After uniting the shifters and calling in reinforcements, Chase has to face his toughest challenge yet: learning to control his emotions. But as tensions rise and his powers grow, controlling his emotions becomes the least of his problems.

Terrorized by a multi-shifter who is hell-bent on turning him, Chase questions just how far he’s willing to go to stop his father. Meanwhile, Tiki’s virtuous nature has placed him in the middle of Vincent’s past, leaving Chase to oppose a senate of vampires and defend a demon he hates.

Trying to balance his friends, his enemies, and his inner demons, Chase is left searching for answers about the Mark, his destiny, and where he can find the next soul piece. Stopping Riley is his top priority, but as more obstacles arise, he finds himself doubting all the decisions he’s made – especially regarding Rayna.

One thing is for certain: Chase has finally realized that he doesn’t know anything. The light doesn’t always quell the darkness, the monsters don’t always stay in the shadows, and the past doesn’t always stay in the past – sometimes, the demons inside are the hardest to fight.

I am in shock. What a book everyone, what a book! I have never been so moved by a cliffhanger yet. Maybe frustrated and maybe far too excited to see how the next book plays out, but TEARS!? M.R. Merrick did it again he made me cry with a cliffhanger! All frustrated thoughts aside Release was by far one of the most emotional books yet in the series. Brimming with hard choices, life stories, and mysteries solved Release engulfs deeper and deeper into Stonewall. As much as Release continues the story, it also opened up a lot of backstories everyone has been dying to know about. Vincent and Willy are shown in a new light that I found to be a refreshing twist in their character development. Along with some steamy Rayna and Chase encounters (yay!), and hilarious “fatherly” situations for Marcus Release deserve far more than 5 out of 5 stars in my books.

As quickly as Shift had ended Release jumps right into the thick of everything going on. Packs, and groups have been gathered to band together to fight and destroy Riley once and for all. We are introduced to some brand new characters, some more annoying than others. Eric for one I am NOT a fan of but we always need a crockity old man, who thinks he’s wise just because he is older. We also see more of Grams and her coven of witches, along with some fantastic new dimensions and their inhabitants. As I have said before and I’ll say it again, M.R. Merrick is a leading genius when it comes to the creation and development of new realms and creatures residing within. He is an artist painting emotional and heart wrenching scenes alongside bloody battle scenes (that are STILL just as kick-ass as in Exiled!). The fantasy element and adrenalin pumping emotions will alone leave you breathless and craving more.

The best part (for me at least) were the backstories of Vincent and Willy. Vincent as we already know is a powerful and semi-wealthy vampire; what we don’t know will shock you to your core. Vincent had run from his original family and the vampire rulers called the Sovereign due to a grievance most heinous in their eyes. And to twist it even more, it is Vincent’s own mother, father and sister that are there to return him to the Sovereign for his punishment! A lot is revealed about Vincent and shines him in a new more fragile light than before; I found it added to how much I adore this particular character. Although that being said he does try my patience with the lack of confidence he has in our young protagonist, Chase. Willy on the other hand finally opens up to Chase about what Vincent had done to him, and it is by far one of the most heart wrenching stories yet to come out of the Protector Series! I just wanted to hug him!

Over all once again M.R. Merrick has mastered the art of character development to a point that is awe inspiring, and sings to my heart. I am enthralled with these characters, they have become a part of my everyday life, and to think about loosing any one of them causes a small twinge of sadness in my heart. He has truly created real individuals that come alive in his books. The time and effort of Merrick’s novels show more and more, and he should be extremely proud of his works.

Chase has become a protagonist I hold my breath for with every turning page. He has matured beyond his years, has gained self-control and in the bitter end still cannot catch a break. Every misfortune that had befallen him through Release discouraged him so far he had lost faith within himself. His character development was so well crafted and smooth I barely had recognized the hunter I currently read about. He has grown so much since Exiled and I for one am nervous, and humming with excitement to see what the next book brings for our rouge hero. Chase is truly Merrick’s masterpiece throughout this entire story; paired with a majestic fantasy setting that is well thought, and developed, and supporting characters that cannot be rivalled among even the best – the protector series is simply unforgettable.

Release, Shift and Exiled all deserves a round of applause and M.R. Merrick deserves a standing ovation! This high fantasy adventure will leaving you gripping your seats for the adventure and excitement, crying for the loss characters you’ve grown so attached to, and nervous to see what else could possibly happen. An emotional roller coaster cannot explain how wonderfully crafted Release was in every aspect. I am STILL in shock at everything that had occurred, and in the back of my mind will be anticipating the final installment in the series. The climatic battle has just begun and with everyone scattered around dimensions, Chase defeated and broken, and Riley so far, winning, the adventure has just begun!

M.R. Merrick you have changed the book world for the better, and for that a bookaholic like myself can only cheer and support you on your journey as a rising author.

M.R. Merrick is a Canadian writer and author of The Protector Series, a Young Adult mash-up between Urban and Epic Fantasy. Having never traveled, he adventures to far off lands through his imagination and in between cups of coffee. As a music lover and proud breakfast enthusiast, he’s usually found at the computer between a pair of headphones and in front of a large bowl of cereal.

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Stay tuned for an Interview tomorrow with none other than M.R. Merrick himself!

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