injured in an explosion and how he heals himself is a epiphany..
He realises he must trust her to trust himself. They rescue Cate and get back to Haven.
Mara is tracking a young woman who has been taken by Leven.. Cal is following her, his powers eclipse everyone else’s and he is fascinated by Mara.
They share a moment and he tells her that he is dangerous to be around. But he is injured in an explosion and how he heals himself is a epiphany..
He realises he must trust her to trust himself. They rescue Cate and get back to Haven.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 22, 2023
MIND RAIDER, Bk 2 in Anna Hackett’s Anomaly series.
MY RATING GUIDE: 3.5 Stars. The story’s plot is further developed in this 2nd book and (I thought) the various relationships of the characters in their world, as well.
1= dnf/What was that?; 2= Nope, not for me; 3= This was okay/cute; 3.5= I enjoyed it; 4= I liked it a lot; 5= I Loved it, it was great! (I seldom give 5 Stars).
Callahan overseas the safe operation of Haven, an Australian island sanctuary for unusually talented people. Cal created Haven as a place of peace and security for any hunted anomalies who need a safe place from the world. Callahan is former CIA and a Mind Raider. Originally believing his actions were patriotic, Cal volunteered for a special program with the CIA. Those in the program had special talents. The doctors in the program experimented on the volunteers, digging into their minds and bodies to enhance their original talents. But eventually Cal deduced he (and the others) were simply being used as personal weapons for the one purpose of death and destruction. With the help of one of the doctors, Cal managed to escape the program. Now he focuses on using his deadly abilities for good and lives with his nightmares from the past.
Mara Ross is a Mind Raider. Years ago, someone close to Ross betrayed her and turned her over to Devon, the leader of an extended criminal organization, for his dirty work. But after a time Mara managed to escape and find a sanctuary for people like herself. Now Mara does everything she can to help other anomalies. She tells them about the island Haven or rescues those who have been captured, and brings them back to safety. When Mara hears that someone else has been captured by Devon, she approaches Cal. Cal creates a rescue plan but Devon refuses to loose another tool without a fight.
Quotes ~
> “I’ve seen all of you now. And I don’t just mean every inch of your milky skin. I like You. All of you.” Cal
Comments ~
1) MIND RAIDER is bk 2 in a 4 bk series. It has a complete story with a HFN/HEA with an overriding story arc connecting the titles.
2) MIND RAIDER is a novella and reads quickly. I felt the characters were better established in their world in this book than the previous title which allowed me to enjoyed it more fully.
3) Hackett’s book tend to be steamy. I don’t generally mind unless the balance of the book leans more heavily toward sexuality than the action or story. I felt the balance in TR again leaned heavily toward intimacy scenes with less emphasis on the story.
READER CAUTION ~ Not recommended to YA or to readers who prefer Clean fiction.
PROFANITY - Yes. Strong language is used occasionally.
VIOLENCE - PG-13.
SEXUAL SITUATIONS - Yes. Steamy scenes of intimacy occur a number of times.
MY RATING GUIDE: 3.5 Stars. The story’s plot is further developed in this 2nd book and (I thought) the various relationships of the characters in their world, as well.
1= dnf/What was that?; 2= Nope, not for me; 3= This was okay/cute; 3.5= I enjoyed it; 4= I liked it a lot; 5= I Loved it, it was great! (I seldom give 5 Stars).
Callahan overseas the safe operation of Haven, an Australian island sanctuary for unusually talented people. Cal created Haven as a place of peace and security for any hunted anomalies who need a safe place from the world. Callahan is former CIA and a Mind Raider. Originally believing his actions were patriotic, Cal volunteered for a special program with the CIA. Those in the program had special talents. The doctors in the program experimented on the volunteers, digging into their minds and bodies to enhance their original talents. But eventually Cal deduced he (and the others) were simply being used as personal weapons for the one purpose of death and destruction. With the help of one of the doctors, Cal managed to escape the program. Now he focuses on using his deadly abilities for good and lives with his nightmares from the past.
Mara Ross is a Mind Raider. Years ago, someone close to Ross betrayed her and turned her over to Devon, the leader of an extended criminal organization, for his dirty work. But after a time Mara managed to escape and find a sanctuary for people like herself. Now Mara does everything she can to help other anomalies. She tells them about the island Haven or rescues those who have been captured, and brings them back to safety. When Mara hears that someone else has been captured by Devon, she approaches Cal. Cal creates a rescue plan but Devon refuses to loose another tool without a fight.
Quotes ~
> “I’ve seen all of you now. And I don’t just mean every inch of your milky skin. I like You. All of you.” Cal
Comments ~
1) MIND RAIDER is bk 2 in a 4 bk series. It has a complete story with a HFN/HEA with an overriding story arc connecting the titles.
2) MIND RAIDER is a novella and reads quickly. I felt the characters were better established in their world in this book than the previous title which allowed me to enjoyed it more fully.
3) Hackett’s book tend to be steamy. I don’t generally mind unless the balance of the book leans more heavily toward sexuality than the action or story. I felt the balance in TR again leaned heavily toward intimacy scenes with less emphasis on the story.
READER CAUTION ~ Not recommended to YA or to readers who prefer Clean fiction.
PROFANITY - Yes. Strong language is used occasionally.
VIOLENCE - PG-13.
SEXUAL SITUATIONS - Yes. Steamy scenes of intimacy occur a number of times.
May 24, 2023
This is book #2 in the Anomaly series, which you can pick up as a complete, 4-book set. This was a good second book. Mara was the roommate of the heroine in Time Thief. Now she's the heroine in this one.
She's a hard-as-nails redhead, who was tortured for years by a crime boss who wanted to control her mind-raiding powers--and her. Now she discovers he's got another woman she knows, and he's torturing her, forcing her to use her powers against her will, to do unspeakable things to his enemies. So Mara needs to rescue her. To help her, she turns to the most dangerous man with anomalies that she knows.
Callahan is dangerous because his inherent powers were accentuated and increased by experiments done on him when he volunteered, as a CIA agent, hoping to become more powerful, hence more useful to his agency. Instead, he's become a lethal weapon, and he must control himself totally every minute of the day, so as not to harm others. But Mara appeals to him as a woman, and that's dangerous for him to indulge in--not only because she can be hurt, but so can others, if he loses control. But he agrees to help her, and they're off on an adventure neither of them may survive.
Lots of action, a bad guy villain so horrible you want to boo him when he appears, and steamy times when Mara and Callahan allow themselves the luxury of being "normal." A fun read!
She's a hard-as-nails redhead, who was tortured for years by a crime boss who wanted to control her mind-raiding powers--and her. Now she discovers he's got another woman she knows, and he's torturing her, forcing her to use her powers against her will, to do unspeakable things to his enemies. So Mara needs to rescue her. To help her, she turns to the most dangerous man with anomalies that she knows.
Callahan is dangerous because his inherent powers were accentuated and increased by experiments done on him when he volunteered, as a CIA agent, hoping to become more powerful, hence more useful to his agency. Instead, he's become a lethal weapon, and he must control himself totally every minute of the day, so as not to harm others. But Mara appeals to him as a woman, and that's dangerous for him to indulge in--not only because she can be hurt, but so can others, if he loses control. But he agrees to help her, and they're off on an adventure neither of them may survive.
Lots of action, a bad guy villain so horrible you want to boo him when he appears, and steamy times when Mara and Callahan allow themselves the luxury of being "normal." A fun read!
August 1, 2018
Mara and Cal!
Callahan is the owner of Haven, the sanctuary that he set up in Queensland for himself and other anomalies. It is a safe and peaceful place where they can be safe and learn to control their powers.
But there are still other anomalies out there and Mara, a mind raider, is determined to help them. One in particular, Cate Hartmann, is a soul stealer. She has been a prisoner of Gabriel Leven for some time and forced to kill for him. The biggest problem for all of the anomalies is to learn how to control their powers and not abuse them.
Mara, Cal, Dean and Bay are determined to rescue Cate. During the mission Cal and Mara find themselves falling in love but Cal thinks that he is not worthy so it's uphill all the way for Mara.
Once again a book that is full of adventure and romance!
Callahan is the owner of Haven, the sanctuary that he set up in Queensland for himself and other anomalies. It is a safe and peaceful place where they can be safe and learn to control their powers.
But there are still other anomalies out there and Mara, a mind raider, is determined to help them. One in particular, Cate Hartmann, is a soul stealer. She has been a prisoner of Gabriel Leven for some time and forced to kill for him. The biggest problem for all of the anomalies is to learn how to control their powers and not abuse them.
Mara, Cal, Dean and Bay are determined to rescue Cate. During the mission Cal and Mara find themselves falling in love but Cal thinks that he is not worthy so it's uphill all the way for Mara.
Once again a book that is full of adventure and romance!
May 17, 2018
Second book in the Anomaly featuring Mara, the room mate of book one's heroine, Bay. Mara and the man who created the Haven that people like Mara and Bay live on, Cal work to save another person from the series villain. The story was pretty short without much room for a lot of character development. The conflict between the two characters is mostly based on the fact that they don't communicate very well, and Mara is quite frankly annoying and impulsive. She seemed pretty together and smart in book one, but fell apart here in book 2. I don't think I'll continue with the series at this time. It's ok, but not something that keeps me hoping for more.
August 5, 2024
Mara and Cal
While I loved the first book this one was a bit on the dark side. As it reveals more about Cal and who he worked for prior to escaping and buying Haven Island.
They know that Gabriel Leven is holding a soul stealer hostage somewhere in Indonesia but where?
When Cal is hurt by a bomb blast Mara will ask for help from a village healer. Little do they know that there's a secret that the village will protect while he heals.
Can they get Cara out alive and will they finally be able to take down Leven before he gets dangerous?
While I loved the first book this one was a bit on the dark side. As it reveals more about Cal and who he worked for prior to escaping and buying Haven Island.
They know that Gabriel Leven is holding a soul stealer hostage somewhere in Indonesia but where?
When Cal is hurt by a bomb blast Mara will ask for help from a village healer. Little do they know that there's a secret that the village will protect while he heals.
Can they get Cara out alive and will they finally be able to take down Leven before he gets dangerous?
December 28, 2017
A quick adventure filled story of two strong characters trying to make up for the past. Mara and Cal are just as head strong as the other and neither let others close to them. Each tests this resolution. It's a fast paced action adventure with all the ups, downs and romance to boot.
It was a while since I read book 1 but it didn't really matter. Nice to see Bay & Sean again. Looking forward to book 3.
Disclaimer: while I know the author personally, this doesn't affect my star rating.
It was a while since I read book 1 but it didn't really matter. Nice to see Bay & Sean again. Looking forward to book 3.
Disclaimer: while I know the author personally, this doesn't affect my star rating.
June 27, 2018
Really good
Tortured. Guilty. Trying to give back. Callahan has secrets. Big secrets that heel him alone. Mara fights for other anomolies. She rescues them. She works with Callahan. On a rescue mission gone wrong they reveal those secrets. Hoping they both come winners. Good story. Loved it.
Tortured. Guilty. Trying to give back. Callahan has secrets. Big secrets that heel him alone. Mara fights for other anomolies. She rescues them. She works with Callahan. On a rescue mission gone wrong they reveal those secrets. Hoping they both come winners. Good story. Loved it.
November 21, 2017
For the sci-fi buff.
Enjoyed the book immensely. I have read the first two of the series and couldn't put them down. A five star book. Plenty of action, well written. Can't wait to begin the next story.
Enjoyed the book immensely. I have read the first two of the series and couldn't put them down. A five star book. Plenty of action, well written. Can't wait to begin the next story.
October 25, 2021
Interesting paranormal take. A little dark but worth the read.
October 13, 2022
Short, but good!
April 9, 2023
Mind Raider
I so enjoyed Mara and Cal’s story! Wonderful story with loads of action and the heat leaped off the pages. I highly recommend this book!
I so enjoyed Mara and Cal’s story! Wonderful story with loads of action and the heat leaped off the pages. I highly recommend this book!
June 4, 2023
Cal & Mara
Yet another steamy romance with lots of twists & turns. You’ve added to this para normal series. I can’t wait to read about Gage & Cate. 😘🇨🇦
Yet another steamy romance with lots of twists & turns. You’ve added to this para normal series. I can’t wait to read about Gage & Cate. 😘🇨🇦
November 16, 2023
The boring, and so very depressing, also didn’t like the ending again.
February 26, 2026
I love when a big powerful man is helpless for his lady. The whole mind powers thing is very interesting and the ongoing battle against the baddies is exciting. Great read.
February 18, 2013
Mind Raider is the second novella of Anna Hackett's The Anomaly Trilogy. The first installment of this trilogy is Time Thief. Although these novellas can be stand alone reads, I recommend reading them in order because you are given more insights and backgrounds of the characters which provides a much richer reading experience in my opinion. Alright, so onto my review of Mind Raider. While I enjoyed Time Thief, I absolutely loved Mind Raider. Mara & Callahan (Cal) were briefly introduced in Time Thief & from there, I knew that their story was going to be interesting....and it definitely was. I was not disappointed with this installment of the trilogy.
Without a doubt, Anna has successfully weaved an intense and action-pack story filled with great characters, a good plot & an exciting storyline. As I was reading, this story played out like a movie in my head due to the flawless storytelling and vivid imagery. This story thrusts the reader into the exotic settings of Indonesia which I enjoyed reading about. The pacing was on point. It was fast-paced which I always appreciate in a story because it doesn't leave me bored or have me skimming pages. The characters in Mind Raider were also three dimensional and realistic. Mara was a heroine who I loved; she was stubborn, strong, and determined who didn't take anyone's BS. Then there was Cal who I was immediately intrigued with. He was an enigma and I couldn't wait to unravel his story & discover why he was so closed off. Once I did, I just wanted to give him a good hug. Furthermore, I loved Cal's characterizations; he was alpha of course. Very protective and loving of Mara. He definitely has me crushing on him now ;)
Also, my emotions were running rampant in this story. I was smiling one minute and then teary-eyed the next. This read definitely packed in a lot. The chemistry between Mara & Cal was very sexy and well-written.You can just feel the chemistry radiating off the pages and once they got together for the heart-pumping love scenes...whew, it was hot enough to set off sparks! Loved it!
His mouth hovered over hers. "I told myself I'd stay away from you."
She licked her lips, praying he wouldn't pull away. "Why?"
"To protect you." His lips brushed hers.
"But you can protect yourself and almost dying made me realize I can't die without having you." His mouth captured hers.
I really enjoyed reading the romance between Mara & Cal. The build up of their romance was nicely written. It didn't feel rushed...just perfect. Their romance was definitely the highlight of the story. Very sexy & heartwarming. I definitely wouldn't mind reading more about them as they were a great couple. Overall, I highly enjoyed reading Mind Raider. It certainly was an entertaining & satisfying read & one that I could not put down. I was eagerly looking forward to this installment and I was not disappointed! Loved reading every minute of Mind Raider and without a doubt, this will be a reread for me. Highly recommend!
Without a doubt, Anna has successfully weaved an intense and action-pack story filled with great characters, a good plot & an exciting storyline. As I was reading, this story played out like a movie in my head due to the flawless storytelling and vivid imagery. This story thrusts the reader into the exotic settings of Indonesia which I enjoyed reading about. The pacing was on point. It was fast-paced which I always appreciate in a story because it doesn't leave me bored or have me skimming pages. The characters in Mind Raider were also three dimensional and realistic. Mara was a heroine who I loved; she was stubborn, strong, and determined who didn't take anyone's BS. Then there was Cal who I was immediately intrigued with. He was an enigma and I couldn't wait to unravel his story & discover why he was so closed off. Once I did, I just wanted to give him a good hug. Furthermore, I loved Cal's characterizations; he was alpha of course. Very protective and loving of Mara. He definitely has me crushing on him now ;)
Also, my emotions were running rampant in this story. I was smiling one minute and then teary-eyed the next. This read definitely packed in a lot. The chemistry between Mara & Cal was very sexy and well-written.You can just feel the chemistry radiating off the pages and once they got together for the heart-pumping love scenes...whew, it was hot enough to set off sparks! Loved it!
His mouth hovered over hers. "I told myself I'd stay away from you."
She licked her lips, praying he wouldn't pull away. "Why?"
"To protect you." His lips brushed hers.
"But you can protect yourself and almost dying made me realize I can't die without having you." His mouth captured hers.
I really enjoyed reading the romance between Mara & Cal. The build up of their romance was nicely written. It didn't feel rushed...just perfect. Their romance was definitely the highlight of the story. Very sexy & heartwarming. I definitely wouldn't mind reading more about them as they were a great couple. Overall, I highly enjoyed reading Mind Raider. It certainly was an entertaining & satisfying read & one that I could not put down. I was eagerly looking forward to this installment and I was not disappointed! Loved reading every minute of Mind Raider and without a doubt, this will be a reread for me. Highly recommend!
July 25, 2015
Full Series Review w/Final Thoughts of all four books on MsRomanticReads.com.
The second book opened with Mara, Bay’s former roommate and friend, hot on the heels of Leven and trying to rescue a soul stealer named Cate. When the rescue mission turned out to be a trap, Haven’s fearless leader, Callahan, ended up saving her. But he also inadvertently revealed just one of his many secrets he never wanted her to know.
In terms of suspense, this packed a bit more of a punch than the first book. And we learned some interesting things about Callahan, anomaly abilities and some dark history. Even though he wanted Mara badly, Cal believed it would be safer for her if he stayed away. But we know how well those types of plans usually work out.
I loved Cal. There’s something about tortured heroes that is very hard to resist. The burden of his past led to dedicating himself to making up for his past mistakes. He was very protective of the group of anomalies he had under his care and protection, and though he denied it, he deserved happiness for a change. It took courage to bare his soul to Mara at the risk he could lose her forever. It was nice to see a hero who didn’t try to wring out all the pleasure he could from a heroine to stave off a rejection.
While I love tough heroines, Mara was always impatient, preferring to act now rather than plan or strategize. She saw the error of that trait when it nearly killed Cal. Together they really did make a good team, both personally and professionally. The sexy times were sizzling, but not the hottest ones of the four books.
I had the same issue with the ending here that I had with the previous book: How could they NOT kill Leven? More than anyone, Mara was the most gung-ho about rescuing anomalies and saving them from what she’d been through. I wondered if she didn’t let Cal kill Leven because she now knew that torturing and killing had broken Cal, and therefore she didn’t want him to go through with it. But on the other hand, they had learned more about Leven’s plans and knew he’d never stop. That alone, in addition to all of his other crimes against humanity would have been reason enough to end him. I’m just not sure how I feel about that. It would have made more sense to have Leven escape each time rather than have the good guys look like they valued their own morals over the good of the masses.
My Kindle book ended at 86% followed by a preview of Soul Stealer.
August 7, 2021
I really liked that this one gave us some history on where the anomalies come from; this was hinted at much too briefly in TIME THIEF so I was happy to get some more information. I especially liked that Anna Hackett took a known historical event (the Nazi experimentation) and adapted it to include her version of events. I love when authors make interesting adjustments to history this way. I also liked that we saw a bit more of Haven and what it is and represents as well as why it exists. Though harder to stomach, I also liked seeing the darker side of these powers; it made the book more genuine to read about the struggle a lot of anomalies face to not abuse their powers. Comparing the powers to an addiction was a unique way to look at things.
This one had a lot of typos and errors like misspelled words and missing words. I didn't notice this problem in the previous book but it really stood out in this one. I don't get completely pulled out of a story by an error but if it happens a lot then it does become noticeable. Maybe this makes me a bad person but I can't understand why they haven't killed Levan yet even when they had 2 perfect opportunities. I understand that each character is working to use their abilities for good only and to not turn into the monster that Leven is but after everything he has done it seems like this would be a justified killing. I mean Leven is a crime lord dealing in trading drugs, weapons, and humans, including young girls into the sex trade. He hunts down and kidnaps anomalies, then beats, starves, and tortures them into using their powers for him. And after the goings on of this book, they now know that he has scientists working to turn regular people into anomalies so that he can build his own army. After all of that it just seems wrong to let him keep doing what he's doing.
Content Warning: Mara was abused and tortured
This one had a lot of typos and errors like misspelled words and missing words. I didn't notice this problem in the previous book but it really stood out in this one. I don't get completely pulled out of a story by an error but if it happens a lot then it does become noticeable. Maybe this makes me a bad person but I can't understand why they haven't killed Levan yet even when they had 2 perfect opportunities. I understand that each character is working to use their abilities for good only and to not turn into the monster that Leven is but after everything he has done it seems like this would be a justified killing. I mean Leven is a crime lord dealing in trading drugs, weapons, and humans, including young girls into the sex trade. He hunts down and kidnaps anomalies, then beats, starves, and tortures them into using their powers for him. And after the goings on of this book, they now know that he has scientists working to turn regular people into anomalies so that he can build his own army. After all of that it just seems wrong to let him keep doing what he's doing.
Content Warning: Mara was abused and tortured
April 16, 2015
A strong, powerful heroine with an equally smart hero to match her, forming an excellent partnership where strengths and weaknesses align? Sounds like classic Anna Hackett to me! I really enjoyed this short, punchy read with its mix of too powerful powers, dark pasts, hot romance and a race to save minds and lives.
Mara is a bit reckless at times, but she’s passionate about freeing fellow anomalies from the cruel control of Gabriel Leven, crime lord and all round evil being. She’s as fiery as her red hair, but she’s compassionate too and the way she lets Cal in – while also pushing him to open up – is surprisingly sweet given how short this story is. As for Cal, well, he may be the noble saviour of the anomalies now, but I really appreciated the grey in his background. Horrible things have been done to him, yes, but the part he played in his own nightmares is less cut and dried.
Fast, furious, sexy and brilliantly paced, I really enjoyed this read and even though it didn’t take long to devour, it never felt too short. Of course I want more, but I don’t feel short changed by this. If you like paranormal romance with more action and a scientific edge, or you like a bit more romance with your superpowers, then I definitely recommend giving this a try. Especially if you want some quick and compelling. Even if I do wish someone would just kill Leven already.
Mara is a bit reckless at times, but she’s passionate about freeing fellow anomalies from the cruel control of Gabriel Leven, crime lord and all round evil being. She’s as fiery as her red hair, but she’s compassionate too and the way she lets Cal in – while also pushing him to open up – is surprisingly sweet given how short this story is. As for Cal, well, he may be the noble saviour of the anomalies now, but I really appreciated the grey in his background. Horrible things have been done to him, yes, but the part he played in his own nightmares is less cut and dried.
Fast, furious, sexy and brilliantly paced, I really enjoyed this read and even though it didn’t take long to devour, it never felt too short. Of course I want more, but I don’t feel short changed by this. If you like paranormal romance with more action and a scientific edge, or you like a bit more romance with your superpowers, then I definitely recommend giving this a try. Especially if you want some quick and compelling. Even if I do wish someone would just kill Leven already.
February 5, 2016
Mara Ross is trying to rescue a woman, Cate, from crime lord's Leven’s clutches. Cate can kill with a touch, and Leven likes using people with supernatural abilities to do his dirty work for him. She gets in hot water during an early rescue attempt and Callahan, the leader of a colony of Anomalies, helps her get out of the initial mess. Deciding she needs more resources in her rescue, Cal decides to help her on this mission.
Mara's stake in finding Cate is personal, as she was used by Leven at one point for her ability to control minds. Cal intrigues her more as she works with him more closely, and she decides to pursue him despite his reservations. Cal is afraid to let anybody get close because he has trouble living with some of the things he's done. Mara's not very responsive to his orders or rebuffs, managing to stop just shy of being stubborn for stubborn's sake. His capitulation is tender but fraught, as he succeeds in being a pretty frightening guy.
The action is spread out in several different raids on Leven, with the interludes developing the more personal parts of Mara and Cal's relationship. We get a bit on the damage that the two of them have sustained emotionally, and what they are running from in their pasts. Although their relationship solidifies, I think they’re going to need some time to work out all their demons. The action scenes are well-choreographed, so I could always follow who was doing what when.
Mara's stake in finding Cate is personal, as she was used by Leven at one point for her ability to control minds. Cal intrigues her more as she works with him more closely, and she decides to pursue him despite his reservations. Cal is afraid to let anybody get close because he has trouble living with some of the things he's done. Mara's not very responsive to his orders or rebuffs, managing to stop just shy of being stubborn for stubborn's sake. His capitulation is tender but fraught, as he succeeds in being a pretty frightening guy.
The action is spread out in several different raids on Leven, with the interludes developing the more personal parts of Mara and Cal's relationship. We get a bit on the damage that the two of them have sustained emotionally, and what they are running from in their pasts. Although their relationship solidifies, I think they’re going to need some time to work out all their demons. The action scenes are well-choreographed, so I could always follow who was doing what when.
October 20, 2012
Having read Part I of Anna Hackett's Anomaly Trilogy, I was ready and wiating for this one. No, it didn't disappoint. This second part of the trilogy focusses on Mara, who can literally raid the mind of her victim. Anomalies are human beings with highly dangerous supernatural gifts, which can be used for good or evil. Unfortunately, having so much power has made them susceptible to terrible danger, as evildoers try to trap them and use them for their own selfish ends. The story focusses on Mara's relationship with Cal, another Mind Raider. Cal dedicates his life to building a haven for anomalies and keeping them safe. As Mara senses her growing attraction to Cal, will he let her come close? Realizing long back that he had the power to hurt other humans badly, he literally keeps his distance now, fearing the idea of coming close.
As the Anomalies band together to rescue Cate, one of their number who has been kidnapped by master criminal Gabriel Levin to empower him to do eve more evil, Mara and Cal have to work out thier differences. I have to say that the love scenes are pretty hot and are written in the language of erotica. So don't say you weren't warned.
A short but immensely satisfying read, it held my interest all though.
As the Anomalies band together to rescue Cate, one of their number who has been kidnapped by master criminal Gabriel Levin to empower him to do eve more evil, Mara and Cal have to work out thier differences. I have to say that the love scenes are pretty hot and are written in the language of erotica. So don't say you weren't warned.
A short but immensely satisfying read, it held my interest all though.
October 16, 2012
MIND READER (The Anomaly Trilogy #2) by author Anna Hackett is a fantasy novel released in October 2012.
Mara Ross didn't trust anyone after being let down numerous time. She was thrown out of her house and called a freak. She had the power to raid mind.
But she swore to save other anomalies like herself from villains and government agencies. Some villain was after anomalies to perform experiment and use their unnatural power for his own benefit.
Callahan was ex CIA and already undergone experiments to enhance his powers. And believing he was protecting his country, he had killed. Now he had made a safe haven for other anomalies to live peacefully. So when Mara went to save Cate and walked into a trap, Cal saved her. The attraction simmering between them took over. But would Cal let it? After all he believed himself incapable of love.
MIND RAIDER is a fantasy story highly worth reading! There is steamy sensuality and a hot gorgeous hero in Cal. Mara is a very strong heroine. And the story is a good escape into a world created by the author, Anna Hackett.
December 2, 2015
Mara and Callahan were both mind raider but Cal had more to hide. His time with the CIA had left him with a totally change in his life. Now, he was the leader in Heaven, the sanctuary for the anomalies and he considered himself a monster that don’t deserve love. When he and Mara went on a rescue mission because a soul stealer, Cate, was kidnapped by the evil Leven (still pursuing the anomalies), Cal told Mara the truth about himself and things seemed to change between them. She too saw him as a monster. Besides the suspense, the intrigue, violence and sex scenes, in this book the characters dealt with deep emotions and their need to heal and be comforted. Good pace, dialogs and scenes. Strong hero and heroine with defined personalities. The author made me visualize the action and kept my attention to the details that were intriguing.
June 2, 2016
Mara, Bay’s former roommate is right on the tail of Leven and attempting to save a soul stealer, Cate. But when the trap she set goes pear shaped, Havens enigmatic leader, Callahan, rides to the rescue.
We learn more about the uber mysterious Cal and more of the anomaly ability variations. I love these books, They read like your favourite action/romantic comedy! Before you know it your near the end and trying to stretch out that last chapter!!
Cal is tortured, super protective of his haven and his people and with a need for a mate but willing to sacrifice his happiness if he thinks she's better off without him.
Mara tends to act now and think later, so the perfect counter to Cal's super planning! I was a tad disappointed when the bad guy lived another day, but now that I've read all 4 books I get why it had to be that way!!
Fab read!
We learn more about the uber mysterious Cal and more of the anomaly ability variations. I love these books, They read like your favourite action/romantic comedy! Before you know it your near the end and trying to stretch out that last chapter!!
Cal is tortured, super protective of his haven and his people and with a need for a mate but willing to sacrifice his happiness if he thinks she's better off without him.
Mara tends to act now and think later, so the perfect counter to Cal's super planning! I was a tad disappointed when the bad guy lived another day, but now that I've read all 4 books I get why it had to be that way!!
Fab read!
September 8, 2015
In this second book, we follow Bay's friend Mara as she pursues the series's evil villain. She can take over peoples' minds, and is haunted by the crimes had had been forced to commit after being kidnapped him. However, she ends up needing help from the leader of Haven, Callaghan, who has extra special powers. Those powers led him to do some terrible things, and he keeps himself distant from everyone as a result. Except Mara keeps pushing in his boundaries. When they run into trouble on a mission to rescue the heroine of the next book, we learn more about Cal's powers, and about the histories of both Mara and Cal.
December 3, 2015
In the second book of the Anomaly Series, Mind Raider, Mara Ross (a friend of Bay’s) is trying to save another Anomaly, from captivity. Leven has captured and is using a Soul Stealer to do his own brand of torture to obtain what he wants. She is too late to get to Cate but is herself almost captured until Callahan arrives just in time to keep her from death or capture. He takes her to his island stronghold, Haven, and together they plot the rescue of Cate Hartman. Along the way Mara and Cal spar and match wits.
I received the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I received the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
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