Exciting conclusion to the series. Andi Matheson (aka Asteria) has been part of the series from the beginning, as the Prophet's lover and most ardent supporter. She is a former socialite who gave up everything to join "The Family." Her blindness to Metwater's character irritated me, especially in the previous book (Missing in Blue Mesa). But as her history was revealed, I began to understand what drove her to where she was and ache for all she had been through. Underneath the fanatical supporter was a loving, caring woman who was looking for a way to care for her baby and find a way to give them a better future.

Simon has also been part of the Ranger Brigade from the beginning. He has come across as a cold, by-the-book officer who looks down on the members of the Family. He is determined to bring down Metwater and believes that Andi has the evidence that will enable him to do so. I often suspected that Simon had a thing for Andi, in spite of his attitude, and as the story progressed, I saw an entirely different side of him. Hiding under the grouchy, uptight cop was a caring, protective man whose experiences have affected the way he looks at the world.

I enjoyed the development of Andi and Simon's relationship. The book began with their usual adversarial standoff, as Simon insisted that Andi knows more than she's letting on, and Andi adamant in her belief in Metwater's innocence. It was interesting to see him admit the effect she had on him and made him want to protect her. I also liked how Andi, seeing him out of his uniform and usual environment, suddenly realized his appeal. Forced together to avoid the threats against Andi's life, both Simon and Andi discover that there is more to each other than either had suspected. I loved seeing Simon begin to appreciate Andi's strength and determination, as she endured everything without complaining. I liked the way that Andi broke down Simon's walls and saw the good and caring man that he didn't believe existed. I loved seeing tough-guy Simon turn sweet and tender as they gave in to their need for each other. The ending was fantastic. I loved how Simon offered himself and his imperfections and Andi's awesome response.

The suspense of the story was incredible and kept me glued to the pages. Throughout the series, there has been the suspicion that there was more to The Prophet and his actions than was immediately obvious. In the previous book, his mask had slipped completely, revealing a dangerous man. In this book, Andi is caught in the middle between a desperate Metwater and the equally desperate Russian who wants to use her as bait. The intensity continued to build with each threat or attack. I never knew from which direction it would come, keeping me up late as it all played out. The final confrontations were intense with some surprising twists and turns as all was revealed. ( )