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Unmasked
Thank The Father
The Father giveth and the Father taketh away.
Thank The Master
The Lord giveth and the Master taketh away.
Thank The Faith
The Faith giveth and the fire taketh away.
In a society where men are superior and women belong at their feet, Master Zander and his slave, Phoenix, must find a way to navigate through the horrors they were born into.
Three menacing tasks are all that separate Zander from his inheritance. Three gruesome tasks and Phoenix might finally be free. The question is can Phoenix complete them and keep her sanity in check? Can Zander play the part without unleashing the monster behind the mask?
Will they rise from the ashes of their present and soar into the future, or will they both be engulfed by the flames of their past?
The Father giveth and the Father taketh away.
Thank The Master
The Lord giveth and the Master taketh away.
Thank The Faith
The Faith giveth and the fire taketh away.
In a society where men are superior and women belong at their feet, Master Zander and his slave, Phoenix, must find a way to navigate through the horrors they were born into.
Three menacing tasks are all that separate Zander from his inheritance. Three gruesome tasks and Phoenix might finally be free. The question is can Phoenix complete them and keep her sanity in check? Can Zander play the part without unleashing the monster behind the mask?
Will they rise from the ashes of their present and soar into the future, or will they both be engulfed by the flames of their past?
299 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 21, 2019
54 people are currently reading
217 people want to read
About the author
Shannon Youngblood
35 books415 followersShannon Youngblood is a thirty something, foul mouthed, erotic romance writer, who loves telling a story full of broken pieces, and broken people. There is no subject too graphic, or too taboo, to grace the pages of her stories. Shannon believes that life is not always Happily Ever Afters and Flowers, and sometimes her stories might reflect that. (Non HEA's OH NO!) Shannon loves hearing from her amazing, dirty minded fans as well! Be sure to follow her on her social media sites!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
March 10, 2021
Book: Unmasked
Author: Shannon Youngblood
Type: Standalone
POV: First Person - Dual
Genre: Erotica
Rating: 2 Stars.
Age: Phoenix - 21; Zander - 33.
Triggers: Incest, rape, murder, humiliation, torture, degradation. Hmm.. what else? Falling in love with a slimy piece of shit.
Shouldn't the author include a trigger warning?
I'm marking it as read even though I skimmed the second half and could barely contain my disgust. This book is not a romance. It is falling in love with you disgusting "Master" and excusing his disgusting behavior. Which I find disgusting, even if he is redeemed at the end. He doesn't deserve redemption. No way. I know some people might enjoy it, but I can't. I just can't. It's torture porn in the first half and pure disgusting in the second half where everyone is redeemed.
The World: A patriarchal society called The Faith. Their motto is, "Please the Father, Please the Husband, Please the Faith." Of course, they consider men as the rulers of this Earth. They teach boys from a very young age how they're superior to girls and shouldn't respect them. Girls are for cooking, cleaning, fucking and producing an heir. They had a price tag and they would pay for being born a cunt. That is the wish of Almighty. Every man is considered a Master and he can buy any girl at the annual auction.
When a girl turns 21, she is to attend the annual auction. All these girls are blissfully unaware that they are going to be sold to the highest bidder. Now mind you, these girl live in such an extreme patriarchal society, where women are nothing. But do they notice anything is amiss? No. Not a single one of them. Our heroine Phoenix was living in a cloud with unicorns. She did not notice how her father treated other women, how - in her school - she was taught to become a good, submissive wife, how her father always kissed her on the lips even when she was grown up but did she think anything was wrong? NO. No, she was just a sweet little girl who wanted to look pretty and please her father. I don't understand how anyone can be so naïve that they can overlook an entire cult-like society.
Phoenix: Phoenix is a 21 year old virgin who was a total daddy girl. At least until she learned what a disgusting (I'll be using that word a lot), worthless, slimy and rapist piece of shit he was. My annoyance for her knows no bounds. Let's see..
She was getting ready for the ball and she was in her room naked. Her father comes into her room and tells her what a young woman she has morphed into. When she goes to cover herself, he says;
Now, generally, you would say yes. You would say, "Get out of my room!" Cause there IS a big problem. Do you know what you would not say? You wouldn't say, "No, Daddy". There's no problem. You wouldn't just stand there, trying to cover your nakedness, while your father comes to you and gifts you a necklace. Phoenix did all that. She just stood there. This was when she didn't even know the reality of the ball or of her future. She knows that's not normal, she's aware of it but SHE. DOES. NOTHING. She even forgets she's standing in front of her father naked upon seeing the beauty of her necklace. What the hell?
HOW DO YOU ALMOST FORGET YOU'RE NAKED IN FRONT OF YOUR FATHER?! HOW?!
The author tried to show that Phoenix was not like other girls. She was strong, she was special, she wasn't crying when she was being paraded naked on a stage for the auction. But all I saw was her weakness, her stupidity, her whininess. When she thought of escaping, "her lavish lifestyle growing up sneered at the idea". She even PRAYED for a decent Master so she could fulfill her duties as long as necessary and THEN escape.
Phoenix was raped by her father that night. He took her virginity. He fucked her and then held her hands while Zander fucked her. And Phoenix felt bad for his humiliation when Zander berated him. She felt bad for a man who has just taken her by force. She applauded Zander for standing up to her father.
Zander: Pure disgusting piece of shit. Any man who rapes a woman while she's just been defiled by her father and while HE WATCHED her father defile her, shouldn't be redeemed at the end of the fucking book. He watcher Phoenix's father take her virginity and he believes (at least the monster in him believes, not him - the beast in him) in the society that does all that. Before that, he watched his sisters auction where they were paraded naked and defiled by their father. His youngest sister is abused on a daily basis by her husband but did he rescue her before meeting Phoenix? NO. You bet not. He probably witnessed hundreds of innocent women being raped and defiled but he only thinks of saving other when he's fallen in love with Phoenix. He had the power to save them all. What about all those women whose lives were ruined? Did he think of that before meeting Phoenix? NO.
He killed his first whore and he was even proud of it.
Notice the punctuation errors above. This book was badly edited.
That's not all. Because while Zander beat, fucked and controlled any and all women he could lay hands on, he also beat his mother. Because he could and she was there. Even though he seemed to love her. Later on, he killed his mother. These are his exact thoughts;
While other readers seem to forgive him for his actions, I simply can't. He was irredeemable to me and I find it disturbing that we're romanticizing this behavior.
Author: Shannon Youngblood
Type: Standalone
POV: First Person - Dual
Genre: Erotica
Rating: 2 Stars.
Age: Phoenix - 21; Zander - 33.
Triggers: Incest, rape, murder, humiliation, torture, degradation. Hmm.. what else? Falling in love with a slimy piece of shit.
Shouldn't the author include a trigger warning?
I'm marking it as read even though I skimmed the second half and could barely contain my disgust. This book is not a romance. It is falling in love with you disgusting "Master" and excusing his disgusting behavior. Which I find disgusting, even if he is redeemed at the end. He doesn't deserve redemption. No way. I know some people might enjoy it, but I can't. I just can't. It's torture porn in the first half and pure disgusting in the second half where everyone is redeemed.
The World: A patriarchal society called The Faith. Their motto is, "Please the Father, Please the Husband, Please the Faith." Of course, they consider men as the rulers of this Earth. They teach boys from a very young age how they're superior to girls and shouldn't respect them. Girls are for cooking, cleaning, fucking and producing an heir. They had a price tag and they would pay for being born a cunt. That is the wish of Almighty. Every man is considered a Master and he can buy any girl at the annual auction.
When a girl turns 21, she is to attend the annual auction. All these girls are blissfully unaware that they are going to be sold to the highest bidder. Now mind you, these girl live in such an extreme patriarchal society, where women are nothing. But do they notice anything is amiss? No. Not a single one of them. Our heroine Phoenix was living in a cloud with unicorns. She did not notice how her father treated other women, how - in her school - she was taught to become a good, submissive wife, how her father always kissed her on the lips even when she was grown up but did she think anything was wrong? NO. No, she was just a sweet little girl who wanted to look pretty and please her father. I don't understand how anyone can be so naïve that they can overlook an entire cult-like society.
Phoenix: Phoenix is a 21 year old virgin who was a total daddy girl. At least until she learned what a disgusting (I'll be using that word a lot), worthless, slimy and rapist piece of shit he was. My annoyance for her knows no bounds. Let's see..
She was getting ready for the ball and she was in her room naked. Her father comes into her room and tells her what a young woman she has morphed into. When she goes to cover herself, he says;
There's no reason to cover yourself from me, Phoenix. I am your father. I created you and I can feast on your beauty as much as I like. Is that a problem?
Now, generally, you would say yes. You would say, "Get out of my room!" Cause there IS a big problem. Do you know what you would not say? You wouldn't say, "No, Daddy". There's no problem. You wouldn't just stand there, trying to cover your nakedness, while your father comes to you and gifts you a necklace. Phoenix did all that. She just stood there. This was when she didn't even know the reality of the ball or of her future. She knows that's not normal, she's aware of it but SHE. DOES. NOTHING. She even forgets she's standing in front of her father naked upon seeing the beauty of her necklace. What the hell?
I couldn't take my eyes off the adornment he had placed on me, and an involuntary smile crept from my lips.
"It's beautiful, Daddy," I whispered, almost forgetting about my state of undress.
HOW DO YOU ALMOST FORGET YOU'RE NAKED IN FRONT OF YOUR FATHER?! HOW?!
The author tried to show that Phoenix was not like other girls. She was strong, she was special, she wasn't crying when she was being paraded naked on a stage for the auction. But all I saw was her weakness, her stupidity, her whininess. When she thought of escaping, "her lavish lifestyle growing up sneered at the idea". She even PRAYED for a decent Master so she could fulfill her duties as long as necessary and THEN escape.
Phoenix was raped by her father that night. He took her virginity. He fucked her and then held her hands while Zander fucked her. And Phoenix felt bad for his humiliation when Zander berated him. She felt bad for a man who has just taken her by force. She applauded Zander for standing up to her father.
Without another word, I watched my father tuck away his cock, zip up his pants and storm out of the ballroom as people gawked from the sidelines. Unable to keep my head up any more, I laid it back onto the table and shut my eyes. A sense of betrayal ran through me as I internally applauded Zander for standing up to Wayne. I had twenty-one years of good memories with my father, and it was all destroyed in one night, but I still felt bad for his humiliation.
Zander: Pure disgusting piece of shit. Any man who rapes a woman while she's just been defiled by her father and while HE WATCHED her father defile her, shouldn't be redeemed at the end of the fucking book. He watcher Phoenix's father take her virginity and he believes (at least the monster in him believes, not him - the beast in him) in the society that does all that. Before that, he watched his sisters auction where they were paraded naked and defiled by their father. His youngest sister is abused on a daily basis by her husband but did he rescue her before meeting Phoenix? NO. You bet not. He probably witnessed hundreds of innocent women being raped and defiled but he only thinks of saving other when he's fallen in love with Phoenix. He had the power to save them all. What about all those women whose lives were ruined? Did he think of that before meeting Phoenix? NO.
Most of me didn't subscribe to that line of thinking, but there was still a part of me that did. It was a part that I didn't want to give any weight to, a part that I didn't want to give any weight to, a part that both terrified me and excited me a little bit at the same time.
He killed his first whore and he was even proud of it.
At seventeen, they gave me my first community whore.
"Do you see that son?" my father pointed at her, "That is YOUR pussy. That space between her legs is the disappointing emptiness where you cock should be. Take what is yours son, and teach her who is almighty."
I had let the blackness inside of me take over, and when the next morning's sun had risen, I was a young man lying in bed with a dead whore.
Notice the punctuation errors above. This book was badly edited.
That's not all. Because while Zander beat, fucked and controlled any and all women he could lay hands on, he also beat his mother. Because he could and she was there. Even though he seemed to love her. Later on, he killed his mother. These are his exact thoughts;
I was a man.
I was superior.
I was the Master.
Women were nothing but breeders, put on this earth to do the bidding of man.
While other readers seem to forgive him for his actions, I simply can't. He was irredeemable to me and I find it disturbing that we're romanticizing this behavior.
July 5, 2019
There is dark and then there is just depraved and disgusting.
I am in the minority here but i'm afraid i just don't like reading about No thanks.
I am in the minority here but i'm afraid i just don't like reading about No thanks.
July 26, 2021
Eh. The writing was just okay, and some things were too OTT to punch any sort of impact, or even be disgusted, because it was all just too unbelievable and shallow. Also hard to believe the hero let the father do that to her, and then all of a sudden became so protective and possessive of her. Just didn't make sense.
December 30, 2019
3,5. Good, but forgettable!
July 10, 2019
HELLO!!
5 FREAKING HUGE STARS.
I loved this book from start to finish. Before I was even done, I went into a ton of social media sites and groups and recommended it to everyone I could think of. Holy hell I am still thinking of this book a week later. I want more! I need more! There were a few super bad cringy parts involving the dad and I almost threw my phone across the room after each one but once I got through it, the book just got better and better. Zander was panty melting. The type of alpha I just obsess over. And Phoenix was the perfect amount of sassy & badassy. I loved how she didnt crumble under everything that was happening to her but she embraced it and became stronger because of it. GOD THAT SECOND TASK PHYSICALLY HURT ME. I had to put down my phone, looked at my ceiling and said "What in the actual hell are you reading Amanda?"....AND THAT THIRD TASK KILLED ME. I WAS DONE. I was so pissed at that point I was rooting and jumping up and down when Phoenix took charge.. The ending was perfect. The book was perfect. My absolute favorite dark read this year. 5 stars but only because there arent more to give :)
5 FREAKING HUGE STARS.
I loved this book from start to finish. Before I was even done, I went into a ton of social media sites and groups and recommended it to everyone I could think of. Holy hell I am still thinking of this book a week later. I want more! I need more! There were a few super bad cringy parts involving the dad and I almost threw my phone across the room after each one but once I got through it, the book just got better and better. Zander was panty melting. The type of alpha I just obsess over. And Phoenix was the perfect amount of sassy & badassy. I loved how she didnt crumble under everything that was happening to her but she embraced it and became stronger because of it. GOD THAT SECOND TASK PHYSICALLY HURT ME. I had to put down my phone, looked at my ceiling and said "What in the actual hell are you reading Amanda?"....AND THAT THIRD TASK KILLED ME. I WAS DONE. I was so pissed at that point I was rooting and jumping up and down when Phoenix took charge.. The ending was perfect. The book was perfect. My absolute favorite dark read this year. 5 stars but only because there arent more to give :)
July 13, 2019
Give and take
So Shannon Youngblood absolutely has an odd sense of humour - and I say that nicely. If this is your first time reading her books, well, welcome to the club because you'll either love her books or hate them. Why? Because she goes against what we consider the norm for books. She writes what she wants to read and that absolutely works for her.
This book is neither bad nor knock you on your butt amazing. But it is memorable. It's fascinating. And it was a captivating storyline that makes me wonder if there will be more to this story in the future. Either way, I can't wait to read more from her in the future.
So Shannon Youngblood absolutely has an odd sense of humour - and I say that nicely. If this is your first time reading her books, well, welcome to the club because you'll either love her books or hate them. Why? Because she goes against what we consider the norm for books. She writes what she wants to read and that absolutely works for her.
This book is neither bad nor knock you on your butt amazing. But it is memorable. It's fascinating. And it was a captivating storyline that makes me wonder if there will be more to this story in the future. Either way, I can't wait to read more from her in the future.
May 23, 2025
This book has to be a test of Goodreads as to who is writing genuine reviews and who is biased.
There is no way that anyone with even a passing acquaintance of both 10th grade English composition or the basic tenants of new adult dark romance, could say that this book has anything redeemable about it beyond the inability to predict what the protagonists are going to have to endure.
I can't begin to list the problems with this book. I only kept reading past the first couple of pages because I needed to see what horrors awaited the heroine, since it was heavily foreshadowed and not particularly easy to predict.
It had to be a test. Some AI creation to see if reviewers could spot bad writing and be honest about it.
It was Kindle Unlimited and it wasn't too long and read quickly. I only skipped past the final chapters to the end because I just couldn't take it any longer.
I dare anyone to respond to this with anything objective that can point to a redeemable aspect of this book. If anyone asks for specific examples, I will give them, but there are just too many for me to spend any more time on this review to point out.
Do yourself a favor, look at the reviews of this book. Each reviewer has no shelves other than read and want to read. Go to their pages. Every review they post without fail, without exception, has a 5 star rating, has a written review, but no bookshelves. These reviewers are being compensated in some way for their reviews. Goodreads needs a policy that only reviewers with actual bookshelves and reviews less than 5 star stellar reads be listed. I am pissed that these sham reviewers threw the algorithm that Goodreads uses to recommend books and wasted my time. Shame on all of you! You guys make me sick. Authors who allow this to happen do it because they can't write and rely on fake reviews to bring in new readers and scare them from writing honest reviews. Either learn to write better books or quit wasting everyone's time.
Reviews like these make it hard on actual readers who want to be honest. They are left feeling like they can 't be the only one to give it a bad review. This is shady and ruins the reason why this forum exists.
UPDATE:
I am editing this review only because I have to apologize for being so harsh. I stand by my review of the book not being good (that is an honest opinion) however, the comments about the reviewers being paid, or this book being some kind of A.I. "test" were out of line, and way outside my normal comments. I don't know what gave me the idea that I could just post something like this and it be ok. It isn't OK, and I apologize. I apologize to the author, to the readers, and those who reviewed this book. I am not normally "mean" but I was here. There is no excuse I can give other than just saying that it was a rash and poor decision that I regret.
I will leave the review up regardless because deleting it would be too easy to just make it "go away". Just if you are reading this for the first time, understand that I have had a change of heart and attitude.
There is no way that anyone with even a passing acquaintance of both 10th grade English composition or the basic tenants of new adult dark romance, could say that this book has anything redeemable about it beyond the inability to predict what the protagonists are going to have to endure.
I can't begin to list the problems with this book. I only kept reading past the first couple of pages because I needed to see what horrors awaited the heroine, since it was heavily foreshadowed and not particularly easy to predict.
It had to be a test. Some AI creation to see if reviewers could spot bad writing and be honest about it.
It was Kindle Unlimited and it wasn't too long and read quickly. I only skipped past the final chapters to the end because I just couldn't take it any longer.
I dare anyone to respond to this with anything objective that can point to a redeemable aspect of this book. If anyone asks for specific examples, I will give them, but there are just too many for me to spend any more time on this review to point out.
Do yourself a favor, look at the reviews of this book. Each reviewer has no shelves other than read and want to read. Go to their pages. Every review they post without fail, without exception, has a 5 star rating, has a written review, but no bookshelves. These reviewers are being compensated in some way for their reviews. Goodreads needs a policy that only reviewers with actual bookshelves and reviews less than 5 star stellar reads be listed. I am pissed that these sham reviewers threw the algorithm that Goodreads uses to recommend books and wasted my time. Shame on all of you! You guys make me sick. Authors who allow this to happen do it because they can't write and rely on fake reviews to bring in new readers and scare them from writing honest reviews. Either learn to write better books or quit wasting everyone's time.
Reviews like these make it hard on actual readers who want to be honest. They are left feeling like they can 't be the only one to give it a bad review. This is shady and ruins the reason why this forum exists.
UPDATE:
I am editing this review only because I have to apologize for being so harsh. I stand by my review of the book not being good (that is an honest opinion) however, the comments about the reviewers being paid, or this book being some kind of A.I. "test" were out of line, and way outside my normal comments. I don't know what gave me the idea that I could just post something like this and it be ok. It isn't OK, and I apologize. I apologize to the author, to the readers, and those who reviewed this book. I am not normally "mean" but I was here. There is no excuse I can give other than just saying that it was a rash and poor decision that I regret.
I will leave the review up regardless because deleting it would be too easy to just make it "go away". Just if you are reading this for the first time, understand that I have had a change of heart and attitude.
June 16, 2019
It is rare that I am at a loss for words. Yet, this author has made it happen twice this year alone. Each time she manages to push me out of my comfort zone and leaves me wanting to sleep with the light on. She most assuredly is not an author that is all sugar and spice and everything nice. Her stories are horrifying. This is largely because they have a certain element of realism to them that makes them even scarier. This is particularly true in regards to this book, especially in light of the way that certain things are happening in the world today.
This society that is the backdrop of the story is beyond effed up. BEYOND. The tasks, and order, in which they were done were extreme. I cannot count the times that I wanted to simultaneously throw up and scream. #TheStruggleWasReal
However, despite the horrific backdrop that was so disturbing this author still managed to make me want to continue reading. The characters were Strong AND Flawed and a few were beyond repugnant. For Phoenix and Zander, they made the best of the situation that they found themselves in. My heart ached for all the characters and what they went through.
If Dark is something that draws appeals to you then I can most definitely say that this author should be added to your list. This is the second book I have read by this author and it won't be the last. I was lucky to have read an advance copy of this book and I am thankful because I don't think I could have handled the teasers and not being able to devour this.
This society that is the backdrop of the story is beyond effed up. BEYOND. The tasks, and order, in which they were done were extreme. I cannot count the times that I wanted to simultaneously throw up and scream. #TheStruggleWasReal
However, despite the horrific backdrop that was so disturbing this author still managed to make me want to continue reading. The characters were Strong AND Flawed and a few were beyond repugnant. For Phoenix and Zander, they made the best of the situation that they found themselves in. My heart ached for all the characters and what they went through.
If Dark is something that draws appeals to you then I can most definitely say that this author should be added to your list. This is the second book I have read by this author and it won't be the last. I was lucky to have read an advance copy of this book and I am thankful because I don't think I could have handled the teasers and not being able to devour this.
June 23, 2019
Phoenix has to be sold off to be married. Once married she will have three tasks to complete, these tests will test her limits emotionally and physically. Xander must marry in order to receive his father's fortune and take over as High Master. He knows he has flaws, but he is determined to master them as well as master Phoenix. Unmasked is a creation of a world of twisted exotic darkness that is easy to get lost in. I have read Shannon Youngblood books but this is the most intense yet and I absolutely love it! She has a gift that keeps on giving and I am looking forward to much much more from her. If you think you can handle the dark twisted mind of Shannon Youngblood then Unmasked if the book you NEED to read. Unmasked is definitely at the top of my top ten list for 2019 and is absolutely in my top ten books ever read 😉
June 27, 2019
Wow
This book was twisted and dark! I loved every moment and some scenes I was on the edge of my seat!! I definitely wanted to beat the shit out of a few!!! If you love dark, twisted and more than bdsm this is the book for you! Best dark read I’ve read in a long time!!!
This book was twisted and dark! I loved every moment and some scenes I was on the edge of my seat!! I definitely wanted to beat the shit out of a few!!! If you love dark, twisted and more than bdsm this is the book for you! Best dark read I’ve read in a long time!!!
June 15, 2019
This is my first book by this author, but it won’t be my last. When I finished this story, the first thing I did was buy of of her other books.
If you are a fan of Dark romance that will have you yelling at your ereader then this is the book for you. Shannon Youngblood created a society in our world with its own rules and beliefs. And it is one ***** ed up world. And it is also scary to see how some things are reflecting into our current society.
Phoenix was a wonderful character. Strong, caring, but also very realistic. She tries to make the best out of a horrible situation. What I liked about Zander was that he knows he has flaws and accepts them and who he is, but also strives to do better.
It is a book that will stay with you for a while.
If you are a fan of Dark romance that will have you yelling at your ereader then this is the book for you. Shannon Youngblood created a society in our world with its own rules and beliefs. And it is one ***** ed up world. And it is also scary to see how some things are reflecting into our current society.
Phoenix was a wonderful character. Strong, caring, but also very realistic. She tries to make the best out of a horrible situation. What I liked about Zander was that he knows he has flaws and accepts them and who he is, but also strives to do better.
It is a book that will stay with you for a while.
December 18, 2020
Actual rating: 3.5 Stars
That wasn't as bad as I thought. Huh.
Sure, the world around these characters were bleak as hell, especially if you're a woman.
Case in examples:
"When God created the earth he created Man in his image. Not woman. When God rained down a flood lasting forty days and forty nights, did he task a woman to build his arc? No, he didn’t. He tasked Noah, A man. And when he sent down his offspring to save the earth, did he send his silly daughter? No, he sent his son.
“Men are the rulers of this Earth, and it is our job to take back our ownership. It’s time we take back what belongs to us out of the hands of inferiority. It’s high time we teach these cunts who is the boss!"
"You exist solely for the pleasure of men. As a woman, there are certain inalienable truths- the biggest of all, is that you are inferior. The world outside of these walls may believe in equality but they are wrong. My dog has more rights than you and he is nothing but a mutt, but he is male and superior to you."
See? Fucked up. The worst nightmare for any feminist.
However, it wasn't boring! I was hooked and entertained by this cult (maybe entertained was the wrong word, horrified is more apt). And that's a HUGE plus for me. It's just that I believe there is a target readers for this sort of book and amazingly, I'm in this demography.
That wasn't as bad as I thought. Huh.
Sure, the world around these characters were bleak as hell, especially if you're a woman.
Case in examples:
"When God created the earth he created Man in his image. Not woman. When God rained down a flood lasting forty days and forty nights, did he task a woman to build his arc? No, he didn’t. He tasked Noah, A man. And when he sent down his offspring to save the earth, did he send his silly daughter? No, he sent his son.
“Men are the rulers of this Earth, and it is our job to take back our ownership. It’s time we take back what belongs to us out of the hands of inferiority. It’s high time we teach these cunts who is the boss!"
"You exist solely for the pleasure of men. As a woman, there are certain inalienable truths- the biggest of all, is that you are inferior. The world outside of these walls may believe in equality but they are wrong. My dog has more rights than you and he is nothing but a mutt, but he is male and superior to you."
See? Fucked up. The worst nightmare for any feminist.
However, it wasn't boring! I was hooked and entertained by this cult (maybe entertained was the wrong word, horrified is more apt). And that's a HUGE plus for me. It's just that I believe there is a target readers for this sort of book and amazingly, I'm in this demography.
July 7, 2019
five stars all the way for this book. I read it in 2 sittings (started late at night so had to stop so I could sleep) and I didn't want it to end. Although the subject matter is pretty hard to read at times, I couldn't help but love where the story was going. I loved the main characters Master Zander and Phoenix. He called himself a beast but Phoenix was able to tame him.
UNMASKED is an incredibly well written book that takes the reader on quite a journey. it's hot and emotional and if you like books that are thrilling, this is for you
UNMASKED is an incredibly well written book that takes the reader on quite a journey. it's hot and emotional and if you like books that are thrilling, this is for you
July 8, 2019
"Please the Father, Please the Husband, Please the Faith."
Ever heard the saying Be careful what you wish for?? Well the saying 100% applies to me after reading this book.
You want dark? This is as dark as they come, guaranteed to push you far outside your comfort zone and into triggered territory.
You want twisted? This book gives it in SPADES.
You want so depraved you don't know whether to burn it or cherish it and face the consequences later? Start praying for your soul because this one is the definition of depraved.
“Thank the father, for without him I would have no present.”
“Thank the Masters, for without them, I would have no future.”
“Thank The Faith, for without them, I would have no past.”
You will get your fill of true darkness within these pages for sure. It contains so many potential triggers that even readers that can't find anything "too dark" (like me) are going to feel uncomfortable at least once.....this is the book of which a woman's nightmares are made of. The aspect of realism, that this very society could exist in the future, is what truly creates the fear.
The plot is genius and different. The characters all add their own special piece to the story told. And the love story buried within is a slow burn and provides the sweetness needed to offset all the terrible shit we are put through in every other part of the book.....so if its that good why didn't I give it 5 stars? I will get into that later but for now......
Told in Dual POV, this story is about a future where a society of citizens live by unconventional laws. There is a HEA, but to get there be prepared to have your heart ripped from your chest and your stomach in knots.
Trigger Warning? The ENTIRE book is a trigger.
Synopsis:
“Look at how brave you are, little flame. If you hadn’t been born with a cunt, you would have made a fine Master.”
Phoenix has grown up in a household where her father spoiled and cherished her, while her mother resented her. She knows her community is different than that of the "outside" world, in which ways shes not completely sure.....but shes about to find out. At 21 years old, her time to attend the annual masquerade ball is here but she is not prepared for what it actually means for her.
She thought it was a big dance to find a possible future husband and celebrate the next generation of youth coming to age, but she could not have been more wrong. In a single night her excitement for her future, her understanding of the society in which she lives, and the way she sees and admires her father are all flipped on their axis.....leaving her in a nightmare she cannot wake from.
You see, The Faith is a society in which men are superior and women only exist to serve men in every way possible.....
.....I wish I were kidding.
Men own women, bidding on them at the very ball Phoenix is to attend. Once they are "won", they must complete 3 grueling tasks to thank the father, the master, and the faith for their very existence and place in the society.
.....again I wish I were kidding.
"Kind" Masters are a rarity, and even the very worst are better than the faith that awaits her IF she isnt bid on. But Phoenix is determined to get through it and get out.
"I was a man. I was superior. I was the Master."
Zander, the son of the late High Master, doesn't share the same beliefs as the society his family created generations ago. He has escaped claiming a slave and taking his father's place for years. Now in order to get the inheritance left to him upon his father's death, he must claim it all. He has plans.....and they don't include unleashing the beast locked within on any female he bids and marries tonight. He just needs to get through tonight and the tasks ahead, then he can escape with his money and live a life free of these dated and barbaric laws.
“You are my property, little bird; my pet. Either you will learn to fly in your submission, or you will crumble to ash at my feet. The choice is yours.”
One look at #8 and he knows she's the one thats going to get through it with him. He's a Dominant, shes a natural submissive.....and together? There is no better pair. They both have a goal and that doesn't include falling for the other. But the best laid plans never truly go without surprises.....and the more these two learn about each other the more they realize that maybe they belong together.
“You look beautiful kneeling for me, little bird,” I commented, rubbing the back of my hand down her cheek. “You truly were made to submit to me.”
The question Zander has to answer for himself will have repurcussions no matter what he decides.....stick to his plan and escape or claim his rightful place as High Master and flip the ways of the past and those who fully support them on their asses?
"Your task is to find your wings, little bird."
Characters:
"I was strong and I was going to make it through this. I just had to hold my hand close to my chest, and when the time was right, I would drop my cards onto the table, and take them all for everything they were worth."
Phoenix is one that demands your respect as a reader. Number one, shes female living in a society where she is inferior and nothing but a pleasure tool and slave yet she refuses to lose her backbone or crumble. She is smart, playing the game to her advantage and picking her battles to benefit her goals. She has the clarity to see things as they are and doesn't do the whole "stubborn just to prove some pointless objective". But possibly my fav qualities are that she isn't naive or weak or spiteful. She gets dealt some really awful cards and instead of being in denial or refusing to accept them, she figures out a way to succeed and get through it as whole as she can. She is written well and so easy to connect to and root for.
"There was my devil; here to drag me to hell."
Zander was not what I expected at all. I honestly thought he would have a side that was ugly and easy to hate....I mean there is no way that the male lead in a book like this can be a good guy right? But he surprised me.....he is gentle and considerate with her but can be rough and stern when necessary. He is patient and has a heart, but can also be demanding and cold when a situation calls for it. I love how he so easily switches from who he should be within the society outside of the home and who he wants to be. Does he have a "beast" within? Hell yes and its the cause of some pretty vicious and cruel things from his past....but when the beast comes out to play with Phoenix hes able to provide pleasure through the pain. In "The Faith" universe and outside of it, Zander would be considered a good guy. One that is a ruthless and powerful as they come but only when he has to be.
And the supporting characters? The bad guys are the worst of the worst....so evil that even I was shocked by their actions. The words that came out of their mouth were vile and disgusting, often resulting in a reaction that had my husband wondering wth I was reading....
The females/slaves were everything you expect from characters written to cause a sympathetic view on the situations they face. They also helped to give a different perspective of the role of each kind of slave in the Faith, from those that are loved and worshipped by their Master to those that are treated like an object to treat in whatever cruel way their Master thinks up. And Gwen.....oh my heart, she is such an innocent young slave yet despite everything she is determined to make the best and see the best in every single situation.
.....she seriously was "it" for me emotionally in this book.
“Swallow every drop, slut. We don’t waste cum in this house.”
The two leads together were written so perfectly as a unit. With personalities and natures that complimented and challenged the other. He is able to recognize her submissive nature and help her to realize it too....and when that happens, the sexual chemistry and sparks are insane.
“Whose cunt is this?” I asked her, looking her deep in the eyes. “It’s your cunt, Master,” she breathed heavily. “And where do you cum?”“In your mouth or on your cock, Master,” she replied.
What went wrong?
When i first discovered this one, I had never heard of this author. I soon realized she isn't a new author, so to see as many careless errors and mistakes within the writing was inexcusable. Had the storyline not been so unique and captivating, I would have given up on this book from the editing issues alone. Misspelled words, improper grammar, and so many mistakes with parentheses......and lets not get into the inconsistencies with certain characters (like being told in one part the character isn't much of a drinker but everything else screams that on the scale he is much closer to the side of alcoholic). Dialogue is a little repetitive and choppy at times. Sometimes I felt like so many derogatory words were thrown into one person's dialogue for shock value alone.....instead it sounded like a teenager who is with his friends trying out every curse word he can think of because "its cool".....I mean look-
“Because you’re a cum slut.” Nathan answered for me, “A useless and worthless cum whore. Your belly should be filled with spunk and nothing else.”
But the worst? The "solution" is so obvious that you begin to believe there must be a better way (since no one comes up with it) and yet when it is revealed it is the very solution thats been right there in your face the entire book.....
Final Thoughts:
“This IS me, Zander. This is what HE made me, and I will say when it is fucking enough.”
Despite the obvious issues with the book, what should have been a 3 but could have been a 5 (based on how insanely strong the story was) ended up being a 4. If you can overlook editing issues and are a true lover of the dark stuff, this is a book you definitely shouldn't skip. It brought out emotions in me that most dark erotica can't touch....its THAT good.
“Listen to me Phoenix,” I said gently, rocking her back and forth. “I know this fucking hurts. I know you want to give up, but you can’t. I won’t allow it. Cry, scream, kick, punch, but don’t let this rob you of your sanity.”
Go in it with an open mind, I promise the story is worth it.
Ever heard the saying Be careful what you wish for?? Well the saying 100% applies to me after reading this book.
You want dark? This is as dark as they come, guaranteed to push you far outside your comfort zone and into triggered territory.
You want twisted? This book gives it in SPADES.
You want so depraved you don't know whether to burn it or cherish it and face the consequences later? Start praying for your soul because this one is the definition of depraved.
“Thank the father, for without him I would have no present.”
“Thank the Masters, for without them, I would have no future.”
“Thank The Faith, for without them, I would have no past.”
You will get your fill of true darkness within these pages for sure. It contains so many potential triggers that even readers that can't find anything "too dark" (like me) are going to feel uncomfortable at least once.....this is the book of which a woman's nightmares are made of. The aspect of realism, that this very society could exist in the future, is what truly creates the fear.
The plot is genius and different. The characters all add their own special piece to the story told. And the love story buried within is a slow burn and provides the sweetness needed to offset all the terrible shit we are put through in every other part of the book.....so if its that good why didn't I give it 5 stars? I will get into that later but for now......
Told in Dual POV, this story is about a future where a society of citizens live by unconventional laws. There is a HEA, but to get there be prepared to have your heart ripped from your chest and your stomach in knots.
Trigger Warning? The ENTIRE book is a trigger.
Synopsis:
“Look at how brave you are, little flame. If you hadn’t been born with a cunt, you would have made a fine Master.”
Phoenix has grown up in a household where her father spoiled and cherished her, while her mother resented her. She knows her community is different than that of the "outside" world, in which ways shes not completely sure.....but shes about to find out. At 21 years old, her time to attend the annual masquerade ball is here but she is not prepared for what it actually means for her.
She thought it was a big dance to find a possible future husband and celebrate the next generation of youth coming to age, but she could not have been more wrong. In a single night her excitement for her future, her understanding of the society in which she lives, and the way she sees and admires her father are all flipped on their axis.....leaving her in a nightmare she cannot wake from.
You see, The Faith is a society in which men are superior and women only exist to serve men in every way possible.....
.....I wish I were kidding.
Men own women, bidding on them at the very ball Phoenix is to attend. Once they are "won", they must complete 3 grueling tasks to thank the father, the master, and the faith for their very existence and place in the society.
.....again I wish I were kidding.
"Kind" Masters are a rarity, and even the very worst are better than the faith that awaits her IF she isnt bid on. But Phoenix is determined to get through it and get out.
"I was a man. I was superior. I was the Master."
Zander, the son of the late High Master, doesn't share the same beliefs as the society his family created generations ago. He has escaped claiming a slave and taking his father's place for years. Now in order to get the inheritance left to him upon his father's death, he must claim it all. He has plans.....and they don't include unleashing the beast locked within on any female he bids and marries tonight. He just needs to get through tonight and the tasks ahead, then he can escape with his money and live a life free of these dated and barbaric laws.
“You are my property, little bird; my pet. Either you will learn to fly in your submission, or you will crumble to ash at my feet. The choice is yours.”
One look at #8 and he knows she's the one thats going to get through it with him. He's a Dominant, shes a natural submissive.....and together? There is no better pair. They both have a goal and that doesn't include falling for the other. But the best laid plans never truly go without surprises.....and the more these two learn about each other the more they realize that maybe they belong together.
“You look beautiful kneeling for me, little bird,” I commented, rubbing the back of my hand down her cheek. “You truly were made to submit to me.”
The question Zander has to answer for himself will have repurcussions no matter what he decides.....stick to his plan and escape or claim his rightful place as High Master and flip the ways of the past and those who fully support them on their asses?
"Your task is to find your wings, little bird."
Characters:
"I was strong and I was going to make it through this. I just had to hold my hand close to my chest, and when the time was right, I would drop my cards onto the table, and take them all for everything they were worth."
Phoenix is one that demands your respect as a reader. Number one, shes female living in a society where she is inferior and nothing but a pleasure tool and slave yet she refuses to lose her backbone or crumble. She is smart, playing the game to her advantage and picking her battles to benefit her goals. She has the clarity to see things as they are and doesn't do the whole "stubborn just to prove some pointless objective". But possibly my fav qualities are that she isn't naive or weak or spiteful. She gets dealt some really awful cards and instead of being in denial or refusing to accept them, she figures out a way to succeed and get through it as whole as she can. She is written well and so easy to connect to and root for.
"There was my devil; here to drag me to hell."
Zander was not what I expected at all. I honestly thought he would have a side that was ugly and easy to hate....I mean there is no way that the male lead in a book like this can be a good guy right? But he surprised me.....he is gentle and considerate with her but can be rough and stern when necessary. He is patient and has a heart, but can also be demanding and cold when a situation calls for it. I love how he so easily switches from who he should be within the society outside of the home and who he wants to be. Does he have a "beast" within? Hell yes and its the cause of some pretty vicious and cruel things from his past....but when the beast comes out to play with Phoenix hes able to provide pleasure through the pain. In "The Faith" universe and outside of it, Zander would be considered a good guy. One that is a ruthless and powerful as they come but only when he has to be.
And the supporting characters? The bad guys are the worst of the worst....so evil that even I was shocked by their actions. The words that came out of their mouth were vile and disgusting, often resulting in a reaction that had my husband wondering wth I was reading....
The females/slaves were everything you expect from characters written to cause a sympathetic view on the situations they face. They also helped to give a different perspective of the role of each kind of slave in the Faith, from those that are loved and worshipped by their Master to those that are treated like an object to treat in whatever cruel way their Master thinks up. And Gwen.....oh my heart, she is such an innocent young slave yet despite everything she is determined to make the best and see the best in every single situation.
.....she seriously was "it" for me emotionally in this book.
“Swallow every drop, slut. We don’t waste cum in this house.”
The two leads together were written so perfectly as a unit. With personalities and natures that complimented and challenged the other. He is able to recognize her submissive nature and help her to realize it too....and when that happens, the sexual chemistry and sparks are insane.
“Whose cunt is this?” I asked her, looking her deep in the eyes. “It’s your cunt, Master,” she breathed heavily. “And where do you cum?”“In your mouth or on your cock, Master,” she replied.
What went wrong?
When i first discovered this one, I had never heard of this author. I soon realized she isn't a new author, so to see as many careless errors and mistakes within the writing was inexcusable. Had the storyline not been so unique and captivating, I would have given up on this book from the editing issues alone. Misspelled words, improper grammar, and so many mistakes with parentheses......and lets not get into the inconsistencies with certain characters (like being told in one part the character isn't much of a drinker but everything else screams that on the scale he is much closer to the side of alcoholic). Dialogue is a little repetitive and choppy at times. Sometimes I felt like so many derogatory words were thrown into one person's dialogue for shock value alone.....instead it sounded like a teenager who is with his friends trying out every curse word he can think of because "its cool".....I mean look-
“Because you’re a cum slut.” Nathan answered for me, “A useless and worthless cum whore. Your belly should be filled with spunk and nothing else.”
But the worst? The "solution" is so obvious that you begin to believe there must be a better way (since no one comes up with it) and yet when it is revealed it is the very solution thats been right there in your face the entire book.....
Final Thoughts:
“This IS me, Zander. This is what HE made me, and I will say when it is fucking enough.”
Despite the obvious issues with the book, what should have been a 3 but could have been a 5 (based on how insanely strong the story was) ended up being a 4. If you can overlook editing issues and are a true lover of the dark stuff, this is a book you definitely shouldn't skip. It brought out emotions in me that most dark erotica can't touch....its THAT good.
“Listen to me Phoenix,” I said gently, rocking her back and forth. “I know this fucking hurts. I know you want to give up, but you can’t. I won’t allow it. Cry, scream, kick, punch, but don’t let this rob you of your sanity.”
Go in it with an open mind, I promise the story is worth it.
June 17, 2019
Thank The Father, Thank The Master, Thank The Faith
Upon reading these words - Is this about a religion? Is this about a strict upbringing for the children? Is this a Cult?
Having read all the books written by this author I think to myself – she cannot shock me with her words. Boy was I wrong - When I read this book I was in shock. Shocked in a very good way – the development of the story and the characters is amazing. The Characters live in a world that we may not understand or may not accept. But as you sit here reading this there are still towns practicing as the Faith or possibly worse. The story is set in a town that Men are superior, and woman are only there to serve and be used however the men wish. The bases of this story and all the task that are covered in this story are shocking and all would consider despicable but the way this author addresses these are nothing short of amazing. Taboo, how do you handle it well? I must tell you this author has it figured out to a tee. Even though you may want to stop reading it, yell at the story or possibly walk away you never do. It keeps you reading and turning the pages as quickly as you can. I call this author amazing. I call this author brilliant. She has figured out how to take a world that we the norm cannot understand or may never be a part of and has brought it to the forefront and has laid it all out there – giving you a look inside The Faith. Shocking as it maybe the main characters in her story Phoenix and Zander are thrown into this world and must come to terms with what is to be expected from them. After all that the author has written and we have gone through with Phoenix and Zander they do get there Happily Ever After. Agree or disagree this book is a MUST READ!!! Do not and I can not say it enough Do NOT let this book pass you by.
Upon reading these words - Is this about a religion? Is this about a strict upbringing for the children? Is this a Cult?
Having read all the books written by this author I think to myself – she cannot shock me with her words. Boy was I wrong - When I read this book I was in shock. Shocked in a very good way – the development of the story and the characters is amazing. The Characters live in a world that we may not understand or may not accept. But as you sit here reading this there are still towns practicing as the Faith or possibly worse. The story is set in a town that Men are superior, and woman are only there to serve and be used however the men wish. The bases of this story and all the task that are covered in this story are shocking and all would consider despicable but the way this author addresses these are nothing short of amazing. Taboo, how do you handle it well? I must tell you this author has it figured out to a tee. Even though you may want to stop reading it, yell at the story or possibly walk away you never do. It keeps you reading and turning the pages as quickly as you can. I call this author amazing. I call this author brilliant. She has figured out how to take a world that we the norm cannot understand or may never be a part of and has brought it to the forefront and has laid it all out there – giving you a look inside The Faith. Shocking as it maybe the main characters in her story Phoenix and Zander are thrown into this world and must come to terms with what is to be expected from them. After all that the author has written and we have gone through with Phoenix and Zander they do get there Happily Ever After. Agree or disagree this book is a MUST READ!!! Do not and I can not say it enough Do NOT let this book pass you by.
April 13, 2020
This book was recommended by my Book Bestie Char and I have to say that although this was dark and twisted, it was redeemable. There were several triggers in this read, but this book was well written and told in a way that exposed the dark side of secret societies. The cringe-worthy moments did not disappoint and I almost couldn’t finish it, but I was driven to finish because surely with a name like Phoenix, the heroine was sure to rise and show her strength to overcome the savagery of The Faith. In the beginning, Shannon gave just a whisper of Zander...a subtlety that made me unsure if I could trust him. His demon appeared in the moments that he was needed to awaken the kink in Phoenix and at the same time saved her very life without question. Wayne made me physically sick and his enjoyment of the twisted, disgusting things he did, made me want to rip his throat out. He had no personal boundaries and that made him dangerous. What makes this a 5 Star Read for me, is the writing. Despite the nausea inducing scenes, the writing made this story come to life. I felt the pain, the misery, the strength, the fight, everything and there were moments where I was turned on and reveled in the scenes between Zander and Phoenix. They are pure, sinful, magic and I truly enjoyed getting to spend time with them.
June 23, 2019
Oh My Goodness. Unmasked was dark and dirty and I couldn't put it down.
This is my first read by Shannon Youngblood, now it's imperative that I pick up another from her.
Her characters were very well written, but the story line. It's not like every other churchy or cultish story out there.
The tasks these people were burnened with. They were horrible, meant to break the mind as well as the spirit. The stuff this author came up with. I just kept reading, mouth dropping open in awe, the little voice inside my head saying 'I can't believe she just went there' , all the while saying "YES" this is so good.
I loved it. I loved it in all it's depravity. I loved it as a wonderful romance.
Great read and I'm for sure keeping her on my radar.
This is my first read by Shannon Youngblood, now it's imperative that I pick up another from her.
Her characters were very well written, but the story line. It's not like every other churchy or cultish story out there.
The tasks these people were burnened with. They were horrible, meant to break the mind as well as the spirit. The stuff this author came up with. I just kept reading, mouth dropping open in awe, the little voice inside my head saying 'I can't believe she just went there' , all the while saying "YES" this is so good.
I loved it. I loved it in all it's depravity. I loved it as a wonderful romance.
Great read and I'm for sure keeping her on my radar.
June 20, 2019
It’s dark, I mean it’s really dark. And soo good!!
It’s so strange - their way of living and yet...
Phoenix and Zander didn’t find each other right from the start. But, it was good enough. After a while they both felt love, but it took them some time let the other know, as well to embrace it themselves.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book
It’s so strange - their way of living and yet...
Phoenix and Zander didn’t find each other right from the start. But, it was good enough. After a while they both felt love, but it took them some time let the other know, as well to embrace it themselves.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book
June 14, 2019
wow just wow talk about a dark read! they live in there own world where men rule the women. now she is of age and is to become a slave. he wants her bad. they must go through three things during her being a slave. can she survive ? read to find out. there is some parts in this book that only adults should read.
June 27, 2019
This was my very first book from Shannon and OMFG.
I'd been complaining about not finding a dark romance that was "dark" enough, but Shannon's Unmasked came just in time. I was a little unsure at first since I had no idea where the beginning was going, but as soon as I realized what was happening, things took a turn and it turned QUICK (like, I'm for real suffering mental whiplash and will be calling my lawyer LOL). This situation is something that could happen in our world in present day and just the thought of it is so scary! I always thought I could never be moved with some of these dark romances, but man oh man, Shannon proved that to be SO wrong!
Despite their situation, Phoenix and Zander were a perfect pair. I was on the edge of my seat trying to figure out how Zander would keep his promise to his sister while also trying to control the beast within him, and Shannon just did it so beautifully. It was so great to see them evolve and for it to end the way it did. Man. That was a hell of a ride. Now I want to ride again!
I'd been complaining about not finding a dark romance that was "dark" enough, but Shannon's Unmasked came just in time. I was a little unsure at first since I had no idea where the beginning was going, but as soon as I realized what was happening, things took a turn and it turned QUICK (like, I'm for real suffering mental whiplash and will be calling my lawyer LOL). This situation is something that could happen in our world in present day and just the thought of it is so scary! I always thought I could never be moved with some of these dark romances, but man oh man, Shannon proved that to be SO wrong!
Despite their situation, Phoenix and Zander were a perfect pair. I was on the edge of my seat trying to figure out how Zander would keep his promise to his sister while also trying to control the beast within him, and Shannon just did it so beautifully. It was so great to see them evolve and for it to end the way it did. Man. That was a hell of a ride. Now I want to ride again!
June 22, 2019
OH MY HELL WHAT DID I JUST READ?! I'm a dark & twisty girl at heart, but even my darkness had some moments with UNMASKED, and yet, I couldn't put it down. It's hard to really describe it without giving a ton of the plot away, so not sure you'll get a lot out of me, because honestly, other than being warned about some seriously dark moments, it's better going in blind if you're brave enough. This brilliant author created a world that I have no doubt exists somewhere, which is so sick, it's just unreal, but I still can see it happening in the year of 2019. Phoenix, oh Phoenix, she never stopped trying to break the mold, and it took so much to break her. And I do mean A LOT! Then there's Zander, the tortured soul hero, you know the kind, he's flawed & does things that you sit & think OMG, I just want to punch you in the junk, but end up loving anyway. It was a journey that I could never think up on my own, in a society called The Faith, such an oxymoron to say the least. So, if you believe you're brave enough to "Thank the Father, Thank the Master, and Thank the Faith," then get to one clicking! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
June 22, 2019
Utterly ravishing and beyond words!
Phoenix is strong, courageous against Zander and The Faith community. Her struggles become your struggles as you are one within her through her fight, her becoming and her vision of love. Zander, himself battles within against the beast, his heart and the members of hierarchy. But together, they are the flame and The Faith is their ash.
"Either you will learn to fly in your submission, or you will crumble to ash at my feet. The choice is yours."
Downright not what I was expecting, but the writing, the storyline with the details are beyond enticing. The writing is so superb that the pages fly fast and furious, then before you know it you reach the end wishing you had read slower.
I have to say, one of the passages towards the end really stuck out to me "It doesn't matter how much that love hurts us or mentally mutilates us, we keep coming back to it, hoping it will love us in return."
*ARC received in thanks to the author and BMBB in exchange for an honest review.*
Phoenix is strong, courageous against Zander and The Faith community. Her struggles become your struggles as you are one within her through her fight, her becoming and her vision of love. Zander, himself battles within against the beast, his heart and the members of hierarchy. But together, they are the flame and The Faith is their ash.
"Either you will learn to fly in your submission, or you will crumble to ash at my feet. The choice is yours."
Downright not what I was expecting, but the writing, the storyline with the details are beyond enticing. The writing is so superb that the pages fly fast and furious, then before you know it you reach the end wishing you had read slower.
I have to say, one of the passages towards the end really stuck out to me "It doesn't matter how much that love hurts us or mentally mutilates us, we keep coming back to it, hoping it will love us in return."
*ARC received in thanks to the author and BMBB in exchange for an honest review.*
June 21, 2019
Dark and Truly Amazing!
This story has definitely left me speechless. It is dark, twisted, intense, steamy and utterly fantastic. Definitely not for the faint of heart. The whole concept and storyline was so fascinating and well written. It did infuriate me at times and then left me in awe on how the story developed. I was literally on the edge of my seat biting my nails. It was just so intense! There were a few situations that definitely made me squirm with disgust. But I absolutely loved everything about it.
Phoenix and Zander are both damaged and flawed. The way they are brought together was deeply disturbing and very dark. Even though they are put through some very intense and emotional situations they rise above it and become so much stronger.
The imagery that this author gives us with her words is so fantastic. It’s like a dark and twisted movie playing in my head!
If you are looking to read something dark and twisted (and your not afraid of taboo situations) this is definitely the book for you.
Highly recommend for all the dark readers out there.
This story has definitely left me speechless. It is dark, twisted, intense, steamy and utterly fantastic. Definitely not for the faint of heart. The whole concept and storyline was so fascinating and well written. It did infuriate me at times and then left me in awe on how the story developed. I was literally on the edge of my seat biting my nails. It was just so intense! There were a few situations that definitely made me squirm with disgust. But I absolutely loved everything about it.
Phoenix and Zander are both damaged and flawed. The way they are brought together was deeply disturbing and very dark. Even though they are put through some very intense and emotional situations they rise above it and become so much stronger.
The imagery that this author gives us with her words is so fantastic. It’s like a dark and twisted movie playing in my head!
If you are looking to read something dark and twisted (and your not afraid of taboo situations) this is definitely the book for you.
Highly recommend for all the dark readers out there.
June 20, 2019
This was hard to read at times. I was incensed and infuriated for every female in this story. After the "ball" when Zander is alone, and he's thinking about the event and says " I protect what is mine". We get to see another small crack in his armour around his heart. I love these small moments of humanity in him. It made him more endearing! I loved the push and pull between the main characters- such chemistry! I loved Zander's guilt and his nerves/anxiety. It showed he had a good heart hidden beneath. Each time I came to a "task" in the reading, my gut clenched and I felt bile rising in my throat and read with trepidation. It is beyond twisted, depraved, and abhorrent what the "Faith" perpetuates in this story! The memorial service had me in silent tears! The epilogue brings complete satisfaction. Read if you dare. Darkness within.
June 9, 2019
When do you really walk away from a Shannon Youngblood story and think... Oh I am going to fly a kite or the birds are chirping outside. Heck no!!! You think... I really need a couple of days to get over what I just read.
This story will have you addicted and definitely wanting more. I have to be honest, I wanted way more, but at the same time, I felt like it was just the addiction that I had to the storyline and the characters.
This is definitely a must read hangover!!!
This story will have you addicted and definitely wanting more. I have to be honest, I wanted way more, but at the same time, I felt like it was just the addiction that I had to the storyline and the characters.
This is definitely a must read hangover!!!
Want to read
February 14, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (2/14/2020)! 🎁
August 18, 2019
WHAT A READ!
Unmasked by Shannon Youngblood
This book is very dark and unlike anything I've ever read.
Thank The Father
Thank The Master
Thank The Faith
And Thank the Author Shannon Youngblood.
Unmasked is a gut-wrenching dark read that will shatter all of your emotions and just when you think there's nothing left to shatter it will break you in every way possible.
There is so much gut-wrenching, heart twisting, and WTF moments BUT I guarantee you won't be able to stop reading.
Warning - This book is full of triggers - if dark and disturbing is not your cup of tea then I suggest you move on, BUT if you are a lover of the dark then you need to one-click now!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ FIVE FABULOUS STARS ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Unmasked by Shannon Youngblood
This book is very dark and unlike anything I've ever read.
Thank The Father
Thank The Master
Thank The Faith
And Thank the Author Shannon Youngblood.
Unmasked is a gut-wrenching dark read that will shatter all of your emotions and just when you think there's nothing left to shatter it will break you in every way possible.
There is so much gut-wrenching, heart twisting, and WTF moments BUT I guarantee you won't be able to stop reading.
Warning - This book is full of triggers - if dark and disturbing is not your cup of tea then I suggest you move on, BUT if you are a lover of the dark then you need to one-click now!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ FIVE FABULOUS STARS ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
June 24, 2019
The first word I can come up with is mind f**k. My head was swiveling and I loved every Dark minute of it! The second word is Dark if you love the darker reads you'll gobble this up. The third word would be Erotic it had some pretty intense Erotic moments throughout the book. Would I recommend it ? Hell yeah I couldn't put it down myself mature adults only if course. I absolutely loved Unmasked and would be one of those books I'll never forget. Look out Authors you have some serious competition with Shannon Youngblood 5 star rating
June 25, 2019
This book pushed my limits and took me way out of my comfort zone. It is very dark. Gruesome, abhorrent and utterly real. The things portrayed in this book I'm sure are daily occurrences to some extent. Even in today's society. Phoenix and Zander have a story that grips you and compels you to keep reading even as you're fighting to not throw up and chuck your Kindle at a wall. Now, I must go nurse this horrendous book hangover and try to get my mind set back straight.
June 21, 2019
This was my first book by this Author and holy moly I really could not put it down it was my obsession and horrifying, this is very dark and it will shock you. This secret society where men rule all and I mean all like your next breath it is terrifying the things that these woman have to go through might just break you and you will curse and shocked but push through.
Phoenix was such a strong character and a survivor and with Master Zander by her side the tasks that was asked of her became just a little more tolerable but not much I still cant believe the things that happened. The development of the characters and story line was perfection and very very descriptive which I really liked, nothing to guess at I could read about them forever I loved it that much.
Phoenix was such a strong character and a survivor and with Master Zander by her side the tasks that was asked of her became just a little more tolerable but not much I still cant believe the things that happened. The development of the characters and story line was perfection and very very descriptive which I really liked, nothing to guess at I could read about them forever I loved it that much.
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