Angelstone

Well I’m finished with this book. I read it and it was a slow read until the very end. Literally the very end, it was the last 15%. <br /><br />In all honestly I didn’t expect anything from this, not in a bad way like this is going to be awful, no I mean it in the total and absolute sense of “meh”. I liked the idea, still do, but something was still missing here or rather something extra was added that it doesn’t belong <i>*cue The Sesame Street song*</i>. <br /><br />I have absolutely no idea why this book went by oh so very slow. I can attempt a guess and that is the fact that for most of the book Alyx was <s>The</s> an annoyance, epic proportions. No matter what was happening around her, her behaviour and thought patterns were that of a child. <br /><br />The first book was a solid start to what seems to be a good story but somewhere something goes askew. Maybe it’s the writing. At occasions its meh, on other small intervals its good but there are others were it makes characters and situations worse. <br /><br />I’m not going to elaborate and actually review this with positive and negatives, because reasons.<br />Either way, I read it and I’m glad I did so despite the increased feeling of “meh” I got from it. Let’s see what it’s stored for me in book #3. <br /><br />P.S: There were parts that i did like :3 <i>*kitty face*</i>

5 stars<br /><br />RIP Ky. Alyx is not pregnant. Hope she will get back with Israel soon. Also hope Israel will be okay. Wonder what Mason is thinking now. Glad we were able to go into the Rogue communities. <br /><br />Can't wait to read Angelsong!!!

WOW...just...really...just wow. Speechless. I hated that it had to end. My eyes kept flicking down to the percentage number with a sinking heart knowing that the book was coming to an end!<br /><br />Alyx...she is just the most wonderful character written since Clary/Tessa by Cassandra Clare. She is brave, emotional, passionate, strong, caring and loving. She makes mistakes, she fights to put them right. She loves someone, she does it with all her heart. She cares for someone, she will protect them until her last breath! She is loyal to her friends, fierce in battle and despite being a supernatural warrior, she is still a woman who can get jealous when other women go near her man.<br /><br />Israel...is it possible to love him and hate him at the very same time? He is sexy and insecure about his masculinity. He struggles with Alyx's need to protect him all the time. It makes him feel less of a man and he longs to prove to her that he can take care of himself, that he can protect her as she protects him. Only, unfortunately for Israel, he makes terrible decisions, all out of passion and the need to prove himself. <br /><br />The thing I love most about the love story in this book is that the romance between Alyx and Israel is full of mistakes and fights that they work through. No matter what separates them, they take the time to understand each other and forgive each other. While their romance is important, the events playing out around them are serious and they understand that saving the world is far more important than their love life, which is refreshing to read.<br /><br />And my GOD! Hanna Peach knows how to leave you wanting more at the end of the book! She leaves you in suspense and still thinking about what you have just read. I read this book for so long that I ended up dreaming about the characters. Full scenes played out in my head. It takes real talent to do that to a reader and Peach definitely has skill. I really can't wait for the third book!

**I was given this book in exchange for an honest review, Lovers of Paranormal.**<br /><br />I'm loving this series more and more with each book it seems.<br /><br />Angelstone takes place right where Angelfire left off...which is an incredibly good thing since there is so much action in these books once you hit the end of each one it feels like your spontaneously combust if you don't read the next one immediately!<br /><br />I loved Israel so much more in this book. He definitely had the redemptive quality that I was looking for with him and he was just better as a character (more understanding, enticing and all around swoon-worthy guy!). I missed reading about Mayrekk since he wasn't really in this book and it didn't really leave it the greatest with him in the last book, but he still holds a great place in my heart with me...my new favorite love though was MASON, he was a great character, so funny!...and VIX! I loved her, super strong :)<br /><br />I had mixed feelings for Jordan the whole time, mostly because I thought I'd LOVE him as a character...but ehh he's alright...not who I thought he'd be, but I'd miss him if he was gone ;)<br /><br />I loved those small moments we got to see Alyx and Israel had, however brief and bitter sweet they seemed to be.<br /><br />I honestly couldn't tell you where this book ended at this point, because I got so mad at how book 2 ended that I didn't even pause and dove straight into the 3rd book...thank goodness I had it!<br /><br />LOVE this series so far, I can't wait for more :)

I really enjoyed Angelstone, it picked up not long after the first book ended. Alyx has developed even more as a character and grown a lot in this book. She's starting to think more like an adult than as a teenager. A lot of the other characters developed as well, and some have a bigger role in Angelstone. I'm totally all for Alyx and Jordan hooking up, I don't think Israel is good enough for her. You get a better idea of what a freethinker is, and how their world works. Also, the plot becomes more complicated because more POVs are introduced. You get most of the story from Alyxs prospective, but some of the story is told in short chapters by the "bad guys". I really enjoyed the fact that there were multiple issues going on at once, your not bombarded by things, but it definitely holds your attention. I'd recommend this to anyone looking for something with some romance, adventure, and paranormal with some mystery. <br /><br />I received this book in exchange for an honest review (LoP or Lovers of Paranormal)

Angelstone Dark Angel Series #2<br /><br /> I was given this book by the Lovers of Paranormal in am exchange of an honest review.<br /><br />Angelstone, is much more complicated than the first book of this series.....there is anticipation suspense in every word while the heroes are still learning about themselves..<br /><br />They discover well-hidden secrets and facts about their world that show them a much more powerful war on their hands.<br /><br />Elder Michael is evil though a seraphim and Lucifer is trying to help, the rules have definetely changed.<br /><br /> Alyx is full of rough edges but with a heart of gold. Israel is just a confused broken boy wanting nothing but the salvation he sees in Alyx's eyes. And Jordan, well Jordan is a different kind of his own, the things he witnessed make him wiser and colder, nonetheless we love him

*Received a copy in exchange for an honest review from Lovers of Paranormal*<br><br><b> <i>"The prophecies talk about a Seraphim and a demon-mortal that fall in love."</i> </b> <i> -Mayrekk</i><br><br>If you loved Angelfire, you definitely want to read Angelstone. With even more action and romance, you will be taken on one heck of a ride. I loved following Alyx and Israel in their new adventure in Aradale. We get to meet new characters who just like the these two are both intriguing and entertaining to read about. More things are also revealed about certain characters, such as the true identity of Mini and the reason she was held captive by Elder Michael. I also loved the minor mentions of social issues that were integrated. I feel that it brought more depth into the book as it was easy to relate to real life even though its set in a world different from ours. <br><br><b> <i>"A mortal and a Seraphim. It was an impossible love. But her heart didn't seem to care about this. Foolish heart. Why wouldn't it behave? Why wouldn't it just want what it should want? Instead of what it shouldn't."</i> </b> <i> -Alyx</i><br><br><b> <u>ALYX</u> </b><br><img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1382774969i/6189554.jpg" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><br><br>After the betrayal she experienced from someone she was close to and grew up with, she was left feeling so betrayed and gutted. Her arrangement with Israel to just be friends sure isn't helping. In the new community of Aradale, Alyx meets several new rogue seraphim. Including some who come from her old home. With their help, she discovers that Mini is much more than she seems and that this little girl has been through some horrible experiences. We see her mature some more as she transitions from what she's known her entire life into the world of a FreeThinker. Many things she was told while growing up aren't relevant in this new world. Those who she always saw as the enemy may be more than they seem and can be her greatest ally. As she and her new friends plan to steal the remaining black stone everything seems to be going great, that is until the plan is executed. When their plan plays out, everything goes mostly smooth only, maybe too smoothly. The execution of the plan totally spirals down hill and leads to tragedy as they are outsmarted. When she comes up with a very clever plan to make things right, her plan doesn't end up the way she thought and now the one person who means the world to her is on the verge of death and it is up to her to safe him and the fate of the world.<br> <br><b> <i>"His mouth fit over hers like a puzzle piece clicking into place. Her body ignited at his touch. This was what was missing with Jordan. Only Israel could make her feel this way."</i> </b> <i> -Alyx</i><br><br><b> <i>"Alyx realized this possessive feeling towards Israel, this protective instinct that ruled her actions and behavior towards him, which made her act crazy, feel crazy…she was completely and totally in love with Israel. Nothing but love could make anyone act and feel this crazy. And, Angel help her, did she feel crazy.</i> </b> <i> -Alyx</i><br><br><b> <u>ISRAEL</u> </b><br><img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1382774969i/6189556.jpg" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><br><br> In this book, Israel is faced with many revelations. He discovers that maybe he's not the powerless street kid he's always thought he was. That there's a greater explanation for his second sight. As he discovers that he is half demon, he becomes angry and starts to hate himself for what runs through his veins. Because of the way he found out this truth, he also feels extremely betrayed for being kept from this secret from someone he cares so much about. This leads to a confrontation where he finds out that Alyx may be pregnant. They do end up getting her checked out to see if she is or not and there is a diagnosis. I selfishly hope it ends up being wrong hehe ;-) but who knows, we'll just have to see as the series moves further. In Aradale, he also makes a friend named Vix, a light warrior who through personal experience helps him on his quest to save Adere. With the help of someone from Vix's past he realizes that his demon side is both a blessing and a curse. He is repulsed by being half of something he hates but at the same time because of that side of him, he's not as defenseless as he thought he was. Through the heroic act of saving Adere, he is severely wounded in the process. His life now hangs in the balance and things sure aren't looking so great for him. Though many things were revealed to him, one thing still remains hidden. If he dies, she dies.<br><br><b> <i>"You're not perfect," he continued, "and neither am I. But we're perfect…for each other. I mean., Jesus, Alyx, you saw us in there… we're better together. Isn't that what we're all seeking? The one who makes us better than when we are alone?"</i> </b> <i> -Israel</i><br><br><i> <b>"I could be good for you. I could show you things, teach you about the world, about your limits, about pleasure, pain and everything in between…You have so much potential, Alyx, you just need a good teacher. I think that somewhere under this hesitation," he waved one hand around her, "you feel something for me too."</b> </i> <i> -Jordan</i><br><br><b> <u>JORDAN</u> </b><br><img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1382774969i/6189558.jpg" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><br><br>We are introduced to him in the first novel but don't really get to know much about him. All we really know about Jordan is that he is a former Castus turned Rogue/FreeThinker who has been working secretly alongside Mayrekk for quite some time helping new Rogues escape. In this book we get to know him a little better by seeing him in his element. It is apparent that the residents of Aradale are very important to him. Putting them before himself, he is loved by all in the community and has become their protector. As Alyx and Israel come to Aradale, it is evident, especially to those closest to him, that he has feelings for Alyx. Known as a player, he seems to be willing to leave it all behind if that's what it takes to be with Alyx. He tries to show her that he could be good to her if only she gave him the chance but she makes it clear that her heart is Israel's. I love that although it hurt him, he took it in stride. He decides that if being her friend is all he can be, he'll take it as long as he gets to have her in his life; its enough.<br><br><b> <i>"Getting over your first can be…the most difficult thing in the world. More difficult than facing an army of Darkened, even. When your heart is so filled with love and loss for another, there is no room for anyone else. There is no room for me. Maybe in time…" His lip tilted up in a small smile and he reached out to squeeze her knee. "What you need now more than anything is a friend. I'd like to be that friend."</i> </b> <i> -Jordan</i><br><br>Overall, Angelstone is a wonderful sequel to a series that will keep you at the edge of your seat. With enemies becoming more lethal and creative, it's really hard not to get captivated as things have reached a new level. Revelations in this book will leave you in shock, frustration, and some will make you want to step into Alyx's shoes to do some serious ass kicking. You will not be disappointed!<br><br><i> <u>Other Favorite Quotes:</u> </i><br><br><b> <i>"Don't judge me for what I am," Balthazar said quietly, "or the color of my skin."</i> </b> <i>-Balthazar</i><br><br><b> <i>"Everyone deserves love, Israel," said Vix. "You do not need to do anything to deserve it."</i> </b> <i> -Vix</i><br><br><b> <i>"If you called," he said, "I would always come. Always. No matter what. Understand?"</i> </b> <i> -Israel</i><br><br><b> <i>…she moved her hand to his right side and found his heart. He placed a hand onto the top of hers, his shirt dividing them. "See," he said. "It still beats, It's in the wrong place but it still beats." "No," she said. "Nothing about you is in the wrong place."</i> </b> <i> -Alyx &amp; Israel</i><br><br><b> <i>"Your blood, despite your disgust at it, is still a part of you. It is all beautiful. Every part. You must learn to feel love for all parts."</i> </b> <i> -Elder</i>

I also review at <a href="https://cupofteaandarmfulofbooks.wordpress.com/" rel="nofollow noopener">[a cup of tea and an armful of books]</a>.<br /><br />There are light spoilers ahead for <i>Angelfire</i>, the first book in the series. <br />+<br /><br />+<br /><br />+<br /><br />I know these are a bit annoying, my apologizes. <br /><br />+<br /><br />+<br /><br />+<br /><br /><i>Angelstone</i> picks up where <i>Angelfire</i> left off: on the run from both Darkened and Angels, and the plans that these enemies have put into motion. Things are a bit more dangerous for the characters that were introduced in <i>Angelfire</i>, as they are being pursued by both the Darkened and some Angels through various towns of the world. This time, the focus is on how to stop the Darkened. They’re the biggest threat, because they have a weapon that can fatally injure Seraphim. Alex and Israel have to deal with their changing relationship as they are planning some of the biggest cons in the human world. Getting away without alerting the humans that some of their prized pieces of art and cultural artifacts are suddenly disappearing won’t be easy. Adding to the tension is the Darkened, actively searching for the Free Angel community.<br /><br />The second novel in the series really opened up the story. The relationship between the angels and the human world was expanded upon and we were able to see how they fit–and hid–in the world as Free Angels. I did enjoy that we got to see angels in different cities around the world, but I wish more detail had been given to the places, particularly the group in China. Most of the detail fell on the missions that they were participating in rather than the places the missions were occurring. This is more the fault of Israel and Alex as narrators, because they can’t be everywhere at once. Even though it wasn’t as detailed as I would have liked, the missions were well thought out and written. The bulk of them didn’t occur off screen, which made for a very enjoyable and fast paced read. I also felt that the danger that was hinted at in <i>Angelfire</i> really hit home in <i>Angelstone</i>. There are often more consequences for her actions and that of the free community than Alex realizes. I feel mean to say it, but I’m glad that there are consequences. It gives this fantasy story an element of realism because there’s so much that they all can lose. Everything is not dandy. I’m not sure how much will be lost by the time the series is over, and I like that I don’t know how it will end. I only have vague predictions at this point.<br /><br />I loved that Israel took on a bigger role in this novel. Although both novels were in Alex and Israel’s perspectives, <i>Angelfire</i> focused a bit more on Alex. The perspectives were a bit more even this time, which allowed Israel to shine more in <i>Angelstone</i>. We know from the first novel that Israel is a pretty good fighter because he’s survived this long, but other details weren’t expanded on. His status as half human and demon is explored and we learn that he has more to him than meets the eye. He can fight forces better than he thought possible, he’s just untrained. He’s becoming more rounded as a character. Additionally, we’re able to get into his head a bit more. We can feel and relate to how he reacts to events in the novel rather than getting Alex’s guesses of how he’s feeling. I’m glad that he became more active in the story.<br /><br />One of my favorite parts of <i>Angelstone</i> was how realistic Alex and Israel’s relationship is portrayed. In this genre, there are many times when the troubles occur in the time leading up to the relationship–“Does he like me?” “Will their circumstances allow them to be together?”–and once the relationship begins, there are little to no problems. Or the “problems” aren’t truly problems at all. Everything becomes all lovey-dovey and perfect. So reading how Alex and Israel’s relationship goes through rough patches was really refreshing. She’s this Seraphim who has always protected humans from Darkened. That was her job, and she has a really hard time leaving that behind in the relationship. Even though Israel has been surviving on his own before she became his Guardian, she still sees humans as a whole as weaker beings who need protection. She doesn’t always recognize that he can fend for himself and it annoys him to no end. Their problems start here. He reacts negatively when he feels she is treating him like a child. He allows his anger to be bottled up on the inside until he can’t contain it and it explodes out. He needs to learn how to control his anger and talk through it rather than holding it in. By recognizing their problems they are able to deal with them. This is possibly my favorite part, however. Although they’ve recognized their problems, it’s <i>not</i> fixed immediately. The novel doesn’t skip over the fact that getting over jealousy and anger is hard. Deciding to treat the other fairly before engaging in a physical relationship is healthy. If they didn’t, it would only breed resentment. The switching perspectives gives a really great look at how they both work and where their faults lie. I was fairly impressed at the portrayal of their changing relationship.<br /><br /><i>Angelstone</i> ends on a cliffhanger that again leads into the next novel in the series. I love that this series doesn’t have everything go right. Too many times the protagonists in novels suddenly overcome problems without a lot of effort going into it, so although things may not have all been very satisfying in <i>Angelstone</i>, I think the payoff at the end of the series will be worth it. It is clear that Hanna Peach had clear intentions of where she wanted the story to go when she started Dark Angel.<br /><br />Again, 5 stars. A big thank you to Hanna Peach for providing me with a copy of <i>Angelstone</i>.

I still struggled with this. It's not bad just not really for me. I like the way they go around the world looking for the Blackstone but for me it just drags on. One of the only reasons why I'm reading to third book is because I'm a sucker for a big battle and you know one is coming. I just can't connect to the characters.

4.5*s<br />Review posted here...<br /><a target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow" href="http://bookpassionforlife.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/a-review-for-angelstone-dark-angel-2-by.html">http://bookpassionforlife.blogspot.co...</a><br /><br />Angelstone picks up right where Angelfall left us – Alyx, Israel, Jordan &amp; Mini have all escaped with their lives but not to safety, not yet - for their battle is just beginning. As they journey to the rogue community, Jordan becomes a teacher to both Alyx &amp; Israel separately as Alyx tries to master the dreamscape in order to be less vulnerable to Michael and Israel attempts to block the magic that left him feeling weak &amp; vulnerable. Alyx is struggling with her feelings for Israel and even though she ended it at the end of the last book, she finds it hard to shut her emotions down and whilst Israel’s heart and attention seem to be solely on Adere – he can never truly be hers – plus there’s also a couple of secret issues to consider, tangling her thoughts and emotions. Jordan further complicates matters when he reveals he wants Alyx for himself. The trio seem to be at a stalemate, not able to move here nor there for complications. When they finally reach the rogue stronghold that Jordan calls home, Alyx, Israel &amp; Mini are introduced to the rebellion. Using magic on Mini, we finally find out what Michael’s plans for the youngster were, how she was treat and how they want her but in uncovering Mini’s secrets, someone else’s secrets are in turn revealed…. So now Michael’s plans are found, so are Samyaras – to find the Black Stone and turn it into weapons against the Seraphim – so it’s up to the rogues/free thinkers to thwart their plan by beating them to the punch but will things run smoothly because just as much as the rogues hold information, so too does their enemy.<br /><br />This was a great sequel, the action and plot really got moving for me and kept my interest all the way through. I really liked Alyx &amp; Israel’s progression as characters both as a pair and alone. Alyx, whilst still kick ass, showed a softer more vulnerable side as her warring emotions came to the forefront, she is realising the depth of her feelings for Israel, comparing those with Jordan and she even took on a maternal role towards Mini. I loved to read this happen because she always seemed to be ever the warrior and I think it softens her and endears her more to the reader. Same with Israel, although I had never viewed him as weak we get an insight to the fact that he never thinks he is good enough and even makes attempts to rectify it which actually makes him seem braver in some ways, like he’s becoming more dominant and making people sit up and notice him. As a pair they could be unstoppable, they gel, they fit together like puzzle pieces but that doesn’t mean they will just do it, they have a lot more upheaval in their futures and their ‘relationship’ in whatever form it comes must be worked out as much as their own selves. <br /><br /> The plot was a lot more exciting for me and the pacing was spot on. I struggled with the first book for a while because there was a lot to get across but I knew that once that was over ,that things would pick up and Angelstone was solid all of the way through. I love it when a book keeps me on my toes and this did. I liked the introduction of the new characters and also the appearance of some old friends, each had something to give to the story whilst not distracting from the main characters. There are a good few questions from book one answered in this which was satisfying but also lead onto more questions about what’s to come. I think the whole storyline &amp; the world that has been created are great, I love the diverse collection of people, I love the way they use magic. I even like how the bad guys roam the earth… it’s all quite unique, intriguing &amp; exciting! I can’t wait to see where things will go now, especially following the ending we got in this – I suppose it can only get better because this definitely surpassed book one.