Review: Emblaze

Emblaze by Jessica Shirvington
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Source: paperback copy won via giveaway

Please note this is a review of the third book of The Violet Eden Chapters and there may be spoilers in respect to earlier books, Embrace & Enticed.

Wow, the prologue took me by surprise and reduced me to a sobbing mess. I just cannot imagine being her shoes. It was utterly heartbreaking –especially since I’m a mother myself which then brings me to my inability to sympathise with Violet & her anger. I know the reasons for her anger but I just can’t understand it.

The stakes have gone up considerably and Phoenix will do everything to get what he wants. Or at least, that’s what it seems like. Phoenix is another character whom I found confusing. I guess Violet found him a bit confusing too though she still has hopes for his humanity.

I didn’t really feel the presence of Lincoln in this book though he IS present. And had stepped up to the mark too –especially in his leadership which I liked. The tension between Lincoln & Violet has also ratcheted up though both are doing their best to ignore it. Don’t worry though, there is at least one scene which is swoon-worthy!

The best bits in this instalment for me is the prologue and the last chapter. Man, Jessica Shirvington certainly knows how to end a book! In Emblaze, Violet if faced with many choices –on which many lives & destinies depend upon. It was full of twist upon twist and was set ablaze with action. The most action-packed instalment so far and I’m loving it. I’ll be jumping on book 4 as soon as I can get a copy!

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Review: Enticed

Enticed by Jessica Shirvington
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Source: bought own paperback copy

Please note this is a review of the second book of The Violet Eden Chapters and there may be spoilers in respect to the first book, Embrace.

I was really happy with the way book 1 ended and I really wanted to know how that decision pan out for Violet. After the ‘bang’ of finishing Embrace, I felt Enticed started at a slower pace though there were lots going on that it was necessary to go at a slower pace so I can get my head around it all.

I loved the new characters introduced in this book; an easygoing guy, a kick-ass gal, and also a couple which represent hope… for Vi, for Linc, for us. I am really loving Stephanie (she’s a True BFF!) and I’m happy that she’s got a bit of a role to play than just Vi’s bestie. The second half of the book went quite fast with lots of twists and turns. Tidbits of info are scattered like crumbs throughout and are begging for me to follow on.

The only disappointment I had was Lincoln, especially at the beginning. He wasn’t there as much in the beginning and I thought he seemed weak. In a way, this highlights Vi’s strength even more. Thankfully, he redeemed himself later on.

Enticed is a fantastic sequel full of friendships, betrayal, ancient secrets, and of course, love. I have completely enjoyed the read and have got book 3, Emblaze in my hand, ready for my reading hour (which is now).

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Review: Embrace

Embrace by Jessica Shirvington
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Source: bought own paperback copy

My first read for 2015! I was happy that I’ve kickstarted the year with a fairly good read. It has taken me quite some time since I first heard a work colleague raved about it though. The good thing? I’ve 4 out 5 books so I don’t have to wait or anything like that, I can just plow through it all!

The reason I waited so long is that I have this unexplainable aversion about angels in fiction. I thought about it so many times but I just don’t know why. Perhaps it has to do with the face that I am a Christian and so I think that angels should be just as they are described in the Bible. That sounds a bit small-minded, doesn’t it? Well… I don’t have that problem anymore! I adore Embrace.

At first, I didn’t quite like Violet; turning her back on who she is because she’s got her life all mapped out already. However, as I continue reading, I appreciate this as her strength in not just being pushed into things just because… She’s intelligent, loyal, courageous, and really, quite sensible. She is far from perfect and made mistakes too, of course. It’s a part of growing up and discovering oneself and we get to see this through with Violet; where I, the backseat driver, conveniently, shook my head, rolled my eyes, screamed ‘NO!’, as well as nodding in understanding, smiling in approval, & punching the air in victory at the appropriate moments.

I really enjoyed the quotes at the beginning of each chapter. And I also like the idea of Angelic beings and the ancient battle to protect earth & humans. I, most especially, loved the ending which I will described as sensibly romantic; rather hopeful though nothing is resolved. At least, it wasn’t a cliffhanger even though the mystery is still to be solved. I have very high expectations for the rest of the series!

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Review: Disruption

Disruption by Jessica Shirvington

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Source: paperback copy courtesy of publisher

This read was the fastest 400 pages ever! I have to admit that the print was pretty big but the words finished in no time at all… Disruption was one of those reads where you NEED to keep on reading to find out what happens next and yet, you kept watching on how many pages to go til the end because you never want it to end. But the ending was just… so… evil… I’m breathlessly awaiting the sequel to this duology!!

The world has is now a different place with each individual movements being visible to those in authority. This idea in itself is not original though the Phera-tech spin to assess compatibilities between people is an interesting concept. There is, however, a tragic side of this tech where IN-compatible people are removed from society but as always, nothing is as it seems. Maggie Stevens have seen through some of these deceptions and to save someone she loves, she’s willing to sacrifice all.

I found the beginning just a tad difficult to start with –that might have to do with the time of day that I found it slightly tricky to get on in this new world. However, I did love the prologue as it was really intriguing and set the stage up for Maggie-Quentin combo. Once all, the intro, is done and the action started, there is no stopping me from rushing to the end of the book. Disruption is an intriguing action-packed fast-paced and romantic read.

One of the things I vaguely remembered Jessica Shirvington mentioned at the launch was that her vision is to write female characters that her little girls would be proud of. I think, with Maggie (as I’ve not read her other books yet!), she’s definitely got one. Maggie is one very driven, very focused young lady. She is capable and is mostly on top of things though her goal, sometimes, served as blinders to other things. She is quite awesome to behold; I loved her character development in this book and can’t wait to see where it will go next in Corruption. Can I just say once more how the ending is driving me stir crazy?!

Thank you, HarperCollins Australia, for copy of book

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