Release (The Protector #3) by M.R. Merrick – Blog Tour Review & Giveaway!

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.

So, what’s my barometer for giving a book a 5* review? I haven’t really discussed this with my readers and followers, but the answer is pretty simple. The book has to be one that grabs me from the beginning, has characters that I honestly and truly care about, and keeps me emotionally invested in those same characters throughout not just the first book, but the rest of the series. If that same book or series brings out the ‘Mom’ in me, makes me want to reach through any of my social media networks and shake the author, or if it leaves me in an emotional heap when I’m done I consider it a bonus. Guess where I was at the end of Release?

So far The Protector Series has been an emotional, action packed roller coaster ride. Readers were introduced to the amazing world building and characters that comprise the series in Exiled. Mysteries were made clearer, the magic became stronger, allies were strengthened and the world building expanded even more in Shift. Nothing in either of the first two books can possibly prepare readers for what Chase and his crew of family, friends and allies have in store for them in Release.

This book had me on the edge of my seat. There were so many twists and turns, more than a few dangerous – almost hopeless moments and some down right craziness that caused me to have a really hard time putting it down. I really had to re-read a few parts – not because they weren’t made clear the first time – it was more like ‘did that really just happen?’ moments that I had to confirm. Trust me when I say that MR Merrick pulled out all the stops and held nothing back for this one.

In Release Chase has grown stronger, but that strength is taking an unexpected toll on him. Rayna discovers more about herself and her powers. Readers see a whole new side to Vincent and discover some secrets he’s spent a life time hiding. We get to know even more about Tiki and Willy is as loyal as ever. And yes, Marcus’ timing is still perfect. *cough, cough* There are some new characters thrown into the mix, both good and bad. Speaking of bad guys, they are really, really bad in this series. None of them are more manipulative and pure evil than Riley though. Did I mention that this was one intense read?

To be fair, I’m going to give potential readers a little disclaimer. This book is not for the faint of heart. The world building is amazing but it doesn’t even compare to some of the creatures that Chase and his friends encounter in Release. There were some that actually made me cringe and I’m not exaggerating. Then there is the emotional element. *sigh* I’m not even going to elaborate on it because if I do I might let something slip. Besides the fact that Chase pretty much wallows in guilt for the turmoil that those closest to him have to endure, the forces outside of everyone’s control carry an emotional intensity that doesn’t let up until the very end – and not even then. Remember that emotional heap I referred to earlier? Yeah, I was there at the end of Release.

If you’re not a fan of cliff hangers, be forewarned. I’m still recovering from the ending. Mostly by what happens in the final scenes but also by what readers are left not knowing. Let’s just say that The Protector #4 – Endure can’t come out soon enough.

I read and reviewed Release by M.R. Merrick as part of the Release Book Tour hosted by Valerie at StuckInBooks. I received my copy of Release from the author in exchange for an honest review.

And as if reading Release weren’t enough, Valerie at StuckInBooks and author MR Merrick have put together some really amazing prizes to help everyone celebrate!

Grande Prize Pack (3 Winners)
3 Signed paperbacks (Exiled, Shift, Release)
3 Signed 8×10 posters (Exiled, Shift, Release)
5 Bookmarks
1 Notebook (Winner’s choice of cover)
1 Magnet

Runner-up Prize Pack (5 Winners)
1 Signed paperback (Winner’s choice of Exiled, Shift, or Release) with signed poster
1 bookmark (Winner’s choice)
1 Magnet

Secondary Prizes A (10 Winners)
Release eBooks

Secondary Prize B (10 Winners)
1 bookmark (winner’s choice)
1 The Protector magnet

Winners will be chosen as follows: First 3 names drawn from Rafflecopter will get the grand prize. The following 5 names get the runner-up prize. The following 10 names win ebook copies of Release, and the final 10 names win the swag pack.

There will also be multiple opportunities to win signed paperbacks, signed posters, notebooks, swag packs, and bookmarks throughout the tour on both Twitter (@MRMerrick) and Stuck in Books’s Facebook Page .

So, what are you waiting for? Click on the Rafflecopter link below and enter to win. While you’re at it, make sure you visit all the other blog tour sites. There are lots of surprises. Not only reviews but character and author interviews as well. Enjoy!

Rafflecopter Giveaway!