Genetic engineer Dr. Hannah Chrysander is no longer considered a prisoner of the umbrose, but her upgraded status requires cooperation on her part. Assisting the human-umbrose couples in creating hybrid offspring leaves her deeply conflicted, not to mention burdened with fear that something will go wrong, and that her head will be the next one on the chopping block.
Finding herself on the wrong end of Carnifex’s axe isn’t even her greatest fear.
As the voice of a ghost haunts her when she’s alone in her lab, she’s worried she might be losing her mind from all the stress. Outside her lab, she feels eyes watching her from the dark shadows of Sanctuary and knows that not all the umbrose are happy about her work.
Surrounded by threats in the city of her former enemies, Hannah has no idea where to turn for help.
Then the watcher in the shadows reveals himself, and she discovers that she’s in the sights of the most enigmatic umbrose of all—the executioner himself.
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Carnifex feels drawn to the human female who appears to be working miracles by creating impossible offspring. Though ugly whispers about Hannah’s work emanate from some corners of Sanctuary, Carnifex believes she is doing the will of the Mother of Shadows and finds her ability to create life fascinating.
His primal simply believes that Hannah belongs to him, and he is determined to claim her, even if Prince Balfor himself tries to stand in the way.
Born a dragon, but forced to take human form to fit into those little baby carriers, Susan accepted that she'd have to live a mortal life. She just wasn't going to go around being all boring about it. As soon as she was old enough, she immediately applied for an alien abduction, but got wait-listed, so she made her lair in the desert to wait out the coming zombie apocalypse with a pair of magical cats (they can appear underfoot in an instant, usually at the steps) and the dog from Hades that has three heads (and now has three bodies to go with them).
When the white knight came to fight the dragon, Susan liked him so much she decided to marry him and they now have a beautiful little dragonlet. (Who looks just like a little girl unless you use a magic mirror)
Fortunately, despite being trapped in this dimension, Susan uses her dragon's vision to see all the most interesting goings-on in the multiverse. Figuring they made great stories, she decided to share them with the rest of the mortal world, by writing fantasy, science fiction and romance.
So excited to get my hands on this baby I love this series so much and think it’s massively underrated I really can’t recommend it enough. It’s highly imaginative and so well written with some excellent world building. Each book focuses on a different couple but there is an ongoing story arc so it does need to be read in order to follow along.
This time we are focusing on Hannah the scientist taken prisoner in the previous book and Carnifex the Scary Umbrose executioner who we have also previously met briefly. Hannah is now residing in sanctuary and she’s responsible for genetically engineering new hybrids who are both Umbrose and human. Hannah’s life hasn’t been a bed of roses and she’s been mostly alone she has high walls and doesn’t let others in. She’s done things in her past that haunt her giving her nightmares and she’s also keeping secrets.
Carnifex is not a civilised male his primal half is very close to the surface and Hannah’s presence draws it out threatening his control. Not that either the primal or more rational half of him would ever hurt her wanting to be Hannah’s protector whilst also craving her submission.
These two made an ideal couple Hannah just wants someone who is all in just for her it’s something she’s never had before and Carnifex is definitely the male to give her this she is now his complete focus.
Carnifex is a lot more primal than others of his species mostly due to his feral background he’s a male of few words he’s also stubborn direct definitely lacks tact and is very easy to rile but it’s obvious that Hannah is now his world and he’s a dominant possessive mate to his new human concubine.
We get to catch up here with past faces from previous books which was appreciated and there was some heart-stopping action that had me on the edge of my seat my favourite bit though was the bond formed between Hannah and Carnifex I just loved them together.
If you like possessive non-human hero’s and strong females set in an alternative future on a distant planet this is the series for you. It’s Part dystopian and sci-fi and has some really imaginative ideas I definitely recommend giving it a chance.
Carnifex is a horrible bully, who also likes to take a bite out of his true love's shoulder and never apologizes for anything. He coerces Hannah, keeps her captive when they argue and she asks to be let go and also tells her she's lucky to have a protector who has her best interests in mind. Barf.
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didn't like any of the first three books, but I am a completist and I have KU, so I will absolutely be reading this.
I love, love, love this story! The characters are phenomenal! They are each dealing with overcoming their pasts, and struggling with their current situation, and how they perceive people see them. I love the way these two characters come together and getting to see more from previous couples. The author really did a fantastic job adding the evil twist to the story, and I can’t wait to see where she is going to go with that. This book is the perfect weekend read or just anytime you are looking for an emotional book.
Oh how I love returning to this universe the Shadows of Sanctuary! This is such a well crafted universe filled with complex individuals that have great depth and Stunning chemistry! This book picks up where the last one ended. Hannah who is a brilliant doctor is taken by the Umbrose , she is asked to find away to make it possible or for those who choose human mate to have children. She works tirelessly to make sure mother and child are health and strong. She also spends time truly realizing e drugging shed been taught about the Umbrose was essentially wrong. They could be a brutal species when circumstances warranted it but also loving and compassionate. Carnifex, is the famed executioner. He spared Jessa's life in The last book because she would not let her mate take the blame or punishment for her actions. When he saw her devotion and loyalty he knew he could not kill her. He s huge dangerous, intimidating but caring and loving when it comes to Hannah. All he wants is to love and protect a mate and that mate is Hannah! As they navigate the crazy world of their relationship, both work hard to protect those they love and at the end there are snippets that hint at more mysterious that need to be solved. Its an excellent read filled with fabulous world building and terrific character development! I highly recommend this book as well as the whole series. I hope the author writes more! I can't wait for the next one🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥
Bad boys of the series got some new cover upgrades, and they're nice! I'm thrilled with this addition to the series and was super pleased when I realized that the side character I WANTED to get his own story--actually RECEIVED his own love story. Like, that never happens to me. Usually the characters that flash into my brain only spend a couple chapters (if that) in the plot, so they don't get top billing for new installments.
BUT THIS FEXY BOY GETS ONE. I. Was. Thrilled.
Back to the plot. If you're reading this, ya' probs already read the first ones, and if you haven't--you should. These characters are stunning. The cultures she's created here are very unique and dramatic, but they cog very well into the world she's built around them. With sci-fi...thems is a feat unto itself. These characters are so incredibly dynamic; as the books progress, you see so much development that actually MAKES SENSE. The series is a little awkward at first (because the characters are so deeply ingrained in their roles), but by the time you make it to this book--the characters have all evolved in very, very believable ways, and are even more lovable than they were in their own books (in my opinion).
Definitely recommend this series branch. She dun' guud. Happy reading!
A few more pieces of the puzzle delivered in an adventurous and heart warming story.
The hero and heroine are both scarred by things they’ve done and had done to them. So they don’t trust easily. But they are two halves of a whole. Soulmates.
I loved how they found their way to each other a little at a time.
Do yourself a favor and read the whole series. It’s sci-fi and romance at its best.
This author does an amazing job of pacing the story to keep you coming back for more.
I’m sad to say the next book is the last and I will devour it so fast that I will be left with a book hangover.
I highly recommend this author and series.
Some graphic sex scenes but they go with the story.
Not too much gore in this one, in fact I can’t remember any.
This author’s stories are always so different and deep. But plenty of romance and smexy times; just super reliable. I loved the concept of this, and the uncharacteristic Hero was such a highlight. The setting was great, I enjoyed this story. The fact that the hero is an actual “devil” and has to learn how to deal with delicate humans and a different culture is fascinating and often humorous. But the lead lady Hannah is the real delight she is a brilliant hard-working scientist with a practical streak a mile wide. Her character arc and open mind to trying love in a very different (sometime dangerous) package is a joy to read. I like the world building and hope to see more from this series!
The two lead characters are Hannah and her protector Carnifex. The story finds Hannah free from her captors, but still feeling a prisoner. Lilith and Stacia are working to befriend this new human female (Hannah) and let her know that they want her and her medical expertise at Sanctuary. The Executioner, Carnifex, is in love with Hannah from afar. Belfar knows this even though Carnifex tried to keep it on the down low. Carnifex impressed me by asking Belfar for permission to claim the beautiful doctor (Hannah). Gorzo and his mate Jessa are wonderful in this book and truly Allie’s for the couple but especially for Carnifex. Let’s hope that there is more to this interesting series. Read On!
I came late to this series (1st I read). So there are missing pieces. Frankly I will not go back to others but I do want to read more future books. I wish the author put in a little back story of this planet. Still confused over is this Earth and they believe they space traveled to it? Or is it like it is told in story, they came to planet for whatever the reason to escape whatever and abandoned many things when they arrived. Seems to me that the story is hinting the AI wanted to control humans. But no one angle makes sense. Love the genetic engineering angle but did not get her terror over some mistake (planned or not) in the creation of the hybrid.
Excellent writing as always. It was good to revisit this series and I enjoyed reading about Carnifex and Hannah. Susan has a real talent for writing an intriguing story. If you haven't real the previous books it would be a good idea to do so before getting into this one. If you've been following along with the series, well then, after this you'll be waiting for the next one.
What a wonderful and fantastic addition to the series ❤️. I was interested in the executioner from book 3 and this story did not disappoint me at all. The tension and stress that Hannah carries is almost palpitating. She wants to Lose control and have someone take the control and know that she is safe Carnifex can do this for her. There is some internal paper struggles and some dark and gritty sexy time. A awesome pager turner for this reader.
I love that the story has started to evolve past a mostly romantic side to getting into a more scientific story. I can’t wait for the next book especially with that last reveal in the epilogue but still leaving us with a few questions moving forward.
Susan Trombley is a remarkable writer of science fiction with plenty of romance. I look forward to all of her books and highly recommend any and all of her series.
Please keep writing more in this series. I waited a long time for this to come out. I love all your books. Although I am getting sick of the all humans/human males are monsters trope. Except a few women. It would be nice if authors would write about a few honorable human males getting their alien girl. Anyway, I highly recommend this book and all Susan Trombley books.
I enjoyed this story. It was a long time waiting but well worth it for the overall story line to start making sense to me. I love the world building and how intriguing it is. I can't wait to read the next in this series. I would highly recommend this book and this series.
Shadows in Sanctuary is one of those series that grasps you from the first book and first page,I feel I know these characters personally and they've become my friends I have cried and mentally hugged some of my friend,friend, forward to many more adventures to escape with my friends.
The story was, as usual, a little intense. Its interesting to see the mystery unfold on what the Mother of Shadows and the Father of Light have been planning. The story also has a decent romantic plat between Hannah and Carnifex. They're practically have the same kind of soul.
The story continues and gets better and better. Carnfex and Hannah is a wonderful story that allows these 2 characters to develop and expand their world and love for each other. They are alone and lonely even with others around yet together they are complete, the yin and the yang. Beautifully developed.
Oh my gosh, I loved this one! Carnifex (abhor that name though) and Hannah’s story is right up there with Ranove and Lilith’s, in my opinion. I never got bored or frustrated with the story once. There’s tons of character development and the overarching storyline is coming together so nicely.
I’m excited to read the last book and complete the series!
Great continuance of the story. I can't wait to see what happens next. And I want to know more about Mother and Father - they seem to be sentient beings. I highly recommend this series and the authors other books - always a good read.
I truly enjoy everything this author writes. She weaves tales so well! I’m excited to read more stories of the Umbrose and the Mother. Please write more!
This book popped up on my feed, so I took a chance, because the cover really caught my attention (So glad I did). Great characters and world building. A unique take on Demons and their mates. Hopefully, the series will continue. Happy Reading
This book was a great read. I love it when I can actually see the words I'm reading and I'm pulled into the novel. I love the characters and seeing all of them grow. Definitely can't wait for the next movie( lol, I mean book)
This was such a great book! The world building is growing in awesome ways, the over arching plot continues to intrigue, and I thoroughly enjoyed Carnifex and Hannah. She might be my favorite heroine yet. I can't wait to see more of this series!
While I didn't care for Carnifex and Hannah's story ( kinda inticlamatic ) I did enjoy the world story. Lots of thinking and thoughts in this book. Can't wait to continue.
I enjoyed this book so much. The story line was great, I couldn't put it down until I had finished reading it. I can't wait for the next book in the series.
Loved this book! Their connection was amazing and the way the primal and civilized sections of the hero's personality interact was perfect. I definitely look forward to seeing more in this series!!!