Review: Radiant by Cynthia Hand

Radiant (Unearthly #2.5) by Cynthia Hand
Publication Date: December 4, 2012
Publisher: Harper Teen
Number of Pages: 94
Format: Ebook
Buy: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
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Clara is desperate to get away—from the memories that haunt her in Wyoming and the visions of a future she isn't ready to face—and spending the summer in Italy with her best friend, Angela, should be the perfect escape. . . .

For as long as she can remember, Angela has been told that love is dangerous, that she must always guard her heart. But when she met a mysterious guy in Italy two years ago she was determined to be with him, no matter the costs. Now she must decide whether she can trust Clara with her secret, or if telling her the truth will risk everything she cares about.

Alternating between Angela and Clara's perspectives, Radiant chronicles the unforgettable summer that will test the bounds of their friendship and change their lives forever.

This short story takes place between Hallowed and Boundless, to get away from everything Clara has joined Angela on her summer trip to Italy. It was very short and sweet, alternating between Clara and Angela POV. The book wasn't what I was expecting.

We finally get to meet Angela's mysterious Italian boyfriend. I always had a feeling he was some kind of an angel, neither a good or bad angel having no allegiance to either side. Clara can see inside him and tell that he's isn't good enough for Angela. But Angela isn't hearing any of it. She's already madly in love with Phen.

The book doesn't have any new information, and isn't really necessary to read before Boundless. But it's nice to know this backstory, and Phen's character shows back up again. I do wish we got to see more of Clara and Angela friendship and finding out more angel stuff.

Rating: 3/5

  

Review: Elixir by Jennifer L.Amentrout

Elixir (Covenant 3.5)
Jennifer L.Armentrout
Publisher: Spencer Hill Press
yPublication date: November 27th, 2012
Number of pages: 75
Format: E-book
Purchase: Amazon  (paperback)| Free on Publisher website
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Aiden St. Delphi will do anything to save Alex.
Even if it means doing the one thing he will never forgive himself for.
Even if it means making war against the gods.

This novella takes place not long after Deity, so reading that is a MUST before reading this, otherwise you will be confused like there is no tomorrow.
After the cliffhanger that was at the end of Deity, we are thrown back into the world, but this time we are in Aiden's POV, since Alex.. well, is a little busy right now. She probably wouldn't be the best to narrate this book under certain circumstances.

This story takes an interesting turn when the gang, including Leon, Marcus and Aiden have to decide what to do with Alex. They need to break her bond with Seth, and one thing will help with that, and one thing Alex always hated, but in this thing might be the only thing they can do. It's not an easy decision for Aiden to make, but for the girl that he loves... there isn't anything he wouldn't do to help her.. to break her bond with Seth before it kills her.

While this novella was short, it was interesting and gave us new developments. We also got to hear Aiden's POV of things, how he is dealing with things. It was so heartbreaking for him. and for me to see him this way.
I look forward to seeing how the next book will progress, given by the end... the bond between Alex and Seth did take a turn, and she managed to break it. Sometimes... love is the most powerful of all.
It's the key to breaking anything if it's strong enough.

Verdict: 5/5