Action, danger, and threats, mind manipulations and international crimes, sweet yet passionate romance with your best friend's baby sister - Shadow have it all, and it is wrapped into an entertaining and fast-moving tale that holds your attention.
The oldest and most ardent Crouch fans (waving my hand vigorously) might recognize some of the base storyline from a novella, Covert Intents, that she first published 2015. There was a scene that triggered the recognition for me, yet it just whet my appetite towards the story, to find out how the story was expanded, changed, and brought into the Linear Tactical setting, and into a full-length novel. Certainly, it didn't disappoint!
The Linear Tactical series with its ardent stories that at the same time spooked you and enamored you have become one of my all-time favorite series that I can't get enough of. There is the tight brotherhood, the humor, and banter between them, the palpable love and loyalty they have for each other and their loved ones, and the passion they have towards everything they put their minds into, not the least to protect those in their circle of their 'family'. Yes, the stories can be read as standalone books, yet I would recommend to read them in order, as some of the plotlines do continue throughout the series, and you can get so much more out of the story knowing the background to the events and to the team members. Like, for example, the mind-manipulation to Heath Kavanaugh's brain.
While I got a thrill out of the mysterious manipulation tactics (that started in Ghost) and finding out the reasons and culprits behind them, I am happy to see that the relief for those who suffered the consequences of the crimes is here, and the particular storyline seemed to be wrapped up in Shadow.
Both Heath and Lyn were lovable characters, so effortless to connect with. I loved the way they saw each other, how they brought the best out of each other, and the protective yet understanding way Heath reacted to Lyn's health problems. I loved Lyn's sharp mind, both of their ability to get languages, and her strong will that she was finally able to express to her male-dominated family as well. Lyn and her personality, her drive for independence and acceptance from her family, reign the tale when it came to the protagonists, as Heath and the insights to his background were staying more in the shadows of the strong heroine.
Intense situations, secrets, betrayals, menace, and peril are tangibly part of the tale that engaged, engrossed, and charmed my mind.
~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side