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The Dark Kiss Trilogy #4
The Embrace of Life and Death
Kieran is a hundred-and-twenty-year-old immortal, originally hailing from the harsh, famine-stricken life of 1880s Ireland. He has surpassed death and thrived, gaining wealth, power and knowledge. Azrael is the angel of death, but his mission is far from ominous. He is the protector of the grief-stricken, and the champion of lost souls. The two are polar opposites in mission and nature, yet are inexplicably drawn to one another. The Supreme One sees all, and when he discovers the truth about the relationship he is enraged. Their commitment to be together must be stronger than his determination to keep them apart.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
July 11, 2011
What an interesting and inventive storyline! With vampires, high level angels, the Supreme One, aliens, time/reality travel, a skirmish and a strong enduring love, what's not to like in this paranormal romance? Don't let the 3 of 5 on the content rating scale create prejudice in your mind. I did enjoy this story quite a bit. What it takes to move from a 3 to a 4 or a 4 to a 5 can be such small degrees and totally arbitrary and subjective. And this review is not the place for that discussion, just please don't dismiss the book due to the 3 rating.
This is a stand alone story based on Strange's The Dark Kiss Trilogy . Not having read this series, I was glad to find that it really reads as a stand alone.
The first half of the book is told from Kiernan's first person point of view. In the second half we get Azrael's and Daniel's first person point of views in addition to Kiernan's.
Kiernan is your typical vampire; he takes the lives of those he feeds upon, he never wants for entertainment or sex and when he wants to be alone, he simply leaves. He takes the friendship he has with his roommate and best friend, Daniel, for granted. Upon meeting Azrael, Kiernan finds himself intrigued and drawn to him in a most unusual way. Finds himself lusting after Azrael in between visits which are few and far between. Kiernan has never been with a man and this actually turns him on more.
Azrael, the Angel of Death -- a huge and powerful angel, is perplexed by Kiernan. He doesn't understand what it is that makes Kiernan different from other vampires and needs to know. Azrael finds he cannot do his duty; he cannot destroy Kiernan. Being an angel, Azrael does not think in terms of male/female. He stuns Kiernan when he confesses that he has fallen in love with him.
The Supreme One, Azrael's boss, is not a nice, benevolent being. He simply cannot understand how there can be love between an angel and a vampire. He strips Azrael of his wings and powers and sends him to Kiernan in the hopes that he will change his mind. When this doesn't work, the Supreme One takes Kiernan on a Scrooge-like trip into the past to try to convince him he would have been better off not becoming a vampire. He actually leaves him in the "what might have been" reality in the past as a human.
Even though this is a m/m romance with a little bit of m/f interaction, the sexual interludes are what I consider tame. There is very little descriptive action, other than the kissing which is detailed. The rest is mostly glossed over including most of the few oral portions. Instead of the sex, love is the focus of most of the encounters. In fact if it was strictly m/f, I'd rate it a 2 of 4 on the sexual rating scale but because of the m/m, it has to carry a 4. This is not a criticism, only an attempt to assuage or alleviate the "ick" factor some may have with m/m sex. Don't let that be a concern here, read this good, sweet story to see all the obstacles true love can overcome.
This is a stand alone story based on Strange's The Dark Kiss Trilogy . Not having read this series, I was glad to find that it really reads as a stand alone.
The first half of the book is told from Kiernan's first person point of view. In the second half we get Azrael's and Daniel's first person point of views in addition to Kiernan's.
Kiernan is your typical vampire; he takes the lives of those he feeds upon, he never wants for entertainment or sex and when he wants to be alone, he simply leaves. He takes the friendship he has with his roommate and best friend, Daniel, for granted. Upon meeting Azrael, Kiernan finds himself intrigued and drawn to him in a most unusual way. Finds himself lusting after Azrael in between visits which are few and far between. Kiernan has never been with a man and this actually turns him on more.
Azrael, the Angel of Death -- a huge and powerful angel, is perplexed by Kiernan. He doesn't understand what it is that makes Kiernan different from other vampires and needs to know. Azrael finds he cannot do his duty; he cannot destroy Kiernan. Being an angel, Azrael does not think in terms of male/female. He stuns Kiernan when he confesses that he has fallen in love with him.
The Supreme One, Azrael's boss, is not a nice, benevolent being. He simply cannot understand how there can be love between an angel and a vampire. He strips Azrael of his wings and powers and sends him to Kiernan in the hopes that he will change his mind. When this doesn't work, the Supreme One takes Kiernan on a Scrooge-like trip into the past to try to convince him he would have been better off not becoming a vampire. He actually leaves him in the "what might have been" reality in the past as a human.
Even though this is a m/m romance with a little bit of m/f interaction, the sexual interludes are what I consider tame. There is very little descriptive action, other than the kissing which is detailed. The rest is mostly glossed over including most of the few oral portions. Instead of the sex, love is the focus of most of the encounters. In fact if it was strictly m/f, I'd rate it a 2 of 4 on the sexual rating scale but because of the m/m, it has to carry a 4. This is not a criticism, only an attempt to assuage or alleviate the "ick" factor some may have with m/m sex. Don't let that be a concern here, read this good, sweet story to see all the obstacles true love can overcome.
July 4, 2011
Interesting!
I didn’t hate it and I didn’t love it. The vampire world and the angelic world intrigued me. Azrael the angel and his kind have been studying the vampires for a long time and he finds himself attracted to Kieran (vampire). The attraction and the sex scenes between the two was hot and well described.
It took me a while to get into the story but eventually it heated up and moved along. The interesting thing was that The Supreme One (God) was totally against the relations between the two species and it amazed me how the true friends always come through for us in the end. Kieran’s friends and Azrael’s friends came together in the end and stood up to the Supreme One defending their friends.
I only wished the ending would of gave a better happy ending. I mean like it was cool that Azrael and Kieran got to finally be together in the end after all the hell they went through, but only for 30 days out of the year. There is no way I could have a relationship with someone and only see them for a month out of a year. Ok read for me.
I didn’t hate it and I didn’t love it. The vampire world and the angelic world intrigued me. Azrael the angel and his kind have been studying the vampires for a long time and he finds himself attracted to Kieran (vampire). The attraction and the sex scenes between the two was hot and well described.
It took me a while to get into the story but eventually it heated up and moved along. The interesting thing was that The Supreme One (God) was totally against the relations between the two species and it amazed me how the true friends always come through for us in the end. Kieran’s friends and Azrael’s friends came together in the end and stood up to the Supreme One defending their friends.
I only wished the ending would of gave a better happy ending. I mean like it was cool that Azrael and Kieran got to finally be together in the end after all the hell they went through, but only for 30 days out of the year. There is no way I could have a relationship with someone and only see them for a month out of a year. Ok read for me.
August 10, 2011
The Embrace of Life and Death, A Dark Kiss Tale
Author: Liz Strange
Synopsis: Kieran is a hundred-and-twenty-year-old immortal, originally hailing from the harsh, famine-stricken life of 1880s Ireland. He has surpassed death and thrived, gaining wealth, power and knowledge. Azrael is the angel of death, but his mission is far from ominous. He is the protector of the grief-stricken, and the champion of lost souls. The two are polar opposites in mission and nature, yet are inexplicably drawn to one another.
The Supreme One sees all, and when he discovers the truth about the relationship he is enraged. Their commitment to be together must be stronger than his determination to keep them apart.
Our Review [By LITERAL ADDICTION’s Pack Alpha-Michelle L Olson]:
Let me begin by saying that I wasn’t even sure I would be able to read this one. I had not read a male/male paranormal romance before this, and to say I was concerned about whether I could get into the story (let alone enjoy it) would be putting it mildly. I had only recently discovered M/F/M PNRs and found, to my surprise, that I enjoyed them. With that said, however, the synopsis intrigued me, and knowing that I had thoroughly enjoyed Liz’s work in the past; I set out to see what this Dark Kiss Tale had to offer.
Written at first in the 1st person from Kieran’s point of view, the story started off like many others, footloose and fancy free immortal vampires running amok in the city, enjoying their higher rung on the food chain and their basic natures. Then the mysterious Arch Angel Azrael is introduced, as well as his ‘boss’, The Supreme One, and the tale takes an interesting turn.
What you ultimately end up with is a forbidden romance, an ego-maniac who thinks he knows what’s best and interferes in the most extreme of ways only to push the two people he is trying to keep apart closer together, the most loyal and true of friends, and a storyline SO unique that there could never be anything like it again—vampires, arch angels, gods, alien technology, time travel, mind control… It sounds crazy, but Liz wrote it SO seamlessly that it worked better than you could possibly imagine!
The emotions felt by all parties throughout the story were so visceral; I could literally feel my pulse pick up, my heart sink, my temperature rise, etc. The romance was tender and believable, and the friendships exactly what you would hope to have in your own life. I can honestly say that I don’t think I’ve read a novel that I FELT like I felt this one.
Some readers will not be happy with the ultimate outcome and ending of the book. For the story it was perfect, but it’s not a traditional HEA, and that may rile a few readers. In all honesty, I found myself screaming “Are you kidding me!” at first until I thought about it a little more, and decided that it wouldn’t have worked as well any other way…
All in all, LITERAL ADDICTION Paranormal Book Club gives The Embrace of Life and Death 4 Skulls and would recommend it for Paranormal Romance fans at large, not just m/m PNR readers.
Author: Liz Strange
Synopsis: Kieran is a hundred-and-twenty-year-old immortal, originally hailing from the harsh, famine-stricken life of 1880s Ireland. He has surpassed death and thrived, gaining wealth, power and knowledge. Azrael is the angel of death, but his mission is far from ominous. He is the protector of the grief-stricken, and the champion of lost souls. The two are polar opposites in mission and nature, yet are inexplicably drawn to one another.
The Supreme One sees all, and when he discovers the truth about the relationship he is enraged. Their commitment to be together must be stronger than his determination to keep them apart.
Our Review [By LITERAL ADDICTION’s Pack Alpha-Michelle L Olson]:
Let me begin by saying that I wasn’t even sure I would be able to read this one. I had not read a male/male paranormal romance before this, and to say I was concerned about whether I could get into the story (let alone enjoy it) would be putting it mildly. I had only recently discovered M/F/M PNRs and found, to my surprise, that I enjoyed them. With that said, however, the synopsis intrigued me, and knowing that I had thoroughly enjoyed Liz’s work in the past; I set out to see what this Dark Kiss Tale had to offer.
Written at first in the 1st person from Kieran’s point of view, the story started off like many others, footloose and fancy free immortal vampires running amok in the city, enjoying their higher rung on the food chain and their basic natures. Then the mysterious Arch Angel Azrael is introduced, as well as his ‘boss’, The Supreme One, and the tale takes an interesting turn.
What you ultimately end up with is a forbidden romance, an ego-maniac who thinks he knows what’s best and interferes in the most extreme of ways only to push the two people he is trying to keep apart closer together, the most loyal and true of friends, and a storyline SO unique that there could never be anything like it again—vampires, arch angels, gods, alien technology, time travel, mind control… It sounds crazy, but Liz wrote it SO seamlessly that it worked better than you could possibly imagine!
The emotions felt by all parties throughout the story were so visceral; I could literally feel my pulse pick up, my heart sink, my temperature rise, etc. The romance was tender and believable, and the friendships exactly what you would hope to have in your own life. I can honestly say that I don’t think I’ve read a novel that I FELT like I felt this one.
Some readers will not be happy with the ultimate outcome and ending of the book. For the story it was perfect, but it’s not a traditional HEA, and that may rile a few readers. In all honesty, I found myself screaming “Are you kidding me!” at first until I thought about it a little more, and decided that it wouldn’t have worked as well any other way…
All in all, LITERAL ADDICTION Paranormal Book Club gives The Embrace of Life and Death 4 Skulls and would recommend it for Paranormal Romance fans at large, not just m/m PNR readers.
July 13, 2011
I didn't like this book very much. It was just okay for me. Here is the reason why. The author, Ms. Strange create a world which for me, completely blasphemous. Yes, if it had been in the 1800s or earlier, I would have yelled, "HERESY! BURN THE WITCH!" Everyone has their hard limits, this is one of mine.
I have issues with reinterpretations of the creationist theory. This is why while I was very impressed with Mr. Pullman's trilogy, I was also extremely discomforted. I feel the same about Ms. Strange. This world she built is more with interpreted as higher beings. It wasn't too complex but it was a nice side step into a different reality. For this, I give her props.
Azrael is the angel of death and he's a rather quiet character despite his imposing size. The repetitious telling of his power and size undercut the reality of his weakness. I never really saw him do anything impressive or strong. Kieran is a vampire who unwillingly received a ticket to his own "It's a wonderful life". I hated that movie.
After reading this story, I think the point of the story is that star cross lovers can conquer all, even a Supreme One's disapproval. Love transcends time and can reunite lovers torn apart is perhaps the second part to the story. While Azrael and Kieran's love for each other can be moving, for me it fell flat. I think it was because there was too much theology twisted into a perversion I could not accept.
This book is probably best for those who don't have religious beliefs which would colour their enjoyment.
I have issues with reinterpretations of the creationist theory. This is why while I was very impressed with Mr. Pullman's trilogy, I was also extremely discomforted. I feel the same about Ms. Strange. This world she built is more with interpreted as higher beings. It wasn't too complex but it was a nice side step into a different reality. For this, I give her props.
Azrael is the angel of death and he's a rather quiet character despite his imposing size. The repetitious telling of his power and size undercut the reality of his weakness. I never really saw him do anything impressive or strong. Kieran is a vampire who unwillingly received a ticket to his own "It's a wonderful life". I hated that movie.
After reading this story, I think the point of the story is that star cross lovers can conquer all, even a Supreme One's disapproval. Love transcends time and can reunite lovers torn apart is perhaps the second part to the story. While Azrael and Kieran's love for each other can be moving, for me it fell flat. I think it was because there was too much theology twisted into a perversion I could not accept.
This book is probably best for those who don't have religious beliefs which would colour their enjoyment.
July 27, 2011
Very different romance between a vampire and an angel. There are many layers to this story. I loved the first person POV of Kieran, the vampire. Very intense and intriguing. When the story switched to the 3rd person POV the story lost it's intensity but I had a fuller picture of what was happening.
i-dont-think-so
September 24, 2011Because Kyka told me not to read it
July 26, 2011
The Embrace of Life and Death is a standalone book with some characters from the Dark Kiss Trilogy. I have read the first two in the trilogy but can say that if you haven't read it you will still be able to read The Embrace.
I have always enjoyed Liz Strange's works. She is dark, sometimes sexual and often violent. Just my cup of tea! The Embrace was no different. I am a huge fan of m/m (I'm a girl so I think it's the visual of two strong men together... yum) and was pleased that Strange tried her hand in this genre. The one thing I do have to say is I would classify this as more of a m/m romance rather than a m/m erotica. There are steamy scenes, but they didn't cause me to blush or giggle in impropriety. They were sensual, not very graphic and perfect for someone looking for a love story rather than a bedroom read. This story focused on a hot vampire who is your typical Immortal and a dark strong angel.
Kiernan kills his food, not because he has to but because he enjoys feeling their deaths, gruesome but quite common. Azrael is the dark angel sent down to kill vampires. I don't think it's like the Buffy type of killing, but his boss the Supreme One doesn't like how often Kiernan and other vampires kill to feed. Something draws Azrael to Kiernan and he finds himself in the horrible position of killing Kiernan or having his wings stripped. Strange decides to take her already interesting plot further by adding time traveling with alternate realties in to the mix. Though it might sound a little perplexing and confusing I assure you it was written into the plot seamlessly and I was able to follow through the entire book. I enjoyed watching Kiernan and Azrael grow, and I think that if Strange ever decides to fully immerse herself into a true erotica novel she'll do fantastic.
The only other warning I have for readers is that the ending will not appeal to all of you. Like many authors Strange has chosen her own version of a happy ending which will likely tick off those who are looking for a complete Happily Ever After. In its own way it was perfect though... just not whole.
*also on Amazon*
I have always enjoyed Liz Strange's works. She is dark, sometimes sexual and often violent. Just my cup of tea! The Embrace was no different. I am a huge fan of m/m (I'm a girl so I think it's the visual of two strong men together... yum) and was pleased that Strange tried her hand in this genre. The one thing I do have to say is I would classify this as more of a m/m romance rather than a m/m erotica. There are steamy scenes, but they didn't cause me to blush or giggle in impropriety. They were sensual, not very graphic and perfect for someone looking for a love story rather than a bedroom read. This story focused on a hot vampire who is your typical Immortal and a dark strong angel.
Kiernan kills his food, not because he has to but because he enjoys feeling their deaths, gruesome but quite common. Azrael is the dark angel sent down to kill vampires. I don't think it's like the Buffy type of killing, but his boss the Supreme One doesn't like how often Kiernan and other vampires kill to feed. Something draws Azrael to Kiernan and he finds himself in the horrible position of killing Kiernan or having his wings stripped. Strange decides to take her already interesting plot further by adding time traveling with alternate realties in to the mix. Though it might sound a little perplexing and confusing I assure you it was written into the plot seamlessly and I was able to follow through the entire book. I enjoyed watching Kiernan and Azrael grow, and I think that if Strange ever decides to fully immerse herself into a true erotica novel she'll do fantastic.
The only other warning I have for readers is that the ending will not appeal to all of you. Like many authors Strange has chosen her own version of a happy ending which will likely tick off those who are looking for a complete Happily Ever After. In its own way it was perfect though... just not whole.
*also on Amazon*
August 3, 2011
To me, Liz Strange really knows how to grip you and pull you into the book as if it's reality. I have enjoyed her Dark Kiss trilogy and was excited about this book because it was Kieran's story. We met Kieran and while his part in the book was only a supporting role (if you will), from the first moment, his presence intrigued me. He needed more of a story. So when I heard he had his own, I had to read it.
Strange opens up her writing on M/M erotica in this book. She shows you true love and how when it's right, it doesn't matter who it is. Strange knows how to write with such passion that I'm lost in it from almost the beginning. The intensity is just amazing. I enjoyed how an angel (Azrael) comes to love a vampire (our Kieran) and how they give everything to be together. Even the Supreme One can not change how one loves. For true vampire stories, Strange doesn't sugar coat the blood sucking. There are 'vegetarians', not that I don't love and enjoy other series, but she definitely keeps them in the darker side.
Strange definitely steams it up in this book. I am interested to see if she continues the spin off to give us more of Daniel and Charles. I'm thrilled that Kieran was her first spin off, because his story needed to be told. Start from the beginning in this series, because you definitely need the full emotions of this series.
We hope to have a guest visit from Liz Strange in the coming month or so, check back for the details
Strange opens up her writing on M/M erotica in this book. She shows you true love and how when it's right, it doesn't matter who it is. Strange knows how to write with such passion that I'm lost in it from almost the beginning. The intensity is just amazing. I enjoyed how an angel (Azrael) comes to love a vampire (our Kieran) and how they give everything to be together. Even the Supreme One can not change how one loves. For true vampire stories, Strange doesn't sugar coat the blood sucking. There are 'vegetarians', not that I don't love and enjoy other series, but she definitely keeps them in the darker side.
Strange definitely steams it up in this book. I am interested to see if she continues the spin off to give us more of Daniel and Charles. I'm thrilled that Kieran was her first spin off, because his story needed to be told. Start from the beginning in this series, because you definitely need the full emotions of this series.
We hope to have a guest visit from Liz Strange in the coming month or so, check back for the details
September 11, 2011
THE EMBRACE OF LIFE AND DEATH is different from the usual books I read and I often found it difficult to follow. There’s an awful lot to take in. The characters include Kiernan, a 120 year old vampire, who relishes killing his prey and enjoys his ‘life’ and wealth. There’s Azrael, an Archangel, who works for the Supreme One. His job is to care for those overwhelmed by grief and to kill vampires. And he falls in love with Kiernan. Doesn’t seem like a workable situation does it? The Supreme One is in charge of all the Archangels. He dislikes vampires and hates that they kill their prey/food just for the sake of killing. I found him to be extremely judgmental and not the least bit likable. As the story progresses, it gets very strange and interesting!
In my opinion, this is more than ‘erotic fantasy’. It’s a romance between two immortals; a vampire and an angel. They overcome what seems like insurmountable obstacles in pursuit of that love. I think the actual physical scenes between Kiernan and Azrael were sensual and not graphic. Liz Strange has some serious talent in writing dark fantasy. It is a solid, well written story, with elements of time travel and alternate reality. It wasn’t my favorite read, but I believe it will appeal to those who enjoy fantasy and m/m romance. I was given an e-book copy by the author for purpose of a review. I’d give it a rating of 3 ½ stars.
In my opinion, this is more than ‘erotic fantasy’. It’s a romance between two immortals; a vampire and an angel. They overcome what seems like insurmountable obstacles in pursuit of that love. I think the actual physical scenes between Kiernan and Azrael were sensual and not graphic. Liz Strange has some serious talent in writing dark fantasy. It is a solid, well written story, with elements of time travel and alternate reality. It wasn’t my favorite read, but I believe it will appeal to those who enjoy fantasy and m/m romance. I was given an e-book copy by the author for purpose of a review. I’d give it a rating of 3 ½ stars.
September 7, 2011
I really love anything to do with angels and had high hopes for this book, sadly it didn't quite tick all the boxes for me.
I found Kieran to be an overly emotional man and no matter how hard I tried I just couldn't picture him as a vampire. He is the weepiest, most effeminate male I have ever read and I had a hard time believing in his character. I was equally confused by the Angel Azrael.
I just didn't connect with these characters and that's unfortunate.
I found the first half of this story to be rather slow but I stuck with it. And the second half did become more interesting with the ominous 'Supreme One' turning things upside down and throwing some time travel into the mix but it just wasn't enough to make up for character flaws. Also, I'm in no way religious and don't attend church but the whole alien turning benevolent God, punishing the lower class humans storyline didn't sit well with me either. It just felt contrived.
That being said, it did have some good points. I was glad to see it pointed out that we cant help who we fall in love with, that love comes in all shapes and forms regardless of gender and appearances, something I strongly agree with. And even though it didn't work for me I have to give the author, Liz Strange points for taking on God and changing it up. That takes courage.
2 STARS
I found Kieran to be an overly emotional man and no matter how hard I tried I just couldn't picture him as a vampire. He is the weepiest, most effeminate male I have ever read and I had a hard time believing in his character. I was equally confused by the Angel Azrael.
I just didn't connect with these characters and that's unfortunate.
I found the first half of this story to be rather slow but I stuck with it. And the second half did become more interesting with the ominous 'Supreme One' turning things upside down and throwing some time travel into the mix but it just wasn't enough to make up for character flaws. Also, I'm in no way religious and don't attend church but the whole alien turning benevolent God, punishing the lower class humans storyline didn't sit well with me either. It just felt contrived.
That being said, it did have some good points. I was glad to see it pointed out that we cant help who we fall in love with, that love comes in all shapes and forms regardless of gender and appearances, something I strongly agree with. And even though it didn't work for me I have to give the author, Liz Strange points for taking on God and changing it up. That takes courage.
2 STARS
October 23, 2013
I love all of Liz Stange's books. Before reading her Vampire Trilogy I was a mostly literary fiction reader. I became hooked on her as an author and have been introduced to fantasy, pararomance, and science fiction. Her writing flows without unnecessary fillers. The stories are just plain well written and enjoyable to read. I would give anything she writes a try. The lady can tell a story. Recommend very highly!
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