The Emergent Threat (War Eternal #2) by J. F. Cain | A Book Review

I've read this way back in July last year. Yes, I know. It took quite a while to write the review. As I've mentioned in one of my posts here, reading has never been a problem for me. It's the writing of the review that takes time. It's a bit of a process for me. Sometimes, I need to be in the mood to be able to come up with a really objective review. I just don't want to throw words out there. It had to be representative of what I feel and what feelings the story drew out from me. Sometimes, even if I intended to write a review for a particular book, I ended up writing a post for another one. Again, it's the mood. Sometimes the mood I'm in is not conducive or does not facilitate the writing of the review of a particular book. 

Right now, I'm not in any particular mood, so I think I can go ahead and finish this review. Alex and Aranes. These two are beings that have been with each other for years or maybe centuries. The only problem now is Alex can't remember his past or how he is related to Aranes. What he does remember is he's drawn to Aranes helplessly. 

This story continues the battle between good and evil. Here, Alex is starting to remember his past and why he's now on earth. What he's supposed to be and what's his role in the overall scheme of things. Aranes gave up everything for him and now he must do the same for her and to make sure that Lucifer does not succeed in his plans of dominion over heaven and earth. There are a lot more revelations here. Some are a bit disappointing because it may seem like Lucifer got the upper hand. The same way as the other characters were surprised by the revelations, I was too. 

One other notable character in the story which I think seems to be a wild card when you look at the bigger picture is the fallen commander of the Powers- Abriel. I am not really sure where his loyalties lay. I think he may still be playing the field. I think he has something up his sleeve which is probably the real reason why he's currently in Lucifer's lair. I'm going to go ballistic if this theory ever comes true.

So, there's a lot of things to look forward to in the next book. I can't wait to see what will happen next. A lot of things is going on and it seems that some of Lucifer's minions may have their own agenda. Of course, they're evil, they each had to look out for their own hides. Their selfish desires will always come before whatever Lucifer's main goal is. With that said, I give this book 4.5/5 pairs of black wings, reminiscent of Abaddon. I didn't want this book to end. I wanted to have more. I didn't like ending in this installment. It bodes for very dark things to come. But then again, I'm still rooting for the good angels to defeat the darkness. Just like how St. Michael's is represented in his statue - holding down Lucifer at his feet, defeated. I'm hoping in this series, it would be Abaddon who's going to rip Lucifer apart again. Just like in their previous encounters. 

Thanks again, J. F. Cain for the review copy. I'm really sorry for the delayed review. Thank you so much for your patience. 

Angels' Whispers (War Eternal #1) by J. F. Cain | A Book Review

I've always been fascinated with Angels. There was even a point in my life where I was bordering on obsessed with them. I collected angel figurines and even read a lot of books on them. I even had a notebook where I had notes about them. I listed the names of the most popular angels, their special characteristics and what they can do. I also noted those very unique names so I could use them to name my kids. I still have that notebook until now. No kids still though. So, when the author reached out to me through the contact form on my blog last October 2017 asking me to review his book, I agreed without thinking. It's about angels, there's no way I'm going to pass that opportunity. Just so know you also, I had bought and read books on fallen angels by Lauren Kate and Becca Fizpatrick and I have ebooks for Thomas E. Sniegoski's fallen angels books too. Yes. Not too obvious that I am a great fan of angels and their stories. I am a believer too that these heavenly and otherworldly beings exist. I have a few experiences which in a way could be attributed to their interventions. 

Angels' Whispers. This story is a classic good versus evil. Here the unending battle between good and evil is showcased. This reminds me of scenes in the movies when a person is caught in a moral dilemma and he has to make a very significant decision. He's pictured with an angel on his right whispering him to do the right thing. Period! While on his left, the devil could not be outsmarted. He's whispering what the opposite decision would give the man. He's trying to buy him with material things, power, or a mighty boost to the man's ego, or all of the above. A lot of the same scenes are pictured out in this story. The only difference is, the devil or the angel picks a person they can influence. Obviously, those with thoughts and deeds that are leaning on the bad side are picked by the devil. Honestly, the devil doesn't have to do much. He just have to whisper what benefits will come out of it to inflate the man's ego or add to his wealth. The person succumbs just easily. The devil and his cohorts know that they only need to play with the man's selfish needs and desires and it's a done deal. No resistance at all. On the other side, the angels also take interests in humans who are trying so hard to do good. These charges are still susceptible to the devils persuasion but the angels make sure that their hold on their charges are as solid. Especially, if their charge is going to play an important role in the overall scheme of the good versus evil scenario.

Alex Mayer, the center of the Superior of the Angels' attention. Aranes was tasked to take a close guard on Alex. And then, Aranes broke the most sacred rule of all when she saved Alex' life after an avalanche. And the most confusing thing of all, it seems like the Eternal Source is also taking a very special interest in Alex and Aranes is yet to find out. What could be very special about Alex? Aranes vows to uncover that mystery.

This is a very good start to a very intriguing and captivating series. As I have said, I have read books about angels, both fallen and not. And this book is not anywhere the same or a repeat of those stories. Of course, you can't roll out the part where these heavenly beings fall in love too. But apart from that and the age old war between light and darkness, nothing else in this story is anything I have heard before. One aspect that I really like is Aranes being the leader of all the Angels. Even higher than Michael (my guardian angel), Raphael or even Gabriel. I totally am thrilled with the author championing women empowerment here. Yes. Aranes, a woman, leads all the heavenly hosts and she's very close to the Eternal Source. Very close in fact, that breaking the most important rule in the book had not lost her title and power. She knows something very big and important is going on and she needs to get to the bottom of it. She will need to do her own research since the heavenly sources and archives are not going to reveal the answers to her. 

Aside from the host of angels and demons mentioned here, other supernatural creatures are also in this story. There are werewolves and vampires also. It seemed like these two mortal enemies are also gearing up for war, just like the angels and the demons. These creatures have also chosen which side they are on. There's more too. It seemed that these creatures too are out to get the humans. So, the humans are not only in danger of the devils unflinching influence but also in mortal danger from the vampires and maybe the werewolves. Ah, the plot just keeps on getting thicker. 

I was really hooked to this story. Not to mention, the really paralyzing suspense and that some characters are not exactly what they are. I also liked how the tension, the push and pull, the undeniable chemistry and the strong connection between Aranes and Alex was set to play. I too was caught up in Aranes' dilemma. If I were in her shoes would I succumbed to these feelings that I thought I was immune to or was not supposed to feel toward my charge or would I fight it to the last inch of my power and strength? Or even give up everything for it? But then, it also raises the most controversial question. If God is love, then aren't angels allowed to love too? This question is one of the most important elements in this story. It explores its implications and maybe the consequences for the angels if they ever happen to fall prey to this most and greatest of all human characteristic. I simply relish this part of the story. 

This story reminds me of the movie "City of Angels" with Nicholas Cage and Meg Ryan. So, if an angel falls in love with a human, does that mean it would be the cause of downfall? We have yet to find out. That question is yet to be answered and the story is just starting. And that is not the only concern here, even more pressing is the impending great war between light and darkness. Lucifer is adamant that he takes over the heavens and be the superior ruler. Or, that there might just be hope for him. Maybe he can still go back to the fold of the righteous and bask in the light again. That aspect of Lucifer's situation is a prospect that seems to just hold a very very tiny glimmer of hope. The story hinted that. Oh, I would love to see that happen--Lucifer becoming an instrument of good again. After all, he was once the greatest of God's army. His hubris-- he thought could be greater than God. In a way, he got what he wanted. He's the king of darkness now, yet there seems to be a part of him that seems to be not at peace with it. I hope these things get cleared in the next book.

I give this 5/5 pairs of angels wings. I was totally captivated by this story. It's an altogether different examination and unearthing of these enigmatic beings. It's another version of the exploration into the ever waging war between light and darkness with the fate of the humans in the midst. I am looking forward to the sequels of this book and I am sure, they are not to be missed. I guess, I'll never outgrow my fascination with angels if stories like these are always going to end up in my hands. I really hope not. I am going to remain just as ever fascinated by new stories about angels. Thank you again, J. F. Cain. I genuinely ate up this story. And yes, I admit. I feel sorry for not having read this sooner. Please forgive me. I think Aranes is whispering that you should let this slight pass.

Noting was more important than that unparalleled moment when love revealed its power. The power that defines everything, that takes away all your choices and makes you find the strength to go up against mighty forces.

- J. F. Cain, Angels' Whispers - 

Thanks again, J. F. Cain for the copy.

Sweet Sacrifice (The Soul Mate Tree) by L. D. Rose | ARC | A Book Review

I read this last month. I have been unable to post any reviews for the past two weeks because I was feeling so down. To be honest, I have been feeling out of sorts for quite a while, I think, maybe for years. I just didn't realize it. It slowly built up through the years, slowly creeping on me. This same emotion is just very relevant to this story. Not that someone very close died. I just feel so broken.

The story...After reviewing two of the author's books, she asked me if I wanted to read another one of her stories. When she mentioned angels, I readily agreed.

Irene, is still mourning her husband's death after two years. Former Navy Seal Sebastian Lockhard died in Afghanistan when he leaped onto a grenade to save his comrades. To Irene, the lost and grief are still very alive and fresh. It seemed like it was just yesterday. The pain, sorrow and emptiness are still excruciatingly oozing out of her. It seemed like it will never end. Until, Bash suddenly appears to her. Has she truly gone mad with grief that her mind has finally reach its breaking point?

This is a story of angels, guardian angels, of archangels and the unending war between good and evil. This is also a story of undying love. Love that encompasses death. I love stories about angels. I have always been fascinated by these heavenly beings. I believe in guardian angels. I think there had been a lot of times where I truly felt that I have been under the protection of these beings. They have always been a very curious subject for me. Way back in college, I remember borrowing a few books about them and collecting those cute angel figurines. I even named one of my nephews, Uriel, from one of the archangels.

The story centers on Bash and Irene-- on Bash's life after death. How he came to become one of the archangels and his assignment as a soldier for heaven. His selfless sacrifice as a soldier earned him the honor to become one of God's elite army to maintain balance between good and evil. Bash gladly accepted the new life given to him but he still can't forget the love of his life. His undying love for his wife proved to be a more powerful force than any he has to face. Seeing his wife still tormented by his sudden death is crushing his heart to pieces. He just can't continue to stand and just watch his wife slowly and painstakingly consumed by grief and slowly losing her ardor for life.

The story is very heartbreaking but it ended with redemption and undying love. This story proved that love still rules above everything else. It also speaks of second chances. A chance to continue the life of service to humanity again and a chance to be with the person you love. The story posed a choice between these two things. In the end, love for that other person, the other half of your life, far exceeds the love for service and other things. I love how the story ended and what Bash chose. After all, isn't it what God's love is--unconditional love?

I give this book 4/5 pairs of angel's wings. The story is overflowing with raw and painful emotions. It's as if, I too felt the deep and the harrowing grief and loss that Irene felt. I can feel Bash's longing for Irene. Bash's confusion and doubt over choosing between being God's soldier or to reunite with the love of his life. It is indeed a sweet sacrifice to give up everything, just to be with the person who means more than life, itself.

Like a runaway train without brakes, Irene raced along the tracks of life on the verge of derailment. All she needed was the right push and it was all over.

- L. D. Rose, Sweet Sacrifice - 

Thank you, L. D. Rose for the ARC.

Other books by the same author:
Releasing the Demons (Order of the Senary #1)

Black Bullet (Order of the Senary #2)   

Inspiration by Douglas Pershing | A Book Review

I just love stories about angels. I know, there was a time when they were all so popular. The likes Lauren Kate, Becca Fitzpatrick and Thomas E. Sniegoski were all the rave. I bought paperbacks of Kate and Fitzpatrick and I have ebooks of Sniegoski's. I have always been fascinated by the story of the fallen angels and their never ending quest to get back into the graces of the Lord again.

This book is not far from the story of the fallen angels. The only difference is that this time it is about the opposite camp--the demons who fought against the angels. This is a story about Satan's commanders and their assignment to rise into the favor of the ultimate King of Darkness.

Zachary is the monster or a Whisperer who was tasked to distract and destroy Emma. Zachary took the form of a human --a Talker to get close to Emma and perform his task. As he learns how to be human like eating and feeling emotions, his confusion about all the things he was made to believe about humans and the Lord of Light started him to doubt.

This is a very unique story about a demon who has found that being in a human body would make him capable of things he never thought he would feel. He started to realize and understand why humans are favored by the Creator. He started to question that maybe there might still be hope for monsters like him. Hope for something, other than to destroy.

This is an amazing story of hope, love, and redemption. No matter how monstrous one could be, even the devil can get back into God's grace if he learns to love again. This story attests that Love is a very powerful force that even the devil has nothing against it. Even they have to succumb and embrace it.

What I like most about the story is Claire's character. Claire represents the innocence and all-encompassing love of children. Pure love and is never jealous. It can accommodate and include as many people as possible. I think in this story, Claire is one of the catalysts that had started the change in the demons. Claire's love and faith in them have made them all want to protect her with all they have--including giving up the essence of who they were. The drive to protect Claire was the start of the metamorphosis in their core that was unstoppable until all they could to do is acknowledge it.

I give this book 4/5 pairs of promise rings. It's never too late to change. Even the vilest creature has the ability to change if he sets out his heart to it. Love definitely makes the world go round. It melts and destroys all the bad and darkness in this world. It is so powerful that even demons had no way of fighting it but give in to it.

That's what love is. Helping someone even if it's bad for you.

- Doughlas Pershing, Inspiration -

Thank you ebook discovery for the copy.