Author: Angela Brown
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Released: October 2012
Format: Paperback, eBook
I'd like to thank the author for providing me with a copy of this book for an unbiased review.
Favorite Line/Passage: Abby gathered her things, took one last glance at the mystery guy and hurried back to V'Salicus. I wasn't expecting anything. There was no reason for it, but her fingers trembled when she twisted the knob to enter her room. She blew out a sigh of relief. Tegra was great and all, but this was an oddity she wanted to face alone. She tore the paper away and revealed a glass box with a note inside. The note read, "Add this to your necklace." She picked the charm up and clapped her hand to her mouth to cover her scream.
Description: For seventeen-year-old Abigail, one rash decision leads to an unexpected chance for redemption. At V'Salicus Academy, a unique institute where she trains to become an agent of heaven, she struggles with the pain of her past, the changes of the present and accepts a loveless future until her path – and heart – crosses with Basil’s.
Basil's off-chance slip of the tongue binds him to a life of servitude to the Devourer, the master of hell. His existence has no upside until a chance meeting with Abigail brings new perspective.
Keeping the truth of their present lives from each other brings disaster when secrets are brought to light and the life of Abigail’s mentor is put on the line.
Can Abigail and Basil save her mentor and salvage their love amid the chaos? Or will they lose it all, destined forever to NEVERLOVE?
COVETED! A MUST HAVE!!
My Splats: A forbidden romance struggles to break its chains, giving a unique spin on the perception of the afterlife - Heaven and Hell.
Five stars - yes, I really liked this story that much. There are plenty of Reeper stories out there, but not with a twist like NEVERMORE. Its refreshing creativity broke the boundaries of a reeper's life, revealing a multi-faced glimpse into the invisible battle between good and evil. The religious references were accurate and any embellished upon were completely plausible. There was so much to like about this book, so much that made it unique, even the dark characters had a light side, a side that saw humor in the reality of life...or death.
Although I'd classify this as a romance, don't let that fool you. There was plenty of hidden pain and angst for both Abby and Basil to work through. What I enjoyed most about this aspect of the story was their inner demons were relative to the story as well as reality plucked from today's world. Abby had a deep and shameful scar that had to do with her family, while Basil had the typical young adult struggle of never measuring up to parental expectations.
The use of three separate point-of-views to tell this story was effective. It gave amazing insight into both character and storyline. Brown created an eerie veil with intriguing descriptions of souls, death, and life threads.
A hidden message ran through the entire story, one of second chances and redemption. That God is Merciful, always looking to help those who've survived and we should be the same, but justice must be present as well.
I'd recommend this book to any paranormal, romance, and young adult lover, but also to those intrigued by the afterlife and the workings of Heaven and Hell on our behalf.
Have you read any stories lately dealing with these issues?
Five stars - yes, I really liked this story that much. There are plenty of Reeper stories out there, but not with a twist like NEVERMORE. Its refreshing creativity broke the boundaries of a reeper's life, revealing a multi-faced glimpse into the invisible battle between good and evil. The religious references were accurate and any embellished upon were completely plausible. There was so much to like about this book, so much that made it unique, even the dark characters had a light side, a side that saw humor in the reality of life...or death.
Although I'd classify this as a romance, don't let that fool you. There was plenty of hidden pain and angst for both Abby and Basil to work through. What I enjoyed most about this aspect of the story was their inner demons were relative to the story as well as reality plucked from today's world. Abby had a deep and shameful scar that had to do with her family, while Basil had the typical young adult struggle of never measuring up to parental expectations.
The use of three separate point-of-views to tell this story was effective. It gave amazing insight into both character and storyline. Brown created an eerie veil with intriguing descriptions of souls, death, and life threads.
A hidden message ran through the entire story, one of second chances and redemption. That God is Merciful, always looking to help those who've survived and we should be the same, but justice must be present as well.
I'd recommend this book to any paranormal, romance, and young adult lover, but also to those intrigued by the afterlife and the workings of Heaven and Hell on our behalf.
Have you read any stories lately dealing with these issues?
I don't really read those type of books, but Angela's book sounds really good. It's definitely on my TBR list.
ReplyDeleteI remember when she was posting excerpts on her blog for the 2012 A to Z Challenge - they were awesome!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for the splat :-) Yay !
ReplyDeleteWow, 5 Splats, go Angela!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like something I need to read!
ReplyDeleteHard to resist running out and buying this one with such an awesome review!!
ReplyDeleteI NEVER read this kind of book, Sheri! But this one sounds fantabulous. *pulls out her trusty Amazon card* *wink*
ReplyDeleteI love redemptive stories. Finding the balance between mercy and justice is always fascinating!
ReplyDeleteThis is on my tbr list.
ReplyDeleteSounds like it has so much going for it. Thanks you two!
ReplyDeleteYay! I've been wanting to read Angela's book for a while. It's on the TBR list, but you've just bumped it a notch or two...or ten. ;)
ReplyDeleteShe surprised me. Not that I didn't think she could write; I've CP-ed for her. But I had no idea this was where she was taking the story. I loved it!
DeleteCongrats on the 5 splats, Angela!
ReplyDeleteYou know, I've seen this book on so many blogs since it was released, but I don't think I've read a review of it. Your review makes me want to read it!
So glad, Rachel. And it's a quick, easy read too!
DeleteThank you so much for stopping by the Alleyway!