{Review} Empower (The Violet Eden Chapters #5) by Jessica Shirvington

Posted by Melanie
Release Date: May 6th, 2014
Finished Date: August 31st, 2014

Publishers: Orchard Books 
Genre: YA Paranormal Romance
Source: For Review
Format: Paperback

Pages: 464

Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo

It has been two years since Violet Eden walked away from the city, her friends, her future and - most importantly - her soulmate, Lincoln. Part angel, part human, Violet is determined to stand by the promises she made to save the one she loves.

Living in the perpetual coldness of a broken soul she survives day to day as a Rogue Grigori in London.

But when an unexpected visitor shows up at her door, the news he bears about someone she swore to protect leaves Violet with no choice.

Even worse, she fears that this might all lead back to the night she tries hardest to forget. And what was taken without her permission.

Violet is going back to New York ... and she knows exactly who is going to be there.

With Phoenix in her dreams and Lincoln in her heart she knows it is only a matter of time before the final choice must be made.

The Review: Empower is the final book in The Violet Eden Chapters and what a finale it was!
Violet is no longer the same woman, she is broken, her soul is shattered following her 2 year self-imposed exile from those she loves and her soul mate Lincoln and sanity only stays because she shields herself from her own emotions. She survives to kill the Exiles and makes a little money doing it with a gang of Rogue Grigori in London who answer to no one. That soon changes when a familiar face arrives on her doorstep bearing bad news and the only kind that would have her hopping on the next flight back to New York, to the Academy, to Lincoln and everything she ran away from.
If you thought that Violet had embraced her Grigori powers and that we’d seen all she had to offer…..think again as she comes back with more; more strength, more power, more will and more determination because when one of those she classes a family is taken and used as a pawn… Violet is going to fight tooth and nail for what she loves and what is right, regardless.
This book was simply awesome – just as every single one of the series has been. I didn’t think Violet could be any ‘more’ than what she was but I was mistaken, she could be more and the title couldn’t be more apt as she becomes ‘empowered’.
She has gone through an amazing but harsh journey and it has been a pleasure to see this character through her struggles, she may have given everything up in the last book but in this it’s time for her redemption too. I loved the relationship between Violet and Lincoln, there’s was a forbidden love and they were never meant to be together because of their Grigori partnership but fate deemed them soul mates and it was sweet torture reading about their feelings for each other, hoping against all hope that they would find a way to be together. It was so understandable why Violet left in the last book, she was doing it to protect Lincoln from ever bearing the pain of losing her but in fact she let them live with the pain by not being together, it was heartbreaking seeing what it was doing to her and when they meet again, what it had done to them both – but again, I was hanging onto the hope that they would get their happy ever after.
I was unsure where the storyline was going to go considering the last book felt like the ending but the threat is brought from someone who seemed so insignificant in the previous book. That someone knows what Violet can do, knows how special she is and not only does he have one of her friends….. he also has her blood. I know I seriously underestimated the threat that this character could bring and it only became clear when it was revealed who & what he is and what he ultimately wants and just to keep in with the biblical battles of the series, the world could indeed end and it’s all on Violet’s shoulders. In order to be ready to face this formidable enemy, Violet must first make peace with herself, accepting everything she is meant to be and see the bigger picture… with the help from all of her friends. What ensues is an action packed epic showdown that sees New Orleans as the epicentre of a power struggle and we get to see Violet at her best but we also get to see just why her and Lincoln’s relationship is important too. The battle descriptions were amazing, it would have looked awesome visually and to be honest this whole series would make brilliant movies. I have loved this series and would recommend them to anyone. 

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

Blog Tour for Emblaze (Violet Eden Chapters #3) by Jessica Shirvington; Review + Author Interview

Posted by Melanie
Release Date: February 12th, 2013

Finished Date: February 20th, 2013

Publishers: Sourcebooks Fire
Source: For Review

Format: Paperback

Pages:  432
Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo

Once again Violet Eden faces an impossible choice ... and the consequences are unimaginable. 

Violet has come to terms with the fact that being part angel, part human, means her life will never be as it was.

Now Violet has something Phoenix - the exiled angel who betrayed her - will do anything for, and she has no intention of letting it fall into his hands. The only problem is that he has something she needs too. 

Not afraid to raise the stakes, Phoenix seemingly holds all the power, always one step ahead. And when he puts the final pieces of the prophecy together, it doesn't take him long to realise exactly who he needs in order to open the gates of Hell.

With the help of surprising new allies, ancient prophecies are deciphered, a destination set and, after a shattering confrontation with her father, Violet leaves for the islands of Greece without knowing if she will have a home to return to.

The Review: I freakin’ LOVE this series and it just keeps getting better & better (if that’s even possible)

Poor Violet never seems to catch a break as she becomes the centre of the action yet again. Following the finale of book two, the Grigori hold the exiles scroll and vice versa which can only mean one thing - Phoenix wants what they have and there is nothing he won’t do to get it, plus he will only deal with Violet, which is the last thing she needs right now, especially when her and Lincoln are trying to stay away from each other. As they race to decipher the scripture & its hidden prophecy before the handover, Phoenix is also plotting and when things go awry, Violet sees just how serious Phoenix can be. In an effort to protect those she loves Violet sets of a chain reaction that lands the Grigori exactly where they don’t want to be, the safety of the world is at stake and this time – she might not make it out alive!

Another most excellent book in the Violet Eden Chapters, I’m amazed with every instalment, just how good this series really is, I expected a bit of a plot dip somewhere in it but no, they just keep getting better as each book goes on. I had thought Entice was action packed but this blew it out of the water. The storyline was just great, we got from the last book that Phoenix wants to free his mother Lilith from hell and this is the plot for Emblaze which may sound simple but there are a lot of threads to follow before we can get to that point. There is heavy emphasis on a prophecy in this and we all know how much I love those, reading it all come together was great…. Violet of course is right in the middle of things with Phoenix. She wasn’t really herself in this book and I thought she might break multiple times. She’s desperately fighting her souls need to be with Linc which is weighing heavy on her, I love their connection, their souls crying out for each other – is there anything better than forbidden love? Well maybe, because I’m really feeling the Phoenix connection too and his bad boy/possible good boy persona is another one of my faves along with a man being redeemed by his love of a woman – so I’m hoping we might get a little something along those lines although I’d be happy either way.

I’m still loving the good vs evil, religious aspect of the series and love how it’s done. Some books with a strong religious feel always seem to bring oppression and take on a moralistic approach, slamming values & beliefs at the reader but I found this a just nice and I feel the overall message will be about love & acceptance – I do like to look for an overall message, what will sum the book up and so far, that’s a strong theme.
There was so much going on from start to finish that I wished I had the next book right beside me to carry on reading it because the ending is definitely a game changer in more ways than one and I’m so psyched to see where it’s all going to go now. I literally cannot wait for the next book – Endless.

Author Interview with Jessica Shirvington; 

If Hollywood made a movie about your life, who would you like to see play the lead role as you?

Well, I'm hardly going to suggest someone that ins't going to make me look a whole lot better, am I? So I'll go with either Anne Hathaway or Emily Blunt :) 

If you could be any character in fiction, who would you be?

Cinderella. She knows the score and has had to work hard, but things all end up pretty darn well for her in the end. 

If you could be a superhero, what would you want your superpowers to be?

Flying would be kind of cool - though I am afraid of heights, so maybe, reading minds would be better. 

If you were deserted on an island, what three favourite things would you want with you?

I'm assuming I can't take people. (If I could I'd take my husband and two kids - I'm selfish like that!)

objects I'd take:

Everlasting supply of pens 

And paper

Lighter

What would we find in your refrigerator right now?

Left over Thai take out. Cheese. Fish. Lots of fruit and veg.

If you were to purchase a book, do you prefer to buy your books online or in store?

Both. At first I really didn't like ebooks but now, if I'm reading a series or want something instantly - which often happens late at night - then I just download it. I am buying more and more ebooks all the time.

List 3 books you have recently read and would recommend?

Carnival of Souls - Melissa Marr

The lost Symbol - Dan Brown

Poison Study - Maria V Snyder

Where is one place in the world that you would really love to visit someday?

Hawaii 

And finally, who is your ultimate book boyfriend? 

I'd have to go with Valek from the Poison Study Series, by Maria V Snyder

Author Bio: 

Jessica Shirvington is the author of THE VIOLET EDEN CHAPTERS also known as THE EMBRACE SERIES. An entrepreneur, author, and mother living in Sydney, Australia, Jessica is also a 2011 finalist for Cosmopolitan’s annual Fun, Fearless Female Award. She’s also one of the lucky few who met the love of her life at age seventeen: Matt Shirvington, a former Olympian and current sports broadcaster for FOXTEL and Sky News. Married for almost eleven years with two beautiful daughters, Sienna and Winter, Jessica knows her early age romance and its longevity has definitely contributed to how she tackles relationships in her YA novels. Previously, she founded a coffee distribution company, Stella Imports, in London, and before that was involved in the management of restaurants Fuel Bistro and MG Garage in Sydney. Jessica is now a full-time novelist and living her dream.

Author Interview with Jessica Shirvington + UK/IRE Giveaway

Embrace (Violet Eden Chapters #1)
by Jessica Shirvington

Publishers: Orchard 

Buy :  Amazon UK / Amazon US/ The 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... 

Author Interview with Jessica Shirvington

1) When and why did you begin writing?

   I only began to write seriously when I started the story of Embrace. It's a strange thing, but writing a book didn't ever occur to me - it wasn't until I was near the end of my first draft that I realised what was going on. I'm really grateful it happened this way as I'm sure the task of writing a novel would've been altogether too daunting otherwise. :)

2) What inspired you to write Embrace?

   It started with wanting to write a story about a girl who had a history she was trying to overcome, who was flawed, who made mistakes and had to deal with the consequences, but who was also strong and determined and willing to make the biggest sacrifices. From there I started to research angel mythology and when I discovered the angel hierarchy I knew I wanted to incorporate that along with a world that wasn't black and white, but rather grey and open to interpretation.

3) How did you come up with the title?

   I didn't! My publishers came up with the title of Embrace. I think they came up with Entice too, and then I suggested Emblaze for book 3 and Endless for book 4. Once we decided on the 'E' theme for the titles it was really a matter of suggestion and elimination. I must admit it can be a bit frustrating when searching for the right word, but overall, I love the way it connects the titles and covers.

4) Is there a message in your book that you want readers to grasp?

   No real message. The idea of reading a book and in particular a series, is to go on a journey with the characters. I want readers to enjoy the stories and see that characters can make crazy decisions and big mistakes, but that they can come through the other side strong and capable because of those mistakes. My goal as a writer is to entertain readers, to tell the best story I can. If they take a message away, then great (if it is a good message of course!).

5) Who's your favourite character to write?

   I spend all of my time in Violet's head. My husband jokes that she is the fifth member of our family, and in many ways he is right. I feel like she is with me all the time and I am always considering her reactions to situations (yes...weird!). I had a lot of fun discovering and developing Spence's character in Entice. He is such a fun character and writes himself half of the time. I also have a soft spot for Onyx.

7) Who's the hardest character to write?

   Sometimes I find Lincoln a challenge. Mostly because a lot of his thoughts come through in his actions and he keeps many of his emotions bottled up and then they kind of come to a head. Showing how he is feeling and giving readers insights into his thoughts without putting them out there like a neon sign is a challenge. But it just wouldn't be him otherwise.

8) What's your favourite quote from Embrace? 

   When Violet has to make a huge choice and sacrifice for someone she loves and Griffin, her mentor, explains to her that it must be made completely of her freewill. I feel so much for her at this point, it is a cruel choice to be faced with. Griffin sees this too. He says:

"A terrible freedom.' He smiled mournfully and squeezed my hands.

"Yes." I barely breathed the word. 

That mention of terrible freedom is one that always meant a lot to me because so often in life having a choice can be the hardest thing.

9) How many books will there be in the series?

   To be honest., I'm not 100% sure, but I can fairly confidently say it will be 5 or 6. I'm just starting to map out 5 at the moment and I'll see where it ends up. It is very important to finish the story at the right point - I don't want to drag it out and at the same time don't want to tie it up in some neat little bow that wouldn't be true to the characters. 

10) Can you share a little of your current work with us?

   At the moment, as I said, I'm starting to map out book 5 in the series. I also have a separate stand alone novel that will be coming out in 2013. It's about a girl who lives two lives, effectively repeating each 24 hour period a second time in another world, but no two days are ever the same. She discovers that there might be a way she could have just one life but it would mean doing something very drastic and dangerous. And then she has to consider, if she was able to get her wish and just have one life, which life would she choose?

Author Bio: 

Jessica Shirvington is the author of THE VIOLET EDEN CHAPTERS also known as THE EMBRACE SERIES. An entrepreneur, author, and mother living in Sydney, Australia, Jessica is also a 2011 finalist for Cosmopolitan’s annual Fun, Fearless Female Award. She’s also one of the lucky few who met the love of her life at age seventeen: Matt Shirvington, a former Olympian and current sports broadcaster for FOXTEL and Sky News. Married for almost eleven years with two beautiful daughters, Sienna and Winter, Jessica knows her early age romance and its longevity has definitely contributed to how she tackles relationships in her YA novels. Previously, she founded a coffee distribution company, Stella Imports, in London, and before that was involved in the management of restaurants Fuel Bistro and MG Garage in Sydney. Jessica is now a full-time novelist and living her dream.

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A Review for Entice (Violet Eden Chapters #2) by Jessica Shirvington

Posted by Guest Reviewer Melanie
Release Date: September 1st, 2012

Finished Date: October 15th, 2012

Publishers: Sourcebooks Fire

Source: For Review

Format: Paperback 

Pages: 464
Buy : Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo

CONSEQUENCE HAUNTS EVERY CHOICE
Violet Eden is Grigori - part angel, part human. Her destiny is to protect humans from the vengence of exiled angels.
Knowing who to trust is key but, when Grigori reinforcements arrive, it becomes clear everyone is hiding something. Even Lincoln. The only thing Violet does know: Phoenix's hold over her is more dangerous than ever.
The race to find the one thing that could tilt the balance of power brings them all to the sacred mountains of Jordan, where Violet's power will be pushed to the extreme. And the ultimate betrayal exposed.
Enticed (now retitled ENTICE) is the second compelling book in The Violet Eden Chapters.

The Review: I loved this! It’s been a good while since I read book one but it had made an impression because I still remembered a lot of what had happened, saying that, I wasn’t sure whether I could get straight back into it after so long… I shouldn’t have worried because it was so easy to get back into and even if I hadn’t remembered what I did, it wasn’t so hard to pick up on what was going on.

In Entice, Violet is put through more turmoil, be it emotional, physical or mental – you name it and she is put through it – She’s left dealing with the aftermath of her relationship with Phoenix, yearning for a relationship with Lincoln that can never be, trying to train and get a grip on her powers, hunting exiles, all while living her normal life and going to school. We also get some new arrivals in this, particularly a couple who are partners of the ‘Grigori’ kind and also life partners that introduces the ‘soul mate’ theory that is super rare but gives Violet hope for her relationship with Linc, that’s if she can keep track of Lincoln who seems to prefer Magda’s company to hers these days, as the Phoenix betrayal and their deepening feelings become too much for them both. I love the relationship between Violet & Lincoln - the way they are fighting their feelings, that it’s getting harder to be around each other leaves me desperate for something to happen but I do have a soft spot for Phoenix and I’m maybe hoping he can gain redemption through Violet in some way too. Phoenix is back and the storyline is amped up and full of action as Violet’s once lover takes on the villainous role and gets the ‘exiles’ in order for a plot of biblical proportions, involving scrolls and prophecies and subterfuge. When he isn’t scheming somewhere he’s letting his presence known to Violet, after saving her life left a connection between the two he starts showing her just what he is capable of and she is left defenceless. 

I loved where the storyline went, the plot was one I never would have guessed and it kept me on my toes all the way through the book. I loved the way the biblical stories, references and icons are used, it’s weaved into the story perfectly … I love the ‘Grigori’ history and the hierarchy that occasionally throws out a shock or two, especially where Violet is concerned and I like that we are still getting to know Violet – who she is, what she’s capable of, what’s expected of her and what is in store for her- we learn a good couple of things in this that leave you wondering what’s next for her, I’m expecting big things! As this book opens up the bigger world to us and we meet more of both sides, learn more about what each side is after, we also see that not everyone is who they seem and the lines of good and evil can be crossed by those we least expect it from and whilst that’s not so great for Violet, it makes for an awesome read filled with twists, turns & treachery galore and a good few discoveries that leave me really excited for book three – Emblaze. 

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

Posted 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 US/ The 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!