Burning Alive (Sentinel Wars Series #1)

An amazing book!!

I really enjoyed this book even though, aside from my top 5 favorite series, nothing else has really been doing it for me. They've just been something to read until the next installment from my favorite authors is released. But this book was FAR from that which I expected. It was SO good. If you like any of the series I've recommended, then you'll love this one. Don't pass it up!!!

7 out of 7 people found this review helpful.

Intriguing new paranormal romance series!

While looking for a new paranormal/urban fantasy romance book to read, I was drawn to this book by the cover and brief explanation of the plot. I bought it and read it in three days. Ms. Butcher has written an awesome first installment in a new paranormal series. It is intelligent, witty, compelling, and sexy. The storyline is engaging, action-packed, and thrilling. The romantic relationship between Helen and Drake was touching and sexy. Unlike a lot of the paranormal/urban fantasy romance series that are a lot of what I call "fluff and buff" (lots of sex and very little storyline), this book's storyline is what carries the weight. There is just the right amount of romance, but it doesn't overpower the plot. The ending leaves the reader anticipating the next in the series and the storyline. I was pleasantly surprised and eagerly await the next book. You won't be disappointed!

4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.

This is an exciting romantic urban fantasy

In a diner in Olathe, Kansas, Helen Day recognizes the man who has been the focus of her nightmares. She is positive she never met her Vision Man before except in her dreams, but she knows that face is the one she sees almost every time she falls asleep because y when she is awake she recalls the details of this male standing near her while observing her die in a fire.

Drake is a bit stunned by the deep attraction he feels for Helen; as he has been around for ages. He is a Theronai warrior, whose species is dying; he fears for the safety of humanity, who he and his peers vigilantly protect. Helen reciprocates his regard, but does not trust him as she fears their relationship will end in her fiery death. When their demonic enemy the Synestryn attacks her, Drake battles them to keep her safe. She still believes in her vision, but also believes Drake is on her side.

This is an exciting romantic urban fantasy starring two strong lead protagonists as star-crossed wannabe lovers. Fascinatingly though the two other species come across as genuine and the confrontations between them well written and exciting, the human Helen owns the entertaining story line with her divided emotions. On the one hand she is falling in love with her self-proclaimed guardian, but on the other hand she distrusts him as Vision Man does nothing to save her from her fiery nightmares. Shannon K. Butcher adds her trademark suspense with plenty of tension and danger to the mix of a terrific paranormal thriller.

Harriet Klausner

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

Sizzling Hot!

The emotions that are brought to life in this book are amazing. These are not your pristine and all around perfect heroes, although they are wonderful. They are scarred, lonely, pissed off, happy, and sometimes sarcastic. Living life for centuries enduring mind numbing pain and still having the courage to keep on living and fighting for the greater good, that is what I call a hero! This book had me on the edge of my seat the entire time hoping that everything would be alright and unlike some novels where the main characters get all the attention it had memorable secondary characters as well. In fact just when I thought I was getting lost in the goings on of one character another would come up that would be just as interesting. The main characters Helen and Drake are of course the main focus, but the other characters had important roles too that they played in this world of good vs. evil.

Drake was a very sexy hero and even knowing that he would die without Helen he still gave her the chance to choose whether or not she wanted to stay with him.

Helen was very much afraid of Drake and the world that she was pulled into, but no matter how scared she got she always stood up for what she believed was right and even risked her life in order to protect the ones she loved.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

4.25stars for this witty, fiery, funny tale This origin story f

4.25stars for this witty, fiery, funny tale
This origin story for Sentinel Wars pulled me in right away. I enjoyed the characters as the foundation was laid for what could be an extremely long running series depending on the authors choices as information about one of the three paranormal races and their ongoing invisible war held in sight of and about the humans. The dwindling Theronai are fighting time in addition to the Synestryn with the dubious assistance of the Genrai as the females of the race have been slaughtered years ago.
What worked well for me was the dialog, writing style, pacing and storyline and for the most part the characters. In some places it was laugh out loud funny, sometime just witty but it was always interesting. The world itself was intricate and layered with each race having its own hierarchy in addition to multiple castes for each. I loved the leaning into the stereotypical strengths of each sex to ensure a balanced union. With women providing the emotional/practical while men provide the strength/protection pieces of the equation teamwork is essential.
Hmmm what didn’t work was too much Helen. While it was understandable that this was a new world for her at times she was irritating and annoying, you wanted her gone. I also felt the story slowed when Helen was front and center in the latter portions of the book. Not to be outdone a little more consistency from Drake would not have been amiss – alpha males don’t question their actions.
I am quite on board for this ride and am anxious to get to the next episode!

Good story

It was a little slow getting in to but in the end very good.... considering reading more of the series.

Started out slow, but was hooked by the end!

I had a hard time getting into the book initially, but it did become intriguing and I found myself staying up far too late to finish it off. I'm definitely going to have to read #2 now!

One of the best!

I have read ALOT of paranormal books a love a great series. This is one great book. I also like that there are a couple of chapters dedicated to letting you connect with the charatures of future books in the series.
You could read this as a stand alone book, but i really don't know why you would want to.
I think my only critic at this time would be that i wish there was a teaser at the end for the next book in the series so i could find it even faster to buy it.
If you like paranormal/other/alternate species, type books give this one a read.

Awesome series!!!!!!

This is simply an awesome series! Full of action and heat. Not the normal read. It's a refreshingly out of the box series. Probably should be read in order though. This was my favorite so far and i have reread it many times.

Love love love it!!!

Love this series!

MUST READ!!!!!!

A FANTASTIC START ON THE SERIES, ALOT PASSION BETWEEN HELEN AND DRAKE! CAN'T WAIT TO READ THE REST OF THE SERIES!!!!!!

Different

Completly different story line from others.

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Predictable

Decent and interesting take on good versus evil, but predictable story progression.

0 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

A paranormal lovers must read

The best paranormal of 2009. I'm hooked.

Great Book

Great book and great series. I can't wait until the fourth book comes out!

Great new series

Starts a little slow, but I liked it. She surprised me with the ending. Kinda hard to do as I have read so many of this type of book. LOL

loved it!!!

Omg i could not put it down! From the first page she had me. It made me laugh,cry, and cheer. I cant wait for the next one. This is a must read for all who love Paranormal romance.

Good Read

This was a thrilling book that takes a different turn on the paranormal. The characters are interesting and the writer really makes you care what happens to them.

Another great book

This is her first paranormal book. She has created a great series. Enjoy.

Burning Alive is a page turner

The characters and the plot kept me turning the pages. I'm eagerly awaiting the next installment in this new series.