What do you think?
Rate this book
Blood of the Custodians #2
Renegade
He'll risk his heart to save her soul.
As the war between the Fates and the resistance rages on, Colin Murphy—bastard son of Hades—finds himself caught between his loyalty to Eros and a past that threatens to destroy him.
Pursued by Persephone's bounty hunters, and with a pissed-off daemon to contend with, there is one thing that Murphy knows for sure – Hailey, the human he now shares his mind and body with, is innocent in all of it. She is a firefly flickering in the darkness of his black existence, and he will do anything and everything to protect her.
Hailey was groomed to be a socialite, with her entire future mapped out for her. Nothing could have prepared her for the abrupt ending to that life—or the impact of living in such close, intimate confines with a forsaken son of Hell. He's powerful, he's dangerous…and he's her only hope of escaping the dark forces that pursue her.
Boundaries will be tested, loyalties questioned, and hearts pushed to the limits in this action-packed paranormal romance that continues the epic Blood of the Custodians saga by Sharonlee Holder.
This steamy, fast-paced paranormal romance series by Sharonlee Holder is perfect for fans of the Black Dagger Brotherhood series by J.R. Ward and Sacrificed to the Dragon by Jessie Donovan.
Novels in The Blood of the Custodians Saga
Resurgence Renegade (May 28, 2018)
As the war between the Fates and the resistance rages on, Colin Murphy—bastard son of Hades—finds himself caught between his loyalty to Eros and a past that threatens to destroy him.
Pursued by Persephone's bounty hunters, and with a pissed-off daemon to contend with, there is one thing that Murphy knows for sure – Hailey, the human he now shares his mind and body with, is innocent in all of it. She is a firefly flickering in the darkness of his black existence, and he will do anything and everything to protect her.
Hailey was groomed to be a socialite, with her entire future mapped out for her. Nothing could have prepared her for the abrupt ending to that life—or the impact of living in such close, intimate confines with a forsaken son of Hell. He's powerful, he's dangerous…and he's her only hope of escaping the dark forces that pursue her.
Boundaries will be tested, loyalties questioned, and hearts pushed to the limits in this action-packed paranormal romance that continues the epic Blood of the Custodians saga by Sharonlee Holder.
This steamy, fast-paced paranormal romance series by Sharonlee Holder is perfect for fans of the Black Dagger Brotherhood series by J.R. Ward and Sacrificed to the Dragon by Jessie Donovan.
Novels in The Blood of the Custodians Saga
Resurgence Renegade (May 28, 2018)
- GenresParanormal Romance
404 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 28, 2018
3 people are currently reading
41 people want to read
About the author
Sharonlee Holder
4 books15 followersSouth African, born and bred, Sharonlee Holder lives in one of the outer suburbs of Johannesburg in Gauteng, South Africa.
Life is a happy and creative jumble of a husband, three grown daughters, one super cute granddaughter, three dogs, a cat and a mouthy African Grey parrot.
Time at the keyboard is supported by copious amounts of frothy coffee and endless 'What ifs?'. Writing breaks are a blend of the big outdoors astride a motorbike, reading, crafting, or watching anything related to romance, action, military or fantasy.
Life is a happy and creative jumble of a husband, three grown daughters, one super cute granddaughter, three dogs, a cat and a mouthy African Grey parrot.
Time at the keyboard is supported by copious amounts of frothy coffee and endless 'What ifs?'. Writing breaks are a blend of the big outdoors astride a motorbike, reading, crafting, or watching anything related to romance, action, military or fantasy.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
July 7, 2018
This book was just as good as the first and was also read in just one day it was that good.
We met Murphy and Hailey in book one as friends of Ross and Antara. We still get multiple points of view in the book but it is down so well you get such a rounded story as to what is happening in the struggle between the Gods and the Fates in regards to their own choices and lives.
Murphy is and Hailey's lives intertwine with the benefit that she is holding for her mum's charity. It is their that Hailey and Murphy's lives change forever when the Tracker finds them there and shoots Hailey.
Murphy finds that Hailey is just what he needs and with him also being a Grim Reaper finds she lighten things up for him and very much less alone.
The plot from book one continues as the battle gets ever closer to happening and more twists and turns are woven in and more characters introduced.
I really cannot wait for book three to see what happens next.
We met Murphy and Hailey in book one as friends of Ross and Antara. We still get multiple points of view in the book but it is down so well you get such a rounded story as to what is happening in the struggle between the Gods and the Fates in regards to their own choices and lives.
Murphy is and Hailey's lives intertwine with the benefit that she is holding for her mum's charity. It is their that Hailey and Murphy's lives change forever when the Tracker finds them there and shoots Hailey.
Murphy finds that Hailey is just what he needs and with him also being a Grim Reaper finds she lighten things up for him and very much less alone.
The plot from book one continues as the battle gets ever closer to happening and more twists and turns are woven in and more characters introduced.
I really cannot wait for book three to see what happens next.
July 3, 2018
Wowzers!
Sharonlee Holder shot the lights out with this one! Is it better than the first? I'm thinking, a definite YES. First up, a romance between a reaper and a woman who's in his head, literally. Hot romance? Check. Lots of obstacles? Check. Hunky hero? Check, check and check again.
But then there are the other stories all unfolding round Hailey and Mayhem/Colin. I was hooked. So many questions all bubbling over; what's happening in that hospital? What's with that baby? What's Antara's wedding gift really mean? I'd managed a free afternoon to make with the reading, and I could not put it down. Roll on book three!!
P.s. I wouldn't be sad if book three was about a certain demon who'd undergone a bit of a makeover...just saying!
Sharonlee Holder shot the lights out with this one! Is it better than the first? I'm thinking, a definite YES. First up, a romance between a reaper and a woman who's in his head, literally. Hot romance? Check. Lots of obstacles? Check. Hunky hero? Check, check and check again.
But then there are the other stories all unfolding round Hailey and Mayhem/Colin. I was hooked. So many questions all bubbling over; what's happening in that hospital? What's with that baby? What's Antara's wedding gift really mean? I'd managed a free afternoon to make with the reading, and I could not put it down. Roll on book three!!
P.s. I wouldn't be sad if book three was about a certain demon who'd undergone a bit of a makeover...just saying!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 12, 2018
Renegade, Sharonlee’s second book, continues where Resurgence left off, with Eros bringing the resistance to a new location in the Drakensburg mountains of South Africa.
Hailey goes missing and lands up in Murphy’s head-space, an hilarious and at the same time frightening experience for both of them.
A new character, Valazhor, a denizen of the underworld is introduced, and displays both her seemingly evil side as well as her compassion. New recruits are added to their ranks. Some of them go missing on their way to the compound in the Drakensburg. The grim fate that befalls the recruits has the resistance launching a daring rescue mission. Sharonlee most capably describes the battle that ensues in a notoriously haunted and abandoned hospital.
This novel ends with the demise of some of the characters, questions about others and a surprising and unexpected finale.
Hailey goes missing and lands up in Murphy’s head-space, an hilarious and at the same time frightening experience for both of them.
A new character, Valazhor, a denizen of the underworld is introduced, and displays both her seemingly evil side as well as her compassion. New recruits are added to their ranks. Some of them go missing on their way to the compound in the Drakensburg. The grim fate that befalls the recruits has the resistance launching a daring rescue mission. Sharonlee most capably describes the battle that ensues in a notoriously haunted and abandoned hospital.
This novel ends with the demise of some of the characters, questions about others and a surprising and unexpected finale.
June 29, 2018
What a plot line, wow! This was such a terrific addition to this incredible story. The love story is unlike anything I've read, totally compelling! A lot of action and emotion is wrapped up in writing so good, you'll want to pause to savor it. I can't wait for the next one!
April 1, 2019
Second in series. This was a good read but I just couldn't wrap my head around Hailey living inside Murphy's head. Had all the ingredients as first book,which I loved but I really couldn't love this one. I did finish it thou.
January 13, 2019
Loving this series!
June 14, 2018
The second book in the War between the Gods and Fate continues in this story. Murphy, son of Clothos and Hades, alter ego of Mayhem and a reaper takes front and center in this book while he fights his destiny and his mind. His heroine is none other than Antara's best friend Hailey who has ceased to be. What a great story that flows beautifully between the world itself and the mind of Murphy.
Eros and Antara as well as the other Gods and Goddesses make an appearance as well as the introduction to a few more new charactesr. However, the story centers around the Murphy and Hailey and how they help bring the war forward to help their side. While this book does not have the same in your face eroticism between Eros and Antara in the first book, this one has the heat and passionate intimacy that makes this relationship strong and simply beautiful.
The plot continues to twist and turn, drawing you into the war and forcing you to choose a side as you read. The dialogue is witty and well written. There was laughter and tears, frustration and anger and in the end impatience since we have to wait for the next installment! RUN, do not walk but RUN to get this book.
Eros and Antara as well as the other Gods and Goddesses make an appearance as well as the introduction to a few more new charactesr. However, the story centers around the Murphy and Hailey and how they help bring the war forward to help their side. While this book does not have the same in your face eroticism between Eros and Antara in the first book, this one has the heat and passionate intimacy that makes this relationship strong and simply beautiful.
The plot continues to twist and turn, drawing you into the war and forcing you to choose a side as you read. The dialogue is witty and well written. There was laughter and tears, frustration and anger and in the end impatience since we have to wait for the next installment! RUN, do not walk but RUN to get this book.
June 7, 2018
Another amazing entry in the Blood Of The Custodians series. Renegade made it hard for me to get anything else done. I just wanted to find out what happened next!
I’m a bit disappointed that we still don’t have an “official” connection between Murphy/Mayhem and Murphy’s Law. I want to know if it’s a real connection, or if Mayhem chose the name Murphy because he felt he embodied the law. It was immensely interesting to get a look at how Murphy/Mayhem’s brain works, including the various layers and hidden rooms.
Sharonlee gives us one interesting hint about Murphy/Mayhem’s past that I’d really like to know more about, including what it may mean for his “contract”, for lack of a better word, with Ares.
Valazhor was an unexpected addition, but a good chance to show that anyone can mess up, and anyone can be reedemed. Thuli and Caleb served similar purposes in my eyes, although I wish we would have seen more of them.
I’m torn on my opinion of Hailey as a character. She’s a perfect foil to Murphy/Mayhem, and exactly what he (they?) need at any given time. However, after finishing the book and ruminating on it a bit, I almost feel she’s too perfect. She has a temper, but outside of that, she’s caring, compassionate, and understanding almost to a fault. But while I was reading Renegade that didn’t register, so make of it what you will.
I really appreciated the short preview of book three. I hope it comes out soon because I want to know everyone’s fates, and the fate of the world.
I’m a bit disappointed that we still don’t have an “official” connection between Murphy/Mayhem and Murphy’s Law. I want to know if it’s a real connection, or if Mayhem chose the name Murphy because he felt he embodied the law. It was immensely interesting to get a look at how Murphy/Mayhem’s brain works, including the various layers and hidden rooms.
Sharonlee gives us one interesting hint about Murphy/Mayhem’s past that I’d really like to know more about, including what it may mean for his “contract”, for lack of a better word, with Ares.
Valazhor was an unexpected addition, but a good chance to show that anyone can mess up, and anyone can be reedemed. Thuli and Caleb served similar purposes in my eyes, although I wish we would have seen more of them.
I’m torn on my opinion of Hailey as a character. She’s a perfect foil to Murphy/Mayhem, and exactly what he (they?) need at any given time. However, after finishing the book and ruminating on it a bit, I almost feel she’s too perfect. She has a temper, but outside of that, she’s caring, compassionate, and understanding almost to a fault. But while I was reading Renegade that didn’t register, so make of it what you will.
I really appreciated the short preview of book three. I hope it comes out soon because I want to know everyone’s fates, and the fate of the world.
June 8, 2018
Reviewing on behalf of Amo's Book Corner.
I am so glad that I had the opportunity to read and review Renegade. After reading Resurgence, I was excited about reading Renegade. The story continues from where it was left and it is filled with more exciting twists and turns. As we left the story at the end of Resurgence, Hailey, Antara's best friend was 'dead' and living in the mind of the reaper Colin Murphy. Colin thought he was doing the right thing to help Hailey, but little did he know what would later happen and cause her life to be thrown further into jeopardy and risk her being gone forever. At the same time, there is a war brewing and the Custodians are looking for revenge for the attack on Ross, who almost died at the end of Resurgence. They are all on the lookout for the enemy and are getting ready for battle.
This is such an exciting series to read. As with Resurgence, I was completely gripped throughout reading Renegade. It is faced paced, action filled and captivating. Sharonlee Holder is fast becoming one of my new favourite authors! I would recommend this series to anyone who likes action, a bit of romance, suspense and drama. I am thrilled to give a rating of 5 stars!
I am so glad that I had the opportunity to read and review Renegade. After reading Resurgence, I was excited about reading Renegade. The story continues from where it was left and it is filled with more exciting twists and turns. As we left the story at the end of Resurgence, Hailey, Antara's best friend was 'dead' and living in the mind of the reaper Colin Murphy. Colin thought he was doing the right thing to help Hailey, but little did he know what would later happen and cause her life to be thrown further into jeopardy and risk her being gone forever. At the same time, there is a war brewing and the Custodians are looking for revenge for the attack on Ross, who almost died at the end of Resurgence. They are all on the lookout for the enemy and are getting ready for battle.
This is such an exciting series to read. As with Resurgence, I was completely gripped throughout reading Renegade. It is faced paced, action filled and captivating. Sharonlee Holder is fast becoming one of my new favourite authors! I would recommend this series to anyone who likes action, a bit of romance, suspense and drama. I am thrilled to give a rating of 5 stars!
May 31, 2018
5 Cranky Stars
I didn't think it was possible..but book 2 is actually BETTER than the first one!!
No really!!! The storyline and plot get FULLY fleshed out. If you weren't invested in not just the romance but the fate of the entire damn WORLD, then you are seriously lacking in moral turpitude and intestinal fortitude. Or something like that.
Anyhoo, this Greek tragedy continues and while the power couple of Eros and Antara are still there, the star of this novel is Murphy, son of Clothos, bastard of Hades and alter ego of Mayhem. We learn so much about who he is and his purpose for being (maybe even better than HE does himself!) He is honestly my favorite character of all!! While we don't have the heat and erotica as the first book with Eros and Antara, we still have an undeniable romance and passion.
Best (and worst) of all, the book leaves us hanging and panting for the NEXT installment.
And still noteworthy is the setting in South Africa and the various tidbits about the region and the culture that make this book even more interesting.
Ready for Book 3!!!!
I didn't think it was possible..but book 2 is actually BETTER than the first one!!
No really!!! The storyline and plot get FULLY fleshed out. If you weren't invested in not just the romance but the fate of the entire damn WORLD, then you are seriously lacking in moral turpitude and intestinal fortitude. Or something like that.
Anyhoo, this Greek tragedy continues and while the power couple of Eros and Antara are still there, the star of this novel is Murphy, son of Clothos, bastard of Hades and alter ego of Mayhem. We learn so much about who he is and his purpose for being (maybe even better than HE does himself!) He is honestly my favorite character of all!! While we don't have the heat and erotica as the first book with Eros and Antara, we still have an undeniable romance and passion.
Best (and worst) of all, the book leaves us hanging and panting for the NEXT installment.
And still noteworthy is the setting in South Africa and the various tidbits about the region and the culture that make this book even more interesting.
Ready for Book 3!!!!
May 15, 2018
Sharonlee Holder does it again with Renegade, book 2 in The Blood of The Custodians, she hits us right in the feels. I mean ALL of the feels. Holder will run your emotions from anger to frustration and inevitably tears. She has a way of giving you a story that will tug on your heart strings as well.
Colin is a loner who is feared and hated by nearly all and called friend by few. As the bastard son of Hades death follows him, not just because he's a Reaper. He has been one of my favorite characters by far and more than once I found myself wanting to punch the people he encounters. His life is pretty lonely until Hailey enters his life. She is rich and sassy and not quite what you would expect from a socialite and she gives Colin hell. She is exactly what his shriveled heart needs and she's in his head. Yes people! I can say this is the first book I've ever read where the heroine was in the hero's head, but somehow Holder makes it work.
My only pet peeve....moment of let down? I'm not sure how to describe it, because while frustrating to me it doesn't take away from the book! But the moment Hailey was stolen was frustrating, maybe because Persephone is such a bitch, but we spend so much time hiding Hailey that they tag him and bring him to Queen Bitch and POP! Shes out of his noggin. Even though he hid her so deep she couldn't find her way back to his consciousness. Then Colin is so crushed that his mate is gone, Mayhem is about to blow his shit, and the hours without her is pure devastation. I mean, I cried at Colin's pain for his lost mate it was so soul wrenching to me. ( Yes, I'm a big emotional baby) Haileys return to him, his life, his light and his soul was so anticlimactic. She was returned to him, different, but he had his mate in his arms and the emotions just didn't match the devastation of his loss. I felt like, that's it? I wanted the return to match the emotion of loss, but maybe I was too far into my feels by then.
But what I really love about this series and author is the multifacited tale that is this series. We get to still see our other beloved characters pop up, we get the wonderful romance but there is always more part of the whole story leaked to keep you intrigued. She answers as many questions as she gives you. Holder reels you in and keeps you straining for the next piece of the puzzle. What will happen to Ares execution order? Is one of the Fates betraying her sisters? And Hades ,you sneaky bastard, where do you fit into this whole thing? The plot thickens and the series continues. Stay tuned folks and keep coming back for more, I guarantee you won't be disappointed.
Colin is a loner who is feared and hated by nearly all and called friend by few. As the bastard son of Hades death follows him, not just because he's a Reaper. He has been one of my favorite characters by far and more than once I found myself wanting to punch the people he encounters. His life is pretty lonely until Hailey enters his life. She is rich and sassy and not quite what you would expect from a socialite and she gives Colin hell. She is exactly what his shriveled heart needs and she's in his head. Yes people! I can say this is the first book I've ever read where the heroine was in the hero's head, but somehow Holder makes it work.
My only pet peeve....moment of let down? I'm not sure how to describe it, because while frustrating to me it doesn't take away from the book! But the moment Hailey was stolen was frustrating, maybe because Persephone is such a bitch, but we spend so much time hiding Hailey that they tag him and bring him to Queen Bitch and POP! Shes out of his noggin. Even though he hid her so deep she couldn't find her way back to his consciousness. Then Colin is so crushed that his mate is gone, Mayhem is about to blow his shit, and the hours without her is pure devastation. I mean, I cried at Colin's pain for his lost mate it was so soul wrenching to me. ( Yes, I'm a big emotional baby) Haileys return to him, his life, his light and his soul was so anticlimactic. She was returned to him, different, but he had his mate in his arms and the emotions just didn't match the devastation of his loss. I felt like, that's it? I wanted the return to match the emotion of loss, but maybe I was too far into my feels by then.
But what I really love about this series and author is the multifacited tale that is this series. We get to still see our other beloved characters pop up, we get the wonderful romance but there is always more part of the whole story leaked to keep you intrigued. She answers as many questions as she gives you. Holder reels you in and keeps you straining for the next piece of the puzzle. What will happen to Ares execution order? Is one of the Fates betraying her sisters? And Hades ,you sneaky bastard, where do you fit into this whole thing? The plot thickens and the series continues. Stay tuned folks and keep coming back for more, I guarantee you won't be disappointed.
January 17, 2019
Sharonlee Holder does it again. I'm not usually a fan of books that follow a different couple from the same universe, but she does it so well and seamlessly that I sometimes forget I'm reading a new story. She keeps the momentum of the first book, adds new spice and sass, heartbreak and sorrow, and ends up with another couple, Murphy and Hailey, who are just as much fun as Ross and Antara.
I read this book in one sitting, and have decided to go back and re-read the first three books once I've finished with Chameleon (#3). The characters are unforgettable, the story is fast-paced and riveting, and the world she's developed has me anxious to see if the Fatalists or Resistance will win the war.
I read this book in one sitting, and have decided to go back and re-read the first three books once I've finished with Chameleon (#3). The characters are unforgettable, the story is fast-paced and riveting, and the world she's developed has me anxious to see if the Fatalists or Resistance will win the war.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews