The Savior

I never thought I would rate a BDB tale as four stars and I STRUGGLED to give it four instead of three! It is sad to say but the brotherhood come off as superior vindictive alpha-holes in this book. SPOILER ALERT: and the "olive branch" they extend to Murhder is nothing but an itty bitty bandaid on a wound the size of a mack truck. For shame brothers, for shame!!

After the arrival of multiple letters and the driving need to put his affairs in order (this breaks my heart) Murhder decides he needs assistance to complete a final task. He turns to the only people he knows that can help - the Brotherhood - His past. Finally, we get Murhder's side of the events. Where he really was and what led him to massacre those humans in the brutal way he did. And the truth? What he suffered? What he gave up to protect the ones he loved? And wait till you find out who else knew the truth. I think he may be one of my favorite characters. He just calls to me. My heart broke for all the chit he has been through and his past with?? (that would be a spoiler). With reluctance, the Brotherhood agrees to assist him. Enter Sarah. Sarah is a spunky woman. She has that whole scientific mind thing going (you know squirrel syndrome? ) but she has a heart of gold! I think she will be a great addition to the family. This 'mission' uncovers so many secrets and leads to the truth about the past. Once the Brotherhood realizes what really happened Thor approaches him and extends an olive branch that would give Murhder a chance at having the life he always wanted. (trying not to give spoilers) I will say this though, had that been me I would have told you to take your peace offering at shove it where the sun shines!! I understand why he didn't but ugh that pissed me off something fierce. As always there are also a few secondary storylines running at the same time. John and Xhex are having a bit of trouble with their relationship, though I think it was more John dealing with his own feelings of inadequacy. Always being kept on the fringes of the brotherhood, not feeling as though he is a part of the whole. On top of that, he has somehow gotten himself in a bit of trouble that there may not be a solution to. I know I talked a few books back about the new direction the Brotherhood was going in. I think with regards to that this was another well-crafted introduction to their new era. But! And I was a bit shocked here - what was up with the errors? There were a few editing problems that pulled me from the story 😟 enough for me to take notice. Am I the only one that thought Darius might make an appearance? The whole reboot thing? Oh, and Lassiter is, well Lassiter, if he were truly deity I could worship him- He has mad people skills (ie.. Nate and his, mayhem) and is always plotting at something. Going to agree with Sarah though he needs new pants 🤣 I did have all kinds of questions as this came to a close. IMO there were a few scenes that felt a bit rushed (the book, the lab, the evil doctor, the female in the stilettos, the well ) or seemed to be missing important details. The Why? Or The How?

I was so excited to finally ger Murhder story. And it turned out though he was labeled insane, he was protecting his former lover Hhex. Though that intimate connection dissolved, I happy they developed a bond as friends. The journey of Sarah and Murhder was fast, but sweet. The both battle with loneliness and the need to feel tangible love. I love how JRWard showcased other couples such as John Matthew and Hhex martial problems, John finally becoming a Brother, and the importance of family.