Hellsbane by Paige Cuccaro

GoodReads Summary: Emma Jane Hellsbane always knew she was different, but she had no idea she wasn't even human . Well, at least she's half-human. She's half-fallen angel, too, and now dear ol' dad wants her dead. All the Fallen angels want all their troublesome offspring removed from the mortal coil so she's trying not to take it personally. Besides, she wants him dead just as much. Her father's death is the only way she'll be forgiven for his sin, stop those pesky demons from trying to hack off her head, and have any hope at all of getting back to a normal life as a wicked slick Intuitive Consciousness Explorer. Of course, first she'll have to figure out which fallen angel is her father, avoid accidentally seducing her angelic mentor, help an old friend conquer his own fallen sperm donor, and basically save the world from a cataclysmic divine smack down. No problem. With a last name like Hellsbane, Emma Jane was definitely born for the job.

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Source: NetGalley

Thoughts:

Hellsbane is a thrilling read with just enough fast-paced action and excitement to leave you hanging onto the edge of your seat!

Emma Jane can read emotions and she's made a career out of it. She's always known that she isn't normal, but it never really occurred to her that she might be something more than human. That is until Tommy, a boy from her past comes knocking at her door covered in Demon blood. On the verge of death Emma helps Tommy by picking up his sword (all the while not knowing that by doing this she is triggering her Nephilim side.) She is now marked and destined to fight against the demons, and the only way she can repent for the sins of her farther is by finding and killing him...

Eli, an Angel assigned as Emma's mentor captured my heart from the beginning. There is an obvious attraction between him and Emma, but they can't give into their desires because it will lead to Eli's fall. The sexual tension between these two was prominent throughout the novel, and I look forward to seeing where it goes in book 2. "Our eyes met, and awareness tingles through my veins, made things low inside me warm".

I immediately liked Emma Jane, she was a fun and sarcastic character. Plus, in addition to this she was also caring and kind. "I liked using my oddity to help people."

Religion plays a role in this book as Emma -who is an amethyst- begins to question things she never once believed in. Don't be put of by this if it's not your cup of tea though as it's not overly suffocating - it just adds to the story and for someone who usually doesn't like that kind of thing I found it interesting.

I doesn't usually read UF, but I ended up really enjoying Hellsbane. I cannot wait for the sequel now!


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Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

GoodReads Summary: The last time she did, it was an accident, but The Reestablishment locked her up for murder. No one knows why Juliette's touch is fatal. As long as she doesn't hurt anyone else, no one really cares. The world is too busy crumbling to pieces to pay attention to a 17-year-old girl. Diseases are destroying the population, food is hard to find, birds don't fly anymore, and the clouds are the wrong color.

The Reestablishment said their way was the only way to fix things, so they threw Juliette in a cell. Now so many people are dead that the survivors are whispering war-- and The Reestablishment has changed its mind. Maybe Juliette is more than a tortured soul stuffed into a poisonous body. Maybe she's exactly what they need right now.

Juliette has to make a choice: Be a weapon. Or be a warrior.

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 Thoughts:

Beautifully written, with powerful imagery, fierce characters, and a heart-pounding romance Shatter Me is a one-sit read!

I adored every aspect of Juliette's personality, from kindness to her fierceness. I became strangely attached to her and I can say without a doubt that she is one of my favourite female heroines.

Now let me get on to swooning *cough* talking about Adam. He's a real fighter, not only is he strong-willed and determined, but he also has this wonderful soft side when it comes Juliette and his younger brother.

Boy, does Mafi know how to bring the sexy. The romance between Adam and Juliette was perfectly crafted and for those of you, like me, who don't like insta-love you'll be happy to know that their relationship has been building up for years.

Warner is more complex than your usual bad guy. By the end of the novel I was left with mixed feelings towards him. There were times when he was cruel and I found myself disliking him, but there were are also times where I have to admit that I kind of felt sorry for him. I think there were moments were Juliette saw this too, and I feel like it shows that he's not beyond the point of help. I'm definitely interested in seeing where Mafi takes his character in book 2.

Speaking of romance, I really hope there isn't a love triangle between Adam, Juliette, and Warner in the sequel...

I wasn't expecting the ending at all - I can't say anymore without spoiling it, but what I will say, however, is that it took me by surprise and it was brilliant!

“He whispers, "You have no idea how much I've thought about you. How many times I've dreamt"-he takes a tight breath- "how many times I've dreamt about being this close to you." He moves to run a hand through his hair before he changes his mind. Looks down. Looks up. "God, Juliette, I'd follow you anywhere. You're the only good thing left in this world.” 

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