Genre: Angels and Demons, Werewolves/Shapeshifters, Paranormal
Length: Novel (224 pages)
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (October 2, 2015)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts
Blurb: It is time for final revelations and an end to the enemies’ machinations. Now that they have all the information needed to fight the decisive battle, the Brotherhood of Archangels, led by Michael and Gabriel, march hand in hand into the very den of terror and fear. With their allies, the Archdemon Guild of Glass Knives and the Venatores, they face uncertainty and the possibility of their destruction. But Gabriel is determined not to fail, and Michael’s love for him gives him strength.
Now is not the time for sword and shield, however, but the time for guile and cunning. Gabriel and Michael must rely more and more on old foes now turned allies, and with growing uncertainty that they will prevail and save not just humanity and Earth, but all life everywhere.
As the ultimate confrontation draws close, Michael and Gabriel must battle fear, anger, and doubt as they strive to save the world and each other.
Review: This is book nine in the Archangels Chronicles. Wow what an epic ending for a finale. This story packs a punch as Gabriel and Michael fight to save everyone and everything.
I was stunned speechless by the battle scenes and the cunning the evil ones went to get what they wanted no matter the cost. As always Michael and Gabriel along with the other archangels were brilliant in their strategy. I really loved how people the archangels were once enemies’ with came and aided them in their time of need.
This book has action, mystery, suspense, romance, and drama. It will keep you on the edge of your seat as well as shedding a few tears. Wonderfully written and gives the reader a sense of actually being there to witness the last stand so to speak.
Fantastic ending to a great series. Highly recommended.
Blurb: Gabriel, Michael, and the Brotherhood of Archangels must try to deal with relationships while fulfilling duties of fighting demons and protecting humans in the Archangel Chronicles. Gabriel and Michael have been pining after each other for centuries, but an egomaniacal human trying to raise a hell army pushes their relationship to the backburner in No Quarter. Gabriel and Michael are finally reunited in No Surrender, No Retreat, but their happiness is threatened when someone begins kidnapping angels and selling them on the black market. In No Shadows Fall, newly bonded Gabriel and Michael and torn from their idyllic island retreat when Gabriel’s ancient enemy Semjaza escapes from his prison.
This is the second time I read this book and other than typos and errors lacking, there isn’t much done story-wise. Thus, while much, much easier a read this time around, it was still lacking profoundly in intensity for such an “epic” book/series.
Let’s take a look at the lore here. This series is about the Archangels and their duty bestowed to them by God to protect human kind and the plane of Earth. Specifically here, we have a megalomaniac human who believes to be himself the reincarnation of a Saint and thus he has bargained with a Fallen One, has surrounded himself with demons, and plans to open up the Gates of Hell and unleash the poor condemned souls. The Archangels must intervene and eliminate him, but the impending doom is not overthrown.
This is the main action plot and frankly, I found it lacking. The epic-ness that characterizes such reads was nowhere to be found, the characters making the backbone were quite flat and uninteresting, and the story itself was a bit ludicrous. I mean there were demons that really looked like lackeys, Archdemons that made no impression whatsoever, except for that mwahahaha-type of villain you get on all cheesy reads (seriously Ondrass was overkill), the human megalomaniac named Bob was, oh my God I have no words for him, and they all, all of them fell flat making me wonder what is the point of writing a bad guy if you don’t intend to do something with him.
Romantic wise it was just the same. Michael is supposed to be pinning for Gabriel for years, Gabriel always wanted Michael, but this meeting after a thousand years drove home the fact that he loves him. The beginning – before either of them talked – made you think we’d get the tragic/epic hotter than Hell kind of burning relationship that would make even the stars shine less in front of its brightness etc.etc. But, but I’m afraid it was the most disappointing thing. The longing one would come to expect, the you’re-finally-mine feeling one would rightly expect, the Earth-Heaven-Hell-are-nothing-before-us kind of feeling that should be there, were not. The sex was good, nice and all, but it was no match for Archangels, if not a bit cheesy and laughable at times. I was really put off with this relationship, one ought to have made it burn and explode, but this was beyond lukewarm.
As for Michael and Gabriel as personalities, oh my, especially with Michael, Archangel Michael, the Prince of Heaven, I wanted to blind myself and stop reading altogether. That was one hell of a way to ruin all my fantasies for the big badass Archangel and that I do not forgive. He was ruined and a total fail in my opinion, and while I’d go for any ludicrous story and lukewarm sex/love, ruining such a powerful figure such as Michael is a crime. Gabriel was just, I don’t know, just so weird… I’ll not go there at all.
Overall, this new edition did not bring any changes in the story. The only good thing was the fact that the typographic errors were lacking and it was easier a read than before. Still base core of this story, the backbone of it, held a slight interest, that’s why I’ll be reading the next installment and see if the series is a worth reading one or drop it and move on sort. As for this one, I don’t know. If you like, angels and demons so much and you don’t mind the above, then give it a try.
Pixie’s Review: No Surrender, No Retreat ♥♥♥3 Hearts
The war is over between the Angels and Demons and humanity has to pick up the pieces of a world that was torn to pieces. Michael and Gabriel are reunited but it isn’t all perfect, they can’t help humanity without making the situation worse and Raphael is kidnapped which leads to the discovery that other angels have gone missing. As they launch an investigation into the disappearances, Agrat is kidnapped and her bonded begins to lose himself to grief.
This is a well-written story that combines many relationships and hardships with Michael and Gabriel leading the way. Now that the war has ended and the demon Hell portals are closed humanity can begin to pick up the pieces, the angels and archangels help as much as they can but they have limitations. But problems become worse when Raphael is taken and his power is smothered, which leads to healing throughout the world beginning to fail. The other archangels must work together to discover who is kidnapping the angels and to what end, and Michael is made to face the fact that sometimes love strikes everyone, even those that he finds unacceptable.
There is quite a bit going on in this book with Michael thinking that Raphael’s lover is unsuitable, Gabriel dealing with the loss of his children, Raphael disappearing, Israfel unsure if he is good enough for Raphael, all the angels and archangels wondering how they can help mankind and then the investigation into the kidnapped angels. It is quite a good storyline but you don’t get to feel connected to any one character as it jumps from characters to characters so you don’t get to know them that well, even though you do get interested in the storyline you miss out on the characters.
There are some very romantic moments between various characters and some couples are very sweet together in the brief times that we see them together. The storyline is good and the twist was surprising, our angels are being betrayed by someone who was an ally.
I will recommend this to those who love angels and demons, true love, disgruntled archangels, and interesting storyline and a happy ending.
Shorty’s Review: No Shadow Falls ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts
Semjaza escapes from his eternal prison in the star Aquila. He has several main objectives get his family back, make Gabriel pay for imprisoning him as well as several other archangels for their roles in different things and take back what he believes is rightfully his. Semjaza seemed delusional to me in his thinking. Plus he was cruel to those he commanded. He was not fit to be a leader in my opinion.
Gabriel and Michael seem like the perfect couple. Michael, I didn’t understand why he acts as if he’s embarrassed when someone mentions sex. He’s been around humans for thousands of years surely he’s heard it all by now.
I loved all the details of the different places the archangels travelled. Very beautiful scenery. The archdemons helping the archangels was an interesting surprise. The battle scene between Semjaza and Gabriel was intense. Hot sex scenes throughout.
This is a wonderfully written story full of drama, mystery, suspense, adventure, and action. I was surprised that instead of being with humans or other beings that some Archangels were coupled with each other. Great read.
Hi guys, we have L.J. LaBarthe popping in with her upcoming release Book, Line, Sinker. L.J. Brings along a great excerpt so you can check out the story for yourself, so enjoy the post! <3 ~Pixie~
Hook, Line, Sinker
by
L.J. LaBarthe
After seventeen years serving in the Australian Army, Ash returns to his childhood home in the outback town of Quorn. Filled with the desire to live a happy life in peace and with loved ones, Ash is grimly determined to beat his PTSD and tackle his flashbacks.
What Ash isn’t prepared for is Jaxon, the new librarian in Quorn. Jaxon is calm, gentle, kind, and a rock for Ash’s battered psyche. Ash finds himself falling for the handsome newcomer, even as his mind and memories of the past torment him.
When he has the idea for a mobile library to bring books and entertainment to remote communities in the far north, Ash is delighted that Jaxon is with him every step of the way. But though the library, called Book, Line, and Sinker, takes off, Ash’s past continues to plague him. Can Jaxon’s love be enough to keep them together until Ash is strong enough to stand on his own?
Blurb: All his life, Leith has loved Aaron, and all his life, Leith has wondered if Aaron returns his feelings. Through high school, college, and beyond, Leith and Aaron are drawn together and pulled apart. Leith is finally convinced he and Aaron are not meant to be when a cowardly act of violence against Leith changes everything.
Aaron returns to Leith’s side, but Leith struggles to accept that Aaron can love him now.
If Leith doesn’t overcome his doubts and fears, he will forever be waiting for the moon and Aaron… and true love.
Review:Waiting for the Moon and You is a wonderful book which is mostly about the path that one man’s life went down after the dramas of high school. It is a warm, sweet and heartfelt tale which is written like a memoir. The writing is well done and it was just so easy for me to lose myself in (this is the 3rd book I’ve read by LJ LaBarthe and I had the same experience that time too).
As for the story itself, we centre on the life of Leith. As I said, it’s like a memoir, so the story is told entirely from Leith’s POV. I was impressed that I did not feel like I was missing parts of the story because we didn’t get the direct POV of Leith’s crush, Aaron. As for Leith himself, he was not dealt an easy card in life. This story touches on a few tricky issues including domestic violence he encounters over the years, but more important is to think of this as something of a proper journey towards true love.
This leads me to the unrequited love of Leith’s life, Aaron, which is completely mutual! More than a couple of times it seems unfathomable that these guys have not been together sooner, but then you realise that this is just exactly how life is. Things get in the way and we sometimes neglect our personal relationships or are too scared to move on with anything. Thinking on that, it’s probably accurate to add that this book is also quite poignant.
There is a lot of feeling, particularly when we see our characters go through high school and the inevitable changes that come with university or college is so easily relatable in one way or another. If you’ve not experienced it you’ve heard about such stories second or third hand. Interestingly, our love interest here, Aaron, was notably absent for over half the book but when he made his appearance…I was ready to cry like a baby half the time he popped up.
I absolutely adored this book and its characters. The minor characters, Leith’s friends and parents, are also a highlight of the story. By the end of it I wanted to hug both Aaron and Leith. If you like the memoir style narration this book is especially for you, but I tend to think that this one has a broad range of appeal for people.
Title: A Fire in the Heart Series: Archangel Chronicles, # 8 Author: L.J. LaBarthe Genre: Angels and Demons / Werewolves / Shapeshifters / Paranormal Length: Novel (216 pages) Publisher: Dreamspinner Press LLC (June 3rd 2015) Heat Level: Explicit Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts
Blurb: Sequel to A Shot in the Dark
Archangel Chronicles: Book Eight
Emotions run high as Archangels Gabriel and Michael join forces with their Brotherhood and their old allies, the Archdemon Guild of Glass Knives, to fight the new forces of terror that threaten the world. Loyalties are tested and loves are strained, some to breaking point.
This time, the threat is from a new direction, and no demons or rogue angels are involved. As their quest for victory continues, Gabriel and Michael and their allies find themselves drawn into the murky world of crime and speculations where who lives and who dies is determined by cash.
As all seems hopeless, their every measure failing, Gabriel and Michael must comfort one another and their loved ones. But even as they do all they can to save the world, can they save their love?
Review: This is book 8 in the Archangel Chronicles. It is a continuation from the previous book.
As the book starts Danny is still in a coma. The group is still on the hunt for TCC Corp group, who wants to close earth of to paranormal and supernatural beings, no matter who they are. I seriously don’t like the TCC at all. They seem bigoted, hateful, and full of themselves and give humans a bad reputation as not all humans feel the way they do.
The archangels with their allies the archdemons come together to fight off yet another threat. It was a truly horrifying new threat as witches have somehow altered their magic to be stronger yet slightly different. These are people who have been cast out from their covens and are now in cahoots with the evil TCC.
For the most part this book is about regrouping, healing, investigating more into TCC and strategizing the best way to deal with them before they can hurt anyone else or succeed with their plans to cast out all but humans from earth.
I really liked that Samael, Archangel of death and Ahijah, Nehalem, seemed to grow a closer bond. It was sad to think they would never be with anyone because of who they are. The other person I was shocked by was Danny. After coming out of his coma, he leaves everyone behind to go back home. While I understood the reasoning it was still a shock.
Though this book is not action packed it is full of awesome theories and the answers to some of them which amazed me. Also the depths with which the TCC group was willing to go just appalled me to the core. I really hope the archdemons, archangels and all their allies take these evil creatures out once and for all. I did not like the way the book ended abruptly without warning.
So this book will be continued in the next one in the series. All in all it was a great read that kept the reader engaged and entertained.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Title: Swimming With Elephants Series:Piece Us Back Together Author: L.J. LaBarthe Genre: Contemporary Length: 95 pages Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (May 13th, 2015) Heat Level: Moderate Heart Rating: ♥♥♥ 3 Hearts Blurb: After suffering a torn rotator cuff in his left shoulder, Garrett believes his life is over. Depressed, bereft, in pain, and unable to return to the career he loves as an arborist, he sees no hope or future for himself. But a trip to Havelock Island in India turns his world upside down. He meets Jai, an Indian nurse, and becomes smitten with him. Near the end of his trip, while swimming with an elephant, he tells Jai how he feels.
After Garrett returns to Australia, he wonders if he can ever be healed of all his pain—physical, emotional, and mental—and fears that love and romance will never be his again. But then Jai turns up in Perth and brings with him astonishing news.
Review: Swimming with Elephants is from the anthology (collection) Piece Us Back Together.These stories can all be read separate and standalone beautifully
Garrett is suffering depression and pain after an injury causing him to lose his business and job he loves. He goes to a special treatment facility in India to discover how to deal with his new path of life. Will he also discover love?
This is a lovely story that shows us even though we look normal we could be living with a lot of pain. I really related with this story as I live in chronic pain. It is hard to maintain a relationship I get it. I also understood poor Garret’s mental anguish about losing his lively hood as well.
I loved all the characters and the descriptions in this story are amazing. The swimming with the Elephant part was absolutely beautiful. I just wish there was a bit more action or plot to the story.
It was ok.
If you like a story with lots of description, interesting places and some romance this is for you!
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com
Hi peeps, we have Cate Ashwood, L.J. LaBarthe, and Raine O’Tierney and their anthology Piece Us Back Together but not only do we have the anthology we also have the individual stories as wellvisiting with us, we have a great excerpt, we find out 10 things about Cate Ashwood, there’s a brilliant giveaway and we have Cat’s review. So peeps check out the post, click that Rafflecopter giveaway and enjoy! <3 ~Pixie~
Piece Us Back Together
by
Cate Ashwood, LJ LaBarthe, and Raine O’Tierney
Life can seem bleak for people suffering devastating injuries or illnesses of the mind and body, and every day can be a struggle. But sometimes, when hope seems in short supply, they find a reason to keep up the fight. The men in these stories face some of the most difficult challenges imaginable, but fortunately they won’t be facing them alone, because when everything seems darkest, a point of light appears. With compassion, understanding, and love, these hurt souls have a chance to piece the broken parts of their lives and themselves into something strong and beautiful. Love might even be able to mend the most serious wounds of all—those of the heart.
Title: Mythica Series: N/A Author: L.J. LaBarthe Genre: Paranormal / Sci-Fi Length: Novel (205 pages) Publisher: Bottom Drawer Publications (September 18th 2014) Heat Level: Moderate Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 4.5 Hearts Blurb: Caiden Jones is part-Selkie and lives an idyllic life by the sea in South Australia. He’s had his fair share of disappointments, like being kept out of the Navy due to his Mythica status, but overall he’s got a pretty good life. Until he’s in the wrong place at the right time.
Cai steps in to subdue an out-of-control Minotaur and in the process suffers a serious injury to his ribs. As Cai struggles to breathe, a gorgeous suit-clad sy’lph with mesmerizing blue eyes races to his rescue. When it’s learned that the Minotaur was poisoned, the sy’lph, Gray, makes it his personal mission to keep Cai and his family safe.
Cai has always harbored some resentment towards the sy’lph because of their easy acceptance into the community, so the attraction he feels for Gray takes him by surprise. But how can they find out what this might mean when the lives of Cai and his family are endangered by someone closer than they realize?
Review: Mythica is the term used for people descended from the creature of mythology and fantasy. They are not readily accepted by the humans. The Sy’lph were aliens that come to Earth after their world was destroyed. They wear suits that hide their real forms so they appear somewhat human. The Sy’lph are treated by the humans with the utmost reverence. On the other hand, the Mythica are treated as second-class citizens with many restrictions placed on them and kept from getting many things that humans can.
Caiden and many Mythica resent the Sy’lph for the way they are treated by the humans. They are aliens who landed on Earth. Yet the Mythica who have always been there beside the humans and they are hated by so many. It takes Caiden meeting a Sy’lph named Gray to make him take a look at his own resentment issues and realize he is acting no better than the humans.
The opening of the book made me wish I could feel about the water as Caiden does. The writing just draws you in. The descriptions the author gives make you almost feel it, taste it, and touch it, whatever it may be. As Caiden learns about the Sy’lph from Gray, so does the reader. The romance itself was a slow burn. The reader learns about both MCs before the romance really starts. During all of this is the intrigue of the poisoning of Mythica and the hunt for the perpetrators.
Not to say the book is perfect it wasn’t. There were a few things that bugged me. Like what happens when the two MCs are separated for a time while Gray is locating the group doing the poisoning. Some of the behaviors they had just did not make sense to me. Also, the ending was a bit rushed in my opinion. Things were just wrapped up too fast and cleanly. But overall that the writing style and the lush descriptions do make up for a lot.
This was well worth the read. I have never read this author before, but I think I will have to look up her and try some other works she has done.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Title: The Bone Cup Series: Archangel Chronicles, #6 Author: L.J. LaBarthe Genre: Angels and Demons/ Paranormal Length: Novel (240 pages) Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (June 09, 2014) Heat Level: Moderate Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts Blurb: Sequel to The Crystal Lake
Gabriel and Michael, hand in hand and leading the Brotherhood of Archangels, the Venatores, and the Archdemon Guild of Glass Knives, march into the mouth of madness to retrieve the Holy Grail with the blessings of both God and Lucifer. They cross dimensions and battle for the future of all realities: Heaven, Hell, Earth, and Purgatory.
In Purgatory, they are reunited with Naamah and meet her children, who are terrified of her. One of her allies is an angel, but they can’t identify the traitor. Gabriel faces his worst fear when Michael is injured and he might lose the unwavering comfort Michael embodies.
If Gabriel cannot save the Holy Grail, he risks losing more than his one true love—all of creation might be destroyed along with them.
Review: This book is a continuation of the previous two books. The archangels and archdemons are desperate to stop the holy grail from corrupted any further. They figured out where Naamah is. Now they have to figure out how to stop her. She has spelled the place where she’s at. Everyone is horrified when they learn what the last thing is that corrupt the Holy Grail. Either Lucifer or Saint Michael’s death.
There is more traveling to different places to gather as much information as possible. As well as ensuring protection for those aiding in the fight against Haamah and her evil plans. It was a great plan to have Agrat and Lilith, Haamah’s two sisters, to pretend to side with her and gather information.
There was a lot going on in this book but the saddest things were the angel that helped Haamah and the way she treated her children as well as the souls in purgatory by trying to enslave them for her own purpose. I was glad she didn’t succeed.
The so called deal between Lucifer and God shocked me but it was interesting to think that could happen. Hot sex throughout as well as a surprising couple that I didn’t expect. All in all, it was a great ending.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com*
Title: The Crystal Lake Series: Archangel Chronicles, #5 Author: L.J. LaBarthe Genre: Angels and Demons, Paranormal Length: Novel (260 pages) Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (April 14, 2014) Heat Level: Moderate Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts Blurb: Sequel to The Wind-up Forest
The thief of the Grail has been identified and the Brotherhood of Archangels is moving to counter her evil machinations. But as demons flock to the side of the thief and betray Hell, monsters are enslaved and shifters and an angel turn traitor. The love between Gabriel and Michael is tested as they join the rest of the Brotherhood on the trail of Naamah. Danger makes strange bedfellows in the form of Lucifer, the Archdemons, and Lilith.
A traitor lurks among the angels and humans, and the Venatores are discovering vital new information. Lovers Liam, a Necromancer, and Baxter, a shifter working for Michael’s Venatores unit, must face not just the living but also the dead. Archangels Raziel and Uriel contend with demands on Raziel’s power that wear him to the brink of exhaustion. The Brotherhood will need all their strength to prevail against the threats surrounding them.
Review: This is a continuation of the last book. The Archangels travel all over the world looking clues as to the whereabouts of the Holy Grail. What they discover is horrifying. The person who has it is corrupting it piece by piece to unleash chaos on the world.
Some of the scenes in the book I felt were unnecessary as this book is long and drawn out as it is. The book also ends in a cliffhanger that I felt was unnecessary, as the conclusion should have been told in this one.
The traveling back in time was interesting. As well as the place where the Holy Grail was originally and the fact that a vampire was guarding it as his people imprisoned him in the cave as punishment for not turning a magical person into a vampire. The fire that burned a great deal of Africa was terrible. The kidnapping and sacrificing of Jihu’s, a shaman in North Korea, son was horrifying.
It did mention at the end that an angel was helping Haamah, one of the four succubus sisters, with her evil plans but didn’t say who it was. Some hot sex added spice to an adventurous read.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com*
Title: No Shadow Falls, 2nd edition Series: Archangels Chronicles #3 Author: L.J. LaBarthe Genre: Angels and Demons/ Paranormal Length: Novel (262 pages) Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (January 27, 2014) Heat Level: Moderate Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts
Blurb: Sequel to No Surrender, No Retreat
Newly bonded Archangels Michael and Gabriel are torn from their idyllic island retreat by the singing of hymns heralding stunning news: Gabriel’s ancient foe, Semjaza, has escaped from his prison in the stars and now seeks revenge and utter conquest.
With the wisdom of Archangel Raziel to guide them and help coming from the most unlikely of quarters, Gabriel and Michael join with the Brotherhood of Archangels to hunt Semjaza down and finish him once and for all. Because Semjaza’s return to Earth doesn’t threaten just Gabriel and his loved ones—it threatens the whole of humanity.
But even more danger lurks in the shadows, threatening the Brotherhood from within. If Gabriel and Semjaza finally face each other in single combat, will Gabriel survive the contest, or will Michael lose his one true love?
Review: Semjaza escapes from his eternal prison in the star Aquila. He has several main objectives get his family back, make Gabriel pay for imprisoning him as well as several other archangels for their roles in different things and take back what he believes is rightfully his. Semjaza seemed delusional to me in his thinking. Plus he was cruel to those he commanded. He was not fit to be a leader in my opinion.
Gabriel and Michael seem like the perfect couple. Michael, I didn’t understand why he acts as if he’s embarrassed when someone mentions sex. He’s been around humans for thousands of years surely he’s heard it all by now.
I loved all the details of the different places the archangels traveled. Very beautiful scenery. The archdemons helping the archangels was an interesting surprise. The battle scene between Semjaza and Gabriel was intense. Hot sex scenes throughout.
Wonderfully written story full of drama, mystery, suspense, adventure, and action. I was surprised that instead of being with humans or other beings that some Archangels were coupled with each other. Great read.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com*
Title: The Wind-Up Forest Series: Archangel Chronicles, #4 Author: L.J. LaBarthe Genre: Angels and Demons/ Paranormal Length: Novel (240 pages) Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (February 17, 2014) Heat Level: Moderate Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts Blurb: Sequel to No Shadows Fall
Archangel Gabriel is hoping for a quiet period in his life to enjoy his relationship with Archangel Michael, but someone has other ideas.
New dangers arise when the Holy Grail is stolen. Gabriel, Michael, and the rest of the Brotherhood of Archangels and their allies must somehow thwart the twisted desires of the thief.
Their search for the Grail takes them all over the world, calling on old friends like Uriel and Raziel, and forging powerful new alliances. Though they face a fresh set of perils in pursuit of the thief, the enduring comfort Gabriel needs so much, that of his beloved Michael never abandons him.
Review: The Holy Grail has been stolen and it is imperative that it be found and taken to its rightful place before the entire world unravels. Having very little clues the Archangels begin an investigation and discover that whoever has it can cloak themselves so that not even they can sense them. With the help of the Arch demons, again everyone begins to feel the effects of the grail being stolen.
I really enjoyed reading this book and will warn everyone that ends in a cliffhanger. All the couples do their best to help in these trying times. Michael’s group has an Alpha female, Angelique, that I don’t care for as she belittled one of her pack behind his back and to his face in front of others. She should’ve been helping him not putting him down. She has let the Alpha status go to her head and tries to order even those not in her pack around.
That’s not a good Alpha in my opinion. I hope she is not in the rest of the series.
The fact that whoever took the grail is able to cloak themselves is very troubling. I hope the archangels and arch demons find a solution around it.
Great story with amazing details and filled with mystery, suspense, action, and a lot of drama. Hot sex all throughout.
Great series so far. Can’t wait to read the rest.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com*
Blurb: Seventy years after it began, the war between angels and demons is over. Archangels Gabriel and Michael reunite at last, but a dangerous new challenge stands in the way of their happiness: someone is kidnapping angels and selling them as trophies on the black market. When Raphael, Archangel of Healing, goes missing, his tearful lover joins with the Brotherhood of Archangels and their lieutenants to rescue him.
Without Raphael’s healing touch, disease spreads quickly through the world’s human population. The situation only worsens when the angel Agrat is kidnapped: the number of sex crimes begins to rise and her husband, Gabriel’s lieutenant, loses himself to his grief. As they mount a rescue mission, Gabriel and Michael’s relationship will be put to the test. With the threat of the world dying around them and tragedy looming overhead, can Gabriel and Michael keep love and hope alive?
Pixie’s Review: This story is part of a series and must be read in order. The war is over between the Angels and Demons and humanity has to pick up the pieces of a world that was torn to pieces. Michael and Gabriel are reunited but it isn’t all perfect, they can’t help humanity without making the situation worse and Raphael is kidnapped which leads to the discovery that other angels have gone missing. As they launch an investigation into the disappearances, Agrat is kidnapped and her bonded begins to lose himself to grief.
This is a well-written story that combines many relationships and hardships with Michael and Gabriel leading the way. Now that the war has ended and the demon Hell portals are closed humanity can begin to pick up the pieces, the angels and archangels help as much as they can but they have limitations. But problems become worse when Raphael is taken and his power is smothered, which leads to healing throughout the world beginning to fail. The other archangels must work together to discover who is kidnapping the angels and to what end, and Michael is made to face the fact that sometimes love strikes everyone, even those that he finds unacceptable.
There is quite a bit going on in this book with Michael thinking that Raphael’s lover is unsuitable, Gabriel dealing with the loss of his children, Raphael disappearing, Israfel unsure if he is good enough for Raphael, all the angels and archangels wondering how they can help mankind and then the investigation into the kidnapped angels. It is quite a good storyline but you don’t get to feel connected to any one character as it jumps from characters to characters so you don’t get to know them that well, even though you do get interested in the storyline you miss out on the characters.
There are some very romantic moments between various characters and some couples are very sweet together in the brief times that we see them together. The storyline is good and the twist was surprising, our angels are being betrayed by someone who was an ally.
I will recommend this to those who love angels and demons, true love, disgruntled archangels, and interesting storyline and a happy ending.
Thommie’s Review:After No Quarter comes No Surrender, No Retreat and I find myself even less satisfied this time around. This second book does not pick up where the first ended; it rather skips the entire chunk of a 70-year war. This was perhaps the biggest disappointment I had, the fact that everything we’d been expecting from book one was skipped. All the epic battle between angels and demons vanished. In its stead there was left yet another sappy romance like tale that was poorly executed and made you shake your head constantly with the inconsistency of the plot.
I will go ahead and point out some of the things that made me give this book such a poor rating. Firstly there was Michael again and his impossible portrayal. That character is so unlikable the way he is depicted; it makes me pity the Archangel for the way he is abused in this read. His pettiness, his childish behavior, and not only Michael. All the Archangels are pretty much surreal in their behavior. They caused me a huge headache with their dialogues and nonsense.
The plot was a mood killer. A war was waged and according to the author changed everything, the world, as we know it is over. The very face of the Earth has changed, yet somehow nothing changed at all. While we’re being told of battles with Archangels’’ powers equal if not more than nuclear power, battles that destroyed the Earth as we now know it, while we’re being told of food forages and people trying to get on their feet, while we’re being told of clear water going low, we read about Archangels going to fast food stores, enjoying things they would the same way before a war happened, pulling water bottles for the ether for their consumption at the site of a mudslide where people are getting dysentery from unclean water and many, many more… The contradiction of the plot was just too much.
Moving on the action side and the basic story of this novel, I have to show my displeasure at the core story. Angels and Archangels are being kidnapped and enslaved, but the Archangels seek help from humans… because they could not find what was wrong by themselves… You have no idea how weak they were shown in this book, it drove me nuts. To top it all, this story would not have a happy ending if it were not for an Archdemon helping the Archangels yet again… I just disliked this, period.
As for the bonded pair of this book, I kept on waiting for the moment Shateiel would go in there and cause havoc in revenge for his Agrat’s kidnapping. What I got left me with my jaw hanging with disbelief. Really, this book killed each and every one of its intense parts/scenes with a slow death.
The erotic/romance part suffered as well. The abuse of power had the text suffer for some foreplay and sensuality. The get myself slicked with a thought and drive home was NOT erotic, neither appealing. The intensity one expects from angel-sex is not born out of writing the words “let’s have some Archangel sex.” on the contrary, that is one cheesy phrase I kept on encountering often. Disappointed cannot begin to describe it. Not to mention the bonding ritual that came right after both Michael and Gabriel witnessed how Shateiel bore his separation with Agrat. I don’t know, it’s like these Archangels don’t have a timeless existence… Plus the info-dump was overwhelming.
To end it all I was troubled by the fact that the author kept saying throughout the read that her characters needed a bit of time off as they keep jumping from one tragedy to the other, practically draining their powers, yet she puts them in another similar situation with Semjaza’s escape right after the angel slavery deal. Yes, we are to read about it when the other installment comes out, but the time pace is just insufferable and at the moment, I’m not even slightly intrigued by the cliffhanger.
Blurb: You would never know it from his flamboyant lifestyle, but Gabriel’s not just the cheerful, fun-loving adoptive father of a pair of indulged young adult humans. He’s an Archangel, commander of Heaven’s legions of Seraphim, and despite his apparently easy virtue, he’s harboring a serious crush on his superior officer, Michael.
For years, Michael has devoted himself to developing a team of humans, the Venatores, to aid in the fight against Hell. He’s been pining after Gabriel for centuries without hope, believing himself to be too serious to attract the other Archangel’s interest. He’s happy to discover that he’s wrong, but their burgeoning relationship is stymied by a major problem: an egomaniacal human is recruiting demons and fallen angels in a bid to take over the world. It’s up to Michael and Gabriel, and the rest of the Brotherhood of Archangels, to beat back the forces of Hell before the Earth is overrun.
Review: This is the second time I read this book and other than typos and errors lacking, there isn’t much done story-wise. Thus, while much, much easier a read this time around, it was still lacking profoundly in intensity for such an “epic” book/series.
Let’s take a look at the lore here. This series is about the Archangels and their duty bestowed to them by God to protect human kind and the plane of Earth. Specifically here, we have a megalomaniac human who believes to be himself the reincarnation of a Saint and thus he has bargained with a Fallen One, has surrounded himself with demons, and plans to open up the Gates of Hell and unleash the poor condemned souls. The Archangels must intervene and eliminate him, but the impending doom is not overthrown.
This is the main action plot and frankly, I found it lacking. The epic-ness that characterizes such reads was nowhere to be found, the characters making the backbone were quite flat and uninteresting, and the story itself was a bit ludicrous. I mean there were demons that really looked like lackeys, Archdemons that made no impression whatsoever, except for that mwahahaha-type of villain you get on all cheesy reads (seriously Ondrass was overkill), the human megalomaniac named Bob was, oh my God I have no words for him, and they all, all of them fell flat making me wonder what is the point of writing a bad guy if you don’t intend to do something with him.
Romantic wise it was just the same. Michael is supposed to be pinning for Gabriel for years, Gabriel always wanted Michael, but this meeting after a thousand years drove home the fact that he loves him. The beginning – before either of them talked – made you think we’d get the tragic/epic hotter than Hell kind of burning relationship that would make even the stars shine less in front of its brightness etc.etc. But, but I’m afraid it was the most disappointing thing. The longing one would come to expect, the you’re-finally-mine feeling one would rightly expect, the Earth-Heaven-Hell-are-nothing-before-us kind of feeling that should be there, were not. The sex was good, nice and all, but it was no match for Archangels, if not a bit cheesy and laughable at times. I was really put off with this relationship, one ought to have made it burn and explode, but this was beyond lukewarm.
As for Michael and Gabriel as personalities, oh my, especially with Michael, Archangel Michael, the Prince of Heaven, I wanted to blind myself and stop reading altogether. That was one hell of a way to ruin all my fantasies for the big badass Archangel and that I do not forgive. He was ruined and a total fail in my opinion, and while I’d go for any ludicrous story and lukewarm sex/love, ruining such a powerful figure such as Michael is a crime. Gabriel was just, I don’t know, just so weird… I’ll not go there at all.
Overall, this new edition did not bring any changes in the story. The only good thing was the fact that the typographic errors were lacking and it was easier a read than before. Still base core of this story, the backbone of it, held a slight interest, that’s why I’ll be reading the next installment and see if the series is a worth reading one or drop it and move on sort. As for this one, I don’t know. If you like, angels and demons so much and you don’t mind the above, then give it a try.
Series: Previously published short story City of Gold, 2011 Dreamspinner Press Author: L.J. LaBarthe Genre: Historical Romance, 1311 Silk Road
Length: Novel (350 pages)
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Heat Level: Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3Hearts
Blurb: 1131, The Silk Road . Gallienus of Constantinople, a scarred soldier who used to work the city gates, enters a new phase of his life when he meets and falls in love with Misahuen of Gyeongju. But prejudice of same-sex relationships dominates Byzantine society, and both the Emperor and the Church denounce such love. Should Misahuen and Gallienus be discovered, the punishment is castration or death. Fearing he’ll lose Misahuen, Gallienus decides to go with Misahuen when he leaves the city forever.
A former farmer, Misahuen fled war-torn Korea and journeyed to Constantinople with a merchant caravan. He didn’t expect to take such an interest in a wounded soldier at journey’s end. But he understands the danger, so he and Gallienus join another caravan as guardsmen and begin a two-thousand-mile trip along the Silk Road. Now all they have to do is persevere to their final destination without the truth of their relationship being discovered and being killed because of it… or by the other dangers along the Road.
Review: A lengthy love story about a refugee of war-torn Gyeongju (Korea) Misahauen; and wounded soldier Gillienus of Istanbul (Constantinople). As the two men meet and fall in love in a city that is not accepted of gay lovers, they decide not to risk death or dismemberment by the Empire if their forbidden love is discovered, instead joining a caravan traveling with a wealthy merchant and his family in 1131, along the Silk Roads to China. Misahauen and Gillienus hope make a home for themselves in a more understanding land among an accepting culture. The story seemed slow going and repetitive at first but then I quickly drew a parallel to what life must have been like traveling for an entire year by caravan. Moving at a slow pace, making camp, selling wares and packing camp on a nearly daily basis. That life must have been very repetitive and the time seemingly long while on the road. So I developed more patience and explored along with Misahuan and Gillienus as they traveled these trading routes to the east, city by city, discovering differences in food, craft, religion and other cultural practices along the way. This story is a historical novel set during the Byzantine Empire along the trade routes between Constantinople, the City of Gold and Shoaxing , the City of Jade, China; cutting through the holy lands along the way. If you are a history buff or art history buff and have a curiosity about the middle and far eastern cultures, you will enjoy this story. The journey is long, full of obstacles, but I felt I’d bonded with the main characters along the way and was sure cheering for their much-deserved HEA by the end.
Title: A Candle in the Sun
Title: Archangel Chronicles Vol. 1
Title: Waiting for the Moon and You
Title: A Fire in the Heart
Title: Swimming With Elephants
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