Omega by Susannah Sandlin

Omega by Susannah Sandlin

Book stats:
Reading level: Adult
Trade paperback: 328 pages
Genre: Paranormal romance
Publisher: Montlake Romance
Release date: February 5, 2013

Series: Penton Legacy #3

Source: Review copy from Bewitching Book Tours

Reviewed by: Jenn

Purchase: Amazon | Book Depository

The bloody war between the Vampire Tribunal and the defiant scathe of Penton, Alabama, rages on, forcing its residents and their bonded humans to retreat into the underground fortress of last resort: Omega. There, Will Ludlam is charged with the care of Penton’s humans, though he longs to fight alongside his vampire brethren. He knows the risks: as the renegade son of the Tribunal’s vicious leader, Will’s capture could doom the resistance. Yet he is determined to prove his worth to his adopted scathe, to his vengeful father—and to former US Army officer Randa Thomas, his beautiful, reluctant partner. Randa has little faith that a former member of the vampire elite has what it takes to fight a war. But as their enemies descend upon Omega, Will’s polished charm—and Randa’s guarded heart—finally give way to the warrior within. Fans of Susannah Sandlin’s Penton Legacy are sure to devour this long-awaited third installment of the steamy paranormal series.

The third book in Susannah Sandlin's Penton Legacy series, OMEGA continues the story of the vampires and humans who try to lead peaceful and cooperative lives in the face of ever-increasing danger and persecution. I really enjoyed the first two books in the series, especially ABSOLUTION. I also enjoyed OMEGA but it didn't quite meet my expectations, perhaps because they were too high after the previous instalments. Don't get me wrong -- OMEGA is still a great book and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend the series as a whole but it didn't thrill me as much as REDEMPTION and ABSOLUTION did.

OMEGA is Will and Randa's story. Their attraction has been on simmer since book one in the can't-stand-each-other-but-are-totally-secretly-into-each-other kind of way. It's a definite trope but one that works well here since Will and Randa are forced to work together on a regular basis and they both have some serious issues to work through. Will has a pile of daddy issues since his father forced him to become a vampire, is trying to destroy Penton, and had bad, bad things done to Will to get him to fall in line before Will defected to Penton. Randa is a reluctant vampire, also turned against her will only a handful of years before. She misses her human life and family and can't stand basics of vampire life, like drinking blood. They're both a mess but also both devoted to the cause, smart, and brave, so they're a well matched pair. They both show a lot of growth over the course of OMEGA and it was fun to get into their heads but their romance didn't resonate for me the way Kris and Aidan or Glory and Mirren's did. I liked both characters individually and think they have some nice chemistry but they didn't win me over in the same way.

I was, however, really thrilled with how Sandlin has structured the overall series arc for Penton and its citizens. There are some exciting developments in the series storyline and I really didn't expect the plan they devised to deal with Matthias and win back the Tribunal's favour. I'm not sure if there are more books planned for this series but they're sure to be interesting if they come to pass thanks to this game-changing ending. It's a great conclusion for the main big questions in the series, though the world is definitely open enough for more thrilling adventures.

If you're looking for some great paranormal romance, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend the Penton Legacy books. They've got a great cast of characters, steamy romance, and fast-paced action, all wrapped up in a really original setting. OMEGA may not be my favourite instalment but it's definitely a well-written story in an interesting world.

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Posted by jenn at 05:43

 Montlake Romance, Review, Susannah Sandlin, Suzanne Johnson, Vampire  2 People left their mark

Born and raised in the Toronto area, Jenn moved to St. John's, Newfoundland, eight years ago for school. She's still in school (thankfully on another degree!), now trapped in her dissertation. When she's not dissertating, which happens more often than it should, Jenn spends her time reading, watching movies, playing volleyball, travelling, and enjoying the local music scene. Her latest addictions: yoga and Almond Crunch cereal.