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The Trust
Eight years ago, Jake Anders was a college kid from the wrong side of the tracks. Then Trace Michelson recruited him into The Trust, a CIA-backed agency whose “executives” eliminate rogue biotechnology operations. Trace was everything Jake ever wanted in a powerful, brilliant, and gorgeous. But Jake never admitted his attraction to his mentor, and Trace always kept Jake at arm’s length. Now Trace is dead and Jake is one of The Trust’s best operatives, highly skilled and loyal to the organization. But the secret agent has his own six years ago, before he was assassinated, Trace designed a Sim chip containing his memories and experiences―and now that chip is part of Jake. It’s just data, designed to augment Jake’s knowledge, but when Sim becomes reality, Jake wonders if Trace is still alive or if Jake really is going crazy like everyone claims. He doesn’t know if he can trust himself, let alone anyone else. To learn the truth about Trace and the chip, Jake embarks on a dangerous mission―except he’s not the only one looking for the information. Some of the answers are locked in his head, and unless he finds the key, he’ll be killed for the technology that’s become a part of him. Now, more than ever, Jake wishes Trace were here to guide him. Too bad he’s dead... right?
234 pages, Paperback
First published June 18, 2012
9 people are currently reading
346 people want to read
About the author
Shira Anthony
43 books426 followersShira Anthony is a complete sucker for a happily-ever-after, and rarely reads or writes a story without one. Never a fan of instalove, Shira likes to write stories about real men with real issues making real relationships work.
In her last incarnation, Shira was a professional opera singer, performing roles in such operas as “Tosca,” “Pagliacci,” and “La Traviata,” among others. Her Blue Notes Series is loosely based upon her own experiences as a professional musician.
Shira is married with two children and two insane dogs and when she’s not writing, she is usually in a courtroom trying to make the world safer for children. When she’s not working, she can be found aboard a 36’ catamaran at the Carolina coast with her favorite sexy captain at the wheel. She’s given up TV for evenings spent with her laptop, and she never goes anywhere without a pile of unread M/M romance on her Kindle.
Interested in hearing Shira sing? Here's a link to a live performance of Shira singing an aria from Puccini's "Tosca": http://www.shiraanthony.com/wp-conten...
You can subscribe to Shira's monthly newsletter for updates, free fiction, and subscriber-only contests here: http://www.shiraanthony.com/newsletter/
In her last incarnation, Shira was a professional opera singer, performing roles in such operas as “Tosca,” “Pagliacci,” and “La Traviata,” among others. Her Blue Notes Series is loosely based upon her own experiences as a professional musician.
Shira is married with two children and two insane dogs and when she’s not writing, she is usually in a courtroom trying to make the world safer for children. When she’s not working, she can be found aboard a 36’ catamaran at the Carolina coast with her favorite sexy captain at the wheel. She’s given up TV for evenings spent with her laptop, and she never goes anywhere without a pile of unread M/M romance on her Kindle.
Interested in hearing Shira sing? Here's a link to a live performance of Shira singing an aria from Puccini's "Tosca": http://www.shiraanthony.com/wp-conten...
You can subscribe to Shira's monthly newsletter for updates, free fiction, and subscriber-only contests here: http://www.shiraanthony.com/newsletter/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
July 25, 2016
3.5 stars
Expect espionage, futuristic technology, alternate reality, evil plots, and lots of mindfuckery.
This is a Bourne-like psychological spy thriller where the two main characters just happen to be gay and share a connection. It's an action book first, a romance second (don't expect a lot of steam here; there's almost none).
Trace's grandfather founded the Trust, a biotechnology corporation that is associated with the CIA. Jake is one of Trace's young recruits. The men never even kiss much less talk about their feelings before Trace is shot (the book begins several years after the shooting, although we get a few flashbacks to fill in the backstory).
Before the shooting, Jake receives a prototype of a "sim chip," which grants him access to all of Trace's knowledge, the catalog of his mind. Jake even talks to the sim, and it's like he's talking to Trace himself. Determined to find out precisely what happened to Trace, Jake goes on a double-crossing mission involving cruel scientists, murderous bosses, and lots of weapons. Whom can he trust, and what does he really know about Trace and himself?
The novel stays firmly in the present. Beside the flashbacks, we learn very little history about the Trust itself or the two MCs (and almost nothing about the secondary characters). We see them in the moment and glean their personalities from their thoughts and actions. The POV here is third-person and limited almost entirely to Jake's thoughts, although we get sections told from others' POV, including the villain's.
I'm not entirely sure all the technology stuff was believable or made sense. Maybe that's just me; I'm not a techno-junkie by any means. But whatever. There was meditation, self-healing, soul connections, and mandalas (bonus points if you know what those are OR you can read the book). Each chapter began with a cool Eastern philosophy quote. I usually don't go for this genre, but this one gave a fairly satisfying crunch.
Expect espionage, futuristic technology, alternate reality, evil plots, and lots of mindfuckery.
This is a Bourne-like psychological spy thriller where the two main characters just happen to be gay and share a connection. It's an action book first, a romance second (don't expect a lot of steam here; there's almost none).
Trace's grandfather founded the Trust, a biotechnology corporation that is associated with the CIA. Jake is one of Trace's young recruits. The men never even kiss much less talk about their feelings before Trace is shot (the book begins several years after the shooting, although we get a few flashbacks to fill in the backstory).
Before the shooting, Jake receives a prototype of a "sim chip," which grants him access to all of Trace's knowledge, the catalog of his mind. Jake even talks to the sim, and it's like he's talking to Trace himself. Determined to find out precisely what happened to Trace, Jake goes on a double-crossing mission involving cruel scientists, murderous bosses, and lots of weapons. Whom can he trust, and what does he really know about Trace and himself?
The novel stays firmly in the present. Beside the flashbacks, we learn very little history about the Trust itself or the two MCs (and almost nothing about the secondary characters). We see them in the moment and glean their personalities from their thoughts and actions. The POV here is third-person and limited almost entirely to Jake's thoughts, although we get sections told from others' POV, including the villain's.
I'm not entirely sure all the technology stuff was believable or made sense. Maybe that's just me; I'm not a techno-junkie by any means. But whatever. There was meditation, self-healing, soul connections, and mandalas (bonus points if you know what those are OR you can read the book). Each chapter began with a cool Eastern philosophy quote. I usually don't go for this genre, but this one gave a fairly satisfying crunch.
May 25, 2012
I read this when it still was a Bleach fanfic. Liked it a lot! :)
There's nothing better than some Renji-Byakuya-goodness... ;)
There's nothing better than some Renji-Byakuya-goodness... ;)
June 19, 2012
I'd call this a sort of near-and-dear sci fi novel, with technology that's close enough to real to be fairly easy to swallow, and that deft touch was the standout strength of this book to me. In fact, I loved the world-building in this, the Trust and its people and nomenclature and pretty much everything about it. The plot was exciting, the heroes had fun skills, the technology was great...but something wasn't quite right. On reflection, I think it's the interpersonal interactions.
From the very first scene where we have our hero defending himself in an extremely abrupt fashion--I know he's got mad skills, but really? Like that?--to the development of romance via SIM, Jake passed in and through and around all sorts of people, but he didn't really seem to connect all that often. I wanted a little more description, a little more insight, and a little more fleshing-out of everyone's personal histories, his and Trace's especially. But then, I like exhaustive detail. Others will probably have no issue with the rapid, jet-setting pace of the novel. Me personally, the authors could have added a hundred pages and left me wanting more.
Overall I think it's a very worthwhile read, especially for sci fi fans. 3.5 stars!
From the very first scene where we have our hero defending himself in an extremely abrupt fashion--I know he's got mad skills, but really? Like that?--to the development of romance via SIM, Jake passed in and through and around all sorts of people, but he didn't really seem to connect all that often. I wanted a little more description, a little more insight, and a little more fleshing-out of everyone's personal histories, his and Trace's especially. But then, I like exhaustive detail. Others will probably have no issue with the rapid, jet-setting pace of the novel. Me personally, the authors could have added a hundred pages and left me wanting more.
Overall I think it's a very worthwhile read, especially for sci fi fans. 3.5 stars!
October 3, 2015
This wasn’t what I expected, although I’m not sure why. It was a good SF story, with a bit of fantasy crossover, IMHO. The romance was intriguing. The technology was interesting and the plot intriguing enough to keep me reading.
The opening scene promised more than the book delivered, though. There wasn’t enough suspense, danger, life & death situations, for a real thriller. I mean, there were a number of them but most were really short.
A number of times, the wording is written so that the reader is in the dark about what is exactly happening. It only works 25% of the time. Mostly, it was clear what was really happening. Yet at other times, when the author was trying to be clear, who was doing what was confusing or didn’t add up.
The pacing varied, sometimes good, other times dragging, and at others, too fast. The characters also varied, whereas some were solid, others were caricatures.
The ending was fine but the whole epilogue felt forced, like it didn’t need to be that tough.
3.5 stars rounded down because I didn’t immediately think I wanted a sequel.
The opening scene promised more than the book delivered, though. There wasn’t enough suspense, danger, life & death situations, for a real thriller. I mean, there were a number of them but most were really short.
A number of times, the wording is written so that the reader is in the dark about what is exactly happening. It only works 25% of the time. Mostly, it was clear what was really happening. Yet at other times, when the author was trying to be clear, who was doing what was confusing or didn’t add up.
The pacing varied, sometimes good, other times dragging, and at others, too fast. The characters also varied, whereas some were solid, others were caricatures.
The ending was fine but the whole epilogue felt forced, like it didn’t need to be that tough.
3.5 stars rounded down because I didn’t immediately think I wanted a sequel.
September 28, 2012
This was a fascinatingly complex world filled with danger, deceit and suspense. I was pulled in almost from the beginning with AIs and Sims and nanobots. At times, it felt like I was watching a movie instead of reading a book and I honestly loved it.
It's about Jake who was inserted with a Sim, which enhances his already dangerous abilities and makes him faster, stronger and more deadlier. His talents go farther than just physical skills because he has the brains to understand all the tech talk about his Sim. Beyond that, the book is about Jake coming to the realization that his mentor, and the man he's in love with, might just still be alive even though he died five years before. The story tells of Jake's journey to figure out the truth about Trace's death all the while having to be cautious of his actions because he knows he can't trust anyone and if he trusts the wrong person he could end up dead or worse.
Jake is a pretty blunt character. He's intelligent but he still has a street thugs attitude at times. He's cunning and interesting and I liked the way he'd sacrifice himself to win a fight. At times I thought he was making a stupid mistake but then would figure out later on how it all played into his planned. Trace is kind of an enigma. We get him in two different forms, the 'real' Trace and the Trace Sim (who's in Jake's head). I rather liked both forms of him because it was neat getting bits and pieces from the Sim and I really enjoyed the conversations Jake would have with him.
The story was extremely interesting, IMO. It took me a little bit to understand what was going on at the beginning but once I did, I didn't want to put the book down. There's technical speak of artificial intelligence, you learn what a Sim is and about nanotechnology and biotechnology. I'm one of those readers that appreciates stories that go into topics not widely written and this was one of those stories. Honestly, I was enamored with the whole book. One thing would happen that would have me worried and anxious, sitting on the edge of my seat and then something else would happen that would have me even more worried but then things would work out but in a way I'd never have thought that just left me going "OMG" or "WTF" but in a good way! The secondary characters also made the story more suspenseful because you never knew who was a good guy and who was the bad (except for a few definitely bad guys!). Especially Greyson, Jake's best friend, I wanted to like him but I wasn't sure if I could trust him! It was a constant game of second-guessing in my mind and I loved every minute of it.
My only problems with the story is that I had a few unanswered questions about Trace and the aftermath of his death. Trace also isn't a very developed character. Neither is Jake, actually, but we get so much of his POV that you understand him as he is. I was still able to connect with both characters, though, and I really enjoyed the relationship they developed because it drilled in the fact that they do trust each other implicitly. Beyond that, I'm not really a fan of flashbacks because it always screws up the timeline for me and the ones in this story told of what Trace was like so it was hard to keep straight between the present and the past. I was also confused at times because it seemed like the story would jump from one thing to another and occasionally that resulted without any explanations of the transition which left me bewildered.
All in all, this was exactly the type of story I loved to read about. I connected with the characters, I loved the plot and the fact it was able to keep me in suspense was a major bonus. It's not romance heavy but the feelings and relationship are there in every step of the story even if it's more in the background at times. Definitely a world I'd love to read more stories in because the whole concept around advanced technology fascinates me to no end.
It's about Jake who was inserted with a Sim, which enhances his already dangerous abilities and makes him faster, stronger and more deadlier. His talents go farther than just physical skills because he has the brains to understand all the tech talk about his Sim. Beyond that, the book is about Jake coming to the realization that his mentor, and the man he's in love with, might just still be alive even though he died five years before. The story tells of Jake's journey to figure out the truth about Trace's death all the while having to be cautious of his actions because he knows he can't trust anyone and if he trusts the wrong person he could end up dead or worse.
Jake is a pretty blunt character. He's intelligent but he still has a street thugs attitude at times. He's cunning and interesting and I liked the way he'd sacrifice himself to win a fight. At times I thought he was making a stupid mistake but then would figure out later on how it all played into his planned. Trace is kind of an enigma. We get him in two different forms, the 'real' Trace and the Trace Sim (who's in Jake's head). I rather liked both forms of him because it was neat getting bits and pieces from the Sim and I really enjoyed the conversations Jake would have with him.
The story was extremely interesting, IMO. It took me a little bit to understand what was going on at the beginning but once I did, I didn't want to put the book down. There's technical speak of artificial intelligence, you learn what a Sim is and about nanotechnology and biotechnology. I'm one of those readers that appreciates stories that go into topics not widely written and this was one of those stories. Honestly, I was enamored with the whole book. One thing would happen that would have me worried and anxious, sitting on the edge of my seat and then something else would happen that would have me even more worried but then things would work out but in a way I'd never have thought that just left me going "OMG" or "WTF" but in a good way! The secondary characters also made the story more suspenseful because you never knew who was a good guy and who was the bad (except for a few definitely bad guys!). Especially Greyson, Jake's best friend, I wanted to like him but I wasn't sure if I could trust him! It was a constant game of second-guessing in my mind and I loved every minute of it.
My only problems with the story is that I had a few unanswered questions about Trace and the aftermath of his death. Trace also isn't a very developed character. Neither is Jake, actually, but we get so much of his POV that you understand him as he is. I was still able to connect with both characters, though, and I really enjoyed the relationship they developed because it drilled in the fact that they do trust each other implicitly. Beyond that, I'm not really a fan of flashbacks because it always screws up the timeline for me and the ones in this story told of what Trace was like so it was hard to keep straight between the present and the past. I was also confused at times because it seemed like the story would jump from one thing to another and occasionally that resulted without any explanations of the transition which left me bewildered.
All in all, this was exactly the type of story I loved to read about. I connected with the characters, I loved the plot and the fact it was able to keep me in suspense was a major bonus. It's not romance heavy but the feelings and relationship are there in every step of the story even if it's more in the background at times. Definitely a world I'd love to read more stories in because the whole concept around advanced technology fascinates me to no end.
June 18, 2012
I genuinely enjoyed The Trust. It doesn't fit neatly into any single genre category, and that I think is one of its strengths.
The Trust, is one part science fiction novel, one part political/espionage mystery, and one part romance. The Trust (the fictional organization for which the book is named) is a government agency working under the auspices of the CIA, whose primary function is to keep tabs on foreign governments and private companies who use (and abuse) biotechnology. When somebody crosses the line between use and abuse, Trust agents move in and “handle the situation”.
The biotechnology in The Trust is what producers/writers for one my favorite television shows (“La Femme Nikita”) described as “ten minutes into the future”—i.e. we don’t have this technology yet, but it’s easy to believe that given a few years, we could. (Heck, it’s not so hard to believe that some of it might already exist, we just don’t know about it yet!) Of course, the only reason that works is that the writing and research are both credible.
No single plot element (mystery/thriller, romance, science fiction) would work without the other two, as all three elements weave together to form a fast paced novel with a tight, well-rounded plot. I was drawn in immediately, wanting to know more. More about the Trust, more about the traitors, and much, much more about not only the main characters, Jake Anders and Trace Michelson, but also the cast of supporting characters (a host of agents and double agents whose loyalties could never quite be trusted).
I loved both Jake Anders (stubborn, loyal almost to a fault, and smart), and Trace Michelson (intelligent, funny and, unfortunately for Jake, also dead. Yes. Dead.)
And yes, it was very strange reading a romance novel that starts out with one of the main characters dead (and we’re not talking zombies, ghosts, or vampires, but genuinely, humanly deceased)—however, fans of Happily Ever After shouldn’t let that dissuade them. Far from it, in fact. I won’t tell you how Ms. Anthony and Ms. Keyes manage to pull it off, other than to say “skillfully”. Anthony and Keyes take readers half way around the world, from familiar places, like Raleigh North Carolina, to a tiny village in Tibet, as Jake follows in Trace’s footsteps to unravel the mystery of the Sim chip—a microchip that is far more than simple artificial intelligence, for it contains all of Trace Michelson’s knowledge and memories.
There were enough twists and turns to keep me guessing, and in places on the edge of my seat, madly reading as fast as I could to find out what happened next. I wanted to know who Jake could trust and who was going to stab him in the back (literally)—and of course, I needed to know how Jake was going to get his happy ending.
About the only technical “problem” I had was that in places the dialog seemed a little stiff. But seriously, if that’s the only thing someone can knock about a book…?
On a personal note, I don’t usually like getting into the heads of the antagonists (I skim read whole chapters of a several of books, because I just didn’t care what the bad guy did in his spare time), but that said, where Anthony and Keyes do take readers out of the protagonists’ heads and into the thoughts of the antagonists, it’s handled well, it's brief, and most importantly, genuinely adds to the story.
The Trust, is one part science fiction novel, one part political/espionage mystery, and one part romance. The Trust (the fictional organization for which the book is named) is a government agency working under the auspices of the CIA, whose primary function is to keep tabs on foreign governments and private companies who use (and abuse) biotechnology. When somebody crosses the line between use and abuse, Trust agents move in and “handle the situation”.
The biotechnology in The Trust is what producers/writers for one my favorite television shows (“La Femme Nikita”) described as “ten minutes into the future”—i.e. we don’t have this technology yet, but it’s easy to believe that given a few years, we could. (Heck, it’s not so hard to believe that some of it might already exist, we just don’t know about it yet!) Of course, the only reason that works is that the writing and research are both credible.
No single plot element (mystery/thriller, romance, science fiction) would work without the other two, as all three elements weave together to form a fast paced novel with a tight, well-rounded plot. I was drawn in immediately, wanting to know more. More about the Trust, more about the traitors, and much, much more about not only the main characters, Jake Anders and Trace Michelson, but also the cast of supporting characters (a host of agents and double agents whose loyalties could never quite be trusted).
I loved both Jake Anders (stubborn, loyal almost to a fault, and smart), and Trace Michelson (intelligent, funny and, unfortunately for Jake, also dead. Yes. Dead.)
And yes, it was very strange reading a romance novel that starts out with one of the main characters dead (and we’re not talking zombies, ghosts, or vampires, but genuinely, humanly deceased)—however, fans of Happily Ever After shouldn’t let that dissuade them. Far from it, in fact. I won’t tell you how Ms. Anthony and Ms. Keyes manage to pull it off, other than to say “skillfully”. Anthony and Keyes take readers half way around the world, from familiar places, like Raleigh North Carolina, to a tiny village in Tibet, as Jake follows in Trace’s footsteps to unravel the mystery of the Sim chip—a microchip that is far more than simple artificial intelligence, for it contains all of Trace Michelson’s knowledge and memories.
There were enough twists and turns to keep me guessing, and in places on the edge of my seat, madly reading as fast as I could to find out what happened next. I wanted to know who Jake could trust and who was going to stab him in the back (literally)—and of course, I needed to know how Jake was going to get his happy ending.
About the only technical “problem” I had was that in places the dialog seemed a little stiff. But seriously, if that’s the only thing someone can knock about a book…?
On a personal note, I don’t usually like getting into the heads of the antagonists (I skim read whole chapters of a several of books, because I just didn’t care what the bad guy did in his spare time), but that said, where Anthony and Keyes do take readers out of the protagonists’ heads and into the thoughts of the antagonists, it’s handled well, it's brief, and most importantly, genuinely adds to the story.
June 25, 2012
I think I would call this a 4.5 star book. The first half of it, I wasn't sure at all what I was reading or where it was going or who I was rooting for but by the end, the authors deliver. It's like nothing I've read in the M/M genre so far... but then I saw from other reviewers, it started out as Bleach fanfic so maybe that is why. I don't know what Bleach is - but from a Google search - it's some part of the manga genre. And, for me, manga is a totally foreign concept - literally. I was better off thinking of this book as not being any kind of fanfic. (Not that I mind fanfic that makes it mainstream. I actually think that's a pretty cool phenomenon and really not that different from Bridgette's Jones Diary mimicking Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice.)
Anyway - The Trust is worth the read. I'm going to try to be vague here to avoid spoilers. It's complicated as hell. I was satisfied with the ending as a hopeless romantic, and I was sure that even at 75% of the way through the book that I wouldn't be. Points that kept this from being a 5 are -- I think that the authors dragged out the final romantic resolution too much. There was a lot going on in this book because of the complicated plot and the relationship building between the main characters suffered for that. There was also very little sex... until the last 20% of the book, it wasn't really a romance at all. That point was even further emphasized by the delayed resolution at the end of the book in the core relationship -- it made it seem like their love relationship was secondary to the rest of everything that was going on. I got my happy ending but I felt like it was tossed together as an afterthought.
Anyway - The Trust is worth the read. I'm going to try to be vague here to avoid spoilers. It's complicated as hell. I was satisfied with the ending as a hopeless romantic, and I was sure that even at 75% of the way through the book that I wouldn't be. Points that kept this from being a 5 are -- I think that the authors dragged out the final romantic resolution too much. There was a lot going on in this book because of the complicated plot and the relationship building between the main characters suffered for that. There was also very little sex... until the last 20% of the book, it wasn't really a romance at all. That point was even further emphasized by the delayed resolution at the end of the book in the core relationship -- it made it seem like their love relationship was secondary to the rest of everything that was going on. I got my happy ending but I felt like it was tossed together as an afterthought.
June 18, 2012
Ever hear of SIMS chips? How about nanobots, or simulation chambers where the surreal becomes real? Well, get ready for some new vocabulary when you read "The Trust" by Shira Anthony and Verona Keyes.
Meet agent Jake Anders of The Trust. Jake is your average next-door neighbor. He’s an expert scientist and works hard at his job. He goes to the gym, rides a motorcycle for fun. He goes camping with friends. Jake is also an expert in black ops, and an expert killer. Jake is single, and he’s in love—in love with a ghost.
Trace Michelson, before his murder, embedded a SIM chip, with all of his life experience, all of his scientific knowledge, the sum total of himself, even his deep love for Jake Anders. It is this chip, implanted in Jake after Trace’s death that simultaneously comforts, and bedevils him. This may sound like a novel for technology wonks, but at its core it is a story of love. It is this overarching love—transcending time and space that propels Jake to reach out beyond the possible, and believe. To this end, Jake must engage in a life and death struggle to save not only The Trust, and himself, but also the man he loves.
Shira Anthony and Verona Keyes have written a thriller that, to this reader appears eerily plausible.
Meet agent Jake Anders of The Trust. Jake is your average next-door neighbor. He’s an expert scientist and works hard at his job. He goes to the gym, rides a motorcycle for fun. He goes camping with friends. Jake is also an expert in black ops, and an expert killer. Jake is single, and he’s in love—in love with a ghost.
Trace Michelson, before his murder, embedded a SIM chip, with all of his life experience, all of his scientific knowledge, the sum total of himself, even his deep love for Jake Anders. It is this chip, implanted in Jake after Trace’s death that simultaneously comforts, and bedevils him. This may sound like a novel for technology wonks, but at its core it is a story of love. It is this overarching love—transcending time and space that propels Jake to reach out beyond the possible, and believe. To this end, Jake must engage in a life and death struggle to save not only The Trust, and himself, but also the man he loves.
Shira Anthony and Verona Keyes have written a thriller that, to this reader appears eerily plausible.
Read
May 17, 2012My third Dreamspinner Press release, co-authored with my good friend, Venona Keyes. "The Trust" is a gay romance, contemporary spy-thriller/mystery with lots of action.
Jake Anders is a sexy secret agent/spy working for an agency that is supposed to be making the world safer from the threat of biotechnological weapons. He has a secret of his own - a microchip or "Sim" implanted in his body that is something like a Google database in his mind. The Sim is based upon the life experiences of Jake's mentor, Trace Michelson. But when the Sim starts to speak to him, Jake begins to wonder if he's losing his mind.
Jake has one other secret: he's in love with Trace. Which is a bit of a problem, since Trace is dead. Or is he? With the Sim's help, Jake sets off on an adventure to learn the truth about the man he loves.
Is there a happy ending in sight for Jake? Of course! I would never leave my readers, or my characters, without a HEA!
You can find a link to an excerpt on my blog: http://shiraanthonydotcom.wordpress.c...
Jake Anders is a sexy secret agent/spy working for an agency that is supposed to be making the world safer from the threat of biotechnological weapons. He has a secret of his own - a microchip or "Sim" implanted in his body that is something like a Google database in his mind. The Sim is based upon the life experiences of Jake's mentor, Trace Michelson. But when the Sim starts to speak to him, Jake begins to wonder if he's losing his mind.
Jake has one other secret: he's in love with Trace. Which is a bit of a problem, since Trace is dead. Or is he? With the Sim's help, Jake sets off on an adventure to learn the truth about the man he loves.
Is there a happy ending in sight for Jake? Of course! I would never leave my readers, or my characters, without a HEA!
You can find a link to an excerpt on my blog: http://shiraanthonydotcom.wordpress.c...
September 4, 2012
The Trust read, to me, like a gay Bourne Supremacy (though the gay part is mostly kept on the backburner for the first half or so of the novel). It's a quick, enjoyable read. The writing isn't at the level and speed of most thrillers, so the pace sometimes dragged. Jake isn't really a fully-defined character, and I found myself more interested in him because of that; but at the same time, it's strange to not really know who the protagonist is.
I also found myself disappointed in the organization, The Trust, and their technology. The specifics of both are kept at a distance, likely because neither author is an expert in nanotechnology or international espionage, so it's hard to get a firm grip on what exactly is happening and how.
But despite all this, the plot moves forward with each chapter, with so many double and tripple crossings that I stopped trying to figure out which side most of the characters fell on until the final chapter. I commed the authors on their ability to weave so many plot twists together without it ever feeling contrived. If you're looking for something fun and fast, The Trust is for you.
I also found myself disappointed in the organization, The Trust, and their technology. The specifics of both are kept at a distance, likely because neither author is an expert in nanotechnology or international espionage, so it's hard to get a firm grip on what exactly is happening and how.
But despite all this, the plot moves forward with each chapter, with so many double and tripple crossings that I stopped trying to figure out which side most of the characters fell on until the final chapter. I commed the authors on their ability to weave so many plot twists together without it ever feeling contrived. If you're looking for something fun and fast, The Trust is for you.
December 8, 2014
What Plainbrownwrapper said.
I can't believe this is by the same author who blessed us with Stealing the Wind.
Just a little warning for all of you, who is thinking of buying or reading this book:
This is a Bleach fanfic with Renji/Byakuya pairing. Not a very good fanfic at that, either. More reason for some fanfics to stay fanfics.
DNF-ing at 45%, which I am rating 1 star.
I can't believe this is by the same author who blessed us with Stealing the Wind.
Just a little warning for all of you, who is thinking of buying or reading this book:
This is a Bleach fanfic with Renji/Byakuya pairing. Not a very good fanfic at that, either. More reason for some fanfics to stay fanfics.
DNF-ing at 45%, which I am rating 1 star.
June 28, 2012
I have to admit to be surprised how good that book was.
From the starting point till the end I really had great time reading.
Plot pulls you in and main character Jake keeps you with him till its ends. I recommend the book to everyone who want to read a book with good story plot.
From the starting point till the end I really had great time reading.
Plot pulls you in and main character Jake keeps you with him till its ends. I recommend the book to everyone who want to read a book with good story plot.
June 25, 2012
4.5 stars
July 10, 2012
Jake Anders is a member of the Trust and was "recruited" by Trace Michelson, the Trust leader as an untested street punk. Jake respects and admires Trace's power, skill, and intellect but can never get close to the man. When Trace is murdered, however, being implanted with a Sim chip with Trace's essence in it allows Jake to learn more about the man than he ever did when Trace was alive.
This book had a lot of action and excitement. The espionage and the technology were well-written in my estimation and kept me very interested throughout the book. I give it a solid four stars for a great plot that kept me on my toes.
The only aspect of the book that I wish was a little more developed was the actual romance between Jake and Trace.
That was really the only thing I was unhappy about, but aside from that, a solid 4 star read.
This book had a lot of action and excitement. The espionage and the technology were well-written in my estimation and kept me very interested throughout the book. I give it a solid four stars for a great plot that kept me on my toes.
The only aspect of the book that I wish was a little more developed was the actual romance between Jake and Trace.
That was really the only thing I was unhappy about, but aside from that, a solid 4 star read.
June 25, 2012
3.5 - 3.75 stars
The book started strongly, but then lost its momentum in a game of cat and mouse between Jake and the bad guys who were revealed far too soon. The fast moving action was great, but there wasn't enough "breathing space" for the characters to fully develop or us to get to know them. There were some great ideas here and the authors managed to surprise me a couple of times (just when I was about to give up because "this is just too crazy"), but, although this is romance too and it's sort of expected to have some positive ending, I still wanted more suspense when it came to Trace's fate. Jake and Trace's connection just wasn't there for me, in spite of Sim who acted as Trace's substitute in the story. Jake's hero worship/crush just didn't translate well into theobsession with love for the man. There wasn't enough of their interaction in the past to make the mutual love believable either.
Still, this certainly wasn't the usual M/M affair - as a technological thriller with a dash of mysticism it successfully kept my attention. In fact, this is a perfect summer vacation read.
The book started strongly, but then lost its momentum in a game of cat and mouse between Jake and the bad guys who were revealed far too soon. The fast moving action was great, but there wasn't enough "breathing space" for the characters to fully develop or us to get to know them. There were some great ideas here and the authors managed to surprise me a couple of times (just when I was about to give up because "this is just too crazy"), but, although this is romance too and it's sort of expected to have some positive ending, I still wanted more suspense when it came to Trace's fate. Jake and Trace's connection just wasn't there for me, in spite of Sim who acted as Trace's substitute in the story. Jake's hero worship/crush just didn't translate well into the
Still, this certainly wasn't the usual M/M affair - as a technological thriller with a dash of mysticism it successfully kept my attention. In fact, this is a perfect summer vacation read.
August 19, 2015
I decided to re-read few book on my favourite shelve and The Trust is one of them. An Excellent story. Story worth to be re-read at least once a year!
2012/June/2 - 5 star rating
Wow this mystery story is simple amazing! The main plot was so well developed, staged and written, I can only say, DAMN, it was worth reading it. All the main characters were interesting and real. Their emotions were well integrated with the story. Trace and Jake were amazingly pulling characters. I really enjoyed this originally plotted story. So there is no wonder I RECOMMEND IT ON!
2012/June/2 - 5 star rating
Wow this mystery story is simple amazing! The main plot was so well developed, staged and written, I can only say, DAMN, it was worth reading it. All the main characters were interesting and real. Their emotions were well integrated with the story. Trace and Jake were amazingly pulling characters. I really enjoyed this originally plotted story. So there is no wonder I RECOMMEND IT ON!
June 23, 2012
This was more adventure than romance it had love in it but much more heavy on the adventure. This book had everything in it and it kept you guessing all the way through. It had spies who were "bad" but were really good or some "good" who were really bad. It had science fiction, cool geeky stuff. Just a really good book that took off running from the first page and didn't let up. There wasn't one slow or boring part in the book to me.
Want to read
February 24, 2013This sounds great!! I wish I could read it like RIGHT NOW!!!
January 22, 2020
Well, the last 25% felt a little rushed but I still read this straight through without putting it down.
August 2, 2012
Reviewed for Joyfully Jay.
Rating: 5 stars
Jake Anders is hearing voices, one voice to be exact. Jake hears the voice of Trace Michelson, his mentor, and the one man he has been attracted to for years. The problem is that the real Trace Michelson is dead, killed six years ago when Trace was assassinated by people and agencies unknown. The voice Jakes hears is that of the Sim implant in his brain that carries part of Trace in it. Trace Michelson recruited Jake when he was in college for The Trust, a CIA-backed agency whose “executives” eliminate rogue biotechnology operations.
Jake was in awe of Trace, a brilliant mind houses in a powerful, gorgeous body. If Trace ever knew of Jake’s long time infatuation, he never let on. Before he was killed, Trace designed the Sim chip implanted in Jake’s brain.The chip contains his memories and experiences. It’s supposed to be just data, designed to augment Jake’s knowledge. But the Sim seems so real, like talking to Trace in person so Jake wonders if Trace is still alive or if Jake really is going crazy like everyone claims. Then the Sim tells him to trust no one. And Jake decides to learn the truth about Trace and the Sim, no matter the cost, no matter where the end of the journey will find him, dead or alive. Jake will give his all to keep The Trust.
What a wild, crazy elaborate ride this book turned out to be. From the first, you enter a maze of misinformation and treachery, and like Alice, you must commit to jumping down the hole in order to reach the truth and find the satisfactory ending that is hidden behind closed doors. When we first meet Jake, he has been ambushed by a traitor. As Jake bleeds out, he throws a knife to take out his assassin and then hearing his Sim’s voice telling him to meditate, passes out. He awakes healed in a hospital bed, being touted as a superman for killing the traitor and healing himself. And from there we are off on a exciting romp from there that makes Mr. Toad’s wild ride look practically sedate. Our authors handle the past/present juggling act beautifully so we are fed only tidbits of information about the past histories of the people involved. This keeps us guessing as to who the bad guys really are as well as their motives behind the actions. And while we are certain of the identity of the main villian early on, the identities of the people who are under their control is always in question. Is it the best friend? Is it the sister or the doctor? Each reality keeps folding back on each other to keep the reader wonderfully confused right up to the end and the final denouement.
I love the character of Jake Anders right down to his long flaming red hair. Jake is such a distinctive persona, brilliant, seemingly removed from those around him, a true scientist at heart. Jake became work obsessed when he lost the most important man in his life, Trace Michelson. Jake has so many layers to him, he is as complicated and as elaborate as the conspiracy he must unravel. So Jake’s character must unfold to the reader through his inner voice and his memories as he runs the maze set before him and solves the puzzles his Sim/Trace have left behind. It doesn’t help that Jake is not sure himself what is real and what is imagined. We are as confused and uncertain as he is. That the reader is kept in the dark with Jake works to the stories advantage as we have to go down every blind alley and take every risk along with him.
Sometimes the action is fast paced, at other times the action is calculatingly slow like a chess move that will set off repercussions many moves later. I appreciated the change up in pace as it kept me guessing as to the hidden meanings behind each scene. There is a romantic element to The Trust but if that is all you are seeking in a novel, then perhaps this is not the story for you. It is there as thin threads that runs the length of the story. I really enjoyed the way Anthony and Keyes handled the romantic part of this story, that of Jake’s hidden love for Trace, a man we only get to see from Jake’s perspective. In Jake’s eyes, Trace is larger than life, his mentor, his hero, and the only man he is capable of loving. So when Jake is not sure whether the voice he is hearing is the Sim or somehow Trace himself and Jake wonders if he is sane, the reader is right there with him, hoping upon hope that somehow it is Trace himself. I can’t say more because that enters into spoiler territory but I loved the ending and so will you.
So even if mental mazes and action adventure may not be your thing, take a chance. Pick this up, stay with it through all the double crosses and ever-changing realities, it is worth it. You will love it. Trust me!
Cover: Wonderful cover by Catt Ford. Eye catching and speaks to the book within. Great job.
If you loved this, read Blue Notes by Shira Anthony. Read my review at my blog below
Read more of my reviews at http://scatteredthoughtsandroguewords...
Rating: 5 stars
Jake Anders is hearing voices, one voice to be exact. Jake hears the voice of Trace Michelson, his mentor, and the one man he has been attracted to for years. The problem is that the real Trace Michelson is dead, killed six years ago when Trace was assassinated by people and agencies unknown. The voice Jakes hears is that of the Sim implant in his brain that carries part of Trace in it. Trace Michelson recruited Jake when he was in college for The Trust, a CIA-backed agency whose “executives” eliminate rogue biotechnology operations.
Jake was in awe of Trace, a brilliant mind houses in a powerful, gorgeous body. If Trace ever knew of Jake’s long time infatuation, he never let on. Before he was killed, Trace designed the Sim chip implanted in Jake’s brain.The chip contains his memories and experiences. It’s supposed to be just data, designed to augment Jake’s knowledge. But the Sim seems so real, like talking to Trace in person so Jake wonders if Trace is still alive or if Jake really is going crazy like everyone claims. Then the Sim tells him to trust no one. And Jake decides to learn the truth about Trace and the Sim, no matter the cost, no matter where the end of the journey will find him, dead or alive. Jake will give his all to keep The Trust.
What a wild, crazy elaborate ride this book turned out to be. From the first, you enter a maze of misinformation and treachery, and like Alice, you must commit to jumping down the hole in order to reach the truth and find the satisfactory ending that is hidden behind closed doors. When we first meet Jake, he has been ambushed by a traitor. As Jake bleeds out, he throws a knife to take out his assassin and then hearing his Sim’s voice telling him to meditate, passes out. He awakes healed in a hospital bed, being touted as a superman for killing the traitor and healing himself. And from there we are off on a exciting romp from there that makes Mr. Toad’s wild ride look practically sedate. Our authors handle the past/present juggling act beautifully so we are fed only tidbits of information about the past histories of the people involved. This keeps us guessing as to who the bad guys really are as well as their motives behind the actions. And while we are certain of the identity of the main villian early on, the identities of the people who are under their control is always in question. Is it the best friend? Is it the sister or the doctor? Each reality keeps folding back on each other to keep the reader wonderfully confused right up to the end and the final denouement.
I love the character of Jake Anders right down to his long flaming red hair. Jake is such a distinctive persona, brilliant, seemingly removed from those around him, a true scientist at heart. Jake became work obsessed when he lost the most important man in his life, Trace Michelson. Jake has so many layers to him, he is as complicated and as elaborate as the conspiracy he must unravel. So Jake’s character must unfold to the reader through his inner voice and his memories as he runs the maze set before him and solves the puzzles his Sim/Trace have left behind. It doesn’t help that Jake is not sure himself what is real and what is imagined. We are as confused and uncertain as he is. That the reader is kept in the dark with Jake works to the stories advantage as we have to go down every blind alley and take every risk along with him.
Sometimes the action is fast paced, at other times the action is calculatingly slow like a chess move that will set off repercussions many moves later. I appreciated the change up in pace as it kept me guessing as to the hidden meanings behind each scene. There is a romantic element to The Trust but if that is all you are seeking in a novel, then perhaps this is not the story for you. It is there as thin threads that runs the length of the story. I really enjoyed the way Anthony and Keyes handled the romantic part of this story, that of Jake’s hidden love for Trace, a man we only get to see from Jake’s perspective. In Jake’s eyes, Trace is larger than life, his mentor, his hero, and the only man he is capable of loving. So when Jake is not sure whether the voice he is hearing is the Sim or somehow Trace himself and Jake wonders if he is sane, the reader is right there with him, hoping upon hope that somehow it is Trace himself. I can’t say more because that enters into spoiler territory but I loved the ending and so will you.
So even if mental mazes and action adventure may not be your thing, take a chance. Pick this up, stay with it through all the double crosses and ever-changing realities, it is worth it. You will love it. Trust me!
Cover: Wonderful cover by Catt Ford. Eye catching and speaks to the book within. Great job.
If you loved this, read Blue Notes by Shira Anthony. Read my review at my blog below
Read more of my reviews at http://scatteredthoughtsandroguewords...
September 11, 2013
Nothing is what seems... absolutely nothing...
Jake Anders
The top agent from The Trust. Born as a backup agency to the CIA, the trust is much more... it's the ultimate spy agency.
Jake Anders is the top agent of The Trust. He hate it, he never want to be the best, not because he is not competitive, but because the best, his mentor's dead, is the reason he is now the best agent.
Trace Michelson's death change everything in the agency, and to Jake Anders's life. Before his death, the brilliant scientist and agent Trace lost his life leaving Jake with the biggest mystery of all... what is the Resurrection project.
No one know it, and Jake is the key to solve this mystery.
No one can the trust... neither inside The Trust
It's a spy story. Keep it in mind. This is not an erotic book, and neither a romance. Don't read it because you want to read a love story. YES, Jake will not hide how in love he was. He will still be in love.
It's a high-tech story. Chips inside men heads, talking to them and helping the agents. Forget agents doing long surveillance to learn about their target... they just have to think, and ask to their chip. That's how Jake works now, after his chip implant... and he use it to just one aim... find Trace. Yes, Trace is dead, but Jake don't believe it, and most of all, don't accept it.
It's also a story full of twists and surprises.
But not always action and more action... from USA to Nepal, from present to past, from reality to computer simulations... it's a VERY complex plot, and I LOVED IT
I like when a book seems to scream I DARE YOU TO READ ME AND FIND OUT THE TRUTH
This book was addicting and IMPOSSIBLE to understand! AND I LOVED IT because up to the last page, the last mission, the last word, it's a SPY story!
I can't give less than 5 stars and NOW finally, after finishing it, I can breathe normally again.
Jake Anders
The top agent from The Trust. Born as a backup agency to the CIA, the trust is much more... it's the ultimate spy agency.
Jake Anders is the top agent of The Trust. He hate it, he never want to be the best, not because he is not competitive, but because the best, his mentor's dead, is the reason he is now the best agent.
Trace Michelson's death change everything in the agency, and to Jake Anders's life. Before his death, the brilliant scientist and agent Trace lost his life leaving Jake with the biggest mystery of all... what is the Resurrection project.
No one know it, and Jake is the key to solve this mystery.
No one can the trust... neither inside The Trust
It's a spy story. Keep it in mind. This is not an erotic book, and neither a romance. Don't read it because you want to read a love story. YES, Jake will not hide how in love he was. He will still be in love.
It's a high-tech story. Chips inside men heads, talking to them and helping the agents. Forget agents doing long surveillance to learn about their target... they just have to think, and ask to their chip. That's how Jake works now, after his chip implant... and he use it to just one aim... find Trace. Yes, Trace is dead, but Jake don't believe it, and most of all, don't accept it.
It's also a story full of twists and surprises.
But not always action and more action... from USA to Nepal, from present to past, from reality to computer simulations... it's a VERY complex plot, and I LOVED IT
I like when a book seems to scream I DARE YOU TO READ ME AND FIND OUT THE TRUTH
This book was addicting and IMPOSSIBLE to understand! AND I LOVED IT because up to the last page, the last mission, the last word, it's a SPY story!
I can't give less than 5 stars and NOW finally, after finishing it, I can breathe normally again.
August 31, 2012
Reviewed on Hearts On Fire... http://heartsonfirereviews.com/
A great sci-fi thriller slightly reminiscent of The Matrix movies. Jake Anders was a college guy with potential when the Trace Michelson recruited him into The Trust. The Trust is a combination of scientific biotech study and espionage started by Trace's grandfather and now run by the brilliant Trace as a CIA-backed operation. Jake fell for the all work and no play Trace but never told him and now Trace is dead and Jake is walking around with a Trace Sim in his head. Jake's best friend and fellow operative, Grey, each have experimental prototype Sim implants that help the men when they are on a mission. The Trace Sim is different tho in that it talks to Jake regularly and has set Jake on a personal path to find out just what happened to Trace and how to bring down the corrupt men now running The Trust. Jake's only problem is that the Trace Sim which contains all of Trace Michelson's memories keeps telling Jake to Trust Noone. The story was much more of a thriller than a romance and the action never slowed down. Jake and Grey were both great characters and were very well developed. I got to know the Trace character through the Sim. The storyline got a little confusing in that I wasn't sure who the good guys/bad guys were for a little while but that's what puts the thrill in thriller. The many subplots that Ms Anthony and Ms Keyes wove through out the story blended well together and kept my turning pages right until the HEA ending. The romance side of the story was more one sided with Jake primarily dwelling on the memory of Trace. Though the story is a present day type sci-fi story, the background building and scientific research was very well done. I'd recommend this unique book to anyone looking for an interesting, action packed read with a scientific twist.
A great sci-fi thriller slightly reminiscent of The Matrix movies. Jake Anders was a college guy with potential when the Trace Michelson recruited him into The Trust. The Trust is a combination of scientific biotech study and espionage started by Trace's grandfather and now run by the brilliant Trace as a CIA-backed operation. Jake fell for the all work and no play Trace but never told him and now Trace is dead and Jake is walking around with a Trace Sim in his head. Jake's best friend and fellow operative, Grey, each have experimental prototype Sim implants that help the men when they are on a mission. The Trace Sim is different tho in that it talks to Jake regularly and has set Jake on a personal path to find out just what happened to Trace and how to bring down the corrupt men now running The Trust. Jake's only problem is that the Trace Sim which contains all of Trace Michelson's memories keeps telling Jake to Trust Noone. The story was much more of a thriller than a romance and the action never slowed down. Jake and Grey were both great characters and were very well developed. I got to know the Trace character through the Sim. The storyline got a little confusing in that I wasn't sure who the good guys/bad guys were for a little while but that's what puts the thrill in thriller. The many subplots that Ms Anthony and Ms Keyes wove through out the story blended well together and kept my turning pages right until the HEA ending. The romance side of the story was more one sided with Jake primarily dwelling on the memory of Trace. Though the story is a present day type sci-fi story, the background building and scientific research was very well done. I'd recommend this unique book to anyone looking for an interesting, action packed read with a scientific twist.
June 18, 2012
Where to start? This book was such a roller-coaster. I couldn't put it down from start to finish and ending up spending the entire day reading it. It's different than Ms. Anthony's other books, but it was really good and it had the ending I was looking for.
The action is real cool and there are some neat tech gadgets. There are a few sex scenes, which were pretty hot, too. I won't tell you how it works out, but it does.
The action is real cool and there are some neat tech gadgets. There are a few sex scenes, which were pretty hot, too. I won't tell you how it works out, but it does.
Read
May 21, 2012My third Dreamspinner Press release, co-authored with my good friend, Venona Keyes. "The Trust" is a gay romance, contemporary spy-thriller/mystery with lots of action.
Jake Anders is a sexy secret agent/spy working for an agency that is supposed to be making the world safer from the threat of biotechnological weapons. He has a secret of his own - a microchip or "Sim" implanted in his body that is something like a Google database in his mind. The Sim is based upon the life experiences of Jake's mentor, Trace Michelson. But when the Sim starts to speak to him, Jake begins to wonder if he's losing his mind.
Jake has one other secret: he's in love with Trace. Which is a bit of a problem, since Trace is dead. Or is he? With the Sim's help, Jake sets off on an adventure to learn the truth about the man he loves.
Is there a happy ending in sight for Jake? Of course! I would never leave my readers, or my characters, without a HEA!
You can find a link to an excerpt on my blog: http://shiraanthonydotcom.wordpress.c...
Jake Anders is a sexy secret agent/spy working for an agency that is supposed to be making the world safer from the threat of biotechnological weapons. He has a secret of his own - a microchip or "Sim" implanted in his body that is something like a Google database in his mind. The Sim is based upon the life experiences of Jake's mentor, Trace Michelson. But when the Sim starts to speak to him, Jake begins to wonder if he's losing his mind.
Jake has one other secret: he's in love with Trace. Which is a bit of a problem, since Trace is dead. Or is he? With the Sim's help, Jake sets off on an adventure to learn the truth about the man he loves.
Is there a happy ending in sight for Jake? Of course! I would never leave my readers, or my characters, without a HEA!
You can find a link to an excerpt on my blog: http://shiraanthonydotcom.wordpress.c...
July 15, 2014
This has been on my TBR shelf for awhile. I ‘misplaced’ the e-book and have been searching for it for some time so when I found it, I wanted to start reading it right away. And it did not disappoint! What an intriguing story line; it had a Maxtrixy feel to it at times, but just when I was in the thick of trying to unravel the plot that I had completely forgotten it was a love story, we’d get a tender or spicy moment between Jake and SimTrace at just the right time. Trace is not the omniscient being he appears to be, watching over all, with all the answers. But instead he’s patiently waiting for Jake to come into his own as Trace’s equal, maybe even surpassing him. And the ending was perfect for the two. I could not put the book down! Would love more of Jake and Trace, but the book ended on a pretty clear note. Absolutely enjoyed this-five stars!
August 14, 2012
I loved the mystery and all the double- and quadruple-crossings, trying to figure out who to trust. I thought it worked great as a sci-fi/fantasy/mystery sort of story. As a romance? Not so much. Jake starts out with puppy love, they spend almost no time together for years, then Trace dies and Jake gets the Sim chip. Arguably he develops a relationship with the Sim over the next five years, but... I dunno, it just didn't quite work for me as a romance. But as a rolicking mystery romp set in the future? Hell yeah!
October 7, 2018
This was definitely a mystery/thriller first and a romance way down in maybe fourth. And that's not really a bad thing, just a warning. The premise and story were very interesting and kept my attention easily. That said, I did find myself confused and not knowing wtf was happening for a lot of the book. Oh but what a ride, a confusing, suspenseful ride. Yes, I wish there was more of a romance and yes, the ending felt rushed and a little off but still really enjoyable. So glad I picked this one!!
June 30, 2012
4 1/2 Hearts
Review to follow
Review to follow
October 26, 2015
2012 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention (5* from at least 1 judge)
January 20, 2013
" He felt the cold edge of the blade pressed against his bare skin through the bottom of the pocket he’d cut out."
Okay -- this guy is wearing a knife strapped to his leg. Fair enough. BUT -- cmon, people, you DON'T WEAR A BARED KNIFE ON YOUR LEG. YOU USE A SHEATH. If you can feel the edge of the blade pressed to your leg and it ISN'T cutting the crap out of your skin, then the knife is waaaaay too dull to do you any good!
This is a small inconsistency in the overall scheme of things, but it points out a continuing problem with the plotting. Specifically, there are lots of little inconsistencies and self-contradictions throughout the book. For instance, at one point the omniscient narrator tells us that There are similar problems throughout. There's insufficient justifications for major plot points -- for example -- shady motivations for character behavior, entirely unconvincing "science" elements -- -- and so on.
In addition, this is sort of the Buckaroo Banzai school of hero construction. Jake, our MC, is around 29. He's fluent in several different languages, an expert in DNA technology and doing groundbreaking DNA/nanotech research, AND he designs state-of-the-art motorcycle gear, AND he's an expert spy and assassin. Oh, and he can heal any injury, up to and including a bullet to the heart. Overkill? Uh-huh. It's kind of hard to take anything about the story seriously when the hero is so over-the-top. Yet, at the same time, this supposedly brilliant guy doesn't figure out essential points til they are useless -- for instance, .
So, anyway, you can tell I had lots of problems with this. GR user Kate also has a good review posted here, which discusses a few more problems that I also saw with the book, if you're interested in more.
Now, all this doesn't mean that it's a terrible book. There's enough action and twisting and turning to keep it from being boring. I just don't think the authors are familiar enough with the action/adventure/spy/sf genres, or gave all the plot elements enough thought, to make this a success. This is sort of a comic book masquerading as a novel, though, and not a particularly convincing one at that.
Well, the more I think about this book, the more irritated I get. So -- 2.4 stars, rounding down to 2.
eta -- I've just read in another review that this story was originally a fanfic from a manga that I'm not familiar with. I believe it!
Okay -- this guy is wearing a knife strapped to his leg. Fair enough. BUT -- cmon, people, you DON'T WEAR A BARED KNIFE ON YOUR LEG. YOU USE A SHEATH. If you can feel the edge of the blade pressed to your leg and it ISN'T cutting the crap out of your skin, then the knife is waaaaay too dull to do you any good!
This is a small inconsistency in the overall scheme of things, but it points out a continuing problem with the plotting. Specifically, there are lots of little inconsistencies and self-contradictions throughout the book. For instance, at one point the omniscient narrator tells us that There are similar problems throughout. There's insufficient justifications for major plot points -- for example -- shady motivations for character behavior, entirely unconvincing "science" elements -- -- and so on.
In addition, this is sort of the Buckaroo Banzai school of hero construction. Jake, our MC, is around 29. He's fluent in several different languages, an expert in DNA technology and doing groundbreaking DNA/nanotech research, AND he designs state-of-the-art motorcycle gear, AND he's an expert spy and assassin. Oh, and he can heal any injury, up to and including a bullet to the heart. Overkill? Uh-huh. It's kind of hard to take anything about the story seriously when the hero is so over-the-top. Yet, at the same time, this supposedly brilliant guy doesn't figure out essential points til they are useless -- for instance, .
So, anyway, you can tell I had lots of problems with this. GR user Kate also has a good review posted here, which discusses a few more problems that I also saw with the book, if you're interested in more.
Now, all this doesn't mean that it's a terrible book. There's enough action and twisting and turning to keep it from being boring. I just don't think the authors are familiar enough with the action/adventure/spy/sf genres, or gave all the plot elements enough thought, to make this a success. This is sort of a comic book masquerading as a novel, though, and not a particularly convincing one at that.
Well, the more I think about this book, the more irritated I get. So -- 2.4 stars, rounding down to 2.
eta -- I've just read in another review that this story was originally a fanfic from a manga that I'm not familiar with. I believe it!
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