Review: A Recommended Read at TwoLips Reviews!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 02 8, 2013
In the year 3478, the Burning War has left Earth - or Terra as it's now known - a devastated, backward world that's lost three-quarters of its population to not only war, but to tsunamis, earthquakes, and a plague that would have entirely wiped out humanity had the Triune Goddess Morrigunia not interceded. Floods and earthquakes have reduced the size of what used to be the United States by half. The people exist now in a futuristic "old west" in which the large cities and their machinery of old lay in ruin. In what had been the vast Midwest, the Southwest, and Southeast, the land has been divided into territories ruled by the High Council of Shadowlords -- three powerful psychics from far beyond the Terran galaxy. Rogue reapers called Balgairs have been turned loose by the alien Ceannus to destroy the humans of Terra. To eradicate them before this happens, the High Council has brought in seven of Morrigunia's Reapers.Reapers are forces to be reckoned with. Tall, black-haired, and inordinately handsome and well-built, these men each possess a symbiotic worm that gives them the strength of 10 normal men. Neither vampire nor werewolf, but a combination of both, they can shapeshift into both a wolf and a bird. Their senses are enhanced, and they have powers to mesmerize and do all manner of magical things. Tough, unsympathetic killers, they'll melt your heart with the loneliness and despair they hide from the world but cannot hide from the women destined to be their mates. Ultimately, they are the final word of law in the Territories, and nothing is more important to them than the protection of their people. Yet the people they've dedicated their lives to protecting fear these solitary blood-drinking Reapers nearly as much as they fear the blood-thirsty Rogues.During a three-month stay at the Citadel, Reaper Cyner Cree has paid penance for taking Aingeal as his mate and giving her one of his "hellions," making her a Reaper without the Shadowlords' permission. The married couple return to their new home in Haines City, where the people have surprisingly welcomed them with open arms and are happy to hear that Aingeal is pregnant. But all is not well in Oklaks Territory.Two men the Reaper thought he'd killed - Otaktay, the Jakotai brave who still wants Aingeal back, and the Rogue Silus Gibbs - remain alive and pose a danger to them. However, they're not the only or even the worst threat facing the couple and the Territory Cyner has vowed to protect. The evil Ceannus have returned with more of their creations, rogues more dangerous than the ones that came before. And the Ceannus have let loose another danger, one Terrans cannot survive. One that could bring Cynyr and his fellow Reapers to their knees.WesternWind 2: Reaper's Revenge continues where WyndRiver Sinner left off. Although it can be read as a stand alone novel, I recommend reading the books in order for the most enjoyment; i.e. grasp of character development and the colorful "MegaVerse" that Charlotte Boyett-Compo has created for, not only this series, but for all her others. You'll get better acquainted with the other Reapers, the "Texas Rangers" of this new west, as they join Cyn to protect Haines City from the evil that threatens all of Terra. You'll also get more insight into the folks of Haines City, particularly the cheeky, outspoken Moira, who will have you in stitches as she and Aingeal lead the matchmaking efforts to bring together the Sheriff's daughter Danielle Brewster and the impervious Prime Reaper Arawn Gehdrin, who are the featured couple in book 3, Prime Reaper.Although I've always loved WyndRiver Sinner with a passion, this second installment to the series is an absolute thrill ride. Fast-paced and packed with absorbing action, the unexpected twists and turns will surprise and intrigue you from start to finish. The subplots keep the story rolling, and Ms. Boyett-Compo's sweeping descriptions will engross you. As always, her love scenes are as hot, as sweet and as smooth as melted butter. Add a touch of her light humor, and simply put, this book is thoroughly enjoyable.Even if you're not a futuristic cowpunk fan, this series offers other themes that will draw you in in a heartbeat. Pick it up today. -- This review belongs in its entirety to TwoLips Reviews, LLC.