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Merkabah #2
The Merkabah Deception
An insidious evil threatens to escape into our world and only an empathic professor can stop it.
Psychotic episodes spread through a prestigious prep school and the headmistress seeks help from an occult society. Daphne Sites, the newest member, must determine if the mass hysteria has unearthly origins. She’s a bit anxious—this is only her second assignment.
Daphne soon discovers she’s in way over her head after a terrifying encounter with a possessed student. Attacks by thugs and nonhuman enemies don’t bolster her courage or confidence either!
The search for answers sends Daphne to the Amazon jungle, Ecuador’s majestic cathedrals, a ghoul-infested hacienda, and a creepy catacomb. If Daphne hopes to live, she’ll have to figure out the truth from the lies.
Legends, lies, and lust thwart an empathic woman’s attempts to stop a supernatural evil in the second book of the Merkabah Series, where a forbidden love destroys an ancient legacy.
Psychotic episodes spread through a prestigious prep school and the headmistress seeks help from an occult society. Daphne Sites, the newest member, must determine if the mass hysteria has unearthly origins. She’s a bit anxious—this is only her second assignment.
Daphne soon discovers she’s in way over her head after a terrifying encounter with a possessed student. Attacks by thugs and nonhuman enemies don’t bolster her courage or confidence either!
The search for answers sends Daphne to the Amazon jungle, Ecuador’s majestic cathedrals, a ghoul-infested hacienda, and a creepy catacomb. If Daphne hopes to live, she’ll have to figure out the truth from the lies.
Legends, lies, and lust thwart an empathic woman’s attempts to stop a supernatural evil in the second book of the Merkabah Series, where a forbidden love destroys an ancient legacy.
Unknown Binding
First published June 1, 2013
10 people are currently reading
85 people want to read
About the author
L.Z. Marie
5 books115 followersLZ Marie writes fun, romantic contemporary fantasy with lots of soul and sass.
LZ lives in southern California and wishes she could get to the beach more often. She adores lattes, swimming, vacations, a great book, and hanging out with her very large family.
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LZ lives in southern California and wishes she could get to the beach more often. She adores lattes, swimming, vacations, a great book, and hanging out with her very large family.
www.lzmarieauthor.com
facebook.com/AuthorLZMarie (fan page)
facebook.com/lzmarieauthor
Twitter @lzmarieauthor
Instagram: lzmarieauthor
Pinterest: lzmarieauthor
Google+
authorlzmarie.tumblr.com
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
September 4, 2014
Of course, I give my novel 5-stars. Look for the 3rd in the Merkabah series in the Spring of 2014!!
December 9, 2019
An almost college professor is recruited to help save the world. She is sent on an adventure that put her life at risk many times. The situation is challenged by her attraction to her trainer, who is forbidden to act on his attraction, again. There’s so much going on in his second installment of the Merkabah series and I loved it all.
December 26, 2019
An engrossing and entertaining read, I loved the world building and the well thought cast of characters.
The plot is fast paced and full of turns and twists.
I look forward to reading other books in this series.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
The plot is fast paced and full of turns and twists.
I look forward to reading other books in this series.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
May 10, 2022
Very good
As good as the first! Engaging and entertaining, well written with full characters and the perfect touch of humor. Getting the next one now.
As good as the first! Engaging and entertaining, well written with full characters and the perfect touch of humor. Getting the next one now.
November 24, 2013
“Why isn’t there some kind of manual or training video for this job? How am I supposed to know all this stuff? How about writing an Idiot’s Guide to Wormhole Creation or The Merkabah Recruit’s Guide for Dummies?”–Daphne
With one mission under her belt, Daphne’s ready to tackle her the next one. Well, ‘ready’ may be too optimistic. Like it or not, she’s going to Ecuador to help stop the monsters from possessing students in a boarding school. On the plus side, she’ll have the help of a wise and experienced Merkabah Medium. On the negative side, he hates her. At least she’ll have S.J. to help her. If only he wasn’t keeping so many secrets…
“This trip had been a carbohydrate-fest. Does terror burn more calories than serenity? I sure hope so.”–Daphne
This is a fantastic sequel, and I enjoyed it as much as the first one. Jumping right into the story, we follow Daphne directly after book one ends as she finds herself in Ecuador, two weeks after becoming a Merkabah recruit. It feels like a new story since it’s in a new locale with new characters (and some returning ones) so if you missed the first book, you can easily catch up. The author is able to give us some refreshers and introduce her world to new readers in an entertaining way without being an info dump.
Daphne is as nervous and likable as ever. She’s such an underdog that you can’t help but adore her insecure but gung-ho character. She also has to deal with her feelings for S.J. and the fact that they’re forbidden to be together. Additionally, she has to come to grips with who and what S.J. is and the fact that she really isn’t sure whether to trust him or not. He holds so many secrets and withholds information that despite how she feels, she doesn’t know what’s the truth or a lie. This doubt leaves her vulnerable to others.
I loved the mystery and how they had to figure out how to save the students. The plot line was predictable, but the delivery was still fun. I liked the running gag about Daphne’s wardrobe and how her new clothes and choice in footwear might not be suitable for running around Ecuador in secret tunnels and so on. Like the first book, there was tension, shock, humor, action, and really great magic scenes. Additionally, there is a wealth of trivia given that adds to the story and makes it more entertaining.
Overall, if you enjoy smart writing with an plucky heroine and great secondary characters, make sure you pick this one up! Although there is resolution so that this can be considered standalone, there’s a shocker of an ending, where we don’t know what’s in store for some of the characters; I can’t wait until book three comes out! This is a 5 out of 5 for me!
(Originally posted on my blog; I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.)
With one mission under her belt, Daphne’s ready to tackle her the next one. Well, ‘ready’ may be too optimistic. Like it or not, she’s going to Ecuador to help stop the monsters from possessing students in a boarding school. On the plus side, she’ll have the help of a wise and experienced Merkabah Medium. On the negative side, he hates her. At least she’ll have S.J. to help her. If only he wasn’t keeping so many secrets…
“This trip had been a carbohydrate-fest. Does terror burn more calories than serenity? I sure hope so.”–Daphne
This is a fantastic sequel, and I enjoyed it as much as the first one. Jumping right into the story, we follow Daphne directly after book one ends as she finds herself in Ecuador, two weeks after becoming a Merkabah recruit. It feels like a new story since it’s in a new locale with new characters (and some returning ones) so if you missed the first book, you can easily catch up. The author is able to give us some refreshers and introduce her world to new readers in an entertaining way without being an info dump.
Daphne is as nervous and likable as ever. She’s such an underdog that you can’t help but adore her insecure but gung-ho character. She also has to deal with her feelings for S.J. and the fact that they’re forbidden to be together. Additionally, she has to come to grips with who and what S.J. is and the fact that she really isn’t sure whether to trust him or not. He holds so many secrets and withholds information that despite how she feels, she doesn’t know what’s the truth or a lie. This doubt leaves her vulnerable to others.
I loved the mystery and how they had to figure out how to save the students. The plot line was predictable, but the delivery was still fun. I liked the running gag about Daphne’s wardrobe and how her new clothes and choice in footwear might not be suitable for running around Ecuador in secret tunnels and so on. Like the first book, there was tension, shock, humor, action, and really great magic scenes. Additionally, there is a wealth of trivia given that adds to the story and makes it more entertaining.
Overall, if you enjoy smart writing with an plucky heroine and great secondary characters, make sure you pick this one up! Although there is resolution so that this can be considered standalone, there’s a shocker of an ending, where we don’t know what’s in store for some of the characters; I can’t wait until book three comes out! This is a 5 out of 5 for me!
(Originally posted on my blog; I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.)
November 15, 2014
The Merkabah Deception
By
L.Z. Marie
I know I am in trouble and have found a compelling story series when, as soon as I have completed the current book that I am reading, I am online purchasing the next book in the series. This is the quandary I have found myself in with the discovery of the Merkabah Series by L.Z.Marie. The first book in the series, The Merkabah Recruit was a well written novel in my personal favorite genre (historical-thriller-romantic -woman’s-fiction—kinda, well a little of all the above). As with any great first novel in a series, it left me panting and begging for more.
The second novel in the series, The Merkabah Deception utilized The Recruit as a diving platform to send me deep into the muck and mire of the ancient gods and demons ongoing battle of the spiritual world. Much to my consternation and surprise, the battles are not so ancient and they continue to throw the clueless populace of planet earth into the middle of the fight, with us mere humans never knowing we are fodder for the battle. With every turn of the page Ms. Marie sweeps you into new waves of angst and terror as she takes you through the streets and back country of the mountains and Amazonian Country in South America. Just as you think you are sitting down to a quiet dinner to crash and recover from the day, you are ripped from your seat and into another whirlwind of the unknown.
The academia of the heroine professor (as well as that of L.Z. Marie) is evident all through the book. This is demonstrated in their minute detail and knowledge of the history of the area. Ms Marie’s extensive study of the ancient histories and religions keeps both Daphne’s and the readers’ heads spinning as they try to stay out of the path of the dangerous Cryptivitas’, Brujos, and Witches that show up to bring down destruction and mayhem on mankind.
The Nephilim mentor and protector assigned to Daphne, the heroine, has been declared taboo and off-limits by the powers that be. In spite this, an undeniable smoldering attraction continues to brew between the two of them. A warfare of a different kind and on a different level leaves the Daphne and her Nephilim hero both breathless, exhausted, and distracted. How will they ever survive it all and get the work-at-hand taken care of? Will their smoldering passions ever be allowed to flame and light their world?
A book to read and read again.
Blogging Under The Shade Tree
http://shadetreeblogging.blogspot.com
By
L.Z. Marie
I know I am in trouble and have found a compelling story series when, as soon as I have completed the current book that I am reading, I am online purchasing the next book in the series. This is the quandary I have found myself in with the discovery of the Merkabah Series by L.Z.Marie. The first book in the series, The Merkabah Recruit was a well written novel in my personal favorite genre (historical-thriller-romantic -woman’s-fiction—kinda, well a little of all the above). As with any great first novel in a series, it left me panting and begging for more.
The second novel in the series, The Merkabah Deception utilized The Recruit as a diving platform to send me deep into the muck and mire of the ancient gods and demons ongoing battle of the spiritual world. Much to my consternation and surprise, the battles are not so ancient and they continue to throw the clueless populace of planet earth into the middle of the fight, with us mere humans never knowing we are fodder for the battle. With every turn of the page Ms. Marie sweeps you into new waves of angst and terror as she takes you through the streets and back country of the mountains and Amazonian Country in South America. Just as you think you are sitting down to a quiet dinner to crash and recover from the day, you are ripped from your seat and into another whirlwind of the unknown.
The academia of the heroine professor (as well as that of L.Z. Marie) is evident all through the book. This is demonstrated in their minute detail and knowledge of the history of the area. Ms Marie’s extensive study of the ancient histories and religions keeps both Daphne’s and the readers’ heads spinning as they try to stay out of the path of the dangerous Cryptivitas’, Brujos, and Witches that show up to bring down destruction and mayhem on mankind.
The Nephilim mentor and protector assigned to Daphne, the heroine, has been declared taboo and off-limits by the powers that be. In spite this, an undeniable smoldering attraction continues to brew between the two of them. A warfare of a different kind and on a different level leaves the Daphne and her Nephilim hero both breathless, exhausted, and distracted. How will they ever survive it all and get the work-at-hand taken care of? Will their smoldering passions ever be allowed to flame and light their world?
A book to read and read again.
Blogging Under The Shade Tree
http://shadetreeblogging.blogspot.com
July 19, 2013
A fun, summer read--or any time of year. Prepare yourself to enter the world of Daphne, a new recruit for a super-secret, mystical society. You'll get adventure, mystery--and a hunky hero to guide you through it all. Um, well, technically S.J. is Daphne's guide, but hey, a girl can dream can't she?!
Mentally gear up for a trip through the jungles of the Amazon--the descriptions so clear, you'll feel like you're actually there. And hold on to the edge of your seat for some intense action scenes as Daphne and S.J. are on a mission to save a girl's school from something treacherous infecting the students.
Along the way, Daphne dishes out snarky banter, makes new friends, and handles "frenemies." A five-star rating for its fresh story and evolving characters. If you loved book #1, this one won't disappoint. But, don't worry if you're a newbie to book #2; it's written as a stand-alone sequel.
Mentally gear up for a trip through the jungles of the Amazon--the descriptions so clear, you'll feel like you're actually there. And hold on to the edge of your seat for some intense action scenes as Daphne and S.J. are on a mission to save a girl's school from something treacherous infecting the students.
Along the way, Daphne dishes out snarky banter, makes new friends, and handles "frenemies." A five-star rating for its fresh story and evolving characters. If you loved book #1, this one won't disappoint. But, don't worry if you're a newbie to book #2; it's written as a stand-alone sequel.
August 21, 2013
As extremely well written as this book is, her prose especially shines when she is describing all hell breaking loose which it does. The climatic story uses characters who are classic archetypes of people we are familiar with in our own lives. As witty as the writing is, the story astounds the reader the most with fast-paced grit and driven sex. The fantastic forces have a basis in science. The creatures have a basis from various cultures. This all has the effect of instilling the story in the readers mind as romance continues to flirt with science and culture. Steven Fox, author of "Unlock Dream Power"
January 28, 2015
Second book in a series
3.5/5 stars
- This is for people who like: paranormal/fantasy, mythical creatures, and some mystery/adventure books
- Story tries to tie in legends, religion, science, and myths with the paranormal occurrences happening in the book
- I found Daphne a tad more annoying (whiny) in this book
- I still did not warm up to S.J. from the last book
- This story took place completely in Ecuador, so you'll read about some of the culture
- I wasn't sure why the dog/panties thing was included - maybe I missed something?
- So repetitive explanations throughout the book
- The beginning was slow but it picked up at the end
3.5/5 stars
- This is for people who like: paranormal/fantasy, mythical creatures, and some mystery/adventure books
- Story tries to tie in legends, religion, science, and myths with the paranormal occurrences happening in the book
- I found Daphne a tad more annoying (whiny) in this book
- I still did not warm up to S.J. from the last book
- This story took place completely in Ecuador, so you'll read about some of the culture
- I wasn't sure why the dog/panties thing was included - maybe I missed something?
- So repetitive explanations throughout the book
- The beginning was slow but it picked up at the end
September 11, 2013
This book is definitely worth 5 stars! Poor Daphne, now she must use her new powers to rid a school of a dark entity. This, the 2nd book in the Merkabah series is full of surprises. It's another one of L.Z.s 'can't put it down' books. I was up a few nights past midnight reading, you turn a page and another surprise awaits you. Will Daphne ever become a full fledged "Merkabah Medium"? Guess I'll have to wait for the third book to find out.
Read
February 27, 2014I wasn't too impressed.I liked the genre, but lost interest in it and then it became due.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews