Aussie Book Review: Shattered Sky by Helene Young

Book reviews

8 Jan

Helene Young- Shattered Sky Format- Paperback Source- Self-purchase Synopsis: Surviving a missile strike on her aircraft suddenly seems like the easy part for Lauren Bennett. A year after being attacked mid flight, Lauren is sure she's overcome her guilt at losing a friend in the ensuing crash. Her brittle, glossy veneer doesn't fool Callam Granger but the naval patrol boat captain knows he's got no right to an opinion. He wasn't there when she needed him most and she's not going to let him forget it. On a routine surveillance assignment Lauren uncovers an operation trafficking sex slaves. Pursuing the women - and their captors - will take her deep into the Australian outback and a reluctant Callam knows this time he can't let her go alone. Is it possible for Lauren and Callam to put aside old enmities to outwit, outrun and ultimately out-fly the traffickers? Or will the frantic race to free the women simply ignite their emotions, endangering yet more lives? Review: Shattered Sky is the loosely based sequel to Helene’s debut novel, Wings of Fear- which I loved! So, I was extremely pleased to finish her second novel with a big smile on my face. This one was just as great!Shattered Sky= action, drama, romance + outback tropical QLD + strong, feisty heroine. What more could you ask for in an Australian crime fiction novel?The protagonist, Lauren Bennett is a pilot with Australian customs and stumbles across a sex slave trafficking operation on the shores of North Queensland.Lauren is still recovering from the loss of her best mate, Gavin who she never admitted she loved until he was gone. Grieving and doused in guilt and regret- the last thing she is looking for is romance. But when Callam Granger comes onto her radar, she realises that she can’t keep her heart locked away forever.Lauren is a strong heroine and despite her “girly” presence and love of shopping she is also very smart. What I loved about this story is that the author draws out the character from the superficial façade and makes her emotional vulnerabilities and desires apparent and realistic.Highly recommended read for romance suspence fans who want to delve into an exciting Aussie adventure. I can’t wait for the third book in this series- please hurry up and release it Helene!