You guys! I am SOOOOO excited to be hosting a stop on the blog tour for
Shimmer. I've already devoured the book -- you can check out my fangirl review below -- and I can say with absolute certainty that this is a series you do NOT want to miss.
And just in case you don't believe me, here are
ten reasons this series should
definitely be on your radar:
1. Rafa - Honestly, this list could just be Rafa, Rafa, Rafa, and so on. But there
is more to love about this series than just him. ;0)
RAFA
a younger Charlie Hunnam
Based: Pretty much anywhere with a bed.
Favourite food: Lamb shanks
Favourite way to relax: Use your imagination. I’m also partial to beer.
Earliest memory: Sneaking into the armory and trying to lift Nathaniel’s broadsword. It was taller than me and I knocked a bucket off the bench. Nathaniel caught me dragging the blade around the room. He made me stay in the armory until I could grip it and swing it properly. He thought it was punishment.
(The author fancasted the last book for me as part of the
Haze blog tour last year, and you can check out that post
here.)
2. Gaby/Gabe - The whole series is told from her point-of-view and it is just lovely being in Gaby's head. This girl is fierce and broken and determined. And she just wants her old life back. Too bad it never existed to begin with...
3. Nephilim - Gaby, Rafa and crew are the product of forbidden relationships between angels and human women. And. They. Are. BADASS. They are some serious demon-killing machines!
4. Angels - This is quite possibly my favorite series involving angels...right up there with Susan Ee's series about evil angels. I even said in one TTT that the two should collaborate one day. I might die from the awesome. But Paula Weston has created this amazing backstory for her characters, focusing on the Fallen and the Heavens, and it is just utterly captivating.
5. Gaby and Rafa - These two just
sizzle. Their chemistry is simply off the charts, even from their first encounter, and I dare you not to ship them to infinity and beyond.
6. The Aussie Effect - I don't know about you, but I have never
not enjoyed a book written by an Australian author or that takes place in Australia...or both. When I hear these characters in my head, they have Aussie accents, which is beyond awesome because I kind of have a thing for that. =) Plus, a large part of the book takes place in Australia, a place I've wanted to visit since childhood. And, gawd, do I love the Aussie slang and terms that take context clues to decipher! I would LOVE to hear these books on audio!!!
7. Not Your Typical YA - Dude, these characters are all around 19, going on 139. For reals. But the story doesn't read like a typical NA either, even though all of the characters are beyond high-school age. I'm not actually sure their is an age classification for this type of book, but regardless, it works. Most especially because these characters are dealing with far more than just relationship drama and the usual. They're trying to figure out which angel-dude fathered them while slaying demon ass,
while trying to deal with their feelings. Talk about complicated lives!
8. Secrets and Lies - You're going to form some theories while reading this series, and some will come to fruition and some are going to be completely blown out of the water. You are going to be shocked into silence and angered enough to nearly throw the books at the wall -- but you won't because they are the precious and you would not do that to them. And just when you think there can't be anything left to surprise you, you will be wrong again.
9. Camaraderie - Despite everything these characters are going through -- and which of them were frienemies at best and enemies at worst when this all started -- there's just this sense of togetherness throughout the books. They are in this fight together and they will see it through to the bitter end. Even the human characters who've become just as much a part of this as the Nephilim.
10. Compulsively Readable - I've read and re-read these books and I plan on re-reading the whole series again in the near future because it is just so awesome and unlike any other angel-themed series I've ever read. I dare you to start this series and not immediately the next book...and the next book...and the next book.
There you have it. All very valid reasons why you should start this series today. =D My review for
Shimmer, the third book in
The Rephaim series follows,
but maybe don't read it if you haven't read the first two books in the series yet. ;0)
SHIMMER
By Paula Weston
In stores now!!!
Order Shimmer:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Indiebound | Apple | Kobo | Fishpond | The Book Depository
Here's the summary:
Gaby thought her life couldn’t get more complicated.
She’s almost used to the idea that she’s not the nineteen-year-old backpacker she thought she was. She can just about cope with being one of the Rephaim - a 140-year-old half-angel - whose memories have been stolen. She’s even coming to grips with the fact that Jude, the brother she’s mourned for a year, didn’t die at all.
But now Rafa—sexy, infuriating Rafa—is being held, and hurt, by Gatekeeper demons. And Gaby has to get the bitterly divided Rephaim to work together, or Rafa has no chance at all.
It’s a race against time - and history. And it may already be too late.
Having now read this series in its entirety, I think I can safely say this was my favorite out of them all. Of course, I loved each and every book with every fiber of my being, but I loved how the Rephaim had to come together in this book. Okay, I'm lying...I love how
Rafa and Gaby came together in this book, lol.
Still, there's just something about seeing bitter enemies having to fight side by side against a common foe. Reminds me of the X-Men a bit. ;) Plus, now that Jude's back, we get to see more of how things were for the past ten years, when the Sanctuary Rephaim thought they knew best and the Outcasts were just rebels with a cause. And yet, no one really knows anything...not even the omniscient Nathaniel.
Because apparently, Jude and Gabe weren't the only ones keeping secrets. But I liked what the secrets did to the characters, what it revealed about them, and not only those who were directly affected but all of the Rephaim and the few outsiders who knew of their existence. The things revealed in this book have definitely changed the game, most especially for the two Rephaim who escaped the Sanctuary's notice for all of those years.
And despite all of these secrets and knowing that Rafa is still keeping things about their history from her, Gaby decides that he's worth the time and effort to get to know again. There's an undeniable connection there, so it makes sense, even with that threat of their past indiscretions looming over them. But I think Rafa has proven over the course of the series that
if he did do something to hurt Gabe, something unforgivable, he's willing to make amends, to do whatever it takes to prove he's not that same guy.
People make mistakes. Same goes for half-angel/half-human hotties. I kind of love that underlying theme of forgiveness in these books. Because every single one of these characters has done something for which they need to be forgiven, whether they understand that yet or not -- well, except for poor Maggie...she got dragged into this without knowing what she was getting herself into. :P
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
Be sure to check out the rest of the
tour for more great reviews and insight into one of the best series around!
Shimmer Blog Tour Schedule:
MONDAY, MARCH 14, 2016
Lee at
Rally the Readers
Jillian at
centre of the universe: the dreaming
Michelle at
Undeniably Book Nerdy
Juhina at
Maji Bookshelf
TUESDAY, MARCH 15, 2016
Lynne at
Words of Mystery
Laura at
If It Has Words
Leanne at
Author Leanne Dyck
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16, 2016
Lauren at
Love is not a triangle
Joy at
Joyousreads
Krystal at
Krystal’s Stellar Book Blog
THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016
Jaime at
Fiction Fare
Liz at
Midnight Bloom Reads
Crystal at
Winterhaven Books
Andrea at
Cozy Up With A Good Read
FRIDAY, MARCH 18, 2016
Jen at
The Starry-Eyed Revue
Summer at
MissFictional’s Books
Patty at
Bookish Wanderlove
Friday, June 17, 2016
{Blog Tour} My 5 ★ Review of BURN by Paula Weston + Giveaway
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
Author: Paula Weston
Series: The Rephaim, book #4
Publisher: Tundra Books
Publication Date: June 7, 2016
Purchase: Amazon | Fishpond | The Book Depository
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
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!
Friday, March 18, 2016
{Blog Tour} Ten Reasons You NEED to Read THE REPHAIM Series & My 5 ★ Review of SHIMMER by Paula Weston
You guys! I am SOOOOO excited to be hosting a stop on the blog tour for Shimmer. I've already devoured the book -- you can check out my fangirl review below -- and I can say with absolute certainty that this is a series you do NOT want to miss.
And just in case you don't believe me, here are ten reasons this series should definitely be on your radar:
1. Rafa - Honestly, this list could just be Rafa, Rafa, Rafa, and so on. But there is more to love about this series than just him. ;0)
2. Gaby/Gabe - The whole series is told from her point-of-view and it is just lovely being in Gaby's head. This girl is fierce and broken and determined. And she just wants her old life back. Too bad it never existed to begin with...
3. Nephilim - Gaby, Rafa and crew are the product of forbidden relationships between angels and human women. And. They. Are. BADASS. They are some serious demon-killing machines!
4. Angels - This is quite possibly my favorite series involving angels...right up there with Susan Ee's series about evil angels. I even said in one TTT that the two should collaborate one day. I might die from the awesome. But Paula Weston has created this amazing backstory for her characters, focusing on the Fallen and the Heavens, and it is just utterly captivating.
5. Gaby and Rafa - These two just sizzle. Their chemistry is simply off the charts, even from their first encounter, and I dare you not to ship them to infinity and beyond.
7. Not Your Typical YA - Dude, these characters are all around 19, going on 139. For reals. But the story doesn't read like a typical NA either, even though all of the characters are beyond high-school age. I'm not actually sure their is an age classification for this type of book, but regardless, it works. Most especially because these characters are dealing with far more than just relationship drama and the usual. They're trying to figure out which angel-dude fathered them while slaying demon ass, while trying to deal with their feelings. Talk about complicated lives!
8. Secrets and Lies - You're going to form some theories while reading this series, and some will come to fruition and some are going to be completely blown out of the water. You are going to be shocked into silence and angered enough to nearly throw the books at the wall -- but you won't because they are the precious and you would not do that to them. And just when you think there can't be anything left to surprise you, you will be wrong again.
9. Camaraderie - Despite everything these characters are going through -- and which of them were frienemies at best and enemies at worst when this all started -- there's just this sense of togetherness throughout the books. They are in this fight together and they will see it through to the bitter end. Even the human characters who've become just as much a part of this as the Nephilim.
10. Compulsively Readable - I've read and re-read these books and I plan on re-reading the whole series again in the near future because it is just so awesome and unlike any other angel-themed series I've ever read. I dare you to start this series and not immediately the next book...and the next book...and the next book.
There you have it. All very valid reasons why you should start this series today. =D My review for Shimmer, the third book in The Rephaim series follows, but maybe don't read it if you haven't read the first two books in the series yet. ;0)
Here's the summary:
Having now read this series in its entirety, I think I can safely say this was my favorite out of them all. Of course, I loved each and every book with every fiber of my being, but I loved how the Rephaim had to come together in this book. Okay, I'm lying...I love how Rafa and Gaby came together in this book, lol.
Still, there's just something about seeing bitter enemies having to fight side by side against a common foe. Reminds me of the X-Men a bit. ;) Plus, now that Jude's back, we get to see more of how things were for the past ten years, when the Sanctuary Rephaim thought they knew best and the Outcasts were just rebels with a cause. And yet, no one really knows anything...not even the omniscient Nathaniel.
Because apparently, Jude and Gabe weren't the only ones keeping secrets. But I liked what the secrets did to the characters, what it revealed about them, and not only those who were directly affected but all of the Rephaim and the few outsiders who knew of their existence. The things revealed in this book have definitely changed the game, most especially for the two Rephaim who escaped the Sanctuary's notice for all of those years.
And despite all of these secrets and knowing that Rafa is still keeping things about their history from her, Gaby decides that he's worth the time and effort to get to know again. There's an undeniable connection there, so it makes sense, even with that threat of their past indiscretions looming over them. But I think Rafa has proven over the course of the series that if he did do something to hurt Gabe, something unforgivable, he's willing to make amends, to do whatever it takes to prove he's not that same guy.
People make mistakes. Same goes for half-angel/half-human hotties. I kind of love that underlying theme of forgiveness in these books. Because every single one of these characters has done something for which they need to be forgiven, whether they understand that yet or not -- well, except for poor Maggie...she got dragged into this without knowing what she was getting herself into. :P
Be sure to check out the rest of the tour for more great reviews and insight into one of the best series around!
Shimmer Blog Tour Schedule:
MONDAY, MARCH 14, 2016
Lee at Rally the Readers
Jillian at centre of the universe: the dreaming
Michelle at Undeniably Book Nerdy
Juhina at Maji Bookshelf
TUESDAY, MARCH 15, 2016
Lynne at Words of Mystery
Laura at If It Has Words
Leanne at Author Leanne Dyck
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16, 2016
Lauren at Love is not a triangle
Joy at Joyousreads
Krystal at Krystal’s Stellar Book Blog
THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016
Jaime at Fiction Fare
Liz at Midnight Bloom Reads
Crystal at Winterhaven Books
Andrea at Cozy Up With A Good Read
FRIDAY, MARCH 18, 2016
Jen at The Starry-Eyed Revue
Summer at MissFictional’s Books
Patty at Bookish Wanderlove
Wednesday, September 23, 2015
Waiting on Wednesday: Gabriel by Nikki Kelly
"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.
This week's WoW selection is...
's Pick:
Author: Nikki Kelly
Series: The Styclar Saga, book #2
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Publication Date: October 27, 2015
I recently re-read Lailah, or rather re-listened, and it only made me want this book even more. I don't mind the love triangle in this series because I'm just reading these books for pure, unadulterated fun. And both Gabriel and Jonah are plenty fun...and sexy. Gah, and these books have such awesomely creepy covers! I can't wait to read this one!
What are you desperately waiting for this Wednesday? Let us know in the comments or share a link to your own WoW post!
Friday, August 14, 2015
{Review} Shimmer & Burn by Paula Weston
Author: Paula Weston
Series: The Rephaim, book #3
Publisher: Text Publishing
Publication Date: July 3, 2014 (in Australia -- not till 2016 in US)
Source: purchased
Purchase: Amazon | Fishpond | The Book Depository
Having now read this series in its entirety, I think I can safely say this was my favorite out of them all. Of course, I loved each and every book with every fiber of my being, but I loved how the Rephaim had to come together in this book. Okay, I'm lying...I love how Rafa and Gaby came together in this book, lol.
Still, there's just something about seeing bitter enemies having to fight side by side against a common foe. Reminds me of the X-Men a bit. ;) Plus, now that Jude's back, we get to see more of how things were for the past ten years, when the Sanctuary Rephaim thought they knew best and the Outcasts were just rebels with a cause. And yet, no one really knows anything...not even the omniscient Nathaniel.
Because apparently, Jude and Gabe weren't the only ones keeping secrets. But I liked what the secrets did to the characters, what it revealed about them, and not only those who were directly affected but all of the Rephaim and the few outsiders who knew of their existence. The things revealed in this book have definitely changed the game, most especially for the two Rephaim who escaped the Sanctuary's notice for all of those years.
And despite all of these secrets and knowing that Rafa is still keeping things about their history from her, Gaby decides that he's worth the time and effort to get to know again. There's an undeniable connection there, so it makes sense, even with that threat of their past indiscretions looming over them. But I think Rafa has proven over the course of the series that if he did do something to hurt Gabe, something unforgivable, he's willing to make amends, to do whatever it takes to prove he's not that same guy.
People make mistakes. Same goes for half-angel/half-human hotties. I kind of love that underlying theme of forgiveness in these books. Because every single one of these characters has done something for which they need to be forgiven, whether they understand that yet or not -- well, except for poor Maggie...she got dragged into this without knowing what she was getting herself into. :P
Author: Paula Weston
Series: The Rephaim, book #4
Publisher: Text Publishing
Publication Date: June 24, 2015 (in Australia -- not till 2016 in US)
Source: purchased
Purchase: Amazon | Fishpond | The Book Depository
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 rarely read spin-offs but I would SO read one set in this world.
GIF it to me straight:
Monday, May 4, 2015
Review: End of Days by Susan Ee
Author: Susan Ee
Series: Penryn & the End of Days, book #3
Publisher: Skyscape
Publication Date: May 12, 2015
Source: ARC and FC received from publisher
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Audible
Penryn and the End of Days is by far one of my favorite series, and I am so glad that it ended on such a spectacular note. My expectations for this series finale were high, and not only were they met, but the author far exceeded what I had hoped for in this final installment. I loved this book -- and series! -- so much that I already pre-ordered the audio of End of Days so that I can listen to all three books back-to-back.
Everything that I loved about the previous books is still intact, but Susan Ee has done us a solid and kicked it all up a notch. Penryn is still her fabulous, angel-killer self, still coming to terms with her sister's situation and her mother's delusions and everything else the angels have unleashed upon the world. But she never turns her back on humanity, even though she's fallen for an angel of the highest order. Even though some humans are responsible for her sister's plight. Penryn has always made the hard choices, and they don't get any easier for her when the end of days arrives.
Truths about the angels' plans here on Earth finally come to light, and Raffe finds himself with some difficult decisions, as well. Don't expect him to take it easy on Penryn, though. The banter and tough love are still very much a part of this story. Both characters have shown tremendous growth, over the course of the series but most especially in this book: Penryn as a leader of her people and Raffe as a more forgiving hero.
There is so much working against them in this story that I was concerned I might not get the ending I was hoping for, at least where these two are concerned. But there are more tender scenes than I expected. Stolen kisses. Moments fraught with sexual tension. Steaminess that's unrivaled up to this point in the series, even if it left one or more parties feeling guilty, unsure, and completely angst-ridden. Not only do Penryn and Raffe have to come to terms with their feelings for each other, but they have to do it in a world where nothing is certain and there is little to no chance that their pairing will be accepted...by humans or by angels.
Getting the romance right, and having it come to fruition in just the right way, was key for this final book...at least for me. But I had faith that the author would do it justice, and she so did. She always manages to surprise me with her unusual plot lines, like that near-sentient sword and the humans-turned-locusts. So, it really shouldn't have caught me off guard that she coerced me into actually feeling sympathy toward one of the more vile characters in this series. More than sympathy, actually, but you'll see. And the method in which she makes this happens..it was incredibly unique, even for a fantasy novel.
Humans and angels battle it out in this finale -- and that is one epic last stand, let me tell you -- and I couldn't be more ecstatic about the outcome if I were to discover that Susan Ee still planned to write more in the series. I would be over the moon with that announcement, but alas, it is not to be. So I guess it's a good thing that End of Days was more than a satisfying conclusion to the series. If you haven't started this series yet, you absolutely must. And if you're already a fan, I don't think you'll be disappointed by this final book...it's everything we've been waiting for and more.
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starryeyedjen
- I work with numbers by day, and I'm a mommy and avid reader by night. I'm a self-proclaimed Spreadsheet Queen, and I'll read anything you put in front of me. I seriously love all the books! And I adore audiobooks, too!
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