Title: Adel’s Purr, 2nd edition
Series: Elements of Love 01
Author: Sui Lynn
Genre: Paranormal, Urban Fantasy, Future Fantasy (2215)
Length: Novel (196 pages)
ISBN: 978-1-62798-374-7
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (22nd January 2014)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥4 ½ Hearts
Reviewer: Pixie
Blurb: In a world recovering from a war that devastated humanity, Evan Halvard struggles to control a power he doesn’t understand. Evan is a stonemason. He can give life to stone to create and awaken living gargoyles. When he receives a message that a large gargoyle is about to be demolished by the Church, Evan rushes to save it.
After centuries of sleep, the gargoyle has no interest in a present he can’t relate to. Yet, through the haze of his hibernation, a voice calls to him. He awakens restrained by those he swore to protect. Evan and Adel must work to understand the power connecting them and escape the evil hunting Evan, before the Church destroys Adel.
1st Edition published by Silver Publishing, July 2011
Purchase Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=4616
Review: When humanity was nearly destroyed people turned to the Church to ease their grief and when the Government’s fell the Church stepped in to lead. Evan is a young man who can awaken living stone but knows that the Church can never know his secret, so he is secretly part of an underground movement that rescues stone statues that once protected Church sanctuaries. Rescuing a large gargoyle Evan learns more about his powers and discovers that not all is well within the Church. Adel has been sleeping for a long time when he is awoken by the Maker and discovers that those that he has always protected have turned against him and his brethren, but with the Maker by his side, there is hope for all living stone. Adel and Evan must understand their connection and survive the evil ministrations of a Church Father.
Hmmm, gargoyles, post-apocalyptic Church and Elementals mix them together and we have a great start to a brilliant series. In a world that is far different from our own time, the Church leads and they have implemented laws to raise the population, but Rome isn’t in full control. Evan is a stone worker who has a little gift; he can awaken gargoyles. Evan uses his remote cabin and stonemason work for the good of the underground. To rescue statues from destruction at the hands of the church. During one rescue, he awakens a gargoyle that will change his life and bring the love that he has been lacking. Adel discovers his mate in Evan and now needs to protect him, Father Michael has his eye on Evan, and Adel knows it isn’t innocent interest and it isn’t long before the Father makes his move.
This is a great story that has some surprises, great characters and a really good storyline. We are taken into the future where the Church leads, in America the Church is wiping out gargoyles as evil, and Evan is secretly working against them. Evan has grown up seeing how harsh the Church can be so when he meets Jude and discovers the truth he finds it hard to believe, but Jude has helped him in the past and Adel thinks they should take a chance. Adel and Evan make a brilliant couple and the development of their relationship fits well with the circumstances, I also enjoyed the way the story progressed giving us just enough hints as to the direction it’s heading. The gargoyles are all well written and a large percent of them are cute small ones who are fierce protectors, one travels with Jude while the rest are like family to Evan.
The background world building is interesting and we learn a lot early in the book as to the circumstances that we find ourselves in, and it really sets the tone for when we first meet Father Michael. Father Michael is a very creepy character who you just know has his fingers in some unsavory pies and he really is slimy. When we discover the full truth about Father Michael, I have to say it wasn’t that much of a surprise, but it did help to fit in some of the pieces as to what was happening in the wider story.
I recommend this to those who love a world in the future where gargoyles are being awoken, who love a great storyline and characters, danger and startling rescues, and a love that will last.