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REVIEW: Zero Divergence by Aimee Nicole Walker
Zero Hour: Zero Divergence – Aimee Nicole Walker
Zero Divergence, noun: no deviation from a course or standard.
After a key piece of evidence goes missing, a suspected serial rapist and killer evades prosecution. More than Royce Locke’s reputation is on the line when his investigation into the failed chain of custody suggests Franco Humphries might’ve had inside help. There’s no one Royce trusts more than Sawyer Key to help him right a wrong and uncover the traitor in their midst, but can they do it before the Savannah Strangler strikes again?
Relentless plus fearless equals flawless. Sawyer and Royce have come full circle—from hostile strangers to best friends and lovers. Neither a sniper’s bullet nor an arsonist’s fire could keep them apart, but what about a psychopath hell-bent on revenge? The stakes are high, and there’s no turning back now because the zero hour is upon them. Tick tock.
Zero Divergence is the conclusion to the best-selling Zero Hour series, which follows Locke and Key’s investigations and evolving relationship. This is a series you MUST read in order. It contains mature language and sexual content intended for adults 18 and older.
Trigger warning: Part of the storyline involves coming to terms with a friend’s suicide, which may be difficult for some people to read.
Back when Zero Divergence was newly released, I read a review complaining about the unsatisfying parking lot HFN closing scene of the series finale. It put me off this book, but now we know author Aimee Nicole Walker has something more in store for Sawyer and Royce, in their second series, Sawyer and Royce: Matrimony and Mayhem.
Before I delve into that, this finale needs to be read.
The story picks up right after the big fire in Book 2, Devil’s Hour. Sawyer is coping with the aftermath of his injuries, bit of a blow to his vanity but trying not to let it so. Royce is the extra supportive and loving boyfriend so relationship-wise, the boys are stronger than ever. Uptight Sawyer now shows his playful side more often.
The plot tackles the case of a serial killer who was convicted but released after key evidence went missing. It is a disturbing tale of how charismatic serial killers could be and the lengths their rabid, deluded fans go through to aid and abet their evil schemes.
So the detectives had to play it smart, especially with the killer easily gaining sympathy and many people still believing his innocence. The investigation brought together various frenemies with the necessary skills, many of them characters from the spin off series, Sinister in Savannah.
This is the kind of mystery where I enjoy tagging along with the detectives. I am also heavily invested in them giving the villain his comeuppance. The bad guys were already known, and it was a matter of retracing evidence, and gathering new ones to make sure the vile bastard stayed in prison for good.
Zero Divergence doesn’t read like a series finale, and we now know why. But it gives us one hell of a showdown and a satisfying conclusion to a gripping investigation. Overall, a solid police procedural and a romantic suspense that delivers the squees and the thrills!
Rating:
4 Stars – minor quibbles but I loved it to bitsSoundtrack: Bound
Artist: Indiana
Album
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SOUNDTRACK: Bound by Indiana
Soundtrack to Zero Hour: Zero Divergence by Aimee Nicole Walker
Bound by Indiana for a book about a serial killer and the women bound to him literally and metaphorically.
My hands are tied, admitting defeat
You have corrupted, the innocent me
I didn’t fight, it was always beneath
This isn’t love, it’s dangerous
This isn’t love, it’s dangerous
This isn’t love, it’s dangerousI’m tangled up, beautifully crushed
I’m torn to pieces, scattered like dust
I am addicted, to the limits you push
This isn’t love, it’s dangerous
Dangerous
Dangerous -
I feel your touch, under my skin
Where you stop, that’s where I begin
I’m feeling weak, take pity on me
This isn’t love, it’s dangerousI bear this cross, I am immune
Desensitised, be kind and be cruel
I will abide, you make the rules
This isn’t love, it’s dangerousMy hands are tied, admitting defeat
You have corrupted, the innocent me
I didn’t fight, it was always beneath
This isn’t love, it’s dangerous
This isn’t love, it’s dangerous
This isn’t love, it’s dangerousI’m tangled up, beautifully crushed
I’m torn to pieces, scattered like dust
I am addicted, to the limits you push
This isn’t love, it’s dangerous
Dangerous
DangerousI felt my way, into the dark
I am converted, I treasure my scars
Once your creation, now I’m in charge
This isn’t love, it’s dangerous
This isn’t love, it’s dangerous
This isn’t love, it’s dangerous
This isn’t love -
Kria: Bound – Megan Derr
Ingolf von Dirchs is all that remains of the royal house of Kria. The bastard son of the dead Kaiser, he barely escapes the winter palace before it is overtaken by the armies of Salhara, Kria’s oldest and bitterest enemy. In a last desperate attempt to combat Salhara’s deadly magic, Ingolf flees to the country of Illussor, there to steal the sword of a man who once betrayed Kria to side with Illussor. But stealing the sword gains him something he did not expect—the descendant of that long ago Betrayer, an intriguing man with the pale features of an Illussor but the fierce heart of a Krian…
Erich von Adolwulf is the proud descendant of the Holy General, a man who helped Illussor break free of the loathsome magic upon which they once so heavily relied… When the sword of the Holy General is stolen, Erich goes to reclaim it, and finds himself dragged into the country his ancestor once betrayed—and wanting to protect the new Kaiser of war-ravaged Kria, who stirs in him things he has not felt since the death of his lover…
I really couldn’t get myself to care about these people. The only time I perk up was whenever Beraht and Dieter were mentioned. I’m sorry but I DNF’ed this. Hopefully I’ll give this another go in the future. Or find the audiobook.
Rating:
2 Stars – it’s a struggle to finish the damn book
Soundtrack: Bite
Artist: Troye Sivan
Album: Blue Neighborhood -
[spotify id=”spotify%3Atrack%3A72mvdKU4Lw2737idPLKTjh&view=coverart” width=”540″ height=”620″ /]Soundtrack to Kria: Bound by Megan Derr
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Kria: Prisoner / Bound Ficbits – Megan Derr
Kriaverse short stories.
If you are hungry for more Beraht and Dieter, here’s what you need.
Rating:
5 Stars – absolutely perfect