Title: Wounded
Author: Shannon Mayer
First published September 9, 2014
300 pages, Kindle Edition
Rating: 4.41
Overview
Meet Rylee, the only Tracker in town. When children disappear and the authorities are at a loss, they turn to her for help.
She’s their last hope in bringing home the lost ones. With demons looming over her head, Rylee knows the final battle is coming.
As she tries to piece together the puzzle, the casualty list keeps growing. For every life saved, another is lost.
However, Rylee finds solace in the prophecy that was foretold: one child saved could mean a fulfilled prophecy. Will Rylee be able to save them all, or will the demons destroy everything she’s worked for?
About the Author
Growing up in a family of Star Wars enthusiasts, I was exposed to regular Star Wars marathons as a young child. Even today, my love for the movies remains evident in my writing, with small nods and references to them in my books.
But my passion for writing started when I realized that I didn’t want to lose my belief in magic and fantastical creatures like fairies, unicorns, and dragons. Though, I must admit, I have never seen any of them in real life.
My neighbour once claimed to have fed leprechauns in their garden, but I never caught sight of them, despite waiting patiently for hours.
Today, I live on a farm with my husband and our little boy, and our hands are always full with the demands of farm life. Wrestling cows, helping with calf births, and chasing after escaped livestock are just a few of the stories I have from my time on the farm.
In addition to writing, I have also taken up archery and aspire to try horseback archery in the future.
When I’m not busy with my many pursuits, I enjoy baking sweet treats. Unfortunately, it’s tough to keep them in stock with two boys in the house.
Moving forward, I plan to continue sharing the stories that are constantly brewing in my head and embark on new adventures whenever the opportunity arises. I live by the motto of leaping before looking and letting my dreams take flight.
And that, my friends, is a glimpse into who I am.
Editoral Review
Wounded by Shannon Mayer: A Thrilling Urban Fantasy with a Powerful Message
Shannon Mayer is a prolific author known for her gripping urban fantasy series. Wounded, published in 2014, is the first book in her new series, The Rylee Adamson Epilogues.
The book seamlessly blends action, suspense, and emotional depth, making it a must-read for fans of the genre.
The story follows Rylee Adamson, a tracker who has saved the world from the clutches of dark forces multiple times. But after a devastating loss, she is struggling to cope with her grief and guilt.
As she tries to pick up the pieces of her shattered life, she stumbles upon a sinister plot that threatens to unleash chaos on the world once again. With the help of her friends and allies, Rylee must fight against powerful enemies, both human and supernatural, and confront the demons of her past.
Mayer’s writing style is crisp and engaging, with vivid descriptions and well-crafted dialogue that bring the characters and settings to life. The pacing is excellent, with plenty of twists and turns that keep the reader on edge throughout the book.
The world-building is impressive, with a rich mythology that draws from various supernatural traditions and adds a fresh spin to the genre.
The characters are the heart and soul of the book, and Mayer does an excellent job of developing them in a nuanced and realistic way. Rylee is a complex and relatable protagonist, with flaws and vulnerabilities that make her all the more compelling.
The supporting cast, including the charming werewolf Liam and the enigmatic faerie Alex, are equally well-drawn and add depth and humor to the story.
One of the strengths of Wounded is the way it tackles important themes such as grief, trauma, and redemption. Rylee’s journey is a powerful metaphor for the healing process, and Mayer treats these issues with sensitivity and insight.
However, the book is not without its flaws. Some of the plot twists feel contrived or predictable, and the ending is somewhat abrupt and unsatisfying.
Additionally, the book’s treatment of certain supernatural creatures, such as vampires and witches, may be problematic for some readers.
Despite these limitations, Wounded is a thrilling and thought-provoking read that will appeal to fans of urban fantasy and readers looking for a strong female protagonist. It earns a solid 4 out of 5 stars, with points deducted for the uneven pacing and some of the plot elements.
Overall, Wounded is a promising start to what looks to be an exciting new series from Shannon Mayer.
