Sarah Gilman

Sarah Gilman's take on fallen angels and demons is like no other that I have ever read before - this story captured my attention within the first few pages...

The author immediately throws us into Ginger's world where archangels exist - fallen angels, humans think that they are disgusting, evil and don't deserve to live. There aren't many left, but they do exist. Poachers hunt them down for their feathers - feathers softer than silk - and a box full can bring in millions of dollars.

Ginger is show more minding her own business and having a cup of coffee when she overhears a conversation - a group of poachers have found where an archangel has been hiding and they are planning on waiting for his return to capture him, take his feathers and then kill him.
But Ginger is not your ordinary human, she grew up with the Guardians - Demons whose job is to protect the archangels. And she would be dishonoring her father if she didn't do something to stop these poachers. Her plan gets askew a bit, but in the end, she does end up saving the archangel, known as Wren.

There is an instant connection and attraction between these two, but it was written so well and convincingly, I barely noticed it, and actually liked what was going on between them.
Ginger never showed any weakness, yes there are moments when she worries and was frightened, but she never backed down and always became better and stronger when she stood her ground.
Wren, there are no words to best describe him. His pride was strong and heartening, but even so, he never took shame in his weakest moments and never held back when it came to showing his love.
What I really loved about both Ginger and Wren was their strong bond of family and loyalty. It is rare to find a story where the bonds of family and friends, no matter how they came about, are so strong and heartfelt.

Out In Blue is brilliantly told from two different point-of-views. Both main characters, Ginger and Wren, have such refreshing voices where they spoke their mind and were honest with everyone, especially with each other. Nothing was ever a game to them.
Sarah Gilman's writing is fluent and capturing - she gives us just enough to picture the story in our minds, but not too much, which is something that I love when an author can accomplish this. It gives the reader the freedom to add in the extra small details that they would like to and make it their own.

Even if you're not a fan of angel-type stories, I would still highly recommend this book to you! It is so unique and believable, it will definitely have you looking up to the sky, searching for a fallen star... an archangel. show less

This is a uniquely imaginative novel that I think is exceptional. I was hooked almost immediately and became caught up in the lives and adventures of Wren and Ginger. The chemistry between the pair sizzled. The tension escalated throughout until, finally, ignited by a fiery inferno, Wren found his destiny.

I love the way in which the author describes the beautiful, snowy-white wings, and deals with the handicap they can be when Wren is not in flight. The characters are likable, interesting, show more and complex. The society in which they dwell is harsh and unforgiving. Almost magical writing captures the essence of the magnificent landscape, and the stunning scenery was vividly painted on the canvas of my imagination.

The author delicately weaves a mesmerizing fantasy that is as alluring as it is unusual. I had no difficulty suspending disbelief; embracing this dark, dangerous, secret society of archangels and protective demons that are stalked mercilessly by greedy poachers.

Then, there lives the malignant force that hides itself among the brainwashed masses, coveting what can never be theirs. The evil, unseen enemy wrecks havoc, destroys harmony, leaving only discord and disillusionment in its mysterious wake. This captivating, fast-paced story is a brilliant start to what will be an astounding series.

Thanks to Netgalley and Entangled Publishing for providing a digital copy in return for my unbiased review.


Reviewed by Laurie-J show less

4.5

*Book source ~ Many thanks to Entangled for providing a review copy in exchange for an honest review.

Jade Clarence is an exorcist, but she doesn’t like the way the family business handles exorcisms. Her great-grandfather started the business after his wife was killed by a spirit and his incantations destroy the soul of the spirit causing extreme pain to the ghost. Jade feels that she can find an incantation to send a spirit on without destroying the soul or causing pain. She also feels show more that a good spirit should have the right to stay if it wants. However, after allowing the spirit of a teen hoodwink her into believing he is benign, he kills the property owner where he is hanging out. A tragedy that falls on Jade’s shoulders since she refused to perform the exorcism. Her older brother is giving her a chance to redeem herself with an exorcism at Hutchinson’s Falls. If she can’t do her job he’ll have no choice but to kick her out of the business. But Jade finds out that Dutch is no ordinary ghost, so she doesn’t do the job. When her brother comes to do what she can’t, Jade is forced to resort to extreme measures to make her point.

This is a great short story with interesting aspects of exorcism and great characters. It could use a bit more character development because I couldn’t get a really good feel for Jade or Dutch, but for a short it is pretty good. I’m a little fuzzy about what Jade did there at the end and how that’s going to work for the long term, but I’ll suspend belief and just go with it. I don’t think I’ve ever read a story involving exorcists, so that aspect of the story was fascinating to me. I look forward to reading more stories by Sarah Gilman. show less

3.5 Stars
After reading Out in Blue, I have been looking forward to reading Deep in Crimson, which is Jett's story. We met Jet in Out in Blue. He is the demon who helped to save the Archangel Rapheal, was mortally wounded, and then healed by Raphael. He has deep rooted trust issues, stemming from his abduction from Sanctuary at the age of 5 and being held captive until he escaped in adulthood. During his captivity he was put through all kinds of testing, he was abused, he was brainwashed, yet show more he never gave over entirely to his captors, a flicker of some kind of remembrance buried deep inside. Since his escape, he has spent his time outside of the boundaries of Sanctuary, refusing to interact with them, despite their invitation to join them. He wants to leave, yet he feels compelled to be there and make sure no harm comes to the Archangels Rapheal, his son Wren, Wren's wife Ginger, and the two new Archangel twins recently born. When tragedy strikes, he can't help but intervene, and this brings him face-to-face with Lexine, the female demon he has been admiring from afar. Despite his initial reservations, he partners with the Guardians, as they have a common goal, a common enemy, which must be taken care of. He also finds himself drawing closer to Lexine. When Jett learns who and what he really is and is meant to be, and his feelings for Lexine deepen, he faces a very difficult decision, one that is not to be taken lightly, a choice between love and duty.....or are love and duty one in the same?

I enjoyed Deep in Crimson. I find Sarah Gilman's take on angels and demons very interesting and unique. Archangels are protected by demons from the outside world and poachers, who seek to destroy them, as their feathers are like gold in the black market. The Archangels also posses special gifts. The demons also have special abilities, some more than others, especially the Guardians, those that are called to protect the colony and the Archangels, and then their are those special Guardians who are called to be protectors, special body guards, willing to lay their lives down for and protect the Archangels at any cost. Book one, Out in Blue was Wren and Ginger's story, with many of the secondary characters playing important roles. In this sequel, Deep in Crimson, the focus is on the demons, Jett and Lexine in particular, with the secondary characters also playing a big part in the story. I enjoyed the interaction between the characters, which were all well written and well developed, as well as the story line itself, which was interesting, suspenseful, and entertaining. I especially enjoyed the romance between Lexine and Jett, and seeing how Sarah Gilman developed that over the course of the novel. If you enjoy paranormal romance, especially that involving angels and demons, then The Return to Sanctuary Series is something that is different from many out there, and something I would recommend checking out. show less