Shadow Marked by Anna J. Evans

Genre: Demons

Paperback: 308 Pages

Published: May 4, 2010

Series: Demon Bound

            1. Shadow Marked

            2. Demon Marked

Rating:★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

Samantha Quinn has been in the dark since age six, when her parents sacrificed her sight in a Satanic ritual. She is trying to get over her demonic past, but horrific lifelike visions haunt her. Her intuition gets stronger and clearer after a wild, adrenaline-fueled sexual encounter with Jace, her brother's childhood friend. And now Samantha is more tormented than ever by what she can "see"-and by what she felt in that forbidden encounter...

Samantha must now prevent the deaths she sees in her premonitions and protect her body from the same demon from her twisted childhood. Her dark curse reveals that Jace will be the next victim, and it is crystal clear that she must destroy the demon to protect her love.

My Review:

            This book definitely had a great deal of potential, but I just couldn't get into it. The beginning was entertaining, it caught my attention, and brought great moments of joy. However, by the end of the book the enjoyment was over. The reason I say this is because the end was all over the place. Basically, a big hot mess. It was a bunch of elements thrown together to make a cliff hanger of an ending trying to get the reader hooked. For me it just all fell short.

            My favorite part about this book was that Samantha was blind. I was caught off guard by this in the beginning, but I loved her character. She was strong willed, determined and stubborn as hell. What caught my attention was her demeanor. Even though she has a disability, she didn't let it stop her from doing what she wanted. She had many relationships, lots of sex, and wasn't portrayed as a poor virgin damsel in distress waiting for a man in shinning armor to save her ass. Instead at one point in the book she did the saving.

            Jace was a stubborn ass. He was the emo guy who complained and whined a lot through out the book. I have no idea what Samantha saw in him, but he pissed me off a lot during the book. I just wanted him to man up to his feelings and stop being a sad jerk. Overall, it was an okay book. Not really my favorite even though it has the potential to be a good book. Hopefully, the series picks up and delivers some action and character growth.

Foretold #4 by Jana Oliver

Genre: Demons

Paperback: 438 Pages

Published: August 2, 2012

Series: The Demon Trappers

            1. Forsaken

            2. Forbidden

            3. Forgiven

            4. Foretold

Rating:★★★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

In the fourth Demon Trappers novel, Riley faces the final battle for humanity and Beck's heart—and Hell is the least of her problems

Now that Riley’s managed to (just barely) fend off Armageddon, everything’s changed. Well . . . most things. After their passionate kiss before the big battle in the cemetery, Beck is back to treating her like a little girl, as if nothing ever happened. While she’d love to just tell him off and move on, Riley vowed to take care of Beck the way he’s taken care of her since her father’s death—but she’s about to get a whole lot more than she bargained for. When she’s commissioned to go with Beck to his hometown and help him care for his dying mother, they stumble too close to a dark and murderous secret, one that Beck fears will drive Riley away from him forever. As chaos breaks loose, Riley may be Beck's only hope for redemption . . . and survival.

Meanwhile, up in Atlanta, it’s quickly becoming clear that Heaven may have won a battle, but the war is far from over. Riley and Beck face a stormy future, as Lucifer's ex-right-hand-man, Sartael, proves himself to be more resilient than anyone thought. He has Atlanta in his grip and is about to begin a brutal war with the prince of Hell. As the seconds tick down toward a final confrontation, it's up to Riley and the man she loves to finally defeat their old enemy, or lose everything they've fought for.

My Review:

Can't believe this wonderful series has come to an end. Lets take a moment of silence while I figure out what I'm going to do with my life....

Let me start off by saying that I was looking forward to this book for one reason and one reason only---Denver 'Backwoods Boy' Beck. *Swoooooooooon* But the rest of the book was pretty good too.

In my eyes, this Southern Backwoods Boy Beck, becomes the center of this installment as the reader gets a deep look into his past and what makes Beck tick the way he does. I thoroughly enjoyed peeling the layers of Beck's personality like an onion and getting to know him on a personal level. And I have come to the conclusion that he is a very complicated character. He may have had the worst upbringing, a mother who didn't love him, a difficulty in learning, and as Riley likes to say he's a bit of a drama queen, but he is the guy who puts Riley's needs before his, he protects the people he loves, he's smart, strong, caring, a fierce fighter, hilarious (had me giggling throughout the series), owns a pet rabbit

(Riley if you don't want him, I'll take him now! *swooon*), and still managed to accomplish things despite his upbringing. When I was reading the parts about Beck, I truly felt sad for him. I wanted to cry, but at the same time I was happy that Beck was able to make something of himself. He didn't let his childhood distract him from his goal, but he did compare his childhood to his relationship with Riley. At this point I wanted to slap Beck. I wanted to say, "Are you stupid Beck? Riley is in love with you! Why are you being a guy? Just say you love her too!!!!!!!!" 

On the other hand, Riley's character, has grown into a mature young lady. I admit there were times when I questioned her ability to make decisions, but by the end of this book, she became a strong, smart, and realistic character. Riley learned that  in order to gain something, you have to give something up. And this lesson is probably the most important one she learned. Especially, with Beck. At times Beck was very distant and wouldn't let Riley in. And Riley would push him to his limit and he would run off. After a few arguments, Riley learned to back off and let Beck come to her when he was ready to talk. Plus, it was a thrill to see Riley and Beck finally accept their feelings for each other and act on them. (The scene with Harper telling them 'we don't want little Becks running around'.....HAHAHAA so funny...you gotta read this book) I have been rooting for them to get together from the beginning (probably get married and have tons of babies) and the ride has been a bumpy one, but I am very pleased with the ending.    

Although this book mainly focused on Riley and Beck, there was also a supernatural battle going on between Heaven and Hell. I felt like there wasn't much importance on this battle, but it would have been nice to learn a little bit more about what was going on. But I'm not complaining. I loved Beck and Riley's story a little more than the actual battle. Though there was one character who was very well written. Ori was the bad guy, who, in the beginning I was very suspicious of, while everyone swooned over him. However, towards the end of this book, I was moved by the sunrise scene that truly tied his whole  presence in the book. Oliver did an amazing job with that ending. 

If any of you have not picked this series up, then I recommend you drop everything right this instance and read it! I guarantee you will not be disappointed!!!! 

Forgiven #3 by Jana Oliver

Genre: Demons

Paperback: 354 Pages

Published: March 27, 2012

Series: The Demon Trappers

            1. Forsaken

            2. Forbidden

            3. Forgiven

            4. Foretold

Rating:★★★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

          The days are growing darker for 17-year-old demon trapper…

Riley Blackthorne. With her father’s reanimated body back safely, Beck barely speaking to her because of her trust with a hunky fallen angel and a deal freshly made with Lucifer, she has enough on her hands to last a normal teenage lifetime. Though she bargained with Heaven to save his life, her ex-boyfriend Simon has told the Vatican’s elite team of demon hunters that she’s working with Hell. So now she’s on the run, at the top of everyone’s most-wanted list.

Caught between her bargain with Heaven and her promise to Lucifer, Riley fears the final war is coming—and it may be closer than anyone thinks…

My Review:

            In the previous book, Riley was running from demon hunters, seeking refuge with a necromancer named Mort and reuniting with her dad back from the dead. The demon hunters suspect Riley of siding with Hell and in retaliation took Beck into their custody for questioning.

            In this book, Riley has to prove that she isn't in cahoots with the devil, save her dad's body, free his soul, keep her promise to heaven and Lucifer, investigate holy water scandal, be normal, go to school, cope with Ori's betrayal *angry gasp*, and deal with Beck. As always Riley handles herself beautifully. Not many Young Adult authors are able to create characters that have so much potential and realistic ability. So thumbs up to Oliver for creating such a lovable, realistic and admirable character.      

            Even though Riley has so much on her plat, she has a best friend, Peter supporting her at every step. Their relationship is a huge welcome change from the usual YA guy/girl best friend 'I'm in love with you drama'--neither has feelings for the other, they genuinely care about one another as best friends should. Riley's relationship with her father is also well written. They're willing to make life altering sacrifices--it was sweet and heartbreaking.   
         Beck on the other hand, was unfairly harsh to Riley for losing her virginity. I hated how Beck acted. He expected Riley to wait for him until she turned 18, while he slept with Justine--a reporter digging up Becks past-- and other girls. But when Riley slept with one guy he threw a fit. Though my favorite part was when Riley set him straight, I think Beck may have redeemed himself a bit, but I would have loved it if Riley had made him suffer just a little more.

            One character I found hilarious was Harper. He was Riley's master and a jerk, but in some twisted way he seemed to care for her. He was irritable as ever, but I have to admit I found that their conversations made me giggle:

“You could have let that thing flatten me, but you didn't. Why?”

“I could ask you the same question.”

She was too tired to edit her mouth. “You're my master. I couldn't let that thing kill another trapper, even if I think he's a total asshat.”

Harper looked at her for a long time then cracked a toothy grin. “And you're one mouthy bitch, but you're my apprentice. I don't need the reputation that my people die because I don't protect them.”

That was fair.”

            Overall, lots of action and adventure. I fell in love with all the characters. Oliver truly did a wonderful job in creating this unique demon concept, with well written characters and the very interesting 5 grade demons. I loved the Magpies, who stole all the shiny objects--they were harmless and adorable. 

Forbidden #2 by Jana oliver

Genre: Demons

Paperback: 418 Pages

Published: August 5, 2011

Series: The Demon Trappers
        1. Forsaken or The Demon Trappers          Daughter

      2. Forbidden

      3. Forgotten

      4. Foretold

Rating:★★★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

Riley Blackthorne is beginning to learn that there are worse things than death by demon. And love is just one of them… 

Seventeen-year-old Riley has about had it up to here. After the devastating battle at the Tabernacle, trappers are dead and injured, her boyfriend Simon is gravely injured, and now her beloved late father’s been illegally poached from his grave by a very powerful necromancer. As if that’s not enough, there's Ori, one sizzling hot freelance demon hunter who’s made himself Riley’s unofficial body guard, and Beck, a super over-protective “friend” who acts more like a grouchy granddad. With all the hassles, Riley’s almost ready to leave Atlanta altogether.

But as Atlanta’s demon count increases, the Vatican finally sends its own Demon Hunters to take care of the city’s “little” problem, and pandemonium breaks loose. Only Riley knows that she might be the center of Hell’s attention: an extremely powerful Grade 5 demon is stalking her, and her luck can't last forever…

My Review:

After finishing this book:

             My God. This was a mind blowing sequel! Riley and her guild are back and dealing with the aftermath of the attack on the Tabernacle. Besides this little set back, there are other problems in Riley's world: Her dad is back from the dead by an evil Necromancer hungry for power, the Vatican has sent the 'Big Dogs' to fight these demons, her boyfriend isn't the same anymore (he's kind of possessed) and to top it off, heaven and hell are recruiting Riley to their respective sides. And by adding Ori's appearances to this interesting mix, all hell is breaking loose...literally!

          
           Speaking of Ori, I'm very intrigued by his character. He claims he has come from heaven to protect Riley, but his ominous behavior is giving me the chills. I just know he's up to no good! Then there is the grade five demon who has taken a liking ( in an evil sense) to Riley and won't stop following her around since the Prince of hell wants something from her. Regardless of these dangers, Riley has grown more as a character. What I liked about her in the first book was her strength, but also her vulnerability. She was brave when it required her to be, but at the same time, she was delicate and broken. She doesn't lose this balance in this book, but still battled with the implications of the first book and made life altering decisions in this one. I truly liked that she made mature choices. Especially, when it came down to Beck. After being a little rude, Beck deserved all the anger Riley threw at him. Though I somewhat understood Beck's harshness towards Riley since there were some chapters from his point of view (POV).  

            And speaking of Beck, I would have liked to read more chapters from his POV, but he took a backseat in this book due to the intense plot brewing in Riley's life. And we get to learn a few secrets about Beck and why he is the way he is. Though you'll have to read to find out what that is, I don't wanna spoil the details! Riley and Becks relationship continues to progress into something sweet and friendly. If you're like me, then you want Riley and Beck to get married like NOW, have lots of babies, and get a Magpie for a pet. And even if that doesn't happen in this book, there were some extremely cute moments between arguments and I'm excited for their relationship to become something more. I'm just waiting for Beck to realize that Riley is truly the girl of his dreams, but that idiot won't open his eyes, no matter how many times I yell at him! -_-

Fractured #2 by Sarah Fine

Genre: Demons

Hardcover: 357 Pages

Published: October 29, 2013

Series: Guards of the Shadowlands

            1. Sanctum

            2. Fractured

            3. TBA

Rating: ★★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

In the week since Lela returned to Rhode Island as Captain of the Guard with Malachi as her second in command, local news has been dominated by chilling sightings of human-like creatures running on all fours. Lela knows there’s only one explanation: the Mazikin have arrived in the land of the living.

      Needing to maintain the appearance of a normal life for her foster mother, her probation officer, and her classmates, Lela returns to Warwick High along with Malachi. At night they secretly hunt for the Mazikin nest. To assist, two new Guards from very different parts of the Shadowlands are assigned to Lela’s unit, including the bad boy Jim, who repeatedly challenges Lela's authority. Lela struggles to keep all her Guards on the right side of the law, but their mistakes come at a terrible cost.

         As one painful revelation follows another and the Mazikin start targeting those closest to her, Lela finds herself more vulnerable than she’s ever been, wanting a future more than she ever has. With an enemy determined to separate soul from body, one question remains: how much is she willing to sacrifice to protect those she loves?

My Review:

                      AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH*screams of frustration*

                                           

That's it! I am going to the Mazikin Realm and getting Lieutenant Malachi Sokol out myself. I will do whatever it takes to get Malachi out! Why Sarah Fine? Why? I have to wait till October 2014 to read the third book to find out if Lela rescues Malachi and if they live a happily ever after in the Countryside! *heavy sign* This books ending left me angry, sad, and unsatisfied. ! I don't think I can wait any longer!!!  

So this book picks up with Lela and Malachi at school. Lela has become the new captain and Malachi has been sent to assist Lela in fighting the Mazikin. As always Malachi is controlling and overpowering since he has been a captain for hundreds of years. And now taking orders instead of giving them is very difficult for him. Especially, now that Lela is his new captain and she is still learning how to be one. But when there are too many Mazikin terrorizing and murdering innocent people and not enough demon fighters, Lela and Malachi must figure out a way to outsmart the Mazikin leader, who happens to have a personal vendetta against Malachi. Hopefully, we get to find out how Malachi and the Mazikin leader know each other and what caused all this blood shed between them.      

Fine was just brilliant at toying with my heart. I was angry, sad, happy, then angry again. It was a never ending roller coaster ride with this book. We never knew when the Mazikin were going to attack or what they had planned. It was frustrating and at times I couldn't help but scream at the book trying to get the characters to do what I wanted. But sadly that didn't work out since this book ended with the biggest cliffhanger ever. It was bigger than the ending of Inception, where you didn't quite know if Leo was still in his subconscious or the real world. Fine definitely left me hanging and wanting more. I know for sure the final book will be a killer and I'm desperate to find out what happens next!    

Sanctum by Sarah Fine

Genre: Demons, Horror

Hardcover: 433 Pages

Published: October 16, 2012

Series:Guards of the ShadowLands

           1. Sanctum

           2. Fractured

           3. TBA

Rating: ★★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

            A week ago, seventeen-year-old Lela Santos’s best friend, Nadia, killed herself. Today, thanks to a farewell ritual gone awry, Lela is standing in paradise, looking upon a vast gated city in the distance—hell. No one willingly walks through the Suicide Gates, into a place smothered in darkness and infested with depraved creatures. But Lela isn’t just anyone—she’s determined to save her best friend’s soul, even if it means sacrificing her eternal afterlife.

            As Lela struggles to find Nadia, she’s captured by the Guards, enormous, not-quite-human creatures that patrol the dark city’s endless streets. Their all-too-human leader, Malachi, is unlike them in every way except one: his deadly efficiency. When he meets Lela, Malachi forms his own plan: get her out of the city, even if it means she must leave Nadia behind. Malachi knows something Lela doesn’t—the dark city isn’t the worst place Lela could end up, and he will stop at nothing to keep her from that fate

 

My Review

            When I first picked up this book I was skeptical in reading it. I can honestly say when it comes to the subject of demons incorporated with suicide it's not my first choice. However, I can say after reading this book I changed my mind. I was blow away! The author beautifully incorporated a dark vibe with a heavy element of romance. I was surprised at how much romance played a major part in the lives of the two main characters. But being who I am, I can't really complain. The more romance the better! I found it amazing to see how Lela, a smart, strong and stubborn girl pushing herself on Malachi, given her background and childhood, but they make a *serious swoon worthy* couple.

            My favorite, favorite part of this book was the placement of the dark tower and its features. It's a tower smack dab in the middle of the suicide city. This dark and mysterious tower has the ability to bring back any and all of your worst fears and nightmares. When Lela is forced to go through the tower (since there is no other way around) she relives all of her worst memories. This to me as a reader was a very vivid part of the book and it felt like I was reliving her memories. Sarah Fine did an amazing job in this book, I can't wait to read the next two books in this series! 

Forsaken by Jana Oliver

Genre: Demons

Paperback: 422 Pages

Published: December 13, 2010

Series: The Demon Trapper's Daughter

            1. Forsaken

            2. Forbidden

            3. Forgiven

            4. Foretold

Rating: ★★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

            Riley Blackthorne just needs a chance to prove herself—and that’s exactly what the demons are counting on...

          Seventeen-year-old Riley, the only daughter of legendary Demon Trapper, Paul Blackthorne, has always dreamed of following in her father's footsteps. The good news is, with human society seriously disrupted by economic upheaval and Lucifer increasing the number of demons in all major cities, Atlanta’s local Trappers’ Guild needs all the help they can get—even from a girl. When she’s not keeping up with her homework or trying to manage her growing crush on fellow apprentice, Simon, Riley’s out saving distressed citizens from foul-mouthed little devils – Grade One Hellspawn only, of course, per the strict rules of the Guild. Life’s about as normal as can be for the average demon-trapping teen.
          But then a Grade Five Geo-Fiend crashes Riley’s routine assignment at a library, jeopardizing her life and her chosen livelihood. And, as if that wasn’t bad enough, sudden tragedy strikes the Trappers’ Guild, spinning Riley down a more dangerous path than she ever could have imagined. As her whole world crashes down around her, who can Riley trust with her heart—and her life?

My Review:     

          Forsaken is a really solid book. Seldom did I find anything not interesting or confusing in this book. It's fast paced, with great world building, and clever characters. The writing style was creative and it introduced the concept of demons beautifully. The imagery was very vivid and it let your imagination run wild. One of the things I really liked about this book was the creation of the characters. The female lead, Riley was strong, didn't have a cocky know-it-all attitude and wasn't afraid to admit she made mistakes. She's a fighter and wants to prove she can be one hell of a demon hunter, like her dad. I respect that in a character and can't wait to see how each one grows.

          My favorite character is Beck. He's a lot older for a YA book, but he's hilarious and sarcastic with an easy-going attitude. Which I happen to love in male characters. Who wants a male lead to be arrogant and cocky? And Denver Beck is anything, but cocky. Riley and Becks relationship starts off a little ruff. Beck is morally obligated to look after Riley after her fathers death. He takes it upon himself to make sure she has enough money and is safe (how sweet is that). He keeps away from Riley as much as he can unless when she needs help, but Riley is determined to tell him how she feels. Out of respect for his former mentor, Riley's father, Beck forces himself to suppress his feelings for Riley. By doing so, there is major tension created between Riley and Beck throughout the series. 

          The plot itself was very rich and new. This was my first demon novel so I found the idea of demons intriguing. My favorite part of the book was how all the demons were categorized by rank on how dangerous they are (1 being harmful  and 5 being deadly). Plus adding names to the numerous demons made the story more fun to read. My favorite was the Klepto-Fiends with their little bags and how they're attracted to shiny objects. I definitely recommend this series if you are looking for something cool to read.