Tuesday 28 February 2012

Forgiven by Jana Oliver

GoodReads Summary: The days are growing darker for 17-year-old demon trapper Riley Blackthorne. With her father’s reanimated body back safely, Beck barely speaking to her because of a certain hunky Fallen angel, and a freshly-made deal with Lucifer, she has enough on her hands to last a normal teenage lifetime. Though she bargained with Heaven to save his life, her ex-boyfriend Simon has told the Vatican’s Demon Hunters that she’s working with Hell. So now she’s in hiding, at the top of everyone’s most-wanted list.

But it’s becoming clear that this is bigger than Riley, and rapidly getting out of control:  something sinister is happening in Atlanta...or someone. The demons are working together for the first time ever and refusing to die, putting civilians in harm’s way. Riley thinks she might know who’s behind it all, but who’s going to believe her? Caught between her bargain with Heaven and her promise to Lucifer, Riley fears the final war is coming – and it may be closer than anyone thinks...

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Expected publication date: 01/03/12 (UK)

Forgiven picked up where Forbidden left off and immediately hooked me in.
Riley has definitely matured after her experiences in the previous book. Although she is faced with many obstacles and hardships she still hangs on to the traits that make her an admirable heroine. There are parts where I truly felt sorry for her and what she has had to deal with. I loved her response and attitude towards these problems - she's determined, doesn't take crap from anyone and stands up for the ones she loves. I also like that there are two sides to Riley's life. The demon trapping side and the normal doing homework and hanging out with friends side. It makes her character more relatable and real.
Oliver has a way with characters. The main, and even secondary characters have layers. One of my favourite relationships is the one between Peter and Riley. In Forgiven their friendship is highlighted, and Oliver does a brilliant job of showing that a guy and girl can just be friends.
I disliked Ori after the events that took place in Forbidden, but surprisingly, by the time I got to the end of this book my feeling for him had kind of changed changed...I can't say more without spoiling the book for you guys so I'll leave it at that.

The plot was emotional, unpredictable and exciting. There was never a dull moment and I was constantly trying to guess what was going to happen next. In typical Oliver style while some questions were closed new ones were opened and a bunch of twists and turns were thrown in leaving me desperate to read the fourth and final book in the series!

P.S.  Why can't Beck be real? *swoons*

Rating:

    9 comments:

    1. I'm gad you liked this one that much Renu :) !! I didn't know there was a fourth book coming out, I was convinced this was a trilogy .. I really have to buy a copy of the second book !! Thanks for the fabulous review :)

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    2. Thanks, Renu! You're not the only gal who wishes Beck were real.... :-)

      @ Elodie -- When I sold the books to the US it was considered a series. The UK considered it a trilogy. Now it's a trilogy plus one (LOL)>

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    3. This is the first review I've seem for Forbidden. I've only read book one so far. I must read Soul Thief soon (can't remember the UK title). I'm wondering which character your feelings have changed about! I'm glad you enjoyed this one. Nice review!

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    4. Awesome review! You have me very excited to get round to this book, especially now that there will be a fourth one! I didn't know about that either. :D I've read the first two books and LOVED them, so hopefully Forgiven will be just as great a read.

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    5. I haven't started the series yet, but sounds like a really nice book. :)

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    6. WOW, this series sounds so good! How'd I miss it? Thanks for the recommendation! Nice review!!

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    7. Enjoyed reading this book much more than the previous two installments. Anyway great review! Glad to hear you enjoyed it too.

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    8. So excited for book 4 as well! I can't wait to see what happens, especially between Beck and Riley. Fab review! :)

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    9. I've yet to read this series. And to be honest, I've only heard about the first book in the series. But your review really got me interested about this books. It sounds amazing. I'm going to have to get to the first two books soon. Great review as always :)

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