Adel's Purr

Elements of Love #1

by Sui Lynn

This edition is no longer available.

Evan Hallvard is a stone mason, like his father before him. In a world struggling to recover from a war that swept humanity to the brink, Evan struggles to learn about and control a power he knows nothing about. He can create and awaken 'living stone', gargoyles. When he receives a message from his contacts that a large gargoyle is about to be destroyed by the Church, Evan rushes to save it.

Adel has been asleep for centuries; this century — with its mechanical devices and human beings set on their own destruction — holds no interest for him. Yet, through the haze of his hibernation, he hears a voice calling to him, needing him. When he awakens, he is restrained by those he is sworn to protect. Struggling does him no good, and he is about to close his eyes on a world that no longer wants him, when he hears that voice calling again. Calming, soothing, it draws him forth, softening his stone heart like no other ever has. Between the evil that hunts Evan and the Church that wants Adel destroyed, will the two be able to find love, wrapped up in Adel's Purr?

Genres: M M Romance, Paranormal, Fantasy, Romance, Magic, Shapeshifters, Futuristic

276 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 1, 2011

About the author

Sui Lynn is a born and raised mid-western gal. She loves Rock ‘n Roll but can get a little bit country too. She has been writing for as long as she can remember and is always found with a book or pencil and paper in hand. She has 2 Cocker Spaniels who are the comic relief in her life. She loves orange soda, Dr Who and her computer, all of which she could not function without.

Reviews

[Nikyta · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not sure how I feel about this story. The concept is a nice, engaging one especially since there aren't many stories out there revolving around gargoyles.

I liked how Evan has hidden earth elemental powers and the way he attracts so many gargoyle friends that are unquestioningly loyal. The presence of Adel was interesting because he's built much differently than other gargoyles and can act in a human way. I've always considered gargoyles as.... well, gargoyles; scary looking dog-like things with wings. In this story, gargoyles can be any shape and size, any creature that's a statue really as long as they were built in a certain way.

The book is quite interesting when it comes to details. I enjoyed reading how each gargoyle differed from an another, the post apocalyptic and futuristic elements to the story were extremely captivating as well as how the world is now ran by the Church and such.

This is why I'm not sure how I feel about the story. I enjoyed it but I was also frustrated. At first, I was annoyed at the constant need to bring up Father Michael's lust over Evan. After the fifth statement, I grew tired of it. Then there was how mushy the story turned with overly used "I love you", "my own", "my maker" which grew annoying. On top of that, there were a few inconsistencies regarding what was said within a few letters in the beginning of the story and what was told by Evan in the end. Finally, the story just seemed to drag half way through. I was struggling for a while trying to get interested again but eventually the ending caught my attention.

In the end, I'm going neutral with this one. I think it will appeal to some while not to others because I did like some aspects of the story but others just frustrated and annoyed me. The concept is great, though, and the world really is interesting so I'll continue with the series.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

I may be reading this book because the dude on the cover is so hot.

Took me a little while to warm up, but then I loved it!

[Experiment BL626 · Rating 3 out of 5]

CAUTION: Minor Spoilers, Long Review

Adel's Purr is set in a post-apocalyptic world where the Vatican Church is the only government around. Earth has regressed back to the Dark Age where all arts and technology and inventions of any kind must be sanctioned by the Vatican Church. Fans of Final Fantasy X will easily recognize the similarities between Spira and the world in Adel's Purr.

Friend or Foe?

I initially thought the Vatican Church was this evil organization our heroes must destroy eventually in the series.

"They [the Church] hunt gargoyles and destroy them, regardless of your centuries of service. They've named your kind as depictions of evil in sculpture, and therefore demonic. They've become so obsessed with their laws they're now fanatic and controlling. All we can do is try to save as much of human history and living stone as possible and hope our work carries through to the next generation, so they can learn from our mistakes."

Dystopian anyone?

One of the Church's members, Father Michael, was the the main antagonist for the story. Father Michael was a Sinister Minister. The Church was bad. The Father was bad. I thought it was a safe assumption that anyone involved with the Church was bad.

I assumed wrong. Excluding Father Michael, the Church was never the enemy (for book 1 anyway) because at the end the Church needed Evan to defeat evil with his uber rare Earth magic.

Otaku won't be bothered by the big role the Church plays because the Church Militant trope is prevalent in manga, e.g. Chrono Crusade, Trinity Blood, 07-Ghost, as it is here in this series.

The World-Building

Upon finishing the story, I was left with the impression that the Church was like a corporation that suffered a personnel problem... a personnel problem of unknowingly employing demon-corrupted priests. The world was post-apocalyptic so the Church was probably desperate for help, making background check not a top priority. But still...

Anyway, I was confused why everyone turned to the Church for help after the apocalypse because somehow I doubt the people who survived were all Catholic. I doubt even more than anyone who wasn't Catholic suddenly converted to Catholicism. It was a big plot hole, IMO.

I liked how the story set up the mythology of gargoyle to include more than those bat-like statues on European towers and castles. In Adel's Purr, gargoyles can be Chinese lion-dogs that guard the door of Asian homes and the crypt statues that decorate Western cemeteries. Any statue built with the purpose to protect something or guard against evil were considered gargoyles in Adel's Purr's world.

The Characters

Beside the awful dreadlocks hairstyle the stonemason wore, Evan Hallvard was smart and self-sufficient. Evan made his home far enough from other people to appear wanting solitude but not evoking suspicion. He grew his own foods so he doesn't have to depend on anyone. He had his own Batcave with a security system of CCTV and gargoyles. He acted well as the sexually naive innocent against Father Michael who gropes Evan alot. Not to say Evans was perfect, like having an impractical hairstyle, but in no way was he a dumb bottom.

Adel the crypt gargoyle was your typical alpha. Adel knew alot about the magic that Evan carried. All Evan knew was that he could vitalize gargoyle. The plot mostly focused on Evans discovering his magical heritage, destiny, blah blah all the while having a hard-on for Adel. It didn't help that Evan haven't had sex in a long time.

Fret not! Sensible Evan soon came to realize Adel was essentially another person. It was no surprise to see Adel reciprocating the feeling because Adel's Purr was a soulmate romance. Sexual frustration easily solved in 1-2-3-YAY!

Speculation of the Series

The next book is about Jude the Inquisitor. Yes, of that Inquisition from history. No, there wasn't any anti-gay sentiment the Church might have brought into the story because the Church in Adel's Purr was a modified version (at least not in book 1). An omission I was thankful for.

There's a very good chance that the priests in Adel's Purr's world do not take vow of chastity. Maybe. If so, I would not be surprised if one of the future books will be about a naïve priest stumbling upon his mentally tormented, supernatural soulmate.

Conclusion

I rate 3 stars Adel's Purr for I liked it.

I would not recommend the story for readers who best enjoy realistic mm-romance. This is the second book I have read by this author and I can plainly see the strong influence of yaoi. Thus, I would recommend it for readers who enjoy yaoi novels. I would also recommend for readers who enjoy all sort of mm-paranormal.

If you want more gargoyle mm-romance, I suggest the following:

[Serena Yates · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gargoyle stories are not all that common, and this one, where their lore is explained more and expanded, then set in the future, is particularly imaginative. I loved learning about the powers of a Maker, as well as the history of this post-apocalyptic world. Some of the missing two centuries or so between now and the futuristic setting is cleverly filled in via a diary that belongs to Evan; it explains much of what otherwise might be strange.

Evan is a stonemason, or so he thinks. He is one of the few people willing to go up against the Church, one of the key forces to help humankind recover from the catastrophe that almost destroyed civilization. His job is to find and protect gargoyles, as explained by his father, but he doesn’t know why until he finds Adel. The sense of discovery and solving the mystery (and threat) of a corrupt priest kept me reading with interest.

Adel is a gargoyle who has been asleep for a long time. He will do anything to teach Evan about himself, and he is extremely protective when he finds out they are mates. Adel’s encounters with modern technology made me smile, but he is able to adapt quite quickly. When events overtake them, Adel is the one to make sure Evan gets rescued, proving himself to be a good protector and a worthy mate.

This story is an interesting mix between paranormal beings, mystical abilities and a futuristic setting where the church and religion play a major role in people’s lives again. I really liked this mix, and if you’re curious about seeing what the very imaginative mind of Sui Lyn has come up with, you might like this book. It definitely piqued my interest and I look forward to more volumes in the series.

[Rachel Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the world building in this, how religion has taken over and statues like the gargoyles are being destroyed. I loved Evan and his gargoyle friends, and I loved his intense relationship with Adel. Wonderful story, I really enjoyed this, and I look forward to reading the next book in this series!

[Carly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gargoyles and magic and a romantic, adventurous plot. A few of my favorite things. This is definitely a series to follow, so on to book 2 I go!

[Claudia · Rating 3 out of 5]

this was an interesting story with a very interesting world building.
the characters were nice but for me a bit too one-dimensional

not sure I will read the next one as Jude us not paired with Fin

[Julie Hayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Evan Halvard lives like a hermit, up in the mountains, away from everyone—and that’s the way he likes it. Alone with his beloved stone. Evan is a stonemason by trade, as was his father before him. It was while working with his late father, as a young man, that Evans makes a startling discovery—some gargoyle are more than the statuary they appear to be. In fact, they are living stone!


The time is a point in the future, after mankind has been greatly decimated, and the Church is a large presence in everyone’s lives. To the extent that they control the things that people do and say and see. Gargoyles have gone onto the list of bad things, things that incite people in unwanted ways. The Bishop’s Service actively seeks and destroys the statues whenever and wherever they’re found, which is anathema to Evan, especially once he realizes that some of them are living beings.

Evan’s constant companion is Cela, a young gargoyle that he wears around his neck. He talks to Cela, even though Cela doesn’t speak. And neither do the four gargoyles he’s dubbed the Four Musketeers. They’re his friends as well as his protectors. Evan keeps to himself, eking out a living best as he can with his stone, and keeping an ear out for any sign that the Bishop’s Service has found a gargoyle, attempting to reach it before they can, and save the living ones from destruction. He has an anonymous friend on the Internet that sends him tips. But he also has a nemesis in the form of Father Michael, of the Bishop’s Service. The skeletal priest comes around far too often for Evan’s taste, a matter which is compounded by his obvious physical attraction to Evan, an attraction which is definitely one-sided.

When Evan receives word that the Service has found another gargoyle and is going to destroy it, he moves quickly, managing to evade the lewd and lascivious priest in order to do so. He and Cela go to where the statue is. He turns out to be far bigger than Evan imagined, and he silently prays to it, hoping to find some sign of life. He gets more than he bargained for!

He spirits the large being away, secreting him in the warren of tunnels beneath his home. Tunnels that the Bishop’s Service is unaware of, bequeathed to him by his late father. To his amazement, this one speaks! Deciding he can’t call him hey you forever, Evan debates on an appropriate name for him, and decides on Adel. When Father Michael shows up and sees Adel, Evans claims he is a cousin come to live with him and learn his trade, which does not please the priest at all.

The more Evan knows of Adel, the more he wants to know, and he feels very drawn to the large gargoyle. The attraction is definitely mutual. Things heat up between them! Then Evan gets another message from his unknown informant—he wants to meet! Is that wise? Could it be a trap? And what is going on with Father Michael?

Adel’s Purr is not your average paranormal romance story. It’s very creatively written, and the unfolding story will keep you turning the pages to see what happens next. Sui Lynn has a definite way of creating characters that stick in your mind, and using the unusual. Gargoyles are definitely something you won’t see very often. She also uses them in another upcoming release, Stone Heart. She includes information about gargoyles, taken from a “text”, that she includes at the beginning of chapters. It helps to give the reader and understanding of the seldom used creatures. The only real criticism I can make is that the editing is less than stellar, but don’t let that deter you from enjoying the book.
I love the way she built her world and populated it, and not always in shades of black and white. There is no Good vs Evil, but there are definite shades of grey. It’s a tale of survival in difficult times. And of finding love when you least expect it. And rising to your potential—and your destiny.

Luckily, it’s only the first book in a series. I’ve had the privilege of reading Nico’s Fire, the next book. Trust me, you’ll love it.

Adel's Purr is available in both e-book and print from Silver Publishing.

[Yvonne · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 starsThis is a very carefully told story about Evan who is a stone mason who discovers that he has the ability to make stone come alive and wakes up the gargoyles around him. This is a forbidden talent as Evan lives in a time where the church has the power & has forbidden these activities and actively seek to destroy gargoyles. Things start coming to a head when Evan wakes up Adel, a gargoyle that has been asleep for centuries, and finds that he will do anything to keep him from being destroyed.

The writing style used is reminiscent of some YA novels (with sex scenes) & this first novel in a possible series, is definitely the setup one. We're given information on what gargoyles are like, what makes someone a maker, who are the enemies etc. You're given enough that you won't get lost trying to follow the storyline and the cast of characters are limited to mainly the gargoyles, evil enemies & Evan.There is some action but it never reaches quite to a boiling point until near the end of the novel. You do sense the author has some definite (anti ?) religious agenda at times (kind of like if an environmentalist wrote a futuristic story--then it would be all about how the earth was destroyed because of what we did to it)

This book is a promising start & I'll be interested to see where the next one takes us.

[Shelby · Rating 5 out of 5]

So that was awesome. I really didn't know what to expect with a book about gargoyles but those little buggers just totally captured my heart. And I don't just mean Adel though he was awesome in his relationship with Evan. But all the gargoyles in Evan's little protected circle. I loved his little dragon, and the lions and of course his musketeers. Each of them was different and unique. They were super fun and entertaining.

This is such an interesting take on a post-apocalyptic world. The worst has happened and humans destroyed the world with their bombs and killed almost all of the population in one fell swoop. Those remaining alive are swept up by the church as it takes over complete control replacing all governments. History is all but erased and the new world order amounts to basically one thing...don't question.

I love how Evan not only questions but is determined to not forget. Of course his powers as a maker give him a unique grasp on the world, but he doesn't even know what he's capable of. His connection with Adel is so strong and together they are both protector and protectee. I'm super curious to see where this series goes, especially after our last little reveal. Really interesting world view and fun characters. I like what I'm seeing. 4.5 stars rounded up because I liked it. :D

[Achim · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 Reading Adel's Purr I understand how a non-graphic novel can be yaoi. It certainly has to be the reason why a dystopian story can be cute, why sex with a gargoyle can be corny and the antagonist appears more like a dirty old man than the dark threat he is supposed to be. I easily could imagine the pictures i would expect to find in a yaoi book and it would be an easy and funny read. In that case I also wouldn't mind that after a devasting war and the nearly complete collapse of society people are still driving cars and using computers, would even smile at the fact that iPods are still in use in the 23rd century but I'm not certain if I can enjoy it equally without pictures. I liked the plot and with a bit more depth and believable settings or maybe the same with more irony and fun I might be tempted to read the next part.

[Mika · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a 3.5 out of 5 so I bumped it to a 4 since I did enjoy it. I found the world to be interesting. It's a stripped down version of the modern world due to war and the Vatican holds the seat of power. I enjoyed learning about the gargoyles and I want some of my own. I liked the dynamics between Evan and all of the gargoyles he had as his family.

There were questions that I wished were answered. I wanted to know more about Evan and his powers. How does being mated to a gargoyle change him? How did he tap into his power? Even with these questions, I still enjoyed the story and am looking forward to the sequel.

[Iris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! Okay, I've never come across a gargoyle being described in such a way. It's intriguing to discover the world Sui Lynn has written. This is actually the first time that I read a book where gargoyles are the good guys and the protectors and it's a nice break from all the shifters, vampires and angels you see nowadays. Evan's powers were also well thought. This all fit together and made an interesting read. Look forward to how everything continues!

[Tj · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute read! Of course the littler gargoyles stole the show. It took me a while to really enjoy the story. It is a bit of a slow starter. Once the action is going it is good. I do think the plot could have been tighter. The beginning of the story could have had a bit less going over the same elements of the plot and story line. Other than that it was a fun story. I would like to read more into this world, I think it could be a real interesting series.

[Beth doesn't write enough reviews · Rating 2 out of 5]

Slow and formulaic

I struggled with this one. I actually put it aside for a few weeks.

It’s not bad and I can’t fault it other than this is supposed to be after the near extinction of the human race and there is still electricity, cell phones, internet etc. I actually got the impression the author forgot she had said biological warfare had decimated humans & that breeding programs created by the church were trying to repopulate earth.

[Kaylee Shyanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely LOVED this book. Cela and Skye are the sweetest, most adorable little gargoyles. Yin and Yang, and the Musketeers were also cute little guys. I wouldn't mind having them guard my property.

I mostly don't go for post-apocalypse type books but this one is definitely on of my favorites shelf. What more can I say? I just really loved it. ^_^

[Pamela Su · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely entertaining and I certainly enjoyed it.

The gargoyle lore in this world was interesting to read and although this is a post-apocalyptic type theme (which I normally don't like), I didn't feel the darkness that I usually get from books of this genre.

The little gargoyles stole the show. I wasn't too interested in the romance portion, but it was sweet nonetheless.

[Kinny · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars! I liked the world building and there are very few romances with gargoyles so I am craving them like crazy. I like this as much as I liked Romanus by Mary Calmes. Maybe even more as the story is better developed. Will definitely buy the other sequels.

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't wait for the next in the series.

[Denise · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting concept, very poor execution. I felt like I had to wade through it.

[Kk · Rating 2 out of 5]

Library Find

2 Disappointed Stars 😕😕

A post apocalyptic story of a man who finds love with a gargoyle. While the subgenre doesn't bother me, the bland writing was a bit of a turn off. Sure the sexy times were hot but not enough to increase my happiness.

The diary entries mixed with a harsh religious tone was very Handmaid's Talesque. Tech was discouraged but the Internet is alive & well. The security setup sounds way more advanced than what the storyline & feel could support.

Otherwise, the love story is a little basic but sets up the next few books.

[Maggie]

pRdsp

[Chris Jeffreys · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. In the future, after an Armageddon, two thirds of the population are dead, and the Church decides the set up a breeding program and educational program that eliminates any possible evil teachings from the remaining population. That means that the Church is out to destroy any possible "evil" artwork, including gargoyles (which, in this book, we learn are another species of animal that comes to life at the same time as vampires and werewolves).

There are people in the population called "makers" who can carve gargoyles and bring them to life with a brief incantation. Evan, our main character, is a stone carver who has the abilities of a maker, and he is attempting to protect existing gargoyles from being destroyed by the Church. (In fact, Evan is the super-duper Maker that comes about once in a millennium.). According to the story, gargoyles were made to protector humans from evil while the humans were sleeping -- so, destroying them is actually counterproductive to protecting the remaining population.

That's the set up for this story. Evan already has rescued a few small gargoyles who have become part of his "family". His most recent rescue is named Adel, a strong winged statue with razor sharp teeth and retractable claws. Adel is the only gargoyle that actually has conversations with Evan, and it is clear that Evan is infatuated with the handsome statue. The feeling is mutual between the two main characters.

Not only is Evan referred to as Adel's maker, but he is also Adel's "true mate" to use a phrase that is commonly heard in shape shifter novels. Once their love is established, the balance of the novel becomes how to keep their relationship from the prying eyes of a local Church inquisitor named Father Michael.

It ends up that the Pope himself knows of Evan's maker abilities, and sends a representative in an attempt to learn about Evan's talents. Fortunately, between Evan and Adel, they know that disclosing information could end up being a fatal move. So they don't disclose anything about Evan's abilities, but they extract information from the pope's representative about the evil within Father Michael. The pope's representative, Jude, (in an apparent attempt to sway Evan) claims that the pope wants to see that Father Michael is removed from his position.

Ultimately, after a lot of back and forth, Evan agrees to allow Jude to see his home and the extravagant arrangements that had been made to protect him and his "family" from the prying eyes of Father Michael. Even with the additional eyes, Evan ends up being chloroformed and kidnapped by Father Michael.

Well, needless to say, from the description of Father Michael throughout the book, there is no doubt that he is a demon of some sort. Father Michael takes Evan into the basement of an old church where he calls some hounds of hell to destroy Evan. Evan, however, uses his own innate abilities to call out for Adel and also awaken any slumbering gargoyles who may be present in the old church. Gargoyles respond to protect Evan, and Adel makes it to the location in time to join in the battle to protect Evan.

Jude, who was driving the pick-up truck, finally makes it to the scene, and he uses his strength to try to kill Father Michael before he can call more evil demons to the fight.

As the fight is continuing all around Evan, he finally understands his true inner strength. He harnesses the strength of the earth and is able to destroy all of the evil demons and Father Michael my focusing his power in their direction. He uses the remnants of his energy to heal Adel who was viciously attacked by the evil demons he was fighting.

The book leaves many open ends that surely suggest that a continued story is required. I found the story to be enthralling: it held my attention from beginning to end. I will give this book 4.5 stars. If there is a sequel that wraps up the loose ends, that may be the one that gets five stars.

[MyzanM · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the twist of a maker of gargoyle and elemental. I liked the characters and the setting.

I have a few concerns. First, how on earth could they maintained the technology? If so many people died were the survivors able to keep thechnology and production of it running?
Second. What was the purpose of Elizabeth's diary? I liked the snippets and had hoped they would play a role in the story, but they just stopped in the middle.

The story was very slow paced. Sometimes so slow it was hard to keep reading and I actually fell asleep one time.

Still it was a intriguing and very enjoyable read.

[Eladio · Rating 2 out of 5]

1.5 stars

This review is for the new version published January 2014 from Dreamspinner Press, not the earlier version from Silver Publishing.

The two things I like about this book are the elegant cover and the gargoyles. Otherwise, it has problems. But I enjoyed the way the gargoyles turned to stone by day but came alive by night to hunt like cute little carnivores. The four tiny dragons, two Chinese lion-dogs, and one small griffin stole every scene.

The man-shaped gargoyle Adel was well-described physically, and should please those readers who like the extremely possessive werewolf-type of alpha male who will defend his mate to the death, but he never moves beyond that one-note portrayal. Adel instantly chooses main character Evan (a twink) as his fated mate, which is probably normal for a supernatural creature. Unfortunately, Evan also feels that Adel is his soul mate after knowing him maybe one day, which is not normal human behavior. This constitutes insta-love without any concern or questioning on Evan’s part, so the reader doesn’t get to enjoy any romantic tension or even a realistic courtship with uncertainty, learning about each other, and negotiating.

A bigger problem is that this book seems to have no plot. Instead, it meanders from one overblown sex scene to the next while the characters explain the history of their world to each other. There is a two-dimensional villain Father Michael who seems to be lusting after Evan, but his big moment that forms the climax of the book feels arbitrary and unconnected to anything. Why didn’t he do his thing near the story’s beginning? At its middle? Why at the end, except to manufacture some tension to close out the book?

There is an evil force that the dragon gargoyles are monitoring, but this plot thread is introduced early on and then dropped for chapters. There are letters written by one of Evan’s female ancestors inserted into the story for no apparent reason. Is Evan reading these letters? Will he discover these letters? Who is keeping these letters? Will the letters reveal anything important? These questions are never resolved. There is a vaguely described road trip that results Evan making friends with a new ally, a human man.

Unfortunately, the new guy is eventually shuffled together as a potential couple with a new man-shaped gargoyle (I was never certain if they were attracted to each other or even gay) and they are added to Evan’s household. Neither the pairing off nor the joining of Evan’s household are developed to feel like natural outgrowths of the plot. Instead these events feel like a contrivance to set up a sequel about a new couple. I found this book to be slow-moving, talky, and aimless, and would recommend that you avoid it.

(Free copy of this book received from the publisher via Hearts on Fire Reviews in exchange for an honest review.)

[Meraki P. Lyhne · Rating 3 out of 5]

So, gargoyles are those stone things sitting somewhere high on old buildings. Well, one of them is made of marble. He’s hot, has wings and eats evil!

The lore of gargoyles is old, but never had I thought of them the way Sui Lynn envisioned them. In a world very different from what we know—the autumn of mankind’s existence where mostly males had survived and the church had taken over “the breading program”—the story of Evan and Adel unfolds.

Evan Harvald has a special talent—he can speak to gargoyles, even awaken them from their sleep. But his talents are not viewed as a gift by the church. They view his rare kind and the guardians of good, gargoyles, as enemies of the church and seek to destroy them. So Evan tries to shield his friends of stone and hide his powers from the church while saving gargoyles from destruction.

With a clergyman moving closer and the newly saved gargoyle, Adel, on his grounds life becomes both difficult and dangerous for both Evan and his stone friends. But they are loyal and he has allies he has yet to meet.

Risking his own life, Evan sets out to meet his destiny, but he is lucky to have Adel by his side—a gargoyle he called back to life and a love he didn’t expect to meet. Under his protection, Evan sets out to do what he was intended to.

This is the first book in a series, and I like the universe, the idea of the elementals and the calling awake of gargoyles. The love story is cute and very much in focus. There is a constant idea of a looming threat by the church, namely the diocesan father Michael. He’s a very difficult character to put a finger on.

I love the story, but I also feel like there is so much more to it than the love story which gets so much attention that this whole world seems lacking in depth. Hopefully this will be evolved in the sequel(s?) because if this was just an introduction, then I can live with it and look forward to delving into this world even further. It is captivating, well thought through and the gargoyles are cool and individual, fun characters.

[Ana · Rating 2 out of 5]

Only liked two things about this book: the gargoyles concept and...make that one thing.

What I didn't like:

- Stilted writing. The entire flow of the story was compromised.
- Overuse of exclamation points (usually in idiotic places where they had no business being). Mostly, I think they made the characters look dumb. Not that they actually needed help for that but...you know.
- Poor characterization. Two dimensional characters that seem to think sex is the solution for everything.
- Poor world-building. I seriously did not understand this world. You want me to believe you have electricity but no real society? That everything was simply left for the Church to take care of? I mean...Cities were completely destroyed. Burned to the ground. But somehow microwaves still work. Makes complete sense! And in the middle of this beautiful society you have demons and gargoyles. Perfect. But, hey, don't take any of this too seriously...who cares half the world's population is dead? What really matters here is the romantic relationship between Evan and Adel. Let's add another sex scene so you can really understand their connection. It's important.

So basically...I didn't really cared to know the end.

[Kara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Evan is a stone mason who finds Adel who is a gargoyle.

Now I will start of this review by saying sadly the first part of this book really dragged for me for some reason and it took me awhile to get into this story. I am not really sure why but I am glad I stuck with it because once I got to the second half of this book I was grabbed and could not put it down.

I have to say I loved that Adel was a gargoyle which is I have really not read about a paranormal being like that before in a romance book. He was so protective of Ethan which I also loved! I am a huge fan of the growly, mine and super protective aspect to paranormal/ shifter books which you get a lot of that in this story.
You also get action and steam between this two men too! I loved the way this author wrote this story and these characters! I also thought this world this author created in this book was amazing!

So I will leave this review with... I really liked this story and I would recommend this book!

I received this book free in exchange for an honest review from Inked Rainbow Reads.

[Fi Brit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok, I've got to admit that I've spent significant time just staring at the gorgeous guy on the front cover. Whoo whee! What a hottie!
It took me a while to get into the book, maybe because I didn't quite get the world it was set in. Still, the hottie kept me interested and it didn't take me long to fall in love with Even as a person. He and Adel were just... Lovely doesn't do them justice but I couldn't think of a better word.
The priest was well drawn and deliciously menacing. The idea of living in a world controlled be religion and its 'moral' ideals is something that I find personally frightening. Shudder.
All in all, this is a well crafted story that's on my favourites list to be re-read.

[S.A. · Rating 2 out of 5]

There was so much promise here. I loved the concept. Then I started reading. I kept putting down the book, thinking maybe I wasn't in the mood. I tried to find excuses as to why I couldn't read the story.

Then I started bookmarking pages containing partial sentences, repetition or wrong word usage. After 20 bookmarks, I wondered what was going on. I kept being throw out of the story.

This is a case where I blame the editing. So much needed to be corrected. Repetitious word usage, dialog problems (a character would say the same phrase a page later) and lacking character development hurt the story. The "villain" was a one note character.

Like I said... so much promise...