
Scorpius Rising by Rebecca Zanetti
Series: The Scorpius Syndrome #0.5
Published by Zebra
Published on: November 29, 2016
Genres: Dystopian
Pages: 122
Format: eBook
Source: Library




Amazon | Kobo | B&N | iBooks | GoodReads
With a deadly disease spreading like wildfire across the country, microbiologist Nora Medina needs to focus all her energy on stopping the pandemic. Playing with dynamite—in the form of her way-too-hot ex—is the last thing she should be doing. But forced to work with Deacan McDougall against unexpected enemies with the seconds ticking by, she knows the explosion is coming...
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
So after reading the first book, I got a great tip from Sophia at Delighted Reader to go back and tackle the prequel. So that is exactly what I did. I’m so glad for it too. It was great to see how we got to where the world is now being infested with these people who are zombies, but not quite the same.
So in this story, we have Lynne Harmony, who is the heroine of the first book. But this is a story about her best friend and fellow microbiologist, Nora Medina. Nora is pulled away from her vacation. She quickly recognizes the voice that tells her “Get your ass in here” as on the plane. His Scottish accent was hard to miss. It was her ex-husband, Deacon McDougall. Deke wants her help to try to find a cure before they have to tell the world what is going around.
There’s a few things going on in this book besides the second chance romance between Nora and Deke. We learn how this infection is started. We also learn how Lynne gets her infamous blue heart. There is also the story of how the infection spread so quickly and why the government wasn’t able to keep it contained.
While all of that was going on, we do have the story of Deke and Nora coming back together. The issue between them was that Deke had a hard time coming back from the military. He was very demanding. While he has come to terms with being a civilian again, he is still pretty demanding. But he has also learned from his mistakes. He is a little less demanding. I think Nora also learned that some of his demands come from the right place, he just wants to keep her safe. He is still demanding, but in the situation they are in at this time, he has to work even harder to keep her safe. The world is much more dangerous now.
I really loved this story. I also loved Deke. I liked Nora. I really hope that we get to see more of them in future books. I know they were mentioned in book one, but Lynne didn’t know for sure where they were at. I should also mention that the relationship between Nora and Lynne was a great one too. Bring on the next book in the series.
However, I learned a long time ago that there are two types of people in this world.”
Deke turned for the door. “Do tell.”
“The kind who believes the ends justify the means, and the other kind.”
“Who are they?” Deke paused before opening the door and glancing at the older man.
“People who live the life they want because there are people out there, like us, making sure the ends justify the means.” Wisdom, right or wrong, lit George’s eyes. “For now, we claim the luxury of having two kinds of people.” He opened the door and clapped Deke on the back. “If we don’t get a handle on this infection, only one type of person will remain.”
A chill sliced into Deke’s temple. “Which one?”
“Survivors.”
Nora rolled her eyes and leaned closer to peer through the microscope lens. “You’re looking for a biological killer. Worry about my love life later.”
“Aha,” Lynne said, peering to look into a different microscope. “You said love. You luuuuv him.”
“Shut up,” Nora said without heat. “You’re one of the most respected scientists in your field, and you sound like you’re in junior high.”
Lynne snorted, the sound emerging tinny from the helmet. “Talk about protesting too much.” She paused and reached for another slide. “I have to tell you, when he dipped into that brogue of his, I almost orgasmed.”
Lynne’s eyelids fluttered open. “We’ve forgotten that living and surviving are two different things. They require different skills.” She shut her eyes again and curled onto her side. Her voice, slight and whispery, continued. “Your Scot, dark as he may be, is a survivor. Don’t let go of him.” She fell into sleep.
The Scorpius Syndrome Series | ||||
My Review |
This series is on my TBR. I really like Zanetti’s Sin/Blood Brothers series.
Jennifer recently posted…The Deep End by Kristen Ashley
Those are still my favorite series too. This one is probably my second favorite.
Melanie recently posted…Review: Seth by Eve Langlais (@mlsimmons, @EveLanglais)
You sold me and actually it was free! I’ve been thinking about starting this series so this will give me an idea if I want to read it or not. I have read another series by her that I really liked. Glad you are still enjoying these!
I really love her stuff. This is one of the few series that I haven’t read. I had been waiting for audio, which was started right after I started reading. LOL. I will probably just stay with reading now. 🙂
Melanie recently posted…Review: Seth by Eve Langlais (@mlsimmons, @EveLanglais)
I really want to read more by this author. But I have so many I want to read right now. And it’s not like last year when my focus was all on NOLA Storycon authors. Now it’s just a big mess of stuff I want to read. We will have to see if I can figure out how to manage it. Anne
Northwoman recently posted…Early Review: Gauntlet by Holly Jennings
I know exactly what you mean. So many great authors and not enough time to read them all. My TBR is growing faster than I’m able to read/listen.
Melanie recently posted…Review: Seth by Eve Langlais (@mlsimmons, @EveLanglais)
Did you see these on are audio now? I love the series but will continue reading as I am too far in. I was fortune enough to read this first, and loved the background it gave me.
kimbacaffeinate recently posted…Sunday Post #259 Hello April!
I know. I have been waiting forever for them to come out on audio and as soon as I start reading, they show up on audio. I think I will probably stick with reading too. I might try the audios eventually. Nothing on audio is ever off the table for me. LOL
Melanie recently posted…Review: Seth by Eve Langlais (@mlsimmons, @EveLanglais)
I was sold as soon as I heard he has a Scottish accent and there’s a disease going around. Then when I read a comment that the book was free! Boom! I went and snagged it for myself. Woohoo, this looks really good. Thanks for the great review. You totally sold me on this one.
Mary Kirkland recently posted…Favorite Video of the Week
I do love when authors release these freebie prequel novellas. It give readers a great taste of the book without the commitment of paying just yet. I know this will pull you in. Such a fun series so far.
Melanie recently posted…Review: Seth by Eve Langlais (@mlsimmons, @EveLanglais)
Yay!!!! Glad you enjoyed it.
I really hope Deke and Nora show up soon in the series. I keep seeing hints especially b/c the president and everyone else keeps wondering if Deke and his soldiers are dead or in hiding or what. 🙂
I can’t wait for the next installment each time when it comes to her books. 🙂
Sophia Rose recently posted…Audio Review: Every Secret Thing by Susanna Kearsley, Narrated by Katherine Kellgren
I hope that they show up too. I still need to read books two and three. I will get to them very soon.
Melanie recently posted…Review: Seth by Eve Langlais (@mlsimmons, @EveLanglais)
I never would have guessed this was dystopian by the cover, very interesting and hey, you can’t pass up on free now can you?
kindlemom1 recently posted…Review: Letters to the Lost by Brigid Kemmerer
Gotta love freebies. Dystopian romances, still must include half naked men on the cover. LOL
Melanie recently posted…Review: Seth by Eve Langlais (@mlsimmons, @EveLanglais)
One of these days I have to try one of her books
blodeuedd recently posted…Best of March
I’ve really enjoyed this series or the Sin Brothers/Blood Brothers (romantic suspense with a hint of paranormal).
Melanie recently posted…Review: Seth by Eve Langlais (@mlsimmons, @EveLanglais)
Oh I like a novella that really enhances the series. I’m going to have to remember this one and add it to my ever growing wishlist. 🙂
Melissa (Books and Things) recently posted…Journey Across the Hidden Islands by Sarah Beth Durst
It has been a great series so far. I’m getting ready to start book two.
Melanie recently posted…Review: Seth by Eve Langlais (@mlsimmons, @EveLanglais)
I like the sound of Deke. 😉 This series is also something I intend to read. It just sounds so interesting! Oh, and I like that the friendship between Nora and Lynne is done so well. 😀
Bookworm Brandee recently posted…Brandee’s Bookish Babble #32 ~ Goodreads & Friends
I think this is a series that you can love, even if you’re not a huge zombie fan (these really aren’t zombies, but that is the closest thing to compare them to). Such fun series. I’m reading the second book now.
Melanie recently posted…Audiobook Review: Accidental Abduction by Eve Langlais (@mlsimmons, @EveLanglais, @ListenUpAudio)
I really enjoyed this peek into what happened before everything went to hell in hand basket, Melanie! And I think one of the things I love the most with this series is that the reason why the world has become a dystopian place is somewhat realistic… And that just creeps me out so deliciously 😀 And I know that sounds really weird.
I’m happy you enjoyed the prequel 🙂
Can’t wait to see you in a few weeks! {{{HUGS}}}
Lexxie recently posted…Review: Jordan Reclaimed – Scarlett Cole
I can’t wait to see you either. I love that the reason is realistic too. The Newsflesh series has a great expiation too. The writer of The Walking Dead has said that he will not release what started the zombies.
Melanie recently posted…Audiobook Review: Accidental Abduction by Eve Langlais (@mlsimmons, @EveLanglais, @ListenUpAudio)
Glad you enjoyed this one! Sounds like the characters were good together.
Naomi Hop recently posted…Riot Street by Tyler King ~ Early Review & Swoon Thursday (@TylerAKing, @ForeverRomance)
This has been a really fun series. I love this zombie-like world she’s built.
Melanie recently posted…Fresh Meat: April 23 to 29 — 17 Speculative Fiction Releases