Review for "Sundered"

"Sundered" is the first book in Shannon Mayer's 'Nevermore' triology.

A couple stands hand in hand their backs to us. In front of them a tall wrought iron gate spears into a stormy sky. The ground beneath their feet is broken and marshy. Desolate. The entire scene is done in shades of gray and yellow except for the title which is bold in blood red.
Sebastian and Mara are happily married newly weds. They've just moved into a new house in a small community. But infertility mars their blissful life. When a brand new drug surfaces that claims to cure all sorts of ailments even infertility Mara and thousands of others jump at the chance. But every drug has its side-effects.

What I Liked

• The author calls this a zombish apocalypse. I for one have never been able to jump on the zombie band wagon. I mean ick, right? I did watch Warm Bodies and enjoyed it but I wound up seeing it as more of a Romeo and Juliet spoof than anything. Shannon Mayer's zombies though seem real. They could really happen. They make sense.
• The involvement of a plant called broom in the story. Again it makes sense. Just like in a good magical world you have to define the parameters and mechanics of magic, Shannon defines and explains the parameters and mechanics of her 'zombies' in a real way. 
• It's a true love story between Sebastian and Mara. Their love is defined, mature, and, real.
• Shannon manages to realistically paint the emotions an infertile couple goes through. I cried within the first few chapters. Really cried. 

What I disliked:

• It was a little short for my tastes
• Not really digging the sexuality between humans and zombies.
• SPOILERS if they intend for the baby to be part nevermore it seems to me that Mara would have an allergic reaction and would either die from carrying the baby or miscarry.
• It was also absolutely no surprise at all when it turns out Sebastian went and got the shot. Saw it coming even before the Nevermores were Nevermores.

Zombies should make sense, luckily for us 'Sundered''s Nevermores do exactly that. 'Sundered' is edgy, suspenseful, at time terrifying, and yes even occasionally sexy. 'Sundered' is currently available for the Kindle for free. It's a great addition if you like your romances with a touch of a danger. The other two books in the trilogy, 'Bound' and 'Dauntless' are $2.99 a piece OR you can get all three for 2.99 in an omnibus version. That's what I decided to do when after a few days had passed I was still stuck in Mara's world. You can find out more about the author and her other works at www.shannonmayer.com

5 out of 5 crowns

Recommended for mature adults only due to graphic violence, disturbing situations, and sexuality. Hard-core Zombie lovers probably will NOT like the Nevermores.



Synopsis:"They were promised weight loss, the cure for Cancer, Parkinson's Disease and infertility; they were promised hope.
The side effects were anything but hopeful.
Mara and Sebastian are young, in love and newlyweds.Far too soon, they will face tests to their love that most others won't survive. Their bond strengthens with each loss, destruction and unbearable race against time. In each other, they find the will and hope to endure. Hand in hand, they will face the darkening of humanity with strength and integrity and an undeniable spirit to survive; together.
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