Review: Iridescent and giveaway

Thanks to AToMR Tours for allowing me to participate in the IridescentTour.  Below you will find a link to the tour list and other sites should definitely visit!

Iridescent by Carol Oates

The Ember Series #2

Omnific Publishing - October 16,2012

237 Pages- Fiction. Young adult, Fantasy 

www.caroloates.com

Facebook: yes 

Twitter: @CarolOates

Source: Publishert and AToMR Tour

I received a digital galley, free, in exchange for my honest opinion. 

Synopsis from Amazon: Candra dreamed of saving the world one person at a time. She never expected to become an angelic weapon and the last hope in a battle against ultimate darkness. Falling for a Nephilim wasn't part of Sebastian's plan. Distraction is something he can't afford when his rival, Draven, wants what Sebastian has. Lies, manipulation, and corruption are twisting the lives of the citizens of Acheron. The Arch is missing from heaven, and a demon is intent on claiming the city. At a time they should be growing closer, grief and paranoia are driving Candra and Sebastian apart. Soon, Candra must face a terrible choice. If the price of restoring heaven is a human soul, who deserves to be saved?

My Thoughts: I really liked Ember, I thought that it was a very original take on angels and their history and interactions with humans. I haven't read very much fiction about the nephilim, and the research that I have started for my own WIP has portrayed them as dark creatures.  But, I did't get that feeling of darkness while reading Iridescent. In fact I would say that this was a bright read. I was glad to be back into the world of Ember and Sebastian. Now that they are "officially: together. There were some steamy moments, that were heart-melting. 

Of course, nothing is ever easy. As Ember tries to figure out what exactly she is and what her role in the upcoming war will be, there is the constant flux of not truly knowing. Sebastian and Draven are now working together to fight the impending evil, but the tension between them has not completely lifted. Lillith, a new character on board, has her own agenda and does what she can to manipulate Ember to her side so she can lay claim to the city she believes is rightfully hers.  In the midst of this, Ember is still adjusting to Ivy's death. But there is a confidence in Ember that is growing, it's a confidence that I don't remember seeing a lot of in the first book. (But I definitely like!)

When you put all of these ingredients together you get one heck of a edge-sitting, heart-gripping story. And I loved every minute of it! If you have not read Ember, then I definitely think you should do so now. You'll have to because  Iridescent is definitely worth picking up as well. 

4 stars ****

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Always Shine,

Starr K

Summer Reading Event with Omnific Publishing: Ember by Carol Oates

I have the wonderful opportunity to work with Omnific Publishing for the Summer Reading Blog Tour. This opportunity was made available through AToMR Tours, so thank you very much!

Ember by Carol Oates

The Ember Series #1

Omnific Publishing - July 2011

237 Pages

www.caroloates.com

Facebook:

Twitter: @CarolOates

Source: Publishert and AToMR Tours

Rating: Vibrant with emotion, believable characters. Thoroughly enjoyed the rollercoaster ride of this book.

I was given a copy of this book, free, in exchange for an honest review.

Read what this book is about here.

Whew!  I can't tell you what I was expecting when I signed up to review Ember, but whatever it was, I can say that it wasn't this.  This was an amazing, heartwrenching and heartlifting ride. A small part of me wanted it to be kind of corny, and I guess in another setting or environment it would  be. I  mean it's aboiut angels and Nephilim and the war that has not completely ended.   Ember was pushed into a whirlwind of discovery, learning who and what she truly was, who her father had been and a whole host of other secrets.. On top pf all that, she now has the burden of saving humanity on her shoulders. She must face this without really knowing who it is that she can trust.
But in truth, we don't know who it is that's trustworthy either,a nd that makes it even better. There is Sebastian who tries to hide from his bloody past. Then there's Draven who holds way too many secrets for me to fully trust him. The rivalry is thick and the sexiness factor is ramped up to dangerous heatstroke levels. 
Candra was the perfect characer to see this wold through, it was as new to her as it was to us. Maybe that's why her struggle seemed so real. I could almost feel every touch, every gasp, ever sigh. it was so utterly real that I totally forgot that angels aren't supposed to exist. I could go on and on about what I loved about this book, but to keep it short I think you should just go out and get your own copy.
If I had to list any complaints, it would be that even with the ending the enemies are not clearly defined. IF what Draven says is true than, why did he go to the lengths he went through to get everyone together.  But the cliffhanger at the end? I'm never a huge fan of cliffhangers, but I kind of liked this one. It definitely keeps you sitting on the edge of your seat while waiting for Book #1 Iridescent, due out in October.

Recommendation: Go get you a copy of Ember right now! If you don't read this, you will be disappointed.

There is also a giveaway going on for as an ePack of Omnific's YA Catologue.
a Rafflecopter giveaway


Other blogs participating in the Summer Reading Tour:
Saturday, August 11:

• The Literati Press  ~ Review EMBER
• Always YA at Heart ~ Review BREAKING POINT
• Memories Overtaking Me ~ Review LIFE LIBERTY PURSUIT
• Comfort Books ~ Review EMBER
• Sweet Southern Home ~ Review BREAKING POINT
• whoopeeyoo ~ Review DESTINY’S FIRE
• Paperbook Princess ~ Review BREAKING POINT
• We Fancy Books ~ Promotional Post
• Bookish Temptations ~ Review SHADES OF ATLANTIS

Always Shine,

Starr K

Cover

AToMR Tours Summer Reading Event