Review: An action packed sequel that has left me hanging for more!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 11 6, 2013
Where to begin… It is so hard to write this review because it is easy to disclose too many spoilers if you haven’t read the first book, Hell’s Gate! So I will do my best, but I think you must read them both, they are awesome!!The story starts a little slow, as we catch up on a few details from the first book and run by some of the things that have happened over the last few months since the conclusion of Hell’s Gate. Cole is now living with Vera and the Knights at the church, in his own private room. He still has the same morning routine, coffee and a smoke, but due to lack of privacy, doesn’t get to walk around naked and it is hard to find a quiet spot to yourself *wink*. There is still (sexual frustration) tension between both Cole and Vera, but they are still very close and their connection is strong.  We soon meet a new nemesis, another kidnapping is thrown in, the story builds and the action truly begins.I still really love Cole and all his quirks. He is very attached to his duster, zippo and his motorbike and I think these few items keep him grounded, while he is not living in his apartment. He is still the typical man, with his cheeky thoughts, but he is so much fun. He isn’t as reserved as he was in Hell’s Gate and tries to get Vera to explain herself when needed. He still wants a piece of Vera, but thinks she is off limits because neither of them have made the first move and whether Vera is a Fallen Angel or not, Angels are not supposed to have sex. Personally I think he is scared of the rejection as well.Cole and Vera make an awesome team; they have to work together as a problem from Vera’s past has resurfaced. Vera is as mysterious as ever, and I was confused as to some of her actions in the beginning. But when I sat back and looked at it again, it made more sense and it’s just how Vera does things. She doesn’t like to disclose information unless it is necessary.Autumn makes a couple of appearances in Exsilium, but I still want to see more of her. She is a fantastic Druid priestess and will do anything in her power to protect the earth, her people and her friends. She is a kind spirit and I really like her. Cole really cherishes his relationship with her.After we get through the initial few chapters, the plot quickly starts to build, the action really picks up and I couldn’t put the book down until I was finished. There are plenty of fight scenes and they are very descriptive with lots of bloodshed and death. You know how much I love it!! Yay!! As this is the second book in the series, I became very emotionally attached to the characters and at a couple of points I even cried. (Thanks a lot Ben!!)While I was reading Exsilium, I was continually bouncing ideas and predictions off of the author, and it was so much fun discussing the book with him. This is the first time I have actually taken some notes while reading a book because I knew Ben would drill me about it. In the second half of the book, there was no way I was stopping to write anything, just had to keep reading to that final page, which, of course, left me hanging……ARGH!! I am addicted to the Seventh Seal series and I will spend the next 12 months pestering Ben for details on Ashen Grove, the third book in the series……I received a copy of this book from the Author in exchange for an honest review.