I really, really want to say that this been the best book in the series thus far. Really. I think it’s the combination of already knowing the Scorpius Syndrome world and having the back story of Trace Justice. I’ve been intrigued by him ever since he survived being infected by Scorpius. The sweet charmer from Texas has now begun to go dark, and the charismatic medic is no more. He’s more lethal, he’s more domineering, and he feels nothing. It’s a drastic change that impacts how he heals others, sees others, and deciphers intentions. Justice Ascending also feels like a long epic read. I’m not sure if it’s because I’ve missed this cast of characters or if Zanetti is transforming into a status of a truly gifted author; one who not only keeps producing fantastic works, but grows and extends herself to keep reaching for more each book she writes. It’s a crazy world that has been set on fire with the rise of contagion and a psychotic president. Each previously highlighted couple stay