This rapid-paced novel caught my attention from the very beginning. Just as these soldiers are tossed into immediate combat, so the reader is tossed into a hot and sizzling convoluted plot line involving biological warfare, standard warfare, a futuristic apocalyptic setting-and a “Healer,” one who must conceal her skills, yet needs to use them or else risk going insane from bottling away her talents.

But in a real upheaval of the entire purpose of a healing society, Mira discovers that she is about to lose her powers, and perhaps, even be executed-all because she desired to help a wounded prisoner. Amazing it is to discover this type of hierarchy among those “unusuals” who are gifted with powers beyond normal comprehension-they have become so authoritarian and despotic. In a world crying out desperately for healing and succor, these “judges” decide who gets help, and how little help can be offered. And woe betide any healer who steps beyond that line!

I haven’t yet read the first four books in this series, so I can confidently state that this book functions very well as a stand-alone novel. (That doesn’t mean I won’t be rushing to read the first four-I will!) For any reader who likes urban fantasy-with a scientific twist; futuristic settings; and may I add, seriously hot special operations men-in and out of the military- who come very well-equipped, this book will be a treasured and re-read gem.