If there was ever an argument for reading a series in order, I would have to say this book could certainly be used as evidence to support the claim. While there are some series books that certainly work as stand-alones, this second installment in The Sons of the Zodiac series isn’t one of them.

Isla, an immortal goddess of the Greek variety, lives for revenge. Born as Adrasteia, Zeus’ caregiver from birth, she’s known little in her long, long life other than betrayal and loneliness. When Zeus punishes her for crimes of which she’s innocent, she accepts a bargain from Hades to become his soul collector known forevermore as Nemesis in order to walk the earth in flesh and bone. While she diligently does her duty, she also seeks revenge against the one she blames for her misfortune – the goddess Themis, who turned Zeus against her. To get the revenge she so desperately craves, she enters into a compact with a dark sorcerer and targets Themis’ zodiac inspired warriors, namely the Scorpio warrior, Kane Montague.

A tough talking immortal warrior and agent for Britain’s M16, Kane fell completely for the mysterious Isla six months earlier. Unfortunately, none of the official meet and greet is experienced in this installment of the series. As their paths cross once again, he wants to punish her for drugging and leaving him after days of incredible sex, as well as discover what she’s so determined to hide. He also has to battle his own demons: A curse that causes the Scorpio’s poison to rise up within him and take its toll once a year, which causes him to spend the entire story weak, angry, and somewhat whiney.

Drawn to him, Isla is determined to find a way out of a situation that looks hopeless. Not only does she have to win back his trust, she also must deal with his curse, her bargain, and an enemy that stalks them all, while carving a place for herself out of an eternity spent seeking revenge.

There seemed to be a great deal of unrealized potential within the story Fox creates in terms of setting and plot. Unfortunately, the potential didn’t extend to the characterizations. There are multiple zodiac warriors for additional books, yet I didn’t like any of the warriors, including the current hero who didn’t appear to be much more than an angry, testosterone-filled grump. The heroine was simply okay, though I did feel sorry for her.

The idea of gods and goddess duking it out in modern times over past wrongs and for earthly superiority is an interesting concept and something I could enjoy. However, in this instance the conflict was sorely lacking and I was quickly bored by the contrived nature of what was present. Plus, the circumstances that initially bring the couple together happen outside the perimeters of this novel and I felt like I was missing the elements that would make me care about their outcome or how they get there.

Maybe, just maybe, I would have liked Warrior Avenged if I’d read the previous edition in the series, but as it stands I was bored. However, I plan to read Addison Fox again because there’s quite a bit of obvious potential in between the lines.