The design and UX isn't done, Rob and Abbie, okkurrrr! 😌
sophilozophy's review against another edition
3.0
Violet Eden is not your average teenage girl – even without what awaits on her 17th birthday, a day that she isn't looking forward to since it's also the anniversary of her mother's death. It's always just been Violet and her father. They have a good relationship, but he isn't around much due to his busy schedule. That is one of the reasons Violet is very independent. Her father trusts her completely and she is the type of person who would never misuse that trust in anyway.
Control is very important to her since an incident when she was younger. Since then she has done everything to never feel like she felt that day. During a self-defence class, she meets Lincoln, who has become one of very few important people in Violet's life and continues to train her. She gets the training she wants while fulfilling the desire she has to be with him. If only he had the same need.
Something unexpected happens on Violet's birthday with Lincoln, but before she can fully process what, he runs off. Violet never runs and goes to gets some answers. Nothing could have prepared her for what she finds out. Lincoln a Grigori ' part angel and part human ' and so is she.
I've been anticipating Embrace since I first came across it in 2010. So you can imagine how ecstatic I was when I found out I'd be able to read it. Since I've been anticipating it for so long, I had high hopes and doubts after wanting this book for so long that it would meet those expectations. It didn't, it surpassed them! The mythology Jessica created is exceptional. Some of the myths used are known and the combination of the familiar and what Jessica created and expanded on blurred the lines between fantasy and reality in a way that I never felt the need to stretch my imagination.
I really like Violet, who is just one of many fantastic characters. Each with very distinct personalities that set one apart from the other. When meeting each character, I felt like they had a back-story and didn't start existing the minute their names were written and that their stories would support their actions, which is something that makes them more realistic to me. I look forward to getting to know them better ' the good, bad or the ones in a gray area.
Embrace is an amazing debut. An action-packed, intense and unique read that's truly captivating and will leave you eagerly anticipating the sequel. The excitement of an entire series in one book ' which is just the start. Books like Embrace are the reason I love fantasy so much.
Control is very important to her since an incident when she was younger. Since then she has done everything to never feel like she felt that day. During a self-defence class, she meets Lincoln, who has become one of very few important people in Violet's life and continues to train her. She gets the training she wants while fulfilling the desire she has to be with him. If only he had the same need.
Something unexpected happens on Violet's birthday with Lincoln, but before she can fully process what, he runs off. Violet never runs and goes to gets some answers. Nothing could have prepared her for what she finds out. Lincoln a Grigori ' part angel and part human ' and so is she.
I've been anticipating Embrace since I first came across it in 2010. So you can imagine how ecstatic I was when I found out I'd be able to read it. Since I've been anticipating it for so long, I had high hopes and doubts after wanting this book for so long that it would meet those expectations. It didn't, it surpassed them! The mythology Jessica created is exceptional. Some of the myths used are known and the combination of the familiar and what Jessica created and expanded on blurred the lines between fantasy and reality in a way that I never felt the need to stretch my imagination.
I really like Violet, who is just one of many fantastic characters. Each with very distinct personalities that set one apart from the other. When meeting each character, I felt like they had a back-story and didn't start existing the minute their names were written and that their stories would support their actions, which is something that makes them more realistic to me. I look forward to getting to know them better ' the good, bad or the ones in a gray area.
Embrace is an amazing debut. An action-packed, intense and unique read that's truly captivating and will leave you eagerly anticipating the sequel. The excitement of an entire series in one book ' which is just the start. Books like Embrace are the reason I love fantasy so much.
jscarpa14's review against another edition
4.0
I've been meaning to reread this for way too long, probably since the fourth book came out, which was awhile ago. Needless to say I really enjoyed this story and this series. The first person narrative was interesting because Violet's point of view isn't just that of a teenager with way too much baggage, if anything her voice is more adult than teenager because of all her baggage. I find her voice interesting because she seems to have a lot more going on emotionally and mentally than the paranormal stuff. A healthy person doesn't ask themselves on every birthday if their life is worth it. A healthy person is obsessed with being normal, blending and afraid to stand out in any way shape or form. From the get go it's very obvious that Violet is a teen that has a lot more than growing up to do, she's got this massive amount of healing emotionally and mentally that needs to be tackled if she's ever going to be the person she's meant to be.
While I remember being enthralled with the love story the first time I read this, this time it really didn't draw me. The interaction between Linc and Violet before everything goes to hell is to brief to really understand the depths of their feelings toward each other and her relationship with Phoenix has an uneven and unhealthy balance of power right from its very beginnings. Because of the way Phoenix needs to remain above her it's hard to root for a relationship with him and on second reading I didn't really feel like I knew Linc well enough in this novel to root for him either.
Violet's life spirals completely out of control because of decisions made before she was even born about what she would become. The interesting part of the journey is watching how she handles all these new obstacles thrown at her and expectations of her. While the secondary characters were all interesting, Violet is such an internal character that it's really hard to pay attention to much outside of her very muddled and confused thoughts as her life spirals out of her control and she enters this world she doesn't fully understand, trying to rein her life back into control.
The imagery presented especially when she embraces is vivid and compelling, and the mythology behind the Grigori is both unique and enthralling. Overall it's a great book that I'd definitely recommend.
While I remember being enthralled with the love story the first time I read this, this time it really didn't draw me. The interaction between Linc and Violet before everything goes to hell is to brief to really understand the depths of their feelings toward each other and her relationship with Phoenix has an uneven and unhealthy balance of power right from its very beginnings. Because of the way Phoenix needs to remain above her it's hard to root for a relationship with him and on second reading I didn't really feel like I knew Linc well enough in this novel to root for him either.
Violet's life spirals completely out of control because of decisions made before she was even born about what she would become. The interesting part of the journey is watching how she handles all these new obstacles thrown at her and expectations of her. While the secondary characters were all interesting, Violet is such an internal character that it's really hard to pay attention to much outside of her very muddled and confused thoughts as her life spirals out of her control and she enters this world she doesn't fully understand, trying to rein her life back into control.
The imagery presented especially when she embraces is vivid and compelling, and the mythology behind the Grigori is both unique and enthralling. Overall it's a great book that I'd definitely recommend.
lochnessvhs's review against another edition
5.0
[2022 Review]
I first read this book 9 years ago, not knowing that it was the beginning of discovering my favorite series of all time. I've spent the interviening years calling is that, but this is the first time I've gone back to it. I have to admit, I was nervous. I am not the same person I was 9 year ago. Would I still enjoy it? Would Violet Eden still resonate as a character with me now that I'm in my 40s? Would certain parts be...problematic?
I needent of worried. I cracked Embrace open around noon today and didn't stop until it was finished. I COULDN'T stop. Returning to this world, returning to Violet and Lincoln, it truly felt like coming home. Yes she's 17 and I'm very far removed from that age, but there is an agelessness that Violet Eden carries even before she embraces. She is a hero even before she accepts that's what she needs to be. There are very deep echoes of Buffy Summers in her at the core of her story, and I see that now. I'm not sure I saw that originally. It all connects for me in a way it hadn't when I was freshly out of my 20s.
I leave the below as my original review from 2013 for posterity.
---------------------------------------------------
I have the first book in 4 different series that seem to be all the same thing - Hush, Hush & Embrace & Fallen & Fated. When I finally picked up Embrace, after having read the entire Hush, Hush series, I was sure there would be no way I could like it more.
And I don't. But I kind of do? Oh I am so undecided.
Violet Eden is much stronger, much smarter, and much more self-determined than Nora Grey. Lincoln is way less creepy than Patch (but Phoenix might be more creepy?) The Hush, Hush series seems like the mythology was much LESS fleshed out than in Embrace, and I kind of liked that. But I missed the amusement park. But...but...but...
Okay, maybe it's completely unfair to be comparing the two. Maybe if I would have read this first, it would have changed my perception?
I'm just very distraught that these two stories exist and now they are forever embedded in my brain. And I REALLY DESPERATELY want magical angel tattoos on my arms.
*The preceding has not been a review but a word!vomit.
I first read this book 9 years ago, not knowing that it was the beginning of discovering my favorite series of all time. I've spent the interviening years calling is that, but this is the first time I've gone back to it. I have to admit, I was nervous. I am not the same person I was 9 year ago. Would I still enjoy it? Would Violet Eden still resonate as a character with me now that I'm in my 40s? Would certain parts be...problematic?
I needent of worried. I cracked Embrace open around noon today and didn't stop until it was finished. I COULDN'T stop. Returning to this world, returning to Violet and Lincoln, it truly felt like coming home. Yes she's 17 and I'm very far removed from that age, but there is an agelessness that Violet Eden carries even before she embraces. She is a hero even before she accepts that's what she needs to be. There are very deep echoes of Buffy Summers in her at the core of her story, and I see that now. I'm not sure I saw that originally. It all connects for me in a way it hadn't when I was freshly out of my 20s.
I leave the below as my original review from 2013 for posterity.
---------------------------------------------------
I have the first book in 4 different series that seem to be all the same thing - Hush, Hush & Embrace & Fallen & Fated. When I finally picked up Embrace, after having read the entire Hush, Hush series, I was sure there would be no way I could like it more.
And I don't. But I kind of do? Oh I am so undecided.
Violet Eden is much stronger, much smarter, and much more self-determined than Nora Grey. Lincoln is way less creepy than Patch (but Phoenix might be more creepy?) The Hush, Hush series seems like the mythology was much LESS fleshed out than in Embrace, and I kind of liked that. But I missed the amusement park. But...but...but...
Okay, maybe it's completely unfair to be comparing the two. Maybe if I would have read this first, it would have changed my perception?
I'm just very distraught that these two stories exist and now they are forever embedded in my brain. And I REALLY DESPERATELY want magical angel tattoos on my arms.
*The preceding has not been a review but a word!vomit.
jennifervu's review against another edition
3.0
(2.5 stars)
Ok, I liked this yet I didn't. This book was concentrated on the romance and I felt the romance was horrible. Her developed relationship with Phoenix just broke at the end and I felt like I was back to square one but worse.
I hated Violet so much... with a passion! I was frustrated with how she was so angry at Lincoln. It clearly was NOT his decision to keep it from her; he was forced to. Violet wouldn't try to understand though and allowed Phoenix in instead, up to the point where they had... it. It just proved how immature she really was and how her definition of love is not like mine... I also hated how she was a special Grigori. She just didn't deserve it.
Usually, a good book will make me sympathize with the protagonist but this book just made me want to beat her up.
I did like the whole idea behind it, but everything wasn't as developed as I hoped.
Just not my type!
Ok, I liked this yet I didn't. This book was concentrated on the romance and I felt the romance was horrible. Her developed relationship with Phoenix just broke at the end and I felt like I was back to square one but worse.
I hated Violet so much... with a passion! I was frustrated with how she was so angry at Lincoln. It clearly was NOT his decision to keep it from her; he was forced to. Violet wouldn't try to understand though and allowed Phoenix in instead, up to the point where they had... it. It just proved how immature she really was and how her definition of love is not like mine... I also hated how she was a special Grigori. She just didn't deserve it.
Usually, a good book will make me sympathize with the protagonist but this book just made me want to beat her up.
I did like the whole idea behind it, but everything wasn't as developed as I hoped.
Just not my type!
saluki's review against another edition
1.0
Simply did not like the main character in too many ways to be bothered to explain and the plot is bland compared to other angel or exiled angel novels.
lakecake's review against another edition
3.0
This is kind of like a more bad-ass Twilight. If you liked that series, you'll like this first book for sure. The heroine, Violet, is more likable than Bella Swan because she's got a Katniss Everdeen feel to her--she's tough, and she's not annoying. I'll check out the second book for sure.
bookwife's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this book the first time I read it.. not so much now. It reads very young YA. I’m just too old
ashreads10k's review against another edition
3.0
This is a difficult book for me to review, because I have such extremely mixed feelings on it. Before I started reading it, I saw so many raving reviews about is and I figured I would love it too, but then I started reading it and the story really just did not meet my expectations.
I'll start off with what I really liked first. The angel mythology was phenomenal, I will give Jessica Shirvington that. She definitely did her research, and it shows because it was very well crafted and executed. Sometimes angels can come off as cheesy or corny, but I really like the theory behind Shirvington's angels. There is no fine line between good and bad, light or dark. The good can do bad, and the bad can certainly do good in Embrace, which made it difficult sometimes to know who was on what side. So, for the angel mythology, Embrace gets some points.
But, I had two major problems with this novel.
First, the main character Violet. I didn't like her, because she was extremely whiny. I understand, when you discover something so major and life changing about yourself, you're going to be freaked out. But she just shoved away all the people that wanted to help her, and started making some stupid decisions concerning who she trusted. I wanted to smack some sense into her quite a few times. And what really got me was towards the end. I saw what was going to happen a mile away, and she barely even knew what was going on. She did have moments where she stepped up and fought for those she loved, but those weren't enough to redeem her in my eyes. I'm don't want to spoil anything for anyone, so I'm trying to be vague here, but she just really disappointed me as a main character.
My biggest problem with this book, however, was the love triangle. At first, I was pretty intrigued by Lincoln because he was sweet and cared for Violet so passionately. And then he just became the world's biggest jerk. If you love someone, you don't treat them that way, ever. I had a really difficult time believing in his feelings toward the end, because he just ran so damn hot and cold! And there's Phoenix. Ah, Phoenix. I have to admit, I actually really liked him. He's one of those bad boys, except he's quite literally the original bad boy. (Trying hard to stay away from spoilers here, but it's difficult with Phoenix!) I knew from the moment he was first introduced that both Violet and I, as the reader, shouldn't trust him as far as we could throw him. But, he's so deliciously charming and seductive that I just couldn't resist! I don't have an actual problem with him, I have a problem with his relationship with Violet. It just happened, out of nowhere. She meets him at a coffee shop one day, and then BAM, they're hanging out. And then BAM again, and they're... dating? When did that happen? Because I sure missed it. Again, I loved him, but I just didn't believe his relationship with Violet.
Still, I want more Phoenix in my life. *sighs dreamily*
I had a few other problems, such as Violet's father, or her best friend, but those are pretty insignificant compared to the 2 others I stated above.
Overall, I give Embrace a shaky 3 stars. Mostly because of the mythology and Phoenix, those were the two redeeming qualities for me. I'll be reading the sequel, only because I really want to know what happens to him.
I'll start off with what I really liked first. The angel mythology was phenomenal, I will give Jessica Shirvington that. She definitely did her research, and it shows because it was very well crafted and executed. Sometimes angels can come off as cheesy or corny, but I really like the theory behind Shirvington's angels. There is no fine line between good and bad, light or dark. The good can do bad, and the bad can certainly do good in Embrace, which made it difficult sometimes to know who was on what side. So, for the angel mythology, Embrace gets some points.
But, I had two major problems with this novel.
First, the main character Violet. I didn't like her, because she was extremely whiny. I understand, when you discover something so major and life changing about yourself, you're going to be freaked out. But she just shoved away all the people that wanted to help her, and started making some stupid decisions concerning who she trusted. I wanted to smack some sense into her quite a few times. And what really got me was towards the end. I saw what was going to happen a mile away, and she barely even knew what was going on. She did have moments where she stepped up and fought for those she loved, but those weren't enough to redeem her in my eyes. I'm don't want to spoil anything for anyone, so I'm trying to be vague here, but she just really disappointed me as a main character.
My biggest problem with this book, however, was the love triangle. At first, I was pretty intrigued by Lincoln because he was sweet and cared for Violet so passionately. And then he just became the world's biggest jerk. If you love someone, you don't treat them that way, ever. I had a really difficult time believing in his feelings toward the end, because he just ran so damn hot and cold! And there's Phoenix. Ah, Phoenix. I have to admit, I actually really liked him. He's one of those bad boys, except he's quite literally the original bad boy. (Trying hard to stay away from spoilers here, but it's difficult with Phoenix!) I knew from the moment he was first introduced that both Violet and I, as the reader, shouldn't trust him as far as we could throw him. But, he's so deliciously charming and seductive that I just couldn't resist! I don't have an actual problem with him, I have a problem with his relationship with Violet. It just happened, out of nowhere. She meets him at a coffee shop one day, and then BAM, they're hanging out. And then BAM again, and they're... dating? When did that happen? Because I sure missed it. Again, I loved him, but I just didn't believe his relationship with Violet.
Still, I want more Phoenix in my life. *sighs dreamily*
I had a few other problems, such as Violet's father, or her best friend, but those are pretty insignificant compared to the 2 others I stated above.
Overall, I give Embrace a shaky 3 stars. Mostly because of the mythology and Phoenix, those were the two redeeming qualities for me. I'll be reading the sequel, only because I really want to know what happens to him.
steffi_au_penguinbooks's review against another edition
4.0
“You are you and you are me. You are the Keshet.”
Guys,JUST COME ON AND READ THIS SERIES, PLEASE!!!
I don't know if any of you would read this review, since it's about a book you probably never heard of.
The Violet Eden Chapters by Jessica Shirvington is one of the best series If have ever had the pleasure to read and I'm highly recommending these books.
Embrace, the first installment, already starts very promising: romance, danger, different types of angels, plot twists and hurt. Jessica Shirvingtons writing style is very addictive and so so beautiful. It was so easy to connect with the characters, to laugh with them, to feel their pain, their love, to sympathize with them. I couldn't stop reading, the pages went flying.
As for the characters, Violet Eden, the main character, has her flews. She isn't perfect. And yes, she frustrated me a lot. However, she's a very strong character, fighting for her loved ones. She still acted very human and realistic, compared to other YA characters.
Then there are Lincoln and Phoenix. Two very different and mysterious guys. I'm myself rooting for Lincoln, since he's such an understanding and lovely person. Phoenix on the other hand is ... sexy. Ok, they are both sexy, but Phoenix is more alluring. You'll see what I mean.
And then there is Steph, Violet's bestfriend. Gosh, can I have a bestfriend like her?!
For two years now, I'm trying so hard to recommend this series. It has everything a good book needs. If you're still not happy with Embrace, then mabye give Entice another chance. If you're still not happy, then stop reading it. However, I'm highly recomming this series, since it's sometimes even better than overhyped books.
4 stars
Guys,JUST COME ON AND READ THIS SERIES, PLEASE!!!
I don't know if any of you would read this review, since it's about a book you probably never heard of.
The Violet Eden Chapters by Jessica Shirvington is one of the best series If have ever had the pleasure to read and I'm highly recommending these books.
Embrace, the first installment, already starts very promising: romance, danger, different types of angels, plot twists and hurt. Jessica Shirvingtons writing style is very addictive and so so beautiful. It was so easy to connect with the characters, to laugh with them, to feel their pain, their love, to sympathize with them. I couldn't stop reading, the pages went flying.
As for the characters, Violet Eden, the main character, has her flews. She isn't perfect. And yes, she frustrated me a lot. However, she's a very strong character, fighting for her loved ones. She still acted very human and realistic, compared to other YA characters.
Then there are Lincoln and Phoenix. Two very different and mysterious guys. I'm myself rooting for Lincoln, since he's such an understanding and lovely person. Phoenix on the other hand is ... sexy. Ok, they are both sexy, but Phoenix is more alluring. You'll see what I mean.
And then there is Steph, Violet's bestfriend. Gosh, can I have a bestfriend like her?!
For two years now, I'm trying so hard to recommend this series. It has everything a good book needs. If you're still not happy with Embrace, then mabye give Entice another chance. If you're still not happy, then stop reading it. However, I'm highly recomming this series, since it's sometimes even better than overhyped books.
4 stars