Sightlines is the third and final installment in Santino Hassell's trilogy, The Community. There's a developing story arc that begins in book 1, so you should read these in order to get the full story.

I enjoyed reading it to its conclusion. But I have to admit I expected something a little different from this third book.

Chase has been our resident bad boy throughout. So in my mind I was picturing his story somewhat like the story in ICoS (another series co-written by the same author). But Chase was nothing like the characters in the other series. He's entirely individual and his story is unique.

Elijah is a huge favorite among other readers, but I never really fell for him. I was hoping that reading his and Chase's romance would endear him to me. Maybe it did somewhat.

But because Chase didn't turn out to be who I expected, the romance fell a little flat for me. Although I enjoyed the conclusion to the trilogy, I really wished it had been more impactful for me.

3.5 Stars

We have come to the final chapter in The Community. Be warned there may be some spoilers in this review if you haven’t read the others in the series. This series is meant to be read in order as there is a continuing story arc that plays in the background while the different characters find their HEAs.

At the end of OVERSIGHT we are left with a cliffhanger and not knowing what happened to Chase and Elijah. Elijah got shot while trying to escape The Farm and Chase jumped in the lake after him. SIGHTLINES picks up after that. Chase and Elijah were captured and brought back to the Farm and Chase needs to do some quick thinking to trick his way into getting Elijah out of harms way (read = Jasper’s hands) and to escape again. I think the beginning of this book was written quite well because even I had my moments of doubt that maybe The Community was doing something good and necessary for psychics. Richard Payne was getting in my head! Good thing that only lasted a little while.

What stands out about SIGHTLINES is the fact that this is a good conclusion to the horrors going on with the Community. Things had to come to an end and I’m fairly satisfied with how this was wrapped up. This book was non-stop action in terms of that. Every scene was furthering the plot in the direction of bringing down these crazy people.

But here’s the thing. Throughout this series I’ve come to realize one thing… I really enjoy the story as a whole, the concept behind this series, the thrilling element of the books, the small touch of paranormal. And I’ve come to care about the characters individually. What I always end up having a harder time connecting with is the actual romance. Especially in this book, I wanted much more for Chase than what we got. There was so much going on around Chase and Elijah that it was hard to put in some deep connection moments, but I really felt the lack of them in regards to the final HEA. I didn’t quite see them getting there yet, some of the chemistry wasn’t completely there for me.

Like I said, this isn’t the first book in the series that I feel this way about and I think it’s a matter of balance. It’s still a testament to the fact that I enjoy the author’s writing and characters that I still very much enjoy this series and the world he’s created. I care about the characters and want to see what happens to them. Overall, I think this was a good last installment even if I think the door was left open to continue or to spin off.

Unfortunately, Sightlines was my least favorite of the Community trilogy and that's saying a lot considering it served as the wrapup to the series, not to mention how underwhelmed I was by Oversight (Book 2). I thought the pacing was unusually slow with none of the urgency one would expect considering the circumstances our two heroes found themselves in. Worse was the lack of progress made on the overarching "big bad" plot until well into final third of the book. By that point, I found it very difficult to retain interest in the story and the way everything was crammed in and rushed to its dubiously tidy conclusion. There was some romantic elements and while I liked Chase and Elijah, I found it difficult to sympathize with Chase's constant insecurities regarding Elijah's feelings towards him.

A disappointing end to what started out as a very promising trilogy. I would recommend Insight, the first book in the series, and also Stygian, the author's other paranormal release, and you can't go wrong with In the Company of Shadows and most of his contemporary works.

Chase intrigued me right from the beginning in Insight, and I was so glad he finally got his own story - especially since it seemed that life always dealt him the worst cards. Chase was the labeled troublemaker; described as difficult, smart mouth and bad ass by others. In truth, he was tortured since childhood and always an afterthought even though he is the most talented psychic that was known. Chase, if anyone, was the underdog of the series, and I loved to see him in the spotlight and get to see inside his head. Especially since he turned out to be a vulnerable bad ass who didn't think he was worth the love of those who he loved. I couldn't help but to fall for him.

The romance part was left a little bit on the background because of all the suspense and mysteries, but there was enough of it. Especially since some of Chase and Elijah's story have been going through the whole series. There was definitely chemistry between them, and it was great to see how devoted Chase was to Elijah even though he tried to pretend that Elijah didn't hold the key to his heart. Just so adorable!

Holden, Chase's half-brother, was the idealistic one who didn't know what Richard and Jasper, who run the Farm and the Community, were up to. Chase knew a lot from the very beginning but even he didn't know everything. The mystery behind the organisation and those who run it, the very mystery which started from the first book in the series, finally folded in Sightlines. And what a ride the book was! Truly an edge of your seat material; I couldn't stop reading because the questions were being answered while new secrets were revealed - and of course I had to know if all my favourite characters were going to made it to the end. I loved how the whole crew was finally back together as Chase's path crossed with Nate, Trent, Holden and Six.

Sightlines was a stunning end for the Community series. My only complain is that I would have liked more! I still need more of this world! I'll keep fingers crossed that Hassell will visit this world in the future. I highly recommend the whole series to everyone interested, because it's truly well written and there's everything: romance, mysteries, suspense and plot with so many twists. And of course, great and lovable characters!

I have to start out by saying that these books are not standalone books. I've mentioned this in past books, but it's important enough to mention again. There is an arc story-line that travels thru these books about The Community. The different characters in The Community and their romantic entanglements are not the focus or what drives this series. The story of The Community is what drives this series and the individual books. Yes, there are romantic elements to each book, but that is not the focal point of the series. SOOOOOOOO, if you don't start with Insight and move on to Oversight, I have no idea how you would understand Sightlines!

And something else that's important to mention again and again and again (lol) ... I am very happy to report that The Community continues to be a ridiculously good story-line! I very very very very rarely read anything paranormal. I just cannot get into a story that is outside the realm of my possibilities. This world that Santino Hassell has created is not craycray paranormal. It is full of people with abilities that are within the realm of possibility (imo) so it intrigues me. It captivates me. And it's just been very exciting to read! I'm pretty sure this is the first time I've ever stated this about any book with a paranormal twist. Well done Santino!

Of all three books in the series, this is the one that focuses more on the suspense of The Community rather than the romantic entanglement of our leads, Chase and Elijah. There's a very good reason for that and it was done very well. The series is coming to a close with this book so all the questions about The Community need to be answered. Truth be told, this entire series has always focused more on what was going on with The Community than anything else. As for those questions .. I'm not 100% satisfied with what we got in the end because I have some unanswered questions that could have easily been taken care of with an Epilogue, which is not what Santino chose to do, but who knows, maybe we'll get a novella in the future that will catch us up on the couples and The Community ... what?, it could happen :)

Overall, excellent series all around. It was exciting and captivating and every book lead into each other seamlessly. Well done! Copy provided for blog tour review

Trilogies… I love them. I hate them. I have mixed feelings about them. I’m often a conflicted reader, what can I say? This time around the trilogy playground, I’m in total love. And where Sightlines is concerned, I’m in awe. That is to say, this book rocked.

To talk about Sightlines, I have to first talk a little bit about Insight and Oversight. This all started with Insight, a story about a kid from the Black family, finding his way to NYC to look into the death of his twin brother. That’s the simplest description of a book that was so much more. What Insight does along with that main love story is start readers off on an adventure learning about The Community, what it is, what they do, who the people are that are running it, the good that they can bring gifted individuals, and also the bad. Insight is a stepping off point that leads us to Oversight.

Oversight is all about this club owner, son of a founding member of The Community, starting to realize things he’s been blind to. Again, that’s the simplest description of a book with so much more. In Oversight we learn more about The Community. More adventure, more realization of betrayal, mistrust, misuse of power, and horrible things that are happening on The Farm. What Oversight does is take the stepping off point of Insight, and move an overarching storyline forward in a huge way.

And yes, the romantic stories that are the other focus of these books are really well written, the characters are compelling and feel real, their connection perfect. I love this about these books. But the main story arch is what has pulled me along the most. I LOVE Nate and Trent, Holden and Six… and I REALLY LOVE Chase and Elijah. But I love a good suspense story that will pull me through three books, keep its momentum, hold my interest all the way through, and finish with a bang. THIS… This is what Hassell did for me with Sightlines. It finishes with a bang, answers almost all of my questions, delivers on a damn good happy ending for all the characters I love in this series, and it has me craving more.

I do have a couple minor quibbles… of course I do. But they’re so minor that they never took away from the story. Still, I would be remiss if I did not mention them. There are a couple characters I’d have liked to either see more of, or not see at all. I think these characters as written felt more filler than anything else. I understand the need for characters that don’t really play a huge part in a story, but sometimes they feel a bit too much like filler and I either wish for them to not exist, or have just one more little scene. My other little quibble is that because the story is so compelling and there are many facets that made up this series, there are still things I want to know. I want to know how things in this series will impact the Black family. I want to know what happens to some of those minor characters like the Ex Com brothers. I want to know more about a new character Shelby. I’m inquisitive and just want more. Le Sigh… such is the problem with being a Santino Hassell Fan. When I really fall for his characters, however major or minor, I fall hard and yea, I want more.

In the end, Sightlines is a fantastic ending to this trilogy. I deeply enjoyed the relationships, the connections between everyone, learning about The Community and how it worked (or didn’t). I very much enjoyed Chase and Elijah… these men are so vulnerable and beautiful, loving and special to me. I cheered and screamed, raved and shook my fists. I buddy read this book with a dear friend and while I was ahead of her for a bit I had moments where I’d chat with her and just say things like oh shit, omg, OMG OH SHIT, I JUST HIT ANOTHER OMG AND OH SHIT MOMENT. And that’s pretty much how it was. And then there were the OMG CRYING ALL THE TEARS OF HAPPY AND JOY. This series was a rollercoaster that finishes with the big splash of water at the end. It was a hell of a lot of fun to read something so in-depth and full of mystery. Recommended for all fans of paranormal romance.

ARC received via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

This is the final installment of this interesting trilogy, and it wraps things up nicely. It picks up where the previous one left off, with Chase and Elijah getting caught while the others made their get away from the Farm. These absolutely must be read in order, as we learn much about The Community, its members and goals, as well as those who oppose and are trying to stop it. At this point, lines have been mostly drawn, and this segment is where it all ends up playing out.

Things are not going well for these two, as Chase is once again being tortured by the Farm’s resident evil doctor, trying to siphon Chase’s abilities. Chase grew up on the Farm, not in the best of circumstances, mainly being used as a science project for his abilities. Even his own father, and Community mastermind, Richard, has played a big part in not only Chase’s treatment, but that of the many others there, some of who actually volunteered to be a part of their “breeding” program, as well as those who didn’t have a choice. Chase is determined to shut it down, escape with Elijah, and free those who are being held against their will.

Elijah hasn’t been tortured much yet, but neither has he been treated very well. They plan to use him to force Chase to fall into line. Little do they know that Chase has been playing along, with the help of someone on the inside easing up on his meds. He just has to convince Elijah to play along. This is a bit tricky though, as they don’t have the most solid of relationships. Chase is still convinced Elijah is using him as a substitute for his brother, Holden. Chase is one of the most powerful multi-talented Psys there is, but he doesn’t have much control over his abilities. Needless to say, there is a lot going on here that impacts how things go with their escape, their plans, and their relationship.

What we end up with is a fabulously well-rounded story with a really interesting case of characters. There are twists and details interwoven which make this an exciting and refreshing spin on a well-written paranormal/urban fantasy story. Everything comes full circle in this installment which ends on a very satisfying note, though there does seem to be some potential for spin-off stories. I certainly wouldn’t mind reading more about any of these characters and would definitely love to see how they are making out with the new dynamics in place in their world. I definitely recommend this if you are looking for a nice change of pace from the usual paranormal tropes from what I believe is a skilled and talented author.

2.5 stars.

OK, you guys. I have a less than stellar review to write for a favorite author, so you know the drill. Get in and out of this review asap, but still be informative. I had to go back and read my reviews for Insight and Oversight to see what had changed between them that made me love the second so much, and that still stands. The second book was much more relationship focused (at least IMO,) than the first, and this is where Hassell excels. In fact, I mentioned in my review of the first book that I felt relationship development was sacrificed in favor of world building, and now I find myself wondering what happened. The world building I was sure dominated the first book just wasn’t enough to carry the series. And maybe I was so stuck on the relationship in the second book that I didn’t see the world wasn’t being added to. In the third, there were parts that left me confused, and there were just way too many players to spend the time developing Elijah and Chase’s relationship to make me buy it. In fact the romance was nonexistent, and the conflict (which was resolved way too easily,) felt very contrived. The bookends of this series (which, IMO, should always be the strongest,) were the weakest. In the second book, I was at least looking forward to Holden and Six’s interactions. I felt like I understood their characters, but that was just not the case here. I was told that Elijah and Chase’s connection was so strong, but I don’t feel like I was ever shown that. I will say that the author did a good job convincing me Chase was a jerk, but the downside to that was that I wasn’t able to buy Chase’s supposed compassion at the end of the book. Like the conflict resolution with Chase and Elijah, it just came too easily.

It pains me to write this review, because I think this author’s talents are out of this world good. Unsurprisingly, to anyone who has visited this blog, I’d go so far as to say he’s my favorite romance author. I just think this storyline was very ambitious for a trilogy, and short books at that. I’m curious to see what could have been done with a larger word count. But as it stands, The Community series was not a win for me, and Sightlines left me feeling disappointed.Will there be an audience for this series? Absolutely. Other reviews prove that. I’m just not it.

An ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

First let me start by saying I am so glad I didn't have to wait too long to read the conclusion to this series. Yes, the previous books ended on a cliffhanger of sorts, and YES these must be read in order and you should read them all. I do recommend this series and can't wait for the chance to read them all again at one time. I know I will pick up on things I missed the first time around.

Sightlines is the final book in The Community series and there is a lot of paranormal/extra sensory stuff going on. In Insight, the paranormal aspect was light - meaning there was some mind reading and influencing going on (etc.), but not a lot. In Oversight, the paranormal activity (haha) picked up tremendously and I really got to see what these characters were capable of. (Oh, if only I had powers! Of course, with my luck I'd have the ability to turn into a mud pile - not exactly helpful or cool.)

There are several twists and turns in this story and I was surprised (but not somehow) by some of them. It was great to see Nate and Trent, Holden and Six, and Lia again. I wish this final book was longer so I could see more of them all finally living in peace and being able to relax and just be with their loved ones.

The book as a whole was really good, lots of action and we get to see Chase and Elijah connect and find their love. But specifically the ending seemed a little too easy to me. There was all this build up throughout the trilogy with Ex-Comm and the Big Bad Community and I was mentally preparing myself for Chase and Elijah to be traumatized (I expected a huge mental battle with lots of pain and crying and screaming) and (view spoiler). I have to say I was a disappointed the ending wasn't more difficult for our heroes. (For those who don't like a lot of angst and torture in their stories, I know you will LOVE this book :) )

The final scene is sweet with Elijah sharing his vision(s) of the future with Chase, how they are happy and living together. But Santino hasn't completely ruled out the possibility of writing more for this world, but probably not a full length novel, just short stories and those might not even be published but put online somewhere instead. I do hope he writes something more for us.

Do I even need to say the writing was great? Santino knows how to write an attention grabbing story, and I really enjoyed this. I didn't want to put it down. I am left with some questions about the story - it just seems like not all the loose ends have been capped, but Richard and Jasper are dead (or so we are tooo-o-ooold, haha), the Farm has been basically shut down and The Community Watch is going back to helping psys.

Oh, this would make a GREAT movie series, just sayin'!! :-D Or even a TV series.

I do recommend and keep your fingers crossed more will come!

This one was my favorite so far. I was interested in Chase from the get-go. I knew his story wouldn't be pretty and even more so in book 2, that it would be down right dark.

Chase basically grew up as a test subject to his father and his head goon. He always had that feeling, but it didn't really hit him until his own father confirms it.

The pain and suffering he endured under the hands of evil psychic vampire Jasper is appalling. For them to do this to children is unthinkable. The farm which was once supposed to be a place for rehab, is now a psychic cross-breeding nursery. Half the people are either brainwashed, drugged, or both.

After Chase was caught and held in the last book he leans to play nice so h can eventually make his run for it, but now that Elijah has been caught, he needs to get him on the same page. While playing the loyal son, he learns things about his father and his plans for psychic domination. He's sickened by what he learns, but he toes the line until it's safe to get them out. Its also amazing who you'll find on the farm when you have the "freedom" to search it.
Chase also learns about one of his dormant abilities that seems to come to life where Elijah is concerned. This specific ability seems to get them out of a LOT of hairy situations.

I liked the fact that none of this group is getting fully in board with Ex-comm as well. It seems to be one extreme to the other, and he fact that they use their heads and trust their instincts is quite a relief. It's also a great analogy for things going on in the present in real life.

Elijah and Chase have a lot of back and forth emotions. Chase doesn't really think anyone can or wants to love him, so Elijah has his work cut out for him, but have come this far with Chase's crazy ass. He's not about to give up now.

This book does get wrapped up, but it also leaves it open for possibilities in the future.
I can definitely see how some side stories could be worked in
*coughs* Jessica and Lia* coughs*

All and all, this was a pretty unique and adventurous series and it ended on a HFN high note and I'm pretty satisfied with that.

Wow, what a great nuanced ending to Santino Hassell's The Community series. Throughout the first two books in the series, we learned about The Community - both its public face and the dark deadly evil underside. We've met Nate of the infamous Black family of psychics and his partner Trent; Holden, whose father started The Community, and his lover Sixtus; and now Sightlines tells Chase's and Elijah's story.

Chase is an incredibly talented multi who has spent most of his life at The Farm being "realigned" (read tortured) in an attempt to usurp his power. Elijah is the beautiful boy that Chase loves with everything he has, but for someone who has had everything systemically torn away from him, letting love in is almost impossible. Chase's love for Elijah (and the resulting "concentration" of his telekinesis powers) propels the story to its conclusion, and yeah, it's all pretty damn awesome when he brings the power.

What I particularly loved about Sightlines is there is no easy answer for what will happen to The Community. Ex-Comm wants to dismantle the Community completely, but CW has helped people in the psychic community who couldn't help themselves or who were trapped. Is continuing The Community a necessary evil? Santino Hassell does a superlative job of showing the danger of such a organization: "The structure prevents anyone from ever democratically picking leaders, they crack down on anyone who speaks against them, they have this perfect face of how they want their organization to be viewed." But then again, is this any different from organized religion?:

"Religion was just as capable of brainwashing and indoctrinating as the Community. If people devoted their lives to something, they sometimes refused to turn their backs on it even if it meant hurting their own."

5 stars for Sightlines and 5 stars for the entire The Community series!

4.5*

While I'm not sure any series by any author will ever impact me quite the same way as ICoS Santino has yet again produced another riveting read.

This has a slight ICoS feel to it and it's a rough beginning.

'It was always a challenge to maintain his mental shield while pretending to be mind-controlled by a sociopath in a black lab coat who was trying to splinter his brain. However, Chase had done it before.
Without his shield, the sociopath in question—Jasper, psychic vamp extraordinaire—would realize Chase had never been truly loyal to the Community. More terrifyingly, he’d also gain access to Chase’s psychic talents....
To cause such mind-numbing pain that Chase at times forgot who he was or even what he was. Could a human experience this and still come out okay? Maybe not. Maybe he wasn’t human. Whatever the case was, he wouldn’t let Jasper get him. And Jasper would never hear him scream. Chase gritted his teeth, fingers clenching....'

Chase is powerful, more powerful than anyone realises but his life has been one of captivity and torture and it makes for heavy yet addictive reading.

Elijah is the one good thing in Chase's life and he'd do anything to save him but it's a dangerous game in an even more dangerous place. The Farm.

I noticed a couple of reviews stating this wasn't a romance and they're right but the fact that the love these two share is the only thing that gets them through the horror of the Farm then I suppose it's more of a love story than a romance.

This is a gripping read which never lets up and makes for an exciting read it doesn't leave much room for romance or sex, the heat level on this is lower than I expected but it's inline with the rest of the book and while I'm a huge fan of this author's m/m scenes I found I really liked that random sex scenes hadn't been inserted just for the sake of it. After all they would have distracted from the plot and it's a good plot.

I read a lot of books but not since ICoS have I felt so strongly about any characters. This author appears to be the only one capable of making me form (without actually realising I'm doing it) a mental kill list in my head. This list was headed by Jasper, followed by Richard and Will.

There's no epilogue. I know, what on earth was Santino thinking?
Yet despite this I'm happy.

The world building once again is frightening yet brilliant and this book brings this series to a close and I'm left wondering where this author is going next.

I voluntarily read a review copy kindly provided by NetGalley and Riptide Publishing.

Great end to the trilogy. Love the world building and it was really satisfying to get Chase and Elijah's story.