Review: Burning Dawn by Gena Showalter

Burning Dawn (Angels of the Dark, #3) by Gena Showalter
Publisher: Harlequin Australia
Publication date: May 2nd, 2014
Number of pages: 384
Source: ARC from Publisher
Format: Paperback
Purchase: Amazon | Kindle | The Book Depository |Booktopia


A tormented past has left Thane with an insatiable need for violence, making him the most dangerous assassin in the skies.
He lives by a single code: no mercy. And as he unleashes his fury on his most recent captor, he learns no battle could have prepared him for the slave he rescues from his enemy's clutches—a beauty who stokes the fires of his darkest desires.
Elin Vale has her own deep-rooted scars, and her attraction to the exquisite warrior who freed her challenges her every boundary.
But Thane's unwavering determination to protect her means she must face her greatest fears—and enter a world in which passion is power, and victory means breathtaking surrender.

Just when you think Gena has lost her touch when it comes to romance, sexual tension and sex, think again. Burning Dawn has got to be one of the most hottest books I have read from her in a while. *fans self*

I admit I didn't remember exactly what happened at the end of the previous book, but soon enough the information is basically given to you and it then it all came back to me.
Thane *drools* is such a gorgeous son of a beast. He doesn't apologise for nothing. You take him as he is and nothing less. He has tastes for strange things, which not everyone would go for, and if you do, don't expect anything more to come from the liasion.

Elin Vale is half Phoenix and prisoner in the same place that holds Thane captive. When he saves the young prisoner and takes her up into the skies under his protection, he has no idea how much affect she'll have on him from that point forward.
Elin has as much of a dark past that Thane does. Not only has she lost her entire family, when she finds kindness and some sort of purpose up in the skies, Elin just might discover this was where she was always meant to be.

The passion between them was so gloriously hot. Heart-pumping sexy especially a certain scene that involves a bath tub *cough*

This is my favourite book in the series thus far, and I certainly hope this is not the last. Not only was the romance was top notch, but it had mentions of the lords and awesome interactions between Thane and his best friends, who desperately need a book of their own *hint*

A big thanks to Harlequin Australia for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review.

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
Add to Goodreads

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: Angelbound by Christina Bauer

Angelbound (Angelbound, #1) by Christina Bauer
Publisher: Ink Monster
Publication date: December 17th, 2013
Number of pages: 532 Pgs
Format: E-galley
Purchase: Amazon Kindle

Eighteen year old Myla Lewis is a girl who loves two things: kicking ass and kicking ass. She’s not your every day quasi-demon, half-demon and half-human, girl. For the past five years, Myla has lived for the days she gets to fight in Purgatory’s arena. When souls want a trial by combat for their right to enter heaven or hell, they go up against her, and she hasn’t lost a battle yet.

But as she starts her senior year at Purgatory High, the arena fights aren’t enough to keep her spirits up anymore. When the demons start to act weird, even for demons, and the King of the Demons, Armageddon, shows up at Myla’s school, she knows that things are changing and it’s not looking good for the quasi-demons. Myla starts to question everything, and doesn’t like the answers she finds. What happened seventeen years ago that turned the quasi-demons into slave labor? Why was her mom always so sad? And why won’t anyone tell her who her father is? Things heat up when Myla meets Lincoln, the High Prince of the Thrax, a super sexy half-human and half-angel demon hunter. But what’s a quasi-demon girl to do when she falls for a demon hunter? It’s a good thing that Myla’s not afraid of breaking a few rules. With a love worth fighting for, Myla’s going to shake up Purgatory

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book was interesting. Different from what I thought,but enjoyable definitely.
We're introduced to Myla, who is half demon and half human, and she fights demons in Purgatory arena certain souls have chosen this form of combat in attempting to gain entry into Heaven or Hell. When the demons start acting more strange than usual, Myla starts to suspect there is something very bad about to happen.

Myla was an interesting character. She is definitely strong and badass, as you would have to be to fighting demons. But since she has a human side she has very realistic emotions as well. There was some witty lines where you won't be able to stop smiling or laughing. She has a charm that is very likeable.
The world building is great. I feel there is so much more we haven't seen yet, which might be revealed in the following books. This story doesn't just deal with demons or angels, but other species which was fun to see. I feel there is so much potential with this that anything is possible.

There are some great characters, from Myla's friends, to a new love interest.  The romance wasn't overdone or one that takes over the plot, but more like on the side, which was nice that it doesn't overpower the main things going on. But it's also a work in progress.

Over all, this is a great action-packed, strong debut. I look forward to see where Bauer takes the story next.

3.75 Stars

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: Angel Fever by L.A Weatherly

Angel Fever (Angel, #3) by L.A Weatherly
Publisher: Usborne Publishing
Publication date: August 1st, 2013
Number of pages: 512 pgs
Format: Paperback
Purchase: Amazon | The Book Depository

In the devastated remains of the world, millions of people live in "refugee" camps provided by the angels who have all but enslaved humanity. As this angelic stranglehold tightens, Willow and Alex are recruiting and training new Angel Killers while struggling to hold ground on the celestial battlefield. But Willow continues to have feelings for Seb, and her love and resolve are tested as a shattering revelation sends Alex on a separate journey. Now that the final battle versus the angels is about to begin-and the fate of the world hangs in the balance-each of them must face the consequences of their own choices. Will love endure? Will the human race survive?

There are no words to describe how many emotions this final book has evoked in me. This has been a long time coming and I'm not sure if I was ready for it to all end.
These characters have been in my life over the past few years. The good and the bad. Everyone plays their part no matter what it may be, where things may lead them, and the final installment may be the toughest test out of them all.

After Angel Fire, Willow made her final choice between Alex and Seb, and really --- it really wasn't a choice at all, never was. But her romantic complications is the least of her problems because they have to find a way to fix this angel-affected world. Once and for all.
When a ghost from the past appears at the AK camp once again with some interesting news for Alex, he is forced to make a choice, which will see him leave for the unknown, for the chance to make a difference and change the course of everything they knew.
In his absence, this leave Willow in charge of the group -- but is she up to the task at hand, or will she fail before she even gets to begin?

I was excited when this book was coming out August 1st, rather than in October and I could not wait to get my hands on it.  It was everything I hoped it would be and more.
I had re-read the first two books just before this one was released as it had been a while since I had first read them and wanted to give my mind a bit of a refresh.
L.A Weatherly certainly make this book worth the wait over the past two years. I was fine with the wait because I knew the story had to be right, which she certainly delivered in all aspects.
I could not have been more pleased. We saw old characters make reappearances, new characters being brought into the light and our core ones front and center.

Everything that needed answering was tied up. Alex and Willow, our heroes of this journey have been through so much together over the past three books. I could not wait to see what this final story had in store for them. I was never worried they wouldn't get their happy ending, I just wondered what they had to go through to get to that particular point. I have to say I am definitely satified with how things turned for them, and for everyone really.
This was a story that left no thing unturned. Sacrifices are made. There is death. Tears and blood.
I always wondered if Seb would find someone who would make him as happy as Alex and Willow made one another happy.  I was happy to get the answer to this particular question, and it was everything I could have asked for.

Angel Fever, had to be one of the best conclusive finales I have had the pleasure of reading. I would definitely be checking out anything L.A Weatherly has in store next for her writing journey.

Rating: 5/5

Review: Beauty Awakened by Gena Showalter

Beauty Awakened (Angels of the Dark #2) by Gena Showalter
Publication Date: February 26, 2013
Publisher: HQN Books
Number of Pages: 448
Format: Paperback
Buy: Amazon | Barnes and Noble 
Add to Goodreads

His name is Koldo. He is scarred, powerful, his control legendary-and he lives only for vengeance, determined to punish the angel who viciously removed his wings. But if he yields to the forces of hatred, he will be kicked from the heavens, eternally damned.

She is his last hope. Nicola Lane was born with a defective heart, yet this fragile human shows surprising strength as demons stalk her every move, determined to end her. She is the key to Koldo's deliverance...and his downfall. Though he fights duty, destiny and his first addictive taste of desire, his toughest battle will be the one for Nicola's life-even if he has to sacrifice his own....

 I was excited to read this. I love Gena Showalter, and the first book was amazing. But sadly this book falls short on my scale. I just couldn't really get into the book, and it took forever to read. I also heard she wrote this at a time where she rediscovered faith and got real religious. Now don't get me wrong, I'm not knocking down religion, I'm religious myself. But you can tell it impacted the book. It was toned down a lot, and not a lot of steamy scenes that you expect with one of her books. Once my friend told me she had gotten religious, the style of the book made sense.

Don't get me wrong, I liked the book, but it wasn't one of her best works. I couldn't really connect to either main character. And felt like the plot just dragged on, and felt like the book could of been cut by at least 100 pages. I really did like Axel and want to see more of him. William showed up for a brief moment and we got hints to William's heritage.

The one theme that kept repeating was that to heal yourself you must let go of the negative thoughts and focus on the positive. Also that the Most High loves them and will always answer their pleas. It's a good message, although I felt like it was repeated a little too much. Like I said I liked the book but it felt like something was missing.

I almost consider not finishing the book and continuing with the series. But I was told that the new LotU book is a lot better and steamier. And the next Angel book sounds better too.

Rating: 3/5

 

Review: Natural Born Angel by Scott Speer

Natural Born Angel (Immortal City, #2) by Scott Speer
Publisher: Razorbill
Publication date: April 17th, 2013
Number of pages: 368 pgs
Format: Paperback
Purchase: Amazon | The Book Depository

Life turned upside down for Maddy Montgomery when she found out she was half-Angel and was catapulted into the scene of flashbulbs, paparazzi, and the fervent adulation that comes with being in the celebrity Angel world. She's trying to juggle her ordinary life—high school, family, friends—with the intense demands of being in the public eye as heartthrob Angel Jackson Godspeed's girlfriend.

And now Maddy must face the most difficult choice of her life. She's been offered the chance to become a Guardian. This means entering into dangerous and high stakes training, with no guarantee that she can succeed. But more than that, it would mean leaving her mortal life behind—forever—and allying with the Angels at a time when their relationship with humans is heading for war. . . .

I fell in love with Immortal City last year. I read it on the plane when I was holidaying in the US late last year. It was hands down one of my favourite books of 2012, and my fav that involved angels. I fell for the relationship between Maddy and Jacks, and the love they have for one another.
Not only that, but the mythology and the world which Scott has created I loved immediately.
I was looking forward to this sequel and couldn't wait to find myself in this world once again.

The relationship between Maddy and Jack didn't really feel like the same one I had fallen in love with. There were things, people that came in between them. But it was also Maddy and Jacks themselves. Jealousy and Jack's ego forced him to a point where he was pushing Maddy away even if he didn't know it. Maddy was becoming the new hottest thing in Angel city, where it was Jacks before now, and when since Jacks is recovering from something horrible that happened to him, it takes him away from the boy she fell in love with. It brings out different sides to Jacks that aren't exactly loveable.

When everything goes to shit, Maddy is forced to make the choice between the humans, and the angels, and this is a choice that could change or end her relationship with Jacks forever. No matter if she is half angel, the fact she grew up human, have human family... she begins down a road where she and her loved one is on different sides of an oncoming war.  It's a war that could break the world down the middle.

I knew there was a triangle starting up in this book before I read it. I didn't like it. I just wanted my Maddy and Jacks. I wanted to see the love from book 1. But I don't think it was more about choosing one or the other, it seemed to be more about choosing humanity over angels.

I am looking forward to the next book, and hopefully Scott will bring back the Maddy and Jacks that we love.

Rating: 4.5/5

Review: Angel by L.A Weatherly

Angel (Angel, #1) by L.A Weatherly
Publisher: Usborne Publishing
Publication date: October 1st, 2010
Number of page: 512 pgs
Format: Paperback
Purchase: Amazon | The Book Depository

Angels are all around us: beautiful, awe-inspiring, irresistible.

Ordinary mortals yearn to catch a glimpse of one of these stunning beings and thousands flock to The Church of Angels to feel their healing touch.
But what if their potent magnetism isn't what it seems?
Willow knows she's different from other girls. And not just because she loves tinkering around with cars.
Willow has a gift. She can look into people's futures, know their dreams, their hopes and their regrets, just by touching them. But she has no idea where she gets this power from.

Until she meets Alex…
Alex is one of the few who know the truth about angels. He knows Willow's secret and is on a mission to stop her.
The dark forces within Willow make her dangerous – and irresistible.
In spite of himself, Alex finds he is falling in love with his sworn enemy.

I know there are Angel books everywhere, but this series brings a whole new world to what you think you have read it all before.
In L.A Weatherly's "Angel" series, you'll be sucked into a world of mythology you won't be able to resist.
Not only does it have some crazy mythology to the Angel genre that you have not seen yet, but it has one of the most beautiful love stories I have seen in this genre yet.

It may be a case of forbidden love, but that is only the beginning....

This book follows two protagonists... Willow, and Alex.

Willow has always been known as a bit of a freak. Someone who doesn't dress like anyone else, tinkers with cars... and has the ability to be able to see into the future. It's an ability she doesn't use very often, doesn't know where it came from,but it is also a part of her she can't ignore and sometimes helps at times.


Alex is an Angel killer who has been sent to kill a potential threat, via text message. Alex is involved in a group sent to destroy those who destroy humans by taking their life-force.  It's a no questions asked kind of thing, and not something he has second guessed about ... until now.
When Alex gets sent to an address to take out someone he is told is an angel, he is shocked to discover the form of a beautiful teenager.  This is where he stops and questions himself... he doesn't pick up a full angel, but he knows that she isn't fully human either.  He is in two minds about this decision and is unsure on how to proceed. So instead, he decides to gather more information before making a final decision on what to do.

When Willow and Alex have to become strange partners when they find themselves on the run after a big incident after Willow tries to find something good and rescue someone from what appears to be a bad situation, but when the Angels discover who Willow is, that is when she knows she has to get out, and get out fast before she ends up.. dead.
She has no choice but to trust Alex, and it's something neither of them want, but can't seem to do anything about it.

The relationship between Alex and Willow slowly go from two people forced to be in one another's company, to becoming friends, and then finally.. to something more. While some people might have found their relationship forced, or happened too quickly, and cheesy --- but I found it the exact opposite. 

The mythology blew me away. It introduces a world where Angels are not the good kind. They use humankind for their own purposes, and they don't care how they do it. I like when this genre is not your typical and makes it interesting in its own right.

L.A Weatherly did a great job with the story, and one of my favourite books in this Angel genre.

Rating: 5/5

Review: Avenger's Angel (The Lost Angel, #1) by Heather Killough-Walden

Avenger's Angel (The Lost Angel, #1) by Heather Killough-Walden
Publisher: Signet Eclipse
Publication date: November 1st, 2011
Number of pages: 392 pgs
Format: Mass-Market Paperback
Purchase: Amazon | The Book Depository | BookWorld Australia

The first in Heather Killough-Walden's fantastic new paranormal series, the Lost Angels, features Uriel, the Angel of Vengeance Four thousand years ago, four archangels were cast down to Earth in human form. God's favourites, they came to find their mates, the other half of their souls made only for them, without whom they will ever be complete.
  Uriel, Gabriel, Azrael and Michael, however, were not alone. They were followed by another, determined to find the archesses for himself, and whose power cannot be underestimated. But after centuries of fruitless searching, the archangels -- and their enemy -- have all but given up hope. Until one day beautiful and gifted Eleanore Granger crosses paths with Uriel, the Angel of Vengeance. And as a storm rages, outside forces conspire together, initiating an age old battle of good versus evil to win the first archess.

I've recently read a couple of Adult angel books recently, and this is the one that has stood out to me the most. Ever since I saw this book in the store I knew it sounded like something I would enjoy.  For the past while, I have been loving books with angels in it, YA and Adult...and this was no different.

Meet God's top warriors: Michael, Gabriel, Uriel and Azrael. In reward for their loyalty, God created female angels perfect for each of them. The other half of their very soul, but when something happens and the women disappear and cast down to Earth, the four warriors follow them to try to locate their chosen ones.
But they aren't alone...
They have been followed by an enemy who will do everything to stop them from achieving their soulmates.

After thousands of years and no success, the guys start to give up on ever finding the angels, but the moment that Uriel crosses paths with Eleanore Granger, he knows. But as obstacles threaten to stop them from ever finding their way to each other, the question lies between both of them.. can the love they have for one another prevail over everything else?

This was such a fantastic first book in a new series. I loved all of the archangels. Some of them are more torchured than the rest, but each of them hold their own secrets that will make you love them to bits. I look forward to reading the next installment in this series.

Ellie is a strong woman, who didn't give in to pretty boys, but I love her relationship with Uriel and how it progressed slowly throughout the book. It felt very natural and compelling to me. And I love how she also interacted with his brothers. It should be interesting to see them discover their own mates wherever they may be. And hope that Samual does not get to them first.

Samual was an interesting villian. I didn't realize he was at the beginning, but I wonder if he wanted Ellie because he wanted someone to love for himself. Maybe Heather will write him a book and give him his own love interest. Time will tell.

Rating: 5/5

Review: Avenger (Halflings #3) by Heather Burch

Avenger (Halflings #3) by Heather Burch
Publisher: Zonderkidz
Publication date: March 26th, 2013
Number of pages: 304
Format: E-format via Netgalley
Purchase: Amazon | The Book Depository

Sometimes the Truth Comes with a Price
Nikki knew Damon Vessler would not let his prized creation go easily---she simply never imagined the lengths he'd go to get her back into his clutches, and turn Nikki's heart toward darkness.
A Seeker at her heels, trained on her blood, Nikki flees with Raven alongside her for protection, while Mace and the other Halflings fight the battle that has erupted on earth. But even as the two boys she loves fight for her, she knows the battle will be hers to win. Determined to uncover the secrets of her past, and exactly how she fits into Vessler's twisted plans, Nikki sets off on her own, and soon discovers facing hellacious beasts is nothing compared to the decision she will need to make. One that could change not only the war, and her relationship with Mace and Raven, but her future with the Throne.

I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for giving me this chance to review this installment in this great series.

We are back in Nikki, Mace and Raven's world as Nikki has to make some tough choices, choose who she wants to be, and who she wants to be with (I personally think the choice was evident since the beginning) and do what it takes to become the person she needs to be in these trying times.

This was a great end to the series (though I am hearing whispers about a possible fourth book? Maybe focusing on Raven given the ending) that ties up the relationship between Nikki, Mace and Raven. It ties up things that you had wondered about.
It was with her faith and love (but in different ways) for both boys that gave her the strength to grow into the person she was determined to become as she goes on her final mission.

Heather did a great job at ending this trilogy and I was definitely happy about the outcome. I have loved all these characters, the main three especially. It pulled at my heart strings at some moments between Mace and Nikki, and Raven and Nikki. But sometimes being on the losing side of a triangle isn't always a losing battle, sometimes it makes you grow and change so that person has the ability to find happiness elsewhere. Sometimes it is going through that experience of love and loss is what prepares you and makes you believe again.

Nikki was an amazing lead character for this series. She was young and lost in the beginning,  things changed quickly when she met this group of guys who, in the end, changed her life and made her stronger and more alive than ever before.

If there will be a spinoff, I'd definitely check it out. But if not.. that's fine for me too, since the ending was a satisfying one, but leaves things open for more exploration.

4 out of 5.

Review: Heaven by Alexandra Adornetto

Heaven (Halo #3) by Alexandra Adorentto
Publisher: Harper Collins
Publication date: August 30th, 2012
Number of pages: 422
Format: Paperback
Purchase: Amazon | The Book Depository

Only sixteen when she started the series, Ally Adornetto knows how teen hearts beat, and this long-awaited conclusion is certain to be her most popular book yet.

Bethany, an angel sent to Earth, and her mortal boyfriend, Xavier, have been to Hell and back. But now their love will be put to its highest test yet, as they defy Heavenly law and marry. They don’t tell Beth’s archangel siblings, Gabriel and Ivy, but the angels know soon enough, and punishment comes in a terrifying form: the Sevens, who are rogue angels bent on keeping Beth and Xavier apart, destroying Gabriel and Ivy, and darkening angelic power in the heavens.

The only way Bethany and can elude the Sevens is to hide in the open, and blend in with other mortals their own age. Gabriel and Ivy set them up at college, where they can’t reveal their relationship, and where there is still danger around each corner. Will Bethany be called back to Heaven – forever – and face leaving the love of her life?

The conclusion to young author, Alexandra Adornetto's angelic trilogy comes to an end with "Heaven."

In the final book, Hell will have fury like archangels storm. After the end of Hades, where Bethany and Xavier got engaged during graduation, the Gods, or in this case the Angels gave their disblessing on this union.
Bethany and Xavier are more in love than ever, and not even the angels and God can stop them from being together. Who says who makes the rules on love? Why does Love have restrictions? Their love will be tested in this final conclusion as they all will battle the forces of evil and even good.

Marriage is hard enough for normal people, but when one of those people is an angel and one human... that makes things a little more complicated than most.
This end will reveal so much. Revelations I didn't see coming, and things from the past that make known in the present. It makes things... destined, if you will.

I was excited to read the final end to this trilogy. I loved the first two books, and while I liked a lot of this book, I sometimes felt I wanted to slap Bethany from time to time.
I did admire them for never backing down on the love they have for one another though, and as things get revealed, you begin to understand that maybe they were always meant to fall in love and change the course of things. That maybe.. not everything is set in stone.

I adored that we discovered more about Ivy and her past and how it relates to certain people in the story. We never get to see much of the others before, and so I was excited to read more about who she is, and what she has done before.
Gabriel is also someone who surprised me. I have always liked his relationship with his siblings, but also with Molly. Gabriel is someone who likes to be in control, but Molly makes him... not in control so much, and I think that scares him and makes him unpredictible. I do think he and anyone else deserves some unpredictibility and out of control stuff to happen. It'll help him in the long run.

There was some slow parts, some things I was disappointed in, but all in all, I felt it was a nice ending to this trilogy. Alexandra Adornetto had a knack for detail, and that was what drew me into this series to begin with. I look forward to see what she does next..

Rating: 3.5 / 5

Review: Rogue Rider by Larissa Ione

Rogue Rider (Lords of Deliverance #4) by Larissa Ione
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Publication date: November 20th, 2012
Number of pages: 391
Format: Mass-Market Paperback
Purchase: Amazon | The Book Depository

Jillian Cardiff came to this remote mountain town to forget the demon attack that almost killed her. Instead, she rescues-and falls for-a gorgeous stranger who has no memory of anything other than his name. Handsome, charming, and protective, Reseph seems like the kind of man whom Jillian can trust. But with hints of a troubling history of his own, he's also the kind of man who can be very dangerous . . .

Reseph may not know why he mysteriously appeared in Jillian's life, but he knows he wants to stay. Yet when Jillian's neighbors are killed, and demon hunters arrive on the scene, Reseph fears that he's putting Jillian in danger. And once it's revealed that Reseph is also Pestilence, the Horseman responsible for ravaging the world, he and Jillian must face the greatest challenge of all: Can they forget the horrors of a chilling past to save the future they both desire?

For a story/book that I could never pictured any kind of redemption or even a happy happy for, Rogue Rider did such an amazing job of making the guy who was THE villian for the past 4 books into someone I rooted for.

It was so odd. After the first book or two; when it was revealed that Reseph would be getting his own book (expected though), I couldn't gather or conjure the possible thoughts that someone who has caused so much horrible things in this series would find the kind of happiness that usually comes with having a love interest and his own book.
I was clearly mistaken. After the cliffhanger ending that we were left with at Lethal Rider, I was intrigued on where things would take us, and him.
I was told beforehand that this book was unlike any of the others; that it read like more of a romance book. It was very true, the very beginning you wouldn't have known it was pnr book at all. It felt like one of those classic, typical romance books you'd find with harlequin that I used at cringe at. But it worked for this... I think mainly because since Reseph didn't remember who he was, and he was no longer the villian he had been for the past year (or four books). He was back to being the guy he was before his seal broke, and from what his brothers had said... that guy would not be able to handle the kind of grief and torment that would come with knowing all the things he did.

The relationship between Reseph and Jillian came naturally. It was beautiful. But man... Reseph sure has an ego.. I guess no wonder why Pestilence was so sure of himself, because Reseph was like that to begin with. Cocky to boot.. sometimes I found myself laughing or blushing. He wasn't the type to hold back on anything no matter what it may be.
But I found myself falling for this man just as Jillian did. I felt bad for when when he discovered who he was and the guilt that followed with. It was natural, unless you were stone-cold that discovering you weren't an angel but a horrible monster; it would get to you.

There were scenes... especially with the brothers that made me feel , but in the end I felt his story came to a nice conclusion.

Jillian was also not an ordinary girl. She knew about the paranormal... in an unexpected way that goes back to a time that was not pretty for her.. she has strong and honest. She also had her own secrets that she held close to her heart. But as she and Reseph got closer, the cracks began to show.

Since I knew that the next book will be Reavers, I began to really understand him and Harvester a lot more than I did. Early in the series I didn't really like either of them, then I came to adore Reaver in the last book or two. It wasn't until Rogue Rider that  began to like Havester as we saw she wasn't always who she made herself out to be.
And boy. The revelation between Reaver and the siblings? DID NOT see that coming at all. But I guess it does make sense.

Something else I totally forgot was that Reaver originally appeared in the Demonica series. I don't know why I didn't remember this, but now I do... I may have to re-read parts of that series again.

Now.. what a wait until Reaver's book, which I don't believe we even have a title for right now.

5 out of 5 stars

Review: Lethal Rider by Larissa Ione

Lethal Rider (Lords of Deliverance #3) by Larissa Ione
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Publication date: May 22nd, 2012
Number of pages: 433
Format: Mass-Market Paperback
Purchase: Amazon | The Book Depository

Thanatos, the most deadly Horseman of the Apocalypse, has endured thousands of years of celibacy to prevent the end of days. But just one night with the wickedly sexy Aegis Guardian, ReganCooper, shatters centuries of resolve. Yet their passion comes with a price. And Thanatos must face a truth more terrifying than an apocalypse-he's about to become a father.

Demon-slayer Regan Cooper never imagined herself the maternal type, but with the fate of the world hanging in the balance she had no choice but to seduce Thanatos and bear his child. Now, as the final battle draws closer and his rage at being betrayed is overshadowed by an undeniable passion for the mother of his child, Thanatos has a life-shattering realization: To save the world, he must sacrifice the only thing he's ever wanted-a family.

In the third story in this enticing series, we follow the story of Thanatos, a sexy horseman of the apolcyapse.
During the last book, the story between Than and Regan had been foreshadowed and even started when Regan decided to 'take one for the team' and sleep with Than, not understanding the consequences of that very action.  While for centuries Thanatos assumed his virginity was the seal he had been trying to protect from breaking, not knowing that it was not, and something else was.
This very act forces both of them to understand certain things, and suffer the consequences.

As we break into this novel, Regan finds herself pregnant after discovering that the child of Than would be the key to either saving the world, or damning it, and nobody knows which one is true until the child is born.
Soon enough, Thanatos discovers the truth and even though he wishes to kill her, he refuses to harm the baby. Family means everything to him, and he can't bring himself to harm her, or the baby.

The longer these two spent together, the more the baby begins to bond them together to a point where there is no return. With an upcoming battle up ahead thanks to Pestilence, they all will need to be prepared on the outcome of what is to come.

I really adored Thanatos and Regan's relationship. I did in the previous book too, but when this one is featured on them it made me love them even more. They are more a like than they think. They are also very different. Soon they begin to understand there are things about one another than they had no idea about.

This was a fantastic book. We also get to see what Pestilence has been up to, and also Reaver, who does something quite unexpected that nobody would see coming.
The end of the book makes you want to pick up the next one quick smart, and boy did I ever.

Larissa just seems to get better and better. I loved her Demonica series, and fell in this with these boys, and girl right away.

 5 out of 5 stars

Review: Wicked Nights by Gena Showalter

Wicked Nights (Angels of the Dark #1) by Gena Showalter
Publication Date: June 26, 2012
Publisher: HQN Books
Number of Pages: 411
Format: Paperback
Buy: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
Add to Goodreads

Leader of the most powerful army in the heavens, Zacharel has been deemed nearly too dangerous, too ruthless -- and if he isn't careful, he'll lose his wings. But this warrior with a heart of ice will not be deterred from his missions at any cost…until a vulnerable human tempts him with a carnal pleasure he's never known before.

Accused of a crime she did not commit, Annabelle Miller has spent four years in an institution for the criminally insane. Demons track her every move, and their king will stop at nothing to have her. Zacharel is her only hope for survival, but is the brutal angel with a touch as hot as hell her salvation -- or her ultimate damnation?

I have had this book for about six months now and kept putting off reading it. Zacharel had appear in a few of the Lord of the Underworld books, which is no secret is one of my favorite series. It had me interested, but only enough that I would get to it eventually. For the last few months I've been saying I'm going to read it next and then kept putting it off. Now I just want to slap myself for not reading it right away. AMAZING! It had me from the first page.

Zacharel doesn't like to follow the rules. His job is to slay demons and he doesn't care about the human lives that ends up as collateral damage. He's on his last chance with his Deity. His punishment? He is put in charge of a leader of other dangerous angels whose are on their last chance too. Every human that is killed by him or anyone in his army, Zacharel must bare the whippings for them. When he comes across Annabelle in an asylum, he can't bring himself to leave her there with demons coming after her.

I fell in love with both characters immediately. Zacharel is very broody, has cut himself off from emotion, but at the same times he does have some hilarious lines. And Annabelle is right off the bad witty, and won't let anyone walk all over her. Not your typical damsel in distress. And of course this is Gena Showalter you know there's steamy scenes. I was needing a cold shower during several scenes and they weren't even sex scenes. Ms. Showalter doesn't disappoints.

Some of my favorite quotes from the book:

 “Look, Winged Wonder. Get me out of here, then we'll hammer out the details about where I'm staying. Okay?"
"Winged Wonder," he said, nodding. "I find that I do not mind that one. It fits."
"Captain Modesty fits better," she muttered.
"I disagree. Winged Wonder is clearly the better choice for a man such as me."

 “You know, you’re pretty when you smile,” she said, patting the side of his cheek.
“Fierce, woman. I am fierce.”
“If you say so.”

 "I don't--Argh." She raised a fist at him. "So maybe I do ask a lot of questions. So what. Anyone in my position would do the same. Besides, I'm a girl and that's my job. You're a boy. You're supposed to pound your chest with your fists and grunt, then do everything in your power to please me."
"Hardly. The man you just described is more likely to knock you over the head with a club and drag you away by the hair."

"You said your men were not here," Burden gritted out.
Zacharel smiled the cruelest of his grins. "And they are not. Yet. I told you I brought no angels with me, and unlike you, I'm a man of my word. But I didn't make any promises about demons, did I? Allow me to introduce you to the Lords of the Underworld."

"Below. I will not leave the club without you, and no one in the room will attack you," he said loudly, so that everyone could hear. "They will keep you safe, putting their lives at risk if necessary. Even if they do no trust you. Won't they?"
Silence.
"Won't they?" he shouted.
Wow. She never heard him raise his voice like that.
Murmurs of agreement echoed. 

And being a spin off from LotU, several of them makes appearances in this book. Probably has to be one of my favorite parts in the book. There were two twists in the story, one was a minor one which deals with another character, Koldo. Which I love how she starts to next only set up the next book, but future books. The other twist is a huge one. It will make your jaw drop and go WTF. I had to re read it a few times to make sure I didn't read it wrong.

The spin off is set in the same world as the LotU series. You don't necessary need to read LotU to start this series. But it would make more sense on the world. Plus with the Lords having cameos, it's nice to know who exactly they are. But I would say if you are a fan of LotU definitely check the spin off series out. Especially since the feeling I got is that both series are moving towards the same plot, and I'm sure at one point these two are going to collide.

Rating: 5/5

 

Review: Gates of Paradise by Melissa de la Cruz

Gates of Paradise (Blue Bloods #7) by Melissa de la Cruz
Publisher: Hyperion
Publication date: Jan 15th, 2013
Number of pages: 355
Format: Hardcover
Purchase:  Amazon | The Book Depository

Schuyler Van Alen is running out of time. The Dark Prince of Hell is storming the Gates of Paradise, intent on winning the heavenly throne for good. This time he has his greatest angels by his side, Abbadon and Azrael—Jack and Mimi Force, as they are known in the Coven.

Or so he thinks. Even as Lucifer assigns Jack and Mimi the tasks of killing their true loves, the Force twins secretly vow to defeat the Dark Prince once and for all. But how far will Mimi and Jack go to conceal their real loyalties?

Meanwhile, former vampire Bliss Llewellyn has joined forces with Lawson, the greatest wolf of the underworld, to free his people from their imprisonment in Hell. As they struggle against impossible odds, an ancient message, woven into the very fabric of time, reveals just how much depends on the success of their mission.

Lucifer seeks the key to the Gate of Promise, and when Schuyler is taken captive and delivered straight to Hell, she must make an unthinkable choice—the same one the archangel Michael was forced to make during the Crisis in Rome. Will Schuyler find the strength to do what he could not?

The epic, heartbreaking Blue Bloods series comes to a close with this final novel about staggering courage, unbearable sacrifice, and the immortality of true love

And...so the final book of this epic, breathtaking and romantic saga with perfect mythology to boot. The end of one of my favourite series to date that combines angels, vampires, heaven and hell. Melissa has always delivered in every single volume as she pushes the romance and the mysteries to the brink where you'd have to know how this will all end for our beloved characters.

This climatic conclusion sees our favourites battle evil, love, loss and everything in between. We also have Bliss's POV back in the novel since her role in the events have come to pass. Every single story that we have come to know gets cleared up in this final novel. From Jack and Sky, Mimi and Kingsley, Bliss , Michael and Gabrielle. Everything ties together in a way that's a perfect way to end a 7-book saga.

Melissa's portrayal of these characters as they started as one thing, but over the course of the series have grown into young adults, full of spirit, love and confidence. All of the girls, and boys, men and women have in their own gone through so much in their lifetimes. They have discovered loss, love, betrayal and kept secrets along the way.

This conclusion answers all lingering questions, though it may leave some things hanging, that Melissa has recently answered in her Gates of Paradise Q & A

In this finale, Jack and Mimi have gone back to their old master, but in reality, they are playing a role so they can work on getting their bond unturned, and the only person that can do that is Lucifer. Knowing Lucifer, nothing comes without a price.
The question is, can they successfully play their parts and get back into the fold without getting caught in the process? When they get asked to do the one thing they will never be able to do, the twins will have to decide what is worth more... love or to stay as who they think they are and crumble to the darkness.

Michael and Gabrielle's story is told throughout flashbacks of the past,  as we travel back to Florence and then Rome to discover the true nature of their separation. What began to tear them apart. These parts, I pretty much knew before hand, but I was happy to have any scenes of them because they are one of my favourite ships of the saga.  I know some people liked Ben and Allegra, but me.. I preferred Michael and Gabrielle.
The truth of what really happened may shock you. It may make you think badly of Michael, but to me... everything he did... was for love, and he can't be faulted for that, even if the consequences of his actions just became worse for their kind.

And while Bliss is back, she is also with someone. Lawson.  If you haven't read her series, Wolf Pact.. you might be confused as to who he is, but since i read it beforehand, I knew everything she went through, what they went through, and it was nice to see her back with her friends again. To see her role play out in the battle against her father, Lucifer.

Schuyler has her own journey to go through. Probably the most important role in defeating the Silver Bloods and Lucifer. She comes across certain things she never expected to find. And with her best friend, Oliver by her side, they will discover more than they ever bargained for. And almost all the surprises they come across, Oliver will discover that his life doesn't always revolve around Sky as it once did. 

This is a story of love. How you can find it, lose it and to sacrifice it for the greater good.
I couldn't have asked for a better end to this series. And  I look forward to the spinoff series, that is in the making. I love this world, the mythology and characters. I personally think there is so much left to explore.

Verdict: 4.5 / 5

Review: Boundless by Cynthia Hand

Boundless (Unearthly #3) by Cynthia Hand
Publisher: Harper Collins
Publication date: February 1st, 2013
Number of pages: 448
Format: Paperback
Purchase: Amazon | The Book Depository

The past few years held more surprises than part-angel Clara Gardner ever could have anticipated. Yet through the dizzying high of first love to the agonizing low of losing someone close to her, the one thing she could no longer deny was that she was never meant to have a normal life.

Since discovering the special role she plays among the other angel-bloods, Clara has been determined to protect Tucker Avery from the evil that follows her . . . even if it means breaking both their hearts. Leaving town seemed like the best option, so she’s headed back to California—and so is Christian Prescott, the irresistible boy from the vision that started her on this journey in the first place.

As Clara makes her way in a world that is frighteningly new, she discovers that the fallen angel who attacked her is watching her every move. And he’s not the only one. . . . With the battle against the Black Wings looming, Clara knows she must finally fulfil her destiny. But it won’t come without sacrifices and betrayal.

In the riveting finale of the Unearthly series, Clara must choose her fate once and for all.

I have put reviewing this off for weeks so I can prepare my thoughts. This sure was a roller-coaster of a trilogy. It has its ups and downs. Twists and turns. Characters do things you don't expect or wish they didn't do, but all in all, it was a pretty good story set over three wonderful books.

Cynthia has done a marvelous job at these characters, the mythology and the setting of each of the three books.

In this conclusion, Clara finally comes face to face with everything she has been preparing for since the day she got her first vision. Everything has been building up to this point.
The decisions she makes, and the consequences could have the impact to change everything forever. Clara finds herself in  Stanford, with Christian and Angela as they try to battle every-day life as normal teenagers into a new college.   But they all know that at some point, something huge will happen, and that moment will be sooner than they may think.

I really enjoyed many aspects of this novel. From the moments between Clara and her brother, Jeffery, to the Clara and Christian scenes(were of course my favourite), to her friendship with Angela and moments between herself and her dad.
We do find ourselves fighting a battle, as each of their visions start to come to light, and end up being connected to one anothers in a way they never thought possible.

While I had my complaints... and let me rant for a little bit.

The ending....

I don't agree with. It seemed to come from out of nowhere, it's as if Boundless never existed. As if Christian never fell in  love with Clara, as if her feelings for him didn't exist. It felt, Cynthia just changed the ending to something that would satisfy most fans, and didn't care what Christian fans felt about it. He really got jipped in this book. If the ending was planned all along... why even have Christian love her.. why not just have CC as best friends and that be it.  He really got the short end of the stick and I don't think it is fair, especially with their last scene together.. I really want him to have the happiness that he so deserves, so I hope that at some point, Cynthia does decide to write a novella for him and give him the happy ending he should have had in this book.

Sure, Tucker does show up in this book.. I did felt it was out of place of everything we knew about him. But I guess the reasons doesn't matter, as long as it serves its purpose, eh?
Well, Tucker fans should be happy with how it ends for his character, even though I felt.. if everything was leading up to the ending... then he should have been included more in the plot and in the book, where to me.. it felt all of a sudden, and random.. But of course, I'll always feel different about this kind of thing to others.

I enjoyed Angela's story, even though I picked up on a few things. There was also some foreshadowing in terms of Angela and Christian. A little bit that I felt was nice for them that came into play in this book. We also got to understand him more, and learn more about his father, and who he is. Some have pretty much guessed this before now, but it was nice seeing some things confirmed.

I do think this series could have gone for one more book, but since it wasn't to be, I guess.. overall, this was a pretty good conclusion. I just don't feel the epilogue was needed at all. Some people get their happy ending.. and some, well, don't.

Sometimes, not all authors know how to write a proper triangle. Someone always seems to get the wrong end of the stick.

Verdict: 4/ 5

Review: Angel by L.A. Weatherly

Angel (Angel #1) by L.A. Weatherly
Publication Date: September 30, 2010
Publisher: Usborne Publishing Ltd
Number of Pages: 512
Format: Paperback
Buy: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
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Angels are all around us: beautiful, awe-inspiring, irresistible.

Ordinary mortals yearn to catch a glimpse of one of these stunning beings and thousands flock to The Church of Angels to feel their healing touch.
But what if their potent magnetism isn't what it seems?
Willow knows she's different from other girls. And not just because she loves tinkering around with cars.
Willow has a gift. She can look into people's futures, know their dreams, their hopes and their regrets, just by touching them. But she has no idea where she gets this power from.

Until she meets Alex…
Alex is one of the few who know the truth about angels. He knows Willow's secret and is on a mission to stop her.
The dark forces within Willow make her dangerous – and irresistible.
In spite of himself, Alex finds he is falling in love with his sworn enemy

I read the UK version, but it's published under Angel Burn in the US. This series was highly recommended to me by two really good friends. Since all three of us have similiar tastes in books I assumed I would love this book. Turns out I didn't.

It started off interesting. I like the twist it took on angels, they aren't the good guys. It's something original. We are immediately introduced to the two main characters, Alex and Willow. Alex is an Angel Killer and has been his whole life. The CIA has taken over the operation and instead of working into groups, they work alone and they get a text from angel spotters for their next target. Willow has always known she was different; for one she's psychic, but she would of never imagined that she's half angel. Alex has been given orders to take out Willow, but he can tell she's not a full angel and doesn't hurt anyone. It's not long before they end up on the run and have the whole Church looking for them. When the only person that Alex can trust in the world turns on him, they have no place left to run.

I was a little taken back with the different POVs in the book, especially for a YA. Don't get me wrong I really like it, but I thought it was odd that Willow's POV was first person and everyone else was third person. Would of made more sense just to have everyone third person. I do have to say I read the book rather quickly for one end up not really liking. The beginning had just enough for me to stay interested, and then I had nothing else to do so I forced myself to keep reading. I did read the UK version though, I don't think it had much of an impact since I've read UK books before. But for a book that set in America and sounds Americans I would of thought it would have less of an UK influence. There were a few phrases that threw me off. And I'm used to most of the words spelled differently, but there were a few that I've never seen spelled like that before and took me a few minutes to figure out what it's suppose to be.

The middle is where I found myself bored to death. My first impression was that Willow and Alex fell in love with each other too soon, but then the more I thought about it the more sense it made. Which I really did love Alex and Alex and Willow. I just found their time in the cabin was pointless and boring. It did kind of pick up towards the end, but nothing to leave me speechless. Some of the twists you can see coming a mile before it's revealed.

I think the biggest thing that turned me off on the book is the Church. I'm fairly religious and I have no problem in reading books where it doesn't exist or the Church is something else entirely (like in Downside Ghosts by Stacia Kane), but in this religion still exist. But instead of worshiping God, it's the angels. They just swapped God for the angels. I'm sorry but I couldn't get into it.

At the end of the day it wasn't a bad book. But at the end it didn't leave me anxious to see what happens next.

Rating: 2.5/5