Wednesday, February 6, 2013

YA Book Spotlight: The Second Sign

This one is for any paranormal lover of the eerie and edgy, and it releases TOMORROW!! Happy Early BOOK BIRTHDAY!

Title: THE SECOND SIGN
Author: Elizabeth Arroyo
Genre: Dark Fantasy/Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Sapphire Star Publishing
Release Date: February 7, 2013
Pages: 232

I'd like to thank the publisher for supplying me with a copy of this story for review.

Favorite Line/Passage: "Liar. Cheat. Murderer." Something more than anger wrapped around Gabby, and a feeling of freedom sparked through her. A feeling so feral leapt in here mind, blasting her with images of lunging at Heather, clawing her eyes out, driving her fist deep into the witch's chest, and ripping our her heart. Wrath. Betrayal. Gabby shook her head just as heather laughed. But Gabby did not move.

Description: Bred to believe in the war between angels and demons, Gabby has come to the conclusion that love is responsible for war, jealousy, and all the other deadly sins she can think of. So when she’s exiled to the middle of nowhere for getting kicked out of her fifth school for fighting, she doesn't expect to meet Jake. Much less fall in love. But Jake is quickly drawn to the eerie beauty of her violet eyes while Gabby is unsettled by their undeniable connection.

When a demon guardian comes to collect her soul, she refuses to give it up. She’s not a demon. She can’t be. Her father and twin brother are angels. The demon gives Gabby twenty-four hours to decide her allegiance, and then starts killing her short list of friends, leaving a message behind: She is the Second Sign.As Gabby and Jake begin to unravel the mystery behind the Second Sign, she learns Jake may be the key to saving her soul. But it means a sacrifice has to be made that will change their lives forever. 



NIGHTSTAND WORTHY!

My Splats: A dark, twisted tale that will keep you yearning for more.

Gabby appears to be the average troubled high school student with too much energy to burn. Such a characteristic often leads her astray. But there is more to Gabby than just being a student and simply mischievous. And more about herself than even she knows.

The opening pages immerse the reader in a facade of religious references and icons, seemingly the darker side of faith. This could have been a risky subject in a young adult novel; however, as the first few pages turn, the story shows neither praise nor condemnation, but uses the characters and their inner motivations as the focal point. I found myself pondering along with the characters about beliefs and one's own soul. And that is when the story really began. This technique was clever because it not only gave valuable information the reader will need to know, but it also set the tone and mood for the entire story. 

Arroyo has a beautiful writing style, ease of flow and imagination. The story is structured in multiple point-of-views, but mainly from the two main characters, Gabby and Jake. It works, as does the surprises that satisfy the appetite of any adventurous, mystery-twist loving reader.

Gabby and Jake's relationship is intense, yet an underlying pulse of sweetness and genuineness draws them closer - a need somewhat teen, but also new and never felt by either. Jake has that typical teen male attitude, attributing some of his worth to the number of girls he's dated and/or more. But he only holds slight arrogance, which is teasing and attractive. 

Although otherworldly and even horror elements soon surface, threatening Gabby and all she's known, she still struggles with most of the same issues the average teenage girl does: Who am I? Where do I fit in? She's never felt at ease in her own skin or with anyone, not even her brother Max or her guardian Alder. The time would soon come when that must change, when she'd need to drop her barriers and let Jake in to she what she's made of. 

As the tale unfolds and Gabby faces each new danger, Jake is drawn in deeper, stepping over the threshold of her walls, sensing a need for each other - a purpose larger than themselves.The climactic ending shocks and explodes, executing the power of friendship, love, and sacrifice. 

19 comments:

  1. Linking this back to my blog.

    Hugs and chocolate,
    Shelly

    ReplyDelete
  2. Great review, Sheri. This sounds really good.

    Can you do me a favor? My Trip to China post will not come up on my blogroll. I've tried posting it as a new post 3 times. Can you shout out about it? Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Great review. Thanks for sharing, and congrats to Elizabeth on the release of her book.

    ReplyDelete
  4. This sounds like a great book! I'm heading over to check it out! Congrats to Elizabeth!!!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Sounds so great! On my tbr pile! ;)

    ReplyDelete
  6. Sounds intriguing. I'm always interested in religious symbolism in books. The most interesting and different so far is daynight by Megan Thomason. I loved it. You didn't say if this has a sequel, and that would affect whether I'd want to read. If the ending is such a shocker and there's a sequel, I'd wait.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I believe she's working on the sequel now.

      I'm going to have to pick up the book you mentioned. I'm weaving religious symbolism into the sequel I'm writing, right now. My fear is balance: how much is too much or not enough? And I'm also being cautious about offending anyone, trying to stay vague while being specific. Haha...Make any sense at all??

      Delete
  7. Great review. I'll have to check it out. =)

    ReplyDelete
  8. Great review. I love, love, love that cover!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Great review, Sheri. I'll put this on my list for when I'm looking for YA paranormal. :) I still have to catch up on what's already on my self

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm the same way. My shelf is so heavy with books still to read. I've actually been reading a lot lately, though. Trying to muddle through plotting out this sequel. I'm finally making progress but....

      Delete
  10. Everytime I see this book I kind of drool over those black wings. And the book itself sounds so good!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Ooh awesome! This sounds great!Love the image

    ReplyDelete
  12. Oooh, that sounds like an exciting read!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It was really good. Looking forward to where Elizabeth will take these characters in the sequel.

      Thanks for stopping by, Susan! How are things going with you? You must so busy.

      Delete
  13. Thanks for the review. =) I am working on the sequel.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Beautiful cover and I like the sound of the description and review.

    ReplyDelete

!SPLAT Your Awesomeness! I'd love to hear from you!

LinkWithin

Related Posts with Thumbnails

MY STATS