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Guardians of the Pattern #6
Closing the Circle
Series finale...
Slave. Assassin. Bodyguard. Draven has played many roles within the notorious Sapphire Guild, but one man has always controlled his destiny. After the man who shaped his world betrays him, Draven exacts his revenge and flees, pinning all his hopes on a promise of sanctuary made long ago.
Director Cameron Asada is responsible for the safety of every psion affiliated with the Institute for Psionic Research. When a vid-clip of a psion destroying an industrial installation goes viral, the citizens of the Federation demand action. With anti-psion sentiment spreading too fast to contain, the last thing Cam needs is for a dangerous figure from his past to show up, drug-addicted, psi-damaged, and seeking to redeem a reckless promise Cam never should have made.
Sheltering Draven could cost Cam everything he’s worked for, but Cam owes the man his life, and Draven might be just what Cam needs to protect his people from an increasingly hostile government. When it becomes clear that it may take more than a job offer to secure Draven’s trust, Cam finds himself walking a dangerous line as he struggles to reconcile his conflicting loyalties. Can Cam be the man Draven needs? Or is everything he’s worked for destined to go up in flames?
~120,000 words
Slave. Assassin. Bodyguard. Draven has played many roles within the notorious Sapphire Guild, but one man has always controlled his destiny. After the man who shaped his world betrays him, Draven exacts his revenge and flees, pinning all his hopes on a promise of sanctuary made long ago.
Director Cameron Asada is responsible for the safety of every psion affiliated with the Institute for Psionic Research. When a vid-clip of a psion destroying an industrial installation goes viral, the citizens of the Federation demand action. With anti-psion sentiment spreading too fast to contain, the last thing Cam needs is for a dangerous figure from his past to show up, drug-addicted, psi-damaged, and seeking to redeem a reckless promise Cam never should have made.
Sheltering Draven could cost Cam everything he’s worked for, but Cam owes the man his life, and Draven might be just what Cam needs to protect his people from an increasingly hostile government. When it becomes clear that it may take more than a job offer to secure Draven’s trust, Cam finds himself walking a dangerous line as he struggles to reconcile his conflicting loyalties. Can Cam be the man Draven needs? Or is everything he’s worked for destined to go up in flames?
~120,000 words
442 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 8, 2017
4 people are currently reading
42 people want to read
About the author
Jaye McKenna
24 books132 followersJaye McKenna was born a Brit and was dragged, kicking and screaming, across the Pond at an age when such vehement protest was doomed to be misinterpreted as a “paddy”. She grew up near a sumac forest in Minnesota and spent most of her teen years torturing her parents with her electric guitar and her dark poetry. She was punk before it was cool and a grown-up long before she was ready. Jaye writes fantasy and science fiction stories about hot guys who have the hots for each other. She enjoys making them work darn hard for their happy endings, which might explain why she never gets invited to their parties.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
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May 8, 2017Series Finale: now available at Amazon and Smashwords
October 7, 2019
Best of the series.
I wasn't sure how Jaye was going to redeem Draven given what we've seen him do throughout the series, but I had faith she'd make it work (like she did with Shiv in a previous installment) and I wasn't disappointed. There was no automatic forgiveness; he had to earn it.
For most of the book I was lowkey stressed that Rafe wasn't who he said he was, or was somehow a mole/plant and was basically on tenterhooks until that was resolved - at like, the very end of the book. And what an ending that was! I loved the ambiguity of it. A solid HEA for all the established relationships, but not knowing when/where they ended up was kind of genius.
Unfortunately, I kept wondering about all the psions that either weren't "awakened" as of yet, or were left behind...living under those conditions is sure to be brutal and I can't help but despise how there were psions withing the government helping to root out their friends, coworkers, family etc. Which also makes me kind of hope that there may, eventually, be a book or two to address the aftermath. Were they also turned on and betrayed by the governments they'd chosen to collude with? Did they consolidate their influence and force only the most powerful of new psions to work with them while essentially "castrating" those who had only mild talent? Did they realize the gravity of their decisions and rebel?
So many options for follow up stories!!
I wasn't sure how Jaye was going to redeem Draven given what we've seen him do throughout the series, but I had faith she'd make it work (like she did with Shiv in a previous installment) and I wasn't disappointed. There was no automatic forgiveness; he had to earn it.
For most of the book I was lowkey stressed that Rafe wasn't who he said he was, or was somehow a mole/plant and was basically on tenterhooks until that was resolved - at like, the very end of the book. And what an ending that was! I loved the ambiguity of it. A solid HEA for all the established relationships, but not knowing when/where they ended up was kind of genius.
Unfortunately, I kept wondering about all the psions that either weren't "awakened" as of yet, or were left behind...living under those conditions is sure to be brutal and I can't help but despise how there were psions withing the government helping to root out their friends, coworkers, family etc. Which also makes me kind of hope that there may, eventually, be a book or two to address the aftermath. Were they also turned on and betrayed by the governments they'd chosen to collude with? Did they consolidate their influence and force only the most powerful of new psions to work with them while essentially "castrating" those who had only mild talent? Did they realize the gravity of their decisions and rebel?
So many options for follow up stories!!
May 15, 2022
This is not an unbiased review. I had the pleasure of beta reading this story
This is the final book in the Guardian's of the Pattern series and finally it sees the two characters who have been important yet in the background from the start get their happy ever after.
But not without a lot of problems first. Draven takes Cam up on a promise he made when they first met and Draven let Cam and Miko escape. Stabbed, psi-damaged and addicted to Riptide Draven has reached what appears to be the end but Cam puts him back together as the Federation turns on those with Psi abilities making those that they both care about need to flee to avoid being forced to have their Psi ability removed or them mind wiped
A new start is on the cards for all of them in the end.
Though this is the end of the series the author does say we might see the characters again at some point in the future.
This is the final book in the Guardian's of the Pattern series and finally it sees the two characters who have been important yet in the background from the start get their happy ever after.
But not without a lot of problems first. Draven takes Cam up on a promise he made when they first met and Draven let Cam and Miko escape. Stabbed, psi-damaged and addicted to Riptide Draven has reached what appears to be the end but Cam puts him back together as the Federation turns on those with Psi abilities making those that they both care about need to flee to avoid being forced to have their Psi ability removed or them mind wiped
A new start is on the cards for all of them in the end.
Though this is the end of the series the author does say we might see the characters again at some point in the future.
May 21, 2017
What an eventful journey it has been! I've been waiting for Draven's story since I read Facing the Mirror. Somehow I knew Closing the Circle was going to be good and it definitely didn't disappoint. I will miss the whole gang. I can't recommend this series enough!
June 22, 2017
Closing the Circle is the 6th installment of the Guardians of the Pattern series.
Way back the first book of this series started when Cameron Asada was undercover.
During this mission with the help of Draven, Cameron save Miko's live.
6 year's have passed with in between encounters with each other but never long. And now Draven is in dire need of help, he remember's the promise made by Cameron that if ever in need of help Cameron would give it. With a huge personal risk Cameron helps Draven out and let's him stay to recover.
During Draven's recovery the 2 men find that their own threads are as closely tied as Luka and Damon's and Miko and Tarrin.
All set whilst the threat towards psion's is rising by the day and people need to be evacuated.
I have to say that the maturing of Draven is well done and made me like him even more.
If you are looking forward to suspense, action and love, rest assured this book will give that in spades.
Enjoy the read :-)
Way back the first book of this series started when Cameron Asada was undercover.
During this mission with the help of Draven, Cameron save Miko's live.
6 year's have passed with in between encounters with each other but never long. And now Draven is in dire need of help, he remember's the promise made by Cameron that if ever in need of help Cameron would give it. With a huge personal risk Cameron helps Draven out and let's him stay to recover.
During Draven's recovery the 2 men find that their own threads are as closely tied as Luka and Damon's and Miko and Tarrin.
All set whilst the threat towards psion's is rising by the day and people need to be evacuated.
I have to say that the maturing of Draven is well done and made me like him even more.
If you are looking forward to suspense, action and love, rest assured this book will give that in spades.
Enjoy the read :-)
May 12, 2017
Perfection - 20 star book in a 20 star series!
I can't wait to read more about the new world of Hope. Of course, I can't wait to read just about anything from Jaye McKenna. Such beautiful writing and world development.
I can't wait to read more about the new world of Hope. Of course, I can't wait to read just about anything from Jaye McKenna. Such beautiful writing and world development.
September 27, 2017
OMG!!! Draven's story. *happy dance* I've been enthralled by him since reading book 0.5! Definitely one of my top fav M/M characters.
ETA: This story is perfect! Everything I hoped Draven's story would be and more. Totally worth the wait and my favorite book of an awesome series.
P.S. I was a beta reader for this one, but that in no way lessens how much I loved it from very first read.
ETA: This story is perfect! Everything I hoped Draven's story would be and more. Totally worth the wait and my favorite book of an awesome series.
P.S. I was a beta reader for this one, but that in no way lessens how much I loved it from very first read.
September 25, 2017
This story literally starts with crash and burn as Draven watches the place he used to consider his home burning to the ground and then crashes in the woods under influence of drugs. Even in that state he recognizes that there is only one place and one person which can keep him safe:
Cameron is not thrilled by the idea. Draven is wanted criminal, an assassin working for drug cartel but he'd made promise to Draven and he was going to keep it.
The writing just flows and the story is remarkably easy to plunge into. A whiff of political intrigue had me glued to the screen. It was surprising how much of characters we get to know in what are opening sequences of the book. The dialogue is sharp and precise, with occasional sly quips.
Apparently Cameron used to be a cop investigating cartel Draven worked for. They have met before and I'm glad I found the series now, otherwise I'd be on tenterhooks waiting for their story.
They are both wary of each other, but they need one another. They saved each other life so there is a bond between them. They inch slowly toward trust but circumstances around them are pushing and pulling them first closer then apart. Their world is going up in flames and Cameron is desperately trying to save what he can.
I'd definitely suggest reading previous books in series because the world building is specific. The book can stand on its own, but it's better understood as part of the whole.
I was less enamored of the way their relationship started but it does fit into what is not black-and-white but predominately gray world. Both Cameron and Draven are hard people so in a sense it's a relief they have found something to anchor them. I was glad I didn't give up on reading because author managed to soften what happened. There is fragile balance between them:I loved how author underlined similarities and differences between them. They have the same core, but their lives were different and as a consequences, they are different men.
Cameron and Draven are not typical heroes: they are reflections in dark mirror.
Their motivations are real and the connection between them has surprising depth.
In an unusual twist, danger Cameron faces is not death: it does bring to mind old saying of fate worse than death. Draven is the one racing to help him. I found it interesting that the reason they are in trouble is because Draven has for the first time in his life, spared someone's life.
The ending is both emotionally and physically fraught, in keeping with book's atmosphere.
This is not a story with typical heroes and villains, masterfully blending the two. It reminded me a little of Manna Francis Administration.
Caution: it contains references to substance abuse and non-con
I received copy of this book in exchange for review.
The review is also posted on Gay Book Reviews
Cameron is not thrilled by the idea. Draven is wanted criminal, an assassin working for drug cartel but he'd made promise to Draven and he was going to keep it.
The writing just flows and the story is remarkably easy to plunge into. A whiff of political intrigue had me glued to the screen. It was surprising how much of characters we get to know in what are opening sequences of the book. The dialogue is sharp and precise, with occasional sly quips.
Apparently Cameron used to be a cop investigating cartel Draven worked for. They have met before and I'm glad I found the series now, otherwise I'd be on tenterhooks waiting for their story.
They are both wary of each other, but they need one another. They saved each other life so there is a bond between them. They inch slowly toward trust but circumstances around them are pushing and pulling them first closer then apart. Their world is going up in flames and Cameron is desperately trying to save what he can.
I'd definitely suggest reading previous books in series because the world building is specific. The book can stand on its own, but it's better understood as part of the whole.
I was less enamored of the way their relationship started but it does fit into what is not black-and-white but predominately gray world. Both Cameron and Draven are hard people so in a sense it's a relief they have found something to anchor them. I was glad I didn't give up on reading because author managed to soften what happened. There is fragile balance between them:I loved how author underlined similarities and differences between them. They have the same core, but their lives were different and as a consequences, they are different men.
Cameron and Draven are not typical heroes: they are reflections in dark mirror.
Their motivations are real and the connection between them has surprising depth.
In an unusual twist, danger Cameron faces is not death: it does bring to mind old saying of fate worse than death. Draven is the one racing to help him. I found it interesting that the reason they are in trouble is because Draven has for the first time in his life, spared someone's life.
The ending is both emotionally and physically fraught, in keeping with book's atmosphere.
This is not a story with typical heroes and villains, masterfully blending the two. It reminded me a little of Manna Francis Administration.
Caution: it contains references to substance abuse and non-con
I received copy of this book in exchange for review.
The review is also posted on Gay Book Reviews
May 12, 2017
Great ending for the "Guardians of the Pattern" series! I've been wanting to see more of Draven since the prequel, and he gets a very exciting story with just about the right balance of action, sex, romance and science fiction/fantasy by my measure. The cover picture is a marvel, and this is the guy we get in the book: a little mad, a little bad but there's lots of good stuff in the middle.
June 18, 2019
Read as part of Guardians Compilation: Volume #2, Books #4-6.
Really interesting ending. Not quite what I expected. Definitely illustrated how quickly things can change even with plans in place. All the connections are revealed and m/c's coupled off. It definitely comes full circle.
Really interesting ending. Not quite what I expected. Definitely illustrated how quickly things can change even with plans in place. All the connections are revealed and m/c's coupled off. It definitely comes full circle.
November 19, 2017
I want more and I want it now!
Jaye McKenna can really do no wrong when it comes to MM romance. That's all that really ever needs to be said.
Jaye McKenna can really do no wrong when it comes to MM romance. That's all that really ever needs to be said.
March 10, 2018
4.5
I want to know when and where and what happened/will happen!
But I still loved this conclusion to the series.
I want to know when and where and what happened/will happen!
But I still loved this conclusion to the series.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews