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donitaluz's review
4.0
Wow, what a surprise. I honestly started this book expecting to not like it, maybe hate it if it comes down to it and I have Fallen and Hush Hush to blame for my Angel-Paranormal book trust issues, but this book reminds me just why and how much I enjoyed reading YA angel books before.
The writing style, although a little inconsistent at times, was great I really really liked it which was why even when the pacing of the story at the start was slow, really slow, I still managed to enjoy the book. The plot was all sorts of intriguing. I specifically liked how the booked tried to introduce a new concept with the wings and the armor.
Caspia is beating and wearing herself down to support his sick brother, herself and her studies. They are already an orphan but from time to time, they get some support from the people in town where they grew up with. She's a talented artist, but that's not what makes her special, it's her eyes, liquid silver colored eyes, and her ability to draw a glimpse of the future.. The Gifts of the Blood as what her grandmother says.
I had doubts with her, in fact I still do. She's supposed to be special and strong and gifted, but all I get to read from her was whining and her being a brat. Well, really I tried to understand her, I guess I'm just not yet 100% immuned with the drama. Anyway, she did show her kick-ass and interesting side but she still disappoints me from time to time.
Then there's Ethan.
I don't know if I have been watching too many Supernatural episodes lately but I can't help but imagine Ethan as.. Castiel.
Crazy I know, because Cas looks a lot older than how Ethan was describe, but with his calm and cold demeanor he's all I can think about. However, Ethan is far different from Castiel, in rank at least. He's not an archangel, he's a guardian angel. Well that's what I think he is because he guards Caspia's brother, that was his job until he decided to take it upon himself to guard Caspia as well.
Overall: I liked this book a lot. There were underdeveloped ideas and cliche but those hardly matters for me anymore because at the end of the day what really matters is if you enjoyed the book, and I did, and that ending was all sorts of perfect! I wouldn't have it any other way! Now if I could just get my hands on the book 2, that would be great.
3.5 stars I'm rounding up because of Ethan alone. Evil laugh.
"Evil, real evil, should it ever show itself to you, will wear the most beautiful form you've ever seen and charm you as nothing ever has.."Gifts of Blood is an emotional story which is also packed of cheesiness and drama. But the funny thing was.. I didn't care, because I liked it so much I'm itching to get my hands on the sequel right after I finished reading it.
The writing style, although a little inconsistent at times, was great I really really liked it which was why even when the pacing of the story at the start was slow, really slow, I still managed to enjoy the book. The plot was all sorts of intriguing. I specifically liked how the booked tried to introduce a new concept with the wings and the armor.
"Caspia, we're not birds. We don't fly. What most people see as wings are more like doors."It was ridiculous but a legit imagination. It was actually refreshing to read a bit more different to what I was used at reading. The character development were flawed but realistic as well.
Caspia is beating and wearing herself down to support his sick brother, herself and her studies. They are already an orphan but from time to time, they get some support from the people in town where they grew up with. She's a talented artist, but that's not what makes her special, it's her eyes, liquid silver colored eyes, and her ability to draw a glimpse of the future.. The Gifts of the Blood as what her grandmother says.
I had doubts with her, in fact I still do. She's supposed to be special and strong and gifted, but all I get to read from her was whining and her being a brat. Well, really I tried to understand her, I guess I'm just not yet 100% immuned with the drama. Anyway, she did show her kick-ass and interesting side but she still disappoints me from time to time.
Then there's Ethan.
"'I found the both of you hunted by darkness. And then'-he looked up at the stars-'I saw a girl with liquid silver, and everything changed.'"He's actually the main reason why I liked this book a lot. I'm more of a bad-guy type of girl, but let's be honest here, it's hard to resist a man who's selfless and smoking hot, aside from the fact that he's a freaking angel.
I don't know if I have been watching too many Supernatural episodes lately but I can't help but imagine Ethan as.. Castiel.
Crazy I know, because Cas looks a lot older than how Ethan was describe, but with his calm and cold demeanor he's all I can think about. However, Ethan is far different from Castiel, in rank at least. He's not an archangel, he's a guardian angel. Well that's what I think he is because he guards Caspia's brother, that was his job until he decided to take it upon himself to guard Caspia as well.
"'He did little things like that, carrying things, making sure I was warm, keeping me from falling, chasing away fear. I hadn't invited him to do these things; he just did, until without even realizing, I had come to like it.'"See? It's so cheesy, that alone should've turn me off, but no! This just make me love Ethan too! All the small awkward things he tried to do just keep on making me love him! He's so dreamy and he's so freaking adorable I just can't get enough of him!
Overall: I liked this book a lot. There were underdeveloped ideas and cliche but those hardly matters for me anymore because at the end of the day what really matters is if you enjoyed the book, and I did, and that ending was all sorts of perfect! I wouldn't have it any other way! Now if I could just get my hands on the book 2, that would be great.
3.5 stars I'm rounding up because of Ethan alone. Evil laugh.
chelsea_jack's review
4.0
This first book in the Angel's Edge series had me on edge for nearly two thirds of the book. Everything in the first portion of this book felt *sinister*. I was waiting for everyone to betray Caspia, our naive, head-in-the-sand heroine who draws the future. There was no one that didn't seem like they had ulterior motives or was hiding something - from her friend to her brother, Miss Alice - owner of the local herb and occult shop, and ditto Mr Markov - owner of the coffee shop.
While this constant on edge feeling made the book a little slow to start, once the plot does get moving, it gets some good traction through the end.
It wasn't perfect, but I enjoyed it and was eager to read the second book in the series! Recommend for fans of urban fantasy and/or angel-demon stories.
See this and other reviews at ToEachTheirOwnReviews.com
I received this from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
While this constant on edge feeling made the book a little slow to start, once the plot does get moving, it gets some good traction through the end.
It wasn't perfect, but I enjoyed it and was eager to read the second book in the series! Recommend for fans of urban fantasy and/or angel-demon stories.
See this and other reviews at ToEachTheirOwnReviews.com
I received this from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
alexandra_0410's review
2.0
No me gusta dejar libros por la mitad, pero leer este libro es doloroso. Es lento, la historia es un completo cliché y sin sentido.
Es una completa tortura seguir leyendo esto y prefiero pasar a un libro que sí disfrute a seguir torturándome. Sí a mi me ocurrieran las mitad de las cosas que le ocurren a la protagonista estaría histérica, pero no, ella esta calmada y todo le parece muy normal. Todo esta justificado con el poder que tiene.
No más amor a primera vista por favor (la típica protagonista antisocial, mal arreglada que es hermosa y que no tiene amigos)
Predecible, aburrido y adiós.
Es una completa tortura seguir leyendo esto y prefiero pasar a un libro que sí disfrute a seguir torturándome. Sí a mi me ocurrieran las mitad de las cosas que le ocurren a la protagonista estaría histérica, pero no, ella esta calmada y todo le parece muy normal. Todo esta justificado con el poder que tiene.
No más amor a primera vista por favor (la típica protagonista antisocial, mal arreglada que es hermosa y que no tiene amigos)
Predecible, aburrido y adiós.
saviola's review
2.0
First Hush, Hush; then Ethereal; Now this.
Maybe the Nephilim thing just isn't doing it for me... Although, I do enjoy the Infernal Devices series. Either way, you've got to believe me when I say this book is really not that great.
I will admit Keire's obvious word-smithing talent. In fact, her colorful way with words is the only reason I awarded her two stars instead of one. Unfortunately, that does little to redeem the book's lack of substance and cohesion.
The plot is missing a lot of things. There's no legitimate conflict; no significant developments; and, worst of all, there is no real REASON anything happens in this book, nothing they are working towards. I feel like the whole story is one really long prologue and a very uninformitive one at that. Basically, nothing is explained properly and it leaves you feeling like every vital development is missing. For example: Ethan is Nephilim, but it's never fully made clear just what that means. What is his purpose as a Nephilim? Who does he work for? Does he work for God, or the personification of light, or who? Why is he here now? And why is he in trouble because of it? What kinds of powers does he have? What about Caspia? Why does she have a power? Her brother is supposed to be the same as her and he has no power, so why does she? What even is her purpose at all in the conflict? Is she supposed to be some sort of savior or have a special power that wins the fight? Is there even a conflict, or is it just natural discontent between enemies? Nothing's ever even addressed in the book. Pretty much every question you have will go unanswered. Also, the whole light and dark thing is extrememly vague and unsatisfying. I think Keire tried to elaborate on it a little bit, but not enough to make sense or be a legitimate theme.
Overall, the plot in general is messy and tossed together. Often, the things that took place were either unrealistic and scoffable or downright nonsensical, especially in accordance to what the plot is actually supposed to be about. She never delves deeply enough into any theme to keep me hooked or intrigued at all. To be honest, about 60% of the way through I was reduced to skimming the words and checking the percentage bar every few seconds to see if I had gotten any closer to the end. It dissapoints me when reading a book becomes a chore and a headache.
If you're looking for a book with no depth or substance and that is void of any kind of structure or development, then you need not look any further. This is the book you're looking for.
Maybe the Nephilim thing just isn't doing it for me... Although, I do enjoy the Infernal Devices series. Either way, you've got to believe me when I say this book is really not that great.
I will admit Keire's obvious word-smithing talent. In fact, her colorful way with words is the only reason I awarded her two stars instead of one. Unfortunately, that does little to redeem the book's lack of substance and cohesion.
The plot is missing a lot of things. There's no legitimate conflict; no significant developments; and, worst of all, there is no real REASON anything happens in this book, nothing they are working towards. I feel like the whole story is one really long prologue and a very uninformitive one at that. Basically, nothing is explained properly and it leaves you feeling like every vital development is missing. For example: Ethan is Nephilim, but it's never fully made clear just what that means. What is his purpose as a Nephilim? Who does he work for? Does he work for God, or the personification of light, or who? Why is he here now? And why is he in trouble because of it? What kinds of powers does he have? What about Caspia? Why does she have a power? Her brother is supposed to be the same as her and he has no power, so why does she? What even is her purpose at all in the conflict? Is she supposed to be some sort of savior or have a special power that wins the fight? Is there even a conflict, or is it just natural discontent between enemies? Nothing's ever even addressed in the book. Pretty much every question you have will go unanswered. Also, the whole light and dark thing is extrememly vague and unsatisfying. I think Keire tried to elaborate on it a little bit, but not enough to make sense or be a legitimate theme.
Overall, the plot in general is messy and tossed together. Often, the things that took place were either unrealistic and scoffable or downright nonsensical, especially in accordance to what the plot is actually supposed to be about. She never delves deeply enough into any theme to keep me hooked or intrigued at all. To be honest, about 60% of the way through I was reduced to skimming the words and checking the percentage bar every few seconds to see if I had gotten any closer to the end. It dissapoints me when reading a book becomes a chore and a headache.
If you're looking for a book with no depth or substance and that is void of any kind of structure or development, then you need not look any further. This is the book you're looking for.
ilovereading_tn's review
4.0
I really enjoyed this story. The plot was creative and unlike any I've read before. The emotion that Caspia shows towards Ethan and Logan was truly believable. I was able to understand her grief and fear of losing those she loved along with the love she felt so strongly for them. Overall, this book was filled with romance, mystery, adventure, and even some sorrow so whatever you are looking for- it's in there and you're sure to be satisfied after finishing it.
jellicle's review
2.0
I am just not into paranormal books with angels. I got this for my kindle through a BookBub offer so I thought I would give it a try and see if it could change my mind. I liked Caspia's paranormal drawing gift and the history of the nephilim was intriguing but there was too much insta-love and not enough actual plot and character development. I just didn't get invested enough to want to read the second book. If you are into paranormal YA angel series, then I would say give the first book a try.
paula_woodruff's review
4.0
Haunting
A heart wrenching story of love and pain, this was a sad book but still a great read. The relationship between Caspia and Ethan developed a little too quickly to seem real to me; they went from strangers to lovers without much build up and I struggled to believe in their relationship. However, the relationship between Caspia and her brother was beautiful and much more believable. The writing was lovely, if slightly purple, but it definitely set a strong mood that matched the intensity of the story.
A heart wrenching story of love and pain, this was a sad book but still a great read. The relationship between Caspia and Ethan developed a little too quickly to seem real to me; they went from strangers to lovers without much build up and I struggled to believe in their relationship. However, the relationship between Caspia and her brother was beautiful and much more believable. The writing was lovely, if slightly purple, but it definitely set a strong mood that matched the intensity of the story.
ravenwolf_waf's review
4.0
I was pleasantly surprised with this book. Kindle Firsts can be a bit hit or miss, especially with self published authors.
I love Ethan but I kind of feel bad for him and his kind. Not having a choice on who you "fall" for has to suck. Then you're stuck on Earth and that person may or may not accept you. Never mind that you're immortal and they aren't. Case in point, Asheroth. I wanted to hate him but my heart breaks for him. He's like a battered, neglected pup. All he wants is to be loved but might snap at you at any moment. Instead, he stands a silent vigil for the descendants of the one he loved even though she didn't love him back.
Caspia, poor thing, is totally spastic and rightfully so! Her brother is dying of cancer, they're living paycheck to paycheck because she's the only one that can work, her parents are dead, and she keeps getting these "visions" of the future that she draws but she can't remember drawing them. Then a man from one of her drawings just shows up and seems to know everything about her. I'd be a little high strung too! But Ethan's steady calmness is just what she needs to balance herself.
Since it's from Caspia's point of view, it felt at first that the author was jumping around but then I realized that these were the moments she blacked out. That abrupt start and stop takes some getting used to but it makes sense once you understand what is going; you feel as lost as Caspia when it happens.
Since it's written as a trilogy, I'm excited to read their rest of the story.
I love Ethan but I kind of feel bad for him and his kind. Not having a choice on who you "fall" for has to suck. Then you're stuck on Earth and that person may or may not accept you. Never mind that you're immortal and they aren't. Case in point, Asheroth. I wanted to hate him but my heart breaks for him. He's like a battered, neglected pup. All he wants is to be loved but might snap at you at any moment. Instead, he stands a silent vigil for the descendants of the one he loved even though she didn't love him back.
Caspia, poor thing, is totally spastic and rightfully so! Her brother is dying of cancer, they're living paycheck to paycheck because she's the only one that can work, her parents are dead, and she keeps getting these "visions" of the future that she draws but she can't remember drawing them. Then a man from one of her drawings just shows up and seems to know everything about her. I'd be a little high strung too! But Ethan's steady calmness is just what she needs to balance herself.
Since it's from Caspia's point of view, it felt at first that the author was jumping around but then I realized that these were the moments she blacked out. That abrupt start and stop takes some getting used to but it makes sense once you understand what is going; you feel as lost as Caspia when it happens.
Since it's written as a trilogy, I'm excited to read their rest of the story.
rem98's review
1.0
I just read this book, and you can guess by my rating,that iam not pleased with this book at all.
How the story been introduced was very confusing .
The main character love intrest was just more confusing and on your face type of scenario, in addition it progressed more and faster than THE MAIN PLOT.
I really didnt like the writting style either.
it didnt make me want to read more .i just read it cause i dont like to judge a book before i finish the whole thing. Sorry but still sucked.
P.S just my opinion and not trying to offend the author in any way.
How the story been introduced was very confusing .
The main character love intrest was just more confusing and on your face type of scenario, in addition it progressed more and faster than THE MAIN PLOT.
I really didnt like the writting style either.
it didnt make me want to read more .i just read it cause i dont like to judge a book before i finish the whole thing. Sorry but still sucked.
P.S just my opinion and not trying to offend the author in any way.