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debbyx99's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
5.0
solace_in_things's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
amybraunauthor's review
4.0
Excellent third book! I was glad that a lot of the major conflict was resolved, though it's clear that Riley's problems are far from over. She and Beck have come a long way as characters and I can't wait to see how their story ends. I was lucky enough to have Jana Oliver comment on my SOUL THIEF review on my blog, Literary Braun, assuring me that the characters get happy endings, which I believe, though it seems to me that Riley and Beck have a looooong way to go yet...
michalice's review against another edition
5.0
Forgiven picks up straight after where Forbidden ended and we are given the occasional bit of information to refresh our memories of what has happened previously.
Forgiven has to be my favourite book out of them all and I enjoyed every word of it, especially the battle scenes near the end. There is no lull in the story, its just goes from strength to strength and I was constantly guessing right to the last page about what was going to happen next and what choices would Riley make.
As a character I feel Riley is more maturer after her experiences in the previous book, and although tension is still high with Beck they manage to work together as a team without the tension getting in the way. She is getting a more active role in demon trapping and more respect off others. There are parts that I felt sorry for Riley and what she has had to deal with, but think she is strong for continuously carrying on and not letting anything knock her down.
Forgiven also brings the Trappers and Hunters together as they learn that they need to work together, and in the hunters case, that they are not always right. I was so happy to see Simon have the truth spelt out to him and that everything he believed was happening were lies fed to him and that it was his own choice to believe them. Once again Jana has done a great job in this series and book 4 couldn't come soon enough.
Forgiven has to be my favourite book out of them all and I enjoyed every word of it, especially the battle scenes near the end. There is no lull in the story, its just goes from strength to strength and I was constantly guessing right to the last page about what was going to happen next and what choices would Riley make.
As a character I feel Riley is more maturer after her experiences in the previous book, and although tension is still high with Beck they manage to work together as a team without the tension getting in the way. She is getting a more active role in demon trapping and more respect off others. There are parts that I felt sorry for Riley and what she has had to deal with, but think she is strong for continuously carrying on and not letting anything knock her down.
Forgiven also brings the Trappers and Hunters together as they learn that they need to work together, and in the hunters case, that they are not always right. I was so happy to see Simon have the truth spelt out to him and that everything he believed was happening were lies fed to him and that it was his own choice to believe them. Once again Jana has done a great job in this series and book 4 couldn't come soon enough.
hollyollyoxenfree's review
5.0
I absolutely adored the first two books in this series, and Forgiven did not disappoint at all. I loved it. Absolutely, completely loved it. It is as fast-paced and action-packed as the first two, but it has its share of tender moments, and the chemistry between Beck and Riley only grows.
I feel a lot of this book is about redemption. And Riley rises to the occasion beautifully. I really do love her character, she is so well written and well developed in this series, and she just continues to grow magnificently. I find she is a character that I can sometimes identify with, which makes her all the more realistic. Often times characters in books are just too hard to empathize with, and I start to hate them, but not Riley.
Beck. Oh Beck. I think he sometimes comes across a little judgmental towards Riley, but I know it's only because he wants the best for her and can't stand to see her hurt. I love him no matter what, and I think he also grows a lot in this book. I can't wait, at all, for the next book, because I think we will finally get to know more about him. Hopefully.
The whole cast of characters in these books are fairly likable, even Harper, sort of. I love Master Stewart, and Peter, and I hope he features more in the next book.
I think another aspect of this book is sacrifice. I won't say much about this because I don't want to give anything away, but at times I found myself on the edge of my seat, worried for the characters, and there were some very touching, as well as very heart-wrenching, moments that brought me to tears. It's wonderfully tragic.
This book series is so clever. I enjoy learning more about the demon world, Heaven and Hell, and the way Jana Oliver sets these stories up always leaves me wanting more. I wasn't sure what else she could do with these characters, but the plot never fails to have a few surprises in store. This book will make you laugh, make you cry, and just make you feel. So much. I can't wait to read the next one, and see how it all ends. Thank you Jana Oliver, for the amazing installment in this beautifully crafted series. I hope you all enjoy Forgiven as much as I did, because it's worth each and every star that I gave it.
I feel a lot of this book is about redemption. And Riley rises to the occasion beautifully. I really do love her character, she is so well written and well developed in this series, and she just continues to grow magnificently. I find she is a character that I can sometimes identify with, which makes her all the more realistic. Often times characters in books are just too hard to empathize with, and I start to hate them, but not Riley.
Beck. Oh Beck. I think he sometimes comes across a little judgmental towards Riley, but I know it's only because he wants the best for her and can't stand to see her hurt. I love him no matter what, and I think he also grows a lot in this book. I can't wait, at all, for the next book, because I think we will finally get to know more about him. Hopefully.
The whole cast of characters in these books are fairly likable, even Harper, sort of. I love Master Stewart, and Peter, and I hope he features more in the next book.
I think another aspect of this book is sacrifice. I won't say much about this because I don't want to give anything away, but at times I found myself on the edge of my seat, worried for the characters, and there were some very touching, as well as very heart-wrenching, moments that brought me to tears. It's wonderfully tragic.
This book series is so clever. I enjoy learning more about the demon world, Heaven and Hell, and the way Jana Oliver sets these stories up always leaves me wanting more. I wasn't sure what else she could do with these characters, but the plot never fails to have a few surprises in store. This book will make you laugh, make you cry, and just make you feel. So much. I can't wait to read the next one, and see how it all ends. Thank you Jana Oliver, for the amazing installment in this beautifully crafted series. I hope you all enjoy Forgiven as much as I did, because it's worth each and every star that I gave it.
electrumempousa's review against another edition
1.0
Good lord this was dreadful. I really liked the concept of the first book but I think the author lost their way very quickly, shoehorning in additional plot which didn’t actually add anything, introducing enough characters to make your head spin, and through it all main characters whose motivations and decisions make zero sense!
charlottenw1's review
4.0
I love the characters in this series and I am really fascinated with the fantasy aspect to the story. I am looking forward to the mystery that will be uncovered. The writing was really good and helped develop the storyline but I feel like the chemistry between the characters could have been more intense.
_camk_'s review against another edition
4.0
It's 2018 in Atlanta and demons still run riot but this time they seem to be that much tougher. For demon-trapper Riley, demons are just one of her problems. The Vatican and yes, the Pope are waiting for her to make one bad move, Heaven is counting on her, she has boy troubles and she still has to get her homework done for her classes, life is not easy. Yet, neither is stopping a war between Heaven and Hell, which Riley has to do also. How hard can it be?
Forgiven is more focused on Riley and how is she is dealing with, well, pretty much everything that has happened since book one. She has to deal with how it feels to see her Father again under such strange circumstances as well as the ever old issues of boys. Although Ori may be gone, he still lingers in her head and her heart. She also has to put up with Simon, he ex-boyfriend who believes she works for hell even though Riley is the reason he is still alive.
I love that Oliver has left Peter as just Riley's best friend. He has no hidden feelings for her and is there for her. I'm glad she did not write a love triangle with Riley, Beck and Peter or in this, pentagon, Riley, Beck, Peter, Ori and the still hateful Simon.
I really enjoyed the increased presence of the Demon Hunters. It was fun to have a few fresh characters. They are more three dimensional in Forgiven than they were in the second book, Forbidden. As well as the Hunters, seeing more of Mort, the necromancer and Ayden, the witch and their powers was refreshing.
The one disappointing aspect for me is the fact we see barely any demon-trapping from Riley. in the three books, her skills have barely developed and the only way she seems to get a good trap is if someone is in danger and her adrenaline kicks in. I thought at this stage, she might have learned a few new tricks but sadly, no.
Although, not the best of the Demon Trappers Series and a little more fillery than I would like, I am sure Forgiven is leading us up to an epic finish in the fourth book, Foretold.
Forgiven is more focused on Riley and how is she is dealing with, well, pretty much everything that has happened since book one. She has to deal with how it feels to see her Father again under such strange circumstances as well as the ever old issues of boys. Although Ori may be gone, he still lingers in her head and her heart. She also has to put up with Simon, he ex-boyfriend who believes she works for hell even though Riley is the reason he is still alive.
I love that Oliver has left Peter as just Riley's best friend. He has no hidden feelings for her and is there for her. I'm glad she did not write a love triangle with Riley, Beck and Peter or in this, pentagon, Riley, Beck, Peter, Ori and the still hateful Simon.
I really enjoyed the increased presence of the Demon Hunters. It was fun to have a few fresh characters. They are more three dimensional in Forgiven than they were in the second book, Forbidden. As well as the Hunters, seeing more of Mort, the necromancer and Ayden, the witch and their powers was refreshing.
The one disappointing aspect for me is the fact we see barely any demon-trapping from Riley. in the three books, her skills have barely developed and the only way she seems to get a good trap is if someone is in danger and her adrenaline kicks in. I thought at this stage, she might have learned a few new tricks but sadly, no.
Although, not the best of the Demon Trappers Series and a little more fillery than I would like, I am sure Forgiven is leading us up to an epic finish in the fourth book, Foretold.
bookishvice's review
5.0
Riley Blackthorne has a whole lot of trouble coming her way. She managed to get her father's reanimated body back but now owes Lucifer a favor. Things with Beck are shakier than ever after he found out about the Fallen. And Simon told the Vatican's Demon Hunters that she's an ally of Hell. Things get complicated when demons start banding together and become harder to kill. Armageddon is descending on Atlanta's streets and Riley seems to be the center of it. Demons, Archfiends, Fallen, Archangels and Lucifer himself will come out for this final battle, and somehow she is supposed to stop them all!
Forgiven is the third book in The Demon Trapper's saga, and it comes with exciting discoveries, scary events, and a whole lot of action! Riley's life gets more and more complicated. The Demon Hunters are after her, Beck hates her guts, and she has to stop the world from ending. There's still the mystery of the fake holy water to solve, and now the demons are returning as zombies after they're killed. It's all a whirlwind of epic battles, and emotion as Riley gets closer to figuring out what role she plays in the battle between Heaven and Hell. Oh yeah, and she still has school! It's pretty amazing how she juggles all these things, but she never gives up. She's screwed up a couple of things, but now she's ready to stand up and make things right.
One of the scenes I loved most is when Peter tells her how stupid she's been and is still being about the whole Beck thing. I was practically cheering that entire page. Though I have to admit Riley has grown as a character, she still jumps the gun to the wrong conclusions when it comes to Beck. Riley and Beck are...Well, I still want to slap them both for their stubbornness. Though in the past Beck did protect her too much, Riley still acted like a brat most of the time, doing things out of spite. So, I guess they're both to blame. At least now they're working on it and being more open and mature about their feelings. It takes the end of the world for them to admit they're head over heels for each other, but hey, whatever works. I've waited three books for that moment when they kiss and now…well, you'll have to read it to find out if I got my wish or not!
I wanted to bang my head against the wall with the ending. That reporter really needs to die, preferably at the hands of a Three who rips her apart. Riley was more mature about it than me, and she's going to fight for Beck and I so love her for that! Seriously can't wait to read the next book (which I believe is the final one?)! If you haven't read this series you definitely must, and if you have then I'll tell you now that this series only gets better and better with each book.
Forgiven is the third book in The Demon Trapper's saga, and it comes with exciting discoveries, scary events, and a whole lot of action! Riley's life gets more and more complicated. The Demon Hunters are after her, Beck hates her guts, and she has to stop the world from ending. There's still the mystery of the fake holy water to solve, and now the demons are returning as zombies after they're killed. It's all a whirlwind of epic battles, and emotion as Riley gets closer to figuring out what role she plays in the battle between Heaven and Hell. Oh yeah, and she still has school! It's pretty amazing how she juggles all these things, but she never gives up. She's screwed up a couple of things, but now she's ready to stand up and make things right.
One of the scenes I loved most is when Peter tells her how stupid she's been and is still being about the whole Beck thing. I was practically cheering that entire page. Though I have to admit Riley has grown as a character, she still jumps the gun to the wrong conclusions when it comes to Beck. Riley and Beck are...Well, I still want to slap them both for their stubbornness. Though in the past Beck did protect her too much, Riley still acted like a brat most of the time, doing things out of spite. So, I guess they're both to blame. At least now they're working on it and being more open and mature about their feelings. It takes the end of the world for them to admit they're head over heels for each other, but hey, whatever works. I've waited three books for that moment when they kiss and now…well, you'll have to read it to find out if I got my wish or not!
I wanted to bang my head against the wall with the ending. That reporter really needs to die, preferably at the hands of a Three who rips her apart. Riley was more mature about it than me, and she's going to fight for Beck and I so love her for that! Seriously can't wait to read the next book (which I believe is the final one?)! If you haven't read this series you definitely must, and if you have then I'll tell you now that this series only gets better and better with each book.