Emblaze

February 15, 2013
The third installment of the Embrace series doesn't shine quite as brightly as its predecessors, but fans will still find plenty to enjoy as Violet and her Grigori brethren prepare for a battle of apocalyptic proportions. Violet may have accepted the fact that she is half-human and half-angel, but nobody, not even she, knows the full extent of her ever-expanding powers. Finding the time to focus and gain control over them is no easy feat with a father who has decided to finally show up and parent, the temptation of a partner who is also a forbidden soul mate, and an ex who plans to use her to help him open up the gates of hell. Literally. While there is plenty for readers by way of high-stakes action, the novel (ironically, given its title) falls short in the romance department. First, Violet is prone to such hyperbole when describing the feelings that Lincoln ignites in her that it quickly shifts from steamy to comical. Second, the dark and alluring Phoenix is tragically absent. While Phoenix is frequently referred to, he and Violet have relatively few face-to-face encounters, depriving the novel of some of the complicated emotional layers that made the first two books so delicious. Still, Violet remains a compelling heroine, and another surprise ending will surely leave readers wanting more. (Paranormal romance. 14-18)

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March 15, 2013
Grades 10-1 In this third title in the Embrace series, 17-year-old half-human, half-angel Violet Eden is struggling more than ever with feelings for her Grigori partner, Lincoln, and with keeping her secret life from her father. Meanwhile, vengeful Exiles' leader Phoenix kidnaps Violet's best friend Steph. Saving Steph could enable Phoenix to unleash Hell on Earth, which would result in freeing his powerful mother, Lilith, and in his domination of both humans and angels. Soon the Grigori crew travel to Greece on a risky, dangerous mission to stop Phoenix before it's too late. Violet remains an engaging, contemporary protagonist whose narrative details her dilemmas and challengesboth the supernatural and everyday kindsincluding trying to elude Phoenix's dangers (and mesmerizing charm) and refining her unique gifts. This is another absorbing read that blends mythology, action-suspense, and romance, and it's filled with diverse returning and new characters, from loyal pal Spence to austere Grigori Academy seraph Josephine. With an ending that could potentially change everything for Violet, series fans will eagerly anticipate the next installment. HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: Shirvington's Embrace series is hot, hot, hot. So hot, in fact, that the CW network is adapting it into a television series.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2013, American Library Association.)