Reread Review: The Blessed Knights (Secret Knights #2) by Mary Ting

Title: The Blessed Knights

Series: Secret Knights #2
Author: Mary Ting
Publisher: Mary Ting
Published: October 28, 2016
Pages: 249
Genres: Young Adult, Fantasy, Paranormal
Source: Ebook
~~~~~

Above a small hill lay a home.
And green men peer out under the dome.
Thirteen crisscrossing arches behold,
with angels singing must be told.
Cubes like teeth thus showed,
pierce one and the door shall glow. 
Part the sea like Moses, 
to see the bundle of red roses.
Only then you shall see,
what is destined to be free.
But beware, if you are not the heir,
for damnation you shall declare, 
for the false burden you shall bare.

Eli, Lucia’s half-demon love interest, has been stabbed with a true-cross dagger and captured by Cyrus, master of the possessor demons. The Chosen Knights must work together once again not only to save Eli, but also to decipher a clue to find the second missing page of Jacques de Molay’s journal. Meanwhile, Uncle Davin informs Crossroads’ Divine Elders of the danger ahead and learns there is much to fear. Countless children are being taken from all over the world to be turned into demons. Michael has no choice but to intervene. The Chosen Knights track down Mortem, the demon who is the key to finding Cyrus, and learn they must travel deep into the pit of a Hawaiian volcano. When they astral travel to the past in search of a clue and follow Jacques de Molay to Rosselyn Chapel in medieval Scotland, what they find will rewrite history.

Goodreads / Amazon

MY REVIEW

DISCLAIMER: This review MAY contain spoilers. 

I am so glad that I decided to reread this book and the previous two books in the series prior to finishing the last book. I am afraid that I would have been totally lost if I hadn't. I had forgotten just how many details went into the story, and many more are revealed in this book. I have to say, Mary Ting can definitely create a compelling plot. I was just as immersed in the story this time around. The characters grow on you more and more as the story progresses. I love the chemistry between all of the characters. The Knights all have a camaraderie that melts my heart. I love that they are comprised of angels, lamias, elementas, and humans. There is a mix of everything and it keeps things interesting. I am eager to see how their bonds will affect them in the next book. I enjoyed the bits of history in the book. I enjoy the creativity of the Knights Templar and how they are a part of the story. I enjoyed the romance in the story. It is a forbidden romance so there is a lot of tension and emotion. If you haven't read this series I would certainly recommend it. It has a creative premise and likable characters will have you glued to the pages!

My original review is here.

I always love books with angels and/or demons. There are so many creative avenues that can be taken with them. I did enjoy Ting's take on them including the Knights Templar. It's unique. What are some books with angels or demons that have a creative spin that you enjoyed? Let me know what books have caught your eye lately.

Reread Review: The Chosen Knights (Secret Knights #1) by Mary Ting

Title: The Chosen Knights

Series: Secret Knights #1
Author: Mary Ting
Publisher: Mary Ting
Published: March 22, 2016
Pages: 328
Genres: Young Adult, Fantasy, Paranormal
Source: Ebook
~~~~~

When teens go missing in Hawaii, a group of demon-hunters—half human and half angel—disguised as high school students, must leave Crossroads, the place where they reside. In a race against time, they uncover the mystery connecting the missing teens, which dates back to the era of the Knights Templar. However, when they discover one of the Templars passed down a book containing all the secrets and codes to finding a particular treasure, they soon realize this forbidden treasure needs to be found before Cyrus, the lord of the possessor demons, acquires it—a treasure which been safeguarded and hidden from him. 

There is only one problem: the pages containing the clues leading to the treasure is missing. When the first page is found, Cyrus threatens to kill more descendants of the Knights Templar if it is not given to him by Friday the thirteenth. In the midst of threats and discovery, the demon-hunting angels find they are not alone when supernatural beings begin to reveal themselves. Can they put their differences aside and work together to solve the Knights Templars’ cipher? As they astral travel to the past, they witness a lot more than they have bargained for. And some things are better left unseen.

Goodreads / Amazon

MY REVIEW

DISCLAIMER: This review MAY contain spoilers. 

I really loved catching up on this series. I remember that I liked the romance, and that still stands true. While this is not necessarily instalove, I feel that the relationship formed a little too quickly. Though I think this is because this book is a fast-paced read. I did enjoy the characters for the most part. Sometimes the dialogue felt forced and cheesy, but there were some hidden gems sprinkled throughout as well. Some of the characters had some great character development, and others not so much. I didn't feel fully connected to the main character, Lucia. I liked her well enough to read the story, but she wasn't memorable. If anything, I liked her love interest in the story more. He was quite interesting, snarky, and had some good backstory. I very much like the premise of the book series. I always love when authors take existing ideas, like this series does with angels and demons, and and make them their own with unique ideas. Ting does this well in this series. I really love the flashbacks to events that have taken place in the past. Those characters' journeys are just as much a part of the story as the main characters. The world-building in this is not out of this world. Though there are supernatural and paranormal fantasy elements infused, this series takes place in present day Hawaii and so the world is that of a contemporary with paranormal creatures that live there. Overall, I enjoyed rereading this book and I am continuing on with the series. I would recommend this series. It is a fun, engaging, and quick read and the unique take on angels and demons is enough to warrant a read. 

My original review is here.

I find that a lot of my rereads of books that I first read a year or more ago tend to get less stars the second time around. Perhaps my standards were too low back then? Does this ever happen to you when you reread a book? Let me know what you have been adding to your TBR lately.

Reread Review: The Angel Knights (Secret Knights #0.5) by Mary Ting

Title: The Angel Knights

Series: Secret Knights #0.5
Author: Mary Ting
Publisher: Mary Ting
Published: March 08, 2016
Pages: 44
Genres: Young Adult, Fantasy, Paranormal
Source: ARC
~~~~~

Michael and Claudia’s decision to move back to Crossroads was to keep their children safe, but they can’t escape who they are. Their children, Zachary and Lucia, were destined to be demon hunters—Venators. From the age they were able to hold a sword, they were trained to become the best and to ensure they would become leaders one day. 

All is peaceful throughout the land until the Fallen and demons’ presences were felt in the between and on Earth. As the Venators investigate these locations, they will quickly learn how dangerous their lives are. Hearts will be broken. Teammates will lose their lives. And they will face obstacles which will test their faith. 

As danger grows, the fear of fallen angels and demons regrouping has the Divine Elders on pins and needles. Now, Zachary and Lucia, along with Uncle Davin, must prepare themselves—mentally and physically—to live on Earth to investigate where the focal point of evil resides before it’s too late.

Goodreads / Amazon

MY REVIEW

DISCLAIMER: This review MAY contain spoilers. 

I decided to reread this prequel and the first two books of this series to catch up and refresh my memory of events so that I can read the last book. I remember that I really enjoyed this series. Especially the characters. Rereading this did rekindle my love for the characters. I love the sense of family that the main characters have. They have good chemistry, though I have to admit that sometimes the dialogue seemed unpolished and forced. That aside, I still enjoyed rereading this and I do feel excited to start the next book in the series. This series is a spin-off of the Crossroads series by the same author. There were many references to events in that series, but I was still able to follow along without having read the Crossroads series. I think that I would have preferred to read Crossroads first though. It would have made the characters more special. Another thing that I like about this series is the premise behind it. I do enjoy paranormal stories and I like this take on the angels and demons trope. Overall, my reread did result in a lower rating than the first time I read it going from 5 stars to 4 stars. I think that I am just a little more picky with my books these days. I am looking forward to rereading the next two books and finishing the last book!

My original review is here.

Do you ever reread books? To catch up on a series you want to finish but you can't remember all the good details? Because you just loved the story? I've done many rereads this year. Let me know what you've been reading lately.

Reread Review: Water's Wrath (Air Awakens #4) by Elise Kova

Title: Water's Wrath
Series: Air Awakens #4

Author: Elise Kova
Publisher: Silver Wing Press
Published: April 26, 2016
Pages: 378
Genres: Young Adult, Fantasy
Source: Kindle Unlimited

Librarian turned sorcerer. Sorcerer turned hero. Hero turned puppet.

The Solaris Empire found victory in the North and, at the cost of her heart and her innocence, Vhalla Yarl has earned her freedom. But the true fight is only beginning as the secret forces that have been lurking in the shadows, tugging at the strings of Vhalla's fate, finally come to light. Nowhere is safe, and Vhalla must tread carefully or else she'll fall into the waiting arms of her greatest foe. Or former lover.

Goodreads | Amazon

Read this for FREE on Kindle Unlimited!

MY  REREAD REVIEW

Disclaimer: This review MAY contain SPOILERS.

I would describe this book in the series as the book of major plot twists. Seriously, so many shocking things happen that it almost gives you whiplash. This is one of the great things about reading Elise Kova's books though. You never know what to expect. 

Vhalla's confidence in this book is immeasurable. She puts her best foot forward and dashes on fighting the stakes that are against her and keeping her broken heart close. She has so much courage. You can see how much she has grown from the library girl in the first book. It's very inspiring. 

This book has a huge heap of betrayal and uncertainty. Vhalla navigates through her emotions over Aldrik, her new status as a Lady of the Court, and spending her time helping Victor with the axe. I really loved that this book was a major turning point in the story.

I appeal to everyone that loves young adult fantasy to read this series! It has one of the absolute best romances that I've read, an intriguing magic system, and characters that will win your heart.  

My original review is here.

THIS BOOK CONTRIBUTED TO THESE 2018 READING CHALLENGES

- Stellar Series Challenge
- Beat the Backlist Challenge
- Let's Read Indie Challenge
- Library Love Challenge

Check out my 2019 Challenge Page to see my progress!

This book is one with high stakes. What are some of your favorite books with high stakes? 

Reread Review: Earth's End (Air Awakens #3) by Elise Kova

Title: Earth's End
Series: Air Awakens #3

Author: Elise Kova
Publisher: Silver Wing Press
Published: February 11, 2016
Pages: 350
Genres: Young Adult, Fantasy
Source: Kindle Unlimited

A woman awoken in air, a soldier forged by fire, a weapon risen from blood.

Vhalla Yarl has made it to the warfront in the North. Forged by blood and fire, she has steeled her heart for the final battle of the Solaris Empire’s conquest. The choices before Vhalla are no longer servitude or freedom, they are servitude or death. The stakes have never been higher as the Emperor maintains his iron grip on her fate, holding everything Vhalla still has left to lose in the balance.

Goodreads | Amazon

Read this for FREE on Kindle Unlimited!

MY  REREAD REVIEW

Disclaimer: This review MAY contain SPOILERS.

This book has yet again pulled my heart from my chest. I am a sobbing mess right now. Elise Kova creates a story that will meld with your soul. Just as a sorcerer can feel their power within them, the reader can feel the story within them in the same way. It's very intimate and carefully crafted.

One of my favorite things about reading Elise Kova's book is getting to know the characters. They feel like family. She doesn't just write an amazing main character or a compelling love interest, no. She creates a cast of characters that mingle, and weave, and play off of each other with their different relationships, desires, and attractions. The characters in her books become a force that drives the book forward. You really do fall in love with each and every one of them. 

I have to give Kova props on the development of the plot. The story really is incredible and it pushes on with so much emotion. There are high stakes, there is action, there are political deceptions, there is love, and there is friendship. Everything is played out and orchestrated beautifully. I am truly in awe of her storytelling.

I loved the deeper look into this world and the magic within it. You can tell that there is so much more to come and so much more to learn about this inventive world.

I recommend this series to everyone! Just everyone! It is full of magic, trials, love, friendship, political intrigue, and damn amazing characters. This love story is among one of my favorites and I have no doubt that others would feel the same.

My original review is here.

THIS BOOK CONTRIBUTED TO THESE 2018 READING CHALLENGES

- Stellar Series Challenge
- Beat the Backlist Challenge
- Let's Read Indie Challenge
- Library Love Challenge
- Popsugar 2019 Reading Challenge

Check out my 2019 Challenge Page to see my progress!

This book is one that threw me for an emotional loop at the end. Which book comes to mind that did the same for you? What was the last book that made you cry into your cereal?

Reread Review: Fire Falling (Air Awakens #2) by Elise Kova

Title: Fire Falling
Series: Air Awakens #2

Author: Elise Kova
Publisher: Silver Wing Press
Published: November 19, 2015
Pages: 378
Genres: Young Adult, Fantasy
Source: Kindle Unlimited

Soldier… Sorcerer… Savior… Who is Vhalla Yarl?

Vhalla Yarl marches to war as property of the Solaris Empire. The Emperor counts on her to bring victory, the Senate counts on her death, and the only thing Vhalla can count on is the fight of her life. As she grapples with the ghosts of her past, new challenges in the present threaten to shatter the remnants of her fragile sanity. Will she maintain her humanity? Or will she truly become the Empire’s monster?

Goodreads | Amazon

Read this for FREE on Kindle Unlimited!

MY  REREAD REVIEW

Disclaimer: This review MAY contain SPOILERS.

Holy Mother, I was unprepared for how much this book affects me. I first read this book in July 2016 and rereading it brought me to my knees. I am such a mess right now, and rightly so. This series is something special. 

The romance, oh my god, the romance!! Elise Kova can write a love story better than Aphrodite herself. She is so gifted in creating relationships in her books. (Not only romantic ones either.) The slow-burn romance in this book is all-consuming. The chemistry, backstory of the characters, and the way the characters come together is so tantalizing that your heart will want to beat out of your chest. And it just might. The romance is so well written that it will stay with you long after you've put the book down. 

I absolutely love the character progression in this book. The characters are figuring things out and trying to find their place. The relationships that are forming and growing between the many characters are so incredible and written masterfully. The reader cares about each relationship created in this story, and for various reasons. The relationships are meaningful and written with purpose. 

I truly love the plot of this book in the series. I love how it progresses the romance in the story and also sets other things in motion for the rest of the story. While the romance is a big part of this series, it does not dominate or control the story. Things are happening outside of the romance, but the romance is blending into the plot seamlessly. 

The world is definitely expanded upon in this book. I love how very real everything in this book feels. Kova is skilled in making the reader feel like they are inside the story living alongside these characters. 

While this is my second time reading this book, I have no doubt that I will read this story again and again. These characters will lodge themselves into your heart and you won't be able to let them go. I recommend this series to all young adult fantasy fans! My excitement for Vortex Visions, the first book in the Air Awakens: Vortex Chronicles series, is palpable. I can't wait to revisit this amazing world with new characters and a new story.

My original review is here.

THIS BOOK CONTRIBUTED TO THESE 2018 READING CHALLENGES

- Stellar Series Challenge
- Beat the Backlist Challenge
- Let's Read Indie Challenge
- Library Love Challenge
- Popsugar 2019 Reading Challenge

Check out my 2019 Challenge Page to see my progress!

This book was one of my favorite in this series along with the third book. Do you find yourself liking parts of series more than others? If so, why? Or recommend your most recent favorite read!

Reread Review: Air Awakens (Air Awakens #1) by Elise Kova

Title: Air Awakens
Series: Air Awakens #1

Author: Elise Kova
Publisher: Silver Wing Press
Published: August 27, 2015
Pages: 377
Genres: Young Adult, Fantasy
Source: Kindle Unlimited

A library apprentice, a sorcerer prince, and an unbreakable magic bond...

The Solaris Empire is one conquest away from uniting the continent, and the rare elemental magic sleeping in seventeen-year-old library apprentice Vhalla Yarl could shift the tides of war.

Vhalla has always been taught to fear the Tower of Sorcerers, a mysterious magic society, and has been happy in her quiet world of books. But after she unknowingly saves the life of one of the most powerful sorcerers of them all—the Crown Prince Aldrik—she finds herself enticed into his world. Now she must decide her future: Embrace her sorcery and leave the life she’s known, or eradicate her magic and remain as she’s always been. And with powerful forces lurking in the shadows, Vhalla’s indecision could cost her more than she ever imagined.

Goodreads | Amazon

Read this for FREE on Kindle Unlimited!

MY  REREAD REVIEW

Disclaimer: This review MAY contain SPOILERS.

There are hardly words for the amount of joy that this book and this series has brought me. Rereading this book for a second time was glorious. While I certainly never forgot this world for a moment, my reread has only solidified my outright love for this series.

There are so many things to love about this series, but my favorite was always the romance. This is one of the absolute best slow-burn romances (with a mild bit of enemies to lovers trope in the beginning) that I have ever read. Elise Kova has this down to an art. Truly. The chemistry between the two main characters in this series will blow you away. The dialogues that these two characters have is perfect in every way and will keep you reading page after page for more of their banter. The way that the two main characters come together is both beautiful and stimulating. I could ship Vhalla and Aldrik until the end of time. I will be going down with this ship. 

The characters in this series are ones that will stay with you indefinitely. I have never forgotten this cast of characters. They have been dear to my heart since I first read this series. It is books like this one that make a person truly realize what good writing is. Kova makes each character interesting and purposeful. The relationships that are formed and the natural chemistry between characters is so impressive in this series. It definitely makes is hard to put these books down. The reader feels a part of the story and doesn't want to leave these characters behind. 

The plot of this series is really composed beautifully. The foreshadowing is excellent. During my reread I was able to spot so many things that will be important in later books of the series. I love how seamless the plot is. Everything flows wonderfully and you can truly tell how cleverly crafted the story is.

The world within these pages is easy to latch onto because Kova's descriptions are evocative and powerful. The reader truly feels immersed in this world from the start of the story. It is easy to fall into this world because of the careful construction of the magic system, the government, and the religious beliefs of this world. 

If you love young adult fantasy then I can't recommend this series enough! It will thoroughly capture your heart with its creative world, enthralling plot, and unforgettable characters. Do yourself a favor and pick up this book! After rereading this book, I can hardly contain my excitement for Kova's newest series set in this world, Air Awakens: Vortex Chronicles. Vortex Visions is the first book in this new series and it will be released February 4, 2019. Be still my beating heart. 

My original review is here.

THIS BOOK CONTRIBUTED TO THESE 2018 READING CHALLENGES

- Stellar Series Challenge
- Beat the Backlist Challenge
- Let's Read Indie Challenge
- Library Love Challenge
- Popsugar 2019 Reading Challenge

Check out my 2019 Challenge Page to see my progress!

Rereading books that I have loved in the past is something that I started doing in 2018. Prior to that I never reread anything because my mindset was always "so many books, so little time". But I came to realize that the amazing feeling you get when you love a book can be repeated without having to feel guilty about not reading something new or on the TBR. So do you reread any of your favorite books or do you tend to stick to a new book each time? What are some of your favorite rereads or books that you would contemplate rereading?