4.5 STARS
It took a few attempts to write this review without spoilers beyond what is already disclosed in the book blurb, but I think I've got it now so here goes! It is hard to believe these first 3 books in the series only cover a span of a few months, but in this post-apocalyptic world you have to live in the moment because tomorrow is never guaranteed. The survivors in the Vanguard camp are racing the clock to find a cure to save the future of human race, trying to find enough resources to keep people alive, and fending off attacks from the sociopath Ripper President's Elite Force, so when they find love in the midst of the madness, they have to seize their chance.
Tace was all Southern boy charm and Texas drawl before Scorpius, but now that he is a survivor he is feeling like the darkness has taken hold in him and it scares the heck out of him. He comes from a long line of Texas lawmen and he feels like he has betrayed them by allowing the darker side of him to emerge now. Sami can see that the well mannered Texas man is still in there, but he is buried deep and struggling for dominance with the new, faster and harder version of Tace. And somehow that new version is really working for her which freaks her right out, especially since the new Tace seems to be very adept at reading people when they are lying and she is not ready to have her secrets exposed.
A trip into rival Mercenary territory to patch up their wounded and do a little recon work puts Sami and Tace in close quarters, and it doesn't take long before things turn heated. As hard as she tries to gain the upper hand, she is bound to fail because Tace is not backing down until Sami is his once and for all. His descent into darkness and his over the top protective instincts toward her still worry him but he just adds it to the list. He has been experiencing episodes of numbness and passing out since Scorpius infected him and he has to focus on hiding his weakness so that he can remain a functional part of the team. That plan goes by the wayside quickly though when an episode hits in front of Jax and the team, and Sami recognizes his systems as a rare but potentially deadly side effect of the Vitamin B treatments they all take. In order to save his life, she offers up her knowledge of the Bunker and risks being banished from Vanguard for her deception.
Although Jax and Tace are angry with her, they recognize that she did the right thing in order to try to find a cure for Tace's condition. Sami is terrified of going back to the Bunker as she relays the activities that she witnessed there, but in order to try to ensure a future for any of them, they decide to make an attempt to storm the facility. Jax and Tace hatch a daring and dangerous plan to follow through but they have to form an uneasy alliance with Greyson Storm, the leader of the rival Mercenary gang, if they have any hope of succeeding. There is an interesting element between Grey and Raze's sister Maureen that I can't wait to see explored, but for now it is enough of a mystery to have everyone intrigued- except Raze. Maureen's expertise is needed to find a way to grow sustainable food sources in the new environment and Grey's camp has the best facilities for it, so I am thinking this new alliance may turn out to be longer term than they planned, but we shall see!
Anyhow, I digress- the last half of the book is fast paced and action packed as the group races to save Tace's life and find the Bunker before the President and his men realize that Vanguard has discovered the location. In the meantime, the uninfected part of Vanguard's population that calls themselves The Pure is becoming a bigger problem with each passing day and their new fanatical leader is a thorn in Jax's side. He is treacherous and shifty to say the least, and he pulls an outrageous move at the end that I am sure Jax will retaliate for swiftly. Then they make an unexpected discovery that rocks Jax's world, and I cannot wait to see how that plays out in the future!
Justice Ascending was a wonderful read that kept me riveted from start to finish and I cannot get enough of this series! Tace and Sami are a great couple; they are both strong and capable, but they offset each other in all the right ways. Tace is just the right combination of alpha, dominant, protective, sweet, caring, and willing to do anything to ensure the woman he loves survives even if he doesn't. If you love hot, sexy alpha males, some heat and a little danger and suspense, then you need to check out the Scorpius Syndrome series today!
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Top reviews from other countries
Debbie
Another excellent book in the Scorpions syndrome.
Reviewed in Canada on February 4, 2017
Angarad
Another amazing book in the post apocalyptic world after the Scopius Syndrome invented by Ms Zanetti.
Reviewed in France on February 5, 2017