Aether

Shadowmark #2

by T.M. Catron

Loyalty has a price. After Calla's horrifying failure, her alien masters give her one more chance for redemption. She must destroy the rogue alien-human hybrids to prove her loyalty beyond doubt, or die a traitor. And if that weren't bad enough, they insist that Calla turn the mission over to her commander, who she suspects is a hidden rogue. Meanwhile, Mina is caught between keeping Doyle's secret and protecting those she loves. Rogues kidnap Lincoln, who must steer them away from his friends at all costs, even if it means paying the highest price of all. In this second installment of the Shadowmark series, new alliances are formed, old ones are broken, and the most powerful must pass the ultimate test of loyalty.

342 pages, Paperback

First published December 2, 2016

About the author

T.M. Catron is the Star Streaker series and various short stories. Her stories tend to include strong female characters (or those who want to be strong) and fun, twisty plots.

Catron enjoys reading, writing, camping, hiking, and really big cups of coffee. Find her at tmcatron.com where she posts snippets of upcoming books and occasionally emotes about writing. Or connect on Facebook at authortmcatron, and Twitter @tmcatron.

Currently, Catron lives in Tennessee with her husband, son, and three spoiled dogs.

T.M. Catron also writes as Alex Bratton and Wilhelmina Kirk.

Reviews

[Christinaraven · Rating 5 out of 5]

After finishing book 1, I was able to immediately start book 2 and I loved it. This time I even got some answers to questions I had lingering from book 1, specifically about the invaders and the hybrids. Like that this series mixes scifi with a touch of mystery (what is up about that mine!) This time Mina is not traveling around and covering large distances with Doyle only but spending more time with other human survivors. It was funny how many times they separated and then Doyle would show up again. Plus it was fun trying to figure out which hybrids were loyal to the invaders and who was faking it. Who is a traitor and who is not. Just fun. I really liked the story. There were more subplots and more time spent on other people to really get a grasp on who was who and how they all connect. Cannot wait to see what happens next now that book 3 is out.

[The Mysterious Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The world is more treacherous than anyone imagined.”

Sadly, this is just another “quickie” review as I’m still on an endless business trip and don’t have the time to do better even though the book really deserves it.

Bottom line: five stars. I loved Shadowmark (which you do need to read first) and am totally absorbed by Mina, Doyle, Lincoln, and (yes can’t forget) Calla’s tale. If you liked book 1 you will love this one. It’s another crazy ride of a novel and definitely recommended. It had just what I wanted and was well written and with a great plot and great cast of characters

[John Walkenford · Rating 5 out of 5]

The adventure continues

Answers revealed. Confusing parts no longer so confusing. If this is just going to be a trilogy (technically this is book 2 of the bigger story (Amazon has this as book 3)) then major pieces have been put in place for the end game. If a longer series, then I look forward to that also.

[Marti · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just finished Aether. Even though I know Calla has been "brainwashed" all of her life, I think she is terrible. Doyle, though, is fascinating and so is his relationship with Mina. Bravo! Great story! Hurry with the next volume, please!

[Mike Outten · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredible sequel to the shadowmark series. Very intriguing, very intense, easy read, consistent plot of survival. Very good flow. I will definitely read book 3, once it comes out. I knew, once Calla (invading alien) wasn't terminated, that the series wasn't yet finished. I am so glad. Bring it on T.M.! Give us more!