Review: Great sequel...does not disappoint!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 03 10, 2014
Wow!!! Just.....I don't even know what to say!!!!"Angelstone" picks up right where book one left off. Alyx with Jordan's help has rescued Israel and the mysterious girl Mini from Michael's hollows. Israel and Alyx have decided to be "just friends" (as if that's even possible!!!). This story does not disappoint!I'm always leery about sequels. Usually they fall short of the first book, but this one does not! The action and suspense immediately pick up with Samyara leaving bodies for Alyx and Israel with their names burned onto them (a little homage to Israel doing this to the Darkened when looking for his friend Adere). Jordan takes them to a Rogue society for help and guidance. With the help of new friends (Tobias, Lucas, Ana, Dianne, and Vix), Alyx and Israel determine how to find the Black Stone before Samyara can use it to make more weapons.I loved the growth we see in Israel during this book. At the beginning he feels unworthy of Alyx and her love for him which is why he let her go without a fight at the end of book one. But as he finds out things about himself that Alyx knew and kept from him, his anger gets control of him. With the help of an unlikely friend, he finds control over this anger and his newfound abilities. His transformation from unworthy to wanting and feeling he can be Alyx's equal is heart wrenching and a much needed emotional journey for this character."Don't judge me for what I am." -BalthazarDuring book one, the author established how hard it was for Alyx to trust others. During this book, she must learn to trust if she is going to fulfill her job as Guardian. And it's not just other Rogues, she must learn to trust herself, Israel, and a demon.""We need to talk," he said.The four worst words of any language. Except maybe for "I love her instead" or "he dies, you die."" -AlyxThis book is heartbreaking as we see what happens to Alyx and Israel's relationship. Between the two of them finding out who they are (Alyx who she is without the Seraphim society and Israel as he deals with his heritage) separately and how they can't live without the other it's an emotional roller coaster, at least for Alyx. Alyx's insecurities leave her feeling like she is not loved when Israel loves her more than himself and feels he does not deserve her. And then the dreaded love triangle begins with Jordan.....I must say I didn't like this at all! I despise love triangles as I feel it's a cop-out for bringing conflict in a relationship. At least it's one-sided and Alyx does not reciprocate.The suspense and action of this book left me holding my breath. I couldn't read fast enough to find out just what was going to happen to these characters. Are some things predictable? Yes and no. I'll let you read and decide that for yourself.Can't wait to start in on book three! This author definitely knows how to leave you hanging and begging for more!!!!