Book Review: Soul Thief/Forbidden (Demon Trappers Book 2) by Jana Oliver

Title: Soul Thief (also known as Forbidden)

Author: Jana Oliver

Series: Demon Trappers

Pages: 339

My Rating: ❤❤❤❤

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...

After reading the first installment of Oliver's Demon Trappers series, I knew that I absolutely loved the characters; however, I also wanted a little more depth, a little more emotion to them...just a little. And wow, I have to say that Oliver definitely delivered!

In Soul Thief we gain a bit more insight into Beck. Not a ton, but just enough to make you see that he is absolutely adorable and has so much to offer. I am by no means a crier when it comes to reading books, don't get me wrong, I'll get emotional, but tears don't typically fall. At one certain point in the book, a certain "revelation" involving Beck literally made me tear up. I couldn't help it! I just wanted to reach through the pages and give him a hug so bad. I mean come on, he has had some major struggles in his life and this particular moment just was the thing that made me feel for him even more, just because it is an issue that people still face, and something he is striving to overcome. I won't give away any spoilers, except just be ready for a very sweet, vulnerable Denver Beck. 

So, besides containing one of the most touching scenes, Soul Thief was also full of a little mystery. I really enjoyed getting to know one of the more friendly necromancers as Riley set out to find more information about who exactly reanimated her dad. It was interesting to dive a bit deeper into that world. 

Okay, so now onto Riley. As much as I love her, she makes some questionable decisions. Which, technically I can see why she makes the decisions that she does. She has just been through so much and I really just want to see her happy, which she actually is for a brief second in this book. On that note, I will say that Soul Thief is full of surprises, and not ones that I really saw coming. I was actually thrown for a loop a time or two! 

"The end is near!" The man shouted again
"Is there still time for hot chocolate?" Riley Asked.
The End Times guy blinked. "Ah, maybe; I don't know."
"Oh, good," she said. "I'd hate to take on Hell without fueling up."

Book Review: The Demon Trapper's Daughter/Forsaken (The Demon Trappers, Book 1) by Jana Oliver

Title: The Demon Trapper's Daughter

Author: Jana Oliver

Series: The Demon Trapper's Book #1

Pages: 340

My Rating: ❤❤❤❤

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?

I read The Demon Trapper's Daughter a few years ago, but don't remember ever finishing the series. I came across this book again and remembered that I did enjoy the book, so I thought I'd pick it up again and try finishing the whole series! I am really glad that I did too!

Each character was dimensional. They all had their own unique roles to play throughout the novel and I enjoyed seeing new truths revealed about them as the storyline unfolded. Riley has gone through so much in her life and is continuing to face obstacles currently. Although I hated that it seemed as if she never got a break, I loved seeing her overcome every obstacle that she was faced with. She is a very strong, kick-ass heroine and she fit perfectly in the world that Oliver created.

Additionally, the story was told between differing perspectives, which I absolutely love! Getting Beck's perspective greatly added to the story. It gave me more insight into his character and I cannot help but love him. It's obvious that contrary to Riley's beliefs, he does indeed have a heart.

There is so much more I NEED to know about these characters and what's in store with Atlanta's demon problem!

"That’s when she’d learned that male egos and fruit had a lot in common: Both bruised easily."

Book Review: Crown of Death (Crown of Death #1; Blood Descendants Universe #9) by Keary Taylor

Title: Crown of Death
Author: Keary Taylor
Series: Crown of Death #1; Blood Descendants Universe #9
Pages: 266
My Rating: ❤❤❤❤

Years of bad luck have made Logan Pierce a little bitter, but it all goes from bad to worse the night she witnesses two immortal beings rip a man’s head off with their bare hands.

Her life is wrecked overnight by a single man—Cyrus, who seems to think she’s someone important in his bloody world. But they won’t know the truth until she’s dead, and he’s very anxious to help her get there.

But Logan isn’t going down without a fight. She makes him a deal. She will die, but first he must spend a month getting to know her, a month to change his mind. What she doesn’t expect is a month filled with displays of incredible wealth, spontaneous trips across the country, and unbelievable acts of immortal power. And as Logan spends her last days with Cyrus, she stops seeing the monster and begins to see a lonely, broken man she can’t walk away from. If she isn’t careful, it won’t just be her life she loses at the end of the month, but her heart as well...

Going into Crown of Death I didn't know what to really expect. I did not realize that this book was part of a bigger universe; however, I don't think you really need to read the other Blood Descendant installments to understand this story. I may be wrong, cause obviously I haven't read them, but I never felt lost or not in the loop while reading this installment.

I actually have other books on my kindle from Keary Taylor, however, this is the first one I have actually sat down to read...and, I am in no way disappointed! I loved the way she built the story and that she was able to create such a snarky fun character that you can't help but root for. She was absolutely great! Cyrus wasn't so bad either. He was extremely complex and I really enjoyed him and Logan's interactions, as she wasn't always so polite to him as he was used to.

I really enjoyed the overall storyline of the book, and in the end there was a twist that I hadn't really been expecting. Typically, I am just not interested in stories that tend to go in that specific direction (I'm trying to be vague here so I don't spoil anything!). It's nothing against the writing or storyline, because up until that point I had really enjoyed the story as a whole. Just because I did enjoy Taylor's writing, I may have to pick up the second installment later on. But, as a whole, I really did enjoy the story as a whole, hence the 4 star rating; however, I just don't particularly know if I will pick up the next installment based upon the direction the story was heading.

   

Book Review: Forged in Fire (The Vessel Trilogy Book 1) by Juliette Cross

Title: Forged in Fire
Author: Juliette Cross
Series: The Vessel Trilogy #1
Pages: 314
My Rating: ❤❤❤

Genevieve Drake has never been the helpless kind of girl, has never needed to be rescued. That is, not until her twentieth birthday when some dude nearly chokes her to death in an alley and a hot stranger splits the guy in half, rips a monster from inside, and incinerates it into ash.

The hot guy? Jude Delacroix—Dominus Daemonum, Master of Demons. Now her guardian, whether she likes it or not.

But she’s seriously beginning to like it.

The dude choking her? One of many demons from the underworld trying to abduct or kill Genevieve. As the prime target of the demon prince, Danté, she has no problem accepting Jude’s protection.

Why Genevieve? She’s a Vessel, one born to serve the Light but can be corrupted and used as a weapon for darkness. She had no idea this world even existed. Now, she just wants to survive it.

I found the world and characters created by Ms. Cross to be intriguing...so intriguing, that I wanted more. The characters created by Cross were fantastic, like Genevieve can be pretty snarky and bold and utterly fantastic, yet we as readers were privy to her vulnerabilities and insecurities. I appreciated how real of a character she was in a fantastical world. She has problems just like the rest of us...awkward dates, jerk professors, and all the expectations and ups and downs that come with living. She has experienced much in her twenty years and I know what she has been through would be extremely hard to overcome. One of my favorite parts of the book was where she talked about returning to school after her mother's death. Others at school were talking about her, saying that she would turn out crazy just like her mom did, however, she explained that she could let her words beat her down, or overcome them...and she did. She learned to be her confident snarky self and kick ass. There is so much more to her than being a girl attracted to this otherworldly guy. Seriously so much more. And thus, I'm left wanting more. I want to hear more about Genevieve's ability to overcome her obstacles and face the "monsters" that are waiting for her. I just want more!

Not only did I feel sort of let-down on seeing Genevieve's character fully develop, but I also felt a little lacking in the development of other characters as well. We all know that Jude has a long history and obviously has some dark seductive secrets, but being as I'm sure he's to remain a mystery until the appropriate time in the series, I'm not as upset about seeing more into his character. Instead, I do want to know more about Genevieve's dad and his other employee, Erik. There is a lot more to the two of them and I really feel a little left out not knowing their full stories. 

I see a lot of potential with this series, and I'm going to continue on and see if I can get everything I want in terms of character development. I just want to know so much more! The world Cross built and the story are super intriguing and I want to see how it all ultimately unfolds. I have high hopes for the rest of this series, and it's times like these I wish I had a rating scale with more options, but ultimately I'm going with a 3, in hopes that the rest of the series will blow this one out of the water!

"Steven grinned like an idiot, and I don't know why. It's not like one beer would suddenly make him attractive."

"Yeah," agreed my study partner Malcom, "just like Uncle Ben said, 'With great power comes great responsibility."

"I realized that we are the choices we make, not just what the world chooses to make us."

   

Book Review: Every Last Breath (The Dark Elements Book 3) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Title: Every Last Breath
Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
Series: The Dark Elements #3
Pages: 378
My Rating: ❤❤❤❤❤

Some loves will last ’til your dying breath

Every choice has consequences—but seventeen-year-old Layla faces tougher choices than most. Light or darkness. Wickedly sexy demon prince Roth, or Zayne, the gorgeous, protective Warden she never thought could be hers. Hardest of all, Layla has to decide which side of herself to trust.

Layla has a new problem, too. A Lilin—the deadliest of demons—has been unleashed, wreaking havoc on those around her…including her best friend. To keep Sam from a fate much, much worse than death, Layla must strike a deal with the enemy while saving her city—and her race—from destruction.

Torn between two worlds and two different boys, Layla has no certainties, least of all survival, especially when an old bargain comes back to haunt them all. But sometimes, when secrets are everywhere and the truth seems unknowable, you have to listen to your heart, pick a side—and then fight like hell…

Ms. Armentrout absolutely blew me away with the last installment of her Dark Elements series!! It was hilarious, beautiful, action-packed, and full of love!!! Seriously, I only thought the second book was my favorite...it's quickly been surpassed by Every Last Breath!

As always, I definitely do not want to give too much away. There is no way I want to ruin the magic for everyone else. I will say however, that this book has hands-down one of the most hilariously amazing scenes I have ever read...and believe me, I have read a ton! I will say that it involves someone partaking a bit too much and several empty beer cans. That's all I'm giving you in that department...you'll just have to find out the rest for yourself!

The story of Layla and crew had me sucked in from the very beginning. I laughed with them, cried with them, and threw my book down thinking "what are you doing?" Armentrout did not let me down as she wrapped up the story. I absolutely loved how everything played out. Yes, there are some things I wish would have happened differently, but if certain events did not happen, then our wonderful story would not have played out the way it did. We would not have been able to see some amazing character development happen, especially with my favorite demon! 

Every Last Breath was one crazy emotional ride and I enjoyed every minute of it! Also, I appreciated how the story delved into how sometimes the "purest" souls are capable of the most evil or that those we may deem "evil" can be capable of some really compassionate actions. Moral of the story, do not judge a book by it's cover! I cannot wait to get my hands on some more books by Ms. Armentrout! 

"You talk a lot," Roth growled, stepping forward. "And I mean a lot. Why is it that the bad guys always have to give disgustingly long and boring monologues? Let's just get to the killing part, all right?"

"When is there ever a right time to fully give your heart to another? There are always going to be obstacles. You just have to decide which ones are worth it."

"I was the corniest cornball in a cornfield of popcorn."

"There is nothing more useful than leather pants. They'll protect your ass while making it look fine."