Review: Brilliant
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 05 9, 2014
This was a different but still similar take on the theme of shifters. Only those who shift are called "Protectors" and those that serve as their bonded companion are called "Handlers" . Handlers do not shift. Instead they are the ones who translate what their Protectors are trying to communicate. They work as a team. Handlers can outlive their protector; no Protector has ever outlived their Handler, until Alex. After Alex's handler Theo, was killed everyone thought or rather expected him to die along with him. When he didn't , that's when people started to realize that they might not know everything there is to know about the bond between a handler and their protector.Marcus is a 26 yr old un- bonded handler. He's ashamed of it. Embarrassed and desperate to find his pair bond. Alex is grieving. He doesn't understand why he didn't die with Theo. Alex was very much in love with Theo and his death has left him half of who he is used to be. When Alex unexpectedly bonds with Marcus he's shocked and then angry and refuses the connection with Marcus. Marcus has always wanted but he doesn't want to be with someone who won't accept him , so the two are at a impass for a majority of the book. They bicker, they argue, they f*** , they make out, they scream, and they yell. Like an old married couple.At about 80% of the book their relationship changes as a threat arrives. Alex comes to terms with his feelings and he learns that sometimes life isn't always predictable. Marcus learns to be patient and understanding.It's basically is a shifter story. the bond serves as a sort of a "mate" type relationship. It's not always a sexual one. Sometimes is just one based on very affectionate friendship , others more of a couple in love. I like the take on shifters in this story. I don't know if it will lead to a series , it reads like a stand alone. I enjoyed the way it ended. It was a beautiful epilogue.