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An Undying Oath
Sergeant Justin Shaw returned from the war with what is left of his unit, though instead of being hailed as heroes, they are being sought as test subjects. Their last mission behind enemy lines to obtain a WMD ended with them exposed and on the run. Their goal is not only to destroy the weapon, but also the program being run by their own government. Justin and his men have sacrificed everything for their mission. Will it be enough? Samantha James, a girl whose father disappeared almost twenty years ago unwittingly holds the key. When her father returns bodies start to fall. Sam doesn't know who to trust. Both Justin and her father have their own agendas and either one of them could end up with her dead.
391 pages, Paperback
First published August 13, 2011
About the author
H.K. Savage
9 books141 followersHK lives in the frozen hinterlands of the far North. The long, cold months provide ample opportunity to hunker down with her computer and create adventures far more enticing than scraping ice and getting frostbite.
Between books HK reads voraciously. Anything with a good plot and compelling characters are her broad parameters. One is as likely to catch her with a copy of Don Quixote as with the latest Kristen Ashley.
When not writing or wowing the corporate world by day, HK practices martial arts, plays with her dogs and matches wits with her teen. Next winter she intends to brush up on her Spanish and escape the cold for somewhere more tropical.
Paranormal is her favorite genre and science fiction because both address the possibilities we have not yet realized and the darker things we have. Her favorite premise: “what if?”
Between books HK reads voraciously. Anything with a good plot and compelling characters are her broad parameters. One is as likely to catch her with a copy of Don Quixote as with the latest Kristen Ashley.
When not writing or wowing the corporate world by day, HK practices martial arts, plays with her dogs and matches wits with her teen. Next winter she intends to brush up on her Spanish and escape the cold for somewhere more tropical.
Paranormal is her favorite genre and science fiction because both address the possibilities we have not yet realized and the darker things we have. Her favorite premise: “what if?”
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
January 6, 2014
Always interesting when a story starts out one way and then morphs into something totally different.
We meet Samantha James on her 28th birthday. She is an insurance adjuster who is good at her job but doesn’t really like it. She is also put her emotions on shut down since her father left her and her mother when she was 9. This has meant that relationships are not long lasting for her. She’s currently been with her latest boyfriend almost a year and all she can think about is she needs to end it. Every year on her birthday her father, who was a geneticist when he left them, sends her an enormous amount of money. This year she gets another package and assumes its just the money but when she opens it she finds a strange canister. When her boyfriend is killed and her mother almost killed she begins to realize that the canister is at the heart of what is going on but no one believes her conspiracy theory.
Here’s where the story changes. Three members of a Special Forces unit were exposed to chemicals in Iraq that altered them. They have traced the origins back to Samantha’s father and are trying to stop any further makings of this WMD (Weapons of Mass Destruction). But the government likes there new found WMD and will go to any lengths to get it back since Sam’s father destroyed all evidence of it.
Sergeant Justin Shaw (who was one of the ones exposed) ends up saving Sam’s life and keeps her close as they try to figure out what’s really going on in the middle of traitors and terrorism. Which side is her father on? Will Sam be able to ever lower her defenses enough truly care about this man who is unlike any she has met before?
This was a great combination of suspense and paranormal.
We meet Samantha James on her 28th birthday. She is an insurance adjuster who is good at her job but doesn’t really like it. She is also put her emotions on shut down since her father left her and her mother when she was 9. This has meant that relationships are not long lasting for her. She’s currently been with her latest boyfriend almost a year and all she can think about is she needs to end it. Every year on her birthday her father, who was a geneticist when he left them, sends her an enormous amount of money. This year she gets another package and assumes its just the money but when she opens it she finds a strange canister. When her boyfriend is killed and her mother almost killed she begins to realize that the canister is at the heart of what is going on but no one believes her conspiracy theory.
Here’s where the story changes. Three members of a Special Forces unit were exposed to chemicals in Iraq that altered them. They have traced the origins back to Samantha’s father and are trying to stop any further makings of this WMD (Weapons of Mass Destruction). But the government likes there new found WMD and will go to any lengths to get it back since Sam’s father destroyed all evidence of it.
Sergeant Justin Shaw (who was one of the ones exposed) ends up saving Sam’s life and keeps her close as they try to figure out what’s really going on in the middle of traitors and terrorism. Which side is her father on? Will Sam be able to ever lower her defenses enough truly care about this man who is unlike any she has met before?
This was a great combination of suspense and paranormal.
July 25, 2014
An Undying Oath is the very first book I have read by H.K. Savage and let me tell you right now, I am instantly a fan. The story revolves around Samantha James and the havoc that dogs her father's every step. It's a military type novel which, with a heavy conspiracy theory and let me tell you, that is right up my alley! I don't want to get really into everything because I don't want to give anything away, so you'll just have to read it yourself, but I will tell you I loved this book!
Sam's character was very easy to relate to and Sergeant Shaw was completely swoon-worthy. In fact, all of the characters were amazing and very well thought-out and developed. The plot was fast and suspenseful and I loved every step of this novel! I do hope it will turn into a series, because I'd love to see more of these characters. *big puppy dog eyes to the author* Pleaassseee...?
I recommend this to lovers of thrilling and suspense novels--and especially to those who love a sexy sergeant. *drool* You will not be disappointed!
Sam's character was very easy to relate to and Sergeant Shaw was completely swoon-worthy. In fact, all of the characters were amazing and very well thought-out and developed. The plot was fast and suspenseful and I loved every step of this novel! I do hope it will turn into a series, because I'd love to see more of these characters. *big puppy dog eyes to the author* Pleaassseee...?
I recommend this to lovers of thrilling and suspense novels--and especially to those who love a sexy sergeant. *drool* You will not be disappointed!
October 31, 2013
review to come! LOVED THIS BOOK!
October 11, 2013
An Undying Oath took me by surprise. Thinking that this was just like every other action/suspense type book, HK turned it up a notch with altered soldiers and a steamy love connection.
Sam is the daughter of a brilliant scientist who walked away from her and her mother at a young age. The only way she knew he was still alive was when it was her birthday and like clockwork, she would receive a package from him. But this year her gift is different. What could he have sent her that was so important that her be put in danger?
Justin and his men are searching for the scientist who holds the key to their freedom. They are on a mission to destroy the program that made them they way they are. But when they get a major lead, instead of finding the scientist, they find someone else; someone more valuable- his daughter.
HK has created an amazing story full of suspense, drama, strong feelings of longing and explosions.
Sam is the daughter of a brilliant scientist who walked away from her and her mother at a young age. The only way she knew he was still alive was when it was her birthday and like clockwork, she would receive a package from him. But this year her gift is different. What could he have sent her that was so important that her be put in danger?
Justin and his men are searching for the scientist who holds the key to their freedom. They are on a mission to destroy the program that made them they way they are. But when they get a major lead, instead of finding the scientist, they find someone else; someone more valuable- his daughter.
HK has created an amazing story full of suspense, drama, strong feelings of longing and explosions.
July 24, 2014
An Undying Oath, the first book in what looks to be a planned trilogy, was an enjoyable read. I was drawn to the book because of its storyline: three honorable soldiers serving their country in the Middle East become unwilling test subjects for an immoral, unethical secret government genetics experiment to create the ultimate immortal super soldier. After escaping imprisonment, Justin, Marcus, and Jimmy refuse to rest until they have destroyed the program headed by a deranged and scorned General on a mission to elevate her career status.
When the lead scientist of this genetic government-funded program involves his estranged daughter, Sam, in his endeavors, he selfishly puts her life and those she cares about in danger. Unknowingly, Sam becomes a target and the bait for both sides in their quest to obtain this genetic formula designed to turn soldiers into weapons. Although Sergeant Justin Shaw plans to use whatever means necessary to get information from Sam and to draw out her father, his heart has other plans, and this creates dissension among the trio. Because of the dire circumstances, Sam and Justin don’t have time for their relationship to blossom slowly. Instead, their strong attraction to each other soon becomes intimate despite Justin’s efforts to keep an emotional distance. I’m not a fan of “insta love” relationships, but the events that occur help me to believe that even though Justin and Sam don’t know all the nitty-gritty details about each other, they are able to see the strength and goodness that radiates within the other, and this becomes enough for them to fight to be together. Their love scenes are mildly sensual and avoid graphic description.
I find that many authors of romantic suspense use dual POVs from both the hero and heroine to narrate the story, but Savage uses an omniscient POV to give readers a more holistic view of this fictitious world and to add depth to the key characters. For the most part, this technique is effective. I like getting the perspectives of both Marcus and Jimmy, who’ve also suffered and lost much through their excruciating experiences. Furthermore, I have a better understanding of the underlying tension that exists among the three men who have united for a common cause but still lack the refined cohesiveness needed to cement their team. The main characters have good intentions, but they also have their flaws, especially Sam’s father, Dr. Steven James. Just like Sam, my perception of him swung back and forth like a pendulum because of his willingness to use unethical methods in his pursuit of scientific discoveries that could be used for the greater good of society as well as to its detriment.
By using the omniscient POV, the author also provides a glimpse into the antagonists’ minds, but I found the villains to be merely two-dimensional characters whose motives are singularly driven by a need for power and prominence with no regard for others, so, overall, their perspectives didn’t add as much depth to the storyline. There are a few scenes leading to the plot’s suspenseful climax that incorporate too many characters’ POVs, which I found disruptive to the flow of the story. Other readers may like the infusion of multiple perspectives within a scene, but it was a distraction for me.
Although the beginning of the story starts off slowly, the momentum builds after Sam receives a package from her father, and then the pacing and action throughout the story kept me engaged until the very end. I look forward to reading more of Savage’s work in the future.
Source: I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the author to provide an honest and fair review.
When the lead scientist of this genetic government-funded program involves his estranged daughter, Sam, in his endeavors, he selfishly puts her life and those she cares about in danger. Unknowingly, Sam becomes a target and the bait for both sides in their quest to obtain this genetic formula designed to turn soldiers into weapons. Although Sergeant Justin Shaw plans to use whatever means necessary to get information from Sam and to draw out her father, his heart has other plans, and this creates dissension among the trio. Because of the dire circumstances, Sam and Justin don’t have time for their relationship to blossom slowly. Instead, their strong attraction to each other soon becomes intimate despite Justin’s efforts to keep an emotional distance. I’m not a fan of “insta love” relationships, but the events that occur help me to believe that even though Justin and Sam don’t know all the nitty-gritty details about each other, they are able to see the strength and goodness that radiates within the other, and this becomes enough for them to fight to be together. Their love scenes are mildly sensual and avoid graphic description.
I find that many authors of romantic suspense use dual POVs from both the hero and heroine to narrate the story, but Savage uses an omniscient POV to give readers a more holistic view of this fictitious world and to add depth to the key characters. For the most part, this technique is effective. I like getting the perspectives of both Marcus and Jimmy, who’ve also suffered and lost much through their excruciating experiences. Furthermore, I have a better understanding of the underlying tension that exists among the three men who have united for a common cause but still lack the refined cohesiveness needed to cement their team. The main characters have good intentions, but they also have their flaws, especially Sam’s father, Dr. Steven James. Just like Sam, my perception of him swung back and forth like a pendulum because of his willingness to use unethical methods in his pursuit of scientific discoveries that could be used for the greater good of society as well as to its detriment.
By using the omniscient POV, the author also provides a glimpse into the antagonists’ minds, but I found the villains to be merely two-dimensional characters whose motives are singularly driven by a need for power and prominence with no regard for others, so, overall, their perspectives didn’t add as much depth to the storyline. There are a few scenes leading to the plot’s suspenseful climax that incorporate too many characters’ POVs, which I found disruptive to the flow of the story. Other readers may like the infusion of multiple perspectives within a scene, but it was a distraction for me.
Although the beginning of the story starts off slowly, the momentum builds after Sam receives a package from her father, and then the pacing and action throughout the story kept me engaged until the very end. I look forward to reading more of Savage’s work in the future.
Source: I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the author to provide an honest and fair review.
March 10, 2014
*This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review*
Samantha James doesn’t have a relationship with her absentee father, a geneticist who abandoned her and her mother. There is no contact except for on her birthday every year she still receives a birthday package and has done since he left when she was nine. The contents of the package has never changed, until her twenty-eighth birthday when the silver cylinder leave Sam’s boyfriend dead, her mother in a coma and Sam struggling to find someone to listen to her and someone she can trust.
Sergeant Justin Shaw and two more members from his Special Forces unit have been searching for the man dubbed ‘Doc’ the man behind the chemical weapon that changed their lives forever. Sam is now their only connection to the scientist, Justin needs to find out what she knows and if she knows where ‘Doc’ Is, Shaw and his two men have been searching for the ‘Doc’ for years and Sam is now their only connection.
I was eager to read this book, I’m a sucker for an alpha male and a leading female that has strength and can kick ass. I wanted to review this book because the story stood out for me with the genetically altered soldiers, they gave the book the edge it needed to be so much more than a man meets girl story. The story has twists and turns and depth both within the characters and the plot. The action is fast paced and the story moves along without slowing, keeping you stuck to your kindle. seriously, I ended up sleeping in and was almost late to work because I had to stay up and finish this book. But it was worth it. HK Savage writes with enough detail to give me the picture without overpowering me and taking away my pleasure of creating some of the world within my own mind. I’ve already downloaded more of her books so I can get a taste of more of her brain. (yes I understand I sound like a Zombie, but everything worked out for R so I’m okay with it.)
I give this book 5 stars, because it kept me glued to my kindle and the story developed at a pace that didn’t feel forced or too quick and the story flowed naturally. Which is a big thing for me, I understand some stories happen over a few days or weeks or months but it is how they are written that makes you believe something can happen over a few days, weeks or months, HK Savage has written a story that both flowed and developed naturally.
***Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official.
For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng ***
March 12, 2014
Check out the full details, excerpts, teasers, giveaways etc on the blog tour at Foxylutely BR today
http://foxylutely.blogspot.com/2014/0...
*ARC provided by the author in exchange for my honest review
I really liked this book and loved the storyline which slightly reminded me of the Ghostwalker series by Feehan which is one of my all-time favourites, so obviously this book was going to be a winner with me.
Samantha James has not seen her father since she was nine, when he just upped and disappeared. Each year on her birthday she receives a package which always hold a lump sum of cash which she blatantly ignores and just places in a safety deposit box upon the insistence of her mother. However, on the day of her twenty-eighth birthday the package she receives holds an additional item - a strange looking cylinder object. Although perplexed, Sam doesn’t want to know anymore and throws the item in the bin, little does she know that one action could have saved the day but unfortunately it did not save the life of Paul, her boyfriend.
There upon the book takes the sinister turn of events leading Sam to continually think one step ahead of who she can trust and who is after her and for why. What is this object her father has placed in her safe keeping and after all this time why has he involved her in his secrecy and intrigue?
As I say this was an instant winner for me and the military involvement of the three soldiers from the Special Forces unit just took the story to another level. The ‘paranormal’ aspect was one that was believable of what could happen with the WMD and the government involvement. It really does make you think ‘what if?’ A fantastic page turner and attention grabber.
This was an intriguing and well-written story that gave the reader a superbly balanced mix of romance, suspense and paranormal. This to me was a winning combination and I shall investigate further works of Ms Savage. 4.5 stars.
http://foxylutely.blogspot.com/2014/0...
*ARC provided by the author in exchange for my honest review
I really liked this book and loved the storyline which slightly reminded me of the Ghostwalker series by Feehan which is one of my all-time favourites, so obviously this book was going to be a winner with me.
Samantha James has not seen her father since she was nine, when he just upped and disappeared. Each year on her birthday she receives a package which always hold a lump sum of cash which she blatantly ignores and just places in a safety deposit box upon the insistence of her mother. However, on the day of her twenty-eighth birthday the package she receives holds an additional item - a strange looking cylinder object. Although perplexed, Sam doesn’t want to know anymore and throws the item in the bin, little does she know that one action could have saved the day but unfortunately it did not save the life of Paul, her boyfriend.
There upon the book takes the sinister turn of events leading Sam to continually think one step ahead of who she can trust and who is after her and for why. What is this object her father has placed in her safe keeping and after all this time why has he involved her in his secrecy and intrigue?
As I say this was an instant winner for me and the military involvement of the three soldiers from the Special Forces unit just took the story to another level. The ‘paranormal’ aspect was one that was believable of what could happen with the WMD and the government involvement. It really does make you think ‘what if?’ A fantastic page turner and attention grabber.
This was an intriguing and well-written story that gave the reader a superbly balanced mix of romance, suspense and paranormal. This to me was a winning combination and I shall investigate further works of Ms Savage. 4.5 stars.
September 4, 2014
The first thing I thought when I got deeper into this book is that it reminded me of CW's Beauty and the Beast, and I'm not sure I should say more about that because I think it would be considered as a spoiler.
Since I'm a huge fan of paranormal, this was a very different story and a first. And I loved it, made it hard to guess what would happen next, so it was really refreshing to read this one. Poor Samantha, having to grow up without her father, but she receives gifts from him on her birthday every year. And on her 28th birthday,she received a gift so "amazing" that people are willing to kill her for it ... *sarcasm*. It's pretty much the gift that keeps on giving a crapload of horrible things to Sam ... come on dad what were you thinking, you a**hole!
After being "rescued/taken away" from hired killers, it brings Sergeant Shaw into his life. And the only thing he wants is that little gift from Sam's daddy. And more than anything Sam is looking after herself and family, so she's not saying a thing about where she hid it.
I totally get why some of Shaw's team members were hostile towards Sam, their lives were pretty much stripped away from all of their family and friends. And that little cylinder is something they want, they no longer have anything to lose.
I was so unsure of Shaw for most of the book, he tried so hard to keep away from Sam, but he couldn't help the draw. After a while I began to question if he really cared about Sam or if he just wanted what she was hiding.
This book was extremely well written, I was glued to every single page and it was very unpredictable. And I wish it didn't have to end, HK, you have a new fan and I definitely look forward to reading more of your work.
Since I'm a huge fan of paranormal, this was a very different story and a first. And I loved it, made it hard to guess what would happen next, so it was really refreshing to read this one. Poor Samantha, having to grow up without her father, but she receives gifts from him on her birthday every year. And on her 28th birthday,she received a gift so "amazing" that people are willing to kill her for it ... *sarcasm*. It's pretty much the gift that keeps on giving a crapload of horrible things to Sam ... come on dad what were you thinking, you a**hole!
After being "rescued/taken away" from hired killers, it brings Sergeant Shaw into his life. And the only thing he wants is that little gift from Sam's daddy. And more than anything Sam is looking after herself and family, so she's not saying a thing about where she hid it.
I totally get why some of Shaw's team members were hostile towards Sam, their lives were pretty much stripped away from all of their family and friends. And that little cylinder is something they want, they no longer have anything to lose.
I was so unsure of Shaw for most of the book, he tried so hard to keep away from Sam, but he couldn't help the draw. After a while I began to question if he really cared about Sam or if he just wanted what she was hiding.
This book was extremely well written, I was glued to every single page and it was very unpredictable. And I wish it didn't have to end, HK, you have a new fan and I definitely look forward to reading more of your work.
March 9, 2014
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Samantha James is a young woman whose father left her and her mother when she was nine years old. She’s very jaded about love. She thinks she’s broken because she’s never felt it. She believes she cannot love.
Justin Shaw is ex-special forces. He and his company were exposed to a biochemical weapon while on a mission. They were changed in the most astonishing ways. The country they once defended and gave their loyalty to quickly became their enemy. They were treated as test subjects and were lucky to escape with their lives.
Samantha and Justin’s lives are on a collision course. Samantha’s father is one of the scientists that once experimented on Justin and his fellow soldiers. Justin and Sam come together when Sam’s father sends her a cylinder with her birthday present. Everyone wants that cylinder. Who can Sam trust? Can she trust the father that left her? Can she trust Justin not to use her to get the cylinder? Will they survive the killers after them? Just how was Justin changed from that biochemical weapon?
This was a very well-written, easy-to-read book. The storyline was very unique. I really had no idea where the author was taking me. I loved that because I get tired of always reading the same storylines. I could feel all the emotions Justin’s men were feeling. To be torn from everything in their lives, I was heartbroken for them. I could also feel Sam’s sense of being alone. She didn’t know who to trust. I was very happy with the ending of the book and plan to read more by HK Savage.
4-Bombs
Reviewed by Tracy
Samantha James is a young woman whose father left her and her mother when she was nine years old. She’s very jaded about love. She thinks she’s broken because she’s never felt it. She believes she cannot love.
Justin Shaw is ex-special forces. He and his company were exposed to a biochemical weapon while on a mission. They were changed in the most astonishing ways. The country they once defended and gave their loyalty to quickly became their enemy. They were treated as test subjects and were lucky to escape with their lives.
Samantha and Justin’s lives are on a collision course. Samantha’s father is one of the scientists that once experimented on Justin and his fellow soldiers. Justin and Sam come together when Sam’s father sends her a cylinder with her birthday present. Everyone wants that cylinder. Who can Sam trust? Can she trust the father that left her? Can she trust Justin not to use her to get the cylinder? Will they survive the killers after them? Just how was Justin changed from that biochemical weapon?
This was a very well-written, easy-to-read book. The storyline was very unique. I really had no idea where the author was taking me. I loved that because I get tired of always reading the same storylines. I could feel all the emotions Justin’s men were feeling. To be torn from everything in their lives, I was heartbroken for them. I could also feel Sam’s sense of being alone. She didn’t know who to trust. I was very happy with the ending of the book and plan to read more by HK Savage.
4-Bombs
Reviewed by Tracy
October 13, 2013
Samantha James has her issues with her father, he disappeared out her life years ago but sends money on her birthday every year, lots of money. This year was a little different, he sent something for her to hold for him as well, not knowing nor caring what it is Sam throws it in the trash. All of a sudden Sam is thrown into a world of lies, deceit, terrorism, and where the unbelievable is real. She meets Justin and his team and starts to trust them, but then her father shows up and everything has changed again. Can Justin save her…and himself? Will her dad do the right thing or sell out for all the wrong reasons?
As always H.K. Savage delivers a thrill filled, wild ride of a story that twists and turns and leaves you hungry for more. I could not predict which way things were going to go at any time and I truly loved that. I recommend this book to thrill seekers and paranormal buffs everywhere, it’s a highly enjoyable read. I give it 4 stars…and they shine brightly indeed!!
As always H.K. Savage delivers a thrill filled, wild ride of a story that twists and turns and leaves you hungry for more. I could not predict which way things were going to go at any time and I truly loved that. I recommend this book to thrill seekers and paranormal buffs everywhere, it’s a highly enjoyable read. I give it 4 stars…and they shine brightly indeed!!
May 24, 2014
An Undying Oath is intriguing and addictive suspenseful page turner.
For sure not a typical story. I more than enjoyed every single page.
The book follows the story of 28 year old Samantha James whose father is a scientist who walked away from her and her mom years ago. The only connection that she has with him is that every birthday she gets a package from him. But on her 28 birthday the package she received is different.
Sergeant Justin Shaw and his team are searching for a the scientist who made chemical weapon. And Sam is the only connection to him.
Sam life was turned upside down and took unexpected turn.
The book is just wow unpredicted journey that with each next page turn and dramatic angst hooked me more and more.
Thrilling and marvelously written and totally awesome suspense novel.
≧◔◡◔≦ 5 ✰ read ≧◉◡◉≦
For sure not a typical story. I more than enjoyed every single page.
The book follows the story of 28 year old Samantha James whose father is a scientist who walked away from her and her mom years ago. The only connection that she has with him is that every birthday she gets a package from him. But on her 28 birthday the package she received is different.
Sergeant Justin Shaw and his team are searching for a the scientist who made chemical weapon. And Sam is the only connection to him.
Sam life was turned upside down and took unexpected turn.
The book is just wow unpredicted journey that with each next page turn and dramatic angst hooked me more and more.
Thrilling and marvelously written and totally awesome suspense novel.
≧◔◡◔≦ 5 ✰ read ≧◉◡◉≦
January 21, 2014
I loved this book. I'm not going to give it away or talk about what happens in the book you must read it yourself (you certainly won't regret it). I love the writing style and that it is not your typical book and doesn't really fall into any set category. It had romance and steamy scenes along with action and suspense. Amazing read that I will read again!
January 12, 2014
review to follow
August 10, 2016
Heavy handed, lacks nuance and subtlety. Interesting sci-fi concept though, but just doesn't pay off.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews