Boundless is a great end to my favorite angel series.
Again like with book #2 it took me a while to get into this story. I agree with other reviewers tBoundless is a great end to my favorite angel series.
Again like with book #2 it took me a while to get into this story. I agree with other reviewers that the first half was a little disappointing. It seem to lack that something special when it come to the characters' and their relationships (friendships and romantic). Will the last half was AMAZING (5+ stars)!!! I was on the edge of my seat wanting to know how it was going to all go down. And there was some awesome interactions between the characters. And a few surprises. (view spoiler)[I loved Clara seeing her mother, the trip to hell, Tucker and Clara in heaven and of course the epilogue. (hide spoiler)]
The angel side of things in this book was definitely the strongest out of all three.(view spoiler)[I wished they had gone to hell early. It was interesting to see the other side. (hide spoiler)]
Overall, I was mostly happy with the way the book ended (view spoiler)[I am so happy she ended up with Tucker but my heart aches for Christian. He is such a fantastic guy going to hell and back for Clara (hide spoiler)]. And of course I am sad to see it end. I would love to see a spin off of this series.
Griffin Rising is quick and enjoyable read that is filled with plenty of laughs, action and adventure and heart warming moments.
Darby Karchut's writiGriffin Rising is quick and enjoyable read that is filled with plenty of laughs, action and adventure and heart warming moments.
Darby Karchut's writing style was easy to read despite the changing narration. It went from the present to past and also there was also journal entries from Griffin, Basil and occasionally Katie. The pacing flowed wonderfully and it is the type of book that you can just relax into. The plot is also had a good balance of paranormal and coming of age story. However sometimes I did lose a little interest when I put it down but I am not sure if that was was more of a case of me than the actual story. It felt younger than what I normally read and that was what I struggled with throughout the story.
Griffin and Basil are entertaining and endearing characters. I love their witty banter and their relationship was the highlight of the book for me.
“And what does your father do?” Man, even the dad’s good-looking, she thought. “He’s an angel. So am I.” Griffin grinned. “Cool, huh?” “Wh …what?” “We’re a type of angel. My dad and I.” He straightened and flapped his arms up and down to illustrate his point. Dropping a spring roll back into the sack, Basil reached over and pinned Griffin’s hands to his side, yanking him away from the door. “What the bloody he … heck are you doing?” he said under his breath. Smiling, he continued loudly, “my apologies. It’s only a silly family gag, miss. Please ignore him.” Basil elbowed Griffin further down the hall, trying to ignore his snickering. “Well, we’d best let you get back to work. Thank you.” He nodded good-bye and shut the door on the bewildered girl. Gathering up the bags in one hand, he turned with a scowl. “Hey, it’s just a joke.” Still laughing, Griffin flapped his arms a few more times as he lead the way to the kitchen, the salty sweet aroma of chow mein wafting around them. “Wave them again, and I’m duct-taping them together.”
There is also a tiny bit of young love in this story that was super sweet.
Overall, a good solid debut. Darby Karchut is definitely an author to watch out for....more
Before reading Enticed I was a little bit nervous (okay A LOT nervous) as I had mixed feelings about Embraced the first book in the series. But I was Before reading Enticed I was a little bit nervous (okay A LOT nervous) as I had mixed feelings about Embraced the first book in the series. But I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this installment. There were some big improvements made that were desperately need.
Again I liked Shirvington prose. Simple yet elegant. The plot this time had less romantic drama (the love triangle was milder). In Embrace I felt like it big time overwhelmed the rest of the storyline. This time there was a better balance of romance and action and adventure. Enticed is also has more unexpected twists and turns making for an edge of your seat read.
Violet felt like a more believable character. In Embrace I couldn't see her as a 17 year old girl (I felt like she was 25) but this time she seemed her age and a more down to earth character. Violet is also stronger and smarter. And I am liking the character she is becoming.
Shirvington knows how to write romance. Violet and Lincoln have some sizzling chemistry. Sparks were flying, especially in those delicious kissing scenes. And it didn't feel like just physical attraction but rather an actual connection which is very different from her relationship with Phoenix in the first book which was that love/lust at first sight.
The only big problem that I still have is the relationship between Violet and her Dad. I find it hard to believe. I hope in the final instalment he has a stronger presence in the story line. As well as resolving some of the issues they have with their relationship.
Overall, Shirvington delivers a page turning novel that is full of passion, romance, action and suspense. I am now curious to see how it is all going to end in the final installment Emblaze....more
Favourite Quote:"He seems to gaze right into me, like he's seeing me for who I truly am. And in that moment, I want to tell him the truth. Crazy, I know. Stupid. Wrong. I try to take a step back, but my foot slips and I almost go headfirst into the river but he catches me."
Wow! Surprisingly I loved it! I have been having a bad run with angel books lately. But this is exactly what I have been looking for. Unearthly has an original plot, interesting characters, swoon worthy crush and overall is a pleasure to read.
Cynthia Hand's writing was just easy to read. Before I knew it I had read 300 pages. The plot wasn't filled with action but rather mystery. Never did venture down the predictable path.
This is probably the most interesting angel concept I have read. There was a little bit of good angel vs fallen angel but for a change it didn't have anything to do with the love interests. The vision and purpose element is what made this so different. Sometimes with angel concepts the history can be complex and hard to understand but this was effortless to follow.
Now to my favourite part of this book, the characters and that is what drives this story. Clara is sweet, sometimes funny, believable and made smart choices. Tucker (~swoons~, sorry but every time he is mentioned that happens) is a crush worthy male character. A true gentleman, witty, gorgeous, and a cowboy (~swoons again~ sorry I am in lurve again). I adored the playful banter aka flirting between Clara and Tucker (~swoons~), it provided plenty of awwww moments. Christian, well he was okay. At first I thought I knew his type - typical, popular, gorgeous, nice guy that every girl is crushing on but in the end was more than I expected.
I know that I have just mentioned two guys so therefore it equals love triangle but do not fear. This love triangle was subtle (although I do think that it might be brewing for the next book). Clara is pretty certain of her choice and doesn't go back and forth.
The ending, no cliffhanger here, yay! There are a few questions but it ends in the right place for more but still leaving readers satisfied.
Overall, I highly recommend this book, it had all the right elements. An outstanding debut.
Thanks to Netgalley and HarperTeen for providing me with a copy. I have already pre-ordered my own copy.
Hallowed was a bit of a struggle for me at first. If I could rate the first half it would be 2.5 stars. It felt a little slow. Sure Hand's prose is beHallowed was a bit of a struggle for me at first. If I could rate the first half it would be 2.5 stars. It felt a little slow. Sure Hand's prose is beautiful and the characters I adore but it felt like it was missing a bit of excitment and tension something Unearthly had. (I don't know if that is because I have just finished a very fast paced drama filled book).
However the second half I loved. 5 stars for sure. It was captivating and also a little bit heartbreaking. More started happening on the angel side of things with some interesting suprises (view spoiler)[Jeffery starting the fire, I didn't see that coming, very curious about his story. Also Clara's dad being an angel (hide spoiler)] and the love triangle intensified.
The love triangle was beautifully done. I felt confused. I am still confused. I am not sure who the right choice is for Clara. I still love Tucker but is that best for his future.
Overall, a gorgeous story despite it's rough start. I am very curious to see what happens in Boundless. ...more
Favourite Quote:"It' worth it you know," said Alex, smiling into my eyes. "What is?" I said. His thumb moved slowly over my cheek. "All of this. HaviFavourite Quote:"It' worth it you know," said Alex, smiling into my eyes. "What is?" I said. His thumb moved slowly over my cheek. "All of this. Having you. It's worth - anything."
I have found another awesome angel book. Last year it seemed I was having the worst run with angel themed books. They were all a little too similar and I was thinking maybe they weren't for me. But Angel is nothing like any other angel book I have read before. Not only does it have a unique concept but has great blend of heart pumping action, surprising twists and turns and a captivating romance.
First off the mythology is really something that makes this book standout from the rest. Angels feed off humans causing them death, insanity and disease and it is called angel burn. And most people can't see it as they are too blinded by the angel's beauty. The mythology though is easy to understand and comes together well as the story is explained and is quite interesting.
Angel alternates from both Willow's and Alex's points of views and smoothly changes from one to the other. Also every now and then you get a point of view from two of the secondary characters that play an important part in the story. The pace is mostly quick and engaging. There are couple of slow points in the book but it is 500 pages long and overall held my interest the whole way through.
The characterization was good. Willow is a little different from the average girl with her psychic abilities and love of cars. She is instantly likeable. Alex is the dark, sexy, mysterious type and completely crush worthy. Their romance builds slowly at first but then turns into that epic type of love. Very mushy but in a good way.
Overall, this was fantastic start to this trilogy and I can't wait for more!
Bookers Warning: Some of you lovely ladies at SCB may find the romance in this book too mushy for your taste. ...more
Okay, somebody stop me if I go to read an angel book again in the near future. They all seem to be letting me down l**spoiler alert** Rating 2.5 stars
Okay, somebody stop me if I go to read an angel book again in the near future. They all seem to be letting me down lately. And I really wanted to love this one since she is a debut Australian author, but I didn’t. So here is my special goodreads spoiler review :-
THE GOOD
* The beautiful prose. “I slowly opened my eyes. The sun speared its first bright rays of golden orange into the sky and I leapt from the cliff with the sorrowful knowledge that no matter what the outcome, at very least, part of me would die that day”. For a debut author she really has a remarkable writing style.
* The romantic scenes (this is also on the cons list). There were both beautiful and smoking hot! “Then he touched my lips with his, trembling and I knew control was on tenuous string. But it still wasn’t enough. If I couldn’t have the control I wanted, then maybe I’d be better off with none at all.”
* Interesting angel concept especially the hierarchy, even if it did get a little bit confusing at times.
*Beautiful cover - we all know pretty covers are worth at least half a star because when it gets boring you can stopping reading and just look at it.
THE BAD
* They characters all seemed too perfect and I found it hard to relate to them. Good looking, wealthy, smart, leaves in apartment with a doorman, just perfect. You want to see that you could be like the character or know somebody like that but they were completely unrealistic.
* Violet‘s Dad doesn‘t seem to care what Violet does even though she is only 17. In one scene Violet’s Dad takes her to this restaurant/club/bar. Violet and her best friend Steph secretly (and very obviously) pour alcohol into their drinks. Violet’s Dad leaves her there tipsy with a 22 year old guy and is like have fun. What parent does that? And it funny because one minute he is doing this and then the next minute he is lecturing Lincoln about supposedly being with Violet. I wish the author would make up her mind.
* Also there is a scene in the front of book were she briefly talks about how once her teacher attempted to sexual assault her. At the beginning she is a little bit jumpy even around Lincoln her major crush. But then all the sudden it is forgotten, she is confidently hanging around strange guys and it kind of felt like it was just thrown in. For such a serious matter it really bugged me.
* Violet tells Steph about the whole secret Angel thing while eating in a busy food court. Of all the places. Seriously the tables at food courts are so close together you can hear everything so obviously it is not the best place in the world to tell her! And Steph believes it pretty much straight away and is all excited.
* The love triangle (apart from the kissing scenes). I don’t mind them sometimes but this one just lacked something special about it. It was boring. It was the typical Good Hottie vs. Evil Hottie. Yawn!
* I think it would have worked better if the author had written the characters as adults. Then we wouldn’t have unrealistic scenes.
I think this book will have a lot fans but for me it didn’t work. I can see potential in this book and who knows I might even read the second instalment. ...more
Woo hoo! A angel book that didn't suck (I have had a bad run lately). Loved this especially Tucker. Review to come soon :)Woo hoo! A angel book that didn't suck (I have had a bad run lately). Loved this especially Tucker. Review to come soon :)...more
Hmm... again I seem to be having trouble writing a review for this book like the first one. I liked this book but I don't think I was Rating 3.5 stars
Hmm... again I seem to be having trouble writing a review for this book like the first one. I liked this book but I don't think I was in the mood for it. It the whole its me not you thing . I found it to be a fast moving, emotional story filled with suprises but I think my trouble is it didn't have enough make me smile moments. The ending of course was a big cliffhanger leaving so many unanswered questions arghh!!! Despite my confused feelings I do want to read Absolution. I hope it has the happy ending I need....more
I am not sure what I should rate this book. I enjoyed it but I probably shouldn’t like it so much, it is definitely a guilty pleasure.
The things I enI am not sure what I should rate this book. I enjoyed it but I probably shouldn’t like it so much, it is definitely a guilty pleasure.
The things I enjoyed
Luc - There is a quote in the book that sums him up perfectly Mmm…yummy Dark, dangerous and from hell. He is the perfect bad boy. I liked watching his journey from a demon sent to tag a soul to falling in love. I love that we got his POV and he is really what makes this story.
Storyline - While it was predictable at times I liked the whole heaven and hell concept fighting for one soul. Also Frannie’s unique gift was a nice twist to the story.
Frannie - I liked her 70% of the time (see below for the other 30%). She is feisty character who fixes mustangs, does judo and got kicked out of catholic school.
The things I didn’t particular like
The whole love triangle thing. It had potential with the whole heaven and hell aspect but Gabe (heaven) was not a strong enough character. He never stood a chance against Luc. He felt one dimensional and he is kind of boring. If Desrochers had done his POV as well then it possibly could of worked.
Frannie frustrated me sometimes in the whole love triangle situation. She was in love with Luc and all over him and then the next second she be wanting to kiss Gabe or would be. Although she makes a decision in the end. I’m sure she is going to be back and forth in the next instalments (which will make me want to throw the book). I wanted to say to her pick Luc and be done with it.
This book some people are going to love and others are going to hate (my friends at bookers you know who I‘m talking about). A good start and hopefully the next instalment will live up to the potential this series has....more
For some reasons I finding it hard to write a review for this book so I'm going to keep this short. I enjoyed this book but I founded Rating 3.5 stars
For some reasons I finding it hard to write a review for this book so I'm going to keep this short. I enjoyed this book but I founded it to be more of an emotional read than I expected. I felt it dealt with with the family issues and addiction in an honest way. The characters were good but I didn't really fall in love with any of them. The ending definitely took me by suprise but in a good way. I like that she put in a sneak peek of Penitence as it got me wondering what direction the second book is going to take which I'm kinda of excited to read despite my confused feelings on this book at the moment....more