The Society

Society #1

by Lilith Saintcrow

The black-ops government agency called Sigma broke Justin Delgado, trained his psionic talent, and turned him into a killer. Then he escaped and joined the Society, an underground resistance movement of psions determined to use their talents to bring Sigma down. Competent, cold, and cruelly efficient, he s the best operative the Society has, a legend among the psions who fight a shadow war against an enemy that owns the courts, the press, and the police. Feared even by his own teammates, hunted by the government, and too damaged to feel anything but clinical rage, he is utterly alone until he meets Rowan.

When Rowan Price stumbles across Delgado s team in an abandoned house, he is assigned to make contact with her, bring her in, and keep her alive because Rowan is one of the most powerful psychics the resistance has ever encountered. If the government gets its hands on her, she could very well mean the downfall of the resistance, because nobody, not even Rowan, is quite sure how far her talents extend.

The Society will welcome Rowan, if she can stay alive long enough to join them. Unfortunately, there s a traitor buried in the ranks. If the Society goes down, Rowan is at risk. God alone knows what Delgado will do to keep her safe, because Rowan is fast becoming the only thing in the world he cares about . . .

Genres: Paranormal, Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, Romance, Paranormal Romance, Fiction, Science Fiction

227 pages, Paperback

First published August 15, 2005

About the author

Lilith Saintcrow was born in New Mexico, bounced around the world as a child, and fell in love with writing stories when she was ten years old. She and her library co-habitate in Vancouver, Washington.

Reviews

[SheLove2Read]

He's an operative so deadly that his own team members are afraid of him. She's an untrained psi with uncharted powers. Sounds like the making of a great paranormal series, right?

Oh so wrong.

This book starts out fast paced and never lets up, which is normally a good thing. However, what I read of this, it's an incomplete info dump from one chapter to the next. We're told Delgado is scary and feared by his own teammates, but never told why. Rowan is said to be an off-the-charts psychic with powers yet untold, yet she comes across as a whiny, frightened rabbit.

A few mistakes I caught also made me stop and blink. It's alluded to in an early chapter that Rowan's father was Navy, yet they keep calling him "Major". The US Navy does not have a rank of Major. Also, in one scene, Rowan's dad tells her that he knows Delgado is military because "us military brats recognize each other." A military brat is the child of a servicemember, NOT the member themselves.

I gave it 45% before giving up. Too many inconsistencies, and a writing style that seemed almost juvenile at times.

DNF

* I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Shelley · Rating 3 out of 5]

**I received this book for free from (Publisher) via (NetGalley) in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.**

*Genre* Paranormal Romance
*Rating* 3.0

*My Thoughts*

The Society is the first book in the Society series by author Lilith Saintcrow who also wrote the Dante Valentine and Jill Kismet series which I have read. This story features two entirely different characters who are brought together by a group known as The Society to fight back against a government black ops group known as Sigma. Unlike The Society, Sigma collects and brainwashes those who have psychic abilities. This series is apparently being re-released under a new publisher, BelleBooks.

*Full Review Posted @ Gizmos Reviews*

http://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/201...

Published: July 31, 2015 via BelleBooks

[Diana Francis · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received this book from NetGalley.

I enjoy reading Lilith Saintcrow. I was looking forward to The Society quite a bit and sadly found myself disappoisocietynted. It has a terrific premise, but it wasn't executed as well as I hoped and then the big one for me . . . Well, I'll get to that in a minute. First, the book description:

Will she be the Society’s salvation . . . or its downfall?

The black-ops government agency called Sigma broke Justin Delgado, trained his psionic talent, and turned him into a killer. Then he escaped and joined the Society, an underground resistance movement of psions determined to use their talents to bring Sigma down. Competent, cold, and cruelly efficient, he’s the best operative the Society has, a legend among the psions who fight a shadow war against an enemy that owns the courts, the press, and the police. Feared even by his own teammates, hunted by the government, and too damaged to feel anything but clinical rage, he is utterly alone—until he meets Rowan.

When Rowan Price stumbles across Delgado’s team in an abandoned house, he is assigned to make contact with her, bring her in, and keep her alive—because Rowan is one of the most powerful psychics the resistance has ever encountered. If the government gets its hands on her, she could very well mean the downfall of the resistance, because nobody, not even Rowan, is quite sure how far her talents extend.

The Society will welcome Rowan, if she can stay alive long enough to join them. Unfortunately, there’s a traitor buried in the ranks. If the Society goes down, Rowan is at risk. God alone knows what Delgado will do to keep her safe, because Rowan is fast becoming the only thing in the world he cares about . . .

I was looking forward to paranormal action and a thriller element and intrigue. I didn't get a lot of it. The beginning was promising, with the meeting between Rowan and Justin. But the ongoing story felt like it dragged a bit and didn't have that much action. A lot of that had to do with Rowan having to learn how to use her powers and to understand the world she's come to live in. In the meantime, much of the interesting action happened off page.

Then we get to the romance element. It's slow. And by slow, I don't mean it takes awhile to build, I mean that it wort of plateaus and stops and then starts again without seeming to grow.

I wasn't really clear on what Sigma or the Society were up to. I wanted to know more on all of that.

Even so, I was intrigued enough to want to keep reading. Until I got the end when the book just stopped. Not a cliffhanger. Just a stopping. It felt incomplete and unresolved on so many levels. I was disappointed at the end. No getting around it. I'd hoped to have a better experience.

[Peep (Pop! Pop!) · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't even know why I read this book. I wanted to like it, I thought it had an interesting sypnopsis.

I liked the idea of people having Psi's, special abilities that deadheads (not those, these are just normal humans with no powers) don't have. Some have telekenis, others can do other stuff that the book made you think was important but I just wasn't impressed.

I don't think that there was enough development. We are told that Del is the hard guy who people fear. Really, every time he's out other people basically cower in fear. People ask Rowan (the main girl) Why him? She says she likes him. I say why not? Seriously. We don't really get why he's feared. Unless it's just the fear that being passed on to others. We get about 3 sentences of his power (which, by the way, do seem pretty awesome) and that's it! Nothing more.

Poor Del was so love-sick. People called him Rowan's Shadow (yes behind his back) and that didn't even bother him. After they *cough* talk *cough* for the first time he buries his nose in her neck and chokes back tears. Not very bad-guy, right? Love makes you do crazy things!

We're constantly told that Rowan is special and awesome but I'm telling you I read this whole book and I just did not see it. Where? She was sweet and normal but I certainly did not see a level 13 on the Mathis scale, did you?

I did not like how every other page had a some variation of Jesus this or God that as a curse word. Seriously. It is way too much. I also didn't like how we had to read their thoughts. I think there are better ways of showing us what the character is thinking. No need to spell it out for us.

It wasn't all bad news. I was interested in seeing what would happen. Despite everything, I did want to see how Rowan dealt with her grief and what would happen. The action didn't really start until the end. Nothing is resolved so in order to find out what happens you have to read the second book. I haven't yet decided whether or not I'll be reading it.

[AudioBookReviewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

My original The Society audiobook review and many others can be found at Audiobook Reviewer.

Rowan has spent a lifetime hiding from herself and others.  She has hidden her secret talents away making herself almost unnoticeable until one day she meets Justin Delgado.  Delgado is an undercover operative for the Society.  He learns quickly of Rowan’s power and their strength.  He determines he must save her from Sigma, an evil black-ops government agency looking to turn her into an order obeying object that will wreak havoc on the world.

Rowan must decide what to do when her life is turned upside down when Sigma makes their move destroying her life.  The Society accepts Rowan and protects her but can only do so for a short period of time – now she must decide if she’s strong enough to save the world, her new friends and her love from a traitor.

Lilith Saintcrow carefully constructs a powerful story, weaving in conspiracy theories tapping on the fears of everyone through the use of secret evil government organizations and the fear of the unknown.  Her characters are fully developed as well as the rebels and their mission.  One can see the growth and doubts experienced by young adults through the friendships and relationships developed by Saintcrow.

An edge of your seat type of book for certain!  I couldn’t shut it off, I was disappointed only in the fact that it ended.  I hope to listen to the next installment.

Rayna Cole, the narrator, projected the characters strongly and with a clear voice.  Her accents were well done and her ease with narration was clear.  A true professional!

If you enjoy conspiracies, action, and a little romance – this is the book for you.

There were no issues with the quality of production of this audio book.

Audiobook was provided for review by the publisher.

[Lyndi W. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really poor foreshadowing about the villain, but otherwise I really enjoyed this one.

Edit: Okay, so this story ends with the H/h separated due to circumstances beyond their control. Definite cliffhanger. So I went to check out the sequel and find out how the story ends, but the sequel is SEVEN FUCKING DOLLARS. For 200 pages. No way in hell. I desperately want to know what happens between Rowan and Delgado, but not desperately enough to pay that much.

Second Edit: HA! A friend had a copy. I just drove 10 miles to get it, but it was hopefully worth it. I really want to know how the story ends and was determined not to pay the ridiculous price. On I go to read Hunter, Healer.

[Mara · Rating 3 out of 5]

A younger Ms Saintcrow. You can already get a glimpse of future stories and writing style, if somewhat weaker.

The heroine lacks the strength of her future counterpart(s), even if she is in no way a doormat (maybe bland, she is shocked most of the book). The hero is excessively brooding, and it's not that clear what his strength is.

The plot is slowly paced, notwithstanding what the story tells. Beware the cliff-ending.

All in all, a nice read.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bit of a slow start. For the first half of the book the heroine is pretty much in shock trying to come to terms with the aftermath.

The universe set up is interesting, but I really had to push through the helpless /in shock sections. True to life but it be a bit tiresome. (More due to the 6 book series I just finished- where it was an underlying theme than this book's fault. )

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I for one really enjoyed this book very much and I am extremely picky when it comes to Paranormal Romance and Urban Fantasy. So, for me to love this book as much as I did is really saying something. The concept was fantastic as well as the way it was executed. But, then I enjoy Lilith Saintcrow as an author, so I guess it's no big surprise.
Admittedly, after a few chapters, I had some doubts about whether or not I would like Rowan. There were a couple of brief periods where she started to come off as wimpy and a bit whiney. For example, she looked into Delgado's head and found she could trust him because he was telling her the truth. However, very shortly after, she had her doubts once more as if she had never even seen that he was trustworthy. I like female protagonists that are strong, decisive and not overly stubborn. Simply put, I became rather skeptical as to whether or not she would fit that bill. Thankfully, she grew tougher and is becoming a little more badass. She is beginning to grow on me.
That brings me to Delgado. Now, he is badass. He has a lot of the characteristics that I love in male protagonists. He could have done with a little sense of humor, but I get that he is just a serious person related to his past.
It was a little obvious who the traitor was, but I also understand why it wasn't revealed immediately. I hope that in the next book Rowan makes him pay.
This book had me turning the pages and I was unable to put it down. In fact, I read it in one night. By the last few chapters, I was on the edge of my seat. The last chapter had me yelling no and I was not ready for it to end. I will most definitely be reading the next book. I really need to know what happens.

My full reivew can be found on Word Gurgle at www.wordgurgle.blogspot.com

[˚✧₊⁎ѕαи∂у⁎⁺˳✧༚ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Powerful story with beautiful cliffhangerヾ(´︶`♡)ﾉ

The Story･*:..｡o○☆*ﾟ

This is an urban fantasy set in the real world. The story is about those with psychic abilities who are hunted by a special branch of the government called Sigma. These people are kidnapped, tortured, and coerced into doing their biding by using an addictive type of drug called Zed. Making those with psychic powers into weapons.

The heroine in the story has known since little she was different. She considers herself a freak. Rowan Price lives a quiet, dull life as a nurse for a mental hospital. One Non her way home, she sees light in an abandoned house. Trying to investigate in case of teenagers before calling cops, she is recognized by a member of the Society, as someone with high psych psionic powers. In order to save her from Sigma and found out how much she knows, she's monitored before recruiting. When Sigma tries to kidnap Her, Society member Justin Delgado intervenes.

Personal note･*:..｡o○☆*ﾟ

If anyone reads the editorial synopsis of the story, you'll know the plot line. It's romantic, suspenseful, and touching. I may have been picky about the timeline. I thought a tad unrealistic. Things that would take months happened within weeks. I had first gotten the sample as I've gotten a taste of the other stories surrounding The Society. Had started with other books in the series suggested by Kindle. This story is known to end in a cliffhanger. I'm stuck as didn't get paid by my job. Such a cliffhanger I'm going to be spitting profanities until I get the next book. For a story I didn't care much about, I was so much into it I couldn't put it down until finished. I admit, would like to read again along with the continuation. Yes, dying for the next in series!

Please don't forget it's best to get "The Society" (Book 1) along with "Hunter, Healer" (Book 2).

[Anita · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book like junk food, because it's very much a romance, but I found the story entirely unoriginal and I hated the cliffhanger ending. I did like the psychic powers, though I would have enjoyed the story more if the author had spent more time on those powers.

Basic premise: There are people born with extraordinary mind powers - firestarters, mind readers, empaths, telekinetics, etc. There's a black ops untouchable government branch (Sigma) that kidnaps and drugs these people to use them. And there's the Society made up of these psychic people who banded together to find the government agency. Rowan is especially powerful and doesn't know it, and both sides discover her right around the same time. On the Society side, Delgado is the one who convinces her to come with the Society. Sigma tries violence - that goes badly for all concerned. Then there's a long training facility period before the bad stuff happens that leaves the cliffhanger.

[MaryB · Rating 3 out of 5]

First released in 2005, The Society was just rereleased with a new cover (ooh! Top off!). You can tell that this is one of Saintcrow's first book, before she really found her niche in the urban fantasy realm. In this story, there are two factions: one government and one rogue. The government is the bad guy here, as they drug and brainwash their psychics, rather than working with them and helping them, as the rogue faction does. Del rescues Rowan and brings her to the rogue faction -- she's supposedly a super-special chick (I didn't really see it, though she's a sweet girl) and Del's this bad-ass that everyone's afraid of. we were told that more than shown it and I would have liked some more worldbuilding. Huh. I'm seeing a bit of a theme here but, still, I liked how this story starts out and how the rogues are fighting the good fight. However...it's a cliffhanger. A biggie. I'm out.

[Britt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Compelling

I can't remember if I read this before or not, but I enjoy the books she writes about those with talents like this. Rowan has a lot going on when she meets Justin Delgado under very harrowing circumstances.

[Tara Stone · Rating 2 out of 5]

The premise was fascinating, but I never warmed up to the characters.

[Angela]

1 December 2015: $1.99 on Kindle

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

he concept of this book was very interesting. I enjoyed the premise, and think the idea of people with psychic abilities is intriguing right off the bat. The author dived right into the story, and the action continued from there at a very fast pace. Maybe a bit too fast at the expense of character development. Too many of the characters were one-dimensional. Despite that, the book kept my interest initially and made me want to find out more about the world the author created. Unfortunately, the further into the story I got, the less interested I became.

This style of writing is too choppy and immature for my taste. The romance seems forced and was distracting and cheesy. The most annoying thing for me was some of the weird choices of words that the author uses like "woo woo," "nocs" (short for binoculars), and other slang, urban dictionary type words. There are strange details that were completely unnecessary and unbelievable, like multiple mentions of broken shoe laces. Mostly, though, the dialog and thoughts were ungainly and unrealistic to the point where I was constantly pulled out of the flow of the story to roll my eyes. I also agree with other reviewers that the cliffhanger was heavy handed and left a bad taste in my mouth.

I really enjoyed the narrator, Rayna Cole, though. I would absolutely seek out another book narrated by her. She redeemed the so-so writing with the emotions in her voice, the excellent handling of multiple voices, and a perfect pace. Her narration is almost entirely why I was able to finish this book despite the awkward writing. Each character had a distinct voice, tone, and feel. The narration is single-handedly responsible for at least one star in my overall rating, maybe more.

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book at my own request and I am leaving this voluntary review.

SPOILERS AHEAD! I expected this to be a straight romance novel given the cover and synopsis, but I'd probably either call it an urban fantasy with heavy romantic elements or an extended romance book, where you don't get an HEA yet but it'll come in future installments. So I was mildly disappointed about that, but not enough to stop with the series. Delgado was a giant teddy bear and was a very cutely written character, probably similar to Japhrimel from Saintcrow's other series but it's been so long since I read that I can't really remember. Rowan was interesting. It's not often a heroine checks out completely for a good portion of her own story, but she was going through a lot and wanted something to give her time to process the deaths of her best friend and father. My only real issue with her is that she had a touch of Mary Sue-ism. She has all the mental powers and picks up new skills just by seeing it, she has physical training and can take down men easily, her instincts are never wrong, she has a perfect body and hair. Her only flaw is that she is picky about guys and a bit shy. I would have liked Del to be able to match her at the very least.

As I mentioned above, there isn't a resolution to their story yet. I'll hold out full judgment on the series as a whole until the end, but I was happy with this book, I'll probably listen again sometime soon.

[Elissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

You know how you almost absent-mindedly click on contests just for the fun of it? I actually won one, and this was my "prize." As I really enjoy audiobooks I thought I'd give it a try despite having utterly no foreknowledge of plot, genre, or anything else. Well was I delighted!

If you've read the blurb you understand we are dealing with psionic powers and this tale puts us into a parallel dystopia in which the evil government agency is trying to corral and corrupt such powers to its own use, generally to the detriment of those with the talent. This rapidly becomes an exciting chase and shoot-'em-up on the one hand and a case study of various kinds of abilities on the other and is overall a great deal of fun despite some unevenness of the story. And the excellent narration [AUDIO] gives an added boost. But WARNING: This does end on a cliffhanger. Nonetheless it is satisfying within itself (although I am looking forward to the next episode!).

[Michelle VanDaley · Rating 3 out of 5]

My review is based on the Audiobook. The core story is a good one but the application is slow and tedious. I like strong characters, especially ones who overcome horrible circumstances but Rowan is just a whiney over apologetic whimp and it takes her way to long to find her strength. Delgado is supposed to be a strong operative but he becomes whipped & weak- willed way too quickly for my liking. I held hope that the story would pick up but it didn't. Rayna Cole did a magnificent job as narrator and that is the only reason I held on till the end. I do want to see what happens since the cliffhanger ending was the best part of the book so I will read book 2 with an open mind. I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

[Meg · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is really not my kind of book. It started out okay and by the time I realized it was not what I prefer to read it was too late. Female character is flat I wanted her to grow a pair and be more independent. Male lead I just do t buy it. Obsessive about female character sleeps in a chair for months so he doesn’t have to leave her alone. And the conflict between two psi organizations is sketchy, not terribly believable. Okay so that’s what I like a good action adventure with acid I fantasy elements and a bit of romance. One major sex scene. But it is utterly and completely centered around two characters who fight their feelings for several months while they share the same bedroom. The plot kept me going but it is very flat.

[LadyofDreams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in “The Society” series by Lilith Saintcrow. This is the second series that I’ve read written by her. I have to say I love this book I think it is a good beginning to a series and I hope that it continues for a long time. The characters are engaging, believable, and even though it is a paranormal book, it’s not so complex or convoluted that you can’t understand it or see yourself in the story. I love Justin Delgado and Rowan Price. All of the characters are likable, and you want to see them succeed. There is a big bad, of course, but it’s also believable. So I would definitely recommend the book, and I am going off to look and see if there’s another book in the series. Read it; I don’t think you’ll regret it.

[Ruby · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the first book in the series I read, sometimes I like to read the second book and jump right in, but I got the first and it was worth it.
The start reminded me strongly of the series firefly, but only just a little. The romance is not super bad but still a little off putting.

However, the action, mystery and personalities make up for that. Its full of wonderfully dark themes.
I love how realistic the shock is in this book, some stories have people pushing thru right after it happens or dragging stout until the end of the world, but this has found that secretive middle ground.


I received this book for free in return for my unbiased review

[John A. Sillasen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Story that makes Scanners look like a Cartoon

Lilith Saintcrow at her best. No demons, no shapeshifters, just mental acuity she calls Psionics. Only these vary from mild feelings to full on behavior control such as appearing invisible to others and as far as scrambling another's mind. Now when two star crossed Psionic lovers get separated when one's captured and turned into government scanner the other will turn over every rock and crooked government stooge to bring him back to her and cripple them for their part in his capture. Cannot wait for part two!

[Rosie Piqué-Christie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not sure about the female character

So here's the thing reading and listening to a book can make it 2 different stories.
I first read this book about 8 year ago and really enjoyed it.
I've just finished listening and part reading this book and to be honest Rowan seems weak and whiny whilst the Justin is always feeling bad about himself!!
But love the romance and characters feeling I think are quite normal natural.
Easy listening and read as always gotta love L.StC

[Asha · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a 30% brain book but engaging enough. The romantic elements work and the battle between the super secret psychic organizations is interesting enough to keep the plot rolling. The plot is smart but not the point of the story. It's definitely a romance first. A lot of paranormal romance like this has an alpha male douche canoe in the lead but this one didn't go there. Delgado is more slightly obsessed wounded warrior but that works for me so.

[Ruth · Rating 1 out of 5]

c2005 (19) I am very glad that I read Ms Saintcrow's later books because this one is really really dire. So bad, that I couldn't finish it at all. In Ms Saintcrow's later books, the female protagonists have some gumption (and pride) but this one...ugh. And the male hero, well, just as awful as the female one. My recommendation...do not waste money on this one but do read her later novels.

[Lynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in this series, with its interesting characters and suspenseful plot, I'll be listening to the next book. It's like riding a rollercoaster following Rowen's voyage into her new life along with her mentor Delgado.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast paced suspense filled action romance

This story started fast and never let up. Just enough story and character building to keep you wanting more. I look forward to the next book since this ended in the middle of a big scene.

[Alexandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book. Lots of action and interesting characters, the premise of mind powers was well done and the reactions of the characters was believable. Slow burn romance that didn’t distract from the plot. Highly recommended.

[Wetdryvac · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pretty darn well strung.