Book Review: Survaine by Sarah Westill

About the Book:

Title: Survaine

Author: Sarah Westill

Series: Gen-Heirs: The Guardians of Sziveria

Page Length: 345

Publication Date: April 27, 2023

Synopsis: He made her promise to wait for him…

Years after convincing a mysterious young woman not to jump from a bridge, Caidon Survaine receives shadowy orders to eliminate her. Suspicious of the command, he returns home to find a nefarious group has infiltrated the depths of the Sziverian government. No one can be trusted. Guardians meant to protect have been coerced or corrupted. And the young woman he saved is in more danger than she could realize. Caidon has plans of his own where she’s concerned.

Doing the right thing always seems to leave Ramsey Hunter in peril. Yet, she can’t stop herself from protecting those in need. When she discovers her rare genetic talent can save passengers on a ship destined for trafficking, she ignores her brothers pleas to remain safe at home and embarks on a world adventure with Caidon at her side. She has only one condition for the assassin— he won’t deny the passion flaring between them.

Together they navigate new cultures, and their own awakening desires, in a race against the ice flows. If they can’t reach the ports of the violent nation of Mark Inland before the last of the thaw, hundreds of lives will be at stake.

LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, including Amazon, and I may earn a small commission, at no cost to you, if you purchase through my links.

My Review:

Survaine is the sixth book in the Gen-Heirs: The Guardians of Sziveria series by Sarah Westill, and it’s an exciting and romantic addition! I was so excited to read Survaine, especially when I learned the story was focusing on Ramsey, who had been introduced in earlier books in the series. She had a compelling back story, and it’s so curious to learn more about her.

Something I love about this series is the epic world-building, and, in addition to a few familiar settings, Survaine takes us to some new destinations. The world continues to amaze me with the diverse cultures, traditions, and topography. It’s fascinating and vivid, and I always get excited to see where Westill will take me next.

Ramsey and Caidon both learn to change and grow. Ramsey has led a pretty isolated life since being shunned from society, and she has the protection of her brother buffering her. Being with Caidon and agreeing to help his investigation takes Ramsey out of her comfort zone, and it’s not all sunshine and roses. She has to rough it in a way she’s never had to before, but she proves more than capable. I like that the story shows her struggles and fears and insecurities. It makes Ramsey realistic and relatable because I know I’d definitely have some of the same reactions if I had to deal with some of the things she struggles with in this book. Ramsey’s also learning more about her unique ability, which is so fascinating. Of all the abilities presented in this series, I think I’d love to have hers!

Caidon is a solitary person whose job as an assassin doesn’t allow for close relationships. His character is so interesting. He has never had an intimate relationship, and he has no idea how to be in one. But his feelings for Ramsey are pretty obvious.

Of course, the highlight of the story is the lovely romance between Ramsey and Caidon. Since they met years ago and knew they wanted to be together, their love story is more about them learning to be a couple and opening up to each other while facing incredible danger and trying to solve an ongoing mystery, so their obstacles are a bit different from the protagonists in the previous books. It’s both sexy and sweet, and their romance is balanced nicely with the mystery, suspense, and action.

During their journey, Ramsey and Caidon connect with several of my favorites from previous books in the series. One couple is on the cusp of having a baby, and I loved seeing them in this new phase of their lives. Other secondary characters from the previous books also make appearances in this book, and like our expecting couple, it is always wonderful to see how these relationships have progressed and changed.

Survaine is an intriguing addition to the series, and I’m really curious about the overarching plot. Caidon and Ramsey unravel more of this complex and deadly mystery, and I can’t wait to see what happens next. Fingers crossed the next book will focus on a certain secondary character that sounds super swoon-worthy!

Thanks to Sarah Westill for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.