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Final Protocol
NOTE: This Kindle edition is no longer available and has been replaced by ASIN B06Y2CJ3S4.
Tip #1: Don’t get on her bad side. Tip #2: There’s no good side.
Her name is Silence. If she was ever known by any other name, she doesn’t remember.
She is a killer. If she was ever anything else, she doesn’t remember.
She has an owner. If she was ever free…well, that she does remember. She was free and then somebody gave her to a madman to pay a debt that wasn’t hers. She’s his toy, his pet…and his trained killer. She kills at his whim or she dies.
She has a target. Her so-called owner…the man who makes her life a living hell. If she could kill anybody in the universe, it would be him. But he holds her life in his hands.
And she has a wish—to find a man she barely remembers. A man she knows she once loved. The man who betrayed her and stole away her freedom.
With one final target between her and the tantalizing promise of freedom, she moves in for the kill. There’s one problem. There’s something strangely familiar about her mark. Something that echoes in the void where love used to live.
Warning: One woman with a mission, one evil bastard who lies as often as he breathes, and a man who’ll stop at nothing to find what he lost. Be warned…some questionable consent lies within.
125 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 7, 2015
31 people are currently reading
225 people want to read
About the author
J.C. Daniels
36 books643 followersI read, I write and you can find more about me here at my other author name...
Shiloh Walker
My professional bio:
J.C. Daniels is the alter ego of author Shiloh Walker. J.C./Shiloh has been writing since she was a kid. She fell in love with vampires with the book Bunnicula and has worked her way up to the more...ah...serious works of fiction. She loves reading and writing just about every kind of romance. Once upon a time she worked as a nurse, but now she writes full time and lives with her family in the Midwest. She writes urban fantasy, romantic suspense and paranormal romance, among other things.
Shiloh Walker
My professional bio:
J.C. Daniels is the alter ego of author Shiloh Walker. J.C./Shiloh has been writing since she was a kid. She fell in love with vampires with the book Bunnicula and has worked her way up to the more...ah...serious works of fiction. She loves reading and writing just about every kind of romance. Once upon a time she worked as a nurse, but now she writes full time and lives with her family in the Midwest. She writes urban fantasy, romantic suspense and paranormal romance, among other things.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
June 22, 2015
I went back and forth with myself about whether I wanted to read this after I saw the warning in the blurb about some scenes involving questionable consent. I appreciate the heads-up but I am glad I decided to go ahead and jump in. As much as I love JC Daniels efforts in Urban Fantasy, I have to say she rocked Sci-Fi pretty hard as well.
Silence is an assassin, but not of her own choosing. She can't remember being anything else. She is enslaved by a man who controls her through a leash on her mind. He abuses her mentally, physically, and sexually. And she sees no escape outside of her own death. At this point, she is ready to embrace even that. She is on the verge of risking it all when her master offers her one last job that could buy her freedom. What he doesn't tell her is that her mark holds the secrets to her past --and a future she hasn't even let herself dream could be real.
Daniels does a fantastic job putting you in Silence's headspace. I really felt her hopelessness, despair, anger and shame. I wanted to kill her master every bit as much as she did. As the story progresses, the truths and horrors of the past 10 years of her life are revealed and it only served to make me hate him more. Such depth of feeling is pretty impressive for just a hundred pages. She even managed to make me root for an HEA between Silence and her mark.
Obviously, I liked this quite a bit. My only complaint is that the story felt unfinished. It builds to a great climax and then it just ends. Are we to assume it all works out? Will there maybe be a sequel? (I would read that, BTW, but I've seen no indication that is the case.) If that is really the end of Silence's story, I feel a little cheated. This could have easily been a great full length novel, in my opinion. I'm a bit sad that it wasn't.
Rating: B
*ARC provided by Samhain
Silence is an assassin, but not of her own choosing. She can't remember being anything else. She is enslaved by a man who controls her through a leash on her mind. He abuses her mentally, physically, and sexually. And she sees no escape outside of her own death. At this point, she is ready to embrace even that. She is on the verge of risking it all when her master offers her one last job that could buy her freedom. What he doesn't tell her is that her mark holds the secrets to her past --and a future she hasn't even let herself dream could be real.
Daniels does a fantastic job putting you in Silence's headspace. I really felt her hopelessness, despair, anger and shame. I wanted to kill her master every bit as much as she did. As the story progresses, the truths and horrors of the past 10 years of her life are revealed and it only served to make me hate him more. Such depth of feeling is pretty impressive for just a hundred pages. She even managed to make me root for an HEA between Silence and her mark.
Obviously, I liked this quite a bit. My only complaint is that the story felt unfinished. It builds to a great climax and then it just ends. Are we to assume it all works out? Will there maybe be a sequel? (I would read that, BTW, but I've seen no indication that is the case.) If that is really the end of Silence's story, I feel a little cheated. This could have easily been a great full length novel, in my opinion. I'm a bit sad that it wasn't.
Rating: B
*ARC provided by Samhain
July 14, 2015
4*s
Review posted here...
http://bookpassionforlife.blogspot.co...
This is my first try of this author and I enjoyed it quite a lot. For being such a short book, the story is jam packed with a little bit of everything that will keep you reading right up until the end.
Silence is an assassin, forced to work for a man that took her from everything she had ever known and now can’t remember. He uses her, he abuses her, to him she is a toy to be played with and a killer that he trained for his own ends – if she doesn’t obey….. well let’s just say, she obeys because the consequences are dire. She knows the time is coming when she will kill her owner but that takes time and planning, if only she knew who she was and where she came from, who the man she remembers in flashes is…. And why he betrayed her, leading her to her current situation. When she finally gets given a job that promises her freedom, she goes all out, determined to succeed but when she meets her mark….there’s something strangely familiar about him, begging the question – Can she do the job and gain her freedom or will she die trying?
I really enjoyed this book and it the kind of sci fi that I love. I really liked the premise of the book with a woman being taken from her home, kept as a possession and trained to kill people. She doesn’t recall anything about her life beforehand and that helps her situation in my opinion because she doesn’t have to regret that she can’t be with those she left behind. That made it really quite easy to empathise with her character too because she is in a no win situation and it becomes clear that her ‘owner’ really does treat her like a possession to do with whatever he wants, there is some ‘punishment’ that gets doled out to her and that really gives you the impression that he is a very bad man indeed and the sort of danger Silence finds herself in on a daily basis. She has an aura of a cold hearted person and it’s not surprising really when you see how alone she is and her owner gives her just enough freedom to resemble a life but she still knows that she is just a tool to be used. When she is offered the chance to be free of this man, she jumps at it but also knows that there will be a catch. She has a future mapped out, one that will either end in her death or his but she must complete the job first. For most of the book she spends a lot of time in her own company so there is a lot of internal thinking and planning, she also has some dreams which give her a couple of clues of her past.
Obviously there is going to be a twist on the assignment, I don’t want to spoil it but it was quite obvious. It’s through this that we get a real glimpse of more characters, species and how things work in their worlds – it also seems no two worlds are the same and that it seems as if there is some unrest with more than one of the planets. I can’t really say too much other than that, it was a good read it’s that simple, it had action, it had a lead character whose situation was dire and someone you could really get behind in her quest for freedom. It also has a lot mystery surrounding who she really is/was and we only just get a peek at that and we have an instant bad guy in her owner. I loved where the story went and I really got into it, it also has great potential for more which I’m hoping there will be.
Review posted here...
http://bookpassionforlife.blogspot.co...
This is my first try of this author and I enjoyed it quite a lot. For being such a short book, the story is jam packed with a little bit of everything that will keep you reading right up until the end.
Silence is an assassin, forced to work for a man that took her from everything she had ever known and now can’t remember. He uses her, he abuses her, to him she is a toy to be played with and a killer that he trained for his own ends – if she doesn’t obey….. well let’s just say, she obeys because the consequences are dire. She knows the time is coming when she will kill her owner but that takes time and planning, if only she knew who she was and where she came from, who the man she remembers in flashes is…. And why he betrayed her, leading her to her current situation. When she finally gets given a job that promises her freedom, she goes all out, determined to succeed but when she meets her mark….there’s something strangely familiar about him, begging the question – Can she do the job and gain her freedom or will she die trying?
I really enjoyed this book and it the kind of sci fi that I love. I really liked the premise of the book with a woman being taken from her home, kept as a possession and trained to kill people. She doesn’t recall anything about her life beforehand and that helps her situation in my opinion because she doesn’t have to regret that she can’t be with those she left behind. That made it really quite easy to empathise with her character too because she is in a no win situation and it becomes clear that her ‘owner’ really does treat her like a possession to do with whatever he wants, there is some ‘punishment’ that gets doled out to her and that really gives you the impression that he is a very bad man indeed and the sort of danger Silence finds herself in on a daily basis. She has an aura of a cold hearted person and it’s not surprising really when you see how alone she is and her owner gives her just enough freedom to resemble a life but she still knows that she is just a tool to be used. When she is offered the chance to be free of this man, she jumps at it but also knows that there will be a catch. She has a future mapped out, one that will either end in her death or his but she must complete the job first. For most of the book she spends a lot of time in her own company so there is a lot of internal thinking and planning, she also has some dreams which give her a couple of clues of her past.
Obviously there is going to be a twist on the assignment, I don’t want to spoil it but it was quite obvious. It’s through this that we get a real glimpse of more characters, species and how things work in their worlds – it also seems no two worlds are the same and that it seems as if there is some unrest with more than one of the planets. I can’t really say too much other than that, it was a good read it’s that simple, it had action, it had a lead character whose situation was dire and someone you could really get behind in her quest for freedom. It also has a lot mystery surrounding who she really is/was and we only just get a peek at that and we have an instant bad guy in her owner. I loved where the story went and I really got into it, it also has great potential for more which I’m hoping there will be.
December 13, 2015
3.5 stars
Silence doesn't remember much of her past, all she knows is that she has suffered 10 years of torture and abuse at the hands of her owner because the man she loved betrayed her. She has spent those 10 years being trained as an assassin and thanks to the chip implanted into her brain she has no choice but to obey her master's commands. She has very little hope of ever being able to escape so when her master offers her the chance at freedom she is immediately suspicious. He promises her that all she has to do is take out one more target and then he will release her but when she takes the job she finds herself confronting the man who sold her into slavery. Who should she trust - the man she once loved who has already betrayed her or the man who has spent the last 10 years thinking up new and fun ways to make her suffer?
This was very different from the other stories we've had from J.C. Daniels, I absolutely love her Kit Colbana urban fantasy series but found myself fully sucked into this new sci-fi story to and I actually hope we might get to see more of this world in the future. Silence is a hard character to get to know, mainly because she hardly knows herself. She has spent so long being treated like an object and being forced to do things against her will that she's pretty much forgotten what it's like to be human. We do start to dig beneath the surface though, especially when her memories start to come through, and it was interesting to see her gradually coming back to herself.
Final Protocol is a fairly short and fast read but it is full of interesting world building and great characters, I'd definitely be interested in seeing more of Silence in the future so I'm keeping my fingers crossed this will turn into a series.
Silence doesn't remember much of her past, all she knows is that she has suffered 10 years of torture and abuse at the hands of her owner because the man she loved betrayed her. She has spent those 10 years being trained as an assassin and thanks to the chip implanted into her brain she has no choice but to obey her master's commands. She has very little hope of ever being able to escape so when her master offers her the chance at freedom she is immediately suspicious. He promises her that all she has to do is take out one more target and then he will release her but when she takes the job she finds herself confronting the man who sold her into slavery. Who should she trust - the man she once loved who has already betrayed her or the man who has spent the last 10 years thinking up new and fun ways to make her suffer?
This was very different from the other stories we've had from J.C. Daniels, I absolutely love her Kit Colbana urban fantasy series but found myself fully sucked into this new sci-fi story to and I actually hope we might get to see more of this world in the future. Silence is a hard character to get to know, mainly because she hardly knows herself. She has spent so long being treated like an object and being forced to do things against her will that she's pretty much forgotten what it's like to be human. We do start to dig beneath the surface though, especially when her memories start to come through, and it was interesting to see her gradually coming back to herself.
Final Protocol is a fairly short and fast read but it is full of interesting world building and great characters, I'd definitely be interested in seeing more of Silence in the future so I'm keeping my fingers crossed this will turn into a series.
June 17, 2015
Silence was born/ created just ten years ago but in that short time has seen and spilt more blood than imaginable . Now she is fully honed into a killing machine , a deadly assasin and yet not free, no Silence is never free. Cruelly tied to a barbaric master her life such as it is is not her own anymore and yet sometimes brief snatches of memory haunt her reminding her that once she was something else and yes maybe someone else too.
Gold is her owner and he gives her a new target but this time he promises something far too valuable to ignore, freedom! Silence doesn't trust the evil Gold but if there's a chance to escape then she has to take it. All Silence must do is perform one more hit but when she arrives where her target is her past steps out to meet her!
This works as a standalone and it was interesting reading the authors take on sci fi as I usually read her urban fantasy series featuring Kit. There's something these heroines have in common though and that's their sheer refusal to get knocked down and stay down! Silence may be in a dark place with Gold pulling her strings but her hatred of him fills her with passion and it's gut wrenching to read just how manipulated Silence has been. This is a short read but I'd love to read more set in this world as although there is a resolution of sorts it's not a definitative happy ending. This is probably not suitable for younger readers due to sexual content that will perhaps leave some readers with a nasty taste in their mouths . Fear not though because Ms Daniels may make Silence suffer but she also finally allows her to experience joy!
I was gifted a copy of this in exchange for an honest review
Gold is her owner and he gives her a new target but this time he promises something far too valuable to ignore, freedom! Silence doesn't trust the evil Gold but if there's a chance to escape then she has to take it. All Silence must do is perform one more hit but when she arrives where her target is her past steps out to meet her!
This works as a standalone and it was interesting reading the authors take on sci fi as I usually read her urban fantasy series featuring Kit. There's something these heroines have in common though and that's their sheer refusal to get knocked down and stay down! Silence may be in a dark place with Gold pulling her strings but her hatred of him fills her with passion and it's gut wrenching to read just how manipulated Silence has been. This is a short read but I'd love to read more set in this world as although there is a resolution of sorts it's not a definitative happy ending. This is probably not suitable for younger readers due to sexual content that will perhaps leave some readers with a nasty taste in their mouths . Fear not though because Ms Daniels may make Silence suffer but she also finally allows her to experience joy!
I was gifted a copy of this in exchange for an honest review
July 5, 2015
New erotically dark series from talents Ms. Daniels starts off with an arousing bang. Silence is an assassin with a kill switch. She is at the mercy of her master who uses her to kill of targets as well as satiate his dark sexual desires. Gold, the only name her master goes by enjoys breaking every bone in her body and sexually violating every hole. He's twisted Silence so much that she even begs for the pain as her body sings in pleasure at his sadistic hands.
When it comes to creating evil villains, Ms. Daniels does a stunning job with Gold. There is nothing redeeming about this man and this is unusual for her. Her evil villains usually have some kind of motive which brings their evil intent into question. Not so for Gold, so far in this sci-fi tale. This first book in the series spends time with world building and providing the backstory of how Silence came to existence. It's a teaser meant to pull readers in to want more. I've been pulled in and I want to read the next book. I want to know what happens with Silence and her new found ally.
The tale is told from Silence's point of view. It's a nice balance between her thoughts and actions. She's never whiny which is a big relief. Instead, she's focused and slightly suicidal. She has good reason to be and really, she has nothing to live for and that's why she's so dangerous. Gold is obviously too power drunk to not realize one of his most deadly toys has nothing to live for which means his life will be forfeit.
The sex in this book is non-con for the most part and it is disappointing because it hints rather than shows. Ms. Daniels explores the darker taboo S&M where there are no safewords and the sadist only cares about cruelty. She does not exploit sex here by describing it graphic detail. Instead, it's a gentle fade to black which may leave some dark depraved readers unsatisfied. The hints and glimpses of what Gold does to Silence only piques my interest and spikes my arousal. It's naughty of me, but I enjoy Silence's rape at the hands of her abhorrent captor. It's because despite her resistance, her body still enjoys it and she feels terribly guilty afterwards. This struggle is an elixir for my arousal. The voyeur in me delights in the violation and thirst for more. This dark space opera is recommended for kinky readers who enjoy reading about females skilled with knives and guns yet helpless at the hands of an evil mastermind.
*provided by NetGalley
When it comes to creating evil villains, Ms. Daniels does a stunning job with Gold. There is nothing redeeming about this man and this is unusual for her. Her evil villains usually have some kind of motive which brings their evil intent into question. Not so for Gold, so far in this sci-fi tale. This first book in the series spends time with world building and providing the backstory of how Silence came to existence. It's a teaser meant to pull readers in to want more. I've been pulled in and I want to read the next book. I want to know what happens with Silence and her new found ally.
The tale is told from Silence's point of view. It's a nice balance between her thoughts and actions. She's never whiny which is a big relief. Instead, she's focused and slightly suicidal. She has good reason to be and really, she has nothing to live for and that's why she's so dangerous. Gold is obviously too power drunk to not realize one of his most deadly toys has nothing to live for which means his life will be forfeit.
The sex in this book is non-con for the most part and it is disappointing because it hints rather than shows. Ms. Daniels explores the darker taboo S&M where there are no safewords and the sadist only cares about cruelty. She does not exploit sex here by describing it graphic detail. Instead, it's a gentle fade to black which may leave some dark depraved readers unsatisfied. The hints and glimpses of what Gold does to Silence only piques my interest and spikes my arousal. It's naughty of me, but I enjoy Silence's rape at the hands of her abhorrent captor. It's because despite her resistance, her body still enjoys it and she feels terribly guilty afterwards. This struggle is an elixir for my arousal. The voyeur in me delights in the violation and thirst for more. This dark space opera is recommended for kinky readers who enjoy reading about females skilled with knives and guns yet helpless at the hands of an evil mastermind.
*provided by NetGalley
October 3, 2016
Silence has no memories past the last ten years. The last ten years have been hell. Forced to serve a man she hates as his personal assassin and toy all she can think about is escape in what ever form it takes...his death or more likely her own. Until he promises her freedom, all she to do is one last job, kill one last man, only her target brings back memories that might explain her mysterious past.
I am really enjoying J.C. Daniels' Colbana Files series, so I jumped on the chance of reading Final Protocol especially as it's a sci fi, I have a weakness for sci fi! And I wasn't disappointed, although it was a short read, it managed to pack in plenty of action and emotion.
Silence is one of those heroines, that if you dropped her in a forest with paperclip and plastic cup, she would come out a few days later with a spring in her step and a new wolf skin jacket. Completely kick ass. However, in Silence's case her ability to kill and survive originate in a place so dark, she can't remember how her slavery began. This added a dark edge to this Final Protocol.
This was a great short read, perfect for if you want a taste of J.C. Daniels style, it had a more Urban Fantasy rather than romance style, so if you're looking for something heavy on sweet nothing and gentle sex, then this isn't for you. But if you want something a little gritty, with some action and an interesting conclusion, give Final Protocol a try.
*ARC provided by publisher
Reviewed by Suzanne
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July 30, 2015
Silence has no memories past the last ten years. The last ten years have been hell. Forced to serve a man she hates as his personal assassin and toy all she can think about is escape in what ever form it takes…his death or more likely her own. Until he promises her freedom, all she to do is one last job, kill one last man, only her target brings back memories that might explain her mysterious past.
I am really enjoying J.C. Daniels’ Colbana Files series, so I jumped on the chance of reading Final Protocol especially as it’s a sci fi, I have a weakness for sci fi! And I wasn’t disappointed, although it was a short read, it managed to pack in plenty of action and emotion.
Silence is one of those heroines, that if you dropped her in a forest with paperclip and plastic cup, she would come out a few days later with a spring in her step and a new wolf skin jacket. Completely kick ass. However, in Silence’s case her ability to kill and survive originate in a place so dark, she can’t remember how her slavery began. This added a dark edge to this Final Protocol.
This was a great short read, perfect for if you want a taste of J.C. Daniels style, it had a more Urban Fantasy rather than romance style, so if you’re looking for something heavy on sweet nothing and gentle sex, then this isn’t for you. But if you want something a little gritty, with some action and an interesting conclusion, give Final Protocol a try.
June 4, 2017
This was a pretty cool little story, and Silence was kickass h. Well thought out to be so short; both the wordbuilding and the setting. Although there is nothing to indicate that this is anything more than a random ss from Daniels mind, it has all the qualities that would make a good scifi series. Why not see the universe now that they are free; and go after Gold to make him pay for his abominations to Silence and Orion, as well as those still trapped in his service?
July 29, 2016
Rated 3.5 Stars
Final Protocol was predictable yet enjoyable. My biggest issue with it was the end, I wish there was more closer.
Final Protocol was predictable yet enjoyable. My biggest issue with it was the end, I wish there was more closer.
August 30, 2015
Review originally posted at RabidReads.com.
I’ve been a huge fan of J.C. Daniels since I read the first Kit Colbana book. I was even a fan when I was reading books from her other pen name, Shiloh Walker. I was really excited to hear that she had a science fiction novel coming out and jumped at a chance to review it. I’m really glad that I did. I flew through this book and found it to be a dark and wonderful story.
Silence is a slave is all sense of the word. She has no memory of her life prior to 10 years ago when she was sold to her current owner. He uses her as an assassin and as a sex slave (so take that disclaimer seriously). Silence is pushed to her limit that she is even considering taking her own life to escape the rule of her owner. Gold, her owner, offers her one last job and he will set her free. Little does she know that she has a history with the man she is set out to kill.
I’m no stranger to dark stories, they are some of my favorites. This one is right up there with some of the darkest stories I’ve read. I completely felt Silence’s despair and her willingness to die instead of living out the life under Gold. The worldbuilding is phenomenal, as I would expect from reading the other books by this author.
The story drew me in. While it didn’t take me long to read it, I felt like it was a full story. I was quite surprised when I was pulling data for this post and saw that it was only 109 pages. The story felt longer to me when I was reading it. That being said, I do wish there was more in the ending. It felt a little unfinished, but really makes me want more. I don’t know if this book is planned to be part of a series, but I would love to see more of this world and of Silence.
**Book was provided to me by the publisher via NetGalley. This review is my opinion and was not requested or provoked in anyway.
I’ve been a huge fan of J.C. Daniels since I read the first Kit Colbana book. I was even a fan when I was reading books from her other pen name, Shiloh Walker. I was really excited to hear that she had a science fiction novel coming out and jumped at a chance to review it. I’m really glad that I did. I flew through this book and found it to be a dark and wonderful story.
Silence is a slave is all sense of the word. She has no memory of her life prior to 10 years ago when she was sold to her current owner. He uses her as an assassin and as a sex slave (so take that disclaimer seriously). Silence is pushed to her limit that she is even considering taking her own life to escape the rule of her owner. Gold, her owner, offers her one last job and he will set her free. Little does she know that she has a history with the man she is set out to kill.
I’m no stranger to dark stories, they are some of my favorites. This one is right up there with some of the darkest stories I’ve read. I completely felt Silence’s despair and her willingness to die instead of living out the life under Gold. The worldbuilding is phenomenal, as I would expect from reading the other books by this author.
The story drew me in. While it didn’t take me long to read it, I felt like it was a full story. I was quite surprised when I was pulling data for this post and saw that it was only 109 pages. The story felt longer to me when I was reading it. That being said, I do wish there was more in the ending. It felt a little unfinished, but really makes me want more. I don’t know if this book is planned to be part of a series, but I would love to see more of this world and of Silence.
**Book was provided to me by the publisher via NetGalley. This review is my opinion and was not requested or provoked in anyway.
July 8, 2015
My Review:
A stand-alone sci fi romance from the brilliant, angst-filled mind of J.C. Daniels? Why yes, yes I will read and LOVE this one!
This is a short book, but wow it packs some emotional punch. Silence is an assassin and little more than a slave. That's been her life for ten years. Her owner is sadistic and cruel and enjoys every moment of lording his power over her. She doesn't really remember her life from before her captivity and only looks forward to the day when she has the strength to die. That's all she wants...to die.
Her pain is tangible and so heart-breaking to read. The story is fairly predictable with where it's going, but the entire world and set up is rich with detail and creativity enough to make up for that slight bit of predictability. And honestly, I would have been devastated if it had gone any different way. As it is the story is a huge roller-coaster ride of emotion which I LOVE as a reader. But all the pain and heartache pays off with that ending.
And I don't want to give away anything else about this good read. Already the story description is fairly extensive for this very short book. Just know that it's emotionally raw and gritty...pay attention to those warnings...but in the end I found all those heart-wrenching scenes worth it in emotional payoff. I truly enjoyed reading this one. It's a great and satisfying sci fi world with a smart, kick-butt heroine who I fell in love with.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
A stand-alone sci fi romance from the brilliant, angst-filled mind of J.C. Daniels? Why yes, yes I will read and LOVE this one!
This is a short book, but wow it packs some emotional punch. Silence is an assassin and little more than a slave. That's been her life for ten years. Her owner is sadistic and cruel and enjoys every moment of lording his power over her. She doesn't really remember her life from before her captivity and only looks forward to the day when she has the strength to die. That's all she wants...to die.
Her pain is tangible and so heart-breaking to read. The story is fairly predictable with where it's going, but the entire world and set up is rich with detail and creativity enough to make up for that slight bit of predictability. And honestly, I would have been devastated if it had gone any different way. As it is the story is a huge roller-coaster ride of emotion which I LOVE as a reader. But all the pain and heartache pays off with that ending.
And I don't want to give away anything else about this good read. Already the story description is fairly extensive for this very short book. Just know that it's emotionally raw and gritty...pay attention to those warnings...but in the end I found all those heart-wrenching scenes worth it in emotional payoff. I truly enjoyed reading this one. It's a great and satisfying sci fi world with a smart, kick-butt heroine who I fell in love with.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
June 23, 2015
Final Protocol - J C Daniels - 4.5 Stars
Reviewed for Netgalley
Silence has been tortured and trained for over a decade to be a killer/assassin. She is tormented by the past, the one she once loved handed her over in exchange for a debt. Gold her new owner, has placed a chip in her brain so she cannot leave, he sends her on missions and tortures her regularly. Can she somehow find a way out ?
This is the first book I have read by J C Daniels and I loved it ! A really well written book, that totally captures your imagination and transports you there into this alternative futuristic world. I loved Silence's character and the harsh choices she has to make. Whilst this can be read as a standalone, I'm so hoping this will be the beginning of a great series.
Reviewed for Netgalley
Silence has been tortured and trained for over a decade to be a killer/assassin. She is tormented by the past, the one she once loved handed her over in exchange for a debt. Gold her new owner, has placed a chip in her brain so she cannot leave, he sends her on missions and tortures her regularly. Can she somehow find a way out ?
This is the first book I have read by J C Daniels and I loved it ! A really well written book, that totally captures your imagination and transports you there into this alternative futuristic world. I loved Silence's character and the harsh choices she has to make. Whilst this can be read as a standalone, I'm so hoping this will be the beginning of a great series.
March 6, 2018
3.4 stars
Great story until it felt unfinished:(
Great story until it felt unfinished:(
February 15, 2022
3.5 out of 5
July 9, 2022
2.5☆
Very dark and tense sci-fi following a haunted assassin who's been forced into a life of servitude to a crime lord.
As with most shorter stories, this one built itself up really well and then ended super anti-climactically. I think, had the author added at least 5more chapters to the story to make the ending more plausible (from a character development standpoint) the HEA would not have felt as shallow to me.
Overall good, I just wanted more.
Very dark and tense sci-fi following a haunted assassin who's been forced into a life of servitude to a crime lord.
As with most shorter stories, this one built itself up really well and then ended super anti-climactically. I think, had the author added at least 5more chapters to the story to make the ending more plausible (from a character development standpoint) the HEA would not have felt as shallow to me.
Overall good, I just wanted more.
August 22, 2017
Book Info
ISBN-13: 9781619228696
Publisher: Samhain Publishing, Ltd.
Publication date: 7/7/2015
Sold by: Barnes & Noble
Format: eBook
Pages: 125
Sales rank: 119,967
File size: 846 KB
Source:Netgalley EARC
Book Buy Links
Amazon
B&N
Tip #1: Don’t get on her bad side. Tip #2: There’s no good side.
Her name is Silence. If she was ever known by any other name, she doesn’t remember.
She is a killer. If she was ever anything else, she doesn’t remember.
She has an owner. If she was ever free…well, that she does remember. She was free and then somebody gave her to a madman to pay a debt that wasn’t hers. She’s his toy, his pet…and his trained killer. She kills at his whim or she dies.
She has a target. Her so-called owner…the man who makes her life a living hell. If she could kill anybody in the universe, it would be him. But he holds her life in his hands.
And she has a wish—to find a man she barely remembers. A man she knows she once loved. The man who betrayed her and stole away her freedom.
With one final target between her and the tantalizing promise of freedom, she moves in for the kill. There’s one problem. There’s something strangely familiar about her mark. Something that echoes in the void where love used to live.
Warning: One woman with a mission, one evil bastard who lies as often as he breathes, and a man who’ll stop at nothing to find what he lost. Be warned…some questionable consent lies within.
As I have come to expect author J.C. Daniels, whose alter ego is actually author Shiloh Walker, has once again created a strong female leading character. A character whose breaking point was reached long ago at the hands of the man who has “owned” her for the past 10 years of her, despite that she still has hope to one day be free again to live life on her own terms.
Molded into the perfect killer she has no choice but to do as he commands, either that or face a painful death from an implant in her brain that the monstrous mastermind controls.
She chafes at the thought that her only way of escape may be her death, either at her own hands or by someone else’s. The thought is foremost in her mind until she is given one final mission, complete it successfully and she is promised a release from her life of violence and death.
Knowing that the man who made the promise to her is a sadistic monster Silence decides to leave nothing to chance, however when she realizes who her target is everything changes.
Exciting, filled with tension, totally on point with the sci-fi angles that are utilized throughout the story and most of all just an action packed adventure with a new heroine whose name we will be looking forward to seeing again if we are so lucky to be given more books in the future that feature Silence.
As a few others have said and as the author points out in the book blurb this is not a read for those under a certain age as it deals with abuse issues that will curdle even the strongest stomach as you read those pages.
This was a rocket fast read and if too short at least fully developed premise with an ending that leaves you with the full realization we have not even begun the adventure with Silence yet !
ISBN-13: 9781619228696
Publisher: Samhain Publishing, Ltd.
Publication date: 7/7/2015
Sold by: Barnes & Noble
Format: eBook
Pages: 125
Sales rank: 119,967
File size: 846 KB
Source:Netgalley EARC
Book Buy Links
Amazon
B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS
Tip #1: Don’t get on her bad side. Tip #2: There’s no good side.
Her name is Silence. If she was ever known by any other name, she doesn’t remember.
She is a killer. If she was ever anything else, she doesn’t remember.
She has an owner. If she was ever free…well, that she does remember. She was free and then somebody gave her to a madman to pay a debt that wasn’t hers. She’s his toy, his pet…and his trained killer. She kills at his whim or she dies.
She has a target. Her so-called owner…the man who makes her life a living hell. If she could kill anybody in the universe, it would be him. But he holds her life in his hands.
And she has a wish—to find a man she barely remembers. A man she knows she once loved. The man who betrayed her and stole away her freedom.
With one final target between her and the tantalizing promise of freedom, she moves in for the kill. There’s one problem. There’s something strangely familiar about her mark. Something that echoes in the void where love used to live.
Warning: One woman with a mission, one evil bastard who lies as often as he breathes, and a man who’ll stop at nothing to find what he lost. Be warned…some questionable consent lies within.
My Thoughts
As I have come to expect author J.C. Daniels, whose alter ego is actually author Shiloh Walker, has once again created a strong female leading character. A character whose breaking point was reached long ago at the hands of the man who has “owned” her for the past 10 years of her, despite that she still has hope to one day be free again to live life on her own terms.
Molded into the perfect killer she has no choice but to do as he commands, either that or face a painful death from an implant in her brain that the monstrous mastermind controls.
She chafes at the thought that her only way of escape may be her death, either at her own hands or by someone else’s. The thought is foremost in her mind until she is given one final mission, complete it successfully and she is promised a release from her life of violence and death.
Knowing that the man who made the promise to her is a sadistic monster Silence decides to leave nothing to chance, however when she realizes who her target is everything changes.
Exciting, filled with tension, totally on point with the sci-fi angles that are utilized throughout the story and most of all just an action packed adventure with a new heroine whose name we will be looking forward to seeing again if we are so lucky to be given more books in the future that feature Silence.
As a few others have said and as the author points out in the book blurb this is not a read for those under a certain age as it deals with abuse issues that will curdle even the strongest stomach as you read those pages.
This was a rocket fast read and if too short at least fully developed premise with an ending that leaves you with the full realization we have not even begun the adventure with Silence yet !
[EArc from Netgalley in exchange for honest review]
July 8, 2015
Originally posted at Vampire Book Club
Her name is Silence. As far as she knows her past only extends back ten years. Before that, she only vaguely remembers bits and pieces. She knows she was once free and now she’s a killer. Sent out on missions by her handler, she’s trained to take out her targets quickly. The penalty for failing is so extreme she would rather die. When an opportunity presents itself on her next mission, despite being wary of trusting her handler, Silence can’t help but take it. If she successfully completes this next mission and takes out her target, she will be free. Only thing, when she finally comes face to face with her target he seems oddly familiar and has Silence recalling memories long thought buried.
J.C. Daniels really makes a big impression in a relatively short space with Final Protocol. You immediately feel for Silence and the obvious loss she has suffered. The brief glimpses she has of the past in her dreams (or nightmares) only make her yearn for freedom even more. At the same time, she’s been trained and conditioned to love the kill. Her handler uses her body against her, and Silence hates herself for the things he makes her feel.
I found Final Protocol to be slightly bittersweet because no matter the course of events Silence has still had to endure ten years of hell. She’s strong in that even after ten years, when most people would give up—and even though Silence has contemplated it herself—she remains focused on her freedom. Life is still valuable to her even though at the start of the book one can clearly see she’s almost at the end of her tolerance.
The only thing that was a little on the rough side for me was the setting. Final Protocol takes place in the future when the Earth as we know it is no longer livable, and obviously there’s space travel and other inhabited planets. If you understand that much you will be fine reading this story. But I found there were a lot of nuances in regards to the politics and different species which I would have loved to see explored more. I think the more stories Daniels writes in this world (hint, hint; wink, wink), the more things will become clear. I don’t hold my somewhat foggy view of the setting against the book as a whole.
I don’t know what the plans are for this being a series, but it certainly warrants further exploration. I liked Silence a lot and would love to see what’s next for her.
Her name is Silence. As far as she knows her past only extends back ten years. Before that, she only vaguely remembers bits and pieces. She knows she was once free and now she’s a killer. Sent out on missions by her handler, she’s trained to take out her targets quickly. The penalty for failing is so extreme she would rather die. When an opportunity presents itself on her next mission, despite being wary of trusting her handler, Silence can’t help but take it. If she successfully completes this next mission and takes out her target, she will be free. Only thing, when she finally comes face to face with her target he seems oddly familiar and has Silence recalling memories long thought buried.
J.C. Daniels really makes a big impression in a relatively short space with Final Protocol. You immediately feel for Silence and the obvious loss she has suffered. The brief glimpses she has of the past in her dreams (or nightmares) only make her yearn for freedom even more. At the same time, she’s been trained and conditioned to love the kill. Her handler uses her body against her, and Silence hates herself for the things he makes her feel.
I found Final Protocol to be slightly bittersweet because no matter the course of events Silence has still had to endure ten years of hell. She’s strong in that even after ten years, when most people would give up—and even though Silence has contemplated it herself—she remains focused on her freedom. Life is still valuable to her even though at the start of the book one can clearly see she’s almost at the end of her tolerance.
The only thing that was a little on the rough side for me was the setting. Final Protocol takes place in the future when the Earth as we know it is no longer livable, and obviously there’s space travel and other inhabited planets. If you understand that much you will be fine reading this story. But I found there were a lot of nuances in regards to the politics and different species which I would have loved to see explored more. I think the more stories Daniels writes in this world (hint, hint; wink, wink), the more things will become clear. I don’t hold my somewhat foggy view of the setting against the book as a whole.
I don’t know what the plans are for this being a series, but it certainly warrants further exploration. I liked Silence a lot and would love to see what’s next for her.
August 31, 2015
Previously reviewed on The Good, The Bad, and The Unread:
The reluctant assassin (almost invariably female) who turns on the bad guy that trained her is a common enough trope, particularly in science fiction, but also one I find hard to resist. Usually there’s some sort of mystery involving our heroine’s past: either one she needs to uncover or one she’s reluctant to reveal to her travelling companions. This story is no exception.
Silence has very little memory of her life before being sold into slavery and trained to kill at her owner’s whim, not even what her name was or who her friends were before she became an assassin. She takes pride in her work, even as she hates her owner and fights the holds he has over her both physically and sexually – believe the warnings on this one, some of the sex scenes involve coercion and other abusive behaviours. After her latest mission ends with Silence walking away from her target, as someone she respects too much to kill, she forms a new plan to escape her captivity for good.
However, Silence’s plans are thwarted and her owner makes her a new deal: kill the next target – one who has already got the better of several other assassins – and he’ll free her from his service. Silence is cynical, but decides to go ahead with the plan – even though that means travelling through some extremely hostile areas of space and visiting a planet that will not treat her well if she’s arrested.
Early on, we get the impression that Silence’s target is someone whose death cannot be justified, even within the twisted morality of Silence’s universe. He’s part of a peace delegation and takes time out from diplomatic duties to rescue a group of captives under attack from planetary security. However, he also turns out to be a figure from Silence’s past: the man she believes sold her into slavery.
Things are a lot more complicated than that, of course. Orion is a man who stands by his beliefs and morality, even when his life is threatened, and slowly he helps Silence piece together what really happened before she became an assassin.
This story gripped me all the way through, but it also feels a little on the short side and a little too much like a prequel to a series of longer stories. I’m keen to find out what will happen to Silence and Orion next, but I’m not certain this novella stands up well by itself.
The reluctant assassin (almost invariably female) who turns on the bad guy that trained her is a common enough trope, particularly in science fiction, but also one I find hard to resist. Usually there’s some sort of mystery involving our heroine’s past: either one she needs to uncover or one she’s reluctant to reveal to her travelling companions. This story is no exception.
Silence has very little memory of her life before being sold into slavery and trained to kill at her owner’s whim, not even what her name was or who her friends were before she became an assassin. She takes pride in her work, even as she hates her owner and fights the holds he has over her both physically and sexually – believe the warnings on this one, some of the sex scenes involve coercion and other abusive behaviours. After her latest mission ends with Silence walking away from her target, as someone she respects too much to kill, she forms a new plan to escape her captivity for good.
However, Silence’s plans are thwarted and her owner makes her a new deal: kill the next target – one who has already got the better of several other assassins – and he’ll free her from his service. Silence is cynical, but decides to go ahead with the plan – even though that means travelling through some extremely hostile areas of space and visiting a planet that will not treat her well if she’s arrested.
Early on, we get the impression that Silence’s target is someone whose death cannot be justified, even within the twisted morality of Silence’s universe. He’s part of a peace delegation and takes time out from diplomatic duties to rescue a group of captives under attack from planetary security. However, he also turns out to be a figure from Silence’s past: the man she believes sold her into slavery.
Things are a lot more complicated than that, of course. Orion is a man who stands by his beliefs and morality, even when his life is threatened, and slowly he helps Silence piece together what really happened before she became an assassin.
This story gripped me all the way through, but it also feels a little on the short side and a little too much like a prequel to a series of longer stories. I’m keen to find out what will happen to Silence and Orion next, but I’m not certain this novella stands up well by itself.
December 28, 2015
When I read the blurb for Final Protocol I was on the fence about it. I love sci-fi romances and the book’s description really caught my attention. I was beyond intrigued, but the length was short enough that I wasn’t sure that the author could pull everything off without rushing the story. So as I pondered whether or not to take a chance on a new-to-me author I happened to notice a little tidbit of information in the author’s bio – J.C. Daniels is the alter ego of Shiloh Walker. SOLD!!! I love Walker’s contemporary romantic suspense novels and novellas. I was no longer worried about whether or not the story would be rushed and was anticipating Final Protocol finally making it to the top of my review schedule. So worth the wait.
In a single scene involving an aborted assassination attempt, I learned all I needed to know about Silence to root for her. As more of her story unfolds, any niggling doubts were laid to rest as Daniels hints at and reveals some of the horrors that Silence endured at the hand of her owner. It makes it easy to understand why she accepted her final assignment even knowing that she might not make it out of the situation alive. But when she comes face-to-face with the man who was largely responsible for her current position, the veil over her memory lifts and she knows that the nightmares she’s had are actually memories she’s reliving. And yet she doesn’t know who to trust and which truth is hers. Silence soon learns that while the truth may set you free … what it sets you free from may not be what you expect it to be.
I devoured Final Protocol. There is a steady flow of action that kept me flipping the pages so that I could learn the truth alongside Silence. There is a huge romantic suspense angle to the novella that the author manages to unveil without rushing the story, without making me feel as though I was shortchanged by the book, and left me wanting more. More action. More justice. More Silence. I just wanted more. Because I enjoyed Silence’s character so much and would love to see more of her story, I can only hope that Daniels decides to turn this book into a series. In the meantime, I’ll be checking out more of Daniels’s work to see what other little gems are out there.
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Angela at Crystal's Many Reviewers!
In a single scene involving an aborted assassination attempt, I learned all I needed to know about Silence to root for her. As more of her story unfolds, any niggling doubts were laid to rest as Daniels hints at and reveals some of the horrors that Silence endured at the hand of her owner. It makes it easy to understand why she accepted her final assignment even knowing that she might not make it out of the situation alive. But when she comes face-to-face with the man who was largely responsible for her current position, the veil over her memory lifts and she knows that the nightmares she’s had are actually memories she’s reliving. And yet she doesn’t know who to trust and which truth is hers. Silence soon learns that while the truth may set you free … what it sets you free from may not be what you expect it to be.
I devoured Final Protocol. There is a steady flow of action that kept me flipping the pages so that I could learn the truth alongside Silence. There is a huge romantic suspense angle to the novella that the author manages to unveil without rushing the story, without making me feel as though I was shortchanged by the book, and left me wanting more. More action. More justice. More Silence. I just wanted more. Because I enjoyed Silence’s character so much and would love to see more of her story, I can only hope that Daniels decides to turn this book into a series. In the meantime, I’ll be checking out more of Daniels’s work to see what other little gems are out there.
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Angela at Crystal's Many Reviewers!
July 16, 2015
ARC REVIEW
One of my favorite dark romance/urban fantasy writers has written one of my top favorite genres, science fiction, to say I was happy is an understatement. When I finally stopped bouncing up and down in my chair and settled down to read it I was absorbed into a futuristic world of demented villains and tortured anti-heroes and strange alien races. I enjoyed it, I didn't love it but it was still a good read. One thing that kept throwing me off was all the alien words it was hard to keep track of what meant what. There was a lot of internal monologue, it is in first person POV so she tends to get overly depictive in describing the setting and how it made her feel. Some of it felt rushed, parts I wish there was more of and other parts I wish there was less. What I did love was the characters and the emotional strength of Silence. Silence is the quintessential Shiloh Walker/J.C. Daniels Heroine.
*It is not for the faint of heart, if you feel rape doesn't belong anywhere in romance then don't read this.*
Silence was born ten years ago to lies, abuse, and rape; if she existed before then the memories only live in her dreams. Her owner, Gold, a disturbed man uses her as he sees fit and that usually means as an assassin. She was trained to kill and yet the one person she wants to kill more than anyone else in the world as rigged it so she can't. A bio-chip in her brain that he can tap into at anytime to track her down or strike her dead, Silence has no choice but to comply. Gold has spewed his lies to her over and over that it has her convinced that what he said actually happened and that the love of life used her to pay a debt. Her dreams have gotten more vivid; like her sub conscience trying to tell her something but she still only sees part of the story.
Silence has refused to carry out her last mission of killing an old man, instead of killing her Gold gives her an out, one last job and she is free and clear of him. The man who gave her up is her next target. Silence is no fool she has planned for the last few years a contingency plan whether she is free of him after this by his hand or hers she will be free she goes to complete her last mission. But Gold messed up he never should have underestimated Silence and Orion. An emotional revelation of truth and an all around love conquers all ending, even if it was kind of abrupt.
One of my favorite dark romance/urban fantasy writers has written one of my top favorite genres, science fiction, to say I was happy is an understatement. When I finally stopped bouncing up and down in my chair and settled down to read it I was absorbed into a futuristic world of demented villains and tortured anti-heroes and strange alien races. I enjoyed it, I didn't love it but it was still a good read. One thing that kept throwing me off was all the alien words it was hard to keep track of what meant what. There was a lot of internal monologue, it is in first person POV so she tends to get overly depictive in describing the setting and how it made her feel. Some of it felt rushed, parts I wish there was more of and other parts I wish there was less. What I did love was the characters and the emotional strength of Silence. Silence is the quintessential Shiloh Walker/J.C. Daniels Heroine.
*It is not for the faint of heart, if you feel rape doesn't belong anywhere in romance then don't read this.*
Silence was born ten years ago to lies, abuse, and rape; if she existed before then the memories only live in her dreams. Her owner, Gold, a disturbed man uses her as he sees fit and that usually means as an assassin. She was trained to kill and yet the one person she wants to kill more than anyone else in the world as rigged it so she can't. A bio-chip in her brain that he can tap into at anytime to track her down or strike her dead, Silence has no choice but to comply. Gold has spewed his lies to her over and over that it has her convinced that what he said actually happened and that the love of life used her to pay a debt. Her dreams have gotten more vivid; like her sub conscience trying to tell her something but she still only sees part of the story.
Silence has refused to carry out her last mission of killing an old man, instead of killing her Gold gives her an out, one last job and she is free and clear of him. The man who gave her up is her next target. Silence is no fool she has planned for the last few years a contingency plan whether she is free of him after this by his hand or hers she will be free she goes to complete her last mission. But Gold messed up he never should have underestimated Silence and Orion. An emotional revelation of truth and an all around love conquers all ending, even if it was kind of abrupt.
July 8, 2015
JC Daniels Never Disappoints
It was already bedtime when I realized that my preorder for this book had shown up on my Kindle, but being from one of my favorite authors, I knew I had to go ahead and read it.
Let me say that this story was well worth ANY ill effects I may have from getting staying up far too late tonight to finish it.
This story isn't a light romance by any means, but then that's exactly what I look for in this author's books.
Our heroine, Silence, has been a slave for the past decade -- ten long years of physical, psychological, and sexual abuse that has honed her into a highly skilled assassin who is dancing the razor's edge of the last bits of her spirit that remain unbroken and demand that she continue to fight, and the sweet temptation to make a final surrender.
This story is not for the faint of heart -- though fans of this author may already be used to Very Bad Things happening to her heroines, this story took it a little further and allowed some of these things to play out in present tense and in explicit detail. While that would normally be a negative point for me, I think that in this case it serves to show us not only how strong Silence is, but also how weak and human she can be.
Of course from the blurb, I had suspected some of how this story would play out, but it's a testament to this author's skill that I often found myself quite literally breathless as I read. Several times I found myself panicking as I glanced at the progress bar on my Kindle and saw that there wasn't nearly as much left of the story as I'd assumed would be needed to reach a satisfactory ending.
I needn't have worried; this story was surprisingly lush in its world-building, while setting a furious pace that was absolutely perfect for the tale that needed to be told.
In short, I loved it, with its teasing dream sequences that have us (and our heroine) grasping for tiny details of her life before becoming a slave to Gold, the edge-of-your-seat moments of tension wondering exactly which course of action our heroine would settle upon, and of course, the hot and gritty love scenes that left my mind reeling.
Overall, an EXCELLENT read that has a satisfying ending while leaving me in agony while I await the sequel.
A very solid 5/5 Stars.
It was already bedtime when I realized that my preorder for this book had shown up on my Kindle, but being from one of my favorite authors, I knew I had to go ahead and read it.
Let me say that this story was well worth ANY ill effects I may have from getting staying up far too late tonight to finish it.
This story isn't a light romance by any means, but then that's exactly what I look for in this author's books.
Our heroine, Silence, has been a slave for the past decade -- ten long years of physical, psychological, and sexual abuse that has honed her into a highly skilled assassin who is dancing the razor's edge of the last bits of her spirit that remain unbroken and demand that she continue to fight, and the sweet temptation to make a final surrender.
This story is not for the faint of heart -- though fans of this author may already be used to Very Bad Things happening to her heroines, this story took it a little further and allowed some of these things to play out in present tense and in explicit detail. While that would normally be a negative point for me, I think that in this case it serves to show us not only how strong Silence is, but also how weak and human she can be.
Of course from the blurb, I had suspected some of how this story would play out, but it's a testament to this author's skill that I often found myself quite literally breathless as I read. Several times I found myself panicking as I glanced at the progress bar on my Kindle and saw that there wasn't nearly as much left of the story as I'd assumed would be needed to reach a satisfactory ending.
I needn't have worried; this story was surprisingly lush in its world-building, while setting a furious pace that was absolutely perfect for the tale that needed to be told.
In short, I loved it, with its teasing dream sequences that have us (and our heroine) grasping for tiny details of her life before becoming a slave to Gold, the edge-of-your-seat moments of tension wondering exactly which course of action our heroine would settle upon, and of course, the hot and gritty love scenes that left my mind reeling.
Overall, an EXCELLENT read that has a satisfying ending while leaving me in agony while I await the sequel.
A very solid 5/5 Stars.
July 15, 2015
I was in the mood for something besides my go-to PNRs and standard contemporary readings. I read the blurb for Final Protocol, saw that is SciFi with dubious content and said what the heck. At 109 pages, I figured even if I didn’t like the book, I wouldn’t have to suffer very long. Turns out the book wasn’t too bad. As a book about a killer, there isn’t so much killing. It’s more of she’s letting her intended hits get away and bad things are going to happen. Then Gold dangles the proverbial carrot in front of her face: FREEDOM! She just needs to take on one more and then he’ll let her go. This final target isn’t so easy to kill.
Silence was a strangely interesting character. A reluctant killer and she’s very good at it. Gold is the uber creepy guy that calls all the shots and abuses her in not-so-nice ways. That would be the dubious content there. Those of you who have rape and mind manipulation as a trigger, that’s why I’m giving this book 5-flames so read this book at your own risk. I kept wondering as her story unfolded, if she’s such a great killer, why doesn’t she just kill the sadistic bastard. Then that little nugget was explained, AHA, gotcha now. Bits and pieces of her story come out slowly at the beginning but once she goes after her final target who, no surprise is her lost love, the escalate very quickly to the end. There obviously more to the story than just that but as a short ready I don’t want to give anything away. In a sense, Silence does get her happy ending, however, she is a killer and the only way she’ll be truly happy is to get her revenge on Gold.
This is my first book by J.C. Daniels and it was fairly good. Final Protocol was a pretty quick read, with just enough content to keep the characters interesting and me entertained. The ending had enough of a cliffhanger to have me curious what Silence has in-store for Gold. I’ll definitely be keeping my eye out for the next book.
I received this book from the JeepDiva for the express purposes of an honest review. The opinions and rating of this review are solely mine and in no way was I compensated.
Stars – 3.5, Flames – 5
Silence was a strangely interesting character. A reluctant killer and she’s very good at it. Gold is the uber creepy guy that calls all the shots and abuses her in not-so-nice ways. That would be the dubious content there. Those of you who have rape and mind manipulation as a trigger, that’s why I’m giving this book 5-flames so read this book at your own risk. I kept wondering as her story unfolded, if she’s such a great killer, why doesn’t she just kill the sadistic bastard. Then that little nugget was explained, AHA, gotcha now. Bits and pieces of her story come out slowly at the beginning but once she goes after her final target who, no surprise is her lost love, the escalate very quickly to the end. There obviously more to the story than just that but as a short ready I don’t want to give anything away. In a sense, Silence does get her happy ending, however, she is a killer and the only way she’ll be truly happy is to get her revenge on Gold.
This is my first book by J.C. Daniels and it was fairly good. Final Protocol was a pretty quick read, with just enough content to keep the characters interesting and me entertained. The ending had enough of a cliffhanger to have me curious what Silence has in-store for Gold. I’ll definitely be keeping my eye out for the next book.
I received this book from the JeepDiva for the express purposes of an honest review. The opinions and rating of this review are solely mine and in no way was I compensated.
Stars – 3.5, Flames – 5
August 10, 2015
I won this book in a facebook giveaway, and have been dying to read it. I was kind of put off because I read several negative reviews about Final Protocol and how it glorified rape and had other bad content. While rape is certainly a part of Silence's history that is discussed in detail (sometimes maybe a little too graphic), I can see where the author was coming from and why it is so relevant to the story itself. It isn't the whole story, but it is part of it. I don't think it overshadows the plot, or the writing. There is some pretty spectacular world building since this is set in the future, and J.C. Daniel's writing style is very polished and quick paced.
Another criticism I read was that the romance element was thin, and that it was too rushed/not believable. I didn't see that myself. Having come from an abusive background in RL myself I know that it doesn't make you any less capable of hanging onto love when you find it. She had an established emotional and physical relationship with the hero before she goes back to bed with him. Yes, there's been trauma, but it is far from overlooked on his part. They address it, and are still working through it when the book ends.
Final Protocol ends on a bit of a cliffhanger. It's a lot of tragic backstory that drives the heroine to some extreme decisions that we don't get to see played out completely. Here's the truth, I couldn't put it down. Any book that I don't want to let go of until I've finished is a five star in my opinion. I read it in a day, and would love to read how this story plays out in the next book when it comes out. The descriptions were detailed and helped me to visualize the book as I went along. The writing was quick paced, albeit on the dark fantasy side (which I enjoy immensely). If you like SciFi and dark fantasy, you'll love this book. It's very much worth the time and its slot on your end of summer read pile.
Another criticism I read was that the romance element was thin, and that it was too rushed/not believable. I didn't see that myself. Having come from an abusive background in RL myself I know that it doesn't make you any less capable of hanging onto love when you find it. She had an established emotional and physical relationship with the hero before she goes back to bed with him. Yes, there's been trauma, but it is far from overlooked on his part. They address it, and are still working through it when the book ends.
Final Protocol ends on a bit of a cliffhanger. It's a lot of tragic backstory that drives the heroine to some extreme decisions that we don't get to see played out completely. Here's the truth, I couldn't put it down. Any book that I don't want to let go of until I've finished is a five star in my opinion. I read it in a day, and would love to read how this story plays out in the next book when it comes out. The descriptions were detailed and helped me to visualize the book as I went along. The writing was quick paced, albeit on the dark fantasy side (which I enjoy immensely). If you like SciFi and dark fantasy, you'll love this book. It's very much worth the time and its slot on your end of summer read pile.
July 7, 2015
First reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf
Silence has been handed over to the man who would now be her owner. I highly doubt you have encountered a more evil, despicable, nasty piece of crap than Gold – the man who has complete and utter control over Silence and all that she does. She has no true memory of her life before Gold, snatches of memory but nothing solid. One thing is clear – Silence will one day kill Gold and the pleasure she will take away from that act is beyond imaginable.
Final Protocol contains dark, very dark erotica. Please don’t get me wrong on this comment – I enjoy erotica, I have never found anything wrong with that enjoyment… but I knew my limits and never went beyond them. This one skirted my limits. There is a fade to black implication of what is to come at some points, but our own imagination can take us right back to what we know is happening. This villain is pure evil and he gets off on every aspect of control and pain. That is my only comment on this part of the story, take it for what you will.
Although at this time I have not read about any future novels or series – this novella reads to me like a back story and the indications are strong that there will be more to this – but that is my own take on how I read this story.
As science fiction, Final Protocol hit my every enjoy it button. It is an intriguing concept, a fast paced story and in spite of the darkness of the erotica part, I enjoyed the story. Knowing that this is the base for something more (well, believing it is) I would pick up a next book about Silence and where she goes from the ending.
*I received an e-ARC of Final Protocol from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. That does not change what I think of this novel.*
Silence has been handed over to the man who would now be her owner. I highly doubt you have encountered a more evil, despicable, nasty piece of crap than Gold – the man who has complete and utter control over Silence and all that she does. She has no true memory of her life before Gold, snatches of memory but nothing solid. One thing is clear – Silence will one day kill Gold and the pleasure she will take away from that act is beyond imaginable.
Final Protocol contains dark, very dark erotica. Please don’t get me wrong on this comment – I enjoy erotica, I have never found anything wrong with that enjoyment… but I knew my limits and never went beyond them. This one skirted my limits. There is a fade to black implication of what is to come at some points, but our own imagination can take us right back to what we know is happening. This villain is pure evil and he gets off on every aspect of control and pain. That is my only comment on this part of the story, take it for what you will.
Although at this time I have not read about any future novels or series – this novella reads to me like a back story and the indications are strong that there will be more to this – but that is my own take on how I read this story.
As science fiction, Final Protocol hit my every enjoy it button. It is an intriguing concept, a fast paced story and in spite of the darkness of the erotica part, I enjoyed the story. Knowing that this is the base for something more (well, believing it is) I would pick up a next book about Silence and where she goes from the ending.
*I received an e-ARC of Final Protocol from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. That does not change what I think of this novel.*
July 4, 2015
Final Protocol is just a staring point for the next book. There is a lot of back-story that has to come out. We meet Silence and it is her back-story told in flash-backs as she remembers things she was forced to forget. As we learn her story we also learn more about her owner and about the man she has been sent to kill.
This is very much a character driven story and it is Silence’s character that does the driving. From the start I liked her. In spite of the things that were done to her she remained strong. That strength was aimed at having the chance to kill her owner. The story ends before that happens but everything is set up for her to pursue that goal in the next book. The Final Protocol is an important part of the story.
Final Protocol is a tense well-written story that grabbed me from the start. I could not put it down once I started reading. Now I want to know what else is going to happen and am waiting for more about Silence and how she will meet her goal of killing her owner.
Final Protocol is novella length.
This is very much a character driven story and it is Silence’s character that does the driving. From the start I liked her. In spite of the things that were done to her she remained strong. That strength was aimed at having the chance to kill her owner. The story ends before that happens but everything is set up for her to pursue that goal in the next book. The Final Protocol is an important part of the story.
Final Protocol is a tense well-written story that grabbed me from the start. I could not put it down once I started reading. Now I want to know what else is going to happen and am waiting for more about Silence and how she will meet her goal of killing her owner.
Final Protocol is novella length.
July 9, 2015
For a short novel, this sci fi/dystopian romance is sure to grab readers and make them want for more. Silence is a weapon, a trained assasin born of pain and blood. She was betrayed ten years before and held by an evil master who uses her abilities to kill for money and her body to torture and pleasure her (dubious consent). But as her soul suffers she only longs for the end until a last assignment is dangled before her and prize is her freedom. But the man she was to kill seems so very familiar and haunts her dreams as well. He holds the answer to her past and is the key to her vengeful present. But can she pull the trigger? The heroine isn't named right away instead she goes by the moniker Silence, which holds a lot of meaning. Final Protocol is short but it doesn't fail to hold the readers attention and only makes them crave for more of her story. This isn't short on the action but its basically a character development type of romance. Excellently crafted and we want more of Silence.
*ARC provided thru NetGalley*
*ARC provided thru NetGalley*
October 14, 2015
3.5 stars
Silence is a killer. For as long as she remembers. Silence is also the slave of a monster with an inhuman beauty that she dreams to kill. Silence is desperate. But one day, she got a mission like no other, a mission that could change her life ...
I rarely read books that happens in space or with aliens, mostly because I'm always afraid of being disappointed ... But here the summary had caught my eye and tried . It was a very good surprise =D
I loved the story, the style of the author and the characters (especially Silence who is a tortured character but also complex and endearing).
The problem is that I wish the book was more complex: apart from Silence, the other characters are not sufficiently exploited and then there's the ending that frustrated me a lot !!!! What happens to Gold ?? How Silence is going to adapt to her new life ?? What about Orion and his mysterious fonction ?? I'm not against an open end but here it's like a big part of the book was missing ...
In short, a great book that promised to be awesome but ruined by an end too brief ...
Silence is a killer. For as long as she remembers. Silence is also the slave of a monster with an inhuman beauty that she dreams to kill. Silence is desperate. But one day, she got a mission like no other, a mission that could change her life ...
I rarely read books that happens in space or with aliens, mostly because I'm always afraid of being disappointed ... But here the summary had caught my eye and tried . It was a very good surprise =D
I loved the story, the style of the author and the characters (especially Silence who is a tortured character but also complex and endearing).
The problem is that I wish the book was more complex: apart from Silence, the other characters are not sufficiently exploited and then there's the ending that frustrated me a lot !!!! What happens to Gold ?? How Silence is going to adapt to her new life ?? What about Orion and his mysterious fonction ?? I'm not against an open end but here it's like a big part of the book was missing ...
In short, a great book that promised to be awesome but ruined by an end too brief ...
August 12, 2015
Final Protocol is an extremely short read and I hope the beginning to a new series by Ms Daniels (aka Shiloh Walker) so I'm not following my usual format.
Since this is such a short story, it's hard to get a lot of details but we do get a feeling for the main character, Silence. She's an assassin and isn't quite sure how it all happened. She has vague memories of being a completely different person but can't exactly remember everything. She does know she "belongs" to a beautiful monster in lieu of a debt. Yep, she was traded to her owner over someone else's debt.
Her owner wants someone dead so badly he makes a deal. Silence does the kill and she's free forever. The question is, can Silence trust the deal or should she just try to run??
A Sci-Fi mystery with a touch of romance. Final Protocol is a good opening short story and the ending is somewhat resolved but it's open to continue if Ms Daniels and her publisher decide to go forward.
Recommended!!!
Since this is such a short story, it's hard to get a lot of details but we do get a feeling for the main character, Silence. She's an assassin and isn't quite sure how it all happened. She has vague memories of being a completely different person but can't exactly remember everything. She does know she "belongs" to a beautiful monster in lieu of a debt. Yep, she was traded to her owner over someone else's debt.
Her owner wants someone dead so badly he makes a deal. Silence does the kill and she's free forever. The question is, can Silence trust the deal or should she just try to run??
A Sci-Fi mystery with a touch of romance. Final Protocol is a good opening short story and the ending is somewhat resolved but it's open to continue if Ms Daniels and her publisher decide to go forward.
Recommended!!!
July 5, 2015
I was warned that this book would contain questionable content, but I thought it more of a trigger warning than the kind of love/hate relationship with our MC's abuser and the casual use of rape.
Then, there's the fact that this story is really more of a novella, which leaves barely any room for some kind of plot - which in this case is take on new mission from abuser, land on new planet, meet ex-love interest and BOOM MAGICAL HEALING COCK THE END.
I was fairly disappointed, not the least because I really enjoyed the author's other UF series and found it incredibly entertaining. This is really more of an undeveloped short story that ends super abruptly.
Then, there's the fact that this story is really more of a novella, which leaves barely any room for some kind of plot - which in this case is take on new mission from abuser, land on new planet, meet ex-love interest and BOOM MAGICAL HEALING COCK THE END.
I was fairly disappointed, not the least because I really enjoyed the author's other UF series and found it incredibly entertaining. This is really more of an undeveloped short story that ends super abruptly.
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