Skyla Madi

What I Thought:

Over the past year, I really became a fan of novellas. I am often in between work tasks, with just a few moments before bed and rushing around - so I find I have only moments to read. That makes novellas a beautiful revelation, as I can read them quickly, stay involved and enjoy myself, even though I have little time. (Don't get me wrong, I still read books and even epic fantasies I mean I do live in Scotland, so I have long journeys to travel on)

I loved this little read. It show more brought out so many emotions, in just a few pages. We read as a nurse struggled to make it through life, then just as we believe that she has topped the mountain, Jai enters and breaks what she needs.

Soon we are sent on a whirlwind journey, chasing down Jai and trying to set things right. We experience everything from joy to hate, love to sorrow.

I don't want to give any of the story away, as it is better when surprised, but I can say that it is brilliant! The emotions are written so well that you actually feel everything that the characters experience.

Overall, this is a fantastic novella. I cannot wait to read more of the story. If you like a little action with your romance, then I highly highly recommend reading this novella. show less

Originally reviewed at Witchmag's Boekenplank

First of all, just look at this cover! Isn’t it gorgeous? To be honest, it wasn’t until I wrote the review that I noticed it. And I fully blame it on my phone. It only lets you see a small picture of the cover, but what a beautiful cover it is! I love how everything fits and most of all I love the font. It totally fits the cover and the story, and what a story it was!

This book will take you to a world full of gods and goddesses, vampires and show more of course guardian angels. I was quite fond of it actually. It was very refreshing, especially the guardian angels. I’ve never read a story about them before. It’s a well thought-out world and I’d like to discover more. Even if my feminist heart was less happy with the pedestal goddesses were put on and the damsel in distress role they were given. Uhm, they control the four elements. Can’t they use those in a fight? Like throw fireballs at the enemy? Those can be quite deadly, I assure you! Fortunately for my heart there were also female guardian angels who know the ropes and a feisty main character. Who’s gonna chance one or two things, I’m sure ;)

And I adored our feisty heroine, named Ruby. She isn’t shy at all and has no problems to stand up and fight for those she considers her friends and family. Her only problem is her docility. She’s too gullible. I would have kicked and screamed, be stubborn, or at least ask for time to think about it. And definitely not wholeheartedly embrace someone who minutes ago insulted my mom, gravely. Even if he saved my life. Ruby also has some problems with making the right the decisions, like your usual YA protagonist. Although in this book there is someone who makes her see the consequences of her actions! Progress! If only she was a bit more remorseful…

The plot was good too. It has a thrilling start, which kept me on the edge of my seat from page one. It mellows a bit afterwards, which gives you the opportunity to discover the world Skyla Madi created. She also makes sure there’s no opportunity to get bored. Cause the most important piece of information is forever left out, that piece you’ll need to understand the puzzle, to see the whole. Which makes you keep on reading. The only thing that bothered me was the re-explaining of events that happened a couple of chapters ago. It’s like this was a sequel and you had to refresh your memory about what exactly took place. I’m capable of remembering that much, thank you! Life-threatening situations tend to stick with you!

Conclusion

3 HEARTS. A good book with a great world to discover. With an amazing cover and a funny protagonist, who could be a bit too gullible at times. I liked the plot and it’s easy to get lost in this book. Even when Ruby failed to see the consequences of her actions and made not so smart decisions and with re-explaining of some events, like I wasn’t capable of remembering that much in a couple of hours. show less

This is a quick easy read with some violence. But nothing too hectic. The author does well in creating good chemistry between the 2 main characters. The story is interesting and I was transfixed the whole way through.

I really liked this book from beginning to end. I loved that the main characters were strong. The jerks were jerks and the heroes were heroes! Seth comes across as a real jerk, but he's always extremely protective of Olivia. He is the type of guy that has worked hard to get to where he is and knows who he is. The story is told from both of their point of views. You get to hear what both of them are thinking throughout the story. I'm looking forward to additional books by this author.