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Scimitar Magi #3
Darkness Unbound
Covert op partners Astrid Scarre and Kane Langford click on a level that defies logic. Astrid wants to say yes to the sexy Kane. But the guy who stole her heart and then shattered her soul twelve years ago shows up. Seeing the Dragon magus, Zannis, again ignites a wild physical attraction, but doesn’t eliminate her simmering hatred. Astrid is torn between her physical need for Zannis and her emotional connection to Kane.
Kane will never turn his back on Astrid, even when she gets inducted into the Scimitar magi, an organization he knows well and respects. His gorgeous ex-spy partner might push him away at every turn, but that’s too bad. He’s exactly the man she needs to protect her life and her heart. All he has to do is convince her that when something feels this right, you don’t let it go.
Kane will never turn his back on Astrid, even when she gets inducted into the Scimitar magi, an organization he knows well and respects. His gorgeous ex-spy partner might push him away at every turn, but that’s too bad. He’s exactly the man she needs to protect her life and her heart. All he has to do is convince her that when something feels this right, you don’t let it go.
322 pages, Paperback
First published November 21, 2014
1 person is currently reading
275 people want to read
About the author
Zoe Forward
37 books1,125 followersUSA Today bestselling author Zoe Forward is a parent, wife, veterinarian, and unapologetic chocolate lover. She writes spicy paranormal and contemporary romances that blend action, adventure, humor, and a touch of magic.
Her novels have earned numerous awards, including the Prism Award, Readers’ Choice Heart of Excellence, Golden Quill, Carolyn Readers’ Choice Award, and the Booksellers’ Best Award.
Zoe lives in the South with a lively menagerie of four-legged beasts and two slightly wild kids.
[Note: Many apologies, but I'm terrible at checking my Goodreads emails! If you'd like to send a note/msg, please catch me on Instagram or FB)
See the latest on Zoe's website: http://www.zoeforward.com
Don't miss the newsletter: http://www.zoeforward.com/contact/
Her novels have earned numerous awards, including the Prism Award, Readers’ Choice Heart of Excellence, Golden Quill, Carolyn Readers’ Choice Award, and the Booksellers’ Best Award.
Zoe lives in the South with a lively menagerie of four-legged beasts and two slightly wild kids.
[Note: Many apologies, but I'm terrible at checking my Goodreads emails! If you'd like to send a note/msg, please catch me on Instagram or FB)
See the latest on Zoe's website: http://www.zoeforward.com
Don't miss the newsletter: http://www.zoeforward.com/contact/
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
August 1, 2015
I read this novel in a single afternoon. Forward held me bound from cover to cover. The fast forward pace of the at times suspenseful story combines with the true emotional bonds between the characters to create an unforgettable (and at times unfathomable) whole. Forward has created an entire world for her readers to fall in love with, complete with a history and mythology of its own, and it’s hidden right within our own. Forward has created a fantastic ending for this novel. I love how things end up and can’t wait to see what comes next for these Magi. I’ll admit, I’m addicted. This novel could potentially be read as a standalone, but the previous novels in the series give context to a great many things.
Astrid’s strong, witty, at times funny personality is endearing. Her need to take care of herself and those she loves, and the ability to do so in all circumstances, is fantastic. Kane’s chivalry clashes with his knowledge that Astrid can take care of herself, and is frankly, medieval at times. Ah, the things you come to know about these characters by the end of the novel. You’ve really got to feel for Zannis & his situation, regardless of the way that he blunders about it at times. The gap between what’s happening and what he believes is happening leads to some confusion on his part, but makes him all the more endearing to readers, in a larger than life, over the top kind of way. I definitely didn’t see the Kane-Astrid-Zannis love triangle turning out the way that it did, but it was utterly fantastic!
This is one of those series that I’m sad to be caught up on because it means I’ll have to wait (impatiently I might add) for the release of the next instalment.
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.
Astrid’s strong, witty, at times funny personality is endearing. Her need to take care of herself and those she loves, and the ability to do so in all circumstances, is fantastic. Kane’s chivalry clashes with his knowledge that Astrid can take care of herself, and is frankly, medieval at times. Ah, the things you come to know about these characters by the end of the novel. You’ve really got to feel for Zannis & his situation, regardless of the way that he blunders about it at times. The gap between what’s happening and what he believes is happening leads to some confusion on his part, but makes him all the more endearing to readers, in a larger than life, over the top kind of way. I definitely didn’t see the Kane-Astrid-Zannis love triangle turning out the way that it did, but it was utterly fantastic!
This is one of those series that I’m sad to be caught up on because it means I’ll have to wait (impatiently I might add) for the release of the next instalment.
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.
January 11, 2015
Third in the Scimitar Magi Series, "Forgotten in Darkness" is a unique work that stands quite well on its own.
Read full review in the 2014/2015 Holiday issue of InD’tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2014/2015 Holiday issue of InD’tale Magazine.
November 26, 2014
I walked into this story having no idea what a Scrimitar Magi was, but that didn't matter. I was introduced to a world where descendents of Gods are reborn into somewhat immortal warriors who protect the human realm from all sorts of bad guys. It was interesting, at times funny and definitely full of some very hot alpha males.
DARKNESS UNBOUND tells the story of Astrid, a woman who had been wronged one too many times in her life by men and suddenly finds herself the first female members of this guardian group.
As a reader, I felt bad for Astrid right from the moment I met her. She discovers her boyfriend cheating on her with her best friend. Then this Thor-like man (Zannis) shows up and rocks her world, telling her she summoned him. Then when she tries to summon him again, she finds herself with a sword in her chest. Pretty intense stuff. Instead of having all of that break, Astrid becomes a bit of a super woman. Sure, she compartmentalizes her emotions and tends to keep people at arms length, but a lesser person would have broken. Then when she's brought into the Magi group, she takes her new job in stride. It's only when she's forced to come face to face with Zannis that her emotions break out and she has to deal with what happened to her in the past and look towards the future.
I enjoyed this story. It had a Dark-Hunter (by Sherrilyn Kenyon) type feel to it, with the Gods interfering or trying to control various outcomes in the human realm. There was a lot of action, some schmexy times with the hero and heroine and a group of characters that were hard not to like. I'll definitely be going back to read books 1 & 2 and eagerly await what coming next.
DARKNESS UNBOUND tells the story of Astrid, a woman who had been wronged one too many times in her life by men and suddenly finds herself the first female members of this guardian group.
As a reader, I felt bad for Astrid right from the moment I met her. She discovers her boyfriend cheating on her with her best friend. Then this Thor-like man (Zannis) shows up and rocks her world, telling her she summoned him. Then when she tries to summon him again, she finds herself with a sword in her chest. Pretty intense stuff. Instead of having all of that break, Astrid becomes a bit of a super woman. Sure, she compartmentalizes her emotions and tends to keep people at arms length, but a lesser person would have broken. Then when she's brought into the Magi group, she takes her new job in stride. It's only when she's forced to come face to face with Zannis that her emotions break out and she has to deal with what happened to her in the past and look towards the future.
I enjoyed this story. It had a Dark-Hunter (by Sherrilyn Kenyon) type feel to it, with the Gods interfering or trying to control various outcomes in the human realm. There was a lot of action, some schmexy times with the hero and heroine and a group of characters that were hard not to like. I'll definitely be going back to read books 1 & 2 and eagerly await what coming next.
November 26, 2014
Astrid and Zannis were together in another life. Atrid has moved on and has a partner that she is attracted to, but then Zannis comes back into her life and is ready to fight for her. Well when he isn't trying to kill her and put her in the hospital.
I really enjoyed their story and there is so much of it in this book. Sometimes it could get overwhelming, but overall it was a fantastic read.
I give Darkness Unbound 4 hearts!
I really enjoyed their story and there is so much of it in this book. Sometimes it could get overwhelming, but overall it was a fantastic read.
I give Darkness Unbound 4 hearts!
June 28, 2021
I love the integration of real historical Egyptian gods... really adds depth to the story
January 31, 2015
“Darkness Unbound” by Zoe Forward was an interesting adventure. First, I have to confess that I don’t often read too much of this genre. So there are some aspects of the story that I might not understand completely. Aside from not reading this genre too much I was really interested in the plot of the story and I was intrigued to see how it would play out.
Astrid Scarre is a covert. However, in her past life she was a partner/lover/ wife to Zannis. Zannis is a Dragon magus. When the story begins he is trapped in the past. Although he knows of Astrid he has very limited contact with her. He makes his way into her thoughts but usually she is trying to push him away. Although Astrid is in human, she is also a goddess and she has the power to open portals that is how Zannis is able to come to her. As Astrid learns about her life she realizes that she is a goddess she also learns about other gods and their powers.
Astrid is in the present. At the beginning of the story she is drawn to Zannis and they couple. She is very drawn to him and can’t understand their pull to one another. When Zannis tries to kill her human form, Astrid ends up in the hospital recovering.
As the story continues she is working with her new partner Christian. She feels not attraction or pull to him but does feel one with Zane. Zane is very protective of Astrid and will do anything to keep her safe. In the past Zannis is determined to be reunited with Astrid but realizes that he has a destiny to fulfill. Ok, so the little summary to help us understand a couple of the plots going on. Amun-Ra is the god of all gods and also Zannis’ father. He made his father promise to always protect Astrid. Overall, this was a fun story and any paranormal fan will really love this story because there are magi, akhrian (basically a healer), daemon( a cursed spirit), super natural powers, reincarnations, portals to other times and places. I did find some aspect of the story overwhelming and hard to understand but I really like Astrid and Zane. I also liked how she was able to resolve the triangle between Atrid, Zannis and Zane. I plan to read more paranormal and more books by Forward. The story also ended on a bit of a cliff hanger and I’m looking forward to reading it.
Astrid Scarre is a covert. However, in her past life she was a partner/lover/ wife to Zannis. Zannis is a Dragon magus. When the story begins he is trapped in the past. Although he knows of Astrid he has very limited contact with her. He makes his way into her thoughts but usually she is trying to push him away. Although Astrid is in human, she is also a goddess and she has the power to open portals that is how Zannis is able to come to her. As Astrid learns about her life she realizes that she is a goddess she also learns about other gods and their powers.
Astrid is in the present. At the beginning of the story she is drawn to Zannis and they couple. She is very drawn to him and can’t understand their pull to one another. When Zannis tries to kill her human form, Astrid ends up in the hospital recovering.
As the story continues she is working with her new partner Christian. She feels not attraction or pull to him but does feel one with Zane. Zane is very protective of Astrid and will do anything to keep her safe. In the past Zannis is determined to be reunited with Astrid but realizes that he has a destiny to fulfill. Ok, so the little summary to help us understand a couple of the plots going on. Amun-Ra is the god of all gods and also Zannis’ father. He made his father promise to always protect Astrid. Overall, this was a fun story and any paranormal fan will really love this story because there are magi, akhrian (basically a healer), daemon( a cursed spirit), super natural powers, reincarnations, portals to other times and places. I did find some aspect of the story overwhelming and hard to understand but I really like Astrid and Zane. I also liked how she was able to resolve the triangle between Atrid, Zannis and Zane. I plan to read more paranormal and more books by Forward. The story also ended on a bit of a cliff hanger and I’m looking forward to reading it.
September 28, 2014
Darkness Unbound by Zoe Forward
Fascinating. Gods, daemons and magi.
A world of warriors in fierce battles against evil. A world with Gods in modern times. A female magi with mad fighting and organizational skills. Souls being reincarnated.
Astrid is caught between two men. Zannis from a long ago time and Kane who she has worked with for years and has trusted to guard her back.
"Fear and an undeniable fascination with the power and danger of this man coalesced."
"She was alone in a dark, deserted lobby with an unknown behemoth. Her urge to flee battled an inexplicable desire to move closer to him. To touch him. What was wrong with her? Was he using some sort of magical compulsion? She mentally rolled her eyes at her own ridiculousness."
******spoilers****** a unresolved battle, aka cliffhanger for the ongoing series. Not the couple here.
I received a copy of this book for review.
Fascinating. Gods, daemons and magi.
A world of warriors in fierce battles against evil. A world with Gods in modern times. A female magi with mad fighting and organizational skills. Souls being reincarnated.
Astrid is caught between two men. Zannis from a long ago time and Kane who she has worked with for years and has trusted to guard her back.
"Fear and an undeniable fascination with the power and danger of this man coalesced."
"She was alone in a dark, deserted lobby with an unknown behemoth. Her urge to flee battled an inexplicable desire to move closer to him. To touch him. What was wrong with her? Was he using some sort of magical compulsion? She mentally rolled her eyes at her own ridiculousness."
******spoilers****** a unresolved battle, aka cliffhanger for the ongoing series. Not the couple here.
I received a copy of this book for review.
November 24, 2014
What in the world did I just read? I was so confused by the time the 3rd chapter hit me I for some reason had to continue to read the damn thing hoping that it would make a clearer picture in my head. Don't get me wrong the author did a wonderful with the writing I just think that it was too much. I had to many POV's to try and follow and so many details that I didn't really understand what in the hell was going on. I did love all the hott and juicy sex scenes those were enough to make my cheeks red!!
***I received this story for free in exchange for an honest review, see more of my review @ http://jmhoward2007.blogspot.com ***
***I received this story for free in exchange for an honest review, see more of my review @ http://jmhoward2007.blogspot.com ***
October 5, 2014
I received a copy of this story in exchange for a honest review. I didn't get a chance to read books 1&2 in the series prior the reading this and I found I was able to keep up with the story and fully enjoy it. The storyline was sexy and the mixture of past and present characters added a wonderful depth to the mix. Overall great read.
November 21, 2014
Available in print and e-book November 21, 2014!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews