Review: Great Sequel
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 10 26, 2013
*Received a copy in exchange for an honest review*"The prophecies talk about a Seraphim and a demon-mortal that fall in love." -MayrekkIf you loved Angelfire, you definitely want to read Angelstone. With even more action and romance, you will be taken on one heck of a ride. I loved following Alyx and Israel in their new adventure in Aradale. We get to meet new characters who just like the these two are both intriguing and entertaining to read about. More things are also revealed about certain characters, such as the true identity of Mini and the reason she was held captive by Elder Michael. I also loved the minor mentions of social issues that were integrated. I feel that it brought more depth into the book as it was easy to relate to real life even though its set in a world different from ours."A mortal and a Seraphim. It was an impossible love. But her heart didn't seem to care about this. Foolish heart. Why wouldn't it behave? Why wouldn't it just want what it should want? Instead of what it shouldn't." -AlyxALYX: After the betrayal she experienced from someone she was close to and grew up with, she was left feeling so betrayed and gutted. Her arrangement with Israel to just be friends sure isn't helping. In the new community of Aradale, Alyx meets several new rogue seraphim. Including some who come from her old home. With their help, she discovers that Mini is much more than she seems and that this little girl has been through some horrible experiences. We see her mature some more as she transitions from what she's known her entire life into the world of a FreeThinker. Many things she was told while growing up aren't relevant in this new world. Those who she always saw as the enemy may be more than they seem and can be her greatest ally. As she and her new friends plan to steal the remaining black stone everything seems to be going great, that is until the plan is executed. When their plan plays out, everything goes mostly smooth only, maybe too smoothly. The execution of the plan totally spirals down hill and leads to tragedy as they are outsmarted. When she comes up with a very clever plan to make things right, her plan doesn't end up the way she thought and now the one person who means the world to her is on the verge of death and it is up to her to safe him and the fate of the world."His mouth fit over hers like a puzzle piece clicking into place. Her body ignited at his touch. This was what was missing with Jordan. Only Israel could make her feel this way." -Alyx"Alyx realized this possessive feeling towards Israel, this protective instinct that ruled her actions and behavior towards him, which made her act crazy, feel crazy…she was completely and totally in love with Israel. Nothing but love could make anyone act and feel this crazy. And, Angel help her, did she feel crazy. -AlyxISRAEL: In this book, Israel is faced with many revelations. He discovers that maybe he's not the powerless street kid he's always thought he was. That there's a greater explanation for his second sight. As he discovers that he is half demon, he becomes angry and starts to hate himself for what runs through his veins. Because of the way he found out this truth, he also feels extremely betrayed for being kept from this secret from someone he cares so much about. This leads to a confrontation where he finds out that Alyx may be pregnant. They do end up getting her checked out to see if she is or not and there is a diagnosis. I selfishly hope it ends up being wrong hehe ;-) but who knows, we'll just have to see as the series moves further. In Aradale, he also makes a friend named Vix, a light warrior who through personal experience helps him on his quest to save Adere. With the help of someone from Vix's past he realizes that his demon side is both a blessing and a curse. He is repulsed by being half of something he hates but at the same time because of that side of him, he's not as defenseless as he thought he was. Through the heroic act of saving Adere, he is severely wounded in the process. His life now hangs in the balance and things sure aren't looking so great for him. Though many things were revealed to him, one thing still remains hidden. If he dies, she dies.You're not perfect," he continued, "and neither am I. But we're perfect…for each other. I mean., Jesus, Alyx, you saw us in there… we're better together. Isn't that what we're all seeking? The one who makes us better than when we are alone?" -Israel"I could be good for you. I could show you things, teach you about the world, about your limits, about pleasure, pain and everything in between…You have so much potential, Alyx, you just need a good teacher. I think that somewhere under this hesitation," he waved one hand around her, "you feel something for me too." -JordanJORDAN: We are introduced to him in the first novel but don't really get to know much about him. All we really know about Jordan is that he is a former Castus turned Rogue/FreeThinker who has been working secretly alongside Mayrekk for quite some time helping new Rogues escape. In this book we get to know him a little better by seeing him in his element. It is apparent that the residents of Aradale are very important to him. Putting them before himself, he is loved by all in the community and has become their protector. As Alyx and Israel come to Aradale, it is evident, especially to those closest to him, that he has feelings for Alyx. Known as a player, he seems to be willing to leave it all behind if that's what it takes to be with Alyx. He tries to show her that he could be good to her if only she gave him the chance but she makes it clear that her heart is Israel's. I love that although it hurt him, he took it in stride. He decides that if being her friend is all he can be, he'll take it as long as he gets to have her in his life; its enough."Getting over your first can be…the most difficult thing in the world. More difficult than facing an army of Darkened, even. When your heart is so filled with love and loss for another, there is no room for anyone else. There is no room for me. Maybe in time…" His lip tilted up in a small smile and he reached out to squeeze her knee. "What you need now more than anything is a friend. I'd like to be that friend." -JordanOverall, Angelstone is a wonderful sequel to a series that will keep you at the edge of your seat. With enemies becoming more lethal and creative, it's really hard not to get captivated as things have reached a new level. Revelations in this book will leave you in shock, frustration, and some will make you want to step into Alyx's shoes to do some serious ass kicking. You will not be disappointed!Other Favorite Quotes:"Don't judge me for what I am," Balthazar said quietly, "or the color of my skin." -Balthazar"Everyone deserves love, Israel," said Vix. "You do not need to do anything to deserve it." -Vix"If you called," he said, "I would always come. Always. No matter what. Understand?" -Israel…she moved her hand to his right side and found his heart. He placed a hand onto the top of hers, his shirt dividing them. "See," he said. "It still beats, It's in the wrong place but it still beats." "No," she said. "Nothing about you is in the wrong place." -Alyx & Israel"Your blood, despite your disgust at it, is still a part of you. It is all beautiful. Every part. You must learn to feel love for all parts." -Elder