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melhye's review against another edition
1.0
I just can't take this book seriously. It's basically a copy paste of many other books in this genre but with much less inspiring writing and dull dialogue. I can literally guess what the characters are going to say to each other by imagining the most cringe worthy thing or obvious things. I just can't. Sorry.
leggothemeggoreads's review against another edition
4.0
Started a little slow and bit younger than I normal read but still a delightful read and picked up at the end. I'm looking forward to the 2nd book in this series to see where it progresses.
by_bella's review against another edition
2.0
Here’s the thing why it’s kind of a disappointment for me.
First off, everything about it is okay.
Okay glad I got that out of my chest.
Here’s my brutally honest review of this book—
— Spoilers past this point —
The first few chapters? It sure as hell held up something that made me feel like it was going to be a great book. Then, everything kinda just went down and went steady after that. It’s like, you were great and then you were okay and then you were okay that it’s only just “okay”.
I don’t know if that makes sense but eh, I don’t usually make sense.
Then there’s the love interest—Gage.
I’m sorry, I’m just over with bad boys with good girls trying to redeem them when I was just disgusted with how he kissed someone else in front of her when the two of them had feelings with each other. Just felt like that part was written for Wattpad authors who are 13. And trust me, I wrote books on Wattpad when I was 13 and they go like that.
I lost all respect at that point.
I’m all for the “I’m a bad guy but not really a bad guy but I will push you away because I care about you” concept but when it’s badly done… it’s BADLY done.
Also, can we not forget that Tatum is lit-er-ally 17 at the start of this book and she described Gage as somewhat 20. I’m all for the whole 2/3 years gap but when you’re playing with ages that still has a minor in it, I’m kinda feeling eck at this one.
I mean, I get it, she was about to turn 18 blah blah but really, I was still creeped out.
Okay, let’s move on to another disaster—the part where Tatum finds out she’s Apollyon’s daughter and then also finds out at the same time that her mom’s alive.
You squeezed what could be two different plots for a lot more chapters into two chapters. Really, the fact that I was able to predict her mom’s alive and she’s the dark lords daughter before it’s even said in the book says a lot. You could’ve milked it out some more but instead of going whoooop before the splat, you just SPLAT all over.
The mom part… Seriously. I understand having to be like “mom!” and then proceeds to cry but the girl didn’t even know her mom? And you expect me to be like “GASP! AND HER MOM WAS ALIVE?!”
(And they were roommates meme is just in my head)
Every bit of characters introduced in this book was just the authors going like “they’re there and you should gaslight yourself into thinking they’ve been there the whole time.”
The reason why it’s an okay read for me is because I wasn’t rolling my eyes throughout the book. I wasn’t wanting to read a different book.
Am I reading the second book? Hell no.
But hey, at least it was funny.
First off, everything about it is okay.
Okay glad I got that out of my chest.
Here’s my brutally honest review of this book—
— Spoilers past this point —
The first few chapters? It sure as hell held up something that made me feel like it was going to be a great book. Then, everything kinda just went down and went steady after that. It’s like, you were great and then you were okay and then you were okay that it’s only just “okay”.
I don’t know if that makes sense but eh, I don’t usually make sense.
Then there’s the love interest—Gage.
I’m sorry, I’m just over with bad boys with good girls trying to redeem them when I was just disgusted with how he kissed someone else in front of her when the two of them had feelings with each other. Just felt like that part was written for Wattpad authors who are 13. And trust me, I wrote books on Wattpad when I was 13 and they go like that.
I lost all respect at that point.
I’m all for the “I’m a bad guy but not really a bad guy but I will push you away because I care about you” concept but when it’s badly done… it’s BADLY done.
Also, can we not forget that Tatum is lit-er-ally 17 at the start of this book and she described Gage as somewhat 20. I’m all for the whole 2/3 years gap but when you’re playing with ages that still has a minor in it, I’m kinda feeling eck at this one.
I mean, I get it, she was about to turn 18 blah blah but really, I was still creeped out.
Okay, let’s move on to another disaster—the part where Tatum finds out she’s Apollyon’s daughter and then also finds out at the same time that her mom’s alive.
You squeezed what could be two different plots for a lot more chapters into two chapters. Really, the fact that I was able to predict her mom’s alive and she’s the dark lords daughter before it’s even said in the book says a lot. You could’ve milked it out some more but instead of going whoooop before the splat, you just SPLAT all over.
The mom part… Seriously. I understand having to be like “mom!” and then proceeds to cry but the girl didn’t even know her mom? And you expect me to be like “GASP! AND HER MOM WAS ALIVE?!”
(And they were roommates meme is just in my head)
Every bit of characters introduced in this book was just the authors going like “they’re there and you should gaslight yourself into thinking they’ve been there the whole time.”
The reason why it’s an okay read for me is because I wasn’t rolling my eyes throughout the book. I wasn’t wanting to read a different book.
Am I reading the second book? Hell no.
But hey, at least it was funny.
bridgett_'s review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
1.75
mean_momma86's review against another edition
5.0
Omgosh what an ending!!!
Might possibly be the biggest cliffhanger ever!!! I need the second book rn!!! This book sucks you with the first chapter!!! There is so much left to this story and I can't wait to find it out!!!
Might possibly be the biggest cliffhanger ever!!! I need the second book rn!!! This book sucks you with the first chapter!!! There is so much left to this story and I can't wait to find it out!!!
rusticreadingal's review against another edition
5.0
This was such a fantastic start to a new series. Julie Hall and Leia Stone have created a fascinating and intriguing world that I can't get enough of. The beginning was a stunner. I was instantly hooked and couldn't read fast enough.
The characters were great and easy to root for. Tatum was instantly likable. She's thrust into this new world that's been hidden from her for her whole life, and while it's shocking and scary, she handles it all with a bravery that I admired. And Gage! Where do I even begin? He's broody, kinda cranky, and has a bit of a prickly personality. Plus, he's fighting on the wrong side of the battle, but there's something so endearing about him. It's easy to see the goodness that he's trying so hard to bury deep down.
This was, at times, a dark read with quite a few scary moments, but it never got to be too much for me. There was a good mixture of humor and lightness here too, and a great reminder that the light can never be overcome by darkness.
All in all, this was an absolute blast and is a must read for fans of urban fantasy. I highly recommend it and can't wait for book two! I need it ASAP!
I received an advanced copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.
The characters were great and easy to root for. Tatum was instantly likable. She's thrust into this new world that's been hidden from her for her whole life, and while it's shocking and scary, she handles it all with a bravery that I admired. And Gage! Where do I even begin? He's broody, kinda cranky, and has a bit of a prickly personality. Plus, he's fighting on the wrong side of the battle, but there's something so endearing about him. It's easy to see the goodness that he's trying so hard to bury deep down.
This was, at times, a dark read with quite a few scary moments, but it never got to be too much for me. There was a good mixture of humor and lightness here too, and a great reminder that the light can never be overcome by darkness.
All in all, this was an absolute blast and is a must read for fans of urban fantasy. I highly recommend it and can't wait for book two! I need it ASAP!
I received an advanced copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.
oddsortofplace's review against another edition
5.0
Very good read
Pretty much read this in one sitting today. I really enjoyed it. A little like Cassandra Clares Shadowhunters in places, but definitely great in its own right. I liked the characters, the story and I am eagerly awaiting book 2.
Pretty much read this in one sitting today. I really enjoyed it. A little like Cassandra Clares Shadowhunters in places, but definitely great in its own right. I liked the characters, the story and I am eagerly awaiting book 2.
nemerith's review against another edition
4.0
4,5*
I rarely insta buy a book after only reading a chapter, but no regrets! It was a great book!
Worldbuilding:
The supernatural world is hidden from the humans, where the two factions, Lumens and Shades, fight a neverending war against each other. Angels vs Demons aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaand FIGHT! :D We learn about the world alongside Tatum, so there is no information dump; nope, we're just as bewildered as her. Okay, maybe not since we have a blurb ;) but you know what I mean!
Scenes and environments were clear and well described.
Character development:
Tatum is working hard to take care of her grandmother, whose dementia is gradually getting worse :( She gets thrown into a world she finds hard to believe when she starts seeing monsters and people with red eyes. I mean, who wouldn't freak out!
I liked her pretty much from the get-go. She has a good head on her shoulders and goes for what she believes in.
Without spoiling anything, I really liked that she found people from both sides that she connected with.
Gage, our broody (of course) Shade, is still so much a mystery for us. But, we know a bit about his past and how he became the person he is. I hope we get to know him more in the next instalment.
The characters, main and side, all felt real and believable. I enjoyed reading about them!
Pacing and flow:
There was an outstanding balance between all the action and conversation. Nowhere in the book did I feel it dragged too long or that I wasn't entertained. Nope, it grabbed me at the first chapter and didn't release me till the end. It kept my attention throughout without any issues :D
The book:
The book is well written with no (noticeable) errors. There is no sex described (if that is important to you).
It was 368 pages, spread over 19 chapters and told from Tatum's point of view.
Final thoughts:
I really enjoyed the book from start to finish and was so sad when I saw the next wasn't out yet.
Pick this one up if you like angels vs demons books with some romance on the side!
I rarely insta buy a book after only reading a chapter, but no regrets! It was a great book!
Worldbuilding:
The supernatural world is hidden from the humans, where the two factions, Lumens and Shades, fight a neverending war against each other. Angels vs Demons aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaand FIGHT! :D We learn about the world alongside Tatum, so there is no information dump; nope, we're just as bewildered as her. Okay, maybe not since we have a blurb ;) but you know what I mean!
Scenes and environments were clear and well described.
Character development:
Tatum is working hard to take care of her grandmother, whose dementia is gradually getting worse :( She gets thrown into a world she finds hard to believe when she starts seeing monsters and people with red eyes. I mean, who wouldn't freak out!
I liked her pretty much from the get-go. She has a good head on her shoulders and goes for what she believes in.
Without spoiling anything, I really liked that she found people from both sides that she connected with.
Gage, our broody (of course) Shade, is still so much a mystery for us. But, we know a bit about his past and how he became the person he is. I hope we get to know him more in the next instalment.
The characters, main and side, all felt real and believable. I enjoyed reading about them!
Pacing and flow:
There was an outstanding balance between all the action and conversation. Nowhere in the book did I feel it dragged too long or that I wasn't entertained. Nope, it grabbed me at the first chapter and didn't release me till the end. It kept my attention throughout without any issues :D
The book:
The book is well written with no (noticeable) errors. There is no sex described (if that is important to you).
It was 368 pages, spread over 19 chapters and told from Tatum's point of view.
Final thoughts:
I really enjoyed the book from start to finish and was so sad when I saw the next wasn't out yet.
Pick this one up if you like angels vs demons books with some romance on the side!
oliviaxo's review against another edition
5.0
omgg
A series by 2 of my favorite authors & now one of my favorite series. Lumens & Shades, angels & demons, Julie and Leia have out done themselves!!! I’m just shocked & speechless by how good the first book is. I even stayed up way past my bedtime to read it, but let’s just say the writing & storytelling of Tatum’s coming of age is brilliant.
A series by 2 of my favorite authors & now one of my favorite series. Lumens & Shades, angels & demons, Julie and Leia have out done themselves!!! I’m just shocked & speechless by how good the first book is. I even stayed up way past my bedtime to read it, but let’s just say the writing & storytelling of Tatum’s coming of age is brilliant.