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War Machine: Destiny in the Shadows Series Book One
Blackmailed, cornered, and screwed. That
316 pages, Paperback
Published May 16, 2017
12 people are currently reading
52 people want to read
About the author
Maggie Lynn Heron-Heidel
23 books101 followersGet your free copy of her best selling dystopian science fiction novella STILL DEATH here: https://www.maggielynnheronheidel.com
Maggie Lynn Heron-Heidel is an urban fantasy and science fiction author plus the President of the Whatsit Comedy TV. She stars in three web series (One Wife to Give, It’s Tea or the Dog & News From Under the Red Carpet), and is now releasing her tenth novel, Blood War: Defiance. Her novel War Machine won silver and gold medals in the 2017 Virtual Fantasy Con Awards and The Swan Princes: A Christmas Tail won silver for Best Fairytale in 2018. Cursed Hart was a semi-finalist for best urban fantasy 2019.
She lives in the USA with her adopted husky Ser Mishka who may or may not be a dormant wolf shifter.
Storytelling is a passion of mine. My love of fantasy and science fiction stems from a life long battle with my overactive imagination. I have always been a vivid daydreamer and channeling the tales I concoct into new books seemed like a natural choice since I love to read. And whether it be through one of my novels or through film, as is voiced by my company the Heartbeat Network, my ultimate goal is to keep you entertained.
“God, Jesus, and his angels love you and so do I ♥”
– Maggie Lynn Heron-Heidel
Maggie Lynn Heron-Heidel is an urban fantasy and science fiction author plus the President of the Whatsit Comedy TV. She stars in three web series (One Wife to Give, It’s Tea or the Dog & News From Under the Red Carpet), and is now releasing her tenth novel, Blood War: Defiance. Her novel War Machine won silver and gold medals in the 2017 Virtual Fantasy Con Awards and The Swan Princes: A Christmas Tail won silver for Best Fairytale in 2018. Cursed Hart was a semi-finalist for best urban fantasy 2019.
She lives in the USA with her adopted husky Ser Mishka who may or may not be a dormant wolf shifter.
Storytelling is a passion of mine. My love of fantasy and science fiction stems from a life long battle with my overactive imagination. I have always been a vivid daydreamer and channeling the tales I concoct into new books seemed like a natural choice since I love to read. And whether it be through one of my novels or through film, as is voiced by my company the Heartbeat Network, my ultimate goal is to keep you entertained.
“God, Jesus, and his angels love you and so do I ♥”
– Maggie Lynn Heron-Heidel
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
July 10, 2020
This gets 4.5-stars rounded up to 5.
This is the first book in what is planned to be a six-book-series.
A beautiful, strong young woman is employed as a ruthless assassin, but is she all that she seems to be?
There's always something happening in this tale. There are slower bits but they usually develop quite rapidly into more action. It has just enough description to give you the outline you need, and the character interaction is crisp and entertaining.
There is a love-triangle going on in this story, which is why it's 4.5-stars for me. I know there are plenty among my friends on here who will want to read it for just that reason.
There is plenty of action here to keep you interested. A strong female lead, a love triangle, and an artist love interest who just happens to share my name, Michael.
I look forward to reading the other books in this series when I have the time.
If you would like to find out more try;
On Instagram @maggielynnheronheidel
MAGGIELYNNHERONHEIDEL.WORDPRESS.COM
You can also find her on Facebook and, obviously Goodreads.com
Thanks for reading.
This is the first book in what is planned to be a six-book-series.
A beautiful, strong young woman is employed as a ruthless assassin, but is she all that she seems to be?
There's always something happening in this tale. There are slower bits but they usually develop quite rapidly into more action. It has just enough description to give you the outline you need, and the character interaction is crisp and entertaining.
There is a love-triangle going on in this story, which is why it's 4.5-stars for me. I know there are plenty among my friends on here who will want to read it for just that reason.
There is plenty of action here to keep you interested. A strong female lead, a love triangle, and an artist love interest who just happens to share my name, Michael.
I look forward to reading the other books in this series when I have the time.
If you would like to find out more try;
On Instagram @maggielynnheronheidel
MAGGIELYNNHERONHEIDEL.WORDPRESS.COM
You can also find her on Facebook and, obviously Goodreads.com
Thanks for reading.
March 22, 2018
I’m glad I picked up War Machine, part one of the Destiny in the Shadows series. It’s an exciting, thrill-packed read with characters that leap off the pages.
At the beginning of the book I thought the main character, Sierrenna, was going to be a stereotypical, hard nut female assassin; but such is the quality of the writing that she comes across as real flesh and blood. In fact by the end of the book I found, somewhat to my surprise, that I cared about all of the characters and even felt anxiety over their fates. It takes a good book to elicit that kind of response and the author has a seriously good talent as well as a vivid imagination.
There is plenty of action and pace in this novel and the clarity in the writing made me feel as though I was there with the characters, running down dark alleys or over rooftops and scaling walls – or descending from them attempting to escape pursuers – and I was holding my breath with them, too. The author has created her world so well that I could picture everything in my mind.
Characters change throughout the book as events overtake them, but the changes are not rushed, and therefore natural. Sierrenna does not let anybody into her emotional life and that aspect is portrayed believably.
My only gripe is that at times, in the dialogue, I wasn’t sure who was speaking and had to read some passages again to make sense of them, but that could be due to the more modern style of joining dialogue and reflection together. It’s not something I am familiar with yet.
I was hoping to carry on reading the second book but it hasn’t been finished yet – when it is available I want to buy it. M L Heron-Heidel is an author to be watched. I know she has a lot more to give yet, and I can recommend this novel wholeheartedly. It’s excellent.
At the beginning of the book I thought the main character, Sierrenna, was going to be a stereotypical, hard nut female assassin; but such is the quality of the writing that she comes across as real flesh and blood. In fact by the end of the book I found, somewhat to my surprise, that I cared about all of the characters and even felt anxiety over their fates. It takes a good book to elicit that kind of response and the author has a seriously good talent as well as a vivid imagination.
There is plenty of action and pace in this novel and the clarity in the writing made me feel as though I was there with the characters, running down dark alleys or over rooftops and scaling walls – or descending from them attempting to escape pursuers – and I was holding my breath with them, too. The author has created her world so well that I could picture everything in my mind.
Characters change throughout the book as events overtake them, but the changes are not rushed, and therefore natural. Sierrenna does not let anybody into her emotional life and that aspect is portrayed believably.
My only gripe is that at times, in the dialogue, I wasn’t sure who was speaking and had to read some passages again to make sense of them, but that could be due to the more modern style of joining dialogue and reflection together. It’s not something I am familiar with yet.
I was hoping to carry on reading the second book but it hasn’t been finished yet – when it is available I want to buy it. M L Heron-Heidel is an author to be watched. I know she has a lot more to give yet, and I can recommend this novel wholeheartedly. It’s excellent.
February 7, 2018
A Time to Kill
In War Machine, an escaped slave seeks revenge on the corrupt government in the only way she knows how: by killing all of the people involved. In this story, Rain uses her exotic look to infiltrate social events to target her next victims, all the while using the same corrupt system to free other slaves with the money from the contracts she takes out to kill. When she is coerced by this same corrupt government to go on a mission to her native desert, she has every right to be cautious about their true motives on including her. This adventure is very entertaining and leaves off with a nice cliff-hanger to let you know the direction of the next adventure.
In War Machine, an escaped slave seeks revenge on the corrupt government in the only way she knows how: by killing all of the people involved. In this story, Rain uses her exotic look to infiltrate social events to target her next victims, all the while using the same corrupt system to free other slaves with the money from the contracts she takes out to kill. When she is coerced by this same corrupt government to go on a mission to her native desert, she has every right to be cautious about their true motives on including her. This adventure is very entertaining and leaves off with a nice cliff-hanger to let you know the direction of the next adventure.
October 24, 2019
War Machine
Sierrenna isn't like the rich and powerful men who control the remains of what was once New York. However, rich and powerful she is in different ways. She's an assassin and she's put for blood.
The world in which this story is set is intriguing, as are the characters. The plot is well-paced and there's always something new happening.
I liked the moral grey areas explored throughout the novel and the idea of a corrupt government. The ending leaves you wanting more.
Overall, a great read.
Sierrenna isn't like the rich and powerful men who control the remains of what was once New York. However, rich and powerful she is in different ways. She's an assassin and she's put for blood.
The world in which this story is set is intriguing, as are the characters. The plot is well-paced and there's always something new happening.
I liked the moral grey areas explored throughout the novel and the idea of a corrupt government. The ending leaves you wanting more.
Overall, a great read.
May 23, 2020
A unique telling of a future where everything is in turmoil. A legendary Assassin sets off on a journey as a guide to a team of soldiers set on finding a nuclear device before it can lay waste to everything she knows. A gripping story combined with love intrigue that will keep you captived for the duration and beyond.
April 10, 2020
I was given a free copy for a honest review.
At first I did wonder why I choose this book, because I haven't read a decent book in this genre for ages. But wow.
First of all the pace is fast with enough slow patches to give your brain time to think.
The characters are ones you want to love. Rain is not the typical assassin. She came over hard and uncaring at the beginning but by the end of the book your mind is certainly changed. And you want her and Cain to get together.
Descriptions are perfect and not the overpowering type you can find in these type of stories. The author covers enough to make you imagine the scenes., but not too much that you switch off.
I was warned that the book was longer than I usually read from this author, but it's worth it. And when you get to the end, believe me, you'll go right on out and get the next book. What a ending!
At first I did wonder why I choose this book, because I haven't read a decent book in this genre for ages. But wow.
First of all the pace is fast with enough slow patches to give your brain time to think.
The characters are ones you want to love. Rain is not the typical assassin. She came over hard and uncaring at the beginning but by the end of the book your mind is certainly changed. And you want her and Cain to get together.
Descriptions are perfect and not the overpowering type you can find in these type of stories. The author covers enough to make you imagine the scenes., but not too much that you switch off.
I was warned that the book was longer than I usually read from this author, but it's worth it. And when you get to the end, believe me, you'll go right on out and get the next book. What a ending!
July 3, 2017
A Must Read
An Internet rumor, a shadow, a ghost, a wraith, an assassin, with a conscience. A seeker of justice, a cold blooded killer, a disgraced MoiRai warrior. Who is Rain? Is she any of these things? Is she all of these things? What lengths will she go to to achieve her goals? Is she the perfect War Machine?
An Internet rumor, a shadow, a ghost, a wraith, an assassin, with a conscience. A seeker of justice, a cold blooded killer, a disgraced MoiRai warrior. Who is Rain? Is she any of these things? Is she all of these things? What lengths will she go to to achieve her goals? Is she the perfect War Machine?
October 17, 2019
Action Packed!
This is a intricately woven story set in a dystopian future full of action, drama, and emotion. Rain is an escaped slave and assassin who is taking down corruption one body at a time. She is complex and flawed and draws you in on her journey of revenge and righteousness. Will keep you on the
Can’t wait to read what happens next!
This is a intricately woven story set in a dystopian future full of action, drama, and emotion. Rain is an escaped slave and assassin who is taking down corruption one body at a time. She is complex and flawed and draws you in on her journey of revenge and righteousness. Will keep you on the
Can’t wait to read what happens next!
Read
October 7, 2020A peek inside the first chapter from the author:
- “Please,” the dying man in front of me begged, raising his hand to shield himself pathetically. “I have money. Please don't do this!“
“Spare me,” I replied coldly. “I have no interest in money earned by the blood of slaves.”
“Then gold. I have gold!“
He cut off with a whimper as I brought my blade back to his throat. “Gold is worthless to me.”
“Then what can I offer you? There has to be something I can-“
He cut off with a gurgle as I tore his throat open with a short yank of my hand. Violent red welled up and out of his neck as he choked to death on his own bodily fluid.
“Blood spilt, blood repaid,” I whispered softly. “That’s what you can offer me. But it’s still not enough. You can explain to God and the spirits who have died for your profit and sins. You can see if they take pity on you. Or you can rot in hell where you belong.”
The withered old man scrabbled his hands uselessly on the floor as I turned back to the window and strode toward it. The job was completed. Nothing on God’s earth could save him now. No one would come along in time to save him as he literally drowned from his own sins.
I paused for a second, looking at a large portrait hanging on the wall. More names for my list. His war-mongering friends were equally guilty. I sighed unhappily. More blood to be spilt by my hand. But it was the only way to spare the helpless from being sucked up into the vortex of the human trafficking profit machine. Pure greed was the enemy. The suffering that came along with it was only the byproduct and I knew that only too well.
I ignored the common gagging behind me before all went quiet. It was over. Scratch Senator Jennings from the list; now on to the four others in the photo.
I left no calling card for the kill, nor did I need any. My signature was the blade mark wrought into the cold, still flesh behind me. He would be discovered soon enough; that much I knew. His mistress would soon be back. But for now the corpse sat alone, as it should.
But as I disappeared silently into the dawn, I never knew that we hadn’t been alone. Someone had been watching.
Make sure to pick up your copy of War Machine to keep reading! Book Two - Slave to War - is now available. War Machine
- “Please,” the dying man in front of me begged, raising his hand to shield himself pathetically. “I have money. Please don't do this!“
“Spare me,” I replied coldly. “I have no interest in money earned by the blood of slaves.”
“Then gold. I have gold!“
He cut off with a whimper as I brought my blade back to his throat. “Gold is worthless to me.”
“Then what can I offer you? There has to be something I can-“
He cut off with a gurgle as I tore his throat open with a short yank of my hand. Violent red welled up and out of his neck as he choked to death on his own bodily fluid.
“Blood spilt, blood repaid,” I whispered softly. “That’s what you can offer me. But it’s still not enough. You can explain to God and the spirits who have died for your profit and sins. You can see if they take pity on you. Or you can rot in hell where you belong.”
The withered old man scrabbled his hands uselessly on the floor as I turned back to the window and strode toward it. The job was completed. Nothing on God’s earth could save him now. No one would come along in time to save him as he literally drowned from his own sins.
I paused for a second, looking at a large portrait hanging on the wall. More names for my list. His war-mongering friends were equally guilty. I sighed unhappily. More blood to be spilt by my hand. But it was the only way to spare the helpless from being sucked up into the vortex of the human trafficking profit machine. Pure greed was the enemy. The suffering that came along with it was only the byproduct and I knew that only too well.
I ignored the common gagging behind me before all went quiet. It was over. Scratch Senator Jennings from the list; now on to the four others in the photo.
I left no calling card for the kill, nor did I need any. My signature was the blade mark wrought into the cold, still flesh behind me. He would be discovered soon enough; that much I knew. His mistress would soon be back. But for now the corpse sat alone, as it should.
But as I disappeared silently into the dawn, I never knew that we hadn’t been alone. Someone had been watching.
Make sure to pick up your copy of War Machine to keep reading! Book Two - Slave to War - is now available. War Machine
April 8, 2024
An escaped slave seeks revenge on the corrupt government in the only way she knows how: by killing all of the people involved. In this story, Rain uses her exotic look to infiltrate social events to target her next victims, all the while using the same corrupt system to free other slaves with the money from the contracts she takes out to kill. When she is coerced by this same corrupt government to go on a mission to her native desert, she has every right to be cautious about their true motives on including her. This adventure is very entertaining and leaves off with a nice cliff-hanger to let you know the direction of the next adventure.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 22, 2024
We have danger, action, adventure and so much more. Sierrenna is an Assassin set on a mission in this dystopian future whre the goverment is corroupt. What happens when she runs into a team of soldiers?.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews