Assassin's Honor (Order of the Sicari, #1)

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Assassin's Honor (Order of the Sicari #1)

by Monica Burns (Goodreads Author)

3.66 of 5 stars 3.66 · rating details · 581 ratings · 124 reviews

A woman with visions of the past…

Archeologist Emma Zale sees the past when she touches ancient relics. It’s how she uncovered evidence of an ancient order of assassins—the Sicari. When a sinfully dark stranger shows up on her Chicago doorstep demanding an ancient artifact she doesn’t have, he drags her into a world where telekinesis and empaths are the norm. Now someone wa...more

Paperback, 342 pages

Published June 1st 2010 by Penguin/Berkley (first published 2005)

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May 29, 2010 Mojca rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: bodyguard-military-merc-gov-cop-leo, erotica, paranormal-romance-fantasy, part-of-a-series, series-order-of-the-sicari, cover-hunkiness, monica-burns, own, once-and-never-again, gr-author, bitchslapable-heroine

This is probably the hardest review I've written to date, because this could've been an amazing story. I loved the universe Ms. Burns has created, the story was hot'n'steamy, action-packed (ooh, the sword-fighting), bitter-sweet, tender in all the right moments, angsty...

Unfortunately it also had a huge problem. A problem that ruined everything that was good in it, obliterating all the enjoyment I could have gotten by reading it. A problem named Emma Zale. The heroine.
I know there aren't many he...more This is probably the hardest review I've written to date, because this could've been an amazing story. I loved the universe Ms. Burns has created, the story was hot'n'steamy, action-packed (ooh, the sword-fighting), bitter-sweet, tender in all the right moments, angsty...

Unfortunately it also had a huge problem. A problem that ruined everything that was good in it, obliterating all the enjoyment I could have gotten by reading it. A problem named Emma Zale. The heroine.
I know there aren't many heroines out there that I like, but Emma was in that small group of heroines I positively hate. That small club of heroines that should be killed in the first or second chapter to make space for someone more reasonable...And I freely admit I wished Ares left her to die in that alley and simply moved on. Alas, it didn't happen.

Emma was selfish, stubborn to the point of TSTL, judgmental, prejudiced, and she had no idea what she really wanted. Ares just didn't do anything right. If he kept quiet she got mad, if he told her everything she got mad, if he lied she got mad, if he told the truth she got mad and didn't believe him, if he tried to protect her she got mad, if he loved her she got mad, if he got mad she got even madder...Make up your mind, already!

Usually such heroines change their annoying ways somewhere in the middle of the story, once they get used to the new world their hero inhabits, and to all the changes around them. Well, one again Emma was the exception. She was on a roll, baby, and she wasn't stopping.
I usually deter from using denigrating words when it comes to women, but Emma was a bitch of the highest order. And also the first heroine (and I hope the last) that made me develop a headache while reading her book.

In the end all I had left from the promising book was the deep pity I felt for Ares for having ended up with Emma. Poor guy.
I have high hopes for Lysander and Phaedra's story, though. I don't think it could get any worse in the heroine department.

P.S. I won't even delve into the whole linguistics issue, though in a few instances the use of (erroneous) Italian truly bothered me. But, as I mentioned in my update status, maybe it was meant to be as a manner of speaking for the Sicari. It still bugged me, though.(less)

9 likes · like · see review

Jul 10, 2010 Mahyar rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: hottest-covers, 2010, paranormal-romance

Emma was the most annoying heroine ever. Not only was she whiny and bitchy, but also exasperatingly stubborn. She got angry easily and pretty much ruined every good scene in this book. I loved Ares, though. In fact, I wouldn’t have enjoyed and given it four stars if Ares hadn’t been so deliciously hot. Oh, sweet and caring too which made him all the more endearing. Ares also made me wanna learn Italian. Awesome language, isn't it? I loved it when he used Italian/Latin words, specially during lov...more

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Feb 06, 2011 ~V~ rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal-romance

Assassin's Honor, the 1st book in The Order of the Sicari series was good but not great. The storyline definitely has potential but there was just something in the author's writing style that kept me from loving it and i'm not sure if i can pin point exactly what that is. I will agree w/ some of the other reviews in that the phrase "sighed in disgust"..as well as other forms of sighing..were used excessively...and there were a lot of repetitive thoughts going on in the heads of the "H" and "h"....more

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Jan 18, 2011 Jessica rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: paranormal-romance

ETA: I had to give up, this is a DNF. I have too many other books on my TBR pile to put up with Emma for another 150ish pages.

I'm halfway through and not sure if I'm going to make it to the end. It's obvious the author did a lot of research for her world-building, which I appreciate. The pacing was... kind of jerky. Sometimes fast and engrossing, other times so slow that I had time to notice the details that were kind of off. The secondary characters (Lysander, Phaedra, etc.) were what kept me r...more

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May 13, 2010 Laurie (Bitten by Paranormal Romance) rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: any paranormal lover

Shelves: paranormal-romance, keepers, requests

What an impressive spicy way to start a new series. Once I started reading this book it made me want to go right out and study Archaeology, just so I could meet my hot Sicari warrior. Oh, did I forget to mention the adventure that comes along with the warrior, well hold on to your seat because this one has an exciting one. With Ares warrior attitude and Emma’s sarcastic charm they keep you enchanted the whole time. I will be vague in this review I hate to give out to much info.

I loved the Sicar...more What an impressive spicy way to start a new series. Once I started reading this book it made me want to go right out and study Archaeology, just so I could meet my hot Sicari warrior. Oh, did I forget to mention the adventure that comes along with the warrior, well hold on to your seat because this one has an exciting one. With Ares warrior attitude and Emma’s sarcastic charm they keep you enchanted the whole time. I will be vague in this review I hate to give out to much info.

I loved the Sicari characters Monica has created in this book, they are strong warrior men and women. Lysander looks hot from one side of his face but the other side tells a different story. He really charmed his way into my heart in this story, so I really cant wait for his book now. Phae is Ares sister and she has a special power as all Sicari women, she can heal. I really enjoyed reading Phae I hope she will have her own story. I love the powers Monica gave these warriors. Even Emma has a special talent that’s really neat.

Little spoilers
When Emma was at an archaeology dig in Cairo she found her parents had always been right, the Sicari wasn’t a myth. As she tapped another piece of mud off the wall she seen the evidence of a icon that proved the elite guild assassins descendents of Ptolemy’s personal guard was real. Her boss Charlie, ends up dead at the dig and Emma found herself the main suspect after a few hours of questioning at the police station and a little unknown help from Ares, she fond herself back at home in Chicago. Low and behold she fond some items her father has left about the Sicari and while she is reading what her father had left, she heard the floors squeak. She knew she locked the doors, but this man was able to come in with the locks in place. Who is the intruder is he the one that has come back to kill her like Charlie or is it someone else? You’ll have to read and find out what happens to Emma.

Ares is a strong warrior that believes in honor. He does break rules but he takes the Sicari Order’s laws serious. Its so serious as you read you’ll figure out he will do anything to hold up Sicari traditions. Make sure your ready for this ride because you may find yourself with tissues as Ares holds up honor and keeps Emma safe.

The only reason I didn’t give this 5 stars is because, Emma. She got on my nerve in middle of the book. Emma keeps thinking back to her bad relationship and keeps thinking Ares is the same as her ex fiancé
with out really stopping and thinking what all Ares has gone through just to keep her safe. You see at the end the story is not finished, so you’ll be waiting on the next installment to see what’s going to happen next.
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Dec 27, 2010 Amber rated it 4 of 5 stars

At fist I wasn't to sure about his book...When I started to read it I noticed a few terms I wasn't familiar with (as I know nothing about archeology and times when Cleopatra was around) but as I Started reading more I realized Monica Burns does a great job in describing these things to us. I found that it was ok not to have a background in this and she explains as she goes...with that aside I loved this story!
Emma is an archeologist who has a special ability when she touches objects she can see...more At fist I wasn't to sure about his book...When I started to read it I noticed a few terms I wasn't familiar with (as I know nothing about archeology and times when Cleopatra was around) but as I Started reading more I realized Monica Burns does a great job in describing these things to us. I found that it was ok not to have a background in this and she explains as she goes...with that aside I loved this story!
Emma is an archeologist who has a special ability when she touches objects she can see glimpses on the items past along with whoever else touched the item their past as well...five years ago her parents were murdered and she seems to be living this nightmare again when a mentor of hers is murdered as well and the police think she is the one who has done it. While be integrated by the police a mystery man is lurking in the shadows. She doesn't see his face, but when she gets home after the police see she is not guilty someone breaks into Emma's house and this mystery man shows up...He seems to think Emma has some sort of artifact and she has no idea what he is talking about. Soon disaster happens and the mystery man realizes Emma's life is in danger...Emma realizes that whoever is out to kill her is also the same people who had her parents murdered and her mentor...but why? Can she trust this mysterious guy who wants to keep her safe? Why does he want to help and does he have an alternative motive? And why does she have these feelings for him when she doesn't even know him?
Ares is a man who works for a secret group called Sicari, which have been around for 2000+ years. He has a special power with being able to move objects with his mind. His job...to give punishment to those the justice system does not. His life seems to be going fine until he makes contact with a woman named Emma...she turns his life upside down. He seems to think she has an artifact that will help his people, but soon realizes she doesn't but is the key to finding it. As they try to work together he introduces her to his world...and he starts to have strong feelings her. Will she adapt and help him? Can he keep his feelings to himself?
Read and I assure you that you won't be disappointed!
(less)

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Dec 15, 2010 UKSandy rated it 4 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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May 11, 2013 Vladiza rated it 1 of 5 stars

I’ve read such great reviews on this book but I couldn’t finish it. I stopped half way through. Maybe goodreads could make a negative grading system because I’d give it – 3 stars.
Just a few things I found annoying beyond belief:
- America is full of Italians and their descendants, the internet is full of Italian speaking users… but maybe the author isn’t aware of that so she decided to use google translate (I’m being nice here…I’m not sure she knows about google translate). The result, for a pers...more

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Mar 17, 2012 Adriana (Booky) Bookologist rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary, fantasy-magic-ghosts-wicca-angels, military-cops-service-b-guards-pi, paranormal, psychic-abilities, jacket-revw-added, romance, paper-format, f-m

Assassin’s Honor by Monica Burns

This is an interesting new series and on the whole I liked this first book. At times my interest waned but enough to not finish the book.

The description of the book I am listing below is from the back jacket of the book. I'm adding it because I believe the one on the Goodreads page does not depict the complete description of this story.

A woman with visions of the past..

Archeologist Emma Zale sees the past when she touches relics. It's how she uncovered evidence o...more

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Oct 06, 2011 Cindy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Good read, action paranormal.
I found the world interesting - it uses an imaginative twist based on some Roman history. Historically speaking, the Praetorian Guard [generally considered to be the good guys, bodyguards of the Caesar du jour]. They were officially dissolved in the 4th century by the current emperor - at a guess that was NOT done as cost-cutting measure. The Sicarii were considered assassins and generally killed Romans and Roman sympathizers. Since they specialized in carrying hi...more Good read, action paranormal.
I found the world interesting - it uses an imaginative twist based on some Roman history. Historically speaking, the Praetorian Guard [generally considered to be the good guys, bodyguards of the Caesar du jour]. They were officially dissolved in the 4th century by the current emperor - at a guess that was NOT done as cost-cutting measure. The Sicarii were considered assassins and generally killed Romans and Roman sympathizers. Since they specialized in carrying hidden daggers under their cloaks to off their targets - they were the original cloak-and-dagger specialists...
Switch to now, both groups are still around and the groups hate each other. The Praetorians are the bad guys, fond of torturing their victims to death. The Sicarii are the good guys, still dealers of death but specializing in monsters that the legal systems couldn't or didn't handle - child rapists who walk when evidence is lost, serial killers, and Praetorians of course. But the kills are as quick and clean as they can manage. Both groups have special powers - the Praetorians are telepaths and the Sicarii are telekinetics.
The hero is Ares. Probably the worst thing I can say about him is he suffers from acute nobility. [I also had trouble reading the name 'Ares' without chuckling, but that's probably just me.] Other than that he is bossy, hunky and knows his way around a sword.
The heroine is Emma. She is a relatively normal [not many people know about her psychometric abilities] archaeologist. Well normal if you don't count her parents being hacked to death on a dig, and her friend and mentor meeting the same fate at the start of this book. The worst thing I can say about her is she takes a long time to get over offing one of the Praetorians. Now this Praetorian was planning to kill her, had already seriously wounded her to the point she would have died, but she's upset she killed him. She'd have been fine with Ares killing him, however. Whining AND hypocritical - two strikes. She does get over it eventually.
The actual plot is worthy of Indiana Jones - missing sacred object, bad guys searching for the same object, enigmatic and obscure clues, locales exotic and not.
Order of the Sicari
Assassin's Honor
Assassin's Heart
Inferno's Kiss

(less)

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Oct 25, 2010 Lady Rogue rated it 4 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. In the beginning, the chemistry between the two is evident. But, my first impression of Emma deteriorated fast, as the story went on. I went from liking her confidence and determination, to despising her arrogance and stubborness. I think the author screwed this character up royally. Emma was supposed to be wise and have a certain amount of knowledge and understaning in the area of different cultures. She was an archeologist for crying out loud...not to mention, she has the whole psyhcic advanta...more

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Aug 29, 2010 Ally rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2010, ebook

I found out about Assassin's Honor by Monica Burns from reading Mani's reviewreview on goodreads, she also posts her reviews on herblog. I thought it seemed like a interesting concept for a new series and was happy to get my hands on it.

Archeologist Emma Zale sees the past when she touches ancient relics. It’s how she uncovered evidence of an ancient order of assassins, the Sicari. When a sinfully dark stranger shows up on her Chicago doorstep demanding an ancient artifact she doesn’t have, he d...more I found out about Assassin's Honor by Monica Burns from reading Mani's reviewreview on goodreads, she also posts her reviews on herblog. I thought it seemed like a interesting concept for a new series and was happy to get my hands on it.

Archeologist Emma Zale sees the past when she touches ancient relics. It’s how she uncovered evidence of an ancient order of assassins, the Sicari. When a sinfully dark stranger shows up on her Chicago doorstep demanding an ancient artifact she doesn’t have, he drags her into a world where telekinesis and empaths are the norm. Now someone wants her dead, and her only hope of survival is an assassin who’s every bit as dangerous to her body as he is to her heart. Ares De Luca comes from an ancient Roman bloodline of telekinetic assassins. A Sicari, he’s honor bound to kill only in the name of justice. But when the woman he loved was murdered, Ares broke the Sicari code and used his sword for revenge. Love cost him dearly once before, and he’s not willing to pay the price again. At least not until hot, sweet, delectable Emma walked into his life. Not only does she hold the key to a valuable Sicari relic, she might just hold the key to his heart. Their dangerous passion will redeem an assassin's honor.

Assassin's Honor was a brilliant first book and an awesome start to a new series. I'm already excited for the second book due out this year.

All the character's were brilliantly written and I was enthralled with the book the whole way through and found it very hard to put down. I loved the mixing of the old with the new and how Emma kept trying to protect Ares but instead kept getting him into trouble.

And wow the whole blood oath and what arises out of that! So good, although a couple of times I wanted to smack Emma on the head and ask what was she doing avoiding Ares for so long. But Ares wasn't totally blameless, he kept Emma too much in the dark which not only was bad for Emma, I thought it was bad for the reader because as it's a new series and the first book not everything was explained to the reader as it happened it and you had to guess what such and such meant or wait until Ares decided to explain it to Emma which at times I did find annoying.

I loved the secondary characters, Ares second in command Lysander and Ares sister Phaedra, who clearly have a history or something has happened between the two of them and I'm excited to find out what. I also loved Ares grandmother (or was it godmother, I'm not 100% sure) I found her harsh at times in the punishment she dished out but also sly and quite funny.

I really enjoyed the ending too, where Emma wants to carry on the quest whereas Ares wants the more quiet life and would like to keep Emma safe and away from the bad guys.

All in all a great read and I can't wait to read more books in this series! Definitely a must read for 2010.(less)

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Mar 24, 2012 Jonetta rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Emma Zale is an archeologist working on a dig in Cairo when her world is suddenly turned upside down. She discovers her murdered colleague, is held by the police as a suspect and is released and rushed back home to Chicago. If that wasn't enough trauma, she is confronted in her home the next evening by the Sicari assassin, Ares, just before an attempt is made on her life.

This story begins with excitement, mystery and suspense and we're soon introduced to the paranormal when Emma and Ares' "gift...more

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Jul 24, 2011 May rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: series, scifi-paranormal-fantasy-etc

You know that Katy Perry song "Hot N Cold"? That song kept going through my head while reading this book. The heroine is absolutely REDICULOUS!!! "I love him. I hate him! I'm stubborn because I can be! I'm sorry I interfered. I'm not sorry! I wish I never met you. I'm so glad I met you. You've betrayed me! Nevermind, you always put me first." [she's yes and she's no...]

Yeah.

Intensely "WTF".

Which made me wonder what the heck with the dude who follows her around like a lovesick puppy sees in her....more

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Sep 03, 2010 EowynRN rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Paranormal Romance Novel Readers, Mystery Novel Readers

Shelves: first-reads

Emma Zale is an enthusiastic, Archeologist with sometimes annoying, sometimes helpful psychic powers who gets herself into some trouble digging for some of the wrong relics. What she needs is some sort of Indiana to come along and help her out, but what she gets is Ares, who sounds a heck of a lot sexier than Harrison Ford any day. Without giving away too much, the basis of the story is immediate sexual attraction that must jump over the hurdles of two people who seemingly don't belong together....more

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May 21, 2011 Meaghan rated it 4 of 5 stars

I came across this book when I was with my friend, Susan, at a book fair. Assassin's Honor and the sequel, Assassin's Heart, were both sitting on the shelf looking so tempting so I picked them both up to read the back covers. They both looked like they included everything I have come to expect from a paranormal romance, plus a new mythology I had never heard of before, I was hooked.

I was very interested in learning everything about the Sicari and the history behind them. It was a fascinating new...more

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Feb 09, 2011 Kyami rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal-romance, assassins

I just finished this book yesterday and normally I know exactly what I will rate a book about half way through. With this book I had to really contemplate how I was going to rate the book overrall. For the most part I liked it; it had a very intriguing concept that I really enjoyed. This is not your normal paranormal romance, if you were looking for vampires and shapeshifters this is not the book for. If you want supernatural powers and assassins with a heart of gold, than you are in luck!

I lik...more I just finished this book yesterday and normally I know exactly what I will rate a book about half way through. With this book I had to really contemplate how I was going to rate the book overrall. For the most part I liked it; it had a very intriguing concept that I really enjoyed. This is not your normal paranormal romance, if you were looking for vampires and shapeshifters this is not the book for. If you want supernatural powers and assassins with a heart of gold, than you are in luck!

I liked the Sicari. The author did a good job with building up this secret society with all the laws, heirarchy, and rituals. Her descriptions of them were very vivid (especially the fight scenes whch can get muddled in descriptive detail, but not in this book). I could actually see the fire and feel the heat of it (okay, it was also 95 degrees yesterday). And I loved Ares. I mean, come on- a man named after the god of war has "fine" and "hot" stamped all over his body. Ms. Burns did a great job with his character, describing his struggles and why he did what he did. For the most part he and his motivations were easy to understand.Emma's character really bothered me. I tried to understand her trauma and sometimes her actions made sense (for instance when she intervened). But most of the time I was left frustrated; with her lack of conviction and understanding of someone's elses culture, especially considering she is supposed to be an archeologist? The more you read on into the story you the less she listened and let Ares explain what his thoughts, motivations, explanations for how he felt and why he did certain things. Later she would use his lack of explanation against him and I'm sitting there thinking "but you didn't give him a chance!" Or if she just listened in the first place you wouldn't be stuck in the situation you are in. And to boot you through a tantrum when things go array or if you don't get your way. I understood she was hurt in the past, but as a character from begining to end she seemed to lack an honesty with herself that also kept her from being honest with him.

I am hoping Assassins Heart will have a better female character. (less)

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Sep 04, 2010 Brooke rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-reads, paranormal-romance

An fun, action packed romance, this novel had an intriguing plot and engaging characters. I enjoyed entering the world of the Sicari, an ancient Roman order of bodyguards turned assassins, and appreciated the author's attention to detail when describing their rituals, clothing, fighting styles, and belief system. The focus of the story is on Emma, an archaeologist who unknowingly holds the key to locating a lost Sicari artifact, and Ares, a Sicari lord with telekinetic powers, who must find this...more

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Aug 04, 2010 Kimberly rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: 52-books-in-52-weeks-2010

pretty interesting plot and back story. Ares is, of course, charming. but like other reviewers, i had a hard time with Emma. whe was too rash and moody in my opinion. but the book was fun and i may read the next one in the series.

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May 28, 2010 Leslie Nash rated it 5 of 5 stars

I wanted to write my review as soon as I finished the book, but as I was devoid of coherent thought, I figured waiting a day wouldn’t hurt. Why provide a review filled with incomprehensible words? Besides, my keyboard wouldn’t work well covered in drool. What is sexier than a man with a sword and knows how to use it?

Monica Burns has pulled me in and kept me reading in a way I’ve not experienced in a very long time. The mere atmosphere she set with the mysterious guild of assassins called The Ord...more

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May 23, 2010 Emily rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: reviewed-books

One of my favorite things to do on a Sunday morning is to lay in bed and read an entire book cover to cover with no interruptions (ah, the joys of not having children.) This week's pick for the honor was Assassin's Honor and it was a fun, exciting, engrossing read- perfect for a lazy morning or a day at the beach.

Although this book marks the author's first foray into the world of paranormal romance, she jumps right in like a pro and sets up a complex, layered world that I as a reader could reall...more
One of my favorite things to do on a Sunday morning is to lay in bed and read an entire book cover to cover with no interruptions (ah, the joys of not having children.) This week's pick for the honor was Assassin's Honor and it was a fun, exciting, engrossing read- perfect for a lazy morning or a day at the beach.

Although this book marks the author's first foray into the world of paranormal romance, she jumps right in like a pro and sets up a complex, layered world that I as a reader could really sink my teeth into. There's a lot of world building and details about the Order of the Sicari, their roots in the time of the Roman Empire, their conflict with the Praetorians, the rules and codes of the Sicari community, and much more. A good part of the book is spent (as is the case in many initial novels in a series) setting up the rules of the setting for the story, but it's a unique setting and, being the sucker for world building that I am, I didn't mind that.

The hero and heroine are also unique. They have instant chemistry, sure, and their scenes together are spicy, of course, but what I really enjoyed was the depth of emotion that each one showed throughout the novel. Emma is a tough, independent woman, but when she gets upset it's because something or someone has made her feel that way and not because she needs to put on an act. Likewise, Ares is a typical alpha male, but he understands that not everyone finds those traits and behaviors appealing, and realizes that Emma has no reason to want to like, trust, or even talk to him, as he's certainly imposed tremendously on her. Oftentimes in PNR the feelings and thoughts of the characters take a distant back seat to the goings-on in the world at large, and I'm happy that each main character had a chance to really develop as an individual. I hope these two make appearances in future books.

Another interesting thing about this book- no immortals in sight! The fact that everyone in this story can die just like regular people helped to ramp up the drama during the fighting and battling, and illustrated the depth of feeling that Emma and Ares had for each other- "I don't want you to get hurt" takes on a whole different connotation when you mean that literally, instead of just figuratively because the other person can't be killed.

Maybe it's because the hero and heroine were so well-developed and felt so authentic to me, but the main thing I didn't care for about this book was the sort of two-dimensional secondary characters. Lysander and Phaedra are immediately set up as the hero and heroine of the next book (due out in September) but beyond that we don't really get to know anyone else. It felt like most of the ancillary characters were introduced because the specific scene where they appeared required it. Who is Cleo? Whatever happened with Ewan- is he a good guy or a bad guy? What about all the other Sicari that were so distrustful of Emma at first? The villians in this story felt pretty flat too. We didn't really find out for sure who was behind the murders of Emma's parents and her mentor until the end of the book, and once the mastermind was revealed, it didn't feel all that climactic- nothing was ever revealed about the guy!

I love how, even though I know a story is going to have a happily ever after, I can still be on the edge of my seat while the final plot elements are resolved. I found the happily ever after in this book to be especially satisfying considering the wringer of drama the characters had to go through to get there, and that sealed the deal for me wanting to read the next book in the series when it comes out.

Despite my reservations about the supporting cast, this was a fun read with lots of action and adventure, mystery, intrigue, and, of course, a really sweet romance.

Overall Grade: B+

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Feb 29, 2012 Khrystina rated it 2 of 5 stars

Recommended to Khrystina by: Anju

I shall start with it was not that great.

But, the historic and archeological dig aspect was quite pleasing for my eyes to read. The whole mystery of discovering something hidden, finding something everyone believed was a myth and cyphers was something I enjoy reading. On the contrary, I don't like the romantic element tied into all of it! There is nothing else. The two in question, Emma and Aries, were either at each others throats for the most insignificant details or having hot sex. Now, let's...more

I shall start with it was not that great.

But, the historic and archeological dig aspect was quite pleasing for my eyes to read. The whole mystery of discovering something hidden, finding something everyone believed was a myth and cyphers was something I enjoy reading. On the contrary, I don't like the romantic element tied into all of it! There is nothing else. The two in question, Emma and Aries, were either at each others throats for the most insignificant details or having hot sex. Now, let's look at what's wrong with that picture.

First, I don't like to read about their love-life when one of them is trying to describe the importance of this artifact that has supposedly started the bloodthirst between the Sicari (good-guys) and the Praetorians (bad-guys). I really hate it when something so important to the plot is shadowed by who they dated. This is supposed to be a love story and an action story. Unfortunately, the action part didn't progress at all. Sure, she cracked some cyphers, witness a Sicari funeral, got her fathers notebook, but that was only thirty pages of the whole story. In the end, their passion of each other meant much more to the plot than this artifact that is the most important thing to the Sicari. There was a part where Emma was attacked by a Praetorian (at least that's what everyone thinks he is), knocked unconscious, and with no regard to the injuries she obtained, her mind is cluttered with the thoughts of how good he feels. Reality people. I would be more worried about myself than the man who has brocken into my home, stole a very important archeological artifact to me, and then threatened me.

Next, there was no advancement of the plot part. Firstly, what is this object that they want to obtain so badly, this Tyet of Isis? All we have that it's a symbol and that it's an object. Now, would I risk my life to go find this thing everyone's looking for for a man I barely know? Secondly, what is this culture of the Sicari? I hear lots about it, but what is it? The only aspect that was present is the blood bond and a gauntlet. And the strict rules. Now, how the hell do I behave when I don't know the rules and the man I am so senselessly in love with outright refuses to tell me what they are and then scolds me for trying to do what I know how? Next, I get no history from either of them other than both their parents died. And nothing on how all this came to be, with and before Charlies death. I like plot as much as the next person and their "I love him, but he lied to me but let's screw anyway" attitude has completely made me lose my mind. That is not plot. That is details to the plot. At least, it's supposed to be.

That is probably all there was that I was displeased about. But I can't like a book that has no plot. So this is not something I will continue with.
(less)

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Aug 25, 2010 Cherie rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal

When I finished this book it took me a while to think about if I really liked it and how to rate it. It wasn't a bad story, overall I think I liked. So finally I broke it down this way:

What I liked: I liked the Sicari. The author did a good job with building up this secret society with all the laws, heirarchy, and rituals. Her descriptions of them were very vivid (especially the fight scenes whch can get muddled in descriptive detail, but not in this book). I could actually see the fire and feel...more When I finished this book it took me a while to think about if I really liked it and how to rate it. It wasn't a bad story, overall I think I liked. So finally I broke it down this way:

What I liked: I liked the Sicari. The author did a good job with building up this secret society with all the laws, heirarchy, and rituals. Her descriptions of them were very vivid (especially the fight scenes whch can get muddled in descriptive detail, but not in this book). I could actually see the fire and feel the heat of it (okay, it was also 95 degrees yesterday). And I loved Ares. I mean, come on- a man named after the god of war has "fine" and "hot" stamped all over his body. Ms. Burns did a great job with his character, describing his struggles and why he did what he did. For the most part he and his motivations were easy to understand.

What I didn't like: While this was very well written, sometimes the descriptions of a character's thoughts or feelings went on for pages and I wanted to get back to the action or have them act. The closer I got to the end of the book the more I began to only skim those passages. I also did not like Emma. I tried to understand her truama and sometimes her actions made sense (for instance when she intervened) but sometimes her thoughts, feelings, and lack of action made no sense. The further you got into the books the less she listened and let Ares explain what he thought and felt and why he did certain things. Later she would use his lack of explanation against him and I'm sitting there thinking "but you didn't give him a chance!" I understood she was hurt in the past, but as a character from begining to end she seemed to lack an honesty with herself that also kept her from being honest with him. This lack of honesty went on right up to the end. When she was finally ever honest with herself she was so slow to act in going to him to take responsibility for her part in things, while she was always quick to pass the blame off on him. Her lack of trust, honesty, responsibility, and action made her seem churlish, spoiled, and childish. Nope, I didn't like her at all and since she was a main character that was a big draw back for me.

I'm not completely sold on this series or author yet. I would like to read the next book in the series just to see where it goes. She set up a nice story for antoher couple already, but that female seems a lot like Emma so I'm hesitant to read it. I will read a couple of more books by Ms. Burns, but she's not on my must read list yet.
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Sep 27, 2010 Akaria rated it 2 of 5 stars

This book was at once compelling and completely frustrating. I really found the world of the Sicari engrossing and you could tell Burns put a lot of effort into creating their world. The story was a classic oldie but goodie. A big strong warrior male must bring an unknowing smart and gutsy female into his secret world to protect her from a great evil. The action scenes painted an exciting picture. The love scenes were tame (for me) but sexy. All this should equal up to a satisfying three star re...more This book was at once compelling and completely frustrating. I really found the world of the Sicari engrossing and you could tell Burns put a lot of effort into creating their world. The story was a classic oldie but goodie. A big strong warrior male must bring an unknowing smart and gutsy female into his secret world to protect her from a great evil. The action scenes painted an exciting picture. The love scenes were tame (for me) but sexy. All this should equal up to a satisfying three star read for me but it just didn't gel.

I think I'm going to chalk it up to pacing. Things just moved too slow. I liked getting inside both Ares and Emma's heads and seeing how they felt and what motivated them, but there was too much of that. There also wasn't enough action. I never really felt Ares and Emma were in that much danger. Most of the story took place between two ultra secure Sicari compounds so Ares obsession with keeping Emma safe seemed more neurotic than alpha male protective. In fact, I didn't really care for him or Emma and that's a horrible thing in a PNR! I wanted more of Ares as a strong, respected leader. A little more interaction with his fellow warriors or some backstory on why he was so respected by Lysander, Phae and the others could've gone a long way in making him more believable. Emma. Oh Emma. A gutsy heroine is admirable, but Emma's version of that came across as whining and annoying. There were several times where I wanted Ares to just duct tape her mouth shut and chain her to a chair so she'd stay put and be quiet.

The secondary characters intrigued me most. Lysander, Ares second in command impressed as well as Ares's sister Phae. I also enjoyed meeting Atia, the Sicari leader and Ares's godmother and Cleo another warrior and skilled swordswoman. Lysander and Phae are up next in Assassin's Heart and I look forward to their romance.

All in all I liked the world and the secondary characters enough to read the next book. If Burns stays true to the Lysander and Phae we met in Assassin's Honor it should be one wild read.(less)

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Mar 16, 2011 Laura rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: army-special-forces-etc, dramatic-traumatic, magical, read-in-2011, paranormal, a-frequent-rereads

So you get 2 super secret psychic societies, a sexy archaeologist, a missing artifact, sex, cryptic warnings, etc. etc. Anyone else getting Indiana Jones vibes? Me too...at first, but really they're not related.

Ares (yes that's really his name) was sooo sexy, dark, brooding, dangerous, mysterious...at first, but than he had to ruin it by getting feelings . Now don't get me wrong, feelings are great, but not when it turns the man into a sap. I mean, once the feelings came into it, the dark, broo...more

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May 27, 2010 Sophia (FV) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Archeologist Emma Zale is in big trouble. While on a dig in Cairo, she has uncovered proof of an ancient order of assassins called the Sicari. However this exciting revelation is overshadowed by the untimely murder of her mentor and she is the main suspect. Years before her archeologist parents were murdered in a similar manner while they searched for relics involving the Sicari. Due to lack of solid evidence, Emma is released from jail and she heads back to the United States, her future as an a...more Archeologist Emma Zale is in big trouble. While on a dig in Cairo, she has uncovered proof of an ancient order of assassins called the Sicari. However this exciting revelation is overshadowed by the untimely murder of her mentor and she is the main suspect. Years before her archeologist parents were murdered in a similar manner while they searched for relics involving the Sicari. Due to lack of solid evidence, Emma is released from jail and she heads back to the United States, her future as an archeologist on thin ice. She retreats to her parents home where she finds a cryptic message from her father.

Ares De Luca is an assassin descended from an ancient Roman bloodline—The Sicari. He is honor bound to kill only in the name of justice. Although he is mortal, he processes certain gifts such as telekinesis. He is in search of an ancient relic called the Tyet of Isis. Unfortunately, he is not the only one that seeks this relic that holds much more than monetary value. Believing that Emma has the Tyet of Isis, he shows up on her doorstep intending to take it from her. He soon comes to realize that Emma does not have the relic however she processes a unique gift—the ability to see an objects history when she touches it. That, coupled with the cryptic message from her father could be the key to finding the Tyet of Isis. When an attempt is made on Emma’s life by a mysterious hooded man, Ares saves her life and takes her under his protection.

Assassin’s Honor is an exciting adventure into a world of paranormal mystery and suspense. When Emma and Ares first meet the attraction is immediate but the danger that surrounds them as well mistrust and miscommunication keeps them from acting on their mutual attraction. The sexual tension that builds between these two is exciting and delicious and when they finally come together, the wait is certainly worth it.

Ares is strong, sexy, honorable and dedicated to the order making him a very desirable hero. He resists his attraction to Emma because of a tragic romantic history, not wanting to make the same mistakes over again, however he finds himself compelled to protect and save Emma’s life time and time again.

Emma is also reluctant to act on her feelings for Ares. She is just out of a relationship where she was betrayed. She is not wanting to be made a fool of and is half convinced Ares is only using her to find the Teyet of Isis. After some very serious mistakes where she nearly gets herself killed and Ares selflessly saves her life and takes her punishment, she to finds him irresistible.

We get a fairly good feel for what the order of the Sicari is all about, but much room is left for further development of this world. While the set up of the order of Sicari is interesting it was most certainly the romance that stood out for me in this book. There are mysteries solved but the greater mystery is left unanswered leaving the door open for further exploration into the mysteries of the order of the Sicari Assassins.

I look forward to future books in the series. (less)

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Jun 10, 2010 Paranormal Haven rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: reviewed-read-by-stephanie

Emma Zale is an archaeologist with a special touch. When she places her hands on an artifact she can see its history. Her special ability has lead her to uncover information about a secret society of assassins called the Sicari. But this is not something to celebrate. Her mentor has recently been brutally murdered and her parents before him 5 years ago. All 3 died under the same harsh circumstances and all while on digs for Sicari artifacts. Emma is now back in Chicago and she feels more alone t...more Emma Zale is an archaeologist with a special touch. When she places her hands on an artifact she can see its history. Her special ability has lead her to uncover information about a secret society of assassins called the Sicari. But this is not something to celebrate. Her mentor has recently been brutally murdered and her parents before him 5 years ago. All 3 died under the same harsh circumstances and all while on digs for Sicari artifacts. Emma is now back in Chicago and she feels more alone than ever. While looking through her father's things, she finds a cryptic note meant only for her but before she has time to make sense of it, she is thrown into a world she wants no part of by a stranger who has just broken into her home.

Ares DeLuca is in Emma's house looking for an ancient relic his sources say Emma holds, the Tyet of Isis. He believes that Emma does not know what the relic is or that she has it but it is too late for Emma to go back to her old life, for Ares and the Sicari are not the only ones looking for the Tyet of Isis. After saving Emma from an attempt on her life Ares brings Emma into a dangerous world full of honor and ancient rules. To survive Emma needs to learn to trust Ares, perhaps with more than just her life. For each passing moment they spend together, the desire between them grows but they will need to first convince themselves that what is happening between them is worth fighting for.

The relationship between Ares and Emma gets off to a rocky start. It doesn't help that Ares has a strict code to follow, Emma doesn't do what he says, and that they have both formed these walls around their hearts because of the past. I didn't question that they had feelings for one another but they sure did. When they were together you really felt their emotions and knew they could help each other heal. While there were a few very hot and heavy scenes between them, it was their relationship outside of the bedroom that I enjoyed most because their raw emotions is what made them such wonderful characters to read. My only problem character wise was how hard headed Emma and Ares were when it came to finally admitting how they felt. Every time they admitted some type of feeling, they had a excuse waiting to why they shouldn't feel that way or they would refuses to acknowledge it. I felt like saying, 'Enough! Just get over it!'. Emma in particular started to get on my nerves because it got to the point I felt like she just wanted to have a pity party.

The story itself was amazing. The way Monica Burns described the Sicari and their Praetorians adversaries, made me actually believed they exist. I felt sympathy towards the Sicari and hatred towards the Praetorians. Also, the Roman history that was involved, the language used, the rituals performed and the depth of the world surrounding the Sicari made me wish I could watch a special about it all on the History Channel. The only thing I wish Assassin's Honor had was a glossary to explain what some of the Italian and Latin words and phrases meant. I was able to understand a few of them but in a couple instances I felt a little unsure of what was said and it had me losing my focus.

Monica Burns created characters that have you hanging on their every word and a world that you can get lost in. Assassin's Honor had me from page one and left me wanting more. This was a great start to what I hope will be a long series.

~Stephanie G(less)

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Sep 09, 2010 Amy rated it 3 of 5 stars

The hero/heroine's stubbornness and miscommunication wore me out the second half of the book but overall it was an intriguing story with a balance of history, suspense and sexiness! I'm more excited about Lysander and Phaedra's story in Assassin's Heart!

3.5/5 stars

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Mar 04, 2011 Meredith rated it 2 of 5 stars

The premise of the book is an interesting one: archeologist Emma Zale, who has the ability to 'read' the past when she touches historical artifacts, is unwittingly drawn into an Indiana Jones-like race for an important historical artifact when she finds herself caught up in an ages-old struggle between two ancient sects.

I thought both Emma and Ares showed promise as characters, but like other reviewers have mentioned, Emma is stubborn and moody, and Ares is prone to terrific bouts of self-doubt...more

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Aug 16, 2010 Rebecca rated it 2 of 5 stars

I was hoping to really like this one but low, it was only ok. In the beginning, I didn't really feel that much of a pull in to the story. The female character was unremarkable even though she had this special "power". Later on in the story, her character was exhibiting conflicting behavior that really confused me and I lost all track as to if I was supposed to like her or not. She was timid and vulnerable in the beginning, but when placed in the same room with the hero, she was domineering, aggr...more

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About Monica Burns

An award-winning author of spicy historical and paranormal romance, Monica Burns penned her first short romance story at the age of nine when she selected the pseudonym she uses today.

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AuthorMonica...

Her historical book awards include the 2011 RT BookReviews Reviewers Choice Award and the 2012 Gayle Wilson Heart of Excellence Award for Pleasure Me .

She is also t...more

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Books by Monica Burns

Assassin's Heart (Order of the Sicari, #2)

Inferno's Kiss (Order of the Sicari, #3)

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“Afraid?" he growled, irritated she could affect his senses so easily. "No," she snapped. "Not even just a little?” — 6 people liked it

“This someone you were talking with wouldn't be that Frost fellow, would it?" Ewan's crisp accent floated into the kitchen like a brisk breeze. "The last thing you need is to be talking to that moronic jackass.” — 4 people liked it

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