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Shaede Assassin #2.5
Lost to the Gray: A Shaede Assassin Novella
A Shaedes of Gray Novella 2.5
Did he do the right thing?
Tyler loves Darian like no other, not like her friends, not like her mentor, Raif, and not like the Shaede king who is trying to stake his claim on her. Tyler sees beyond her bluster and prowess to the real Darian—she’s vulnerable just like anyone else. But her growing supernatural powers and impulse to finish every job—no matter what—fills him with dread. Could it be only a matter of time before he loses her?
When Tyler discovers a lie that prevents him from protecting Darian, he shatters and leaves.
But will he ever really be able to live without her when he’s still bound to her—and still deeply in love?
“Full of fascinating characters, high-stakes intrigue, and fast-paced action, it’s a truly exhilarating adventure! Do not miss out!”—Romantic Times (top pick, 4½ stars)
“Amanda Bonilla knows how to keep you on the edge of your seat...she’s a must read.” –Amanda Carlson, author of the Jessica McClain urban fantasy series.
Did he do the right thing?
Tyler loves Darian like no other, not like her friends, not like her mentor, Raif, and not like the Shaede king who is trying to stake his claim on her. Tyler sees beyond her bluster and prowess to the real Darian—she’s vulnerable just like anyone else. But her growing supernatural powers and impulse to finish every job—no matter what—fills him with dread. Could it be only a matter of time before he loses her?
When Tyler discovers a lie that prevents him from protecting Darian, he shatters and leaves.
But will he ever really be able to live without her when he’s still bound to her—and still deeply in love?
“Full of fascinating characters, high-stakes intrigue, and fast-paced action, it’s a truly exhilarating adventure! Do not miss out!”—Romantic Times (top pick, 4½ stars)
“Amanda Bonilla knows how to keep you on the edge of your seat...she’s a must read.” –Amanda Carlson, author of the Jessica McClain urban fantasy series.
74 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 5, 2013
8 people are currently reading
373 people want to read
About the author
Amanda Bonilla
17 books428 followersAmanda Bonilla lives in rural Idaho with her husband and two kids. She’s a part-time pet wrangler, a full-time sun worshipper, and only goes out into the cold when coerced. When she’s not writing she’s either reading or talking about her favorite books.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
July 20, 2014
Amazing!!!
This book is from Tyler's point of view and immediately picks up from the end of the prior book... and boy did it keep the ending very near to the heart...
Tyler is actually on a quest to save Levi, the part time human bar-tender that is a font of knowledge when it comes to the supernaturals... and he is often used by Darian as such... and Levi is lush!!!
Tyler also reveals his memories, in particular the one where he bonds to Darian, something we know about but never knew how it happened... some smiles at Tyler's thoughts throughout...
I loved this short, it keeps us tied to the on-goings of Tyler and Darian but it has left me really worried, as much as I want to hear more from Xander, I don't want him to be stepping where he shouldn't be - oh no! But... what is around the corner is unknown and while the cat is away.... as they say *gulps*
Bring on the next episode!
This book is from Tyler's point of view and immediately picks up from the end of the prior book... and boy did it keep the ending very near to the heart...
Tyler is actually on a quest to save Levi, the part time human bar-tender that is a font of knowledge when it comes to the supernaturals... and he is often used by Darian as such... and Levi is lush!!!
Tyler also reveals his memories, in particular the one where he bonds to Darian, something we know about but never knew how it happened... some smiles at Tyler's thoughts throughout...
I loved this short, it keeps us tied to the on-goings of Tyler and Darian but it has left me really worried, as much as I want to hear more from Xander, I don't want him to be stepping where he shouldn't be - oh no! But... what is around the corner is unknown and while the cat is away.... as they say *gulps*
Bring on the next episode!
January 3, 2013
I really enjoyed this story. I strongly recommend this one to all fans of Amanda's Shaede Assassin series. Ty is so...damaged in this one! I felt really sad for him. But just when his angst was about to get to be too much, Amanda pulled it back so we saw tons of emotion without the girly-sobbing-man moments. I LOVED the flashbacks of how Ty and Darian met and how Ty bonded with her. I also read Crave the Darkness, the next book in the series and I really think reading this novella first is a good idea. This novella comes out in February and book three comes out in March. Be on the lookout for them when they release :) Full review to follow closer to release date.
February 5, 2013
What could be better than getting a first person POV story from one of your favorite heroes?
This novella in Amanda Bonilla's Shaede Assassin series gives us a closer look at Tyler than we have ever seen before. It's set immediately after the events of Blood Before Sunrise. (So new readers, be aware this is not a story for you. Go back and read Shaedes of Gray. Now.) Ty is really hurting over what Darian did to him in the last book. And through his narrative, we feel it too. He's struggling over his anger and feelings of betrayal, all the while, still loving her fiercely.
In the meantime, Levi the bartender has gotten himself in a mess of trouble, and it's life or death. So Ty needs to put all that delicious angst on the backburner, while he helps Levi out of a jam. It's a pretty interesting and fast moving plot. But honestly, it's not why anyone is going to be reading the story. We're reading it for that insight into Tyler, and we get it in spades.
Perhaps the best parts of the story for me, are flashbacks of Ty and Darian. First and foremost are his memories of how they met and how he bound himself to her. Great scenes, that both explained a lot and opened up a couple of new doors. And then, we've got an awesome love scene from the time Ty and Darian were happy together. In BBS, I wished for more opportunities to see them this way: happy, sexy, and in love. And it's even better with Tyler's thoughts and feelings front and center.
If all of that isn't enough to reel you in (what's wrong with you?) --then let me give you one more little tidbit. The ending goes a long way to explain Ty's behavior in the upcoming Crave the Darkness. Yes, you could read the next novel and still understand what's going on, but this will you some perspective to help understand some things which are a little hard to stomach.
They say it's always darkest before the dawn. Read this one and bask in the memories! Tyler + Darian = 4eva!!
Rating: B+
*ARC provided by author for review
This novella in Amanda Bonilla's Shaede Assassin series gives us a closer look at Tyler than we have ever seen before. It's set immediately after the events of Blood Before Sunrise. (So new readers, be aware this is not a story for you. Go back and read Shaedes of Gray. Now.) Ty is really hurting over what Darian did to him in the last book. And through his narrative, we feel it too. He's struggling over his anger and feelings of betrayal, all the while, still loving her fiercely.
In the meantime, Levi the bartender has gotten himself in a mess of trouble, and it's life or death. So Ty needs to put all that delicious angst on the backburner, while he helps Levi out of a jam. It's a pretty interesting and fast moving plot. But honestly, it's not why anyone is going to be reading the story. We're reading it for that insight into Tyler, and we get it in spades.
Perhaps the best parts of the story for me, are flashbacks of Ty and Darian. First and foremost are his memories of how they met and how he bound himself to her. Great scenes, that both explained a lot and opened up a couple of new doors. And then, we've got an awesome love scene from the time Ty and Darian were happy together. In BBS, I wished for more opportunities to see them this way: happy, sexy, and in love. And it's even better with Tyler's thoughts and feelings front and center.
If all of that isn't enough to reel you in (what's wrong with you?) --then let me give you one more little tidbit. The ending goes a long way to explain Ty's behavior in the upcoming Crave the Darkness. Yes, you could read the next novel and still understand what's going on, but this will you some perspective to help understand some things which are a little hard to stomach.
They say it's always darkest before the dawn. Read this one and bask in the memories! Tyler + Darian = 4eva!!
Rating: B+
*ARC provided by author for review
February 22, 2013
I am not a novella person, but I'm sooooo glad I made the exception for this. Tyler's perspective is soooo interesting to the series and a critical part of the series itself. Additionally, the story is super good!! With so many heart warming, and heart wrenching, flashbacks. I could not be more excited for Crave The Darkness!!!!!
February 7, 2013
Great Novella. It made me like and understand Tyler more.
February 17, 2013
Let me take just a moment to speak to Tyler...damn man...you just had to make me love you more didn't you? I didn't think it was possible, but you proved me wrong.
OK, now for the review. Lost to the Gray is a novella set in Amanda Bonilla's fabulous Shaede Assassin world and takes place directly after Blood Before Sunrise. Told from Tyler's POV, we come to understand just how powerful his feelings of anger, hurt and love for Darian are.
Ty's determined to leave town for a while to give Darian time to think about their relationship, but before he can make it out of town he has to save bartender Levi from the trouble he got himself into with a death marker.
The plot line of trying to determine who holds Levi's marker is told really well and provides action for the story, but it's not the main reason for reading Lost to the Gray. Throughout the novella we get glimpses of how Ty and Darian met, their bonding, and how much Ty truly loves Darian and what it costs him to reign in his Jinn protective nature while still keeping her safe. We also get a glimpse of the real reason for Ty's actions in the upcoming Crave the Darkness (out March 5, 2013).
The Shaede Assassin series doesn't disappoint and if you haven't started it, then you need to pick up Shaedes of Gray (book 1) now and get reading!
OK, now for the review. Lost to the Gray is a novella set in Amanda Bonilla's fabulous Shaede Assassin world and takes place directly after Blood Before Sunrise. Told from Tyler's POV, we come to understand just how powerful his feelings of anger, hurt and love for Darian are.
Ty's determined to leave town for a while to give Darian time to think about their relationship, but before he can make it out of town he has to save bartender Levi from the trouble he got himself into with a death marker.
The plot line of trying to determine who holds Levi's marker is told really well and provides action for the story, but it's not the main reason for reading Lost to the Gray. Throughout the novella we get glimpses of how Ty and Darian met, their bonding, and how much Ty truly loves Darian and what it costs him to reign in his Jinn protective nature while still keeping her safe. We also get a glimpse of the real reason for Ty's actions in the upcoming Crave the Darkness (out March 5, 2013).
The Shaede Assassin series doesn't disappoint and if you haven't started it, then you need to pick up Shaedes of Gray (book 1) now and get reading!
February 11, 2013
Poor Ty. Lost To The Gray is a novella which takes place right before Crave The Darkness (releases March 5). This is Ty's POV and we get a front row seat to his pain and grief from leaving Darian. Ty explains exactly why he left and shares his feelings for Darian from day one through flashbacks. It all goes a long way to explaining why he left and why he is continuing to stay away.
February 17, 2013
Mon avis en Français
My English review
Ah Amanda Bonilla... what can I say except that she is the author you MUST read! I've never been disappointed by a single book in the Shaede Assassin series and they are always better and better. I was counted the days to finally buy that new novella as soon as it came out. So it goes without saying that I bought and read this novel as soon as I could. And what a sublime story!
We follow, unlike the other volumes, Tyler, the Jinn we have discovered in the first volumes. I admit, I read book 3 before this one which is placed between the second and third installment but it wasn’t a problem at all. I even think that I preferred to do it that way, it allowed me to highlight certain passages in Crave the Darkness. However, I didn’t really expect that the novel would feature this part of the story, therefore, everything was a big surprise. I thought we would have some answers to the questions I had at the end of Volume 3. But this is actually not the case and I am even more curious now. After the end of Blood Before Sunrise, Tyler left Darian to give her some time to think and to be able to attend the inner conflict that exists in him. I enjoyed this story, it allows us to understand our Jinn and how he became the man he is now, as his choice. I still do not believe that the choice he made was good, but now I understand what motivated him. We discover the events following the departure of Tyler who finds himself swept into a terrible story to save Levy. But that's not all, we can also attend some flashback, including his first meeting with Darian or the first time he was bounded to her. It was beautiful and very interesting. I loved to learn so much more. It is a story full of small discoveries.
A new sublime novel, Amanda Bonilla is a must read!!
My English review
Ah Amanda Bonilla... what can I say except that she is the author you MUST read! I've never been disappointed by a single book in the Shaede Assassin series and they are always better and better. I was counted the days to finally buy that new novella as soon as it came out. So it goes without saying that I bought and read this novel as soon as I could. And what a sublime story!
We follow, unlike the other volumes, Tyler, the Jinn we have discovered in the first volumes. I admit, I read book 3 before this one which is placed between the second and third installment but it wasn’t a problem at all. I even think that I preferred to do it that way, it allowed me to highlight certain passages in Crave the Darkness. However, I didn’t really expect that the novel would feature this part of the story, therefore, everything was a big surprise. I thought we would have some answers to the questions I had at the end of Volume 3. But this is actually not the case and I am even more curious now. After the end of Blood Before Sunrise, Tyler left Darian to give her some time to think and to be able to attend the inner conflict that exists in him. I enjoyed this story, it allows us to understand our Jinn and how he became the man he is now, as his choice. I still do not believe that the choice he made was good, but now I understand what motivated him. We discover the events following the departure of Tyler who finds himself swept into a terrible story to save Levy. But that's not all, we can also attend some flashback, including his first meeting with Darian or the first time he was bounded to her. It was beautiful and very interesting. I loved to learn so much more. It is a story full of small discoveries.
A new sublime novel, Amanda Bonilla is a must read!!
April 6, 2016
This novella is completely in Tyler's pov and only minutes after her left Darian's apartment. I feel so bad for him, but I'm so glad I got his pov. I'm also glad that Raif has Darian's back and calls Tyler out. I can't believe how Darian is doing now. This book takes place for Tyler having to help Levi get a death marker off his head. Tyler has to do it while laying low and not running into Darian. The whole plot was ok, but I suspect we will see more from this ghoul queen.
At the end though Tyler gets a call, I suspect from the Jinn who helped "raise" him. He must go to Russia....and he's leaving Darian behind. This surly isn't going to be good. I fully expect something to come between Xander and Darian, Tyler's fear of losing Darian is very very real to me.
At the end though Tyler gets a call, I suspect from the Jinn who helped "raise" him. He must go to Russia....and he's leaving Darian behind. This surly isn't going to be good. I fully expect something to come between Xander and Darian, Tyler's fear of losing Darian is very very real to me.
April 25, 2013
Lost to the Gray is a short story told from Tyler's POV. We learn more about the relationship between the djinn and his charge, as well as the rules that bound him and his magic. It's not often we get a story told from the POV of the heroes in female-driven UFs, so this was a nice treat.
Fans of the series will enjoy this short story. It should be read after Shaedes of Gray and Blood Before Sunrise.
Fans of the series will enjoy this short story. It should be read after Shaedes of Gray and Blood Before Sunrise.
February 27, 2013
I've been looking forward to reading this novella because it's written from Ty's point of view; he's a fascinating character and a pretty unique supernatural. The flashbacks really helped tie this novella to the series and are a nice little bonus for fans of Amanda Bonilla. My favourite was Darian's interview to become a contract assassin for Ty. The one question was priceless. A fun read with just the right amount of sugar and spice.
February 9, 2013
This is a must read before you start Crave the Darkness and its so awesome to get Tyler's point of view! I struggled to read this because its so heartbreaking but now knowing how Tyler feels I have high hopes for him and Darien. Off to start CTD and hope my emotions can handle it!!!
February 13, 2013
Can't wait till March 5th!!!
September 10, 2023
This story about Tyler saved the whole
Series for me. After book 2 I was quite irritated with Darian and could see why Tyler needs space. His adventures before going out of town really made it obvious where he stands. He is taking a big chance walking away from someone who can’t really stop being a bad azz. When Darian finishes her binge drinking and want wishing she will probably be even more guarded as she is still going to be a target from several supernatural elements. And if he’ll take a break because of her stupid mess up - she should only rely on herself - over inflated as her ego is! Tyler should be a braggart like Darian so she know he has a better arsenal than she is aware of- they need to communicate more.
Series for me. After book 2 I was quite irritated with Darian and could see why Tyler needs space. His adventures before going out of town really made it obvious where he stands. He is taking a big chance walking away from someone who can’t really stop being a bad azz. When Darian finishes her binge drinking and want wishing she will probably be even more guarded as she is still going to be a target from several supernatural elements. And if he’ll take a break because of her stupid mess up - she should only rely on herself - over inflated as her ego is! Tyler should be a braggart like Darian so she know he has a better arsenal than she is aware of- they need to communicate more.
November 14, 2023
I mean everyone like male li pov stories.
October 12, 2015
**Did he do the right thing? **
No one loves Darian like Tyler does. Not her friends. Not her fellow Shaedes. Not the Shaede king who wants her for himself. Tyler is the only one who sees beyond the swagger and swordplay that make her the most fearsome Shaede assassin in the world—the only one who recognizes her loyal heart and vulnerability. But her evolving powers and compulsion to finish every job no matter the stakes fills him with fear. For he knows it's only a matter of time before he loses her.
When that moment nearly comes—and Tyler discovers a trail of deceit that prevented him from protecting Darian—he snaps. He breaks. And he leaves.
Now he must learn to live without her, even as they remain bound to one another. And when a friend of Darian’s faces an unknown threat, Tyler must find a way to enter the fray without crossing paths with Darian.
January 28, 2014
Loved getting this closer look at Tyler, especially with how he ended things with Darian. I sort of hated Tyler for what he did, even as I understood why he did it.
I found it interested to learn that Tyler owned The Pit, but loved how Levi came to Tyler for help. I was glad that helping Levi kept Tyler in town. I found myself laughing when the main action went down, mostly due to where it happened.
I did love the call that Raif made to Tyler about Darian, the words needed to be said and I'm glad it caused Tyler to re-think things. It's just too bad about the call at the end, because I don't think it was Darian that called.
I found it interested to learn that Tyler owned The Pit, but loved how Levi came to Tyler for help. I was glad that helping Levi kept Tyler in town. I found myself laughing when the main action went down, mostly due to where it happened.
I did love the call that Raif made to Tyler about Darian, the words needed to be said and I'm glad it caused Tyler to re-think things. It's just too bad about the call at the end, because I don't think it was Darian that called.
March 16, 2015
Liked the story, liked the "behinds the scenes" feel...but I was a little confused about the death marker thing. If you had someone's death marker wouldn't that mean YOU control THEIR death (since during the gamblig the "dealer" took the loser's mrker)? And if holding the death marker is like a random GPS tracker of death and it doesn't matter who orignally gambled it, then stick it in the back of a garbage truck and wave bye bye! Maybe this was explained completely clearly in the story...but I just didn't get it... But the story was good enough that I could mostly ignore the logic issues there and just agree that Levi was up sh*t creek and go from there. :)
May 28, 2013
Hum.
I'm torn between a 2★ or 3★ rating here.
Why?
Well... Technically the writing of the story was good. well worth at least 3★'s.
But, well... Tyler just annoyed me.
But is it fair to rate a story lower just because the character pissed me off? I dunno.
I guess not... which is why I went for the 3★'s. I figure the fact that the author still managed to get an emotional response from me warrants props.
But did he really have to be THAT whiny?? I mean he's centuries old! Right? What's with the 22 year old, testosterone driven, (beats fists on chest) attitude?
I'm torn between a 2★ or 3★ rating here.
Why?
Well... Technically the writing of the story was good. well worth at least 3★'s.
But, well... Tyler just annoyed me.
But is it fair to rate a story lower just because the character pissed me off? I dunno.
I guess not... which is why I went for the 3★'s. I figure the fact that the author still managed to get an emotional response from me warrants props.
But did he really have to be THAT whiny?? I mean he's centuries old! Right? What's with the 22 year old, testosterone driven, (beats fists on chest) attitude?
March 19, 2013
In this short ,we can see what Tyler thinks and understand more his actions with Darian! Great interaction between him and Levi! Adding Kaii was brilliant,such curiosity now about him! Hope that we can see more about him in the future.
The connection between the stories in this book and the next one is clear and I can't wait for Crave The Darkness! I wanna see Tyler and Xander actions with each order! :) LOVED!
The connection between the stories in this book and the next one is clear and I can't wait for Crave The Darkness! I wanna see Tyler and Xander actions with each order! :) LOVED!
March 17, 2013
I highly recommend you read this before book 3.... I think it's a must read to understand what's going on with Tyler and know that all is not as it may seem in Bk 3.
This is SUCH a good series... LOVE it! Only thing about this book that I question is the dude on the cover? Not what I had envisioned for Tyler at all...eye color/hair color all wrong. Ty's a total hottie and this doesn't do him justice (IMO).
This is SUCH a good series... LOVE it! Only thing about this book that I question is the dude on the cover? Not what I had envisioned for Tyler at all...eye color/hair color all wrong. Ty's a total hottie and this doesn't do him justice (IMO).
May 31, 2015
Nice to read a short with Tyler as the main character! An interesting story, though he spent most of it brooding over Darian. That being said, the book ended with two great moderate cliffhangers that promise some serious trouble for the already troubled lovers. Hopefully they can get over themselves and make things right, because if Tyler's romance scene is any indication, he has a lot of sexual frustration that needs to be let out. ;)
October 17, 2015
So this was a great read into the eyes of Tyler. You get to see where is coming from and how he truly loves Darin. I really enjoyed that Amanda allowed us to go behind the scenes of Tyler's world. Reading this then going to the third installment of Shaede Assassin really help.
February 14, 2015
wow...t's nice to see how Tyler feels...I love to read books from both perspectives...this way I feel like I get to know the characters deeper.
I'm guessing that the way the story ended it's the idea for the next book or the last one...
We just have to read them and figure it out :P
I'm guessing that the way the story ended it's the idea for the next book or the last one...
We just have to read them and figure it out :P
April 23, 2013
Really enjoyed his obsession. It made me feel good.
July 7, 2013
LOVE Tyler and loved reading his POV! Definitely worth reading before you read Bk #3, Crave the Darkness.
May 7, 2013
It was nice to get Ty's perspective on the stroy. Though he's a jerk for his actions in Blood before Sunrise.
July 21, 2016
this was good but it left in a cliff hanger and didn't resolve the big question so I marked it down.
March 25, 2013
Sits just before Crave the darkness from Tyler's POV.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews