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Bel:

Cover

I have the UK cover and it features a white Bengal Tiger with piercing blue eyes, overlayed with henna type accents. The top corners are decorated in a light blue Indian motief.

Characters

I took a deep breath when reading this book because there are very few truly ‘bad’ characters through out the storyline. It made a nice change for the biggest challenges to be inner demons and battling negative internal dialogues.

Favourite

I HAVE to pick Ren. Cause… I want me one.

Least Favourite

Hmm… this is tough because there is only one evil character, and it would be too predictable to pick him. I guess I’d say Sarah. Making her family eat Brussels sprouts casserole must be a cruel, cruel person at heart. Ick!

Beginning

We’re told of the curse that made Ren and his brother into Tigers.

Storyline

Kelsey gets a job with a circus where Ren has been stuck doing tricks in tiger form. She wishes that he could be free and the wheels begin to turn.

Ending

UGGGHHHHHH!!!!!! I want the next book! NOW!

Thoughts

As I said before it was such a refreshing book. The characters felt genuine and India was the perfect backdrop for the action to go down. Some things seemed a little too easy, but to be honest if things got too complex it would have bogged the book down and ruined the flow.

Quote

“I didn’t really eat a Monkey Kells. I’m just teasing you. Monkey’s are repellent. They taste like meaty tennis balls and they smell like feet.”

Lisa:

Cover

After seeing this entire series in the book store, I couldn’t help but buy the first book; each and every cover of this series has a SHINY, and detail beautiful piece of art work as its cover!

Characters

There weren’t very many main characters in Tiger’s Curse. There were a few minor characters, but they weren’t mentioned very often. Not saying that this is a bad thing, but a bit interesting.

Favorite

Hands down, Mr. Kadam was my favorite person. He was the sweetest old man, and he was always so kind and caring to KelseyQ

Least Favorite

With only three main characters, I don’t have a least favorite. Kelsey and Ren each did get annoying at some points in the story, but not enough to where I didn’t enjoy reading about them.

Beginning

The story follows Kelsey; a teenage girl from Oregon who lives with two fantastic adoptive parents, and is looking for a job to make a little extra money. Stumbling upon a job offer, requiring her to take care of a tiger, Kelsey accepts.

Story Line

After working at the circus for almost two weeks, Kelsey is offered another job by someone who purchased a tiger and wants him shipped to India. Feeling unsure of what to do, and if to accept this job offer, Kelsey decides that its not every day she gets the chance to travel to Inida and take care of her favorite “tiger”. But upon her arrival, Mr. Kadam and Ren, the tiger, aren’t who they seem; instead they need her help to break the Tiger’s Curse that Prince Ren is under.

Ending

Extremely sad! Saddest ending ever, I cried when reading the last sentence! Towards the ending of the book, I felt annoyed with Kelsey’s quick change of mind about liking Ren, and Ren’s arrogance and extensive confidence that he could convince her otherwise.

Overall

I really enjoyed reading Tiger’s Curse, and the rest of the series is on my TBR pile to continue Ren and Kelsey’s adventure. I learned a lot about India throughout the story, including the different foods, the clothes, and the language. I thought that the educational comments were very interesting, and I really liked that the language was incorporated!

Krista:

Cover

The covers really know how to draw you in. The U.S. Cover for this one is blue, but it also has these overlaying colours/variances of pearl that really make the colours dance. Especially in the eyes.

Characters

Kelsey and Ren are the main focus of the story. I was pretty surprised throughout the story at how trusting Kelsey was, especially how she just picked up and moved across the world. Ren on the other hand, although very experienced in life is also a pretty quiet type and really comes off as the leader of the group – but in a very low-key/subtle kind of way (except when trying to get romantic with Kelsey, then he’s pretty hands-on).

Favourite

Mr. Kadam. Because he was the one character who’s motives I could understand. The most predicable and spot on character in the group.

Least Favourite

Although I didn’t hate Kelsey, I sure had a hard time with her. Especially when it came to her philosophies on why she couldn’t trust or like Ren romantically. She is a very hot and cold character, a little naive and I wanted to see her just let go of her guard against Ren.

Beginning

Kelsey is a foster child on the verge of her 18th birthday. Her friend takes her to see a Tiger show and she becomes enthralled with the idea of learning more about them and begins working with the trainer. She is soon invited to travel back to India with the tiger Ren. It is a well-paced beginning and the reader gets to learn a lot of the basics about Tigers and a little hint that Ren is not a ‘normal’ animal.

Storyline

Kelsey soon learns of the curse that was put on himself and his brother. It turns out that she is also a part of that prophecy and needed to help unlock the mystery that will turn them human again.  It’s an interesting plot with some weird things like Ren being able to change into a human for 24 minutes a day (why?).

Ending

As this is a series, we don’t get a lot of answers. But we do get more characters and twists to the story.

Thoughts

I enjoyed the parts of the story with action. We do get a good chunk of adventure and different animals as they travel through the jungle. The parts that I didn’t love as much were the romantic elements and interactions between the characters when they were human. Something felt a little off, especially on Ren’s side. But I do see the romantic element coming into play more in the following books (a tie in with the prologue to book 1?) It’s a pretty long novel. I know some readers who finished it in days, but this one took me a while – more down-time that I was hoping for, but it still entertained me with its magic, culture and setting.

Quote

“Perfect! Now we’re being chased by hoards of monkeys! Perhaps you would care to name their species as we’re attacked, just so I can appreciate the special traits of said monkey as it kills me!”

“Falling for him would be like cliff diving. It would be either the most exhilarating thing that ever happened to me or the stupidest mistake I’d ever make. It would make my life worth living or it would crush me against stony rocks and break me utterly. Perhaps the wise thing to do would be to slow things down. Being friends would be so much easier.”

http://www.tigerscursebook.com/

Paperback,498 pages

Published May 1st 2011 by Hodder & Stoughton (first published January 11th 2011)

ISBN 1444734601 ISBN13: (9781444734607

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Bel:

Cover

Jaroslaw Kubicki’s art and Astred Hicks’ know how have made, not only Shine Light, but this entire series into an artistic feast for the senses. It’s visually appealing, but the texture of the cover is something special. This really is an element the people who enjoy the ebook format should consider.

There aren’t many books on the shelves at this stage with the attention to detail as The Night Creatures Trilogy, so to own all three in paperback makes me feel privileged.

Characters

This is the wrap up book and the characters have travelled their personal journeys to get to this point; as you can expect they aren’t who they were in Burn Bright. It is up to you as to if you like who they have become.

Favourite

Rollo. But you’ll have to read to find out why.

Least Favourite

Emilia. I know where she was coming from and why she is the way she was, but I still wanted to kick her.

Beginning

Naif and her friends prepares to go back to Ixion.

Storyline

Naif rallies the troops to deal with the issues on Ixion.

Ending

HA! Do you actually think I’ll tell you.

Thoughts

This was a short book, but so much happens that there isn’t a wasted page. Action sequences are strong and easy to follow. If I had to have someone at my back when the … hit the fan it would be Naif, 100%.

Quote

“What the Fross?” Whispered Kero

Lisa:

Welcome to my review of Shine Light by ….who is it by again? Just kidding! By Marianne de Pierres!

(Yes, this is my first official book review in the new year of 2013! I can’t believe we survived the Zombie Apocalypse!)

Cover

Come on, each one of these books in the Night Creatures series, has that smooth and buttery feel to it; I love it!

Characters

Even though Shine Light has a lot of characters, it didn’t introduce many new and important characters. Most of the main characters the reader would already know from the first book in the series, Burn Bright, or would have been introduced to them throughout the second book, Angel Arias.

Favourite

If you asked this question to many other readers, I feel that the majority would lean towards Naif due to her being a strong and leading female character. Who doesn’t like one of those?!

But I actually have to go with Lenior! Your eyes might be bulging out of your head right now, but keep them in there for a bit longer and listen (or read) my reasoning. He is a man of evil and terror, killing people that live on Ixion, just like the other Ripers and Grave Elders. But he pushes all that aside to help this girl he loves; though most of the time he doesn’t show it in the normal ways a man would. He puts himself on the line, he worries about Naif, and he goes out of his way to help her, and try to keep her safe. Safe from being killed by others like him, and that’s why I adore him.

Least Favourite

I don’t believe I have a least favourite in this series. In Burn Bright I liked a lot of the characters, and throughout the second and third book I enjoyed reading and watching those characters develop and change.

Beginning

Naif isn’t on the island anymore. She finally escaped in Angel Arias, by a hair, and had no plans on coming back to the island. Until, that is, she found that the Grave Elders, and Ripers, who run and terrorize the island are killing the people who reside on it, for their own needs. To save her friends and others, Naif heads back to Ixion on a pirate ship.

Middle

Getting back to the island isn’t the hard part, but what is, is convincing not only her friends but others about what’s really going on, on this island of forever darkness…and dealing with a man she loves, but can’t stand at the same time.

End

Personally I thought the ending went by really fast, maybe because I was reading at lightening speed to see how the story ended, or because I didn’t want the story to end, either one of those. And since the ending was so kick…butt, I don’t want to say or comment on it, because I don’t want to give it away!

My Thoughts

After reading Burn Bright, it became one of my favourite books. I loved Angel Arias as well, and due to all the enjoyment I got from the first book, I had unrealistic expectations for the second. But Angel Arias reached every single one of those expectations, but yet I still favoured Burn Bright. After reading Shine Light, Burn Bright is still a good book, but Shine Light is now my favourite in the Night Creatures series!

Krista:

Cover

The cover is brilliant! The artwork for this series is what originally drew me to pursue getting a copy of Burn Bright. It represents a dark tale with a very strong, young female lead character. The artwork is beautiful and represents the feel and appeal of the story. All three covers are amazing, and I love the colours.

Characters

I couldn’t be more proud of Naif, her character development throughout the series is a constant. With everything that is thrown at her and the determination and unending days of fighting, she never falters on what is in her heart and what she believes is true and right. We see many characters come and go throughout the series, several die and several stop in just for their purpose to leave the reader not knowing where their story ended up. But all have brought this series full circle and I don’t think there could have been a better ending.

Favourite

Naif is by far my favourite character, but there are so many that are dear to my heart that it seems unfair to name just the main character.

Lenoir, Liam!, Suki, the Uthers, all great characters.

Least Favourite

I of course have never been much fan of the Ripers, but that Cal! Man, talk about close-minded, she ruffles my feathers.

Beginning

Jumping right into the story from book two we find Naif and her group making plans to re-enter Ixion. Who will be going, staying and what has to happen. With some dialogue to refresh the readers memory on where we left off in the last book.

Storyline

Naif must find her brother and his group again to get all of the fighters on Ixion to rally together to fight the Ripers and Night Creatures. They can only win if they get the upper hand and get as many of the baby bats to rise up and fight; to realize that there is something wrong with the island and stand against it.

Ending

It was a perfect ending. I stayed up until 1am to finish reading the last half of the book because it was so intense. I miss this series already and can only hope that there will be more! Please!!! I don’t want to go as far as saying there was a twist ending, but with the story behind the darkness of Ixion… I would never have imagined that in a million years! Very sci-fi fun and engaging.

Thoughts

I was apprehensive going into the book because I really do not want this series to end. The world is so imaginative and dark and I just didn’t want to leave it. I tried to take it slow and savour it but as the story really got going I just couldn’t stop. I was amazed at the imagery that is brought to the story. An incredibly dark world, with evil people and creatures varying from harmless to incredibly dangerous. From characters like the deformed Liam, to the mysterious Uthers and the different people on each Island. I feel that we barely even got to see a corner of this world and I want to visit each Island. I feel like a part of this whole story is missing and I want more! Naif was by far the best main character ever, she was perfect for the lead voice and I’m proud of her, up into the very last page.

Quotes

It had seemed so mysterious when she’d first come. Sinister but beautiful: a place like nothing she’d known, redolent with musk and moonflower and haunted by strains of music that fired her senses. Back then she’d found it hard to resist its lure, but now she felt only apprehension and a desire to make Ixion safe.

Despair threatened to overwhelm Naif as she held the gentle creature’s paws. Nothing she had ever seen before had made her as sick to her stomach, or feel as hollow from its sheer callousness. Even in Danskoi, she had not been as appalled.

She pressed the bleeding wound on Naif’s hand to her own wrist, mingling their blood. “Now and forever,’ she said with humbling formality. ‘You are my family.”

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Bel:

Cover

I have the UK paperback edition so there’s an orange doorway with a hand print to the right of the opened door and a disheveled book laying on the ground. It doesn’t really make me sit up and take notice like some of the other editions do, but after reading the book it makes more sense. I don’t love it or hate it. It just is.

Characters

This book made me question the perception of good and evil characters, which was a really nice surprise. There were large areas of grey when it came to how much I liked each one.

Favourite

That would have to be Brimstone, without doubt. A character, who in any other story, would be portrayed as evil, and amoral. Hidden depths make me really like them so much more.

Least Favourite

This is a difficult one, because in each character’s mind they are only ever doing what they see and ‘the right thing to do’, but for the sake of picking one I have to choose Chiro.

Beginning

Life for Karou is all about doors, where they lead and what she’ll find on the other side.

Storyline

Karou meets an angel, Akiva, and I can’t tell you any more in case you’ve not read the book. I do not want to spoil it.

Ending

The crap hits the fan and book 2 is going to be EPIC!

Thoughts

I was taken aback as to how much this book made me think outside the box. You and I both know there are no winners in a war, but to see something from both sides of the coin, really was a change of pace for your good versus evil tale of woe.

Quote

“I don’t have many rules to live by,” he said. “But here’s one. It’s simple. Don’t put anything unnecessary into yourself. No poisons or chemicals, no fumes or smoke or alcohol, no sharp objects no inessential needles – drug or tattoo – and… no inessential penises, either.” ~ Brimstone

Krista:

BBC Daughter of Smoke and Bone –Below are  Krista’s thoughts aka I listened to the audiobook and loved it!

Cover

The US hardback edition has the face with the blue mask. I was unsure of how it represented the book until the end, and it really does hold true to the best part of the story. Also the blue mask, I think, represents the main character’s hair colour.

Characters

It was nice for a change to read a fantasy novel in which the characters are not meant to be relate-able to the reader specifically but meant to take you to another world. These characters are not the norm, they are fantastical and there were traits that I liked about each and didn’t like. It was a very back and forth read leaving me unsure exactly who I wanted to root for in the end.

Favourite

I agree 100% with Belinda on this one, Brimstone is one of those characters that was hard to nail ie do I like him or hate him. The enemy or the protective father figure? The relationship he held with Karou is what won me over.

Least Favourite

At this moment I am going to pick Kaz, Karou’s ex-boyfriend, who is pretty obnoxious and cocky. I mostly get this because of Karou’s emotions, as she currently hates him as well. He never did grow on me, but I do have a feeling we will see more of him in the series, and my feelings may change.

Beginning

The first part of the novel did take awhile to get into. The world was very fantastical and every time she’d travel through a door it took awhile to get readjusted mentally of the setting.

Storyline

Strange hand prints are starting to pop up on doorways and strange tells of how they got there. The errands that she runs for Brimstone are starting to over-run her life and she is noticing that strange things are happening. Enter Akiva, an Angel that she falls for or who’s really out to destroy her.

Ending

A little more than halfway through, all the stories begin to intertwine. The plot becomes more complex and it’s a roller coaster ride? The ending was amazing, it answers a lot of questions, yet leaves so much more to happen next.

Thoughts

Again, I agree with Belinda here. The story takes you to a new place that gets you to question what you normally thing of heaven vs hell and good vs bad. My favourite part was that there were just a few characters which the author has taken great detail to round out and I found myself really getting attached to each in their own way. I wanted to add that I actually listened to the audio-book for this one and really enjoyed it. I think the narrator did a great job with the accents of the characters.

Quotes:

“Have you ever asked yourself, do monsters make war, or does war make monsters?”

“Love is a luxury.”

“No. Love in an element.”
An element. Like air to breathe, earth to stand on.”

Lisa:

Cover:

May I say this is the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen?

Characters:

I was a bit confused at first with who was who (when am I not?) but once I got into the groove and started learning names (which by the way are all very unique) I started really enjoying the characters, their personalities and the roles they played throughout the story.

Favorite:

My favourite would have to be Karou, the main character! Again she’s really unique, just like the rest of the characters. She’s an art student,with blue hair, and doesn’t know where she’s from, who she is, or who her parents are. Karou’s childhood wasn’t normal. Instead of growing up in a foster or group home, she grew up with Brimstone; the definition of Evil. If I didn’t pick Karou as my favorite character, I would have pick Brimstone, simply because he isn’t who people assume he is.

Least Favorite:

I don’t think I disliked anybody, which is surprising! All characters had depth, personality, and play an interesting role in The Daughter of Smoke and Bone.

Beginning:

We get to quickly learn about a blue haired art student, who isn’t who she seems. Karou lives a second life outside of school, and drawing, she runs errands for an Evil lord!

Story line:

The Daughter of Smoke and Bone follows the story of Karou, her running of Brimstone’s errands (such as collecting teeth), and discovering who she really is and where she is from.

Ending:

*I’m still in shock from the ending, and can’t find the words to explain it*, but one thing I can say, is I would have never guessed the ending!

Overall Thoughts:

It’s about time I finally read this book. When it first came out, there was tons of hype throughout the blogging world, and really, I’m not one to jump on the bandwagon right away. But now I see why everyone did! If you haven’t read The Daughter of Smoke and Bone yet, you really should! (The second book just came out at the beginning of November, and I can’t wait to read it!)

http://www.lainitaylor.com/

Mass Market Paperback, UK, 418 pages

Published June 7th 2012 by Hodder Paperback (first published September 27th 2011)

ISBN 1444722662 (ISBN13: 9781444722666)

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On remote Rollrock Island, the sea-witch Misskaella discovers she can draw a girl from the heart of a seal. So, for a price, any man might buy himself a bride; an irresistibly enchanting sea-wife. But what cost will be borne by the people of Rollrock – the men, the women, the children – once Misskaella sets her heart on doing such a thing?

Margo Lanagan weaves an extraordinary tale of desire and revenge, of loyalty, heartache and human weakness, and of the unforeseen consequences of all-consuming love.

Bel:

Cover

I have the Australian edition so it’s been illustrated and designed by Zoë Sadokierski. Before reading the book, the cover art isn’t as allusive as it is afterwards. It’s depicting 3 women amongst bubbles and seaweed.

Characters

This is a tough one for me because I wanted to slap so many of them. However amongst the morons there are small joys to be found.

Favourite

Daniel Mallett. One of only 2 men in the whole book who weren’t complete grubs. You’ll have to find out why for yourself. I don’t want to wreck it for anyone who hasn’t read it yet.

Least Favourite

Where to begin? Who to pick? Wow, so many choices. I think I’ll pick Mister Mallett, Daniel’s father. For Trudle. Again, it’ll give too much away if I tell exactly why.

Beginning

The children of Rollrock Island are collecting Sea Hearts for their Mothers along the beach and run into the crazy old witch Misskaella.

Storyline

Misskaella’s gift is bringing forth humans from seals. This skill changes the dynamics of Rollrock Island.

Ending

Not what I expected.

Thoughts

I know this is based on the Selkie mythos, and the brutality of all consuming love. But I think it should also be read as a message, to not allow anyone to take away your true nature. Only when you are being the real you, and allowing those around you to be the real them, will you find real happiness.

I adored Sea Hearts and its tragic message. I was sucked into the story from the first page and thought it was rather special to have chapters separated by individual works of art.

I’m glad there are a few characters who could snub their nose at what’s expected of them and they were able to rise above.

Quote

“You are, aren’t you?” I said. “A girl?” Daniel Mallett to Lory Severner

Lisa:

Cover

The cover of The Brides of Rollrock Island looks amazing! I love the ocean in the back and foreground. But the most important thing for me has to be that covers need to give readers a subtle hint about what the story inside may be like. I don’t really get too much of that from this very pretty cover; the ocean does give a hint to it being an island, but I felt like something was just missing.

Characters

When reviewing a book, especially one that I really liked, I enjoy talking a lot about the good components of the story, and a little of the bad. I can’t believe that in a book, I couldn’t put down and finished in less than four days, I disliked so many characters, for various reasons.

Favorite

My favorite would have to be either Misskaella because I love any characters who can do something out of the ordinary, and she has a very special ability. If Misskaella wasn’t my favorite, it would have to be Daniel, simply because he isn’t a pervert, or horn dog!

Least Favorite

Since there are so many characters that I didn’t really like I don’t feel right mentioning one and not the other. But even though I didn’t like some of these characters, they truly are what created the setting for this story, what made the characters I did like, shine even brighter.

Beginning

The beginning was really confusing to me, just because of the way things were said, laid out and described. One day a witch, named Misskaella is discovered, along with her ability to take a seals heart and transform into most beautiful women.

Story Line

As word spreads fast, a man visits Misskaella and asks her for a favour –  to change a seal into a women, so he can marry her. The man offers Misskaella a large sum of money, but this won’t be the only pay she gets!

Ending

There’s absolutely no way of explaining this ending without giving away more than half of the story!

Overall Thoughts

I would have to say The Brides of Rollrock was a pretty dense book. It did take some reading and re-reading for me. The words and descriptions are just a little unknown to me and something I’m not used to reading. But once I got comfortable with the words, I could really start enjoying the story itself. The book is also organized very differently than books I’ve read before; instead of using chapters, the book is divided into different sections. Each of these sections follows a different person and their experiences with the witch Misskaella, somehow interweaving with one another.

But with all of this, The Bride of Rollrock, was something I’ve never read before, and I’m really glad I did.

Krista:

Cover

I am a fan of the David Fickling Books cover and the girl laying there at the edge of the water really encompasses the theme of the story. But I have to say that I am not a fan of the title change. I think that Sea Hearts appeals more to me, although I couldn’t pin point exactly why.

Characters

The novel encompasses a few generations of families that reside on Rollrock – the constant being The Witch.

Favourite

I think this is the first time that I cannot pinpoint a favourite character. Throughout the story I found flaws in all of them, mostly selfishness and wasn’t able to fully embrace any one over the other.

Least Favourite

My choice would have to be the Witch Misskaella for sure. From the beginning of the story she could foresee what could happen in the future if she proceeded with the wishes. But the pull of money and perhaps the desire to be needed amongst the Islanders was a stronger force for her.

Beginning

After a mermaid shows up on land, the villagers treat her like an exhibit. But it also arouses more than just curiosity to a local boy who decides to ask Misskaella to provide him with a mermaid as a bride. She takes it under consideration before submitting to his request. Misskaella knows that once it happens, all men on the island will want one of these gorgeous brides of their own, triggering a domino effect.

Storyline

The story jumps from past to present and future.  Starting with the beginnings of Miskaella’s story, the reader learns of how the connection with the Selkie’s began and continues on to all of the men showing interest in marrying all Selkie brides, and the effect that has on their children and the human women in the island.

Ending

It was nice to see the story come full circle. The reader gets different perspectives on the story of the island from people that were there as well as the stories the children grow up hearing; and even the views of the people on the mainland and the rumours that come to them from the island itself.

Thoughts

I have only read one other story pertaining directly to Selkie lore. They do differ from your typical mermaid story because they are technically not mermaids but can easily be confused as such. This story really focuses on describing in detail what a Selkie is; the transformation and relationships with humans from the human perspective. It was very interesting.

Quote

“How different other families were, the shape of them, the things they presumed, the children that grew up in them.”

Author’s Website: http://amongamidwhile.blogspot.com.au/

Paperback, 343 pages

Published February 2012 by Allen & Unwin (first published January 10th 2012)

ISBN139781742375052

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Belinda:

Cover

I have a 4^th edition copy (I think), with thanks to Renee. It has a black backdrop, purple flourishes, eye popping title font and an beautiful innocent brown eyed brunette representing Violet.

Characters

I liked that the players were relatively few in numbers. Their roles were well defined and I couldn’t imagine the story working as well as it did without each and every one of them.

Favourite

Phoenix – An odd choice. Granted he’s not a model exile, but he makes Violet smile when not much else is.

Least Favourite

Violet’s Dad – I realise he’s an absentee parent for a reason, but that is no excuse. In the real world I would hope that someone would call family services on someone as self-centered as he is.

Beginning

Violet is dreading her 17^th birthday, mainly because it is a constant reminder of the day her Mother died. The people in her life begin acting weirdly and she’s expected to do a whole lot of growing up in an incredibly short period of time.

Storyline

As far as ultimatums go, Violet is left with a life or death situation. Life isn’t supposed to be fair … but seriously?

Ending

The ending is sweet, and makes a nice change from the emotional upheaval of the last half of the book.

Thoughts

I think this book would have been more appealing if Violet was able to create a bond with Magda. Considering there were really only 3 female characters in the book, Violet spends most of it looking for justification and validation from only the guys. I felt she was overly reliant on male leadership, and not enough value was placed on the vital role of a really good girlfriend.

That being said, I did enjoy the book for its unique take on angels and I applaud Jessica for not sending me to the dentist with sickly sweet overtures.

I have a feeling in future books Violet will kick some serious exile butt. I just hope she learns to do it without the constant need for approval by her male counterparts.

Quote

“Jesus.”

“No. He wasn’t there.” ~ Steph and Violet talking.

Krista:

Cover

I love the color purple. For the U.S. cover it shows her back to us, with pretty white wings and feathers to represent the story.

Characters

There is a love triangle between Lincoln, Phoenix and Violet. With some minor characters to help support their stories.

Favourite

I was going to say Phoenix, like Belinda. But I am going to say Griffin, kind of grumpy but brings some fun to the story I wasn’t expecting.

Least Favourite

Here I do have to agree it’s Violet’s dad. It always gets to me when parents are so mean; gets my emotions all riled up.

Beginning

With all the emotions and changes that Violet’s going though she frustrated me in the beginning. Her impulsiveness was frustrating for me at times. As the story progresses her emotions become more understandable to the reader. On her birthday, things with Violet will start with a bang, so many things to deal with all at once.

Storyline

Centuries old war, fallen angels and the protectors of humanity. Lincoln is her trainer and love interest. Phoenix is there to pick up the pieces when she breaks – also a love interest, bad boy. And a battle between Angels and Exiles which catches Violet in the middle. If she trusts the wrong person, it could be detrimental.

Ending

Loved the ending. It was on a high note for me. Something that will definitely get you wanting to pick up the next book in the series.

Thoughts

I have read a lot of Angel stories over the past 2 years. It becomes overwhelming, but when you get a story like this one that has a very great mythological twist to it, that’s unique to the rest of them, it’s worth the read. I have to say that I was not a huge fan of some of the characters, and their relationships to each other. What I really enjoyed was the world building and stories behind the different beings, what they stand for and the battle that must happen. There is also a lot of lusty, more mature sexual adventures in this story than in most YA. Some heavier topics, like rape. And the battle is handled a little more darkly as well. It will be interesting to see where the rest of the series goes.

Quote

Smiling at the phone, my fingers fumbling over the keypad quickly. ‘Yup-see you there!’

I deleted the exclamation mark and counted to thirty before I allowed myself to press send.

Lisa:

Cover

We all know the saying, “don’t judge a book by it’s cover”, and we all also know, that we all do it anyways! Looking at the cover of a book, I’m looking for three main things, originality (it shouldn’t be able to match any other book in its genre; it shouldn’t be generic), it has to give the readers a hint or idea of what the story inside might be inside, and lastly it should give off a good vibe. The cover of a book is like a first impression, it’s everything. And I’m glad to say Embrace has all three! The cover is unique, and it lets the readers know a little about the story.

Characters

There were a lot of interesting characters in Embrace.

Favourite

Two characters really stuck out to me and caught my liking! Both in different ways. While Lincoln had me going “awwh!” out loud while reading Embrace, Phoenix was dark, sexy and mysterious!

Least Favourite

I can’t really say thatI dislike any of the characters, but I do wish the reader could learn more about some of them. How did Lincoln become an angel?What’s his story? Who is Phoenix really? Did Violet’s mother know that Violet was going to be an angel? I just had a lot of questions while reading, but I’m sure they’ll all be answered in the second book!

Beginning

With her seventh birthday coming up fast, Violet is already dreading it. Birthdays aren’t just birthdays for her, instead every year they just remind her of the death of her mother. But things this year aren’t the same, and won’t ever be again. Violet’s life changes dramatically!

Story Line

Throughout Embrace, Violet has to make the decision of whether to accept becoming an angel. Many factors come into play, but when Violet’s close friend and angel partner, Lincoln is badly hurt and laying in his death bed, Violet has to decide quickly what she wants to do. Become an angel and save Lincoln, or forget everything and go back to a normal life, leaving Lincoln left to die.

End

The ending is nothing like I thought it would be. I don’t want to say anything at all, because I don’t even want to give a little bit of it away!

Overall Thoughts

Embrace was something totally new, and fresh! I’ve never read anything like it, and I couldn’t get enough! If you haven’t read it yet, and are looking for something about angels and don’t mind it being over 300 pages long, this book is for you!

http://www.jessicashirvington.com/

Paperback, 382 pages

Published March 13th 2012 by Hachette Australia (first published March 6th 2012)

ISBN139780734412393

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