dinsdag 14 juni 2011

Alyssa Day – Atlantis Betrayed

The sixth book in the Warriors of Poseidon series, published September 2010.

Atlantis Betrayed

Poseidon’s Warriors have learned that the battle to protect humanity produces unexpected enemies – and alliances. And one of the most powerful of all Atlantean warriors will soon find both … in one daring beauty.

A Warrior’s mission, A woman’s desire…
What could Christophe, powerful Warrior of Poseidon, have in common with Fiona Campbell, prim and proper Scottish illustrator of fairy tales by day and notorious jewel thief known as the Scarlet Ninja by night? Answer: The Siren, a legendary Crown Jewel that Fiona has targeted for her next heist. It's said to be worth millions, but to Christophe it's invaluable. For the Siren also happens to be one of the missing jewels from Poseidon's trident.

And the unnatural evil that could destroy them both.
But breaking into the Tower of London is a two-person job, and Christophe and Fiona team up to commit the crime of the century. As newfound passions fire their motives – and cloud their judgment – they realize they aren’t the only ones after the priceless gem. A dark force is shadowing their every move and threatening to shatter their trust with revenge, betrayal and a haunting revelation about the past.


Christophe is sent to London, to steal back the Siren, which is a large gem in the sword of William the Conqueror, and part of the Crown Jewels, kept safe in the Tower of London. It is not going to be an easy job, as the Tower is not only guarded by magic but also by shifter guards. And they will scent what the magic cannot detect. Christophe has always loved London even though England holds brutal childhood memories for him.
Slipping into the Tower in his mist form is easy enough. Unfortunately, the Tower is crumbling and some falling little stones alert the guard, so he will have to hide. If the guards spot some mist just floating inside a room, that would not be good. Luckily, he just manages in time. When the guards have given up, blaming the pigeons, he sets on his way to the Jewel room. To his surprise, he detects some other unknown magic. He is not the only thief here tonight! Even though it is just a scouting mission at the moment.
Slipping inside the Jewel room just before the guards close the doors is easy. But to his own surprise he cannot hold his form when he sees the Red Ninja uncloak as well! And it is not a man, but a beautiful woman! And he falls literally at her feet. Christophe is mesmerized, and amused, something that does not happen often in his life. He is drawn to this woman, and scared of his own feelings at the same time, but he cannot resist teasing her, and kissing her. And the woman also cannot shoot him, though she is ready to do just that, and leave his body for the guards to find.

Lady Fiona Campbell is a Scottish young lady by day, writing and illustrating children’s books. But at night, she is the Red Ninja. Stealing priceless art, and donating half its worth to charity. Always leaving her calling card behind. The police and Interpol of several countries are looking for her, but they think it is a man they are looking for. The normal people cheer for her. Ever since the Vampires gained control in most countries, welfare for normal humans has been downsized to unliveable conditions. So especially when she steals from vampires, the average man admires her. A modern day Robin Hood.
One of her contacts have told her, there is a buyer for the Sword. And as money is no object, she is game. There are several charities in dire need of more donations, and this Sword will bring in several millions. Fiona has the unusual ability that she can cloak herself in shadows, and become invisible. Her powers over air and light also make it possible the make her self scentless, so the shifters cannot sense her either. So when she discovers someone else is after the same thing she is, she is annoyed. And attracted to this gorgeous man who appeared out of thin air. She senses he is not really a treat to her, and she is totally captivated by him. She even ignores the warnings from her brother, that her time is running out. So when she decides to go for it, and kiss Christophe, she shoots him with her tranquilizer gun. After all, she is not a murderer like her grandfather! But Christophe is Atlantean, and he quickly overcomes the effects of the dart. Just in time to escape being caught red-handed by the guards, and follow his Ninja home.

But they were not the only ones after the Siren, which is not only a priceless gem from Poseidon’s Trident, but also gives a vampire the power to thrall a shifter for good. Which is a very bad thing, as they could easily build a shifter army that way. Normal humans would not stand a chance anymore, and be killed as the sheep the vampires think they are.
The Dark Fae prince who is after the sword, and the Siren, has asked to many “persons” to get it for him. He knows who Fiona is, and is counting on getting them both. Fiona has some Fae blood in her, which accounts for her magic, and she would make a fine mother to his children. That she is his sister’s best (and only) friend, doesn’t matter to him. He wants her, and that is enough. After Fiona and Christophe leave the Tower, the Master Vampire of London enters, and he kills some guards to get what he wants: the Sword and the Siren. And when he discovers the Siren’s powers as soon as he gives the guards an order, he has no intention whatsoever to turn it over to the Fae Prince.
The worst thing is, Fiona left her calling card behind, and now everyone thinks she stole the Sword, and killed the guards. Her reputation is in ruin, she has never killed or harmed anyone in her heists. Christophe immediately understands her concern, even though her brother and faithful butler do not. So they decide on a partnership to find out who stole the Siren, and how to get it back, and clear her name in the process. And for that, they have to go for information in London’s underbelly. Fiona has no intention whatsoever to let Christophe handle it alone, she will go with him. Are they partners or not? Christophe calls in Denal to help guard the family while he is away. But neither Fiona nor her brother or butler believe Christophe when he claims to be an Atlantean warrior. A sorcerer, okay, but Atlantis? No way!


I loved this book! At first I was sceptic, as I did not like Christophe at all in the previous books. He looks down on humans, the sheep, as they invited the Vampires and Shapeshifters to take over their worlds. So why should he risk his life defending them? But when he falls for Fiona, and he falls hard! he feels the need to protect her against anything and anyone. He even puts her safety before finding the Siren again. And no one, not his High Prince Conlan nor the Priest Alaric can stop him doing just that. When Fiona sets foot in Atlantis, she is delighted by the gardens, the colors, the flowers, everything. She wants to come back and paint everything for her next children’s book.

Christophe had a horrible childhood before the Warriors found him and brought him back to Atlantis with them, where he was not capable of trusting anyone but himself. A loner, until he became a Warrior of Poseidon, and even then not a real friend to the other Warriors. But in Fiona and her family, he finds a home.
Fiona’s past was not easy either. Her grandfather betrayed them which caused her own father’s death. So when her grandfather finally died, it was a relief. She became the Red Ninja not out of need for personal money, that she has enough. But to make a difference, to seek revenge on behalf of those who could not do it themselves. And of course because she can, and it is a kick. Her little brother is a great computer hacker, a genius with gadgets, and he helps her as much as he can, as do the other members of her strange little household.

This was an action packed novel, with lots of room for Fiona and Christophe to fall for each other. Christophe feels Fiona is not yet ready for the soul meld between them, and manages to stop it from happening. Will he ever get a second chance at the soul meld? He used to be terrified of it happening, but now he has met Fiona, and he is thinking in terms of for ever, and the future. He understands finally why his fellow warriors have fallen for their mates.

This was an action packed novel, with lots of room for Fiona and Christophe to fall for each other. Christophe feels Fiona is not yet ready for the soul meld between them, and manages to stop it from happening. Will he ever get a second chance at the soul meld? He used to be terrified of it happening, but now he has met Fiona, and he is thinking in terms of for ever, and the future. He understands finally why his fellow warriors have fallen for their mates.

I loved both Christophe and Fiona, which I really did not expect. But something inside of him comes to live, and he just understands Fiona and doesn’t try too much to suppress her or her viewpoints. The Dark Fae were great new characters in this book, and Denal! What happened with you Denal, when will I find out?

Some very hot love scenes, great dialogues, and two very good kick-ass main characters, with a great cast of secondary characters. And of course some of the other warriors make an appearance here as well.

9,5 stars

3 opmerkingen:

  1. I can feel the love for this series :D I love when I really love a series. Awww good times

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  2. Hey Aurian,
    I've had my eye on this book, but haven't picked it up yet. You've made up my mind, I'm picking it up. I love a good story. Thanks for always being so supportive of my blog. Have a great week. I left a comment on my latest post for you.
    See ya,
    Dana
    Readaholics Anonymous

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  3. @ Blodeuedd: you better get reading, I want to know your thoughts about those series. You just have to love those hunky covers too ;)

    @ Dana Alma: I hope you will enjoy this series as much as I do. You're welcome :)

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