Most Helpful Customer Reviews
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Can we just take a moment to collectively appreciate the cover?, September 7, 2010
This review is from: Assassin's Heart (A Novel of the Order) (Paperback)
I got this book as an advanced read, and I really intended to read it over at least two days - I really did! But then I started and I just couldn't stop. If you liked Assassin's Honor, you'll love Assassin's Heart.
The Setting -- deviates from the Chicago and New England setting of the previous book. Assassin's Heart picks up with the search for the Tyet of Isis which began in earnest in Assassin's Honor. The setting is in the heart of Rome, visiting many historical landmarks and brushing history its self. Because of the peculiar nature of the main set of characters in Assassin's Heart several pieces of the story take place in the past, like in the days of the ancient Roman Empire past. The world of the Sicari is vivid and rich with history that makes you want to believe in it.
The Characters -- are, once again, phenomenal. Lysander piqued my curiosity in the first book and I was really excited when I learned that the second book featured him. The characters in Assassin's Heart have a lot to overcome; brutal deaths, torture, inner demons and past pain. I liked how both of the characters experienced uncomfortable growth. Not only did they have to face some things they really would have preferred to never deal with, but they had to get over themselves and learn how to apologize and trust and work together. I'm probably completely biased too, because I liked Ares, but loved Lysander. I couldn't help but feel for him.
The Plot -- picks up the search from the first book. The Assassin's books really should be read in order because of the over arcing plot that spans the books. There is at play the constant struggle between Sicari and Praetorians. And then there are the stories of Lysander and Phe, and Atia and the Sicari Lord, long lost missing children, and secret loves! I like my romance books with plot and this one delivers a punch and jab! You cheer on the romance and bite your nails during the action. There's this really awesome fight scene towards the end that I reread to get a really good minds-eye-view of what was going on; part of me wants a movie based on these books - because they're that exciting, and movies these days just can't hold a candle to some of the books I read.
Thank you Monica Burns. Can we fast forward to the release of the third book? I can't wait to hear Cleo on paper again.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Enchanting, September 16, 2010
This review is from: Assassin's Heart (A Novel of the Order) (Paperback)
The story
The Sicari are deadly enemies of the Praetorians. The praetorians are evil murdering religious zealots. Lysander get caught in a praetorian trap and ends up finding out his father is a praetorian, that's why he is a telekinetic and telepath. The praetorian raped his mother. Crushed and scarred for life Lysander won't let his love, Phaedra, heal him for fear of her finding out what happened. Phaedra's parents were killed by praetorians. To protect her he won't let her near him, he shoves her away for a year. Phaedra is recruited for a mission in Rome - praetorian territory - to find the Tyet of Isis. Phaedra and Lysander must work together where neither is able to ignore their feelings.
Thoughts
I really liked the plots in this book. I enjoyed the story line. There are glimpses of the past with Maximus and Cassiopeia. Lysander has dreamt of Maximus since he was a child. I liked reading their story line. This book is filled with mystery, betrayal, love, sacrifice, unity and family. It was intriguing to read Atia's story, her love and her love lost. I can't wait to read more, especially Atia's and her daughter Cleopatra's story. There is a lot of push/pull between Phaedra and Lysander. At one point I thought enough is enough, but that was the end of it. It was interesting to read where the Sicari and the Praetorians came from and more of the inner workings. I can't imagine the pain of being tortured by your father, awful. Lysander grows in this book, Phaedra as well. I can't decide if I liked this or Assassin's Honor more. They were both great. THe only complaint I have is throughoutthe book cuss words and terms of endearment are in Italian? Anyway, I had to look up the translations, curiosity got to me.I would have been nice if they gave the translations in the book so we the readers could know what they're saying.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
4.5 Stars of Assassin's Heart, September 7, 2010
This review is from: Assassin's Heart (A Novel of the Order) (Paperback)
Lysander Condellaire has never recovered from the wounds inflicted upon him a year ago. All damage was made worse when he learned that the very Praetorian who inflicted is wounds is also is father. After being rescued by his fellow Sicari, he pushes the one person he cares for most away in fear of what she will think of him. Now in present day Rome, he dreams of an ancient time that feels all too real and is the only place he can be with the woman he loves.
Phaedra DeLuca has spent the last year suffering in silence at the loss of Lysander. Being the Sicari's best healer, she is sent to Rome to help find an ancient artifact that must not fall into the hands of her enemies. While there she also has vivid dreams of another time. Both learn that these dreams may be the key to unlocking the location of the artifact they seek and their chance at redeeming their lost love.
The worst part of Lysander's torture was learning who is father is. After the shocking news, he sees himself as tainted and pushes Phaedra away from him in fear of what she would think if she ever found out. It really tugs at your emotions to read the thoughts that go through his mind and Phaedra's pain of being without Lysander. She knows their time spent in bed together was more than just physical need and is confused and hurt by his sudden rejection. A year later they are forced together on a mission that sends them looking for The Tyet of Isis. While in Rome both dream of Maximus and Cassiopeia, the first Sicari Lord and his wife. These glimpses into the past were both beautiful and heart breaking to read. Aside from helping them on their mission, the connection and feelings their past lives bring up helps to bring Lysander and Phaedra closer together.
Lysander is both frustrating and heroic (I've never wanted to hug and slap someone more than I did him) and Phaedra is caring and selfless in her healing. The relationship between Lysander and Phaedra is one of my favorites of the genre.
Aside from Lysander/Maximus and Phaedra/Cassiopeia's story, Atia (the Prima Consul aka the boss) has secrets of her own we are learning about. Her past relationship with Sicari Lord Marcus is coming to light and we learn the two have a painful history of their own. In Assassin's Honor Atia felt cold to me and just not a character I think I'd like. I can't say she is my favorite person now but her character gets more depth to it and her faults and secrets make her more feel normal. Also, the Praetorian are coming at the Sicari stronger than ever. They kill the male Sicari without mercy and do even worse things to the women. The Sicari have a rough road ahead and I look forward to being there for it all.
Monica Burns takes her already wonderful series to another level in Assassin's Heart. She truly does the Paranormal Romance genre justice. If you're a fan of romance, action, great world building and a bit of mystery and adventure then The Order of Sicari books are for you. Saying I'm excited for the next book in the series doesn't begin to cut it.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
|
