{Review} Angeldust (Dark Angel #5) by Hanna Peach

Posted by Melanie
Release Date: June 30th, 2015
Finished Date: June 30th, 2015

Publishers: Self Published
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Source: For Review
Format: eARC

Pages: Unknown
Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US 

The thrilling conclusion to the Dark Angel series…

Everything about Michael’s dark plan has been hidden – until now. On an island off the coast of Egypt, a fourth Seraphim city has been discovered; a city that doesn’t appear on any Seraphim map. This city is hidden, the air smells of blood and there is something very, very wrong with the inhabitants.

Back at Castle Speranza, while Alyx is off uncovering the secret of Raphael’s charm, someone will betray her in the worst possible way…

Michael now has everything he needs. Will Alyx be able to stop Michael? Or could this be the end of the world as we know it?

The Review: Angeldust is the final book in the Dark Angel series and what an ending!
There were quite a few reveals in the last book and you’d be forgiven for thinking there was nothing more to be found…. But you’d be wrong! As the synopsis tells us; Michael has a secret island and he’s been up to no good again, this time with the warriors as he builds his own army. He nearly has all of the puzzle pieces to put his plan into action but he is missing a couple of things – a charm hidden by Raphael and of course Israel – without those, his plan is doomed to fail.
Alyx is the protector of both pieces that Michael needs, she has protected and loved Israel since the beginning and has left him safe at Castle Speranza with his new found father and the rest of the Free Thinkers, so that she can go on a quest to find Raphael’s charm in the most unlikely of places….. but when she is betrayed by one she trusted with her life, it becomes a race against time to stop Michael’s plans and she may need help from an unlikely source. When the odds are stacked against you and there’s not much hope….who do you trust? And will love conquer all?
I really loved this finale and the progression of the story and characters has been a pleasure to read. Alyx really came into her own here and became what she needed to be and did what had to be done to not only save the human race & Earth but also to save Israel – the love of her life. The wedge was felt between Alyx, Jordan and Israel following the events of book four and it was time to put the love triangle to rest once and for all. It’s a shame everything had to come between them because Jordan was a great, funny and likable character but felt really subdued in this and it really affected the rapport he had with Alyx, changing their relationship and lessening what they had been through and the bond they shared together. Israel had always been leery of Jordan around Alyx so it looks like he should be happy now.
The story was definitely the focal point here now that most of the relationship drama is done. We have Michael building a secret army on a secret island, there’s something different about this lot though and makes you realise just how long plans have been in motion. We really get to see Michael at his most evil, he will stop at nothing to make his plans happen and how do you make someone see reason when they believe that what they’re doing is for the good of all? You would think that he would have no more tricks up his sleeve…but you would be wrong and that just makes for more excitement to the story.
I loved that Alyx got to go on another quest, I love these type of threads where the character has to follow clues and hunt stuff down. Some of the events that happen in this part really give you a sense of urgency and desperation plus it’s like Alyx needed to do it, to go through some sort of self awareness so she is ready for what is to come. It also makes her see people for who they really are and it’s hit and miss as to whether she will make it out alive. Whilst this is going on, preparations are underway at the castle for the inevitable but just as Alyx has been betrayed, so have the residents of the castle and the losses will be huge.
All of this will lead to the ultimate showdown between Michael’s side and Alyx’s side. It’s not all cut and dried though because there are still a few twists to be found. People have roles, a prophecy was made and it all seemed set in stone…. But Alyx had plans of her own and it was hope that kept everyone going – and I know I was feeling it! The story was filled with action, battles, plans, secrets, a quest, alliances, betrayals, death, heartache & despair but also hope, family, love, soul mates and HEA for more than one of our characters. I have thoroughly enjoyed this series, it’s been consistently great with an engaging plot and a great set of characters set in an original world that is well written and really grabs a readers’ interest – I’ll be looking out for more from this author. 

Thank you to Hanna Peach for giving me the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an honest review.

{Review} Angelblood (Dark Angel #4) by Hanna Peach

Posted by Melanie
Release Date: June 6th, 2014

Finished Date: May 28th, 2014
Publishers: Gypsy Publishing
Genre: YA, Paranormal, Romance

Source: For Review
Format: eARC

Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US

Seven days… 

Israel’s life has been saved, but Alyx had to make a deal with the Devil to do so. She has to hand Israel over to Lucifer unless she finds a way to defeat Samyara. But first she has to find him. And the only way she can is by delving deep into the mind of Adere, Israel’s ex-girlfriend and an ex-Darkened. To do this Alyx will need Israel and Jordan, the two men fighting for her heart, to work together. But can they put aside their differences long enough?

Seven days until Israel is sentenced to Hell. Seven days to find Samyara. Seven days to raise an army. 

This will be Alyx’s greatest battle yet.

The Review: Angelblood is the penultimate book in the Dark Angel series and what a ride it was!
A lot of loose ends are starting to get tied up in this and we see Alyx having to deal with the consequences of her actions.
In the last book, Alyx had her memories of Israel and their love stolen from her, giving Alyx the opportunity to fall for Jordan. She found out about it in the end but now that Israel is awake & cured, the guilt is weighing heavily on Alyx – she didn’t mean to fall for two men and can’t choose where her heart lies – both men want her but who will she choose? I wasn’t sure whether I was down with the love triangle that came about, although I had always liked Jordan more as a love interest but things changed in this and the dynamic between Alyx & Israel seemed to change too, I have said throughout that Israel was always in the protected role with Alyx being the ‘protector’ but that changes big time here and I liked that because it put Israel in a new light. He really came into his own in this book and could back himself up, showing Alyx that he was capable and not always a liability and as I said this made a change in their relationship, he became an equal and he became someone who could stand alongside Alyx instead of behind her. I enjoyed the tension between the three of them and was actually glad that Alyx got some more attention as she had had to deal with the ‘Adere’ situation throughout the series, always wondering if Israel’s quest to set Adere free was because he still harboured feelings for her, so it was poetic justice that Israel got some of that back. Jordan was a worthy suitor for her and I thought that whoever she ended up with was a good match.
Obviously, the action is going to be good in this because it’s time for the Samyaza showdown and time is definitely ticking because Alyx has made a deal with a demon that either Samyaza will be dead in seven days…. Or she will hand Israel over to the demon Balthazar. So Adere’s welfare becomes a big issue in this because she alone holds vital information that could help in the war with Samyaza – if they can only repair her mentally and bring her out of her catatonic state – so efforts are made to help Adere fight her demons and it is done with style, I thought it was handled great and brought some good imaginative action to this book, even giving it a different feel – in a good way. Time is ticking and it adds a palpable tension to the story, there is a lot of work to do, recruits to the cause, training and of course a plan to get to Samyaza in the first place. Alyx must put everything on the line as she faces opposition to her plans, threats made on Israel’s life & threats to her heart…. She must put her faith, hope, trust and love to the test and so must those who choose to follow them because the losses they took in book three are still being felt here and not all want to fight. We still make some startling revelations throughout the book as new secrets come to light and redemption seems to be on the menu – all leading to a battle for humanity, a battle to save earth from the rule of a demon…. And what a battle it was!! You may think that this is the end…. But it isn’t as we realise that Samyaza isn’t the only threat to Alyx, Israel, the Free Thinkers and indeed, Earth – bring on book 5!! 

A Review for Angelsong (Dark Angel #3) by Hanna Peach

Posted by Melanie 
Release Date: October 18th, 2013
Finished Date: November 7th, 2013

Publishers: Gypsy Publishing
Genre: Urban Fantasy, Romance 
Source: For Review

Format: eBook
Pages: 282

Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US 

Israel lies dying from demon poison. To save him, Alyx needs the recipe for the cure, supposedly contained within the Threads of Dark, and she needs Mayrekk’s knowledge of herbs to make it.

But Mayrekk remains imprisoned in Michaelea, being punished for his hand in Alyx’s escape, and Michael himself guards the key to Mayrekk’s freedom. The Threads of Dark is sealed within a secret chamber deep under the Archives of Urielos, a Seraphim city clinging to cliffs somewhere along the coast of Italy. Even if Alyx does manage to find a way into the city, the chamber is guarded by ancient riddles and deadly traps…

Can Alyx rescue Mayrekk and retrieve the Threads of Dark before Israel slips away?

The Review: 4.5 Flowers! 

"If he dies, I die"

As Israel lies dying after being stabbed with a demon poisoned dagger, Alyx must find a cure knowing that as his Guardian that if he dies, so will she – not that she would want to survive his death – he must live, not just for her but for the entire world. Thinking that her friend Mayrekk will have the answers, she risks contacting him only to find him in a bad way and held captive by Michael and after he tells her that the answer lies in the heavily guarded ‘Threads of Dark’, Alyx puts his rescue next on her ‘to do list’. Alyx and Jordan set about on a reconnaissance mission , determined to come up with the ultimate plan that will help them gather the items they need & rescue Mayrekk in one fail swoop but that will take them right into the centre of enemy territory where many things could go wrong and if they don’t succeed, they won’t even make it to the Archives of Urielos & to the ‘Threads of Dark’. When so many things can go wrong & the life of her beloved on the line, can Alyx make it? Can she overcome the many obstacles in her way?

I really enjoyed this instalment of the ‘Dark Angel’ series and thought it took on a more adventurous feel, especially towards the end. I thought we got to see a different Alyx in this, more open and she wasn’t restricted by something (it will make sense when you read it) and I liked this, a lot! It was great to see her interact with Jordan with this new attitude and it was a major plus for me, I loved how they were in this and I think not only Alyx’s character blossomed but also Jordan and I see him in a new light now as he lets his cold façade drop and we see a bit of the person underneath and he is definitely competition for Israel.

As I mentioned, the storyline took on more of an adventurous feel with lots of pieces needed to complete the puzzle and find the cure and they all came together brilliantly, I could just imagine them being chased through the sky, bursting out of protective shields, stealthily taking down opposition and battling with swords and daggers….they made a formidable team and totally bonded through their dangerous situations. I loved what happened when they get to Urielos and what they have to do, it mentions riddles and deadly traps in the synopsis and you had better believe it has that, like a fantasy Indiana Jones, solve the puzzles type vibe going on and it’s soo good….but it’s not all adventure, we begin to see what the enemy has in store, secrets are uncovered, unexpected problems arise but there are also some happy times, weird times & heartbreaking times for all of our characters and some are still dealing with the aftermath of the Aradale tragedy, reminding us that it’s not all about Israel but he is the hope of all and Alyx will be faced with more difficult decisions in her efforts to save him and in turn the world. I’m definitely looking forward to the next book.  

A Review for Angelstone (Dark Angel #2) by Hanna Peach

Posted by Guest Reviewer, Melanie
Release Date: May 31st, 2013
Finished Date: May 10th, 2013

Publishers: Self - Published
Source: For Review 

Format: Kindle  
Pages: Unknown
Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US 

After escaping from the Hollows and the Michaelea lightwarriors, Jordan takes Alyx and Israel to Aradale, a secret Rogue community, where they appear to be safe − for now. But did they bring the enemy with them? “Mini”, the strange and speechless young girl they rescued from the Hollows, is not as she seems. Why was Elder Michael keeping her locked up? What is she hiding? 

Alyx and Israel are driven further apart as Israel continues to obsess over making Adere human and Alyx hides two secrets from him: that he may be part-demon and that she may be carrying his child, a tri-blood keye that can be used to unlock Hell. 

Out in the mortal cities, pieces of Black Stone, the only material that can disrupt the angels’ healing abilities, continue to be stolen to make weapons for Samyara’s dark army. Alyx and her friends must stop them, but this means infiltrating holy and guarded places to steal the Black Stone − a monastery in remote China, a mosque in Saudi Arabia, an art gallery in Florence and a cathedral in Peru.

Can they win this deadly race against the Darkened?

The Review: 4.5 Stars!

Angelstone picks up right where Angelfall left us – Alyx, Israel, Jordan & Mini have all escaped with their lives but not to safety, not yet - for their battle is just beginning. As they journey to the rogue community, Jordan becomes a teacher to both Alyx & Israel separately as Alyx tries to master the dreamscape in order to be less vulnerable to Michael and Israel attempts to block the magic that left him feeling weak & vulnerable. Alyx is struggling with her feelings for Israel and even though she ended it at the end of the last book, she finds it hard to shut her emotions down and whilst Israel’s heart and attention seem to be solely on Adere – he can never truly be hers – plus there’s also a couple of secret issues to consider, tangling her thoughts and emotions. Jordan further complicates matters when he reveals he wants Alyx for himself. The trio seem to be at a stalemate, not able to move here nor there for complications. When they finally reach the rogue stronghold that Jordan calls home, Alyx, Israel & Mini are introduced to the rebellion. Using magic on Mini, we finally find out what Michael’s plans for the youngster were, how she was treat and how they want her but in uncovering Mini’s secrets, someone else’s secrets are in turn revealed…. So now Michael’s plans are found, so are Samyaras – to find the Black Stone and turn it into weapons against the Seraphim – so it’s up to the rogues/free thinkers to thwart their plan by beating them to the punch but will things run smoothly because just as much as the rogues hold information, so too does their enemy.

This was a great sequel, the action and plot really got moving for me and kept my interest all the way through. I really liked Alyx & Israel’s progression as characters both as a pair and alone. Alyx, whilst still kick ass, showed a softer more vulnerable side as her warring emotions came to the forefront, she is realising the depth of her feelings for Israel, comparing those with Jordan and she even took on a maternal role towards Mini. I loved to read this happen because she always seemed to be ever the warrior and I think it softens her and endears her more to the reader. Same with Israel, although I had never viewed him as weak we get an insight to the fact that he never thinks he is good enough and even makes attempts to rectify it which actually makes him seem braver in some ways, like he’s becoming more dominant and making people sit up and notice him. As a pair they could be unstoppable, they gel, they fit together like puzzle pieces but that doesn’t mean they will just do it, they have a lot more upheaval in their futures and their ‘relationship’ in whatever form it comes must be worked out as much as their own selves. 

 The plot was a lot more exciting for me and the pacing was spot on. I struggled with the first book for a while because there was a lot to get across but I knew that once that was over ,that things would pick up and Angelstone was solid all of the way through. I love it when a book keeps me on my toes and this did. I liked the introduction of the new characters and also the appearance of some old friends, each had something to give to the story whilst not distracting from the main characters. There are a good few questions from book one answered in this which was satisfying but also lead onto more questions about what’s to come. I think the whole storyline & the world that has been created are great, I love the diverse collection of people, I love the way they use magic. I even like how the bad guys roam the earth… it’s all quite unique, intriguing & exciting! I can’t wait to see where things will go now, especially following the ending we got in this – I suppose it can only get better because this definitely surpassed book one. 

Angelfire will be FREE through Amazon for 28 May to 1 June 2013. Link HERE!

Angelstone will be on sale for US$0.99 for 31 May and 1 June only.

Except of Angelstone!

“So,” Israel said, “could I learn to defend myself against your magics?” 

“Interesting.” Jordan made a small noise in his throat. “Could a mortal raise a defense against the magics?” Jordan began to pace. “Your only option against the elemental magics – fire, water, earth, air – is just to get the hell out of the way. But the Seraphim don’t need magics to defend themselves against mental magic attacks. DreamWalker and MemorySong can be deflected by using the defender’s own will, his or her inner power... theoretically, if a mortal’s mind was strong enough, they may be able to learn to raise their mental defenses in the same way.”

It sounded like this Rogue was issuing a challenge. “I’ll do it.” Bring it, Rogue-boy. “What do you want me to do?”

Jordan stopped pacing and spun so that he was facing Israel. Jordan looked at Israel in silence for long enough that Israel began to feel uncomfortable. There was almost a leer to Jordan’s stare. The side of Jordan’s lip tilted up. “Are you asking for my help, mortal?”

This cocky prick was going to make him say it. Israel grumbled a little before acquiescing. “Yes, Rogue, I am asking for your help.”

Jordan’s face broke out into a grin. Israel didn’t have a good feeling about this. 

“On the basis that I think that this will be… an interesting experiment, I agree to help you.”

“Great.”

“On one condition.”

Of course there had to be a condition. “Which is?”

Jordan pursed his lips and stepped up to Israel. This Rogue was a few inches shorter than Israel, but he had this thing about him that made him seem bigger, taller, than he actually was. Israel lifted his chin higher. 

“Which is?” Israel repeated. He wasn’t intimidated by this Rogue, magics or not.

“You’ll do exactly as I say, when I say it.”

“But—”

“And no arguing with me.”

“You said one condition.”

Jordan narrowed his eyes. “And no arguing with me.”

Israel growled deep in his throat. “Fine. I accept your conditions.”

Author Bio:

“I write about fantastical things, especially creatures with fangs, magic or wings.

I want to tell you tales that will rip away the glamor from your life, keep you running and fighting and gasping long past the devil’s hour and maybe, just maybe, reality will look a little bit different when you return.

Sit with me around this witchlight. Let me tell you a story.”

At the beginning of 2013, Hanna left her "respectable" career, packed up her life and sold everything except for what fit in a suitcase to be a full-time writer and go "gypsy-ing" across Europe. Even she thinks that she is a little crazy sometimes.

Hanna Peach is the author of Angelfire, book 1 of the Dark Angel series. Angelstone, (Dark Angel #2) is due for publication on 31 May 2013 and Angelsong (Dark Angel #3) is due late 2013.

Website: https://www.hannapeach.com

Special Media Coverage; Angelfirel by Hanna Peach

Angelfire
by Hanna Peach
Release Date: November 22nd, 2012

Genre: Urban Fantasy/Paranormal

Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US 

An army of angels walk among us. They have kept us safe and ignorant, so far.

Earthbound for centuries and ruled by the Elders, they have established hidden cities, a society and The Code: obey your Elders, kill all demons, eliminate Rogue-angels, protect the mortals, remain hidden. Their warriors are the ungifted earthborn angels armed with blades and the ‘borrowed magics’ of distilled angel-blood tattoos.

Alyxandria is a young warrior with a fondness for customized knives and illegal night-races. If only she could overcome the taint of her parents who abandoned her to become Rogues.

When Alyx saves Israel, a gifted mortal with a past, she is forbidden to see him again. But she can’t help herself, drawn to him through their Guardian-bond, an ancient and long-forgotten bond; if he dies, she dies.

An encounter with a handsome Rogue leaves Alyx questioning all she has been taught to believe. Alyx begins to dig into the Elders’ secrets. Two thousand years of secrets that begin with the death of the Archangel Raphael. She is not prepared when she uncovers an Elder’s dark plan.

Somewhere on earth is a key to unlock hell. Somewhere on earth are pieces of an amulet that controls Lucifer and his army. Somehow Israel is the link and now both sides are after him. Who can Alyx trust when Good and Evil is no longer clear?

The war for earth begins.

Alyx Flees Michaelea!

Jason:  Good morning listeners. This is Jason Petra and you’re listening to 4BHalo. We interrupt this regular broadcast with this breaking news...

Alyxandria has fled Michealea early this morning after a Command to Capture was issued against her. I have Elder Bezebel here as the Elders’ representative. Elder, can you tell us what happened?

Bezebel:  Alyxandria has been suspected of a crime against the Elder’s. A grievous crime. However, I can’t tell you any details of the allegations just yet as it may hinder our investigations. Just know that this matter is very sensitive and very, very serious.

Jason:  And how did you come to suspect her of this alleged crime?

Bezebel:  After the first entwinement ceremony it was discovered that some locations within the Elder-dome had been breached. Some local birds advised an Elder gifted with Animale that they spotted Alyxandria leaving the Elder-dome yesterday around the time of the entwinement ceremony. Hence, a Command to Capture was issued. Unfortunately she evaded capture.

Jason:  How did Alyxandria get away?

Bezebel:  We don’t know how she got past the arresting warriors. It was like she knew they were coming. Very suspicious indeed.

Jason: Where do you think she is now?

Bezebel: We have reason to suspect that she has connections with the Rogues. We believe she may be with them now, hiding out in one of the nearby mortal cities. We have Symon, Alyxandria’s flock leader in custody now.

Jason: Thank you for your time Elder.

Bezebel: I just wanted to say to all the Michaelean’s out there, if you have any knowledge of Alyxandria’s whereabouts you should come forward. We will not be lenient to you if it is found that you assisted in her escape or withheld any information from us.

Jason:  You heard it straight from Elder Bezebel, listeners. We shall keep you updated as this story unfolds, here on 4BHalo.

Visit Michelle’s Paranormal Vault of Books on 21^st Jan to see what the Elders discover during Symon’s interrogation.

Missed the previous Angelfire ‘media’ stories? Go to www.hannapeach.com for the full Angelfire ‘media’ schedule to follow it from the start.

Hanna Peach

A writer of fantastical things, especially stories with fangs, magic or wings.

I want to tell you tales that will rip away the glamour from your life, keep you running and fighting and gasping long past the devil’s hour and maybe, just maybe, reality will look a little bit different when you return.

Sit with me around this witchlight. Let me tell you a story.

Find out more about her at:  
Facebook / Website/Blog / Goodreads

A Review for Angelfire (Dark Angel 1) by Hanna Peach

Posted by Guest Reviewer Melanie
Release Date: November 22nd, 2012

Finished Date: December 14th, 2012

Publishers: Self-Published
Source: For Review 

Format: Kindle

Pages: Unknown
Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US 

An army of angels walk among us. They have kept us safe and ignorant, so far.

Earthbound for centuries and ruled by the Elders, they have established hidden cities, a society and The Code: obey your Elders, kill all demons, eliminate Rogue-angels, protect the mortals, remain hidden. Their warriors are the ungifted earthborn angels armed with blades and the ‘borrowed magics’ of distilled angel-blood tattoos.

Alyxandria is a young warrior with a fondness for customized knives and illegal night-races. If only she could overcome the taint of her parents who abandoned her to become Rogues.

When Alyx saves Israel, a gifted mortal with a past, she is forbidden to see him again. But she can’t help herself, drawn to him through their Guardian-bond, an ancient and long-forgotten bond; if he dies, she dies.

An encounter with a handsome Rogue leaves Alyx questioning all she has been taught to believe. Alyx begins to dig into the Elders’ secrets. Two thousand years of secrets that begin with the death of the Archangel Raphael. She is not prepared when she uncovers an Elder’s dark plan.

Somewhere on earth is a key to unlock hell. Somewhere on earth are pieces of an amulet that controls Lucifer and his army. Somehow Israel is the link and now both sides are after him. Who can Alyx trust when Good and Evil is no longer clear?

The war for earth begins.

The Review: I feel the synopsis pretty much said it all, I can’t add anymore so on with my thoughts….

I did enjoy Angelfire eventually but to be honest, I struggled for the first 50%. Now, it wasn’t the writing – more the pacing that had me struggling – but I do totally get why because it’s the first book in a series, we need to meet the characters, find out about the world and get a feel for things. I always make a point to finish a book I start and because it is the first book, I expect it to be quite slow but I had really looked forward to this since getting it for review and maybe I built it up in my own mind to be great from the offset (if you know what I mean). Anyway once I was past that point and the plot started picking up pace and things slotted into place, it got very good and I enjoyed it a whole lot more.

I liked the take on Angels and Demons, the Angel society seems quite oppressive particularly for those who have too little or no magic who are then made to become warriors, forfeiting their lives for the cause whilst the ‘magically gifted’ are given every privilege and look down upon the warriors that keep them safe. On the other side we have Demons, from hell who have found that by inhibiting humans, they can partake in many sins on earth… the Angels try to prevent this and the only way to do that is to kill the human host. Things are changing though as the demons get a new advantage over the Angels and we see the revealing of a prophecy and we all know how much I love those. The characters are good, Alyx has a lot of potential but I feel like we are only just touching on that and the same with Israel… they bring about a lot of questions and curiosity in me, Alyx’s back story is touched upon and there seems to be a good story to be had from that and also from Israel as we get further down the line and learn a few things about him. I’m also really interested in Jordan and what he could bring to the story. The world created is quite vast really with the Angel realm and their different cities, the way they live, their belief system and their governing body, the human world and it’s areas, the people associated with Israel and also the demon world (although we don’t visit it), the impact they are having on earth, the humans they possess and their aims so that’s why I understood the slowness of the first half of the book and can overlook it. The story was a slow burner but once things started slotting into place, the action was great and it really got into the Urban Fantasy feel which is a genre I adore. With it being the first book also, it posed a lot more questions than it answered so you’re going to need to be in this for the series not a stand alone book and for all I struggled, I can see the potential this has as a series and will definitely look out for its sequel, hoping for more action and reveals now that we know ‘Alyx’s world’ and its dynamics.