Book Review: Exiled by M.R. Merrick

Title: Exiled
Author: M.R. Merrick
Series: The Protector #1
Publication Date: June 28, 2011
Length: 264 Pages
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Chase Williams is a demon hunter in the Circle, or at least he was supposed to be. On his fifteenth birthday, Chase stepped up to the altar to claim his elemental power, but it never came. Elemental magic is passed down to a hunter through the bloodline, but on Chase's birthday, the bloodline stopped.
Exiled without the Circle's protection, Chase has spent two years trying to survive a world riddled with half-demons and magic. When he has a run in with a frightened and seemingly innocent demon, he learns the Circle's agenda has changed: the Circle plans to unlock a portal and unleash pure-blood demons into the world. Vowing to stop them, and knowing he can't do it alone, Chase forms a reluctant alliance with Rayna — a sexy witch with an attitude and a secret.
In their attempt to stop them, Chase and Rayna find themselves in the middle of the Circle's plan, leaving one of them to decide what their friendship is worth, and the other's life depending on it.

MY REVIEW

 For a beginning to a series, Exiled is a powerful one. Exiled draws readers in and holds them hostage until the very end of the story. The author has a gift for storytelling that he uses to torture his readers, but in a good way. The world building in Exiled is creative and it stands out among others in the young adult fantasy genre. The characters are detailed and complex. Exiled is an outstanding beginning to an addicting new series. 

In Exiled, we are introduced to Chase an exiled hunter. Abandoned and excommunicated by The Circle and his own father for failing to develop powers. Chase has to fend off numerous demon attacks on his own. Chase’s teachings are called into question when he meets another hunter and his pseudo daughter, Rayna. The Circle he desired to be a part of maybe up to something that goes against everything that they represent.

Coming to terms with the change in his philosophy and beliefs opens Chase to an entire new group of potential friends and allies. Willie, a chameleon demon, becomes friends with Chase. I really like their friendship and the way Chase begins to feel protective. His protectiveness shows how much Chase grows and changes as a character throughout the story.

I loved Exiled and I have already had the pleasure of continuing on in the series. Shift is even better than Exiled if that is possible. I think The Protector series maybe becoming my newest addiction.

**Unabridged Bookshelf received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review**

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