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The Soulkeepers #3
Return to Eden
Dr. Abigail Silva has waited over 10,000 years for redemption and a chance at a real relationship with the angel she loves. But when you're made from evil itself, it's hard to remember if salvation is worth the wait. With Lucifer's plan coming to fruition, she must decide if God's offer of humanity is all it's cracked up to be, or if a deal with the devil is the more promising solution.
228 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 27, 2012
About the author
G.P. Ching
26 books987 followersG.P. Ching is a USA Today bestselling author of fantasy novels for young adults and not-so-young adults. She bakes wicked cookies, is commonly believed to be raised by wolves, and thinks both the ocean and the North Woods hold magical healing powers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 134 reviews
August 28, 2012
I devoured this book in just a couple of sittings, desperate to discover what would become of my favourite characters from the previous books in the series.
While Jacob, Malini, Gideon and Dr. Silva search for the few remaining Soulkeepers to join them in their battle against Lucifer. Lucifer himself is busy hunting them down and planning their extinction. He is also hatching a larger plan, that the Soulkeepers must discover and put a stop to.
'Return to Eden' broadens our understanding of the relationship between Dr Silva and Gideon, the angel she is desperate to be united with. Never sure which way Dr Silva would fall, on the side of good or evil, made for some great reading and kept me guessing near enough to the end. A great ending for them both too.
I have to say though, that Mara and Death's characters were the two I became most invested in. Caught in the In Between, their struggles to adapt and stay together were beautifully written and moving.
A great conclusion to an enthralling trilogy. I hear rumblings there will be a book four, to which I would say "Write quickly G.P Ching, write very quickly!"
While Jacob, Malini, Gideon and Dr. Silva search for the few remaining Soulkeepers to join them in their battle against Lucifer. Lucifer himself is busy hunting them down and planning their extinction. He is also hatching a larger plan, that the Soulkeepers must discover and put a stop to.
'Return to Eden' broadens our understanding of the relationship between Dr Silva and Gideon, the angel she is desperate to be united with. Never sure which way Dr Silva would fall, on the side of good or evil, made for some great reading and kept me guessing near enough to the end. A great ending for them both too.
I have to say though, that Mara and Death's characters were the two I became most invested in. Caught in the In Between, their struggles to adapt and stay together were beautifully written and moving.
A great conclusion to an enthralling trilogy. I hear rumblings there will be a book four, to which I would say "Write quickly G.P Ching, write very quickly!"
July 1, 2012
(2.5 stars) "Return to Eden" really is Abagail and Gideon's story although supporting characters have a major role to play as well. If I am to be totally honest with myself, this book was my least favorite in the series and probably represents the end of the road for me. At this point, I am not totally sure why I did not enjoy it as well as the other two books; however, to some degree I believe that the plot suffered from way too many mediocre twists and turns.
Abagail and Gideon are at odds with each other. They are both struggling with impatience as to when God will grant his promise to make them mortal and they each have a different view as to how to resolve it. Since danger from the Watcher seems to be around every corner, Gideon accompanies Katrina back to college in an effort to protect her.
Back in Paris, Malini, Jacob, Abagail and Lillian are forced to round up all the remaining Soulkeepers and take them to Eden for schooling and protection. Meanwhile, Mara and Henry are in the In Between where she discovers that she is neither alive or dead. Henry did not have the heart to send her on to Heaven because of his strong attraction to her. He realizes there will be consequences to pay for his actions; yet, they decide they will enjoy their time together while they can. This was one of my first problems with this book. In book two, Mara comes across as inconsiderate of other's feelings and out for self alone. However, in this edition, she seems to have a personality make over and she is pure and kind.
Next, Malini looks into the future and is concerned at what she sees. She knows she cannot tell Jacob what will happen because she may risk altering the future. Lucifer seems to be stalking her at every turn. However, she and Jacob have manage to rescue many of the Soulkeepers. Both Malini parents and Jacob's Aunt and Uncle are away on a cruise making it easier for everyone to run around getting things in order. Poor Dane is in hell with Lucifer and realizes that the devil is just playing with the Soulkeepers and he motivations are not what they think.
Lucifer is contacting Abagail in an attempt to win her over to his side. Everyone begins to wonder whose side is she really on when she goes missing. In the end, they will get their answer in a way that no one expected. This is a short read but it felt like it took forever for me because I just was not as invested in the plot as I was in the previous books. The story was just too convoluted for me. If there are anymore books in the series, I will not be going on to read them.
Abagail and Gideon are at odds with each other. They are both struggling with impatience as to when God will grant his promise to make them mortal and they each have a different view as to how to resolve it. Since danger from the Watcher seems to be around every corner, Gideon accompanies Katrina back to college in an effort to protect her.
Back in Paris, Malini, Jacob, Abagail and Lillian are forced to round up all the remaining Soulkeepers and take them to Eden for schooling and protection. Meanwhile, Mara and Henry are in the In Between where she discovers that she is neither alive or dead. Henry did not have the heart to send her on to Heaven because of his strong attraction to her. He realizes there will be consequences to pay for his actions; yet, they decide they will enjoy their time together while they can. This was one of my first problems with this book. In book two, Mara comes across as inconsiderate of other's feelings and out for self alone. However, in this edition, she seems to have a personality make over and she is pure and kind.
Next, Malini looks into the future and is concerned at what she sees. She knows she cannot tell Jacob what will happen because she may risk altering the future. Lucifer seems to be stalking her at every turn. However, she and Jacob have manage to rescue many of the Soulkeepers. Both Malini parents and Jacob's Aunt and Uncle are away on a cruise making it easier for everyone to run around getting things in order. Poor Dane is in hell with Lucifer and realizes that the devil is just playing with the Soulkeepers and he motivations are not what they think.
Lucifer is contacting Abagail in an attempt to win her over to his side. Everyone begins to wonder whose side is she really on when she goes missing. In the end, they will get their answer in a way that no one expected. This is a short read but it felt like it took forever for me because I just was not as invested in the plot as I was in the previous books. The story was just too convoluted for me. If there are anymore books in the series, I will not be going on to read them.
March 20, 2012
To me, the book seemed to get off to a bumpy start — the beginning felt a little rushed or abrupt. But past the first chapter or two, it took off. Each book in this series focuses on a different person: Jacob in The Soulkeepers, Malini in Weaving Destiny, and now the rebellious Watcher Abigail Silva and the angel who loves her.
As with The Soulkeepers, I had to stop reading at times because the peril was just too much (especially when the characters were about to make a really bone-headed move). I didn't get that from Weaving Destiny.
This book does a fine job of gathering the loose threads from Weaving Destiny (pun not intended, but I like it too much to delete) and pulling everything together. Mara and Henry (aka Death), Dane, all get resolved. So much is going on, in fact, that Jacob and Malini end up taking a back seat. Malini still plays a pivotal role, but in this story Jacob is just a Horseman who gets more ink than the others. That was a little disappointing.
Still, this was an altogether satisfying conclusion that yet leaves open the possibility for an encore.
As with The Soulkeepers, I had to stop reading at times because the peril was just too much (especially when the characters were about to make a really bone-headed move). I didn't get that from Weaving Destiny.
This book does a fine job of gathering the loose threads from Weaving Destiny (pun not intended, but I like it too much to delete) and pulling everything together. Mara and Henry (aka Death), Dane, all get resolved. So much is going on, in fact, that Jacob and Malini end up taking a back seat. Malini still plays a pivotal role, but in this story Jacob is just a Horseman who gets more ink than the others. That was a little disappointing.
Still, this was an altogether satisfying conclusion that yet leaves open the possibility for an encore.
July 30, 2011
Every once and awhile, I find an author that I can pick up his or her books (or open my e-reader as the case may be) and read them until the pages fall apart—literally and figuratively. It’s fortunate that the Soulkeepers Series by G.P. Ching is in digital format, or I would have burned through several copies of the series already. The latest book, “Return to Eden,” left me with a lot to think about.
Throughout the series, there has been subtle elements of faith—a taboo in most mainstream writing. In the first two books, those elements were passing and developed as the characters came into their own. However, in “Return to Eden,” the elements of faith are profound, but in no way out of place in a series centered on “soldiers for God.”
The difference is that the story in “Return to Eden” develops based on tough decisions that Abigail must make for the Soulkeepers, for Gideon and for herself. Everyone at some point in their life has struggled with a choice; the difference for Abigail is she has to decide whether to do the right thing (trust in God's plan) or take an easier road (deal with the devil)—each with its own amount of personal sacrifice.
Even removing the faith-based elements from the discussion, “Return to Eden” really reaches to the heart of humanity. Every choice, every action, every decision has a reward or consequence. They don’t always have to be heaven or hell like what Abigail faces, but at its heart, the story is about doing the right thing even when it scares you, even when the personal cost is high.
Will Ching likely receive criticism for touching such a taboo topic as religion in writing? Probably. However, I feel sad for those who dismiss the book for that reason. She took a risk, and I definitely feel rewarded having “Return to Eden” in my library.
Take a chance. I couldn’t put the book down.
Throughout the series, there has been subtle elements of faith—a taboo in most mainstream writing. In the first two books, those elements were passing and developed as the characters came into their own. However, in “Return to Eden,” the elements of faith are profound, but in no way out of place in a series centered on “soldiers for God.”
The difference is that the story in “Return to Eden” develops based on tough decisions that Abigail must make for the Soulkeepers, for Gideon and for herself. Everyone at some point in their life has struggled with a choice; the difference for Abigail is she has to decide whether to do the right thing (trust in God's plan) or take an easier road (deal with the devil)—each with its own amount of personal sacrifice.
Even removing the faith-based elements from the discussion, “Return to Eden” really reaches to the heart of humanity. Every choice, every action, every decision has a reward or consequence. They don’t always have to be heaven or hell like what Abigail faces, but at its heart, the story is about doing the right thing even when it scares you, even when the personal cost is high.
Will Ching likely receive criticism for touching such a taboo topic as religion in writing? Probably. However, I feel sad for those who dismiss the book for that reason. She took a risk, and I definitely feel rewarded having “Return to Eden” in my library.
Take a chance. I couldn’t put the book down.
April 23, 2012
Lucifer’s plan is unfolding and time is short. Dr. Abigail Silva has waited over 10,000 years for a shot at redemption and a chance to touch the angel she loves. With the situation so dire, she finds herself doubting God’s word. Now she must decide whether making a deal with the devil will be more worthwhile than waiting for God’s plan.
I liken this book to an eccentric slow dance. It’s beautiful and well put together but the pace never stays the same throughout. It speeds up and slows down, but even at points where it’s slow, you still are on the edge of your seat. You can’t take your eyes off what’s unfolding in the pages before you. It ebbs and flows until the epic high point. I’m being general because I don’t want to spoil a single moment for you. The friends you’ve made in this series face huge decisions, New Soulkeepers will be introduced, lives are placed in peril and as always, G.P Ching tackles the tough subjects. It left me wanting more and yet at the same time hoping the characters get some sort of break after all of this. I guess I can imagine it while the next book is being written.
Thank you to G.P. Ching for the review copy. It in no way influenced my review.
I liken this book to an eccentric slow dance. It’s beautiful and well put together but the pace never stays the same throughout. It speeds up and slows down, but even at points where it’s slow, you still are on the edge of your seat. You can’t take your eyes off what’s unfolding in the pages before you. It ebbs and flows until the epic high point. I’m being general because I don’t want to spoil a single moment for you. The friends you’ve made in this series face huge decisions, New Soulkeepers will be introduced, lives are placed in peril and as always, G.P Ching tackles the tough subjects. It left me wanting more and yet at the same time hoping the characters get some sort of break after all of this. I guess I can imagine it while the next book is being written.
Thank you to G.P. Ching for the review copy. It in no way influenced my review.
August 16, 2012
Amazing! I have been super pleased with this entire series. Gen Ching has a wonderful imagination and she does amazing things with it. In Return To Eden we get to know the characters much better. I really like how we get the POV from each couple.
This book is based on making the right decisions, believing in yourself, each other and in your faith. In this book most of all I think you get the message to heart. It was interesting to see how each of them felt about certain situations or how they would handle them. Especially given the fact that the majority of them are just kids. Getting to know Gideon and Abigail was fantastic as we weren't that up close with them before. I was surprised to learn as much about them and what it was that I learned. The same with Mara and Death. The times spent with them are absolutely amazing. The descriptions are so perfect that I feel as if I've watched this entire story unfold in a movie. This is definitely a series that I would suggest to others and I hope with everything in me that there will be a 4th book! I can't wait for more from the Soulkeepers.
This book is based on making the right decisions, believing in yourself, each other and in your faith. In this book most of all I think you get the message to heart. It was interesting to see how each of them felt about certain situations or how they would handle them. Especially given the fact that the majority of them are just kids. Getting to know Gideon and Abigail was fantastic as we weren't that up close with them before. I was surprised to learn as much about them and what it was that I learned. The same with Mara and Death. The times spent with them are absolutely amazing. The descriptions are so perfect that I feel as if I've watched this entire story unfold in a movie. This is definitely a series that I would suggest to others and I hope with everything in me that there will be a 4th book! I can't wait for more from the Soulkeepers.
March 29, 2012
I really want to give all the books in this series a 3.5 rating. They aren't quite a 4, but definitely more than a 3. As noted in my reviews of the first two books in this series, I always enjoy when a book springs a new idea/unique twist, particularly when it's an old plot (good vs. evil). The author did a stellar job in this regard.
I wish I could've cared about the characters more, and I still can't put my finger on why I didn't. It may have been the physical perfection of the main characters (not just the Watchers in guise). All beautiful people. That always makes it hard for me to get emotionally vested.
Still, I'd recommend these YA dark fantasy books to those who enjoy the genre.
Bonus for me? Before I started the first book, I didn't realize the series is set in Paris, Illinois, which is a stone's throw from where I live. I had to chuckle when reading the impressions the teens had of Paris. Perfect! And it's always fun to read fiction set in a location with which one is familiar.
I wish I could've cared about the characters more, and I still can't put my finger on why I didn't. It may have been the physical perfection of the main characters (not just the Watchers in guise). All beautiful people. That always makes it hard for me to get emotionally vested.
Still, I'd recommend these YA dark fantasy books to those who enjoy the genre.
Bonus for me? Before I started the first book, I didn't realize the series is set in Paris, Illinois, which is a stone's throw from where I live. I had to chuckle when reading the impressions the teens had of Paris. Perfect! And it's always fun to read fiction set in a location with which one is familiar.
March 17, 2012
Wow! In this third book there is so much going on, but each story intersects with everything so smoothly, you don't notice. It grabs you from the very beginning and doesn't let go. I started this book yesterday, went to bed reading it, and woke up, turned my kindle back on, re-adjusted my glasses, and kept reading. I read every chance I got and just finished it.
It's an exciting ride, filled with adventure, thrills, twists and turns, and so much more. I can't wait until the next book. I have read a few other reviews and they mentioned that this is the last one in the series, but is it? I guess only time will tell, but I hope not!
J.P. Ching is on my "Favorite Author" list for sure! Thank you for this wonderful adventure!!
It's an exciting ride, filled with adventure, thrills, twists and turns, and so much more. I can't wait until the next book. I have read a few other reviews and they mentioned that this is the last one in the series, but is it? I guess only time will tell, but I hope not!
J.P. Ching is on my "Favorite Author" list for sure! Thank you for this wonderful adventure!!
March 26, 2013
Hmmm not sure what to think on this book. Definitely not as good as the first two but it was good enough. Kind of slow though, made the book seem a lot longer than it was.
SPOILER BELOW:
One problem I had and SPOILERS so there is the heads up: Malini said someone was going to die in the battle with Lucifer (I was guessing Lilian, Gideon or Dr. Silva), she was really shaken up about it, she told Jacob it wasn't him but it still seemed very important, and at the end of the book no one dies? Did I miss something because that kind of seems like a plot hole.
Anyways I would probably say 2.5 stars, but for respect of the first two I will bump it up to 3. I will probably read the next book eventually.
SPOILER BELOW:
One problem I had and SPOILERS so there is the heads up: Malini said someone was going to die in the battle with Lucifer (I was guessing Lilian, Gideon or Dr. Silva), she was really shaken up about it, she told Jacob it wasn't him but it still seemed very important, and at the end of the book no one dies? Did I miss something because that kind of seems like a plot hole.
Anyways I would probably say 2.5 stars, but for respect of the first two I will bump it up to 3. I will probably read the next book eventually.
February 19, 2013
I could not wait to start this book as I loved the first two, it did not disappoint. So much happened and I'm so glad that Mara and Henry where still in it, they're definitely my favourite characters. Can't wait for the fourth :)
January 3, 2012
I would give this one a 2 1/2 if I could. I didn't agree with some of the views that the author had and so I don't really feel that good about giving it a 3.
January 9, 2012
It says publish- 2011. And it's 2012. What's up with that??
April 18, 2012
This was a great ending to the trilogy. The story got a bit preachy at the end, but overall I really liked it.
November 18, 2012
I was happy that Gidion and Abigail were able to become human and spend the remander of time on earth as one. LOVE does conquer all.
Read
September 4, 2011To come! Loved this book and series.
January 28, 2019
I really enjoyed this book, which makes me really happy after struggling with book number 2 in the series. I think this is the best book in the series up to this point. Even though there were some parts not quite believable, I really liked how we got to know a lot more of the supernatural world involved in the series, how people become immortals or how the soulkeepers get their gifts; besides creating more relatable stories with the different characters. Loved the message of how even when you don't know how, everything falls into place.
May 7, 2018
The stories in the Soulkeepers stories become more and more predictable and unbelievable.
I just can't even write a review. It was good enough to finish, not good enough to recommend. The characters haven't progressed since the first book.
The story arc with Gideon and Kara saved this book from a 2-star review. But just barely.
I just can't even write a review. It was good enough to finish, not good enough to recommend. The characters haven't progressed since the first book.
The story arc with Gideon and Kara saved this book from a 2-star review. But just barely.
September 12, 2017
Enchanting
I am truly enjoying this series. It's exciting. I love all of the characters even though the abrupt change in the personality of some was a bit disturbing. If that had been covered with more depth, the book may have earned 5 stars from me.
I am truly enjoying this series. It's exciting. I love all of the characters even though the abrupt change in the personality of some was a bit disturbing. If that had been covered with more depth, the book may have earned 5 stars from me.
July 25, 2019
Great Series
I am really excited joying this series. I rarely buy books but I HAD to purchase the set...not disappointed. I just found out that there are more...excited to see what happens next
I am really excited joying this series. I rarely buy books but I HAD to purchase the set...not disappointed. I just found out that there are more...excited to see what happens next
September 23, 2023
can’t stop reading
I’ve really been enjoying this series and can’t stop reading them.
I have bought all the books now. It is an easy read but I enjoy reading a non fiction book that talks about God.
I’ve really been enjoying this series and can’t stop reading them.
I have bought all the books now. It is an easy read but I enjoy reading a non fiction book that talks about God.
April 11, 2018
it was a great story
June 20, 2018
I loved this one even more than the others.
It is very age appropriate. The characters are developing well.
It is very age appropriate. The characters are developing well.
February 10, 2019
Enjoyable
Enjoyed the series so far. I am looking forward to finishing the whole series. I hope the author adds more to grounded as well.
Enjoyed the series so far. I am looking forward to finishing the whole series. I hope the author adds more to grounded as well.
November 8, 2019
Great
Loved the book and look forward to reading the next in the series. Don't have much more to say about the book than that. The end
Loved the book and look forward to reading the next in the series. Don't have much more to say about the book than that. The end
September 22, 2020
Keeps getting better
The further I read into this series, the more I am enjoying it. The characters are becoming more fleshed out and I am truly becoming attached to them.
The further I read into this series, the more I am enjoying it. The characters are becoming more fleshed out and I am truly becoming attached to them.
October 21, 2020
Pretty good. Nice, easy, quick and entertaining read.
March 12, 2024
i am a simple man, i love side characters. ethan and jesse are my faves
absolutely loved gideon more than ever before in this reread, obsessed
absolutely loved gideon more than ever before in this reread, obsessed
July 8, 2026
Book 3 of the Soulkeepers series did not disappoint!
The story of Abigail, a fallen angel, and Gideon, her heavenly love, is woven through the ups and downs of the soulkeepers battle to gather all the soulkeepers and thwart Lucifer’s plan.
Join Malini, Jacob & others as they fight for good to win!
The story of Abigail, a fallen angel, and Gideon, her heavenly love, is woven through the ups and downs of the soulkeepers battle to gather all the soulkeepers and thwart Lucifer’s plan.
Join Malini, Jacob & others as they fight for good to win!
November 11, 2011
I’m a huge fan of G.P. Ching’s The Soulkeepers Series (check out my review of The Soulkeepers and Weaving Destiny) and I’m glad to report that book three, Return to Eden definitely does not disappoint.
In Return to Eden we find Jacob, Malini, Gideon and Dr. Silva searching for fellow Soulkeepers as Lucifer hunts them down, while Mara is caught in the In Between with Death himself. As the newly found Soulkeepers train in Eden and Lucifer rallies his army, each character finds themselves facing their own personal struggles with doubt, insecurity, fear, duty and love. And in the end everyone must choose a side as an epic battle between good and evil, Heaven and Hell, Lucifer’s army and God’s warriors takes place.
Return to Eden is a thrilling and captivating closing chapter on what’s been a grand and exciting journey. I continue to be greatly impressed with Ching’s ability to weave an intricate and fascinating story that is both original and highly entertaining.
There is quite a bit going on in book three and several character storylines are focused on, but despite an abundance of story and character focus, the book paces nicely and never feels rushed and nothing feels glossed over. The story also takes place in several settings and Ching continues to create very vivid and intriguing worlds- Hell, Eden, the In Between.
Since book one, I’ve been simply fascinated with the ultimate Good vs Evil story that Ching has crafted, but Ching’s world in this series is anything but simple. Smartly and sharply written, the story of war between fallen angels and the Soulkeepers is a compelling and multifaceted one. Rich in actual facts and myths, the story Ching offers readers is as layered as it is entertaining. Although the series as a whole deals with religious themes and stories, I appreciate the fact that it’s never preachy or too in your face. I think religious people can enjoy the series for its religious symbolism, while non-religious readers (like me) can simply enjoy the series for what it is- an absorbing, well written and electrifying example of great storytelling.
One of the things I love most about this series, and about Return to Eden especially, is how complex Ching’s characters are. Although there is an overall Good vs Evil theme throughout the series, not everything or everyone is simply “good” or “evil”, black or white. Dr. Abigail Silva is an incredibly complex and riveting character that is constantly straddling that thin line between redemption and being lost forever, and I’m so in awe of the way Ching has developed and characterized her.
One of my absolute favorite characters in Return to Eden is Lucifer! As weird as it sounds, I find Lucifer/Satan/The Devil to be one of the most fascinating characters throughout history and I’ve always been completely intrigued by him. I’m always impressed when an author can create an engaging, layered, witty Lucifer who is almsot likable in all his entertaining smugness, and Ching has done just that. So, kudos to Ms. Ching for an awesome Luci!
Romance. Love. Kissing. Return to Eden definitely has these things! Ching doesn’t skimp on the romance and the relationships between Jacob/Malini, Abigail/Gideon, and Mara/Henry(Death) are as enthralling and addicting as ever. My only complaint when it comes to the romance department is that the lovey-dovey dialogue is often a bit cheesy, especially during the Mara/Henry scenes. But this never distracted me from enjoying (and totally swooning over) the romance.
The story leads up to a breathtaking and surprising battle between the main characters and Lucifer and the Watchers. But the story doesn’t end there; there is a very satisfying epilogue and conclusion that I really loved…although, I’m super excited that there will be a book four because there are quite a few characters and stories that I don’t think are quite finished (i.e Dane and Ethan!!!).
MY FINAL THOUGHTS: Return to Eden, with its intriguing story; compelling characters and heart-racing action, is an exciting third book in what has turned out to be an epically awesome series!
In Return to Eden we find Jacob, Malini, Gideon and Dr. Silva searching for fellow Soulkeepers as Lucifer hunts them down, while Mara is caught in the In Between with Death himself. As the newly found Soulkeepers train in Eden and Lucifer rallies his army, each character finds themselves facing their own personal struggles with doubt, insecurity, fear, duty and love. And in the end everyone must choose a side as an epic battle between good and evil, Heaven and Hell, Lucifer’s army and God’s warriors takes place.
Return to Eden is a thrilling and captivating closing chapter on what’s been a grand and exciting journey. I continue to be greatly impressed with Ching’s ability to weave an intricate and fascinating story that is both original and highly entertaining.
There is quite a bit going on in book three and several character storylines are focused on, but despite an abundance of story and character focus, the book paces nicely and never feels rushed and nothing feels glossed over. The story also takes place in several settings and Ching continues to create very vivid and intriguing worlds- Hell, Eden, the In Between.
Since book one, I’ve been simply fascinated with the ultimate Good vs Evil story that Ching has crafted, but Ching’s world in this series is anything but simple. Smartly and sharply written, the story of war between fallen angels and the Soulkeepers is a compelling and multifaceted one. Rich in actual facts and myths, the story Ching offers readers is as layered as it is entertaining. Although the series as a whole deals with religious themes and stories, I appreciate the fact that it’s never preachy or too in your face. I think religious people can enjoy the series for its religious symbolism, while non-religious readers (like me) can simply enjoy the series for what it is- an absorbing, well written and electrifying example of great storytelling.
One of the things I love most about this series, and about Return to Eden especially, is how complex Ching’s characters are. Although there is an overall Good vs Evil theme throughout the series, not everything or everyone is simply “good” or “evil”, black or white. Dr. Abigail Silva is an incredibly complex and riveting character that is constantly straddling that thin line between redemption and being lost forever, and I’m so in awe of the way Ching has developed and characterized her.
One of my absolute favorite characters in Return to Eden is Lucifer! As weird as it sounds, I find Lucifer/Satan/The Devil to be one of the most fascinating characters throughout history and I’ve always been completely intrigued by him. I’m always impressed when an author can create an engaging, layered, witty Lucifer who is almsot likable in all his entertaining smugness, and Ching has done just that. So, kudos to Ms. Ching for an awesome Luci!
Romance. Love. Kissing. Return to Eden definitely has these things! Ching doesn’t skimp on the romance and the relationships between Jacob/Malini, Abigail/Gideon, and Mara/Henry(Death) are as enthralling and addicting as ever. My only complaint when it comes to the romance department is that the lovey-dovey dialogue is often a bit cheesy, especially during the Mara/Henry scenes. But this never distracted me from enjoying (and totally swooning over) the romance.
The story leads up to a breathtaking and surprising battle between the main characters and Lucifer and the Watchers. But the story doesn’t end there; there is a very satisfying epilogue and conclusion that I really loved…although, I’m super excited that there will be a book four because there are quite a few characters and stories that I don’t think are quite finished (i.e Dane and Ethan!!!).
MY FINAL THOUGHTS: Return to Eden, with its intriguing story; compelling characters and heart-racing action, is an exciting third book in what has turned out to be an epically awesome series!
March 5, 2017
Book club questions!
What a wonderful idea at the end of he book. I wish more authors would do this. Great to get engagement and do some thinking at the end of a book. Thank you
Return to Eden was Fantastic and made you think. Way cool in he use of a particle accelerator.
What a wonderful idea at the end of he book. I wish more authors would do this. Great to get engagement and do some thinking at the end of a book. Thank you
Return to Eden was Fantastic and made you think. Way cool in he use of a particle accelerator.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 134 reviews