Merrick has done it again with this installment in The Protector series. In Release, we venture to even more mysterious and dangerous worlds and see a bunch of new creatures, as well as run into a few familiar ones. Most of Release is about Chase finding the remaining soul pieces and destroying them before Riley and the Dark Brothers get their hands on them. 
 Chase has changed a lot since the beginning of the series and it really shines through in this Release. Things are even tougher for him now though and he's still struggling to control his powers and figure out his role as the Protector. Even though he finally learns why his powers are going crazy, he's still not that close to discovering how to fix it all. A lot of this book as to do with Chase's inner struggles at realizing his destiny and coming to grips about the important people in his life. His relationships are strengthened and solidified in this book, and it was nice seeing each of the main characters come through for each other and band together to fight this evil. 
 In Release, you finally learn the extent of Rayna's abilities and her place in all this. Although I would've liked to see more of her, since she's usually so kickass, you'll notice the guys play a bigger role in this book. Vincent's story unfolds completely and you get to meet his vampire family and learn why he is the way that he is. There are plenty of hunters that show up too and I was very happy to see Grams play a bigger role in the story. She is such a funny character, I loved all her scenes. 
 My only gripe with this series in general is that all the answers are taking FOREVER to be revealed. I loved learning about all these creatures and there are quite a few story lines that you have to follow, which is fine and all, but I'm close to pulling my hair out waiting for things to turn around and for Chase to find the answers to all the questions he, and I, have. If you know me, you'll know I hate when a story drags, building things up is important, yes, but throw us a bone! I feel like, after three books, I still have a ton of questions and I'm seriously waiting for the climactic, pivotal point where Chase figures things out and things start looking up. I understand he's supposed to go through pain and have these crazy adventures, but I feel like nothing's being resolved, even in the slightest in Shift or Release, and Merrick is saving it all for the last book. Release has just left me feeling frustrated and dejected like how I felt after Shift, only worse because even worse things happen in Release than in Shift! 
 Either way, I enjoyed this book and Merrick's world of dastardly creatures. The ending is pretty intense and a bit sad, so be prepared. Through it all you really sympathize for Chase and I'm so ready for him to kick some Riley and Dark Brothers' ass. I can't wait to see how it all ends and get the answers to all my questions!