Book Review: Foretold (The Demon Trappers, Book 4) by Jana Oliver

Title: Foretold

Author: Jana Oliver

Series: The Demon Trappers #4

Pages: 352

My Rating: ❤❤❤❤

In FORETOLD, the fourth Demon Trappers novel by Jana Oliver, 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.

Based upon the premise and what had happened in the series thus far, I had high expectations for Foretold. For the majority of the book, I was very happy with how the story progressed; however, there were some portions that I felt were kind of unnecessary or odd to me. I absolutely loved the entire plot about Beck and Riley back in his hometown. It was full of mystery, intrigue, and even had a little character depth development. This storyline had me instantly reeled in and made me want to keep reading. Once that was wrapped up I was ready for some more action! I'm happy to report, that there was some more action, I mean in a world filled with demons there had to be!

Usually I do not have a problem with reading YA, and I haven't really had a problem with this series until this book specifically. It may have something to do with how sometimes I forget Riley's age, since she has such major "end-of-the-world" stuff going on. Or it could have something to do with how it was written. I honestly have no idea, but this entire concept in the story just rubbed me the wrong way.

I don't know if this would be considered a major spoiler or anything, but if you don't want any spoilers, skip ahead! ** Okay, so the portion of the story that just seemed so out of place was the prom. It was sweet that Beck asked, but at the same time, him asking her on a nice date or setting up something special for her would have made me feel a bit better. I know Riley is still a teenager and thus, it's appropriate that she goes to prom, but still....it was all a bit weird to me. Additionally, the dress described was no way near what I would have pictured Riley in. It had little rosettes...on the neckline...rosettes!!**

Okay, now that I'm done with that little rant, I will sum up by saying that overall, I did really enjoy the Demon Trappers series as a whole thus far! I know that originally Foretold was to be the final book in this series, but I am happy to see that there are actually two additional books (besides novellas) that will enable us to see more of Riley and Beck's story. Although their story didn't pull me under and have me enthralled in the ups and downs, it truly was a sweet story. They were two people that have been through so much and were able to find comfort and support in one another. I'll have to check out the next two books to see what else is in store for them!

Book Review: Forgiven (The Demon Trappers, Book 3) by Jana Oliver

Title: Forgiven

Author: Jana Oliver

Series: The Demon Trappers #3

Pages: 354

My Rating: ❤❤❤❤

Riley has made a bargain with Heaven, and now they've come to collect.

Lucifer's finest are ruling the streets and it seems that Armageddon might be even closer than Riley imagined. But with her soul and her heart in play it's all she can do to keep herself alive, let alone save the world. Riley's not afraid of kicking some major demon butt, but when it comes to a battle between Heaven and Hell, she might need a little help...

If you're wanting a superficial bubblegum book where everything is hunky dory, this is definitely not the book...make that series, for you! Instead, if you want a book with an intriguing plot that is beautifully orchestrated and one where the characters are multi-layered, then this may be the series for you!

I have to say that I enjoyed this installment even more so than it's predecessor. Oliver was able to jam pack this book with plenty of action, mystery, some snarky humor, and moments that make you just go aww. I am not joking on that last one...not at all. There were times I, probably just like majority of the more secondary characters, was like, okay, we know exactly how you two feel...can you just let each other know already?! If you've read the previous books you definitely know which two I'm talking about too! The funny thing is, I'm not even mad about it either. Sometimes I want the love interests to just hurry up already and get it over with; however, I really am enjoying seeing Riley and Beck's dynamic. It's pretty stinkin' sweet and adorable. 

Additionally, another dynamic I am enjoying is that of the demon trappers and the hunters, and how they view their relationships with heaven and hell. I just really find the concept super interesting. The angels and Lucifer are definitely not what you would traditionally expect. Things are not always so black and white. 

As with the previous book, I am eagerly going to start the next one in the series. There are still so many questions that need to be answered! Furthermore, I just need to see more of my favorite characters!

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.