Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Embrace

Review Time! Embrace is the first novel in the Violet Eden Chapters, it's also the debut of Australian author, Jessica Shirvington. Embrace is currently not avaliable in the US for purchase but you can pre-order it $8.50 on Book Depository ( HERE ). I'm very excited to review this, as it's my first Aussie author novel I've read this year! Thanks to T. at Hachette for sending a copy for review!

( Goodreads ) Violet Eden is dreading her seventeenth birthday dinner. After all, it’s hard to get too excited about the day that marks the anniversary of your mother’s death. The one bright spot is that Lincoln will be there. Sexy, mature and aloof, he is Violet’s idea of perfection. But why does he seem so reluctant to be anything more than a friend?

After he gives her the world’s most incredible kiss – and then abandons her on her front doorstep – Violet is determined to get some answers. But nothing could have prepared her for Lincoln’s explanation: he is Grigori – part angel and part human – and Violet is his eternal partner. Without warning, Violet’s world is turned upside down. She never believed in God, let alone angels.

But there’s no denying the strange changes in her body ... and her feelings for Lincoln. Suddenly, she can’t stand to be around him. Luckily, Phoenix, an exiled angel, has come into her life. He’s intense and enigmatic, but at least he never lied to her.

As Violet gets caught up in an ancient battle between dark and light, she must choose her path. The wrong choice could cost not only her life, but her eternity...

The Short Story ? - The first novel in a brand new angel series that is exciting and original. A fresh take-on the 'angel' mythology and a brand new unique YA voice. Jessica Shirvington's debut is an excellent addition to the YA paranormal literature!

The Long Story ? - It's actually a little awkward reading a novel written by an YA aussie author. They are such a small bunch that I simply can't not feel proud of them ( even if I didn't write the book) but it also means I have high expectations. Jessica Shirvington is an excellent writer who has a unique and distinctive writing style. Embrace is exciting and fast-paced and well-written but there are also flaws to the novel. However, don't let that put you off because the goods outweigh the bad and seriously, how many perfect novels have you read anyway?

One of the highlights of this novel for me is the originality. Angel mythology is one aspect of paranormal YA that is used often, not over-used ( like vampires) but it's fairly common. The fresh take on fallen angels, good and evil and human/angel hybrids is one of the things that make Embrace memorable. It's shown clearly that the author has done thorough research and had well-planned her plot before beginning the writing process. While we commonly read novels about fallen angels and nephilim it's not often we read about fallen angels that are both good and evil or about Grigori ( brand new name for human/angel hybrids) who act as protectors of the human race. It's even more uncommon to read about angels that only physical form after they are fallen which means angels are actually incorporeal. These are only examples of the originality, the author as portrayed in this novel.

Another highlight would be the fast-paced and adventurous plot. While I thought the action in this novel was not of my taste, it was nevertheless exciting to read. The constant battle between good and evil, internally and externally was both thrilling and extravagant keeping the reader at the edge of their seat. Filled with twists and turns, I felt like I was part of the novel myself. Both the beginning and the ending were satisfying which is one of the first things I look for in a novel.

I had a little bit of a problem with the characterisation. Although, Jessica, has managed to portray and describe her characters brilliantly. I found it hard to connect with any of them. Quite frankly, I thought Violet was a little hard to relate to putting aside her half angel heritage. Her personality tended to swing from normal teenager dealing with a big change to depressed, angry teenager who doesn't want to change in a matter of a few pages. Her personality changes throughout the book didn't flow nicely, changing from one extreme to another which was a little annoying and confusing.

Also, the romance in this novel I personally thougth could have been written a little better. While both love interests were without a doubt 'hot' and well portrayed. Lincoln being the 'good' guy who Violet has always been in love with and Phoenix being the 'bad' guy who Violet can't just can't keep but be attracted to, it's a well developed love triangle but it lacked passion. I thought even in kissing scenes and 'other' scenes while it's obvious they're in love it's a little distant. A little like reading a YA novel with a MG based romance. However, I'm liked that the romance wasn't one-sided. It's a balanced love-triangle where the reader doesn't know who Violet will pick to be with until the very last chapters.

Overall, Embrace was a enjoyable and original start to a series with a great deal of potential. I believe this will be one of those series' that get better with each book which is good since I have the second book sitting on my shelf at the moment ;) Very unique writing style filled with dry humour and witty lines. Fast-paced and action packed as well as a blossoming romance with many obstacles ahead. I can't wait to read more about Violet's adventures! Rating 4/5 ( I had to take marks off for the flaws but overall it was really enjoyable and hard not to like! )

Badass Bookie xx

56 comments:

  1. Fantastic review. I've been seeing this around at the bookstores. I really want to read it now.

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  2. Sounds like my kind of book, if I could just overlook the love triangle. Great review!

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  3. sounds like a good book. will have to check my bookstore. :D

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  4. Its a shame about the characterisation but you still seemed to have enjoyed Embrace so hopefully I will too... when I get a copy :)

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  5. Great review - it certainly made me curious about the book!!

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  6. I've always wanted to read an Aussie based author, but haven't had the chance yet. The shipping is tremendously expensive. I'm intrigued by your review. I need a refreshing read.

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  7. Nice review, since i never read this book, because this book doesn't published yet in Indonesia. so much information.. :)

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  8. It sounds great, I can not wait to read it.

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  9. An angelic love triangle? I´m so going to be in favour of the bad guy! I alway am. Phoenix, yay!

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  10. Angels? Count me in :) Oh, and I love purple covers of books!

    Syki
    sykorova.p@gmail.com

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  11. Sounds amazing! She must choose right? Well, If these guys look like Chace and Ian... it's really tough for her, I think! :D
    I LOVE THE FONT ON THE BOOK!!

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  12. Great review! I'm glad you liked it ;) Fingers crossed I do too!

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  13. Love the cover (white covers are my favorite)!:D
    lisa
    www.turningpages.blogspot.com

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  14. A world you can really get into, one of my favourite books! Angels are the next big thing!

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  15. Sounds like a great book. It sucks that they aren't release din the US yet but as soon as they are, I'll be first in line!

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  16. Angel mythology sounds very interesting! And a new concept, too. Especially for YA books. :)
    But the love triangle is a total MUST! LOL
    Great review.

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  17. I loved embrance, Just one of those ones i enjoyed readding,

    The Book Mystress, xx

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  18. Your review makes me want to read this book even more.

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  19. Oh, awesome! I haven't even heard of this book so I'm glad for any positive feedback at this point :) I'm still into the angel trend so this sounds like a good book for me. Thanks! I'll add it to the TBR pile (monstrous creature, that stack is.)

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  20. I've been seeing this one in bookstores, but now I think it might be worth checking out! I do like angel mythology, so might be one for me! Thanks for the review - and the heads up about the love triangle! :-)

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  21. I'm all for supporting Aussie authors, and I love a triangle. Thanks for your review

    Shelleyrae @ Book'd Out

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  22. I loved this book. Awesome review-- I totally agree about the personality glitches. :)

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  23. Another lucky girl. She is surrounded by angels. Now I know why she choose Ian as Phoenix representative :D

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  24. Sounds interesting. Though I'm not a lover angels or paranormal romance, I must give a fellow aussie a chance. Plus, the cover is quite pretty. (:

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  25. Sounds like a good read. I`m glad to hear you think it has a `fresh take` on angels and that you find it has an original appeal to it! It`s hard sometimes to find books that don`t seem like other books or you can already predict the ending cause you`ve read a book just like it before.

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  26. -This sounds like a good book! I haven't really read books from Australian authors, but this one sounds like a soon-to-be best seller! :]
    Plus, I love angels! :D

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  27. I am not sure if I've read a book by an Australian author. This sounds interesting. Love the cover.

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  28. Jessica is a new author to me and my Australian authors tend to be either SciFi/Fantasy or mainstream like Colleen McCulloch but I would be very curious to see how the YA authors are.

    Carol T

    buddytho {at} gmail DOT com

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  29. Thanks for the review! It sounds great.I think I will add this to my TBR if it is available here on my country. As for books about angels,I have also read Hush-Hush and Crescendo but I have a major problem with the male protagonist. There are some crazy fans of the book though. I guess you can at least try it.

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  30. great review, thanks. I really like ths cover. :)

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  31. Ooh, your review sucked me in :) I haven't actually read many Aussie authors so I'll be excited to read this one.

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  32. Great review! I hope to read this soon! My friend loves it!

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  33. Great review! Embrace sounds great! The angel plot is very popular nowadays and it's not always good or well written. Embrace looks amazing, though. One more reason why I want to read it =)

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  34. Amazing review! Sounds really good! :-)

    Nikita
    bookworm.nikita@gmail.com

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  35. Ive been dying to read this book but now reading your review i think i might die if i dont get my hands on this book soon thank you so much for the give aways i hope i win :)

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  36. Very good review. Made me want to read the book.

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  37. Sounds like a good start to a new series! I'm excited about this book!

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  38. I'm really looking forward to reading this book!!! :)

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  39. Great review! I loved the fact that you were so honest, weighing the good against the bad. It seems to me that there are more good things to this book than bad, which make the book definitely worth reading!

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  40. I love anything that has to do with angels. I can't wait to read this after your reading your review!

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  41. really interesting! :) thanks for the review. looking forward to this read.

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  42. Sound interesting I want to read it.

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  43. I want to read those books.
    In the beginning I thought I was just being selfish, because.. well, those covers.. :D
    Nice review!

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  44. Great review!! The book sounds very interesting!! I love the idea of having angel mythology!!!

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  45. This book looks amazing- finally something else than vampires and werewolves, plus the beautiful cover...:)

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  46. Wow, it looks awesome! Must read it :).

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  47. I'm really interested in this book.. great review! :)

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  48. Great review, the angels stories are always good... I need to read it! :-))

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  49. Uhh.. I need to check this one out :) I love angel stories :P
    Never really heard of this one before.
    So really curious :)

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  50. I really, really want to read this book! Great review :)

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  51. Awesome review, really want to read this series now!

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  52. Amazing review! Definitely need to add this series to my wishlist!

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  53. Great review as it entices me to know more.

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  54. I love this review. You gave such a thorough overview of the book without spoiling it for me. Sometimes bloggers can go a little overboard and give away plot points (I know how hard it is not to do that) so thanks for not!

    Really excited to read this series! I get annoyed when there isn't more books out there in the public eye by authors from other countries!

    -Elisquared

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  55. I can't remember reading any book from an Aussie author but I would love to try. I'm intrigued by your review. I hope to get a chance to read this book.

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