Deal with the Devil: A Mercenary Librarians Novel

***4 Stars*** I’m a huge fan of both the Beyond series & the Gideon’s Riders, HUGE, so to hear that another series, set in the same post-flares, dystopian world but far from the borders of Eden and the Sectors, was coming had me all kinds of excited. But, being a fangirl, I did take note that this series was not going to be like the previous ones, so I prepared and I have to say that I ended up really enjoying this book. There was a bit of information overload, since we are dealing with so much ‘newness’, but it was necessary and after getting used to it I loved getting to know the characters and simply wanting more. I have to say, I really liked Knox and Nina and found it interesting how similar they were and yet different. Both are protectors and leaders and yet one is more about taking care of as many as possible, while the other is more selective which made for some interesting interactions everytime they found themselves in each other’s orbit. As for the evolution of their relationship from strangers to lovers...the journey was interesting and enjoyable. There isn’t much waxing poetic style romance going on here ~ which shouldn’t come as a surprise considering the situation they find themselves in ~ but there is a lot of finding themselves unable to stay away from each other and telling each other things that they didn’t necessarily mean to but couldn’t help themselves, which I actually enjoyed because it fit them perfectly. Both are just too pragmatic and hardened to be the lovey dovey type. I loved their flow and just how they got each other without trying too hard. The big ‘ole bump in their journey was laid out from the start, so it came as no surprise, but I loved how they worked it all out in the end. This book was definitely more sci-fi/dystopian with romance added in, but it still had it’s smexy moments and it definitely had a lot of heart and humor. I truly enjoyed getting to know all of the characters ~ Gray and Dani are definitely the ones I’m most curious about ~ but they all fascinate me and have me looking forward to getting my hands on the next book in the series! ~ Copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley & voluntarily reviewed ~

In the near future the US is run by TechCorps. The Silver Devils were genetically altered super soldiers, led by Captain Garrett Knox, he may have done any number of unconscionable things for TechCorps but he always tried to do it with the least collateral damage. When he questions orders TechCorps ceased giving the Devils the drugs required to regulate their implants and Knox had to watch their medic, Mace, die in front of his eyes. Shortly after that the remaining Devils cut out their implants and disappeared into the ether, they may be living on borrowed time but at least they are free. NIna, Maya and Gina were also genetically enhanced. Having escaped their lives, sometimes by faking their own deaths, they live in Atlanta printing books for local residents, desperate to preserve knowledge and freedom. Knox approaches Nina with a deal, the location of a secret book storage site, but he has an ulterior motive that involves double-cross and betrayal. If you're a sucker for a dystopian romance, super soldiers and enhanced females, fights and steamy encounters then I think I've found your next read. I'm sold, sign me up for the series. And oh, my, god the epilogue ...

I loved the whole concept of this book. I mean, what could be cooler than mercenary librarians trying to help out the regular people in a post apocalyptic time where the flares have destroyed so much data and there is an evil corporation trying to control everything? Nina, Dani, and Maya are three tough women who have been hired by the Silver Devils to get a RLOC bunker but there is more going on. It leads to much excitement and violence and even some more romantic feelings. I liked the story and all the fights and camaraderie between the characters but I felt that the romance was a bit sudden for a Nina and Knox. I am probably a bit too cynical though and so I am sure others will find it just fine. I do like also that it did not end on a big cliffhanger though there is a little hook at the end that definitely makes me want to continue the series. This was a fun book and I enjoyed diving into it (bar the romance).