Release (The Protector 3) by M.R. Merrick Review & Giveaway

Release (The Protector 3) by M.R. Merrick-YA Urban Fanstasy

Kindle format given by author for review/blog tour

After uniting the shifters and calling in reinforcements, Chase has to face his toughest challenge yet: learning to control his emotions. But as tensions rise and his powers grow, controlling his emotions becomes the least of his problems.

Terrorized by a multi-shifter who is hell-bent on turning him, Chase questions just how far he’s willing to go to stop his father. Meanwhile, Tiki’s virtuous nature has placed him in the middle of Vincent’s past, leaving Chase to oppose a senate of vampires and defend a demon he hates.

Trying to balance his friends, his enemies, and his inner demons, Chase is left searching for answers about the Mark, his destiny, and where he can find the next soul piece. Stopping Riley is his top priority, but as more obstacles arise, he finds himself doubting all the decisions he’s made - especially regarding Rayna.

One thing is for certain: Chase has finally realized that he doesn’t know anything. The light doesn’t always quell the darkness, the monsters don’t always stay in the shadows, and the past doesn’t always stay in the past - sometimes, the demons inside are the hardest to fight.

My Take:

WHAAA...just happened??? Release definitely followed Merrick's pattern of creating an action packed tale that kept my mind reeling. And why on earth did I think this was the last book in the series??? Silly, silly me.  

I'm going to do a bit of a character breakdown, but this series is really about the group as a whole, so I'm going to keep it a bit brief. Ok, so I still love Rayna, but feel like we didn't see as much of her in this book. Was it just me? I love the way her character has developed as the series has progressed. We learned more about her and her abilities in Shift, and she's gained even more power in this book. She's such a strong, likable character. 

Willy, Willy, Willy. He is so sweet. Willy breaks my heart. I admire Willy's tenacity, loyalty, and his friendship that he gives so selflessly.  

The character I've become the most attached to is Tiki. I was happy to learn more about him and his background in this book. There were a few times I was a bit nervous about what was going to happen with him, but I'm glad he's made more of an impact in the group. 

I still don't trust Vincent. Something about him still feels off to me. I keep expecting him to turn on the group. 

Riley is foul. Plain and simple. I can't wait for him to be destroyed. 

Now on to Chase. He still drives me a little nuts, but I think he brings the group together. He's definitely gained more confidence, although I still don't see him as a strong alpha type character. But again, he works within the group. I'd STILL like to see more of a love relationship happen between Chase and Rayna. I mean...I know they're trying to save the world, but love makes the world go round, don't you know. *winks*

M.R. Merrick has mastered the shocking ending. In every book in this series, I've been left wondering what will happen next. If you are fan of action, fantasy, and a world beyond belief, definitely check this series out!

Quote:

"I am the Protector, and you are nothing more than an obstacle. You've gotten in my way time and time again. You've attacked me, you've hurt my friends, and now you're trying to use your magic to turn them against me, but it won't work."-Loc 6148

Grande Prize Pack (3 Winners)

3x Signed paperbacks (Exiled, Shift, Release)

3x Signed 8x10 posters (Exiled, Shift, Release)

5x Bookmarks

1x Notebook (Winner’s choice of cover)

1x Magnet

Runner-up Prize Pack (5 Winners)

1x Signed paperback (Winner’s choice of Exiled, Shift, or Release) with signed poster

1x bookmark (Winner’s choice)

1x Magnet

Secondary Prizes A (10 Winners)

Release eBooks

Secondary Prize B (10 Winners)

1x bookmark (winner’s choice)

1x The Protector magnet

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