Review: Amazing book. Eager for more!!!
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 06 11, 2013
**** ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review***Two things I will say straight up;1) I felt this was very slow to get going.LONG prologue,  But it was a necessary evil, to get to know both worlds.2) I felt the ending was very abrupt!I do understand that this is part of a series, and as such I can overlook this.This book revolves around two worlds: Saskia and Earth. I usually prefer a sole POV or Duel POV ( if a couple in a relationship)  Though it is told through three different views, Sarajane, Marta, and Queen Bellona, it actually works really well!!Sarajane is the focal character, and as such, It follows her story closely.Growing up in the mortalWorld Sarajane has overcome the loss of her mother, followed by learning of her place as princess of Saskia, after being taken by force through the threshold of the parallel worlds. I felt she accepted this change quite easily, I would have liked a little more angst?Oh Marta, I felt instantly for this woman! Can you imagining watching your parents being decapitated right in front of you, at only 5 years of age??One day in Saskia is equivalent to one month in earth.It is reviled early on how Marta and Sarajane are connected.I ADORED Tristan!!! Such a great companion for Sarajane. He was just the right mix of all things bad and so so good!!Queen Bellona, I don't even know where to start with this 'woman' DARK! Dirty,pitiful, I wanted to slap her!! But I do love to hate the villain, and HATE her I did, so well done!Kiar and Neve. Oh my lord! I LOVED THEM!!! They have such nice 'breather' moments in the heavy story line. I just loved them ! I will say that it BROKE MY HEART, half way through the book when something happens with them ( wont say, as I don't want any spoilers!!)I think one of my most favourite quotes to sum up the strength and character of Sarajane;"I just think when extraordinary people are discovered, extraordinary exceptions should be made. "I think this will help you get a feel for this novel;Where did Saskia Come from?"A long time ago in heaven, there were four angels who did their best to always please God. God looked fondly upon his faithful servants. When the time came, the angels were sent down to earth to be born to the mortal world with free will.The four angels, Veronica, Lucian, Jeremy, and Sarra, watched as the other angels made their transition to life. The four angels talked about being mortals all the time, they did extra things to please God, yet they still remained angels. One day, Lucian convinced the other three angels to follow him, as he believed he knew how to become mortal without God knowing. Jeremy and Sarra were swayed by Lucian, but Veronica was nervous, as she didn't want to upset God.That day Veronica was bathing God's feet. God noticed the conflict within her soul. `My child, tell me what troubles you.'So Veronica told him of Lucian's plans. God was enraged by this betrayal. He struck the four angels down. He looked at each of their souls and he could see the greed to be mortals within them. So God banished them to a world parallel to Earth. He gave each of them an element. Lucian was given the ability to control fire. Veronica was given an earth affinity. Jeremy, the ability to control air, and Sarra, a water affinity. Spirit was God's. So each new generation was born with an affinity passed down by our ancestors. God gave them these powers so they could understand what he had created, and in time, he hoped they would understand the values of each element that he had given freely to the mortal world.He built a wall of fire to divide the worlds and gave them partial immortality so they could pay for their sins. And so forth, our world Saskia was created by four fallen angels".Even though this was a little slow to build up, once I was there, oh my gosh I was 100% invested!! I was quite animated reading this! I wanted to jump in and strangle, hit, kick etc etc and if that's not a bravo, take a bow, moment for a novel, then I don't know what is!!I am very much looking forward to the next instalment. Thank you Aoife for taking me on a journey of magical pleasure!