“Thrilling post-apocalyptic romance at its dark, sizzling best!”—Lara Adrian“Nothing is easy or black or white in Zanetti’s grim new reality, but hope is key, and I hope she writes faster!” —New York Times bestselling author Larissa Ione With nothing but rumors to lead her, Lynne Harmony has trekked across a nightmare landscape to find one man—a mysterious, damaged legend who protects the … 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, Lynne 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…
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A short while ago, MERCURY STRIKING by Rebecca Zanetti was on sale. It looked interesting so I gave it a read. It’s the first book in the Scorpius Syndrome series.
This is a fast paced, gritty post-apocalyptic romance that will leave you wanting more. And I’m not kidding when I say that. I bought and read the rest of the series in under a week. I couldn’t stop reading them and can’t wait for the next book.
A great start to a binge-worthy post-apocalyptic romance series!
I wondered how a story about post-apocalyptic horrors and zombies could be wrapped around a love story. However, I wasn’t worried. Rebecca Zanetti is one of my favorite authors for a reason and with this introduction to The Scorpius Syndrome, she’s shown a whole new side to what she can create and I’m impressed!
Jax Mercury was a military man. Once a gangbanger, he was now the protector of so many survivors. He was just trying to keep everyone alive, defending against other territories and gangs who wanted to take the meager supplies they had. He became a hero without intention. Oh… and he was delicious!
Then there’s Lynne. Once the head of her department at the CDC, she was seen as the reason why the human race was becoming extinct. With a distinctive blue heart due to the Scorpius bacteria, she was viewed as either the harbinger of death… or the cure. Hunted, she believed that her only hope was finding Jax and taking advantage of his legendary heroics.
There was plenty of action and intrigue to be found here. One particular death scene left me stunned. I hate when a character I adore ends up dead
There was no love lost between Lynn and I for most of this story. She kept secrets, tried to manipulate Jax, and turned me off in too many ways. It took me a while to warm up to her, however, I did by the end. I absolutely loved Jax! He was in denial about so many things, including the hero he had become. He was sexy, protective, dominant, brave, and determined. There’s just something about an alpha ex-military hero done right that really does it for me. And Zanetti did it right here.
The best apocalyptic world I’ve ever read. (one of my favorite genres)
Title: Mercury Striking (The Scorpius Syndrome #1)
Author: Rebecca Zanetti
Publisher: Headline Eternal
Edition: Paperback
Amount of Pages: 384
Genre: Dystopia, Post Apocalyptic, Romance, Action, Suspense.
Favorite Quote: “If there are bullets, I’m between you and them. If you get taken, I’m hunting you down till my last breath. And if you end up in hell, I’ll storm the fucking place until the fires go out.”
Date Read: 28-09-2019 – 29-09-2019
Review:
I have to say I wasn’t really sure I was going to like this book in the beginning. I was feeling a bit confused. Like I missed a prologue or the first couple of chapters. I was scrolling back a bit in the beginning and then I found there was a prequel novella. I debated pausing this book to read that one but I decided to keep on reading. I figured out what happened and what was going on pretty soon after that.
What is this book about:
In this book we are in a post apocalyptic world. A decease called scorpius spread through the world, it either killed people or turned them into psychopath/sociopaths killers. There is no cure. Some of the people that survived the fever didn’t get turned into crazed killers if they got a shot of Vitamin B and regularly keep on getting a shot.
Lynne Harmony was the head of the research department of the CDC, she was tasked with finding a cure but sadly one of her coworkers went crazy and infected her with the decease. In an effort to cure her she was administered a experimental drug, one that saved her live but also turned her heart blue. She quickly became a lab rat but managed to escape when she realized the president of the united states was a ripper (this is what they called the people that survived the scorpius disease and got turned into crazy killers). But it hasn’t been easy, half of the people are scared of her and blame her thinking she spread the decease on purpose and the rest thinks she holds the cure in her blue heart. The rumors the president made up about her didn’t help much either.
Lynne makes her way to the territory of a man called Jax Mercury. Jax is a ex soldier who created a safe haven for survivors. Lynne hopes to strike a deal with Jax. She will help him find a cure for Scorpius if he keeps her save. Tensions grows between them. The more time they spend together the more they realize that in today’s world there are no guarantees. If you find something to hold on to, don’t let it go.
What did I like about this book:
I liked the world building and the concept. It reminded me of the movie called the crazies. I was excited to see how Rebecca would spin the story. I loved her Sin Brother series, its my favorite of hers to date.
I liked how protective Jax was of his people and Lynne. He could be a bit over the top at times but Lynne really tried to hold her own. She isn’t a pushover and while she caved from time to time she didn’t go against her own morals. Their relationship did go a bit fast for my liking. They where in love withing the span of a week or two. But I expected it going in having read rebecca’s other works and it somehow fit the story. Its an extreme situation and that causes people to have a more extreme reaction that they would normally have. Be aware Jax does something that I didn’t really agree with, like whipping Lynne to make a point but he does apologize for it later after she calls him out on it. It doesn’t happen again.
The suspense and thrill was really good in this book and I can’t wait to see how the rest of the story turns out. I hope the crazy president gets what he deserves.
I wished Rebecca took the time to set this book up a bit better, give some more background and stuff but as I said before I figured it out pretty quickly. It didn’t ruin the story for me but it could have made it better.
Rating:
31/2 I liked it stars
Rebecca zanetti does an apocalypse like no other. Jax mercury is supremely sexy and blue heart is a tough smart lady fit for him
What’s the main premise of this series: A deadly virus has ended most of life on earth. For the ones it didn’t kill it changed them. The worst were made into Rippers of which there were two types of them one increased their intelligence but made them without conscience like serial killers and the others were just plain insane and killed anything. There were a small few who survived the fever with just the heightening of their senses and kept their sanity.
Were things explained and the world building done well: Not everything was explained right away – some things took the course of the book. The books starts after the virus when everyone is fighting to stay alive. For me by the end of this book I was satisfied I knew enough about the virus, what caused it and if there was any hope for the future. The things that were not always clear were who all the bad guys were. Somewhere obvious – like the LA gangs and all the Rippers but a group called the Mercenaries are still a mystery.
Characters: There were a lot of main and secondary characters. I didn’t feel overwhelmed by the amount of them and all but one you knew who side they were on. For the most part we got enough back story on even the secondary characters to come to care about them but in this violent apocalyptic world that doesn’t mean they will be around for long. Death count is high throughout the book.
Romance: Lynn Harmony and Jax Mercury are not your typical sweet romance couple. Lynn was a CDC scientist before the outbreak and also a survivor of the fever but it left her with a blue heart literally that glows in her chest. The US has been told she is the carrier of a new strain of the Scorpius virus and to stay away from her but that isn’t the truth. Her goal was to make to LA to toughest soldier in the new world for both his protection and to get her to the CDC in California for hopes of finding a cure. Jax has had to be tough his whole life – first growing up in tough gang in LA then as a soldier seeing the only good friends he’s ever had died. Even though he doesn’t want the job he is the leader of a group of survivors who is doing everything in his power to make sure they are kept alive and trained for fighting Rippers, gang members and how to scavenge for food and supplies. Jax tries to present himself as mean fighting machine with no emotions but its pretty clear he has a soul and he realizes right away that Lynn is someone he needs to protect even if the two constantly butt heads. The sexual attraction runs pretty hot between them and Jax has a few surprises he pulls out in the bedroom.
Most mysterious and character I want more of: Raze Shadow.. His book is next. Even though he fights side by side with Jax throughout this book he is keeping one heck of a secret on who he really is and why he was in Jax’s camp. Can’t wait to find out the truth.
Overall impression of the book: I liked it. The story was captivating, the characters interesting and with the open ended ending your left wanting more.
Lots of great characters and action! Jax was a great character who was trying to keep a group of survivors from the Scorpius Syndrome alive. Lynn was a survivor and could possibly find a way to help people who survived. Lots of action from rival gangs and Rippers along with one hunting her. Loved it!!
Rebecca Zanetti has written several wonderful series but my favorite is the diastopic Scorpius Syndrome series.
Lynne Harmony has been hiding out, she knows there is a bounty on her head and others fear what she will bring if she is around. Known as Blue Heart some fear she is the one who has single handedly cause the Scorpius virus, others are not sure what to think. She survived the virus while others turn into a Ripper, a change happens that create a deadly being who have no sanity left. She only has one hope, find Jax Mercury he may have the keys to what she is searching for.
Jax doesn’t know what the Blue Heart wants with him or his Vanguard group which he is he leader of. He doesn’t trust her and when she makes a barter with him, one kill for all the information she has, he knows she is leaving out important details. Jax didn’t expect to be attracted to Lynne, nor that it was mutual. Both have secrets, both are not interested in more than sleeping together, both are about to have their worlds turned upside down.
Fast paced and riveting. From the first page you are hooked, starts off in full throttle and does not let up. I normally do not read post-apocalyptic books but I may have to change my mind about them. Had so many twists and turns, loved Jax he takes no prisoners. Lynne, for a woman who could have been a hot mess with all that is going on, is a powerful heroine. Excellent beginning to new series. Bravo.
Well hello Mercury! This book was simply jaw dropping. I honestly haven’t read anything like this series til a few weeks ago and even then I started with the second book. Yet this book is wow. I love the character Mercury and his resolve to not only survive the virus but to help others. Even as the leader of a group Mercury is not very social and he has to learn how to become more of a leader now since everything has gone to hell. So if you are into post-apocalyptic stories with a bit of romance this is a book for you! I know I’m hooked! Happy reading my friends.
I started this book right after it got released but around 50% I stopped reading because I was in the mood for a different genre. Last week when I was in a book funk I decided to finish reading Mercury Striking and I am glad I did. ADULT Dystopian romance is one of my favorite genres, and I know there aren’t a lot of adult dystopian romance books out there so I am always happy when I discover a new book. I have read books by Rebecca Zanetti before, I adore her Dark Protectors series. So it was kind of a no-brainer for me to give this book a try.
I love the world the author has created in this book. It had the right amount of romance and action in it. I don’t like it when one overpowers the other in dystopian books. Jax is definitely an alpha male who is tough and also very protective of the people around him. Lynn is a strong character who has been through a lot and she is still in danger but that doesn’t stop her from fighting back.
I am very excited for the next book in this series. We meet both main characters in Mercury Striking and I am intrigued by their stories. I definitely want to know more.
Ooooh, that was good!! A bacteria has wiped out most of the USA, maybe the world but with the internet and other communications down we don’t know. And if you survive having the deadly disease you could end up being a serial killer. Not everyone goes to that extreme but it will still change you. I am loving this, there’s a bit of fantasy/paranormal thrown in that keeps you on your toes. Some of the survivors seem to have psychic abilities of some kind and I can’t wait to see what else pops up. Awesome characters, although other than Lynne and Jax we really don’t get to know anyone that well. Not a bad thing, and the hints are there which had me wanting the next book NOW! There’s just enough mystery, little tidbits, that keep you glued to the page hoping to learn more. Great start to a must read series!