ashton the book blogger: Review - Exiled (The Protector)

Title: Exiled (The Protector)

Author: Matthew Merrick

Synopsis (Extended Smashwords):

Chase Williams is a demon hunter in the Circle, or at least he was supposed to be. On his fifteenth birthday, Chase stepped up to the altar to claim his elemental power, but it never came. Elemental magic is passed down to a hunter through the bloodline, but on Chase's birthday, the bloodline stopped.

Exiled without the Circle's protection, Chase has spent two years trying to survive a world riddled with half-demons and magic. When he has a run in with a frightened and seemingly innocent demon, he learns the Circle's agenda has changed: the Circle plans to unlock a portal and unleash pure-blood demons into the world. Vowing to stop them, and knowing he can't do it alone, Chase forms a reluctant alliance with Rayna - a sexy witch with an attitude and a secret. In their attempt to stop them, Chase and Rayna find themselves in the middle of the Circle's plan, leaving one of them to decide what their friendship is worth, and the other's life depending on it.

My Review:

WOW. Just plain WOW. This book was an incredible action packed, fast paced, thrill ride, that kept me hanging on until the end.

I absolutely loved this book, and am definitely looking forward to a sequel!

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M.R. Merrick's writing style is fantastic. I'm not a big fan of 1st person stories, but this was written so well, I forgot it was in 1st person. He is so detailed in is his descriptions, you feel like you are right there in the rooms and situations with the characters. The plot and storyline were well thought out and executed, and all of the characters were very well developed. There are some definite twists in the story, which add to the mystery and action, and by the end of the epilogue I was crying my eyes out.

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Exiled weaves together some of my favorite fantasy and paranormal elements. There are demons, vampires, humans, and the use of the elements (fire,earth,water,air). I read this story in one sitting; I loved it so much I just could not put it down. I was quite fond of the relationship between Chase and his mother Tessa - "You and me, always" - that line always got me, and the witty banter between Chase and Rayna (she was definitely one of my favorite characters - as was Willy). Overall this was just legen...wait for it...dary. Legendary. Yea. It was that awesome.

Fantastic Job Mr. Merrick!

My Rating:

An Awesome Wedding Cake!