Book of the Month: Sequels and Three-quels

Continuing on with the book of the month, here’s a review of the other two additions in the series. Book three isn’t out yet but is expected late this year. Warning, there may be spoilers, so read at your own risk.

This is a novella published between Hidden Wings and Broken Wings. However, it actually tells the story of Alaine and Samuel and manages to clean up the mythology very well. There are some subtle mysteries hinted at that I’m hoping will enrich the rest of the series, as well.

The novella takes place from the Fall to Emma arriving to live with Alaine, but it is told sporadically, almost like a cliff note version. We see nearly all of Samuel and Alaine’s lives, both before they met and also after. It shows how Alaine grew up, how they met, how Emma was born, how Samuel “died”, how the guardians came to live with Alaine, and so on. It was a pleasant read and I would definitely recommend it if you want to have the full experience of the series.

Rating: 3 1/2 stars

The second book in the series, Hidden Wings, felt a little more rushed then the first one.  I liked how they condensed the character's to a select few, but I was mad that Kade left so early on.  I feel like the author changes her mind while in the middle of writing things and the book has an unpolished air to it.  Honestly, at some points I felt like I was reading a rough draft.  This really got on my nerves but didn't detract from the story, which is still very good.

I don't want to give too much away, but most of the novel takes place in Hell.  I really liked this.  Hell made it a "dangerous" story and brought the stakes up.  Plus, it helps that pesky problem of time lapse.  Again, this story only took place over several "days" but whereas the first one felt like it was much longer this one fit into that time frame nicely.

There weren't as many Darkling in this one which I appreciated and the "villains" were actual monsters who didn't have any sort of conscious.  Always love a good monster and these were pretty unique for the most part.  The "quest" in this story brings the characters down to Emma, Kade (who leaves early), Danyel, and Samuel.  At one point Malachi and Dom help out, but besides that we really don't see anyone else from the last book.  There's a new character introduced at the end and he's pretty important so I won't say anything.  Let me just say, though, I was a little disappointed with what he brings to the picture.  Oh, yeah, and Kade now being human (not too much of a spoiler, I promise) totally made me go "awww" in a good way.  Heart melting.

I am excited for what the next book brings, so finger's crossed it comes soon.

Rating: ***3 Stars***
Series Rating (so far): ****4 Stars****