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Thursday 20 September 2012

A Review for Embrace (The Violet Eden Chapters #1) by Jessica Shirvington

EmbracePosted by Donna
Release Date: October 6th, 2011
Finished Date: September 7th, 2012
Publishers: Orchard
Source: For Review
Format: Paperback
Pages: 416
Buy : Amazon UK / Amazon USThe Book Depo

It starts with a whisper: "It's time for you to know who you are..."
On her 17th birthday, everything will change for Violet Eden. The boy she loves will betray her. Her enemy will save her. She will have to decide just how much she's willing to sacrifice. 
Dangerously exciting and darkly romantic, EMBRACE is a compelling novel of good and evil, seductive desires and impossible choices. A centuries old war between fallen angels and the protectors of humanity chooses a new fighter. It's a battle Violet doesn't want, but she lives her life by two rules: don't run and don't quit. If angels seek vengeance and humans are the warriors, you could do a lot worse than betting on Violet Eden. 
LINCOLN: He's been Violet's one anchor, her running partner and kickboxing trainer. Only he never told her he's Grigori--part human, part angel--and that he was training her for an ancient battle between Angels and Exiles. 
PHOENIX: No one knows where his loyalties lie, yet he's the only one there to pick up the pieces and protect her after Lincoln's lies. In a world of dark and light, he is all shades of gray. 
Two sides: Angel or Exile.
Two guys: Lincoln or Phoenix.
The wrong choice could cost not only her life, but her eternity... 
In her YA paranormal romance debut, Jessica Shirvington combines "the badass-action of Vampire Academy, the complex love triangles of Twilight, and the angel mythology of Fallen, taken one step further.

The Review: I've wanted to read Embrace seen I first seen it released in Australia and yes I wasn't happy that they had it before the rest of the world - lucky! I feel like the UK has waited for this book for ages but when I started seeing all the mixed reviews come though, I have to admit, I have always been a bit hesitant - even though I wanted to read it. Angel books seems to a hit or miss within the paranormal world, but I for one love Angel books and although Embrace wasn't a favourite, it was still worth a read. 

Embrace is the start of a new paranormal story by author Jessica Shirvington. With Angels being the centre of this story, it comes down to GOOD vs EVIL and of course....which side will Violet be on? It's not really a hard choice for Violet because she has her destiny to fulfil - which she is not happy about. The hard choice for Violet is trying to choose between the two men in her life, Lincoln and Phoenix - both to represent two different sides and of course, Violet is attached to both of them. The problem is, both of these guys love Violet but both are hiding deep dark secrets from her...but what could they be? 

I really enjoyed reading about Violet's journey, it was a tough one for her because it's not something she ever wanted for herself. She's unwilling to let all her hopes and dreams go and be happy about this new world that she wants no part of. She fights it and although she's a fighter, I also found her to be a little whiny too. Violet definitely has good bad parts about her but I think she held up quite well considering her position. 

The boys were definitely my favourite part of this book. Lincoln or Phoenix? I actually love both but I have to say, I have a weak spot for Lincoln. There's just something about him and he definitely has that WOW factor and the whole forbidden romance thing going on. I have to say I was shocked with the turn of events between Phoenix and Violet...the author took their relationship levels, I NEVER expected to be in a YA book - especially the first book. My problem was I was left wondering what the hell had happened and IF something had happened. It wasn't until a few pages later that I got the answer I was looking for. I think that scene needed to be a little clearer to stop any confusion. 

The ending of the story was really enjoyable. I loved how the author finished it off and while I didn't automatically pick up Entice - book two, in the series straight away, I still know I will be picking it soon because I can't wait to read more. I have a feeling that this series will get better and better and the books go on. 

Now I just found out this morning that the series has been optioned by CW to start turning this series into a TV show. My thoughts....HELL YEAH! I can't wait! The CW bring out so many awesome programmes but I definitely won't be watching it when it's first released. Why you ask? Well...The Secret Circle - I loved and they cancelled it after the first season. I was gutted. So yes, I will wait for a couple of seasons to be released to stop any disappointments. 

3.5 stars! 

17 comments:

Braiden said...

The books just keep on getting better. The fourth, Endless, is my favourite and, look I’m a 19 year old male and I gave that 5 stars. The series didn’t begin strong for me but as it went on I found myself more in love with Violet. Violet in Endless = to die for.

Emma Gray said...

I haven't heard if this series before, this will be added to my TBR List. I looks really good. Your so lucky to have recieved a ARC for this. Jealous! The cover is very differenty from what I have seen arounds, its very compelling. LOL! Great Review Donna, once again! :) Emma @ Never Judge a Book by its Covers

Suzanne @ Paranormal Book Fan said...

This book sounds like it has promise, but at the moment, I'm just not into angel books. Might be one to note for further down the line though. Lovely review Donna.


Excuse my stupidity, but what is CW? :)

Danny Bookworm said...

Oh really? A TV series? That would be awesome! I still need to read this series and even though you only gave it 3 stars, I'm still exited for it! Especially since you said your favorite part was the boys :)

stephforster said...

This looks interesting! I hadn't heard of The Violet Eden Chapters, but I think I will have to give them a go. It's a shame this one wasn't amazing, but wouldn't it be great if they got better as you go on? :)

Steph @ SOOTP

Maji Bookshelf said...

a TV SHOW OMG YES YES YES!! and I am so glad you liked this novel! but trust me, you need to pick up Entice because I liked it SO much more than Embrace, I had some issues with Embrace but was just so sucked into Entice!


great review


- Juhina @ Maji Bookshelf

Carly @ Fiction Fascination said...

I have been seeing this everywhere lately! I would like to give this one a go myself & oooh a T.V. show, exciting! Fab review Donna, I was gutted about The Secret Circle too. :(

Sam @ Realm of Fiction said...

This sounds pretty interesting! I've been thinking about giving these books a go soon, so I'm glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for the heads up about the TV show! I'll keep an eye out for news about that. :)

Sara Walker said...

I am not a huge fan of angel books either, they're more miss than hit for me. Your review has me interested though. We'll see.


Thanks for the review.


Sara @ Just Another Story

emaginette said...

I'll be watching out for it.

nat cleary said...

I love Angel books and cant wait to read this one!! I think it sounds like an awesome series and would definitely watch it :)

Elodie @ Once Upon a Quote said...

Glad you enjoyed this one Donna :). I'm not a big fan of angels books but I've only heard amazing things about this series. I also look forward on which team I'll be : both boys sound swoon worthy ;)

DonnasReviews said...

Suzanne, the CW is the name of an American Network Channel =)

Suzanne @ Paranormal Book Fan said...

Yeah, that's what I thought. Don't think it's one we get here though. Not that I watch much tv but I'm sure I would've heard of it lol

Miss Cass said...

I like that people have enjoyed this book. I couldn't get enough of it when I was reading it, but that was it. When I stepped back I was annoyed. Annoyed at the main character. Annoyed at her indecision and wishy-washy choices. The guys' manipulation of her, especially Lincoln "the bad boy". It was just too paranormal romance-y for me. I really wish someone would take these review copies off my hands though. They've been stuck in my room for ages and I just don't want to read on. :/ Still, I might try watching the first episode of the TV show when it comes out...

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mayceegreene said...

I have been wanting to read this book since a really long time now. I'm a little bit worried about its similarity to Twilight but you do say it holds on its own. Hmm, worth a read, I guess.

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