I am so excited to be hosting a stop on the Tundra Books blog tour for Burn -- and yet it's kind of bittersweet. While I'm happy to have the ending these characters deserved, I'm also NOT ready to say goodbye to them. I'm truly sad it's over, but at least now I can re-read it from start to finish any time I want! :D :D :D
Title: BurnAuthor: Paula Weston
Series: The Rephaim, book #4
Publisher: Tundra Books
Publication Date: June 7, 2016
Purchase: Amazon | Fishpond | The Book Depository
Suddenly, Gaby remembers everything.
For a year she believe she was a backpacker chilling out in Pandanus Beach. Working at the library. Getting over the accident that killed her twin brother.
Then Rafa came to find her and Gaby discovered her true identity as Gabe: one of the Rephaim. Over a hundred years old. Half angel, half human, all demon-smiting badass and hopelessly attracted to the infuriating Rafa.
Now she knows who faked her memories, and how—and why it’s all hurtling towards a massive showdown between the forces of heaven and hell.
More importantly, she remembers why she’s spent the last ten years wanting to seriously damage Rafa.
I re-read the entire series in anticipation of starting this final book in the Rephaim series. It was probably the best idea I've had in awhile. =) So much fun experiencing Gaby finding out she's not human all over again, meeting Rafa for the first time, that kiss, the Hellhounds, the training...all of it.
And it kind of helped because this book was the hardest of them all on Gaby as she reconciles who she is now with who she was as Gabe and what all comes with that. Especially where it concerns Rafa and what happened between them. Through a series of flashbacks and memories, we finally get to see what transpired between them, the real reason Gaby stayed at the Sanctuary when she'd been all set to leave with Jude and the other Outcasts before that. And it isn't pretty.
I really could have used more Rafa in the here and now sense in this final book because for half the book, the only time we saw him was in Gabe's misbegotten memories. And I didn't like what I saw. I had kept up hope that this rift between them was Gabe overreacting, that it was her fault it had gone on so long. And that last part is true, but her feelings were warranted. But they were given a second chance, and Gaby/Gabe isn't going to take that lightly either.
Also not pretty? What Jude and Gabe did a year ago that resulted in them losing each other and their memories. Trust has always been an issue with the characters in this series, but that's the least of their worries right now. Because that prophesied war between angels and demons that everyone's got their panties in a twist over? It's coming.
None of this series has been particularly joyful, except maybe when Gaby and Jude were reunited, but this book was by far the most emotionally fraught, at least for me. It changed how I viewed some of the characters. Not necessarily in a negative way; I just have a lot of feelings to sort out. It'll probably take another series re-read -- or two -- before I'm fully reconciled with everyone's new roles.
Really, though...I can't believe it's over! I'm not ready to say goodbye to these characters. Not even Mya. :P I'm pretty damn satisfied with this conclusion…with the answers we got, with how the memory loss happened and how it was resolved, with who the Rephaim are and what their purpose is. That said, I don't often read spin-offs but I would SO read one set in this world.
Ten Reasons You Need to Read the Rephaim series
My 5 ★ Review of Shimmer
Casting the Characters of Haze
My 5 ★ Review of Haze
My 5 ★ Review of Shadows
About the author:
I’m the author of the Rephaim series. For my day job, I’m a writer-journalist-professional communicator with pH creative, where my writing involves a lot less profanity. :)
I also love to read, blog, cook, eat, drink and travel and tend to get passionate about human rights, ethical food production… actually, I can get passionate about pretty much anything.
I’m also a huge fan of Australian literature, fantasy/paranormal writing across books, TV and film; I love comedy; I’m a closet comic reader and TV addict; and I’m borderline obsessed with the Foo Fighters.
(Photo credit: Celia Southcombe, Flow Photography)
Find Paula:
Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads
Thanks to the wonderful folks at Tundra Books, I've got one complete set of the Rephaim series to give away to one lucky reader! And this giveaway is not tour-wide, so your chances of winning right here are super good! :D
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Be sure to check out the rest of the tour for more great reviews and insight into one of the best series around!
Burn Blog Tour Schedule:
MONDAY, JUNE 13, 2016
Lee at Rally the Readers
Jillian at centre of the universe: the dreaming
Michelle at Undeniably Book Nerdy
Juhina at Maji Bookshelf
TUESDAY, JUNE 14, 2016
Lynne at Words of Mystery
Laura at If It Has Words
Leanne at Author Leanne Dyck
Crystal at Bookiemoji
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 2016
Lauren at Love is not a triangle
Joy at Joyousreads
Krystal at Krystal’s Stellar Book Blog
THURSDAY, JUNE 16, 2016
Jaime at Fiction Fare
Liz at Midnight Bloom Reads
Crystal at Winterhaven Books
Andrea at Cozy Up With A Good Read
FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 2016
Jen at The Starry-Eyed Revue
Patty at Bookish Wanderlove
Happy reading!
I too wasn't ready to say good-bye to the series. A spin-off is an excellent idea. ; )
ReplyDeleteI've only read the first and second book in this series, and my library doesn't have any of the books in this series. I would love to read the rest and find out what happens.
ReplyDeleteI haven't read any in this series and I am excited to get my hands on it. I love the Fallen series and the Hush Hush series. YAY for angels!!
ReplyDeleteI had no idea that this book was partially set in Australia! Definitely want to check them out - I love reading Australia YA. I can't say I've read many (or any) angel books. Sounds like I'm missing out!
ReplyDeleteI haven't read this series yet but another book that had angels in it that I loved was ANGELFALL by Susan Ee.
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