Defy the Dawn
3 Stars

To be honest, this spin-off story arc focusing on the 2nd generation of Breed warriors is falling short of expectations. Neither the ongoing suspense plot nor the individual romances are fulfilling their potential.

This particular installment focuses on two relatively minor characters. Brynne Kirkland is a Daywalker and a JUSTIS agent with a horrific secret that isn't all that terrible, and her angst is repetitive and overdone. Zael is an Atlantean who has defied his queen and gone into exile with others of his race. The fact that he has been several hundred years roaming the world and sleeping with human women does not endear him.

In terms of their romantic relationship, Brynne and Zael have very little chemistry and the reason for their attraction is never fully explained or developed.

There is also very little progression in the ongoing story arc and much of the plot feels contrived and unnecessary.

I agree with many reviewers that this should have been a novella.
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2.75 Stars

This one bored me. For the most part of the book a 'Secret' is alluded to about Brynne. We all know she is a daywalker so what could be so horrible to her that she keeps it secret. It is something to do with her feeding, but I had a feeling and was proven correct, that this Horrible secret was only horrible to her. While her feeding is a bit different I really didn't see any reason for her to behave the way she did, not why it took so long to reveal her secret to Zael.

There are some steamy sex scenes, but really, even those seem the same as all the sex scenes we have read in previous books. Was hoping Atlantean Blood would bring some variety. Alas, it didn't.

I was anticipating Brynne and Zael's story.

I was disappointed.

Taking a LONG break from this series. I still own a few books I haven't read yet.
But maybe a long break will bring some life back to my enjoyment of it. ( )

Brynne is a Breed female created as a lab experiment, Zael is an Atlantean who is fascinated by her. She has a secret and is afraid to get close to anyone. Zael loves her anyways. Good read, gives a lot more information about the conflicts yet to come.
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