Power Game

GhostWalker #13

by Christine Feehan

When members of a United Nations joint security force are taken hostage by radical terrorists in Indonesia, Captain Ezekiel Fortunes is called to lead the rescue team. Part of a classified government experiment, Zeke is a supersoldier with enhanced abilities. He can see better and run faster than the enemy, disappear when necessary and hunt along any terrain. There are those in the world willing to do anything for power like that...

A formidable spy genetically engineered to hide in plain sight, Bellisia rarely meets a man who doesn’t want to control her or kill her. But Zeke is different. His gaze, his touch—they awaken feelings inside her that she never thought possible. He’s the kind of man she could settle down with—if she can keep him alive...

Genres: Paranormal, Romance, Paranormal Romance, Military Fiction, Fantasy, Suspense, Contemporary

464 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 24, 2017

About the author

Christine Feehan is a #1 New York Times bestselling author multiple times over with her portfolio including over 100 published novels, including five series; Dark Series, GhostWalker Series, Leopard Series, Drake Sisters Series, the Sisters of the Heart Series, Shadow Riders, Torpedo Ink and her Romantic Suspense novels. All of her series have hit the #1 spot on the New York Times bestselling list as well. Her debut novel Dark Prince received 3 of the 9 Paranormal Excellence Awards in Romantic Literature (PEARL) in 1999. Since then she has been published by various publishing houses including Leisure Books, Pocket Books, and currently is writing for Berkley/Jove. She also has earned 7 more PEARL awards since Dark Prince.
Her series include:
The Dark Series - https://www.christinefeehan.com/darkb...
The GhostWalker series- https://www.christinefeehan.com/ghost...
The Leopard Series - https://www.christinefeehan.com/leopa...
The Shadow Series- https://www.christinefeehan.com/shado...
Torpedo Ink series- https://www.christinefeehan.com/torpe...




IN HER WORDS:
I've been a writer all of my life -- it is who I am. I write for myself and always have. The ability to create pictures and emotions with words is such a miracle to me. I read everything; I mean everything! All kinds of books, even encyclopedias. I am fascinated by the written word and I love storytellers. It is a great privilege to be counted one myself. (www.christinefeehan.com)

Reviews

[Alex is The Romance Fox · Rating 3 out of 5]

2,75 stars

Allright, we are now at book #13 in Christine Feehan's GhostWalkers Series with her latest, Power Game. You probably wondering about my confused "look"........let me explain!!!

This series started off with soldiers that were enhanced with super powers, then progressed to enhancements mixing human DNA with animal DNA....and young girls who were used as experiments by the madman scientist, Peter Whitney....we now have human DNA mixed with spiders/snakes....and now, the heroine, Bellisia with octopus DNA!!! Hell, what next!!!

So, Bellisia aka Bella and Ezekiel aka Zeke's story is a bit better than the last few books I have read by CF.

What made it work for me:

Bella.....I like her....she was such an engaging and lovable character....wanting to find love in her life!! Her interactions between the GhostWalkers was really endearing......the family vibe was great - and the scenes, especially the cooking lessons with Nonny were funny and cute.

I also liked Ezekiel.........he wasn't a sexist and controlling ass@$#le...He was caring and giving towards Bella which was something better than some of the male characters in this series.

Secondary characters.......wow, the triplets.......totally captivating!!! I adored these three little girls....

Whilst I liked this book more than the previous two or three, it still didn't "rock" my world. I find that there is a lot of repetition....I want to taste you...I want you....Open up for me!!!!!

I feel something is missing in this series...can't put my finger on what exactly.........it needs an injection of something or other....but whatever it is.......unless it happens...I am not sure if I will continue reading this series.

[Julia's Book Haven · Rating 5 out of 5]

*4.5 Stars*

HO-LY-SHIT

Sorry but this book surprised me so much I'm not sure how else to express it. Its no secret that the last few Feehan books have not worked for me. Something had just drastically changed with her writing style and I was just not feeling it at all. But still I've read every thing she's written, I've invested a lot of time into these series's and characters so I decided to give this one a go. And I was very pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. It very much felt like Feehan has been listening to her readers and realized whatever changes she made with her writing wasn't working and adjusted or maybe she is just experimenting with different writing styles, I don't know but I do know that this one was a big hit for me.

Bella and Ezekiel were adorable and I loved how their relationship developed. They really felt like they were perfect for each other. Ezekiel was the typical alpha male but he had a soft gooey centre. And Bella was really cool, I thought her enchantments were really interesting. I know some people don't like the animal enchantments but I think they're pretty cool. Bella's octopus being my favourite so far.

All the supporting characters were great, I especially loved all the scenes with the triplets and of course Nonny and her match making ways.

After this one I am really looking forward to the next Ghostwalker book, I really hope its Joe's because he needs some happy. Recommend this one to anyone who loves the series its a great edition and if you were unsure after some of the last books I recommend it even more cause it will bring back your love for the series.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bellisia is a prisoner to Whitney’s powerfully enhanced team. When the opportunity arises for her to escape, she takes it. Overhearing Violet’s plot against the Fontenot girls and the Louisiana family, Bellisia heads to Louisiana. She hangs out in the swamp to observe and protect, eventually getting entranced by the clan that surrounds Nonny. Bellisia goes so far as to protect them from an attack that brings her presence known Ezekiel and his team.

Ezekiel recognizes Bellisia for what she is…his perfect match.

The girls instantly understand Bellisia and her trouble trying to connect to the world outside Whitney's prison's walls.

Power Game has reinforced the community bonds and what has made me love this series.

I have to admit I was concerned with the past few alpha males and their over-the-top “asshatness”. (Yes, that is my made up word, but it is fitting). Ezekiel is tough but he puts everything into keeping Bella safe, comfortable and a partner while balancing his alpha tendencies.

Strong and Sexy, this is what I love about the genius storytelling that is Christine Feehan. Her ability to make enigmatic and compelling paranormal characters jump off the pages and into your heart, like they were your friends or neighbors who live next door, which in turn brings Power Game to life. Bottomline, Feehan is a master at weaving a tales that entraps the reader into the fictitious imaginings.

I received this ARC copy of Power Game from Berkley Publishing Group in exchange for a honest and voluntary review. This book is set for publication January 24, 2017.

My Rating: 5 Stars
Written by: Christine Feehan
Series: GhostWalker Novel
Sequence in Series: Book 13
Hardcover: 400 pages
Publisher: Berkley
Publication Date: January 24, 2017
ISBN-10: 0399583912
ISBN-13: 978-0399583919
Genre: Paranormal Romance | Scifi

Itunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/powe...
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Power-GhostWal...
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/power...

Reviewed for:
http://tometender.blogspot.com

[Fabi NEEDS Email Notifications · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book #13 in the Ghostwalker series. Much better than the last 2-3. With the last few books, the trope has taken quite the sidetrack with viper, spider and now, octopus DNA manipulations. I still prefer the early books in this series, but I enjoyed this one. The h is quite spunky and Zeke <3. Our big, tough guy is awesome.

3.5 stars!

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrorists have taken hostages in Indonesia and GhostWalker, super soldier Zeke Fortunes will lead the rescue team. His enhanced abilities make him a one man army, but they never prepared him for Bellisia, a genetically altered super spy who has never met a man who didn’t want her for her abilities. In a world filled with death, deceit, greed and corruption these two will discover that in rescuing one of them, the other will find what has been missing all along. No super being is an island and love can be the bridge to find happiness, if they survive the hell and chaos they have been tossed into.

Christine Feehan once again brings her best to the table with POWER GAME, a standalone read from the GhostWalker series. Filled with her signature suspense, over-the-top characters and dark evil, once again, she brings it all together in full color glory!

Bellisia is a powerful being, fierce, loyal and unafraid to jump into the middle of the fray, yet she still maintains an air of openness that makes her so likable. Zeke is everything she could want in an ally, a friend and a lover, but survival is the name of the game and it’s time to shift the power to the good guys! Hang on tight for this one, Christine Feehan is taking no prisoners!

I received this copy from Berkley Publishing Group in exchange for my honest review.

Series: GhostWalkers - Book 13
Publisher: Berkley (January 24, 2017)
ISBN 9780399583919
Genre: Supernatural Suspense
Print Length: 400 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com

[Varied Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 "Happy that CF hasn't forgotten how to write an Alpha H who isn't an effing asshole toward the h" stars

Random thoughts

There were so many things I liked about this but other parts were meh

I loved the H/h. Both had awesome personalities. H was NOT an asshole. He was not emotionally abusive like Wyatt from viper game. He put the h first. He was j/p & protective. He cared that she was upset.

The h was not only about pleasing her man & sacrificing herself. She was not tstl or a bitch.

I wish the sex scenes had more intensity. I loved the sex in spider Game. H/h didn't have sex until the 60% mark.

CF still writes awesome action scenes

I wanted more page time between the H/h. I wanted more time between them because I loved their emotional connection.

I am completely over the boring cooking lessons Nonny has with the women. There was too much focus on the back story of the other ghostwalkers. This was told from their perspective. It was filler b/c yet again we will learn their story in their own upcoming book.

Huge continuity error from spider game to this. CF forgot at the end of Spider Game Cayenne was pregnant. In Power Game there was no mention of her pregnancy .

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LMAO that the publishers charging $13.99 for an ebook. I'll borrow this from my library. And why the hell is the book being released as a hardback & not in PB. Shaking my head because it makes no sense.

[Marta Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like many readers I started with this authors Dark Carpathian books but quickly discovered her more suspense based GhostWalkers . It's been an eventful journey with characters that if honest at times I've struggled with. This author seems to have a preponderance of very demanding males as her lead characters and unfortunately that often means very long, drawn out and intense intimate scenes. I'm all for a little love but do realise that it's the story and plot that really needs to grip the reader . So I'm over the moon to reassure anyone considering reading this book that not only is there a huge turning point in the overall story arc but our two main characters are full of surprises .
So surprise number one is Ezekiel , doctor, brother, bad tempered and yet strong without being overpowering . Such a delight to see him being the one in charge whilst at the same time realising that this man has such a gentle side . He knows what he wants but has the patience to coax and wait, plus seeing him interact with other characters really makes him more than one dimensional.
Our leading lady is Bellisia, a character with an ability we've previously seen but this time the source is a revelation . If frank I wasn't sure initially about the abilities the author has imbued her more recent female characters with but it works beautifully here to give Bellisia DNA that was truly a huge surprise and fascinating to boot! She is so likeable , practical and yet giving . Although don't think Bellisia isn't deadly because she might be small but she's one mighty tough cookie!
Set in the swamps we are yet again safely in the home of the Fontenot family and the irascible Nonny is very much front and centre adding a warmth to the book. I love the way she's taken her grandsons friends into her heart and home and her presence somehow grounds the story. Admittedly it's not as playful as Night Game featuring the naughty Gator Fontenot but this story is possibly one of my favourites in this series. This had a lovely sweet romance whilst at the same time gave this reader an action packed ride that I can't recommend enough . The GhostWalkers are back and it's simply fabulous!
A copy of this was provided for me which I have voluntarily read and these comments are my own honest opinion

[Vashti · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was certainly an improvement over the last book in this series.That book was creepy with the heroine of that one had spider DNA. This heroine had octopus DNA and is a water baby.I liked Ezekiel as the hero and really want Joe's book next .

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Power Game is the thirteenth installment in Christine Feehan’s Ghostwalker books, the action-packed series that follows the lives of enhanced men and women who were used as experiments by a brilliant yet sociopathic scientist, Peter Whitney, whose goal is to deliver enhanced soldiers for the government. The story opens with the heroine, Bellisia, in China on a fact-finding undercover mission for Dr. Whitney when her cover is blown and she finds herself in a desperate situation. After a harrowing ordeal, Bellisia manages to escape her potential captors as well as extricate herself from Whitney’s handlers and make her way to warn the Team Four members in Louisiana who have been sold out by Violet and targeted for extermination.

Bellisia is not only powerful in her enhancements but she is smart and savvy as well. Upon arriving in Louisiana and confronting Team Four, she lands a job as a waitress and watches the group, mainly from her place of safety, in the river. During her observation, she comes to observe Ezekiel and is taken with his gentle attentiveness to the three little Fontenot girls as well as his protective persona. Upon Nonny’s intuition Ezekiel goes into town to pick up spies and he meets Bellisia waiting tables. From this point forward, the relationship between these two developed at a slow but steady pace.

Despite the fact that she longs for a family and community to belong to, Bella makes it clear to Ezekiel that she is able defend herself aggressively, “You get that I’m not someone who needs protection.” And while Ezekiel is absolutely an over-protective alpha male, he acknowledges her feelings and strengths, “Of course you do, we all do. I expect you to stand with me every single time. Have my back when I need it and you should expect the same from me.” I love this couple! They are equitably in tune with each other in strength and respect for the other’s gifts. They both had very sad childhoods; Bellisia was a throw away orphan and bought by Dr. Whitney as an infant for his experiments. Ezekiel was the eldest of three young brothers whom he ended up rescuing from being sold to a pedophile by their crack-addicted mother. Finding each other as adults was a blessing to Bella and Ezekiel; despite being chemically paired by Dr. Whitney, they found a natural emotional bond to each other.

I also loved that Bellesia never forgot her “sisters” still trapped in Whitney’s clutches. She implored Ezekiel and his team to help her find and free her captive sisters…Zara, Shylah, Scarlett, Blue, Cat and Amaryllis. The inhumane treatment of these brave, resilient young women drives home the terrible betrayal of Violet, now a U.S. senator with her eye on the presidency via murder, deception, and assassination. Violet despises the other Ghostwalker women with reptile and insect enhancements and she’s determine to destroy them, including the little girls. Violet is as just a sociopath as Dr. Whitney, she has no redeeming qualities and I hope that Joe comes to realize that fact.

Another bonus to this story were the secondary characters who have enriched this team and provided the story balance with a sense of family and community. The new character, Donny, an older man and recluse was a true hero in his own right and I hope that Donny becomes a regular fixture in the Fontenot cadre. The triplets are just adorable, especially now that they are thriving under the loving care of Nonny and all the other protective adults. During the scene with the cooking lesson, the scene was so descriptive that I could smell the gumbo cooking and feel the laughter and love coming from Nonny’s kitchen. The girls took to Bellisia right away and Cannelle, the shyest triplet, even offered to “help” Bella “to remember to wear shoes” because Nonny had said that going barefoot was not good while in the swamp. Sigh. I felt like I was sitting right there on the porch with the family.

Power Game was a spectacular read and aligns perfectly with the action and community building storyline of the Ghostwalker series. Inasmuch as I have already pre-ordered the hardback copy, I was honored to have received an advanced reading copy and proud to review this outstanding book. For followers of the series Power Game is an excellent addition to the story and for someone reading starting with Power Game this book will peak your curiosity to read the rest of the series to learn more about this exciting world. Bravo to Ms. Feehan for delivering another powerful Ghostwalker novel.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stories in the swamp compound of the new Ghostwalkers continue as Ezekial "Zeke" Fortunes finds his mate. He is the ultimate protector--always has been for his younger brothers, and now he is for Nonny, Pepper, the triplets, Cayenne, and his team mates. He has wanted more for is own life and felt a void, but never through he would find someone or really deserved it. He has his secrets and is known as a strong soldier, hunter, and protector...and very few see his vulnerable side or know the power that he is truly capable of.

One sniff and sight was all it took for Zeke to be enthralled with Bellisia Adams. He did not know that she was destined to save him in more ways than one. She's also engineered with special capabilities, but has lived a very different life. Her abilities were kind of awesome and fascinating. She was likable and in some ways vulnerable, but she can also just as dangerous as the other other women.

Can they learn to trust each other enough to explore their attraction? It's a dangerous game.

Their swamp fortress is coming into more and more danger with some new players eager for information and the power and money it brings. It's not just Whitney that is a threat anymore.

I love the characters and how they have formed this tight family unit at the compound. I adore Nonny and the triplets and like the team. But the last few books with the new Ghostwalker team in some ways feel a bit repetitive (maybe because so much is centered around swamp now and the women are different yet have some common history) and within the story itself it seems like back stories or details get repeated pretty often. It helps us not forget, but sometimes it makes the story drag a bit.

I do like the differences in the characters, their abilities, and especially the DNA mixes. I still find myself addicted to these Ghostwalkers and their mates. I found both Zeke and Bellisia likeable and I was more connected with them than the couple in the last book. This one has plenty of action, surprises, and steamy scenes. But it also has that sense of camaraderie, family, and humor as well. Their group is growing and it takes more team work to keep them all safe. It's a love story mixed in with action, suspense, and betrayal. There are some definite power moves and plot changes in this one. There are plenty more Ghostwalkers with stories to tell. I am looking forward especially to Joe, Mordichai, and Malichai.

I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.
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[Ezi Chinny · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the Ghostwalker series that I love.

[Sandy S · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars--

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 24, 2017

When members of a United Nations joint security force are taken hostage by radical terrorists in Indonesia, Captain Ezekiel Fortunes is called to lead the rescue team. Part of a classified government experiment, Zeke is a supersoldier with enhanced abilities. He can see better and run faster than the enemy, disappear when necessary and hunt along any terrain. There are those in the world willing to do anything for power like that.

A mysterious woman with her own agenda rescues a captured GhostWalker soldier held by a secret enemy. Together they uncover a conspiracy that extends beyond the reaches of the US government and proves a deadly threat to national security…

A formidable spy genetically engineered to hide in plain sight, Bellisia rarely meets a man who doesn’t want to control her or kill her. But Zeke is different. His gaze, his touch—they awaken feelings inside her that she never thought possible. He’s the kind of man she could settle down with—if she can keep him alive.

•••••••••••

REVIEW: POWER GAME is the thirteenth installment in Christine Feehan’s contemporary, adult GHOSTWALKERS paranormal, romance series focusing on an elite group of ‘genetically enhanced’ men and women known as the Ghostwalkers. These ‘supersoldiers’ were part of an unauthorized government experiment performed by Dr. Peter Whitney-a man tantamount to evil incarnate. This is Ghostwalker Dr/Captain Ezekiel Fortunes, and Bellisia Adams’s story line. POWER GAME can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty although I recommend reading the series in order (especially the previous 2-3 installments) for cohesion and back story.

Told from several third person perspectives including Ezekiel and Bellisia POWER GAME returns to the Louisiana Bayou, and focuses on the take down of Senator Violet Smythe. Violet is a female Ghostwalker but a woman driven to become the most powerful person in the USA at the expense of her fellow female Ghostwalkers. Dr. Peter Whitney will send Bellisia Adams, a female Ghostwalker with ‘unusual DNA’ to ferret out Violet’s plans with the intent that our heroine returns to Whitney’s compound to reveal all of Violet’s secrets including her plans to destroy Ghostwalker Team 4 and anyone with insect or reptilian DNA. Enter Ezekiel Fortunes, a Ghostwalker targeted by Violet Smythe, and the man who has been genetically matched to our story line heroine. What ensues is the struggle to keep one step ahead of both Whitney and Smythe, and the building relationship between Ezekiel and Bellisia.

The relationship between Ezekiel and Bellisia is a dramatic change from several of Feehan’s previous story line couples including the relationship between Trap and Cayenne (Spider Game #12)-a relationship that bordered on abusive and controlling. Our current hero Ezekiel Fortunes, although alpha and protective, is also a man who does not use power or abuse to control or protect the woman he claims to love. The building love and partnership is an equal and balanced relationship in that our heroine is just as capable of making her own choices and decisions as the man with whom she is falling in love. The one hundred and eighty degree turn in the author’s writing style is a welcome relief. The $ex scenes are limited although seductive and intense.

In Power Game, the author tries to justify Trap’s abusive behavior towards his mate in Spider Game (Ghostwalker 12) by backtracking and proclaiming Trap suffers with Asperger’s syndrome-a neurobiological disorder on the higher end of the autism spectrum thus rendering him with issues of social and communication skills. The ‘Asperger’s’ story line is new and never once mentioned in the previous installment thusly I suspect the author is trying to justify her hero’s behavior to appease the many negative comments about the abusive and controlling character.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters. We are reintroduced to several members of the Ghostwalker Team 4: Gino ‘Phantom’ Mazza and Draden ‘Sandman’ Freeman, psychic surgeon Joe Spagnola whose own potential DNA match is revealed, newcomer Rubin Campo, as well as Ezekiel’s brothers Malichai and Mordichai Fortunes; the female Ghostwalkers Cayenne, Pepper and her Ghostwalker husband Wyatt, and their triplets Ginger, Thym and Cannelle; and we cannot forget about Grace ‘Nonny’ Fontenot-sadly Gator is no where to be seen. We are introduced to Bellisia’s friend, a war veteran named Donny, and her ‘handlers’ Adam and Gerald whose own Ghostwalker DNA may be a cause for concern. The requisite evil comes with many names and faces including Violet Smythe and a Chinese businessman named Cheng angling for the Ghostwalker technology. If only by way of mention there are a number of female Ghostwalkers waiting for rescue: Zara, Shylah, Scarlett, Blue, Cat and Amaryllis-I am suspecting these ladies will be matched with several members of Team 4.

Unlike some of the other installments in the series, there is a large amount of military jargon and technical information as it pertains to a rescue mission in Indonesia, and Ezekiel’s Navy SEALs although it does not interfere with the understanding or enjoyment of the story line.

POWER GAME is a story of action, suspense, betrayal and revenge. The slow building romance is almost secondary to the overall plot but the relationship is dramatic and captivating none-the-less. The premise is engaging and entertaining; the characters are colorful, animated and inspiring; the romance is passionate and sensual. POWER GAME is a thrilling and powerful return to the original Christine Feehan brand of paranormal romance.

Copy supplied by the publisher

www.thereadingcafe.com

[1-Click Addict Support Group · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paranormal romance like no other!

I’m an uber-fan of this author from way back. From Dark to Shadow, each series had me from the first page of the first book. For some reason, this series wasn’t quite like that. I don’t know if the premise of the story – genetical engineering introducing some very different shifter-types – caught me off-guard but I didn’t fall in love with the books right away. I wanted to crazy love them. I wanted to fall head over heels for the characters and the stories as I had done before. Something held me back. I LIKED the series. A LOT! The stories are well-written with paranormal, suspense, military and romance meshed in equal, delicious balance. The characters were strong and compelling, unique and interesting. I don’t know what phantom element was missing but this story, THIS story, had it in spades!

Bellisia…
“She looked feminine and she acted it, but when push came to shove, she was a warrior through and through.”

Ezekial…
“He gave her so much of himself, made himself utterly vulnerable, laying his emotions on the line for her…”

Bellisia was a spy. A very good one. She was smart and stayed ahead by always watching, waiting, deliberating before her next move. That is how she stayed alive for so long. Weary, when she meets Ezekial and those around him, she yearns for something she only had glimpses of… Love. Family….
Ezekial was a soldier who endured his own version of physical enhancements and is so much more than what he shows to the world. He is strong and powerful yet he is different with his family. His way with Nonny and the children is enough to prod anyone’s ovaries into dancing a jig. I wasn’t surprised at his protectiveness or loyalty but the gentleness completely disarmed me.

The mistrust on both sides was enough to fill two boatloads yet the connection they had was mesmerizing. Lives were at stake, his family was at stake and the enemy could be everywhere. Be anyone. Not exactly a relationship starter but setting the stage for a relationship that was going to be challenged and questioned from the start…

There is action and danger around every corner with love and emotion surrounding every scene. Heart-aching, sweet and sexy emotion… I didn’t want this story to finish but it certainly renewed my interest in this series and I can’t wait to start right back at the beginning! -Diane, 5 stars

[BookAddict ✒ La Crimson Femme · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just when I think this series has finally played itself out, Ms. Feehan draws me back in. I really enjoyed this story as I teared up several times whilst reading it. Ms. Feehan knows how to pull emotion out of her readers. She creates characters who are tortured yet still try to do the right thing. I don't know how this series will ever end as there seems to be more and more characters coming out of the woodwork. Whitney seems to never stop with his experimentation and creating super soldiers.

In this story, Ezekiel aka Zeke is part of Steen military base. He and several other Ghostwalkers work there and help with rescue missions. Living in New Orleans as their home base, they are not exactly under the radar. They think they have security measures under control. Not so. A new female Ghostwalker who does not give off vibes of one of them slips into the swamp and watches them.

Bellisia finally escapes from Whitney right before she is shipped off for the breed facilities. She and her "sisters" are a new kind of super soldier. Instead of only psychic and physical enhancements, her DNA is mixed in with the deadly blue ringed octopus. Similar to the last two books where the women have venomous poison, Bellisia's venom is a guaranteed death.

Usually, paranormal romance writers stick to the tried and true wolf, cat and bear shifters. Even those who mess around with genes in their stories use mammals. To use other DNA like reptiles and cephalopods is different. I like it. I like how Ms. Feehan shows that even within the enhanced world, there is discrimination against those that are different.

I liked Bellisia a lot. I think this story resonated more with me because I am a water lover. Anything to do with water captures my attention. Ms. Feehan does an amazing job of incorporating octopus traits into Bellisia. It is impressive and inventive. It sounds like fringe science and I bet there are scientist who would like to be able to have octopus traits for military applications.

For the romance part between Bellisia and Zeke, I admit I skimmed through it. The sex was boring for me. I rarely ever read Ms. Feehan's sex scenes. They don't do it for me. They are pretty much the same and leave me bored. I must add a few caveats. I read a lot of erotica in a year and most of it is BDSM. I also read quite a bit of the hardcore BDSM. So for me, it takes a lot to get my juices flowing in a romance. For others, this may be just right. Vanilla and sweet with an alpha male thrusting his very large member into a tight virginal female. If there was non-con and bondage, my interest may have been piqued. This paranormal romantic suspense is recommended to all. It can be read as a standalone.

[Edwina " I LoveBooks" "Deb" · Rating 5 out of 5]

OH Boy!! this was and Excellent story!! Kudos to Christine Feehan for and great addition to the GhostWalker series!!

Nonny/Grace Fontenot has become a GW in her own right. She is the idea of everyone's adorable grandmother. Power Game starts off with Nonny who has housed 9 of her grandsons GW friends. This is Ezekiel Fortunes story and his paired mate Bellisia Adams. Ezekiel is a doctor and a the Captain of the PJ GhostWalker team. Nonny has the second sight and is sending Ezekiel on an errand to town for her. Nonny knows that's were he will meet the GW female Bella he has been paired with by Dr. Peter Whitney.

Bellisia has remarkable GW Octopi DNA and has escaped her handlers Gerald and Adam after her mission to spy on Violet Symthe Freeman for Dr. Peter Whitney. Bella as she is call has information that she overheard while following and spying on Violet Smythe. Violet is one of Whitney enhanced orphans who has turned against her own kind the GW. She has sold the PJ's out to Bernard Lee Cheng who wants to start his own GW army of Soldiers but first he needs to know how it's done and Violet has told him how and were to find the team that is living with Nonny/Grace Fortenot in the Bayou of Louisiana. Cheng wants to capture one of the GhostWalkers extract his DNA and put them through all sorts of tortures test to find out how what they are made of and can endure.

Cheng's forces succeed in capturing Ezekiel, but before he is completely dissected he is save by Bellisia. This begins one action packed and fast pace story.

Power Game is full of the action scenes that GW fans love and of course our favorite heros the GW's kick butt and ask question later. We get to revisit Pepper and Wyatts triplet viper DNA baby girls. Who are just adorable. I just love Ginger, Tyme and Cannelle. Power Game took me on a whirlwind of a ride. I loved all the characters of the PJ team. We get some good revenge in this story as it leads us into the future of were the GW series is going. Oh How Sweet is Revenge!! I won't tell what it is, you will have to read for yourself. But GW fans will be happy about this revenge I assure you. What amazes me is some of the parallels of what has happen in the current elections in the United States and how power can drive crooked elected government leaders to show there prejudice for human beings of different races. Its as if Christine Feehan could see into the future or had some uncanny vision of what's was happening in the real world around us. The ridiculous and the dangerousness of Prejudice comes out in this story. Thank Goodness the Good Guys Win the Day!!

I Highly Recommend Power Game its worth the cost and it won't let you down. Its written in the true Ghostwalker fashion with a semi steamily sensual love relationship between Ezekiel and Bellisia. The sex has been toned way down. Power Game is about the story of people who want power at all cost!! with a lovely and sweet romance between Ezekiel and Bellisia!!

[★¸. • * ° *Jillie* ° *•.¸☆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review to Follow

[&#x1f159;&#x1d532;&#x1d529;&#x1d537; · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok, I find all her books have such similar format that it's becoming a little pr predictable and boring.

[Megzy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Better than the last one in the series. She was more human than octopi whereas in the last two books, they lead females had more spider characteristic than human.

[Lover of Romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review was originally posted on Addicted To RomanceI received this book for free from Library in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Power Game is the last book of the series that I hadn't picked up so finally I am completely caught up on not just this series but all the other books that this author has written. I was lucky enough to be able to grab this one up from the digital shelves of my local library. Power Game is a story I somehow skipped, I am not even sure how that happened, probably because after reading Viper and Spider Game I was burnt out a bit and needed a break at the time (and those who have read those installments will probably understand why I struggled so much with them). But Power Game was simply fantastic and definitely didn't contain any of the problematic issues I had with Viper or Spider.

Power Game sets off with our heroine, who is one of the women that our nemesis of the whole series Dr. Whitney (will he ever get the justice he rightly deserves??!!) has kidnapped and manipulated and controlled. Bellisia is one of the women and even changed parts of her DNA to have venom capabilities. She is great in the water and in fact, needs to be in any type or form of water, she can practically disappear in it. But she finally manages to find a way to escape Whitney only to find herself in a dangerous situation and saves the life of Ezekiel Fortunes. Zeke is a doctor, fierce and powerful and one of the best soldiers ever created. But when he finds himself captivated by Bellisia and as they travel the tense territory of their relationship and the dangers surrounding them, both Zeke and Bellisia will have to find the balance and grit to survive and thrive through it all.

Power Game is a story that will leave you on the edge of your seat and wow what a super intense novel that is featured here. I actually had no clue what this book was even about before reading, I didn't even read the blurb. But that is how much trust I have in this author, I know I will always have a good time with her story. What is most beautiful about her writing is how intense and gravitating her stories reach out to her readers. Power Game is a story that definitely caught my attention. And wow so many things happened in this book. And finally, we got to see the end to a villain that we have seen from the very beginning and boy have I been waiting for that justice but especially in what this villain does in this book.....I wanted to deliver that justice myself.

This story was quite interesting in that we do get to see some angst and yeah Feehan writes some fabulous angst that is for sure. I was astounded in the way that these two work out their issues, levels of mistrust and secrets that lay between them and find the common ground they need to build their foundation in their relationship. In many respects, they are more alike than different. Both of them keep their inner selves locked away and never reveal themselves. They internalize situations and take action when needed. They really connect on a level because they understand how each of them individually works.

“She looked feminine and she acted it, but when push came to shove, she was a warrior through and through.”

And some more delights are included in this story with all the fun interactions we get with the other characters like Joe Spagnola, Gino, Nonna, Cayenne, Pepper, and her triplet daughters and really that whole crew. So fun to see some bantering and fun interactions between them all. Seeing this crew come together for Zeke and Bellisia was so beautiful in so many unique ways.

Overall I found Power Game to be a delightful masterpiece of heart, thrills and dramatic flow that stuns the reader in a epic way!

[Bestfantasyblog · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Ghostwalkers have always been one of my favourite Paranormal Romance Series. I became addicted very quickly after the first couple of books, Jack and Bryony were my preferred couple. I found the combination of action, mystery and romance perfectly balanced.

I must say after Viper Game and Spider Game I thought Christine Feehan had lost her touch, they were repetitive with not much happening and a weak plot. Power Game has proven me wrong. Christine is back in top form.

The action goes back to Louisiana’s Bayou with grandma “nony” Fontenot using her abilities to get the main characters together.

Bellisia has been enhanced and experimented on by Whitley. She is incredibly resourceful and brave. I love the fact that we get to know her really well before she meets Zeke. Christine gives us a flavour of how life in the Bayou continues now with the triplets and the couples living under the protection of the swamp and “nony”.

Zeke has a past of his own, which as always, interferes with him having a future with Bella. But, of course, he still needs to protect her, watch over her and would not share her with any other man.

Bellisia is strong and clever and she shows Zeke she can deal with anything if it means protecting the innocent and the people she loves.

There is a lot of action, many twists and turns with tension until the very end. A very powerful enemy is dealt with and there are hints about what to expect in the next book.

What more do you need?

[Kay*FindMeInThePages* · Rating 4 out of 5]

Power Game is book thirteen in the Ghostwalker series. It can be read as a standalone, but it is better to read these books in series order to fully understand the ongoing story arc.

I think Bellisia is one of Christine Feehan’s better heroines. She’s very sensible and easygoing. She is in no way an intimidating, fierce over the top heroine unless she’s on a mission, then she’s a deadly Ghostwalker. To me the best action scenes of the books were her scenes versus those of the other Ghostwalkers. Bellisa’s DNA enhancement is unique in the series. It is another animal that makes you wonder how the author can make it appealing and likeable, but she did. I enjoyed how Bella’s animal characteristics are evident in her day to day life and was sometimes uncomfortable to her. To me this adds believability to the character and shows some of the struggles of her enhancement.

Ezekiel is one of the three Fortunes brother’s introduced in Viper Game and is with Ghostwalker team 4, who specialize in pararescue. Ezekiel is a tough father figure to the team and has a deadly temper. Everyone, including his brothers knows to be wary when he starts to get angry. He has an overblown protective instinct and will call his deadly temper down upon those who threaten his loved ones. But Ezekiel has a secret. He’s a big softie with children and his Bellisia. He goes out of his way to hide the fact that he reads and sings to them and he will do anything to please Bella including interior decorating!

No Ghostwalker book set in the Louisiana swamp would be complete without shotgun toting Nonny, the triplets, and the infamous cooking lessons. Each of these has a role in this story and adds a delightful touch. The overall story arc is advanced, but not without pain to one of the team members.

Expected publication: January 24th 2017 by Berkley/Penguin
*ARC provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

[Jacqueline J · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've kind of given up on Christine Feehan. But I took a gamble here. This was pretty decent on the whole. I liked the heroine's DNA modifications. They were interesting and pretty well done. The author avoided the overwhelming sweetness of the last book I read in this series. There was some of course, the whole all the men love all the women stuff. No one at all ever talks behind anyone's back or just doesn't get along. Oh well.

One of the things that held this back for me was that every time some thing was set up and you thought 'well this is going to be interesting' the story went in another direction. To the extent that sometimes things were dropped. It also annoyed me that every time anyone asked the heroine about herself, she just told them. No effort to hold anything back from anyone. She would have been a much more interesting character if she had remained a little more mysterious and the guys would have had to work to discover who she was.

[Ira · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like this series, more than Ms. Feehan's Carpathian books methink, well after the first 8 books for sure.

I don't read all the books in this series yet, I pick the most interesting ones first, a good thing the story divided with a group of H/h. As long as you read the same group of H/h you will follow the story nicely.

Oh if you read this series, remember that bitch Violet? You will love to see what happened to her here! Hah:))

So yeah, I love this book, I think one of the best from this series.

[Louisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, wow, this book was so excellent! Loved these two together, and all the new things that this book brought to this world! Such a fantastic book, and I can't wait to see who is going to be the couple for the next book!

[Aparna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Stars: 3.5 / 5
Recommendation: A good one to have the continuity of the series involving mystery, eroticism, science and undefined.

Power Game is the thirteenth installment in the Ghostwalker Series by Christine Feehan published in January of 2017. The plot revolves around Ezekiel "Hunter" Fortunes -
Captain and Doctor of Team Four, the Elite Air Force Pararescue Team - and Bellisia "Bella" Adams - one of Dr. Peter Whitney's discards but has been highly trained to be an assassin and spy.

Brief intro of what the series is about: Ghostwalkers are a group of women and men who have special talents, including psychic and physical abilities (both enhanced genetically and natural) and some abilities more rarer than others. Dr. Peter Whitney had spear-headed this operation for a long time starting with orphan-girls and then continuing his experiments on males to convert them to super soldiers. He also pairs the orphan-girls to specific members of these super soldiers in an attempt to create the next generation. These super soldiers belong to four different teams: Team One - the special forces team, comprised of Army men, mainly Rangers and Green Berets headed by Ryland Miller with base in the mountains of Montana; Team Two - made up of Navy SEALs and headed by Logan Maxwell with base in mountains of Montana along-side Team One; Team Three - consisting of Marine Force Recon Urban Warfare Team headed by Mack McKinley with base in San Francisco and Team Four - consists of the Elite Air Force Pararescue Team headed by Joe Spagnola with base in the bayou of Louisiana. The orphan-girls are also divided into four groups. The stories follow these men and women who are marked for termination by Dr. Peter Whitney as he deems them failure and how they fight back while living their life as normal as they could.

This time around Christine concentrates her plot on Team Four - the Elite Air Force Pararescue Team. While most of the team was out in the field on a mission, Ezekiel "Hunter" Fortunes along with four other Ghostwalkers from his team - Gino, Draden, Rubin and Mordichai - stay in the Fontenot compound protecting the women - Cayenne and Pepper - and Wyatt and Pepper's triplets - Ginger, Thyme and Cannelle. However the perils are not far from home for this team. First Ezekiel is kidnapped by someone from whom Bellisia Adams - a spy and an assassin - helps in escaping. And then all hell breaks loose for Ezekiel and his team when more dangers come to their doorstop. And Ezekiel has to trust his family in the hands of a spy to fight these dangers. Will he give his trust? Will Bellisia turn around and protect him? Where will Christine take us with these and many more twists and turns is something every reader will enjoy as the plot continues.

Bellisia’s smoothness is a perfect match for Ezekiel’s fluidity although to the core both are ghostwalkers. They not only match in their powers but also in emotions and love. Too good to be true for a reader but when you feel for what these ghostwalkers went through you would end up rooting for them to get this perfect match in their mate. Christine has finally showed the ghostwalker character with all their arrogance they are, true to their self, as opposed to softening them up. I always wondered why she did so. Perhaps to set the stage for the reader I guess. But portraying them truly did elevate the character better.

Interestingly enough Christine starts the plot with the lead female character rather than the male ghostwalker who centers the plot. A slightly different approach that I see rarely in her books. We get to see more of Team Four in this book compared to the previous two plots that Christine had included them in. And for the first time I have a favorite character from this team - Joe Sapgnola, the Team Leader. He has suddenly taken up a soft spot for me and I really want to see proper justice done to his character. Rest of the team is also expanded more and evolved with this plot.

In every book we see that the orphan-girls are also super soldiers. However, Christine wraps it in the soft-nature of these girls masked with insecurity sometimes and stubbornness other times making them more human. Every plot we get more glimpses into the atrocities of Dr. Whitney on these girls when they were children and the same he does on the ghostwalkers as adults. It makes you wonder how safe your world has been and not so for so many. Makes you want to weep for these girls who haven’t known anything about childhood nor ever behaved as children.

There is sex of course, Christine being an erotic writer. However I am pleased that her focus was on the plot this time around like many of her books. The previous book Spider Game was too much of sex and too little plot for my liking. Very excited to see her back in the game.

Authors who write series like these always bring in the remaining characters in most plots to build a relationship between the characters as well as the readers. Similarly Christine brings in quite a few characters from past plots in the series reminding the reader about the other teams and other members of this team. No harm in doing that but occasionally things tend to get repetitive and mundane. Yet, it was a pleasure to see more of Trap Dawkins & Cayenne (Their story told in Spider Game and my review of the book here: http://inspirethoughts.livejournal.co...), Wyatt Fontenot & Pepper (Their story told in Viper Game and my review of the book here:
http://inspirethoughts.livejournal.co...), Iris "Flame" Johnson - wife of another ghostwalker from Team One, Raoul "Gator" Fontenot (Their story told in Night Game and my review of the book here: http://inspirethoughts.livejournal.co...), Nicolas "Nico" Trevane and Dahlia Le Blanc from Team One (Their story told in Mind Game and my review of the book here: http://inspirethoughts.livejournal.co...).

Looks like the past two books - Viper Game and Spider Game - and this one has been focusing on Team Four by Christine. Curious to see how the remaining unpaired members of the other teams are faring and who their partners will be.

The title Power Game got me a preconceived opinion that either there would be a shift in power between Dr. Whitney and Violet or may be a new power will be introduced to the ghostwalkers abilities. I might be partially true but it was a bit disappointing that the plot didn’t pack as much punch as one with power would. It went smooth as silk with a few edges as these plots go but less of fire and more of embers. In a way it suited the characters though which I can totally be happy with. I believe the original title for this book had been Swamp Game as that was what Christine had announced earlier this year for this book. Swamp Game might have suited well in my opinion.

The repetitiveness of the text is far more lesser in this book than before although we do see the repeat of the history on some of the characters – which of course is warranted as Christine has come up with the next book in this series after a year. One would tend to forget what the series was about and who the characters were.

Another successful book from Christine despite some of my negative points. The series is becoming more and more intense with more players joining that Ghostwalkers have to fight against, with their surviving skills and the unimaginable twists in their powers and abilities. It would be interesting to follow each of the remaining Ghostwalker's lives and see how they eventually destroy the evil Dr. Peter Whitney.

Spoiler Alerts:

1) Plot Reveals:
a. Bellisia "Bella" Adams is not just trained to be an assassin and spy. Courtesy of Dr. Peter Whitney's experiments she acquires other super abilities that most of which Whitney is not aware of. Some of them are:
i. She can change her body head to toe to resemble the background and completely blend into it, making her a mimic and a chameleon.
ii. She has Setae on her fingers - single microscopic hairs split into hundreds of tiny bristles. An experiment that Whitney had apparently been successful in producing setae small enough to hold a human being, but an experiment he wasn’t aware of it yet cause Bellisia hid her ability from him like most of the ghostwalkers.
iii. She could make herself as small as possible so she could not be detected.
iv. She has octopus-like abilities that forces her to be in water more than on land. She suffers serious dryness when on land for a long time.
v. When injured she can repair her cells enough to stop bleeding.
vi. She has venom in her spit that is deadly enough to kill anyone upon contact and there is no anti-dote for her venom.
vii. She can retain anything heard or seen or read – word for word.
viii. She can break computer code without any outside help but just by using her brains – and along with Zara and Shylah’s brains.
b. Just like any ghostwalker, Ezekiel also comes with powers not only physical and psychic but also acquired because of Dr. Peter Whitney's experiments:
i. He could foresee danger to him or people around him few moments before it actually happens.
ii. His eyes glowed like an animal's eyes with a strange power in them. What more does his eyes could do?
iii. He has incredible speed in anything he did in combat.
iv. He has enormous power in him that when unleashed cannot be stopped by an army - a dark and scary weapon hidden inside him. And he could manipulate that energy to his needs.
v. He has acute hearing.
vi. He can pitch his voice very low almost hypnotic.
c. A third villain enters in the mix with this plot. We are introduced to Bernard Lee Cheng - a ruthless Chinese business who wants everything that Dr. Whitney has with regards to the Ghostwalker program.

2) Powers other Ghostwalkers have form Team Four – Elite Air Force Pararescue Team
a. Master Sergeant Gino Mazza: Has an acute sense of smell that helps him identify the enemies, has an x-ray vision that he can see through walls and blockades, can also blend into the surroundings but not exactly like Bellisia, can crawl up the walls and roof like spiders. We also see how Gino comes to be part of Team Four in this plot.
b. Lieutenant Draden Freeman Doctor: Has an acute sense of smell that helps him identify the enemies, can crawl up the walls and roof like spiders.
c. Colonel Joe Spagnola – squadron leader for the Ghostwalker PJs and a Doctor: He is immune to Violet’s compelling voice, doesn’t give away energy to be identified as a ghostwalker.
d. Trap Dawkins: Has Asperger’s Syndrome with a very high IQ. I read his story in Spider Game but somehow this part eluded me.
e. Rubin and Diego Campo: Both of them can track anything and find anything, can make a bomb out of anything and take apart one faster than anyone else could. A much more detailed flash back on how they come about to be part of Team Four is shown in this plot.
i. Rubin Campo has the ability to psychically heal anyone. Christine uses a similar ability for her characters in the Carpathian Dark Series (My review on some of the books in this series here: https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c...). For those characters it made sense, but it is a bit hard to believe these ghostwalkers to have the same character. However considering the enhancements it is not surprising. I wish we have such talents for real. So much good can be done, of course so much bad can also be done.

3) Sub-plots: Like any author Christine also has sub-plots introducing characters that make us want to see more about them in future books.
a. We also get introduced – by names only - the remaining six orphan-girls in the facility that Bellisia was housed:
i. Scarlet, Blue, Cat, Amaryllis, Shylah, Zara.
ii. Zara is Bellisia's best friend in that location. The way Bellisia mentions about her made me wonder if Chrsitine would have her as the key character in the next book. And true to that, her website shows a book to be released in mar 2018 titled Covert Game focusing on Gino Mazza and Zara Hightower – again a Team Four plot.
b. Whitney's atrocities: Every book we hear new atrocities performed or planned by Dr. Peter Whitney that make one not only cringe but have their skin crawled
i. Whitney would inject the orphan-girls as part of his experiments with a drug called Zenith before going on a mission with a time limit. This would force the girls to go back to Whitney for an anti-dote.
ii. Whitney's breeding facility in United States had been destroyed by the Ghostwalker men and women who had escaped his facilities and didn’t want to keep them open. However Whitney opened a new one in Italy now. Curious to see if the Ghostwalkers will destroy it too eventually.
iii. Dr. Whitney put a chipped device – sometimes multiple - in every orphan-girl he experimented on so he could track them if ever they escaped.
iv. He also paired his orphan-girls with the ghostwalkers in the chance that they would give super soldiers as kids. But he doesn’t pair just one girl with one ghostwalker, but with multiple ghostwalkers. Cruelty and inhumanity at the top is seen in Dr. Whitney that makes the reader’s skin crawl.
c. Gerald and Adam are the super soldiers created by Whitney who are Bellisia's handlers. How will these characters evolve is something to watch for in this plot. And perhaps an elaborate sub-plot will be seen for them in future books.
d. Ezekiel has two brothers - Mordichai and Malichai - who are also Ghostwalkers of Team Four. Christine must have had a plan for them in future books but I am curious to see who will be paired against them.
e. Christine introduces John Stennis Space Center in Mississippi where Team Four train other soldiers on their missions. The center is famous for its Special Warfare Combat Craft (SWCC). I am wondering if Christine would expand this further or create another ghostwalkers Team - Team Five.
f. Joe Spagnola comments that Senator Violet Smythe-Freeman’s ability to use compelling voice does not work on him. Which reveals that she had been paired with Joe. I do hope that Christine would not miraculously make Violet one of the good ones and partner her with Joe eventually. I sincerely hope she finds another well-balanced ghostwalker girl for Joe.
i. Joe seems curious about the orphan-girl named Shylah aka Peony, in the facility Bellisia escaped from. Could she be the girl Joe is paired with? I sincerely hope Christine is going that route.

4) A new character Donny is introduced in the plot who acts as a surrogate father to Bellisia. Will his character evolve more in future is something we have to wait and see.
5) Christine leaves an open plot about a piece of land that the team Four is unable to locate owner of. I am guessing she will tie it in with the next plot or so.

6) Places the reader travels along-side the Ghostwalkers in their fight against Dr. Peter Whitney:
a. Musi River - I know a Musi River in my hometown Hyderabad in Telangana, India. (More about that here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Musi_Ri...). But didn’t know that there was a river of the same name in Indonesia. More about the river here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Musi_Ri.... There was no reference anywhere to see if both the rivers were named after someone common to both countries, but I do wonder if that was the case.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Actual Rating: 4.5 Stars

What a thrilling ride! Power Game was just one explosive event after another for the GhostWalker team. From finding a forever kind of love to defeating a longtime adversary to learning the true meaning of family, this book had something for everyone.

‘She made him absolutely crazy. He’d never experienced the emotions she brought out in him. She was going to lead him on a terrible dance, but he didn’t care. She was worth it.’

I am so not kidding when I say that this was probably the most action-packed, exciting installment I’ve read in the GhostWalker series so far. And even up until the very final pages, the hits just kept coming for Ezekiel, Bellisia, and the rest of the group. A lot of changes took place for the team this time around–some good and some not so good–so if you’re a fan of the series already, you’ll be in for a fun time. If you’re new to it then you can probably read this as a standalone and will still understand the magnitude of what happened.

Read More

_________________________________
Original Notes:

Holy cow what a ride! I think this is the most action-packed, exciting installment of the GhostWalker series yet. Just when I thought the threats were eliminated and the mayhem was over...bam!...the squadron and their loved ones were under fire again. And in addition to the thrilling action was the sweet and absolutely lovely romance between Ezekiel and Bellisia. Feehan continues to be on a roll with creating sexy alpha heroes who are hard-edged but with a good heart and pairing them with strong, intelligent women who can hold their own. So. Fun. Full review to come.

[Ansu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christine Feehan is back and she is better than ever !!!!!!!

I have been very disappointed lately with CF's ghost walker series which is my all time favorite series!!!!. I did give up on Spider Game as I felt it was way too boring( please don't shot me for saying that!!!). Maybe I will try it again :)

This book was captivating, engaging, detailed and oh so hot. There was the right amount of description to help you "see" their world and the medical details was really good. CF pulled out all the stops on this book. The main and secondary characters where engaging and funny and their interaction was really believable. I liked their family unit and how they all fit and blended together so well. I would have liked to know how Ezekiel came to be a doctor though.

Ezekiel was a damn good hero, he was everything I look for in a CF hero. I liked his over protectiveness and his softer side as well. He was a perfect hero and Bellisia complemented him perfectly. The grovel scene was THE BEST and it was right in the beginning !!!!.

Bellisia was a very likable character, I do like the small built but deadly combination, though I would have liked to see her kick ass and not the other way around at the end, that was a disappointment to me. I felt that I needed to see her fighting and winning, it was a let down when she had to use her "gift" to escape, compared to the beginning of the book where she pretty much was a badass.

Overall a VERY good book that I would highly recommend to anyone.

[Laura Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I look forward to each new installment of this series. Christine Feehan writes four series (Dark, Sisters of the Heart/Sea Haven, GhostWalkers, and the Jaguar series) and this series is by far my favorite. I started reading Feehan with her Dark series and enjoyed the different take on the paranormal that she took with the GhostWalkers. I like stories about alpha men who fight for their country and their woman.
I read some of the comments that were complaining about the take the Feehan took in this book and the last few about mixing animal DNA with the woman. I disagree. I think that this is the natural progression. What does a mad scientist do? He experiments and his experiments will continue to keep getting weirder and more out there especially as he has less pressure to stay within the bounds of society and with no one to tell him to stop.
I love books with Nonny in them. I love the Cajun flavor and family that she brings to the books and the sense of belonging she brings to the men and women of the GhostWalkers. I did miss Trap and Wyatt but loved the new characters that were introduced. Feehan has a lot of GhostWalkers left that need to find their loves.
I will say that I did find the fact that Bellisia did not talk telepathically to Ezekiel strange and I missed that. I found it as a discord in an otherwise great book.

[Kathy Davie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thirteenth in the GhostWalker romantic military science fiction series revolving around a top-secret, elite group of women and soldiers who have been re-engineered genetically and psychically. The couple focus is on Bellisia Adams and Ezekiel Fortunes.

My Take
With a theme of loyalty, love, and support even as betrayal surrounds them all, Power Game makes good use of third-person omniscient to let us in on everyone's thoughts and fears, although Feehan didn't convince me with Bella's fears. Not to the extent that Bella went to anyway. Nor did it make any sense for her to wait to rescue Zeke. Surely she must have known there'd be more unfriendlies to tackle at the destination???

The overall conflict is the threat Whitney poses to the triplets and these GhostWalkers who escaped him. Lesser conflicts include the unknown threat of Cheng, the dangers to the newly escaped Bella, and Violet's hatred.

There's plenty of action as the boys protect their compound, rescue the hostages, and chase down the bad guys. The sex is fairly minimal, surprisingly, with more concentration on Bella's need for hydration. I'm surprised he's not building around a central courtyard so she can enjoy being naked in the rain.

How can you not adore Zeke? Sure he's lethal as a soldier, a protector, but he's so gentle and loving with the triplets as he sings to them, tells them stories, and teaches them about the bayou. A man, who as a boy, protected his younger brothers when they lived on the streets.

I think I missed it, why Zeke doesn't want anyone to know why he's so good as a shield? What can possibly be so awful about being protective?

A huge improvement over Viper Game , 11. I'll have to go back and catch up with Spider Game . Fingers crossed.

The Story
An angry young GhostWalker, Bellisia was sent to insert herself into a Chinese company and learn if treason is afoot. Now she must determine if the targets are worth saving.

It's Ezekiel who arouses her interest, feelings she'd never thought to experience. But her presence becomes questionable in itself when the team discovers she's been spying on Captain Ezekiel Fortunes and his team as they train for the top-secret mission rescuing hostages taken by radical terrorists in Indonesia.

And how can Bella forgive Ezekiel's betrayal…

The Characters
Bellisia "Bella Adams" was genetically cross-engineered with blue octopus and can hide, chameleon-like, anywhere. She also comes equipped with a deadly poison and setae that allow her to climb anything. Bella's "sisters" include Zara, Scarlet, Blue, Cat, Amaryllis, and Peony "Shylah".

Doctor Captain Ezekiel Fortunes, a medic whose abilities include hunting and tracking, and his PJ (Pararescue Jumpers, Air Force Special Forces) team, GhostWalker Team Four, live with Nonny in the bayou.

GhostWalker Team Four includes…
…Zeke's brothers, Master Sergeant Mordichai and Malachai Fortunes; Doctor Lieutenant Draden "Sandman" Freeman, gorgeous and a former model who is also the best anesthesiologist; and, Master Sergeant Gino "Phantom" Mazza.

Doctor Colonel Joe Spagnola, a psychic healer and surgeon, is the squadron leader for the GhostWalker PJs, who's been holding out on his men; Diego Rubin; and, Diego's brother, Chief Master Sergeant Rubin Campo another psychic healer with a love of birds are more of the men who live at the compound. Trap Dawkins (he's a billionaire with Asperger's syndrome) married Cayenne (she carries spider genes) in Spider Game , 12.

Major General Tennessee Milton heads up the GhostWalkers. Dahlia LeBlanc, a former mental patient, and Nicolas Trevane from Mind Game , 2, get a mention.

The Fontenot compound is…
…based in the bayous of Louisiana and is ruled over by the eighty-two-year-old Grace "Nonny" Fontenot, a traiteur with second-sight and a loving matriarch who raised her grandsons. It's so cool that her reputation as a healer with plants is so great that she consults with pharmacies and doctors. Dr. Wyatt Fontenot married Pepper (her abilities are as a psychic assassin with a biological need for sex) after rescuing her and their three venom-carrying babies: Ginger, Cannelle, and Thym ( Viper Game , 11). Raoul "Gator" Fontenot, a GhostWalker Army Ranger, married Iris "Flame" Johnson in Night Game , 3.

Donny is retired military, wealthy with his own island that he protects with a fierce passion and his hidden heart of gold. Bernard (has a band) and Papite Vallier are friends of Nonny's.

John Stennis Space Center is…
…a navy compound in Mississippi and home to Special Warfare Combat Craft (SWCC). Senior Chief Petty Officer Ben Wallace. Some of the SEALs who'll go on the mission include Slick.

Kopaska Group 5 is…
…an elite Indonesian navy group that will team up with GhostWalker Team Four to rescue hostages and includes Amar Lesmana.

The Enemies
Dr. Peter Whitney is…
…a sociopathic mad genius scientist uncaring of the destruction of the souls he takes to experiment upon. Zenith is a lethal drug he injects into his creations when he sends them out on missions. I suspect he takes a perverse joy in creating "pairings" between the men and women he recreates so they bond and produce genetically enhanced offspring.

From Marine Recon units, Gerald Perkins and Adam Cox are the handlers (who washed out of the GhostWalker program) sent on missions with Bella.

Lily Whitney is the brilliant daughter who managed to escape him in Shadow Game , 1.

Bernard Lee Cheng is…
…an extremely wealthy paranoid sociopath with a sideline in selling secrets and has allies in the terrorist world. Bolan Zhu is one of Cheng's top aides. David is one of his scientists. JinJing is one of his employees at the Cheng Company in China.

Senator Violet Smythe-Freeman…
…widow of her paired mate, Edward Freeman, is Maurice Stewart's vice-presidential running mate with her own plans for the future president. She's also a GhostWalker who hates her own, even as she's been paired with Whitney and others. Her skills include voice. Her guards include Nate and Darrin. Violet has been hobnobbing with Senators Crane, Delgato, and Jenson and General Ivan Newman, the Air Force's military service chief on the Joints Chiefs of Staff. Stanley Jordan is out for the bounty.

RH-Null is a universal blood type with no antigens.

The Cover and Title
The cover is dark with Zeke's face, his eyes glowing gold, emerging from that darkness. The author's name is at the top in an embossed red with the title at the bottom in the pale greens and grays of lizard skin. The series information is at the bottom

The title is what Senator Violet Smythe is up to, a Power Game.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked the characters and the idea of this, but I’m not sure that I liked the writing, which is really disappointing because I’ve heard such good things about this author.

There were times where it felt like the author forgot to explain something or took dialogue out and forgot to fix what came after. A character would get a response or reaction to something they never said/did.

Overall, I enjoyed the story but I’m not sure if this series is for me. The romance was very much insta-love, which typically I’m fine with, but I think I would’ve liked for them to have more of a connection. There were also a lot of military scenes that I didn’t really care about and felt unnecessary to the story.