*RE-RELEASE: “The Nevermore Trilogy” Anniversary Edition. Now a full length novel. Brand new scenes, additional points of view and 35K extra words all breathe new life into the first series ever published by USA Today Bestselling Author Shannon Mayer.*
"My name is Mara, and I want desperately to become a mother."
All of my dreams were dashed when the world was promised hope but instead became a place of danger, death . . . and monsters.
Nevermores - a human, but feral and lethal creature with a thirst for flesh, have arisen from the ashes of human hope. Now co-inhabitants in this new world, I am gaining ground in my understanding of them just as I am forced to face a new threat from the local militia.
Led by a man with a taste for torture and a love of suffering, Sebastian and I are confronted with the seemingly impossible obstacle of escape. Caged and kept from our allies, our opportunities for freedom dwindle.
There is only one way to save us both. I am forced to unearth and embrace the dark side of my heart. I must decide who is the more dangerous enemy; the Nevermores or what remains of mankind.
I am bound to fight as though I am one of the monsters I hoped I’d never become.
A long time ago, in a galaxy far away, I was born into a family of Star Wars nuts. I have a lot of siblings (somewhere I lost count but I think there was more than could be numbered on one hand) and being one of the young padawans I was subjected to Star Wars marathons, on a regular basis. If you've read any of my books you'll see there is often a reference to said movies as a small homage to my upbringing. May the force be with you and all that jazz.
I started writing when I realized I didn't want to grow up not believing in magic, or not believing in creatures everyone else said didn't exist. That being said, I have never seen a fairy, unicorn or dragon. I had a neighbour who swore they fed the leprechauns in their garden, but I never caught the little buggers no matter how long I lay in wait. (And consequently had to help the neighbours plant new flowers to replace those I killed waiting for the leprechauns to show their faces.)
Along the way, I found my husband who is the rock that keeps me from floating away into my dreams, and we have a little boy who is the centre of our world. Living on a farm keeps us busy (as if the writing wasn't enough) and I have more than my share of stories about wrestling with cows, helping birth calves and ending up in the creek during the process, falling in the mud (we'll call it mud but we all know that on a farm, mud is rarely mud) and chasing escaped livestock in the hopes the four legged convicts don't make it to the highway.
I've taken up archery, and the goal is to move into horseback archery in time (you know, when I can hit the target on a consistent basis) and when no one is looking, I love to bake (this doesn't happen often as it's hard to keep the sweet treats in stock with two boys in the house.)
As to what's coming next for me? More stories (since those never stop inside my head, I might as well share them with all of you!) and more adventures. Pretty much, when the fancy strikes, I'll jump on it. Leap before you look I'm sure that motto was created for me.
Or was that . . . think big and dream bigger, ready, set, pull the trigger . . . yeah. That one is a good one too. But only if you have a gun. And are hunting elephants. Which is not cool because of so many reasons. Let's stick with the first one with an addendum.
Leap before you look and let your dreams carry you on their wings. And that, my friends, is me in a nutshell.
OMG...how I ABSOLUTELY LOVE LOVE LOVE Sebastian ---- now this 2nd book in the series is what I'm talking about developing our characters. This one was perfect with setting up the love shared between our MC's.
UGH...but another cliffhanger that I can't wait to read how this is going to pan out!
I didn’t read the original version of this trilogy, so I can’t give an opinion as to whether the tweaks are an improvement, but what I can say is that I loved Shannon Mayer’s BOUND! It’s a pseudo zombie story that follows a couple who’s love overcomes insurmountable odds. It’s corny, and does require a bit of a leap vis-à-vis why only Mara & Bastian’s connection trumps all where as other twosomes “turn”. But, it’s written in such a way that it’s next to impossible to put down, and makes you want to believe in unicorns.
Phase two of the end-of-the-civilization involved the army taking over, the abuse that comes along with the government going belly-up, and rumours of a cure. Unsurprisingly, several factions pop up in the wake of the Nevermore disaster, and Mara & Bastien get caught right in the middle due to their unusual abilities. We meet some pretty scary people along the way, namely Vincent and Donovan, and the author had no qualms about highlighting how truly deprived humanity can become when society as we know it crumbles. BOUND will make you cry uncle!
BOUND was not your typical zombie story. ~4.5 Stars
The storyline continues directly after Sundered. Considering the length of the book, both of them, probably together with the third installment of this trilogy, would have made a decently sized full novel.
The story of Mara and Sebastian continues, with a plot twist bringing them into contact with other survivors and a possible cure for the Nevermore drug.
The first book was entertaining enough, despite some minor flaws. But Bound, although the plot idea was good, was pretty weak in terms of storyline development. It felt rushed, ideas were often just hinted at. It could have done with more depth into the story as well as the characters. Some of those were little more than caricatures.
Bottomline, not bad. But could have done with some fleshing out. The characters stayed a little flat and the whole thing left me unsatisfied. I am mildy curious about the ending to the trilogy, but considering the length (or lack thereof) I am not interested enough to spend more money on it.
I was provided an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Bound picks up immediately where Sundered left off so for those of you, like me, screamed at the end of Sundered because there were no more pages to flip we get our answer of the choice Mara makes. Now this is a 3-part series that must be read in order and this review will blow the ending of book 1 for you so STOP NOW!!! You’ve been warned SPOILERS ahead!
Thank you Shannon! Thank you! Mara chose love! Mara and Sebastian’s story is one of those tales that true love really does conquer all. Even a drug that turns you feral to the point of cannibalistic can’t defeat true love. Yet Mara and Sebastian aren’t finished being tested. When they are captured by rogue band of paramilitary things go downhill fast. Mara’s love for Sebastian is put to the ultimate test and her life along with Sebastian’s and their unborn child are put on the line by a crazed power hungry nut job.
I didn’t love book two as much as I instantly fell in love with book one. Not really sure why. Mara continues to grow into a strong, resourceful and dare I say almost Kick ass chick, well, almost, she is getting close. The relationship between her and Sebastian is one I love and I can’t wait to read the third installment, Dauntless....Sara
Mara and Bastian are captured by the military at their home and taken to a prison camp where Mara is told she has to train the monsters to obey her like Bastian, so they can be used for military purposes. Vincent wants to use an army of monsters to attack his enemy who is working on a cure. Not trusting Vincent, Mara is convinced that they must escape or die.
I certainly didn't like this book as much as the first one in the series. I was still interested in the relationship between Mara and Bastian but I also questioned why Mara decided to restart a sexual relationship with him without knowing if the virus was going to damage her. Overall, Mara wasn't very smart in this book. Spying on Vincent so blatantly was dumb and could have led to them both being killed. But the thing that really infuriated me was Mara deciding she was attracted to the first soldier who was kind to her, which makes her supposed undying love for Bastian seem like a bit of a joke. It ruined the interest I had in the unconventional relationship between Mara and Bastian.
Vincent wasn't really a character that greatly interested me. Even when we are shown why he is such an asshat and why he is obsessed with finding the cure, he still feels like the big evil cartoon bad guy. In fact most of the military men in this book are power hungry asshats who annoyed me. I did continue to like Scout though. He sort of reminds me of the boy Roach who lived inside the walls in the film The People under the Stairs.
The plot for me was a bit on the weak side. The military just happened to pass by Mara's house in time to see her interact with Bastian and suddeny come to grab them both? Super evil military men fight over an experimental cure? Our poor heroes caught in the middle? I wasn't greatly convinced and this is more of a 2/2.5 book. I have the whole series in one paperback so I did read on to book 3 but hopes were not high.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review, which I take very seriously.
In the 2nd book of The Nevermore Trilogy, we learn that Sebastian almost lets go of what remains of his human side, but Mara is relentless in reminding him of it and not losing it. We learn that the Nevermores can and do communicate with each other and the hoard as a whole, like a hive almost. We learn that a few Nevermores cling to the last bits of their humanity, like Scout. And we learn that the military-ish people, dressed in fatigues, they come and tell Mara that it just isn't safe and she MUST go with them. At first she resists, fearing for Sebastian and losing him, so they basically take her. Someone follows.
These "military-esque" men are somewhat whipped into submission by their lead asshats, the first of which is named Vincent. He takes perverse pleasure in torturing and makes no exceptions on who's on the what love can endure other end of his devices.
This second book is about what love can endure and what it probably shouldn't, yet still does.
The second book in Mayer's Nevermore Trilogy Bound is another fast pace and fun read. The romance continues between Sebastian and Mara. Their love amazes me. Once again the turmoil this couple goes through is heart breaking but their love for one another never falters. In this book we are with Mara as she struggles to survive the Nevermore out break. I was happy to find out that this book flowed seamlessly from the first. I bought it when I bought the first and was glad that I had it to move immediately on to. Bound left me hoping for Dauntless which is to be released at the end of October. Thankfully not to far away.
If your looking for a great romance, that is a fast read and will capture your heart, I suggest the Nevermore Trilogy! Thanks Shannon Mayer :)
This is a fabulous series from an author that just pops out of no where! The characters draw you into their world, the plot moves along at a pace that keeps you turning the pages and leaves you breathless with what will happen next.
I felt that the instances of violence and fear felt very real to me like it was the way it could truly happen in a apocalypse type situation.
I am SO excited to ead Dauntless! Sundered (Book I) was amazing and drew you in, Bound (Book II) was just as goood if not better and if Dauntless is in the same vein this is going to be a series to remember!
This 3 book series was a nice change of pace for me. I typically read a lot of romance novels and this book was different. It's a love story all twisted up into a world of zombie-ish monsters. I have already recommended this series to a few of my friends. It's a different twist from the typical love story and the characters are ones you won't forget. You will even be surprised by some of the characters that you will fall in love with. It's and easy and fun read if you're looking for something a little different.
Like Sundered, Bound is a page turner. I'm hooked on this series. Bound picks up where Sundered left off, with Mara on the brink of the hardest decision of her life. Without giving away too much of the book, for those of you who have not yet read this one, I will just say that Shannon Mayer has outdone herself. Bound is action packed, fast-paced, and sticks with you long after the final page. The descriptive flow of Mayers writing style literally draws the reader into the story.
I love this series! Great twist on the whole zombie apocalypse story. I actually enjoyed this version way more than the usual fare which is a big deal for me since the whole zombie thing isn’t really my thing. Definitely recommend and totally worth the read!
I enjoyed the ongoing saga of Sebastian and Mara in this sequel to "Sundered". Their situation has worsened in this second book but Mara still fights to save both her husband and her unborn baby. Not so much against the creatures called Nevermores, this time her battles are more with her own kind - the humans.
Ms Mayer has a unique way of creating characters and telling a story and I hope she's around for a very long time. How she ever came up with the premise for this trilogy, I can't imagine. It's quite uniquely different from anything I've read before and I can't wait for the last in the series.
The story picks nicely where it had been left in the first book of the series. As smoothly and readably as before, ‘Bound’ takes us into a different, unexpected direction. I was taken completely by surprise by the twist in the middle of the book.
The love line of the story is great, while the suspense builds consistently. The tension never slacks and the original angle on the zombie-related issues is refreshing. The Nevermores get more likable by each book, for my taste.
HATED this one. It completely went off the deep end WEIRD. The first book in the series was believable, but this was just too much. Not to mention that sexual content in the book went up to a level that's almost erotic. I won't be finishing the series.
Content Rating: R-SV ... (S) disturbing sexual scenes, particularly for this kind of book. I know the author was just trying to establish the love between the characters regardless of changes, but really?? (V) zombie style.
I am definitely addicted to this series. The underlying humanity in the Nevermores shines through the story so clearly, while still emphasizing their baser instincts. The love story is ever-present, but blends well with the story rather than detracting from it. You can almost feel you are living the story, and you root as hard as you can for the survivors to keep on going. This author has a new fan in me.
I was wondering where the trilogy was going after the ending of the first book. Don’t worry…no spoilers but LOTS of praise. Bound answers some questions from the first book, poses some new ones and continues to build the suspense. And brings in even more exciting, interesting and memorable characters. Luckily the third book was already on my Kindle!
These are quite short for the price but still worth $2.99 I couldn't stop reading after what happen/where the first book ended. I appreciate the bond betweeen Mara and Sebastian.
An Awful Look At Some Of The Worst Of Humanity!!😡 Love & Hope Bonds Them Still!!🙏💘🔥 Bound (The Nevermore Trilogy #2: Anniversary Edition)
Mara & Bastian are taken by force, from their farm, by a Militia force!!😱 Vincent, their leader is a cruel & twisted man. Something Mara finds later proves he was always a bad human being with ill intent!!😡😖 He holds the threat of killing her dog, unborn child & husband over her head to gain her compliance.😠 She has a few guards that help protect her as best they can.🙏
The Nevermores, especially the Alphas, are gaining more clarity of thought, better mental communication & physical dexterity!👍 Sebastian is able to override his instincts but it's really difficult unless he can hold on to his thoughts & memories of Mara!💘They both know they're in great danger at this facility but being elsewhere could be even worse - even with the talk of a possible cure!!😲😔🍀💥
This was a much more human based book but it was no less gruesome for it!💔 I feel so bad for the good people stuck inside the Nevermore drug addiction behaviours & also the people like Mara who just want to try & survive in as whole a way as possible!!🙏 Another really good read but not quite as good as book #1 for me. Still completely worthwhile though!!👍🌟
Although I enjoyed the first story, when the military (or what people believe should be passed for the military) show up, I'm immediately turned of. It's one of the reason I don't really read this genre. I would have enjoyed it more had Mara and Bas stayed out on their farm with their dogs trying to survive. They seemed to have a good thing going adjusting and then it was shattered by the introduction of madmen. I know it makes for suspenseful reading and such but I just can't get with it. Although the writing is great, I just couldn't deal with how things were progressing. It was out of the fire and into the frying pan. Still a big fan of Ms. Mayer's work but just not a fan of this trilogy as much as Rylee, Lark, and the Celtic books.
Although I enjoyed the first story, when the military (or what people believe should be passed for the military) show up, I'm immediately turned of. It's one of the reason I don't really read this genre. I would have enjoyed it more had Mara and Bas stayed out on their farm with their dogs trying to survive. They seemed to have a good thing going adjusting and then it was shattered by the introduction of madmen. I know it makes for suspenseful reading and such but I just can't get with it. Although the writing is great, I just couldn't deal with how things were progressing. It was out of the fire and into the frying pan. Still a big fan of Ms. Mayer's work but just not a fan of this trilogy as much as Rylee, Lark, and the Celtic books.
This is the second in the Nevermore series. This book had a scene that moved me to tears, so do have a hanky ready. I found out more about the Nevermores and the drug that created them in this middle book. I also discovered some human monsters.
The things I liked about this book were the growth of Mara and the evolution of the Nevermores. These are not your typical zombies and they are changing and becoming more complex. Mara is stepping up and becoming a strong and compassionate person.
If you like paranormal romances or zombie books, start with Sundered and continue on to Bound. I think you'll find it rewarding. As the book ended on a cliffhanger, I am eagerly awaiting the next book.
Oh my gosh, this story keeps you on the edge of your seat…constantly! It actually was making me so anxious. Basically because this could actually happen; not my usual magic/fantasy read ☺️. I do recommend this series. Mara and Sebastian’s love is so inspiring. We get introduced to lots of bad characters. We discover just what a strong badass Mara can be. I can’t imagine how this story will wrap up good so I am eager to continue. There were some heart wrenching moments in this book. Also eager to find out about crazy world ending ready farm neighbor Dan. He has not been mentioned since mid book 1 I think. Guessing he plays a role soon though. On to book 3!
Solid second book in the Nevermore Trilogy. The pacing kept me engaged and the emotional tension between the characters landed well. Mayer does a great job balancing action and heart without dragging things out.
Some parts felt a little repetitive, but overall it’s a strong follow-up that makes you want to keep turning the pages.
Worth the read if you’re already invested in the series.
I received this arc in exchange for a honest review.. This is the second book in the Nevermore series and starts off where Sundered let off I love the new twists and turns to the book.. This series just gets better and better, I love the remaking of this series and makes for a good reread.. I can't wait for the last instalment in the series..
Shannon Mayer is an incredible writer. I have read most of her books, and loved them all. This second book in the Nevermore Series is pretty exciting. It is fast paced and entertaining. I read it in a couple of hours. I need to read the next book in this series to see what happens.
This is one of those books you don't put down till it's finished and hate all interruptions. I love it so different to any of the other books I read. They have such a unique love amongst the chaos around them. I sobbed at the loss of the little one it was heartbreaking to read. Finished on a bit of a cliff hanger but who doesn't love a good cliff hanger. Untill book 3....
I wasn't sure if I'd like the military aspect, and I'm still not sure. It did read a bit sappy and the romance bits are a bit much considering the essence of the plot, but it's just as readable and easy to devour as her other works. Moving on to the next one!
Great Title.. I was BOUND to this book from the 1st page!
Again another brilliant book in a Trilogy, I think if you've read any of my other reviews on Shannon's Books you will realise I'm a BIG fan & now if you don't mind, I'm off to start the last book which I can't wait to start but don't want this amazing Love Story to end!