Blog Tour for The Space Beyond (The Book of Phoenix #2) by Kristie Cook; Review

Posted by Melanie
Release Date: May 19th, 2014

Finished Date: May 14th, 2014
Publishers: Ang'dora Productions, LLC
Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal 

Source: For Review
Format: Kindle
Pages: Unknown

Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US 

As members of the Phoenix, Jeric and Leni are thrust into their new lives, expected to lead Earth’s Guardians. But Leni struggles with trusting her own soul, and Jeric is more concerned about keeping Leni safe than meeting others’ demands. When Darkness swarms Lake Haven, they embark on their first mission with little preparation and no idea which soul the Dark hunts.

Born and raised in Lake Haven, Bex hopes to escape her small-town life, ideally in the arms of her soul mate. She knows he exists, and her heart aches with the need to find him. When her long-lost mama calls to announce she's knockin' on death's door, Bex reluctantly makes the trip to see the uncaring bitch (bless her heart), only to be knocked off her feet by the sexy and charming Dr. Mason Hayes. Is he really The One?

Leni’s soul felt an instant connection to Bex, but if Bex found her soul mate, she isn’t their mission. So who is, and why does Leni instinctively feel drawn to her? Can Leni even trust her intuition? And will Jeric step up and lead when the time comes or continue to hold them back?

If they don't learn to trust themselves and each other quickly, Darkness will claim them all…along with the rest of Earth’s souls.

The Review: 4.5 flowers! 

The Space Beyond is the second book in ‘The Book of Phoenix’ series and gives us a much different story this time around. In book one, we had met Jeric & Leni as they find out that their souls are connected in a big way and they will always share that connection & always have. It’s through ‘the book of Phoenix’ that they are able to remember some of their past lives with each other and what they fight for. Now that things have settled with their transformation into Guardians, they try to remember more from their lives in an attempt to unlock any possible powers/gifts to further their strength as guardians and in doing so, come across another pairing that could be important to the group – Rebethannah & Nathayden – but something isn’t right with them and with no other clues, they have to go where they’re needed and that is back to Lake Haven where the Darkness is amassing.
In Lake Haven, Bethany/Bex remembers Leni & Jeric (which is unusual) and Leni is sure this Bex is Rebethannah, she feels the connection and the Darkness is hanging around… but does Bex feel the connection too and does she feel the pull of a soul mate? Bex is at risk of succumbing to the dark with her early years being so troubled, her mother currently dying of the consequences of the lifestyle she led and the cost of that lying solely on Bex’s shoulder but she has two men willing to be her ‘knight in shining armour’, the problem is which of the two is ‘the one’?.
Leni knows that she has things to learn but the biggest thing is to believe in herself….. can she do that in time to save Bex and reunite another pair of twin flames to help in the fight against the ‘Darkness’.

I really enjoyed this sequel and as I said, it had a different feel to book one because in this it wasn’t all boy meets girl, they clash, realise they’re soul mates, evade the bad guys, connect and live happily ever after….there are real issues here, very serious issues that are addressed and made this journey a very emotional one. Bex is a girl all too familiar – dragged up by a mother hooked on drugs/alcohol, forced to become the caregiver to her sister who was only a year younger only to be abandoned by her mother at age 8 into the care of her Grandmother where her life did get better, but only slightly. Her life is hard, living in a trailer, working 3 jobs to pay for her mothers’ care even though it goes against all of her principles to give the woman anything – so she is definitely ripe for the picking when Darkness descends upon Lake Haven and it’s easy to see how she would fall for two men that would promise her the world because she wants ‘the one’, she believes in soul mates but is disillusioned with life. For all that she is down on her luck & had a rough upbringing, she is still a fun character with a great attitude and you can see what type of girl she could be shine through now and again giving us a glimpse of the Bex that could be. It was a surprise to see that Bex was back in Leni & Jeric’s lives following their ‘misunderstanding’ in book one but it was great to be back in a familiar place and was a great way for Leni & Jeric to start believing in themselves and their capabilities. I liked that even though most of the focus was on Bex, that we still got quite a bit from those two aswell, seeing the problems and progress they’re making in their new position as guardians. There were still some hot moments between them were we could feel their love shining through too. The focus of this book is obviously on Bex and what she goes through, not so much the romance this time around as her drama more than makes up a big part of the storyline, yes she does get some sweetness but she also gets a lot thrown at her too and as a reader, I totally went through that with her – so be prepared for a rollercoaster ride of emotions. It’s hard to give away the slightest thing when it comes to her ‘soul mate’ because as I mentioned – there is more than one vying for that spot – plus when you have the background of Rebethannah & Nathayden, you will understand how that will interfere with the present but I will say that it was different to book one in a big way and it opens up the world a bit more, it also brings ‘the book of phoenix’ back into the light and we learn a few new things about a special group of guardians that Leni & Jeric must learn to lead. I thought the issues that were dealt with throughout were handled very well and created a very emotionally charged finale that will leave you both devastated and hopeful, connecting to Bex on another level….. but also leading to a cliffhanger that will be felt by all and leave you desperate for book three.

AUTHOR BIO

Kristie Cook is a lifelong writer in various genres, from marketing communications to fantasy fiction. Besides writing, she enjoys reading, cooking, traveling and riding on the back of a motorcycle. 

She has lived in ten states, but currently calls Southwest Florida home with her husband, three teenage sons, a beagle and a puggle. She can be found at www.KristieCook.com.

A Review for Wrath (Soul Savers #5) by Kristie Cook

Posted by Melanie
Release Date: August 16th, 2013
Finished Date: October 17th, 2013

Publishers: Ang'dora Productions
Genre: Paranormal, Adult
Source: For Review

Format: eBook
Pages: Unknown

Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US 

Will a mother’s wrath make her cross the line?

I didn’t want to cry. For once in my life, tears evaded me. Perhaps because I refused to grieve this loss, because it wasn’t a loss in my eyes, in my heart. It was a call for war, yes. But not a loss. I wouldn’t allow it.

Besides, I was too mad to cry, even in my exhaustion, and anger would get me much further.

As I curled my body around Sasha’s, though, I realized the anger within me had changed. I no longer felt irrational and blinding fury that dulled all other emotions. But that was okay. I really didn’t want to be Psycho Alexis. This, what I now felt in every cell of my body down to the core, was better. My anger had condensed and solidified into a cold, hard stone settling within me. Something I could control and hold onto for the long term to keep me going and focused on the goal.

Wrath.

That’s what I felt. And there was nothing worse than the wrath of a pissed-off mother.

Wrath, the fifth volume in the bestselling, award-winning Soul Savers Series, will have you on the edge-of-your-seat-ravenously-devouring-junk-food as you experience the mysteries, magic, betrayals, and passion that you’ve come to expect from Kristie Cook’s writing.

**SPOILERS FOR PREVIOUS BOOKS**
 

The review: Wrath was another awesome instalment in the Soul Savers series….

Following the mega cliff-hanger that was Dorian being kidnapped, Alexis is consumed by anger & the need to punish those responsible, what lengths will she go to, to find him? Everything becomes about information, Where is he? Who has him? Why have they taken him now? How could Owen betray them like that? And she won’t stop until she has answers…. They say ‘hell has no fury like a woman scorned’ but what about a woman whose child has been taken? What would you do? Would you want vengeance? I know that I, as a mother, would stop at nothing, would do anything and woe betide anyone who got in the way of me getting my child back – even if it meant giving up everything and everyone, casting duty & my morals aside for the purest of loves and this is where Alexis hits a stumbling block…. The Amadis must not act in anger, they must forgive, they must always offer their enemy redemption. Not only that but Dorian isn’t a priority, it was inevitable that he would be taken because of his Amadis son status but not yet, so Alexis is not only battling the enemy but also her people, first & foremost is her duty to her people & the Amadis way of life which needs protecting now more than ever with potential war situations & a massive increase in Daemoni recruits. So she does her duty, she is to build an army, converting people to the Amadis way, but who said a little side project wouldn’t help their training - right?

So, as I said this was awesome, it is a series I always enjoy and have loved reading about Alexis & Tristan’s love & lives and their battle with evil. The previous book – Power - wasn’t as good for me because I felt that the drama in their relationship was starting to take over& needed to be done with, no more Tristan trying to kill her, someone draining his power, her power, their love….whatever..plus Alexis still hadn’t met her father/enemy, I needed the actual plot to move on - but that all changed towards the end and brought about a dramatic ending with equally dramatic discoveries and did make me excited for this book. I’m glad it picked up straight where it left off (which was a heinous cliffhanger!) because we needed to read about the immediate aftermath. I thought that the kidnapping plot helped me reconnect with Alexis as a character but on a different level, I think as a mother, it would be really hard not to sympathise with her plight and gave a different depth to her. I was always connected to her through her trials & her relationship with Tristan but never with her as a parent and this brought it home, how she changed, how she fought, how she adapted to not only do her duty but to not give up on her son as many Amadis matriarchs had before her, now I saw that she could be a catalyst for change, now I felt like she could lead her people. I’m always grateful for Tristan’s presence in these books too, their relationship –when its good & loving - brings a nice balance to the harsh reality & violence in their world, I want them happy, I want their love to be the only sure thing when the world is falling behind them, I believe in them & their love and believe it will conquer all.

The storyline was great, after the initial commotion, it lulled a bit as information about Dorian wasn’t forthcoming. We did get to see the beginnings of the Amadis army, how they would be brought into the flock, how they’d be converted etc. we also got to see some of what Lucas has been up to and he has been busy, not just in the supernatural world but also in the ‘norman’ world and I liked it, I’m really curious to see his game play out. It was filled with lots of revelations, more secrets & lies, some surprising things are uncovered, alliances formed & broken and even more characters are introduced but it’s so hard to know who to trust and who has their own agenda, we are beginning to see definite sides but I always feel like Lucas, Kali  & the Daemoni have the upper hand, always one step ahead & manipulating everyone. In this Alexis wonders when they’re going to catch a break and I have to wonder that too because by the end, there is no doubt who has the upper hand because that massive climax is definitely a game changer & I look forward to seeing if Alexis can put on her ‘big girl panties’ and rise to the challenge.

Book Blast for Wrath (Soul Savers #5) by Kristie Cook

Wrath (Soul Savers #5) 
by Kristie Cook
Release Date: August 16th, 2013
Genre: Paranormal Romance / New Adult

Will a mother’s wrath make her cross the line?

I didn’t want to cry. For once in my life, tears evaded me. Perhaps because I refused to grieve this loss, because it wasn’t a loss in my eyes, in my heart. It was a call for war, yes. But not a loss. I wouldn’t allow it.

Besides, I was too mad to cry, even in my exhaustion, and anger would get me much further.

As I curled my body around Sasha’s, though, I realized the anger within me had changed. I no longer felt irrational and blinding fury that dulled all other emotions. But that was okay. I really didn’t want to be Psycho Alexis. This, what I now felt in every cell of my body down to the core, was better. My anger had condensed and solidified into a cold, hard stone settling within me. Something I could control and hold onto for the long term to keep me going and focused on the goal.

Wrath.

That’s what I felt. And there was nothing worse than the wrath of a pissed-off mother.

Wrath, the fifth volume in the bestselling, award-winning Soul Savers Series, will have you on the edge-of-your-seat-ravenously-devouring-junk-food as you experience the mysteries, magic, betrayals, and passion that you’ve come to expect from Kristie Cook’s writing.

New Adult Paranormal Romance by bestselling author Kristie Cook**Mature Content**Recommended for ages 16+ due to sexual situations and language.

Where to buy Wrath (Soul Savers 5)

Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iBooks, Kobo

Other Books by Kristie Cook 

About the Author:

Kristie Cook is a lifelong, award-winning writer in various genres, from marketing communications to fantasy fiction. She continues to write the Soul Savers Series, a New Adult paranormal romance/contemporary fantasy, with the first four books, Promise, Purpose, Devotion and Power available now and the next book coming in June 2013. She’s also written a companion novella, Genesis: A Soul Savers Novella, currently available. Over 200,000 Soul Savers books have been sold, with Promise peaking at #54 on the Amazon Top 100 Paid list and at #1 in the Amazon Fantasy category. The Space Between kicks off her second New Adult paranormal series, The Book of Phoenix.

Besides writing, Kristie enjoys reading, cooking, traveling and riding on the back of a motorcycle. She has lived in ten states, but currently calls Southwest Florida home with her husband, three teenage sons, a beagle and a puggle. She can be found at:

Author's Website & Blog: http://www.KristieCook.com

UK Fan Site: http://www.kristiecookfansite.co.uk

The Book of Phoenix Website: http://www.TheBookofPhoenix.com

Soul Savers Series Website: http://www.SoulSaversSeries.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AuthorKristieCook

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/kristiecookauth

Blog Tour for The Space Between by Kristie Cook; Review, Interview + Int Giveaway

Posted by Guest Reviewer Melanie
Release Date: April 5th, 2013
Finished Date: March 24th, 2013

Publishers: Kristie Cook
Source: For Review 

Format: Kindle 

Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo

When Life Falls to Pieces, Answers Lie in the Space Between

After a month-long dance tour through Italy, 20-year-old Leni Drago returns to Georgia to care for her great-uncle, only to find him gone, the home they shared empty and any evidence he ever existed wiped out. All that’s left is a journal she can’t open.

Jeric Winters has been searching for a piece of his past for over a year, only to reach a dead-end in Georgia. When an urgent and magnetic pull draws him out of his hotel room, he comes face-to-face with the beautiful dancer who’s been haunting his dreams day and night.

Jeric’s one to stay away from—a bad-boy, hit-it-and-quit-it type—but Leni can’t escape the fervent feelings between them. As their own existences begin to crumble around them and shadowy forms that are more monsters than men attack, they realize there’s more to the connection between them than physical fascination.

To solve the riddle their lives have become, they must embark on a journey that requires them to face their pasts and release their true souls. And they must do it fast—dark ones from another world are closing in, intent on killing them. Permanently.

The Review: 4.5 stars! 

The Space Between is a great starter to a new series from Kristie Cook, author of the most awesome Soul Savers series. The synopsis is spot on in its description as we are taken on an emotional journey in a search for answers to why Leni & Jeric are intensely connected, why no one can remember them & why the shadows that chase them, want their deaths. I’m such a character fan and the characters in this are so easy to connect with. Leni, after living out some of her dream of being a dancer returns home to find everything she’s ever known, everyone she’s ever loved are gone in some way or another. Who wouldn’t be terrified? When you’re a kid and go away from home, there’s always some inane fear that your parents will move home whilst you’re away and leave you and Leni is faced with that reality, her life, her existence – just gone and the only thing she has is her truck and a strange journal with no way of getting into it. Then there’s the man she meets briefly in Italy, the intense connection to him, who then starts appearing in her life – coincidence? Or something else at play? Having lived a fairly secure lifestyle she’s in for a shock when Jeric storms into her life in all his hot, toned, tattooed glory. Jeric is the epitome of the bad boy persona, I could list all of his traits but to be honest, I’d rather let you find them out for yourself as he steams up our pages, because this guy is HOT!! I always question why, as a reader that I’m drawn to such a man, in real life I probably wouldn’t touch him with a barge pole but in books I have a weakness for misunderstood bad boys in need of redemption. There are a few times I could murder him in this especially when it becomes clear what their connection is. They are both unprepared for the connection between the pair and try to pass it off which is just delaying the inevitable but the ride is lovely, there are some great scenes between the two, painful, heart-breaking, cringe-worthy and super –hot scenes. I’m a sucker for fated love but I don’t want them to just fall into each others arms, I want some resistance but to stay true to each other , again you will need to read this to see if that’s what we get. 

I really enjoyed the storyline, the focus of the book is mostly building the relationship between our main characters, why do they have this connection? What does it all mean? Why has Jeric dreamed of Leni before they met? but then we get some mystery, why are people forgetting them? Why are their lives disappearing? Add to that a touch of danger, strange shadows attacking & disappearing – what do they want? Why are they after them? And the only thing available to give them any insight is the strange old journal, if they can only open it. Rest assured by the end of the book, you will have all of your answers, you will be satisfied but you will want more. 
I’m really interested to see where things will go for this series, will we be following Leni & Jeric? Or will there be another couple? Will we find out more about The Space Between and what is really going on? 

Author Interview with Kristie Cook.

Could you tell us about your new release? 

The Space Between is about two different couples in two time periods - one in the present and one in 1989 - who are experiencing similar events that can only be called "weird." As the present day couple hopes to find insight from the past couple's journal, they realize their answers are in their own pasts. But do they learn this soon enough to save their own lives?

How did you come up with the idea for the new series? 

Actually, my husband woke up and told me about a dream he had. We were on an overnight motorcycle trip, so we were in a hotel room when he said, "I had the coolest dream!" The details were unclear in his head by the time he started telling me about it, but he gave me enough to spark an idea. His dream eventually became The Space Between.

How long did it take to write? 

Tricky question. Haha! My husband had that dream in October 2011, but I was finishing up Devotion, the 3rd book in the Soul Savers Series, so the idea percolated for a few months. In February 2012, I began to work on it, but I was also working on Power, Book 4 in the Soul Savers, and it took precedence. I started again in the summer of 2012, only to back-burner it once more for Power's release. I'd never done National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) but by October 2012, this book was begging to be written. I had to write it, so I decided I'd do it for NaNo, just to get it out of my head. I started from scratch and hit the NaNo target of 50,000 words, but the book was only half-written. By January, it was complete (after taking December off), and released the end of March. So four months to write...once I dedicated myself to it.

What was the most challenging thing about writing this book? 

Allowing myself to give it priority. Once I decided it took precedence, the story flowed out of me. I expected the different POVs and time periods to be challenges, but they really weren't.

How many books are you planning for this series? 

The Book of Phoenix is planned to be a trilogy. However, after that story is told, there are so many directions I could take the world. So from there, it will depend on what tickles the muse.

Who was your favourite character? 

Oh, hmmm...I love Jeric, of course. He's rough on the outside but for good reason and he has a heart of gold underneath. I identify a lot with Jacey, though. I haven't had any of her life problems, but she'd be about two years older than me, so we grew up in the same time era and hung out in some of the same groups. Of course, I also adore Leni and Micah, but if I had to choose, I'd say Jacey. No, Jeric. Definitely Jeric because he cracks me up.

Who would you picture playing Leni & Jeric in a movie or who do you picture them resembling? 

I have a Pinterest board for The Space Between, but I really don't like casting my characters. I prefer readers to take the features I suggest and create their own images, making the reading experience more personal.

Will there only be Leni & Jeric in this series or will there be more couples? The original trilogy is about Leni and Jeric and where they go from here, but there are possibilities to explore other couples' stories. How's that for vague?

Your books seem to be strong on the soul mate principal, I have to believe you are a romantic? Do you believe in soul mates? 

I guess I am a bit of a romantic. :) I'm not sure about soul mates, but the idea definitely makes for good story fodder. I'd like to think there's someone out there meant for each of us. It's a lovely concept, don't you think?

What message would you like readers to get from this book?

 Message? Um...I guess to keep our minds open because we don't know what's out there - beyond our world, beyond our lives. But especially open to each other because you never know who might be your Twin Flame.

Any teasers for book 2? 

Book 2 starts with Leni and Jeric receiving their first mission. We'll also get more of the mythology and learn more about Sammy and Ghost. 

What’s next for you? 

Soul Savers 5, then the next part of The Book of Phoenix.

Author Bio:

Kristie Cook is a lifelong writer in various genres, from marketing communications to fantasy fiction. Besides writing, she enjoys reading, cooking, traveling and riding on the back of a motorcycle. She has lived in ten states, but currently calls Southwest Florida home with her husband, three teenage sons, a beagle and a puggle. She can be found at www.KristieCook.com.

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Kristie is also hosting a major giveaway on her site at the end of the tour for a $200 gift card or a swag bag full of goodies!  

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Devotion (Soul Savers #3) by Kristie Cook

Posted by Guest Reviewer Melanie 
Published Date: February 10th, 2012
Finished Date: January 30th, 2012
Source: ARC, For Review
Format: Kindle
Pages: 374
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The Blurb from Goodreads: With powerful abilities gained from the Ang’dora and Tristan back by her side, Alexis thinks she’s ready for the next challenge—protecting her son from what appears to be the inevitable. But she has so much to learn about her powers, her new world and the people in it. Nothing is what it seems to be on the surface, including the Amadis. Having believed the secret society to be definitively good and righteous, she discovers she couldn’t have been more wrong. Power-hungry politicians comprise the council and make impossible demands. A traitor lurks among them all, inciting trouble that could destroy the Amadis and, ultimately, humanity. The Daemoni wreak havoc in the human world, with the ultimatum that they’ll continue attacking innocents until Alexis and Tristan are expelled from the Amadis’ protection. The couple’s own society begins to shut them out. But that’s not all. There’s a secret. A big one. And faith and hope in Alexis and Tristan will be restored if she can uncover the truth in time. But the search for answers leads only to the discovery of more betrayals by those closest to Alexis. Her devotion is put to the test—devotion to her husband, to her family, to her people and to her beliefs—leaving her to question whom she’s fighting for and why she should even bother. But if she won’t fight … who will?

The Review: In this book we find Alexis and Tristan re-united properly on the safety of the Amadis Island. They have thwarted the Daemoni on their doorstep and Alexis’ alter ego is dead, giving her the freedom to become the next Amadis daughter now that she has gone through the Ang’dora. Once there however, she discovers that there is trouble in paradise and everything is not as it seems. Rina - her grandmother – has received a message from the angels informing her that there is a traitor in their ranks and she enlists Alexis’ help to root out the person(s) but can Alexis master her powers in time? As they try to do this, she comes across vital information that could save all of the Amadis, but no-one will believe her, not even those around her. With the Daemoni on their doorstep again, causing chaos and attacking innocent people in the hopes of drawing Alexis & Tristan out they are forced to leave, more or less branded traitors and shunned. The Daemoni are tracking their every move and always seem to be one step ahead which makes Alexis think that the traitor might be a lot closer to home and she begins to doubt everyone. Not only that but she discovers that Dorian seems to have an inevitable fate that may come sooner, rather than later. With tensions rising on the Amadis Island and people losing faith in the Matriarch, Alexis begins to wonder whether the Amadis are truly good and is forced to take drastic action to get to the root of the problem.

I LOVE this book! I had questions left over from book 2 and a couple of big ones were addressed straight away, no messing around, just straight into the thick of it again. I’m still really enjoying Alexis, as each book goes by we see a little more of who she is becoming. She is great, so determined to do the right thing even without the support of those around her. She has all of this un-tapped power that she needs to master but would rather not have to use it on moral grounds, truly selfless and always putting others before herself. All she wants is to have a quiet life with her family, be a wife & mother but has to become something else for people who don’t even trust them. Her sense of duty and faith in the Amadis is tested in this book as she is put through some awful ordeals and is left wondering who to trust. Tristan too, continues to grow as a character and we see a different side to him – vulnerable and defeated – it broke my heart and he is involved in some serious revelations that are going to rock all foundations and I wonder what the effects will be. In previous books I never let myself ‘get into’ Owen’s character because he was a threat to Alexis & Tristan’s relationship and I really didn’t want to go down that road but we get to delve into him a bit more in this, get some of his back story, meet his parents and it was nice to see that I may have underestimated him as a character.

Now for my reaction when I finished the book (with a lot of exclamation marks) . . .

HOLY BEEP that was awesome! WOW!!!! 
Kristie Cook does it again! Every book in this series has blown me away! I have been sent on an emotional rollercoaster AGAIN!!
To think I bought the first book (Promise) on kindle (my 1^st ever kindle purchase) in May 2011 for a group read on GR and only paid 79p for it! It was so good that I immediately bought the second (Purpose) straight after and that too was just, wow. In January they were featured in my ‘Books that blew me away in 2011’ post because they did just that. I was hooked straight away and to still be feeling that at book three is amazing. They are, this was, effortless to read, I couldn’t put it down, so compelling and I didn’t want it to end. The emotions I went through reading this . . . Anxious, curious, happy, sad, devastated, proud, heart-broken & I don’t know how many WTH moments. . . . I think I covered most things so yeah, emotional rollercoaster covers it. I love a book where you feel like you are going through the ordeals and emotions of a character, to really empathise with them and even think like them, That’s when you know it’s a good book. The flow and the pacing were ‘spot on’, you never got a chance to be bored or think about something else because it was always moving forward, always some danger or something to look into. I even thought to myself, ‘just give them a break’ because they go through so much but where would be the fun in that? I was kept guessing about things all the way through, right up until the reveals – some bits I had partially solved while others I wasn’t even close, totally surprising me. I cannot wait to find out what happens next, the epilogue set up book four which is going straight on my TBR list and with this book the series maintains its position as one of my all-time favourite series. Go read them all . . . .

A review for Purpose (Soul Savers #2) by Kristie Cook

Posted by Donna
Published Date: December 6th, 2010
Finished Date: June 22nd, 2011
Source: Brought
Format: Kindle
Pages: 377
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The Blurb from Goodreads: Lost in despair, Alexis teeters on the edge of an abyss, her lifeline of hope fraying into a thin thread. If it snaps, she’ll plunge into complete darkness. With the help of her son and her writing, she’s been able to hold on. Until now. Erratic impulses, disturbing delusions and her own demonic blood threaten her sanity. When she’s forced to choose between hanging onto hope or letting go to serve her Amadis purposes, she faces a decision with inconceivable sacrifices. Alexis runs to the one place she thinks will provide answers, only to find herself at the center of another battle of good versus evil, not only with the Daemoni, not only within herself…but also against the worst opponent imaginable. But even if she wins, what will she lose?


The Review: 3.5 rating! After that cliff-hanger at the end of Promise (book 1) I had to start this book straight away. I was dying to find out what happened! And again, Kristie Cook doesn’t disappoint with her story. 

After the events in Promise….seven years have passed. Everyone believes Tristan is dead other than Alexis. As the years have gone by, Alexis has never given up hope but has slowly slipped into a state of depression. As Alexis tries to battle her inner demons, she is forced to choose between her love for Tristan or to serve the Amadis by having a daughter with someone else. With no other options, Alexis turned towards her enemy leaving her life in danger…..but will anyone come to her rescue? 

I really enjoyed this story. Once again we’re thrown into the lives of Alexis and Tristan and it is just as good as the first one. Once I started reading I knew I’d like the story...however, I was extremely shocked that 7 whole years had passed. That’s a long time but nonetheless, it was a still an interesting route to take because so much had happened within the years. As you can imagine not being able to find out what happened to Tristan and knowing he’d been gone for so long....I did start to get worried BUT I’m glad things got back on track. 

For me, I enjoyed Alexis so much more in this story…maybe not the first 20% of the book because she was so depressed because you sometimes felt the weight of her troubles on you. To say the least I definitely felt more connected to her this time around. Not only do we see her troubles but we also see her highs, we finally find out about her powers and what is actually is. So a lot of questions were answered. Finally! 

I loved that we got to see little Dorian and he was a great addition. And that last scene with him….get ready for the tissues. I’d been eagerly awaiting that scene through most of the book so when it happened I loved it, so emotional and such a happy moment. I bet your wondering what scene I’m on about…well…I’m not going to tell you. Guess you better read it and find out. 

Overall, I enjoyed the second book as much as the first. I’m looking forward to seeing what the author comes up with next.

A Review for Promise (Soul Savers #1) by Kristie Cook

Posted by Donna

Published Date: July 10th, 2010

Finished Date: June 20th, 2011

Source: Brought

Format: Kindle

Pages: 368

The Blurb from Goodreads: Alexis Ames decides to learn who she really is, with or without the help of her mother, who guards their secrets closely. After meeting Tristan Knight and discovering that he's not normal either, the secrets begin to unravel. Their union brings promise to the future of mankind. But it also incites a dangerous pursuit by the enemy. Because they are a match made in Heaven and in Hell.
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The Review: I’d wanted to read Promise for a while, I’d heard so many great things about it and even though I’ve rated it 3.5 stars, don’t let that put you off by reading it. 

Alexis Ames has always known she was different. She’s always known because when she would fall over and hurt herself in school, she always healed so quickly that people soon started calling her a freak. Alexis does want to find out why she is different but with her mother reluctant to give her answers, it’s kind of a lost hope…that is until Tristan comes into the picture. A handsome boy that has secrets of his own and for some reason Alexis’ mother dislikes him. Soon both, Alexis and Tristan’s secrets start to unravel they are swept up into a whirlwind romance that quickly leaves them realising their soul mates but with a dangerous evil lurking nearby will they get a happy ending? 

Firstly, I want to say that Kristie Cook has done a fantastic job by creating a whole new world that involves Good vs Evil. I’m not going to go in to much detail as I don’t want to spoil it for you but it’s a world that will leave you guessing all the way through. It’s a new take on Good vs Evil and one I really enjoyed. 

The characters were great. Alexis and Tristan are wonderful together, their relationship happens so fast but I honestly don’t think it feels forced. It was a nice pace throughout the story. I have to say I was utterly shocked where their relationship goes….it’s not bad thing but there are so many good things that happen between these two characters that unite them to become one and my, it doesn’t disappoint. The secondary characters were also a great addition and Owen, Rina, Sophia never disappointed throughout. I was kind of expecting a love triangle between Alexis, Tristan & Owen to pop up during the story but I for one am thankful the author didn’t go there. 

Now, I bet your wondering why the 3.5 score then? Well as much as I enjoyed the story and the characters…..for some reason I sometimes found I couldn’t connect with the characters as much as I would have liked. There were some great scenes that I believe I should have been quiet emotional at and I just….wasn’t. Maybe it was just me. I read this book with a few other people for Book of the Month and they all loved it. I think my main reason may have been, I was only reading little bits at a time due to work etc, and I think I needed to just read it all in one to feel the full effect but again, I did still enjoyed the story regardless of this. 

Overall, I really enjoyed this world Kristie has made and it does sometimes makes me wonder why author’s that have a lot of potential and talent haven’t been published yet. I urge you guys to go buy this book and support the author….support all indie authors because they do work just as hard as any other author. 

Oh. P.S I wouldn’t recommend this to a younger audience…quite a bit of sex references.