ARC review: Mercury Striking by Rebecca Zanetti
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Mercury Striking (The Scorpius Syndrome, #1) by Rebecca Zanetti Series: The Scorpius Syndrome #1
Published by Zebra on January 26th 2016
Pages: 384
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With nothing but rumors to lead her, Lynn Harmony has trekked across a nightmare landscape to find one man—a mysterious, damaged legend who protects the weak and leads the strong.
He’s more than muscle and firepower—and in post-plague L.A., he’s her only hope. As the one woman who could cure the disease, Lynn is the single most volatile—and vulnerable—creature in this new and ruthless world. But face to face with Jax Mercury…
Danger has never looked quite so delicious…
I might be (ok alot biased) since I really enjoy and love Ms. Zanettis books that I had to request for an ARC. And IÂ read this book while I was on my flight to my holiday destination which made it a hell of a interesting flight.
I would suggest everyone read the anthology On the Hunt because it introduces the world of scorpius syndrome and it features a great couple as well. I have surmised what happens to Lynne in the anthology to help with any confusion. Â
In the post apocalyptic world, USA is under attack from a new kind of space bacteria. The bacterial infection called scorpius syndrome, fatal to some of the population and to others making them deadly. The bacterium responds differently in different people, in some it leads to them completely losing themselves and their moral compass becoming psychopaths with the intention of infecting everyone, while others though carriers of the disease are still for the lack of a better word humane. It is said that bacteria also makes psychics out of some but as of the ending of the book, alot of the information on the bacteria is unknown. The population alive is barely scarping by with little electricity and food supplies left over.Â
As as biomed student, this was very intriguing to me and it spoke to my science geek side. I loved the whole concept of the bacteria but I digress, moving on the romance and the protagonists.Â
Lynne Harmony was one of the scientist working on the syndrome when it was first discovered at CDC. Unfortunately during said work she got infected and her best friend used the only work in progress vaccine to help her which resulted in Lynne getting a fluorescent heart which glowed blue. At the end of the book in the anthology Lynne is in hospital trying to recover from the infection. I really enjoyed Lynne, not only is she a genius, she’s also extremely strong and a kickass heroine.Â
Jax Mercury, a former special ops and the reluctant leader of the survivors of the infection in California. Jax has been trying to keep his people alive with the help of some of the people in his camp by hunting resources (anything from food to fuel to medication). Jax is like Ms. Zanetti’s other heroes, an alpha male and also a badass with a sharp mind. Jax finds himself falling in loves in with Lynne, a woman who is said to carry a deadlier strain of the disease.Â
Lynne and Jax;Â from the moment they meet share mutual attraction and at the same time distrust. Â They had great chemistry and I liked how their relationship developed. Both compliment each other and are extremely lovely people with pasts that have made them stronger.Â
The book also has tons of action, along with some violence and a fight for survival in a new world. Jax and Lynn find themselves looking for a cure against the bacteria while trying to hide from authorities that comprise of sociopaths bent on building a new world under their control and fighting against old enemies.Â
This is an excellent start to the series and I can’t wait for the next book Shadow Fallowing which will be about Raze and Vinnie!Â
About Rebecca Zanetti
New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Rebecca Zanetti has worked as an art curator, Senate aide, lawyer, college professor, and a hearing examiner – only to culminate it all in stories about Alpha males and the women who claim them. She writes dark paranormals, romantic suspense, and sexy contemporary romances.
Growing up amid the glorious backdrops and winter wonderlands of the Pacific Northwest has given Rebecca fantastic scenery and adventures to weave into her stories. She resides in the wild north with her husband, children, and extended family who inspire her every day–or at the very least give her plenty of characters to write about.
