The Legend of Michael (Zodius, #1)

Oct 17, 2011 Leagh rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: own

Wow! This book is amazing. It comes in two parts. Part one is like a extended prologue where you learn some back story about the world Ms Jones takes you into. You also learn about Cassandra and Michael and the other characters. Part two is where things get really interesting.

Michael is a soldier that was injected with alien DNA and is now part of a group of soldiers called GTECHs. Cassandra is the daughter of the man who changed these men. When they first meet the chemistry burns up the pages....more

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May 11, 2011 ValerieC rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: zodius, lisa-renee-jones, on-kindle, pnr

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I liked this first book of the Zodius series. It had lots of action, hunky hero, villains, and left the door wide open for the next book.

Lisa Renee Jones is a very good writer, and I can't really think of any off-putting errors or misspellings.

Here's the basics:

A military experiment at Area 51 in Nevada, run by a General Patton, injected Special Forces troops with what the troops were told were vaccines against chemical warfare. In reality, DNA taken from the Roswell crash aliens was injected in...more

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May 12, 2011 Blodeuedd Finland rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: sci-fi, paranormal-romance, romanticsuspense

My thoughts:

Not an easy book to find a genre for. The world is the same, present day, but there is one thing that is different and that is that aliens did crash and the US government hid the fact. Then later they injected soldiers who become something more. Strength, the ability to travel with the wind and other things is what they gained. But the soldiers split into two groups, the bad and the good. So there is sci-fi paranormal, romance and suspense.

There was a lot of suspense in this one, and...more

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Dec 24, 2012 Book Chick City rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance-paranormal

Reviewed by Andrea for Book Chick City. 7/10 on the blog.

I have a weakness for a good paranormal romance novel. I like a strong handsome hero and a beautiful heroine who cuts him no slack. This novel has all that and more.

Many paranormal romance authors are now trying to move away from the usual vampires and werewolves in the hopes of creating something different. Lisa Renee Jones has done that with “The Legend of Michael”.

Michael is one of a group of soldiers injected with alien DNA to make the...more

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May 25, 2012 Laura Young rated it 4 of 5 stars

Title: The Legend of Michael (Zodius #1)
Author: Lisa Renee Jones
Page count: 382
Genre: Paranormal Romance,
My rating: 3.5/5
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Published:May 1st 2011
Summary: HE IS A LETHAL WEAPON…
One of an army of human soldiers injected with alien DNA, Michael is a legend within this new race, split between good and evil. Untamable, he has walked on the dark side and returned to the light. Feared and misunderstood, he leaves everything behind, including the one woman destined to be...more

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May 16, 2011 aobibliophile™ rated it 4 of 5 stars

Knights of the spirit; warriors in the cause
Of justice absolute 'twixt man and man.
- Richard Watson Gilder

somewhere in Nevada, a top secret military operation called Project Zodius exists. ordinary human soldiers are converted into efficient killing machines after being injected with alien DNA. Cassandra Powell, daughter of General Powell, takes over the job for the former head of Clinical Psychology. she meets and pairs up with Michael Taylor. he is one of the GTECHs or Super Soldiers with skil...more Knights of the spirit; warriors in the cause
Of justice absolute 'twixt man and man.
- Richard Watson Gilder

somewhere in Nevada, a top secret military operation called Project Zodius exists. ordinary human soldiers are converted into efficient killing machines after being injected with alien DNA. Cassandra Powell, daughter of General Powell, takes over the job for the former head of Clinical Psychology. she meets and pairs up with Michael Taylor. he is one of the GTECHs or Super Soldiers with skills and abilities that set him apart from the rest. his fellow GTECH Adam Rain stages a mutiny that splits the soldiers into two groups - Zodius and Renegades. Cassandra is devastated when Michael joins Adam. two years later, Cassandra finds herself working in a German military hospital. she is off to a new start with her life when her father suddenly shows up asking for help. dutiful as ever, she flies back to the United States without realizing that her nightmare is about to begin.
the book is divided into two parts. the first section provides a detailed background of Project Zodius and the people involved. the second part is where things get really interesting. there is also a very useful glossary that helped a lot with the terms used throughout the novel. i had to think of the Renegades though as "Renegoods" just so i would not confuse them with Zodius - the bad guys.
notwithstanding some of the soldiers' supernatural abilities as a result of something alien infused into their systems, i found the characterization quite realistic. it seems that good and evil are part and parcel of everyone's genetic makeup and choices play heavily in every action that we do:
- Michael's emotional struggles contrast with his physical strength and test his loyalty.
- Cassandra's sense of familial duty makes her naive and blind to the truth.
- General Powell's greed compels him to be self-righteous.
- Adam's power trip leads him to degenerate further.
overall, i had fun reading The Legend of Michael. "wind-walking" - what it is and how it is done - is one of the most brilliant concepts i have ever encountered.
i have to give credit to author Lisa Renee Jones' imagination in building a world where conspiracy, secrets, betrayal, passion and ambition are fused together in this part sci-fi, romance, suspense thriller.

Disclosure of Material Connection: i received an eARC of The Legend of Michael - Sin and Satisfaction (Zodius 1) from the author herself. i did not receive any payment in exchange for this review nor was i obligated to write a positive one. all opinions expressed here are entirely my own and may not necessarily agree with those of the author, the book's publisher and publicist or the readers of this review. this disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

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May 03, 2011 Debbie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: shirtless

I have to first get off my chest that this was another book cover that bugged me. I don't find the guy on the cover appealing at all and he weirds me out. Still I have to say I really enjoyed this book! So don't judge it by its cover. I'm a huge fan of Christine Feehan's Ghostwalker series and this book follows pretty much the same formula. So if you like that series I highly suggest checking this one out. You have along the same lines a bunch of strong, military men who were experimented on and...more

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Apr 26, 2011 Bookaholics rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The Legend of Michael by Lisa Renee Jones
Paranormal Romance –May 1st, 2011
4 ½ stars

The Legend of Michael is a thrilling debut in the Zodius series. I never wanted it to end. The men are hot, hard and hunky! I can't wait for more heroes, please keep them coming!

Cassandra is hired to work at a top secret military base to evaluate men who have been injected with alien DNA. They were unknowing victims and now have 'super' powers. These men are now being used for their special abilities by the govern...more The Legend of Michael by Lisa Renee Jones
Paranormal Romance –May 1st, 2011
4 ½ stars

The Legend of Michael is a thrilling debut in the Zodius series. I never wanted it to end. The men are hot, hard and hunky! I can't wait for more heroes, please keep them coming!

Cassandra is hired to work at a top secret military base to evaluate men who have been injected with alien DNA. They were unknowing victims and now have 'super' powers. These men are now being used for their special abilities by the government. But some of the men have become increasingly unstable and aggressive, and it is Cassandra’s job to evaluate them. However, she fears hostility since it was her unscrupulous father who secretly injected them!

When a section of them is deemed too volatile, some of the men are slated for termination but they find out about this treachery and escape, plotting to take over the government in revenge. During the evaluations, Cassandra has come to care for the enigmatic Michael. Strong and silent he opens up with her and she quickly finds herself in love, but she discovers too late that he is to be eliminated. Luckily, Michael escapes but joins the band of renegades that plan to over throw the government. Can she trust him? Was their time together a lie or will they forever be divided?

Fast-paced, exciting and easy to read, paranormal fans will quickly get addicted to this new series. I loved the hot hero, Michael. He realizes his powers are dangerous and tries to keeps a tight rein on his emotions. However, I really liked that he could not control his passion for Cassandra. The instant attraction between the two characters and their sizzling scenes together were off the charts. I also liked that their relationship was very mature, and they really respected each other. I liked that there weren't a lot of silly misunderstandings.

This was a complex story as two opposing sides fight for power and Cassandra and Michael are caught in the middle. I hope the author's next book will be about Caleb, who much fight against his evil twin brother. I would also love to hear about how this plays in future books. I also liked that there were good and bad soldiers because it added a lot of tension and depth. The story was almost like a civil war with friends pitted against each other. This series has a lot of room to grow as there are so many plot twists and conspirators to keep it intriguing.
Intense and scorching this new series is one readers of alpha warriors will adore!

Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
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Apr 18, 2011 Lisa rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: kindle

This is a exciting new paranormal series that originates at area 51. The book starts with a glossary of sorts that explains different terminology you'll read throughout the book. It's alot to remember but i found it helpful as i read the book. The book comes in two parts. The first part is a extended prologue of sorts to intro to the characters and the 2nd part really gets into the meat of the story. I'll admit i wasn't sure about the whole alien DNA thing. It kind of put me off at first but onc...more

This is a exciting new paranormal series that originates at area 51. The book starts with a glossary of sorts that explains different terminology you'll read throughout the book. It's alot to remember but i found it helpful as i read the book. The book comes in two parts. The first part is a extended prologue of sorts to intro to the characters and the 2nd part really gets into the meat of the story. I'll admit i wasn't sure about the whole alien DNA thing. It kind of put me off at first but once i got going into the story it's nothing really to do with aliens per say at all. Follow that logic? Michael is one of the soldiers injected with alien DNA that's meant to make him a better badder soldier. It works too but it enhances what you already are. For Michael he's not sure what he's becoming when it becomes evident that some soldiers that were bad before are wholly evil now. He's not sure if he's bad or good based on his family history. He meets Cassandra and her father is the man who started all this. For the soldiers injected with the alien DNA there is this thing called a lifebond in which the male soldiers find a link with a female and there is a primal need to bond. Cassandra is Michael's lifebond but he thinks being with her will put her in danger and tries to avoid the whole thing. His inner demons work him through the book on this as a set of twin brother face off on opposite sides for control of the GTECHs which is what the soldiers injected with alien DNA are called. This is a really complex story will with love determination and inner struggles. Even so it was easy to read and once you figure out all the terminology ( which isn't hard) you really can get into it. I really enjoyed it. Michael is one tough SOB but Cassandra is just as tough in different ways. I look forward to the next story in this series. You can check out a couple excerpts for "The Legend of Michael" and the next two books in this series by going to Lisa Renee Jones website by clicking here. Right now i can't think of anything i didn't like. I thought it was well paced the characters interesting and a great story. I'm looking forward to some of the other characters stories now and getting to know them. PS. There is a excerpt to the next Zodius book at the back of "The Legend of Michael".

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Apr 13, 2011 D Thomas rated it 5 of 5 stars

My thoughts:

WOW…Just WOW!
Lisa has created a wonderful world of drama, suspense and romance starting with the first book of the Zodius series, The Legend of Michael: Sin and Satisfaction.

It took me a few days to read this book because of life’s everyday happenings making me stop. Otherwise I would have finished it in one sitting.

I love the way this book made me feel. My emotions ranged from feeling Cassandra’s trepidation, happiness, wonder and love, to her feelings of being deceived, abandoned,...more

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Apr 13, 2011 Nikki Barrett rated it 5 of 5 stars

Readers, prepare yourselves for a fantastic new book, the start of a new series. The Legend of Michael is a blend of romance, paranormal, and science fiction. Lisa Renee Jones heats up the pages with this amazing new book.

When Cassandra Powell meets Michael, she is both intrigued and weary of the man. Yet she can't seem to keep away from him, to stop thinking about him, even when she knows she should. He is part of the project of soldiers who have been injected with alien DNA. He is no good for...more

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Apr 11, 2011 Melissa rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: great-reread

Lisa Renee Jones has created a new world ~ a world where Super Soldiers, or GTECHs, are being created by the US Gov't, and General Powell ~ these soldiers were tricked into being, and are being tested, and experimented on by Gen. Powell, to the degree that they've begun to rebel.

Psychologist Cassandra Powell has agree to come work for her father on Project Zodius, evaluating the soldiers ~ on her 3rd day on the job, she meets Michael Taylor, GTECH, and MORE. Against all her instincts, Cassandra...more Lisa Renee Jones has created a new world ~ a world where Super Soldiers, or GTECHs, are being created by the US Gov't, and General Powell ~ these soldiers were tricked into being, and are being tested, and experimented on by Gen. Powell, to the degree that they've begun to rebel.

Psychologist Cassandra Powell has agree to come work for her father on Project Zodius, evaluating the soldiers ~ on her 3rd day on the job, she meets Michael Taylor, GTECH, and MORE. Against all her instincts, Cassandra is drawn to Michael in a way she can't control, and he's more than returning her interest...they've only begun to build a relationship when the unrest between the GTECHs, and General Powell, her father, hits an explosive point. The GTECHs have split into two groups, led by twin brothers, Caleb and Adam Rain, Good and Evil ~ and it appears to Cassandra the Michael has sided with the Adam, the Evil GTECHs, or the Zodius.

Two years pass, and the Gov't and Gen. Powell are ready to take on the Zodius, led by Adam Rain ~ and his second, Michael Taylor. He's convinced Cassandra to come back to the states and help him subdue this evil ~ but when Cassandra runs into Michael again, she can't control her feelings, or the Lifebond they had only begun to form when he'd left her two years before. She's quickly thrust into the war between the 3 factors, and realizing that Michael is not the bad guy she thought he was, but someone she wants to love...

I could SO go on about this amazing and wonderful story that is so full of secrets, lies and loyalties torn ~ but I don't want to give anything away! Ms. Jones did an amazing job of introducing us into the world of GTECHs without an information overload ~ when I read the glossary, I thought I'd be overwhelmed, but she seamlessly weaves details into the story where we pick them up naturally, withought having to think about it.

She totally drew me in, and the relationship we see build between Cassandra and Michael is at times wonderful, at times painful and frustrating, but 100% believable. I zoomed through this book ~ and already can't wait wait for the next! I'm totally imersed in the war that is quickly escalating between the two fraction of the GTECHs, and with General Powell...........

Don't think twice about buying this one ~ Michael is a hero to die for!
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Apr 11, 2011 Melissa rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Lisa Renee Jones has created a new world ~ a world where Super Soldiers, or GTECHs, are being created by the US Gov't, and General Powell ~ these soldiers were tricked into being, and are being tested, and experimented on by Gen. Powell, to the degree that they've begun to rebel.

Psychologist Cassandra Powell has agree to come work for her father on Project Zodius, evaluating the soldiers ~ on her 3rd day on the job, she meets Michael Taylor, GTECH, and MORE. Against all her instincts, Cassandra...more Lisa Renee Jones has created a new world ~ a world where Super Soldiers, or GTECHs, are being created by the US Gov't, and General Powell ~ these soldiers were tricked into being, and are being tested, and experimented on by Gen. Powell, to the degree that they've begun to rebel.

Psychologist Cassandra Powell has agree to come work for her father on Project Zodius, evaluating the soldiers ~ on her 3rd day on the job, she meets Michael Taylor, GTECH, and MORE. Against all her instincts, Cassandra is drawn to Michael in a way she can't control, and he's more than returning her interest...they've only begun to build a relationship when the unrest between the GTECHs, and General Powell, her father, hits an explosive point. The GTECHs have split into two groups, led by twin brothers, Caleb and Adam Rain, Good and Evil ~ and it appears to Cassandra the Michael has sided with the Adam, the Evil GTECHs, or the Zodius.

Two years pass, and the Gov't and Gen. Powell are ready to take on the Zodius, led by Adam Rain ~ and his second, Michael Taylor. He's convinced Cassandra to come back to the states and help him subdue this evil ~ but when Cassandra runs into Michael again, she can't control her feelings, or the Lifebond they had only begun to form when he'd left her two years before. She's quickly thrust into the war between the 3 factors, and realizing that Michael is not the bad guy she thought he was, but someone she wants to love...

I could SO go on about this amazing and wonderful story that is so full of secrets, lies and loyalties torn ~ but I don't want to give anything away! Ms. Jones did an amazing job of introducing us into the world of GTECHs without an information overload ~ when I read the glossary, I thought I'd be overwhelmed, but she seamlessly weaves details into the story where we pick them up naturally, withought having to think about it.

She totally drew me in, and the relationship we see build between Cassandra and Michael is at times wonderful, at times painful and frustrating, but 100% believable. I zoomed through this book ~ and already can't wait wait for the next! I'm totally imersed in the war that is quickly escalating between the two fraction of the GTECHs, and with General Powell...........

Don't think twice about buying this one ~ Michael is a hero to die for!
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Oct 26, 2011 Sandy M rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal

I’ve been on the fence concerning this book since the beginning. I’d jump one way and then the other, again and again, with scenes here and there, which all surprised me, because the few Lisa Renee Jones books I’ve read, I’ve not had any vacillation at all. Her hero is to die for. Her heroine gives me the most ups and downs. The plot is interesting, though somewhat convoluted and scenes could be more action packed, and a few secondary characters end up irritating me just a bit.

First the plot. Th...more I’ve been on the fence concerning this book since the beginning. I’d jump one way and then the other, again and again, with scenes here and there, which all surprised me, because the few Lisa Renee Jones books I’ve read, I’ve not had any vacillation at all. Her hero is to die for. Her heroine gives me the most ups and downs. The plot is interesting, though somewhat convoluted and scenes could be more action packed, and a few secondary characters end up irritating me just a bit.

First the plot. The heroine’s father has his hands on an alien DNA serum from the 1950s and has turned military men into stronger, faster, more indestructible warriors - GTECHS. They were hoodwinked into allowing injections of the life-altering stuff, and now there’s two factions of those soldiers - one, Zodius, that wants to rule the world and one, Renegades, that wants to stop such madness. Oh, and Daddy wants to rule the world too. Since the split, both factions have moved from their original home base, so there are those newly named areas, but even the old ones get new names and both are used just to make things confusing. With the Zodius and Renegades wanting to off each other, there’s also Daddy and his minions running around in the mix trying to off whoever they can in their rush to test and eventually use Red Dart, a new product that will now control those men who are exhibiting overly excessive violent tendencies. So Zodius wants Red Dart too to have total control, while the Renegades want it for safekeeping if needed in the future for any reason. So there’s a lot more bad guys here than good. Of course, there’s a lot more going on that just this, some of which really isn’t necessary.

Michael is the strongest of those who survived the transition, a legend unto himself with his abilities and reputation. Cassandra works for Daddy, but she knows only half-truths of what he’s up to. When the two of them meet, it’s instant attraction and they end up together fast. Much too fast. There’s nothing more between them, no getting-to-know-you stage, and they’re in bed by page 42 or so. Time moves very, very quickly during these first chapters, and I think it could have been slowed down some to give them time to get them where they need to be. But, having said that, I can’t blame Cassandra too much, because Michael is one hot, sexy, sensual, handsome man. Don’t forget dangerous. A lethal combo if there ever was one. He’s a killing machine, and when the factions divide, he has a chance to go undercover with Zodius to try to bring Adam, their leader, down. Things happen fast at this point, and he has no time to let Cassandra know what he’s going to do. His first big mistake. But Michael feels that’s all for the best, because Cassandra deserves better than he can ever give her.

Now, Cassandra does give me fits now and again. She’s a Daddy’s girl; it’s been just the two of them for a long time. So she does believe what her father tells her. She starts out as a fairly strong character, even when Michael leaves her and she has to start over. When he returns she tries to keep him at a distance, but the man has a killer body, lips that won’t leave hers alone, and she’s his lifebond mate. She can demand all she wants for him to stay out of her life, but the pull is just as strong on her as it is him. Eventually she has to admit that Daddy has a god complex, he’s not the man she’s always known, so she’s now working with Michael and Caleb, Adam’s twin and leader of the Renegades, to the end, no matter what. Where Cassandra irritates me is her refusal to let Michael keep her safe. It’s her war too, she says. She has to help, make up for what her father has done. Hello? We’re talking super soldiers here. Beefed-up hard asses to begin with. And now being X2 positive for aggression after injection? Come on, sweetheart. Quit being stupid at times and get a clue!

A couple of little nitpicks: Michael’s hair is described as dark, long, down to his shoulders. A lot. But every time I look at the cover of this book, that’s not the Michael I’ve been introduced to. Not a nitpick the author has control over, but it still bugs me. Jocelyn, Daddy’s cohort in crime, irritates me too, to some extent. She’s in charge of Red Dart, but lets Daddy control her like everyone else he’s got around him. There’s never any explanation as to why she allows this. She’s a strong woman and she’s been through a lot, she should have had more control from the beginning. But I do have to say surprise hit me square between the eyes when it’s revealed who she really is. I didn’t see that coming at all. Of course, you can tell I’m also not happy with Daddy. No name for him in my review. He’s just a power-hungry nobody and expects everyone to do his bidding, again with no explanation, though I guess one really isn’t needed since it is a god thing we’re working with here.

I do like the other Renegade soldiers, just as much as I hate the Zodius soldiers. In that, Ms. Jones does an excellent job writing blood-thirsty, evil men. Adam is one sick puppy, as are his minions, including his mate, Ava. What a pair. The dichotomy of Adam’s and Caleb’s resulting reaction to the transition to GTECH is quite interesting, however, and Ms. Jones draws out that distinction very well. It’s the Renegades’ Sterling who has captured my interest with his seeming death wish attitude. His book is next, due out in a couple of weeks or so, and I’m quite anxious to see what’s in store for him. Lastly, I feel the fight scenes between Zodius and Renegade warriors should required a lot more action. They just seem to be over too quickly for all the powers and strength these men wield. And I haven’t even mentioned their special abilities each one eventually realizes some time after initial injection. I do enjoy those and they way they’re used. Very effective. But these battle scenes should be almost epic in scope, as far as I’m concerned.

Even with my nitpicks, this is a good read. It’s interesting and full of hot men fighting for good.

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Jul 30, 2011 Melindeeloo rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: sci-fi-romance

Legend of Micheal, the first book in Jones' new Zodius series, is a scifi-ish romance that has a paranormal romance feel, the heroes are solders, who without their consent, have had their DNA altered by injection of alien DNA. The genetic changes have given them super strength and other powers, but has also had the effect of bringing out the evil in some of the men.

Since I just finished the rereleased Underground Guardians: Protector, which is the first book in the 2005 series that inspired thi...more Legend of Micheal, the first book in Jones' new Zodius series, is a scifi-ish romance that has a paranormal romance feel, the heroes are solders, who without their consent, have had their DNA altered by injection of alien DNA. The genetic changes have given them super strength and other powers, but has also had the effect of bringing out the evil in some of the men.

Since I just finished the rereleased Underground Guardians: Protector, which is the first book in the 2005 series that inspired this new Zodius series, it was interesting not only to see how the seeds of the story in the earlier books grew into Legend of Michael, but to also see how Jones has refined her writing in the last 7 or so years.

Jone's story telling is definately stronger, there is actually a fairly well developed plot in the background - the background plot was pretty thin in the original - and I would say that I really enjoyed the whole first half of the book, and the romance between Cassandra, a scientist in her own right, who is the daughter of the man who first created the super soldiers - her father now wants to control them at any cost - and Michael, one of the most powerful of the soldiers, who has a talent for controlling and traveling on the wind. But I was less happy with the story when the conflicts keeping the pair apart shifted from external ones - Michael's absence - and switched over to internal ones complete with tiresome repetative self-talk - hers: "I can never trust you again, since you abandoned me, but you are still so attractive I can't keep from wanting you" and his: "I am a monster with a dark past, I need to keep you at a distance to protect you, but I can't stay away".

This, along with just a bit too much detailed time in the bedroom, really made the later scenes between Michael and his heroine drag a bit, so my final impression of the book was 'ok plus' or 'pretty good' more than a whole hearted 'liked it'. In case you were wondering, even though Legend of Michael reinvisions the earlier Underground Guardians series and Michael does appear in the older book, the romance is all new, as is the next book which features Sterling (oh now I am just being the Queen of 'nits') who is set up much better in the original series than he is here.

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May 19, 2011 Schultzies rated it 3 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. A new series set around a military, special-ops band of brothers...I'm gung-ho to sign up to be their G.I. Jane! Set in the present time, this new series is about an elite force of soldiers called GTECHs. Injected with what they thought were inoculations, was actually a portion of alien DNA. This alien DNA altered their entire being, gave them super-human strength, speed, and an amazing ability to "wind walk". By using the wind, GTECHs can basically "poof" anywhere they wish. Sounds pretty cool,...more A new series set around a military, special-ops band of brothers...I'm gung-ho to sign up to be their G.I. Jane! Set in the present time, this new series is about an elite force of soldiers called GTECHs. Injected with what they thought were inoculations, was actually a portion of alien DNA. This alien DNA altered their entire being, gave them super-human strength, speed, and an amazing ability to "wind walk". By using the wind, GTECHs can basically "poof" anywhere they wish. Sounds pretty cool, eh? The GTECHs are all stationed at a "secret" military installation commanded by "The General" or General Powell if you want his proper name. The General's daughter, Cassandra, decides to take a position there as a Psychiatrist to help Daddy Dearest out with research on how the conversions are affecting the soldiers. She had no idea what getting involved with a GTECH would do to her future or her life, nor did any of the other "Lifebonds".

As with some military themed novels, there are dissidents....soldiers that are X2 positive, abnormally aggressive, that want to take over not only the compound but the World. They feel humans are inferior and want to convert more soldiers into GTECHs and make the human race their minions. The military only knows that the X2 gene can turn a "normal" GTECH into an "animal". Michael, known as "The Dark One" in the compound, is feared by the other soldiers. He's a fighter, a kick-ass soldier, and will do what is commanded to get the mission done and protect his fellow comrades but he does have a conscience. He's X2 positive like Adam, another GTECH, but Adam's twin Caleb is not. Adam has always thought humans inferior but his brother refuses to lose his humanity, and when Adam makes his move...Michael will have to make a choice, stand with Adam or stand with Caleb. And where does that leave Cassandra Powell...

I've never read a series like this before, with this type of storyline. It seemed new and refreshing to me and I really did enjoy the plot. I loved the characters and really became involved in what would happen between the Zodius and the Renegades. I would have given this four stars, but the romance portion wore me out a little. Don't get me wrong, I LOVED the dynamic between Michael and Cassandra but the back and forth became a bit much. I felt I was reading a tennis match, and then a decision was made and I felt I missed an entire set of said match. It seemed a bit rushed, not the romance portion but how quickly they changed their minds and then back again. (That was a run on sentence, but it fits in respect to their relationship.)

In the end though, I was happy with the outcome of their relationship. They meshed well and I had an understanding as to why certain decisions were made, it just took a while for me to grasp it. I have to admit, I was more interested in the secondary characters in this book or rather, the story arc....Adam and his Lifebond, Caleb, Damion and Sterling. I'm dying to find out which faction wins...if any. This book is different, at least to me, and I'm rooting for the Renegades. (less)

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Aug 18, 2012 Sophia rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: sci-fi-romance

I really enjoy it when an author introduces me to a whole new world with good strong characters and a plot that holds my attention. I think this is because there are elements of several genres represented in this start to a new series. It is SciFi-ish because the super soldiers are created from alien DNA. The conspiracies and plotting make it like a romantic suspense. And it has the feel of a paranormal romance series.

The story develops from the point, Cassandra Powell, a social worker-type pers...more I really enjoy it when an author introduces me to a whole new world with good strong characters and a plot that holds my attention. I think this is because there are elements of several genres represented in this start to a new series. It is SciFi-ish because the super soldiers are created from alien DNA. The conspiracies and plotting make it like a romantic suspense. And it has the feel of a paranormal romance series.

The story develops from the point, Cassandra Powell, a social worker-type person comes to work at a top secret military base (Area 51 exists in this story, folks) to work with the soldiers who have been transformed into something more- something other. The men were hand-picked for assignment and then instead of getting immunization shots they were pumped full of alien DNA turning them into super-soldiers with skills and abilities far beyond a human's. Cassandra comes not at the beck and call of the general who happens to be her father (and a real piece of work let me say) out of duty, but because her father was the one who planned and perpetrated the whole thing against these men all in the name of his ambition which he cloaked as patriotism and duty to country.

Cassandra is slowly learning about the G-TECHS (name given to these new breed of soldiers) and knows that they are fast, powerful and able to heal quickly. They have the ability to Windwalk (teleport in the wind just by thinking their destination almost instantaneously) and some are even developing other abilities that vary. Another affect that is discovered as the men are dating and seeing women is that there is such thing as a lifebond between the man and a woman who is his match. The woman develops a tattoo like mark on the back of her neck and becomes G-TECH when the man bonds with her.

Shortly after her arrival, Cassandra meets and attracts the attention of the legendary Michael one that even other G-TECHs treat with a healthy respect. There is immediate attraction between them and it is not long before they form a relationship. Michael and Cassandra learn that she is his lifebond just before everything changes rapidly due to the plotting of her father and another. And that is the point where the story jumps into the thrilling romantic suspense with twisty 'who can she really trust' type plotting.

I really enjoyed the story- both the first part where the world of the G-TECH is given explanation and the second part where the fall out of greed and meglomania leave a mad scramble to acquire the tools needed to fight a three-cornered war. The only thing that I didn't like was how it seemed that certain key moments were either not told in the story or were just referred back to in small flashbacks. It seemed great detail was given to explaining aspects of the world-building while the romance between Michael and Cassandra in those early days was told in fragments like it was assumed that the reader would fill in the gaps which I did to a certain extent. For example, they went from Cassandra saying 'no' to having coffee with Michael because she needed to keep things professional to dates that lasted overnight. Later in the story, there were references back to things happening early on between them that happened during the gaps. It didn't destroy the story for me; it just caused a few minor disconnects with the romance element for me.

The characters were really great. The wounded hero types are a soft spot for me and Michael does have a dark side that he is constantly fighting to be a good man for Cassandra and he is constantly the man who has the dirty hard jobs. Cassandra got my sympathies too because she was used and betrayed more than once by someone close to her. After Michael and Cassandra re-connect, their relationship is more like a personal war as they both struggle back and forth first with trust and then with fears. Some times this relationship struggle caused the pace to bog down a bit, but not so bad that the two got annoying because I really wanted these two hurting people to get together.

There are many secondary characters in this story that are very well written from the villains I loved to hate, to the duped villains that I pitied, to the good guys. I look forward to seeing where this series will go.

I can recommend this book to a wide audience that includes Sci-Fi Romance, Paranormal Romance and Romantic Suspense lovers.(less)

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Apr 10, 2013 Anorielt rated it 3 of 5 stars

Erster Satz: Nevadas Area 51 spielte nicht nur in den Verschwörungstheorien, die man mit der Regierung in Verbindung brachte, eine Rolle, sondern war nun auch offiziel ihre neue Heimat.

Soldaten die mit außerirdischer DNS verändert wurden und nun besondere Fähigkeiten zeigen? Ein geheimes Militärprojekt das schief geht und zur Rebellion und Krieg führt? Genau mein Ding! Ich liebe solche Geschichten und wollte deswegen auch den ersten Zodius Band aufjedenfall haben. Die ersten paar Seiten sind au...more Erster Satz: Nevadas Area 51 spielte nicht nur in den Verschwörungstheorien, die man mit der Regierung in Verbindung brachte, eine Rolle, sondern war nun auch offiziel ihre neue Heimat.

Soldaten die mit außerirdischer DNS verändert wurden und nun besondere Fähigkeiten zeigen? Ein geheimes Militärprojekt das schief geht und zur Rebellion und Krieg führt? Genau mein Ding! Ich liebe solche Geschichten und wollte deswegen auch den ersten Zodius Band aufjedenfall haben. Die ersten paar Seiten sind auch wirklich gut und sehr vielversprechend. Bis man zu folgender Stelle kommt: Michael führt Cassandra zum Essen aus... und dann, Schnitt. Genau, da macht die Autorin doch tatsächlich gleich am Anfang des Buches einen Zeitsprung und plötzlich sind Cassandra und Michael zusammen.

Schon das fand ich absolut daneben. So entgeht einem komplett die Kennenlern-Phase der Charaktere, man sieht nicht wie die Beziehung der beiden ihren Anfang nimmt und in Folge dessen ist die Liebesbeziehung für mich bis zum Schluss hin einfach nur unlogisch geblieben. Zwar wird es später besser, aber dieser wichtige Teil... der fehlt eben. Und damit nicht genug, nein, die Autorin mag scheinbar Zeitsprünge, denn plötzlich befinden wir uns 2 Jahre in der Zukunft und alle Ereignisse die dazwischen stattgefunden haben werden dem Leser einfach vorenthalten.

Man bekommt quasi einen Brocken vorgeworfen, nur damit einem dieser sofort wieder entzogen wird. Die Autorin hat hier leider wichtige Ereignisse komplett übersprungen und infolge dessen kamen die Dinge bei mir einfach nicht mehr glaubwürdig an. Ich hatte nicht das Gefühl ein Buch mit Supersoldaten zu lesen, das kam einfach alles nicht bei mir an. Die Sache mit Adam? Fand ich schrecklich und zu wenig durchdacht. Dazu kommt noch, das sowohl Cassandra als auch Michael sehr blass waren. Man erfährt kaum etwas über sie persönlich, Dinge die nichts mit der Arbeit zutun haben.

Hier wurde sehr viel Potenzial einfach so verschenkt und das finde ich wirklich schade. Ob ich die Reihe weiterlesen werde weiß ich nicht, unterhaltsam war es durchaus. Etwas nettes für Zwischendurch und außerdem besteht ja noch die Hoffnung das die Autorin es das nächste Mal besser macht. Früher hätte mir das Buch bestimmt richtig gut gefallen, mittlerweile habe ich aber einfach zu viele bessere Bücher diesen Genres gelesen um mich mit etwas halbfertigem zufrieden zu geben.

Fazit

Ich würde sagen das war wohl nix. Durch die vielen Zeitsprünge direkt am Anfang, entgehen einem als Leser viele wichtige Ereignisse. Dadurch wirkt vieles in der Geschichte unlogisch und nicht nachvollziehbar, vor allem die Liebesgeschichte. Die ganze Thematik kam bei mir einfach nicht mehr richtig an. Der Plot ist durchaus spannend, die Grundidee gut, aber die Umsetzung lässt gewaltig zu wünschen übrig. (less)

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Jan 07, 2013 Coral rated it 4 of 5 stars

Its being marketed as Paranormal Romance but I would categorize it more as a Sci-Fi romance with a lot of suspense. That's the part that I love about this book, the tone, plot, structure is exactly like a Romantic Suspense although a huge part goes on explaining the Alien DNA alterations and its effects.
Another aspect that I love is how the main characters, Michael and Cassandra deal with the Lifebond. Its similar to the "werewolf mate bond". I like how having the Lifebond doesn't automatically...more

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Jul 24, 2012 Edwina " I LoveBooks" "Deb" rated it 5 of 5 stars

Wow what a fast paced action packed book. If You Love Christine Feehans GhostWalkers, you will Love The Renegade GTECHS. They are Special Ops Soldiers that have been injected with Alien DNA. Some are good "The Renegades" and some of very evil "The Zodius". Book 1 The Legend of Michael sets up for the story line for the futures books in the series. Michael's special gift is Wind Walking and he accidentally finds himself lifebonded to Cassandra Powell who's father is General Powell, the evil creat...more

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Jan 22, 2012 E. Kelly rated it 3 of 5 stars

First, I have to be upfront and admit that this is not my typical reading genre. I'm a contemporary romance writer and reader. That, hands down, is my favorite kind of book. But in 2012, I decided to challenge myself, expand my horizons, and meet new authors. So it was with both curiosity and trepidation that I chose this book.

I am happy to confess that I enjoyed this book. The story line was familiar enough - strong, brave men fighting to save the world - that I didn't feel like a fish out of...more
First, I have to be upfront and admit that this is not my typical reading genre. I'm a contemporary romance writer and reader. That, hands down, is my favorite kind of book. But in 2012, I decided to challenge myself, expand my horizons, and meet new authors. So it was with both curiosity and trepidation that I chose this book.

I am happy to confess that I enjoyed this book. The story line was familiar enough - strong, brave men fighting to save the world - that I didn't feel like a fish out of water. But it also had a paranormal quality that was new to me. I really liked the fact that it wasn't so farfetched that I couldn't relate. A chemically altered super soldier is an almost plausible concept these days.
There were some jumps in time that seemed unnecessary, but other than that, the story was well written, creative, and entertaining.
Unfortunately, I have to say that Michael was not one of my favorite characters. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for a strong, brave man. Just check out my previous reviews and you'll see what I mean. My problem with Michael was that whole 'you would be better off without me' bit. He thinks, for reasons I won't go into here, that he's not good enough for Cassandra, so he repeatedly tries to get her to reject him. Martyrdom irritates me. I'd much rather have a man who trusts the woman he's with to know and accept what she's getting into. None of this crap about 'if you only knew me, you wouldn't love me'. I seriously hate that! Michael doesn't trust himself enough or Cassandra enough, to know that they can make it work. I want him to fight for her and for their happiness (figuratively, not literally). I want him to be happy that he's found the he'll spend the rest of his life with instead of angsting over the entire situation. Eventually, Michael does find acceptance and, after that, I'm a much happy reader. Eventually though, I was frustrated with the main character, I would still recommend reading The Legend of Michael, especially if you're a reader who likes the strong, silent, soldier type.
(less)

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Sep 16, 2012 Kathy rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: enhanced-human, fantasy-romance, sexy

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Setting:
Nevada Area 51 aka ; Sunrise City – underground city/compound for the Renegades; Zodius City – underground city/ compound for the Zoduiu; Dreamland – Powell’s compound; Neonopolis – Las Vegas satellite location for Renegades, basement on complex;

Theme:
Trust; power; control; right vs wrong; spy; love

Character:

Project Zodius GTECH Super Soldier Program – chosen soldiers injected with an alien DNA serum that enhanced their strength… soldiers told it was an immunization… some genetically ma...more

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Apr 03, 2011 Michelle rated it 2 of 5 stars

The Legend of Michael is the first book in the Zodius series by Lisa Renee Jones and a Romance Novel from Sourcebooks Casablanca.

Book Blurb:

He Is A Lethal Weapon...

One of an army of human soldiers injected with alien DNA, Michael is a legend within this new race, split between good and evil. Untamable, he has walked on the dark side and returned to the light. Feared and misunderstood, he leaves everything behind, including the one woman destined to be his mate.

He Is Her Enemy...And Her Destiny.....more

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Jun 16, 2011 Kate rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: paranormal-romance, hot-military-guys

I'll give the author the fact that her writing improved as she moved through this novel, I could tell it was jerky in the beginning and she was uncomfortable with the pace. She also kept messing up who's perspective we were in and who was thinking what. There were so many he's and she's, and I found myself rereading a lot of sentence to just understand what the heck was happening. The romance at the start went way way way too fast and the action bits at the end took way way way too long and were...more

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Apr 25, 2011 Anna rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: reviews, scifi-romance

Michael is a human soldier that has been injected and changed with alien DNA by the government. Among his fellow soldiers he is legend and one not to cross. When Cassandra & Michael meet for the first time, they literally crash into each other. From that first gaze and touch he rocks her world. Instantly Michael knows that Cassandra is his mate and will do anything to protect her... even if that means leaving her behind.

This book holds a story of soldiers drastically changed by alien DNA, bu...more

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Jan 18, 2012 Dani Salinas rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: authors-that-are-a-must-read, second-time-through

Lisa introduces a new conspiracy romance series that will keep readers flipping through their Kindle or paperback. She keeps the suspense flowing through the book by tossing in twists and turns that you don't see coming. She creates a world that you truly come to believe and wonder if it actually could be possible. The romance is just enough in my opinion (read another review that claims wasn't enough, obviously they missed the bigger picture, no offense). I love the humanity that is shared amon...more

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Sep 24, 2011 Brenda rated it 5 of 5 stars

I won a copy of The Legend of Michael, but I'd been eyeing it since it's release in May. It's the first in a new series by the author. I loved the plot, the characters, the world building and the possibilities that were introduced. I hate giving away too much, but each book focuses on a couple, one of which is a special ops soldier that has been given alien DNA that changes each man in different ways. It's a complex plot, but not overwhelming. I found the concept fascinating and a perfect backdr...more

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May 21, 2012 Guilty Pleasures rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: authorreviews, guiltypleasures-asher

Asher's review posted on Guilty Pleasures

The Legend of Michael by Lisa Renee Jones is the beginning of an Epic adventure through government intrigue, deception, romance, and betrayal. Once I picked this book up I couldn't put it down, I was hooked!

Michael was so stoic and reserved, he didn't want to put his lifebond in danger, and yet had to to get somewhere. But I can't really say too much without giving away the book. I'm in the middle of reading the next book in this Awesome series, and I'm a...more

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Jul 02, 2012 Morgan rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: the-writing-s-the-problem

The Legend of Michael was not what I had expected. It was actually pretty aggravating, Michael's protectiveness was not cute, it was overbearing. I get how he wanted to protect her but it seemed like he was just asserting he masculinity. Like he had something to prove. A couple dates depicted within a few pages and BOOM! They're in deep love. That I've seen in other books but to a see a book that so aggresively undermines women was not so entertaining. One star because the concept wasn't the pro...more

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Apr 17, 2011 Martin Villa rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: EVERYONE

Recommended to Martin by: A dear friend

I have been trying new authors (new to me) lately and I received this from a friend that owns a bookstore, it wasnt even on the shelves yet..I have to say I was very impressed by Mrs. Jones's ability to draw the reader in from the first page and I didnt experience the middle lag that is common with most authors. I couldnt guess the ending. I usually dont write reviews but I had to spread the word, The Legend of Michael is an EXCELLENT READ - I look forward to the next book in the series and I pl...more

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The Legend of Michael (Zodius #1)

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