Review: Empower by Jessica Shirvington

Empower (Violet Eden Chapters #5) by Jessica Shirvington
Publication Date: November 12, 2013
Publisher: Hachette
Number of Pages: 464
Format: Paperback
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It has been two years since Violet Eden walked away from the city, her friends, her future and - most importantly - her soulmate, Lincoln. Part angel, part human, Violet is determined to stand by the promises she made to save the one she loves.

Living in the perpetual coldness of a broken soul she survives day to day as a Rogue Grigori in London.

But when an unexpected visitor shows up at her door, the news he bears about someone she swore to protect leaves Violet with no choice.

Even worse, she fears that this might all lead back to the night she tries hardest to forget. And what was taken without her permission.

Violet is going back to New York ... and she knows exactly who is going to be there.

With Phoenix in her dreams and Lincoln in her heart she knows it is only a matter of time before the final choice must be made.

The final book in this amazing series picks up two years after the end of Endless. Violet realizing that the ones she loves will always be in danger, she takes off on her own. For the last year she has joined a gang of rogues and living in London. We see a recurring character that we briefly met in Emblaze, Gray. I do have to admit I didn't remember him, but I grew to love him. But when an old friend disappears, Violet knows she has to go back to New York and help find him. For backup Gray is coming a long for the ride.

Violet's initial plan to get in there and out without Lincoln realizing she's there fails the moment she walked in the first meeting. We see a new Lincoln, a colder harsher Lincoln, and honestly I don't blame him at all. Going in the book I knew I wanted some angst, but this...it was heartbreaking. It tore my heart into two pieces. All I wanted to do was locked them in a room together. In all the heartbreaking scenes, there were a few swoonworthy scenes, that gives you hope.

All love issues aside, Violet has a bigger problem. There's someone out to get her angel maker, and they are going to use Violet to do it. And this time she's not sure if she can make it out a live.

This book was perfect. We finally see Violet accepts who she really is. Not to mention we finally learn who her angel maker is. I knew a second before it was revealed who it was, and thinking back it didn't really surprise me.

The best part of this book was Violet and Lincoln. After they get through their angst, they were beautiful. It really showed they were really soul mates, and made for each other. Usually in books we see how much the girl loves the guy, but in this we see exactly what Lincoln feels for Violet without it being cheesy.

I couldn't stop thinking about this book for days after reading it. I kept re reading certain scenes over and over again. It was a perfect ending for the series. And I can't think Jen enough for sending me the books when they are first released in Australia. I like to think I'm the only one in the US who has finished the series (which it could possibly be true since the last book isn't released here until next spring).

Rating: 5/5

Review: Empower by Jessica Shirvington

Empower (Violet Eden Chapters, #5) by Jessica Shirvington
Publisher: Hachette
Publication date: November 12th, 2013
Number of pages: 464 pgs
Format: paperback
Purchase: Bookworld

It has been two years since Violet Eden walked away from the city, her friends, her future and - most importantly - her soulmate, Lincoln. Part angel, part human, Violet is determined to stand by the promises she made to save the one she loves.

Living in the perpetual coldness of a broken soul she survives day to day as a Rogue Grigori in London.

But when an unexpected visitor shows up at her door, the news he bears about someone she swore to protect leaves Violet with no choice.

Even worse, she fears that this might all lead back to the night she tries hardest to forget. And what was taken without her permission.

Violet is going back to New York ... and she knows exactly who is going to be there.

With Phoenix in her dreams and Lincoln in her heart she knows it is only a matter of time before the final choice must be made.

It's been two years since Violet left. She disappeared from her town, her friends... Lincoln. Her soulmate and it has killed her every day since. The moment she gets word someone she cares about has gone missing, she is determined to do everything she can to find him again, even if it means going back to the one place she didn't think she would be again.

Violet hasn't had the easiest time over the past few years. She is almost twenty years old, she moves from one place to another when she feels Lincoln closing in on her. Going back to New York probably was the hardest thing she had to do. She was a bit naive thinking that she could avoid.. certain people, well, more like a certain someone.
The moment she arrives, that is when the story really begins..
She has to figure out where her friend is, how she would go about locating him, and what she may have to sacrifice. She doesn't find things easy when she returns, as you can imagine. Steph has been getting the cold shoulder from Lincoln, Phoenix has been haunting her telling her that she can't run away forever, and discovers there is a new crowd in town, some none too pleased to see her.

I loved the plot of this story. I wasn't sure how the time jump would affect the series, but now I couldn't imagine it any other way. Not only does it enhance Violet, who has become a rogue Grigori over the past few years, but Lincoln also, who has become a leader who he is meant to be, with a few added qualities that were put there by hurt and betrayal.
Violet has become quite the leader herself. She has learnt a lot throughout the last two years. Things about herself, about what she can do. She discovers there is so much more to her abilities than she first realized.

The relationship between Violet and Lincoln just.. explodes in this book. If you thought you loved them in the previous four books, then think again, because the things they feel, go through... boy, it is just so emotional and heartbreaking you won't want to put this book down.
The first half of the book is full of angst that will literally kill you if you're not careful.  Things like..

I cut him off. ‘It changes nothing, Lincoln.’

‘It changes everything!’ he thundered. ‘I let you go because I thought you’d moved on! That I was ruined because I couldn’t do the same but if you could, then I really had no right to stand in your way!’ He was still yelling. ‘But you’re not fixed at all, are you? We’re still us in all the terrible ways and none of the good!’

‘What did you expect me to do? Bring you back and then just stand aside so I could watch you die for me all over again? I’d rather live on the other side of the world, cold and in constant agony, and at least know that somewhere you still exist, because I know for certain that if you’re with me – you’re as good as gone.’

There were times I couldn't hold it together when it came to these two. The angst. The tension. The longing and the heartbreak. It hard to handle at times for my emotional wellbeing. But I would not take one moment back for a second.  Everything these two have been through, whether it was in the first, fourth or this book all means something. I wouldn't have it any other way.
They are absolutely perfect. The journey we have been on with these two just has been beautiful, yes it was also heartbreaking, but everything goes a certain way for a reason, and everything has been building to this..
I loved everything about them. Their beginning, middle and end. You will not be disappointed, trust me on that.

Phoenix also makes a return and can understand more to him than you did before. Without Lilith. Without the angels or anyone, it is all about what he wants, and by the end of this book, he finally finds the place that he is meant to be. It made perfect sense, and a great way to end his own personal journey.
I admit I have not been the biggest fan of Phoenix during the series. There are times where I hated him, but in Endless and Empower especially, he has come a long way from who he used to be. The love he has for Violet has made him into a better person, and I felt that should be the main point of the other person left of a triangle.

Speaking of the triangle, it really never was a proper one to begin with because it was never a choice between Linc or Phoenix, it was more about the person she wanted to be, and the choice that came with that. She was always in love with one person. She just was drawn to Phoenix for different reasons.
I do feel the tagline on this book was a bit misleading. The final choice was never regarding the boys, it was more about the choice she would have to make regarding herself and giving in.. to things she refused to do before.

There was some heartbreaking moments in this conclusion. There was also some pleasant surprises as well. I could not have asked for a better ending. I applaud Jessica for giving us such a special and beautiful story.  For the journey of Violet Eden as she discovers who and what she is, and the choices she makes along the day.

I am definitely a fan of Jessica for life.  She is on my must-buy list, and has been for ages now. I will follow you wherever you go.

It is sad to say goodbye to this series, but I feel satisfied enough these characters will be happy and can lead their lives.

5 MLLLION stars

Teaser Tuesday 28

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Want to play along?

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share 2 "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page
• Be careful not to include spoilers
• Share the title and author

Just finished reading Empower by Jessica Shirvington. My god was it perfect. If you haven't read the series then I urge you to run out to the bookstore right now and pick up the first one.

 He was still yelling. "But you're not fixed at all, are you? We're still us in the terrible ways and none of the good!"

Review: Between the Lives by Jessica Shirvington

Between the Lives by Jessica Shirvington
Publisher: Harper Collins Australia
Publication date: May 1st, 2013
Number of pages: 336 pgs
Format: Paperback
Purchase: Bookworld Australia

Above all else, though I try not to think about it, I know which life I prefer. And every night when I Cinderella myself from one life to the next a very small, but definite, piece of me dies. The hardest part is that nothing about my situation has ever changed. There is no loophole.

Until now, that is...

For as long as she can remember, Sabine has lived two lives. Every 24 hours she Shifts to her ′other′ life - a life where she is exactly the same, but absolutely everything else is different: different family, different friends, different social expectations. In one life she has a sister, in the other she does not. In one life she′s a straight-A student with the perfect boyfriend, in the other she′s considered a reckless delinquent. Nothing about her situation has ever changed, until the day when she discovers a glitch: the arm she breaks in one life is perfectly fine in the other.

With this new knowledge, Sabine begins a series of increasingly risky experiments which bring her dangerously close to the life she′s always wanted... But just what - and who - is she really risking?

Jessica Shirvington has debuted her very first standalone, YA contemporary, but with a twist novel. If you loved her Violet Eden series and waiting her final book, then you are sure to love this novel.

I found the premise for this story very compelling and interesting from the very first moment Jess spoke about it. I personally don't know how I would deal if I were in this kind of situation, so Sabine is a strong female character on that merit alone.

The story brings us to Sabine, who is about to turn eighteen and looking forward to what the future brings her. But her life is  not like anyone else's. For she, you see, has two lives. She doesn't know how it came or be, or when it started, but after midnight she switches from one life to another, never missing one moment of each of her lives.
She is the same girl. Same name. Same physical appearance, but different family and friends. Different life.
When Sabine realizes that things have started to change through each Shift, she becomes to the realization that this may be the time she will have to choose ONE life, but the question is, which one?

In one life.. she has everything she could have wanted. Friends, popularity, wealth, the perfect boyfriend. But everything is not as it appears to be, because the boyfriend she can't stand, her brothers she doesn't really get along with.
In the other, her family could not have been any different. She isn't popular. She is more like a rebel. But she has a best friend. Her parents are on hard times financially, but she has a bright spot and that is her little sister who she adores and who adores her. But when it comes down to deciding.... how does one decide which life to lead?

The moment she meets Ethan, changes everything. Everything she wanted to feel in her 'perfect' life's boyfriend happens with Ethan. If only she could take him to her other life if she decides to choose that one. But who said ANY life was easy? Most of us only have one to deal with day by day, but Sabine has twice the trouble as she deals with not one, but two of them.

This book is equally as addicting, compelling and heartbreaking as Jessica's  VEC series.  It has love. It has family, and heartbreak.
There was something that involved Ethan that I should have seen coming, but  I didn't. Maybe I just didn't want to believe it. But what Sabine has to deal with is so heartbreaking and tragic, I don't envy her for a moment.
I did love that by the end Sabine got closer to her brothers than she was before. She goes through a traumatic experience that will bond them forever, and she will never have to worry about going back to the relationship she had with them before ever again. And by the end of the book... while Sabine goes through everyone one could ever imagine---  there is hope for something for the future.

There could have been more to this story, but I did like the end how it ended on a note of hope.. just enough to leave you satisfied, but also enough to make you yearn for more as well.

Jessica can write the bible and I'd read it. She has this special knack at getting you involved in the world that she creates. I'm a fan for life, for sure.

Rating: 5/5

Review: Between the Lives by Jessica Shirvington

Between the Lives by Jessica Shirvington
Publication Date: May 1, 2013
Publisher: Harper Collins Australia
Number of Pages: 336
Format: Paperback
Add to Goodreads

Above all else, though I try not to think about it, I know which life I prefer. And every night when I Cinderella myself from one life to the next a very small, but definite, piece of me dies. The hardest part is that nothing about my situation has ever changed. There is no loophole.

Until now, that is...

For as long as she can remember, Sabine has lived two lives. Every 24 hours she Shifts to her ′other′ life - a life where she is exactly the same, but absolutely everything else is different: different family, different friends, different social expectations. In one life she has a sister, in the other she does not. In one life she′s a straight-A student with the perfect boyfriend, in the other she′s considered a reckless delinquent. Nothing about her situation has ever changed, until the day when she discovers a glitch: the arm she breaks in one life is perfectly fine in the other.

With this new knowledge, Sabine begins a series of increasingly risky experiments which bring her dangerously close to the life she′s always wanted... But just what - and who - is she really risking?

I'm extremely lucky enough to have an amazing friend and co blogger who sends me Jessica's books since they are published in Australia long before they are even available in the US.  First let's take a minute to gush over the cover. Isn't it gorgeous? I could stare at it all day. And second, I want to address the genre(s) I label this book as. I struggle with what I thought this book would fall in. There's no supernatural creatures or even themes in the book. The shifting between two lives is more of a sci-fi theme, but that's the only sci-fi/fantasyish thing about this book. The rest of it is more contemporary. It's a twist, and one I love.

Meet Sabine, a typical 17 year old girl. Or maybe not so typical since she has two lives, and I don't mean she lives a double life. Every night at midnight she shifts to her other life, and relive the same day over again. Her two lives are different as day and night. In one life she has it all; money, the clothes, the right friends, and even the perfect boyfriend. Or at least that's what everyone sees. We learn quickly she just stays with him because that's what their society expects. But not everything is perfect. She has two older brothers whom she doesn't get along with one bit, and she feels like she should act and say certain things because that's what is expected of her. In the other life her family is hard on money. She has friends, but they are labeled as trouble. One bright light in it is she has a younger sister she adores. But when Sabine realizes everything has changed, and she might be able to only have one life, she must choose.


Just like all of her other works, this book is very fast paced and addicting. I couldn't put the book down and read it in one day. And of course falling in love with Ethan in the "wrong" life wasn't in Sabine's plans. But Ethan has his own secrets. And just when you think the book couldn't get any better, BAM! The heartbreaking twist. Which not really too much a twist since you could see it coming. Ethan taught Sabine to cherish life, both of her lives. Without trying to sound too cliche, after the rain there's always a rainbow. The ending was perfect. Well almost perfect. Which is what I hate about stand a lone books. There is always room for more, and it leave you wanting more.

I do love how she after her attack, she became real close to her oldest brother Ryan. And even closer to her other one. I'm always a sucker for brother sister closeness relationships. And it's the one thing I hated throughout the book.

In one word this book was AMAZING! It took the concept of suicide with a twist, instead of trying to end your life, pain, suffering; she wants to end her life so she could live.I do wish we would of learned why/how Sabine ended up with two lives. Maybe one day she will write some kind of a sequel, even if it's a short story. I would love to know if Sabine got her happy ending.

Rating: 5/5

 

Review: Endless by Jessica Shirvington

Endless (Violet Eden Chapters #4) by Jessica Shirvington
Publication Date: August 28, 2012
Publisher: Hachette
Number of Pages: 446
Format: Paperback
Add to Goodreads
Description: Love will kill us all.

Angels are real. They aren't always kind. Violet Eden is certain of all this because she is Grigori - part angel, part human. She has felt the influence of both light and dark.

When Hell unleashes its worst, Violet must embrace every facet of her angel self to save the people she cares about and the world as she knows it. But death is not the worst thing that Violet will face. For her, the endless question 'Can love conquer all?' will finally be answered.

 Endless picks up right where Emblaze left off. Not only is Lilith back, so is Violet's mother. After the shock they were able to "hide" her from the council for a few weeks. But of course nothing stays secret for long. And of course they demanded that she has  to come to New York with Violet. After being separated from her for 17 years, her dad refused to let her go without him. While Steph, Salvatore, Dapper, and Onyx travel to Egypt to search for a mysterious potion, the rest of the gang head to New York, including Violet's dad who refuses to leave Evelyn's side.Once in NY, Evelyn and her dad is thrown in a confined cell. And Violet must go through testing in three weeks time; which she knows she has little hope of passing with so many Assembly members against her. Which is the least of her worries, with Lilith having Phoenix kidnapping children.

The whole book had me in a emotional roller coaster.  The Lincoln and Violet moments in the book were AMAZING! But with typical YA books the happiness is short lived. And then there's Phoenix, which I completely adore. I thought he had completely lost all of the good in him, but I knew he wouldn't stay completely evil. He redeems himself. And even has a heartbreaking scene. And of course Salvatore is awesome as always. And Violet and Evelyn's relationship rocky at first improves by the end.

The ending is completely heartbreaking. I'm so glad that this wasn't the last book like it was originally intended. Which even if I didn't know that, if the ending was twisted a little it would of made the perfect conclusion to the series. But I'm glad there's going to be more books, and can't wait to read them.

Overall the book was amazing. But I did feel like it drag on for a bit.

Rating: 4/5

 

Cover reveal:: Emblaze by Jessica Shirvington (US)

I have been wondering when the US cover for Emblaze would be released, and here we have it. This is the 3rd book in Violet Eden Chapters saga. It'll be released in  March 1st, 2013

Once again Violet Eden faces an impossible choice ... and the consequences are unimaginable.

Violet has come to terms with the fact that being part angel, part human, means her life will never be as it was.

Now Violet has something Phoenix - the exiled angel who betrayed her - will do anything for, and she has no intention of letting it fall into his hands. The only problem is that he has something she needs too.

Not afraid to raise the stakes, Phoenix seemingly holds all the power, always one step ahead. And when he puts the final pieces of the prophecy together, it doesn't take him long to realise exactly who he needs in order to open the gates of Hell.

With the help of surprising new allies, ancient prophecies are deciphered, a destination set and, after a shattering confrontation with her father, Violet leaves for the islands of Greece without knowing if she will have a home to return to...

Jen's review of "Endless" by Jessica Shirvington

Endless (Violet Eden Chapters #4) by Jessica Shirvington
Publication date: August 28th, 2012
Publisher: Hachette
Number of pages: 446
Format: Paperback
Add to Goodreads
Description: Love will kill us all.

Angels are real. They aren't always kind. Violet Eden is certain of all this because she is Grigori - part angel, part human. She has felt the influence of both light and dark.

When Hell unleashes its worst, Violet must embrace every facet of her angel self to save the people she cares about and the world as she knows it. But death is not the worst thing that Violet will face. For her, the endless question 'Can love conquer all?' will finally be answered.

I would say this is one of my favourite series in the Angel genre. And it's not because I am biast, with Jessica being a aussie like myself or anything, but I feel the world Jessica has created has been special and unique, which isn't easy when there has been so many stories all similar in one aspect or another. But somehow, she makes it unlike anything else out there, and I feel that is one of the thing that makes these books stand apart from everything else.

We begin right off from where 'Emblaze' left off, with that bloody darn cliffhanger. We had to wait a year between books with something like that. I don't know how I survived it, to be honest. It only made you want to know what was going to happen next.
I won't say what the cliffhanger was, for those that have yet to read Emblaze, and don't want something, which I feel is a game changer spoiled. I guess that's something you have to consider when publications aren't up to date with one another, and in this case... it's the US that is a tad behind.
Violet's life isn't any easier in this book. She sure has had her share of bad days, and they keep on coming.
She and her friends are instructed to head to New York, to go face to face with the council of the Grigori, after what happened in Jordan. The reprecussions of the events that happened there have not gone over well with the elders, should we say.
Not only does Violet have to prove herself to them, to show that she is indeed 'one of them', but they soon have their hands full dealing with an unexpected turn of events that transpires, and Violet and her friends need to decide the right course of action to take before anyone else gets hurt, or worse.

The much complicated relationship between Violet and Lincoln only becomes even more complicated, if that's even possible. But it is also even more beautiful, honest and heartbreaking than ever before. There are some amazing moments between the two of them that will make your heart roar, but other times, some moments just make your heart ache because they are hurting from not able to be with one another.
I'm sure Jessica doesn't do it on purpose, but the things she puts these two through is so heartwrenching, but I expect a payoff eventually... but thankfully there are more books to come, because the cliffhanger? Yeaaah... its one I wouldn't wish to be for a final book in a series. But its also one that makes you learn for more, and wonder what will happen next.

There are so many crazy things that happen in this book. I'd say.. it's one of my favourite books in the series. Many reveals get put in the open. New relationships form.. and maybe old ones as well. And after the story is done, you can sit back... and things will start to make sense, as in things that you thought you knew, but after finding out new information.. you start to get a whole new vibe to it.

I guess I should mention Phoenix, eh?
Well... of course he is in this book, probably more than the other books, well maybe except for Embrace, which I think he is in quite a bit. But in this book, you discover a new layer to him, and he'll do things that you don't expect, but in a good way.
He is quite the character... and actually, I went from hating him in the previous book, to understanding him a bit more.. and I am not sure I would say I like him, but I feel and get him and his actions. 
Lincoln is one of my favourite characters, and I love that we got to see more of him in this book, and get to know him a tad more than we might have before. Just when I thought  I couldn't love him any more, I was wrong and he is there showing me things I didn't know, or even think about. The way he loves Violet is so real.. so raw and so passionate. I want a Lincoln... can I buy him somewhere?

Jessica needs to start working on the next book like now, because I need it in my hands, but I know we might have to wait a while, and I guess.. IF I have to, I'll wait.. but with that kind of ending? Damn --- I can't say it's going to be easy.
Jess does such an amazing job with this book, I could not put it down. So many feelings came out of it, I can only imagine it couldn't have been easy for her writing it.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Cover Reveal: Entice by Jessica Shirvington

ARE YOU READY???

ARE YOU SURE? 

Well, okay.....

Isn't it gorgeous? Even though, since I am Aussie, I have read this book and anxiously awaiting book 4, but I can't help but squee on how I love this cover. It makes me want the US books as well. Hah.

Anyway. this is the blurb.

Violet Eden is Grigori - part angel, part human. Her destiny is to protect humans from the vengence of exiled angels.
Knowing who to trust is key but, when Grigori reinforcements arrive, it becomes clear everyone is hiding something. Even Lincoln. The only thing Violet does know: Phoenix's hold over her is more dangerous than ever.
The race to find the one thing that could tilt the balance of power brings them all to the sacred mountains of Jordan, where Violet's power will be pushed to the extreme. And the ultimate betrayal exposed.

With a release date of Sept 4th, 2012 -- so set your calenders guys.

Cover Reveal:: Endless by Jessica Shirvington

Endless (Violet Eden Chapters #4) by Jessica Shirvington
Australian release.

Publication date: October 2012.