Warrior

The Fallen #3

by Kristina Douglas, Anne Stuart

A born warrior, archangel Michael is dedicated to the Fallen’s survival. But only one woman understands the seductive hunger that he cannot forsake.

There comes a time in every angel’s life . . .

Every little girl imagines, now and then, that she’s a princess held captive in a tower. But Victoria Bellona is almost twenty-five. And that whole fairy-tale scenario? That’s her real life. The drop-dead gorgeous man who rescues her is no Prince Charming. He’s the gruff archangel Michael, and he insists that Tory is the Fallen’s only hope for ending Uriel’s vicious rule. She insists he’s crazy.

. . . to show his brethren what he’s made of.

According to the prophecy, Michael must marry this frustrating, fascinating creature, bed her, and drink her blood. But their fate is a double-edged sword. If they give in to their urgently growing desires, Tory will die in battle. If they refuse, she will die anyway, and with her, all of mankind. Michael is determined to find another solution when a traitorous kidnapper forces him into a deadly confrontation. Even if he can save Tory from Uriel’s ruthless clutches, will they ever really be together? Or is her fatal destiny—and the world’s—written in stone?

Genres: Paranormal Romance, Angels, Romance, Paranormal, Demons, Fantasy, Urban Fantasy

373 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published April 24, 2012

About the author

A pseudonym of Anne Stuart.

Reviews

[Blacky *Romance Addict* · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was great, definitely the best so far

Although it was kinda weird to read about Michael in a sexual way (he's so damn hot and delicious) considering my grandma taught me prayers about him when I was little lol but I'm not little anymore and I've developed a fondness for fallen angels I even want Lucifer to have his story and a happy ending (if my grandma heard this I think she'd get a stroke )

The story was great, it was tight paced, always something happening, maybe it's because both H and h are warriors, so they both get to fight :) Loved that btw!

Anyway, the story starts with Michael comming to Tory, they're supposed to mate/get married, for it is the only thing that can save the Fallen ones in the upcomming battle. They are both strong willed, temperamental, they fight all the time, and they actually FOUGHT as in physical fighting - that scene was freaking awsome! I love the fact that she can kick ass! I want more heroines like her
Michael was mostly jerkish toward her, he knew that she was going to die in that battle, and he didn't want to get attached to her in any way. Tough luck mister Their attraction was blazing through the whole book, and although he fought it, he was, alas, only human (vampire/angel) but well XD There were times when he was swoony as hell when he told her he would love her through space and time forever, beautiful and there were times when my heart broke for him (the ending )

And after the ending came the time when I lost my mind because I read the stupid sneak peak for the new book stupid stupid me


And although I know this is supposed to be a sad thing, Gabriel is now single I want his book too!

Oh and I forgot! I was very dissapointed, in one scene Michael says he's into bondage and the likes, but no such scene was in the book :( I wanted to see what a kinky angel would be like

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this blew me away! It's a fun, witty, edgy and totally engrossing read. So far the best in the series, loved it!

[Kelly| Just Another Horror Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

*4.5 stars*

This book made me realize how much I've missed PNR. A great addition to the series.

[Danielle The Book Huntress · Rating 4 out of 5]

I probably would have rated this higher if I hadn't been so strung out from sleep deprivation and just feeling so tired and worn out this past weekend. I feel bad about that, because that's the reason why I hoard my favorite authors' books for when I am in a good/receptive mood. Even with my beloved books, I can set the bar high and being moody can interfere with my reading experience. I guess it seems silly to qualify a four star rating. But Anne Stuart/Kristina Douglas is probably one of the authors I will have near my dying bedside, other than the Bible. That's how much I love her books. Anyhoo, let's get to the review.

I was looking forward to Michael's story because he seemed more light-hearted and jocular than the other Fallen. Lo and behold, he is a moody grump in his book. I can sort of get why. He's forced to get married for a prophecy to a woman who will die after he mates with her. He's chosen celibacy and the warrior life over sex, love and marriage (the Fallen variant). It's not that he didn't like sex. He gorged himself on it shortly after falling, and it was just empty for him after a while. He decided he likes his monastic warrior lifestyle better. Plus, he's repelled by the fact that Fallen are blood-eaters. Because of their curse for falling, they must ingest the blood of human women to sustain their lives. Fortunately, Michael can take just enough blood from the Source, the wife of the Alpha of the Fallen, to sustain his bodily needs. Other than that, he's not tempted in the least by women, neither for sex nor for blood. Until Victoria Bellona.

Now I thought the concept of Tory being a goddess was kind of weird. This story is based on Judeo-Christian legends of the fallen angels, although Douglas takes an extreme right turn with some of her theology. I can't say I love some aspects of that, which I have mentioned in my reviews of the first two books in this series. At any rate, throwing in the Roman pantheon just felt weird. She had a good explanation for it, and since it's her book, oh well. Having accepted who Tory was, I got over that, and just experienced her character. I liked Tory a lot. She's feisty and independent, especially considering the way she was raised. She could hold her own against Michael, and often kept him off balance. I loved seeing how she conquered her warrior angel with her personality and just being herself. He had no chance against her! I loved her silly names for him, like "Your Impeccable Angelic Magnificence." I mean, how does a stoic warrior angel confront that? He just has to give in.

While the world-building isn't award-winning (fairly basic), I love the interactions between the characters. How Douglas shows hate turn into love so well. She writes love scenes that evolve as the relationship between the characters evolves, which is the way it should be. You see these hardened heroes turn to slush before they even realize it. You smirk and say, "I knew it!", and enjoy the ride. I also love the description of the angels with their wings unfolded and their majestic beauty. I just love angels! Although Douglas is not a wordy writer, she conveys the heavenly beauty of even the fallen angels with words that say so much and paints such a vivid picture.

In the end, I didn't think much of the suspense elements. I don't care for the idea of Uriel being both the ruler of heaven and the big bad. Nor did I like the concept of Dark City and Beloch. But I did love the angelic romance on display. The interactions between the Michael and Tory, as well as catching up with the other Fallen make up for any world-building/suspense shortcomings. Had I been in a better mood, I would probably have been more forgiving. But four stars isn't bad at all.

Despite the things I don't like about this series, I do love the angels, the snarky heroines, and the romance, dark, although love always wins out, and I am excited for Rebel, because Cain looks to be a very bad boy indeed! Since I know who his love interest is, this should be very interesting!

[⋆♱✮♱⋆☽ ａ ｆａｉｒｙ ☾⋆♱✮♱⋆ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michael was a marvellous piece of work... Hot as fuck too. I can't get over him and Tory- ahhhh I love Tory, she can kick some serious Angels ass, and I loved her careless; tough attitude, she's strong; definitely a challenge for Michael, and I loved every part of their on and off drama and heated fucking.
Michael is stubborn as hell, he has his own judgment and doesn't let feelings 'weaken' him, which pissed me off at times because how the fuck can you deny someone you love? He loves her and knows it- but won't admit it to himself. Although I did love the tension between them, and how entertaining it was watching them fight themselves ( as in their feelings ) AND NOT TO FORGET...
The sexy scenes... Michael fighting Tory was HOOTT, my eyes were glued and my insides where screaming at how tense it was! I'd let him pin me to the floor all day and all goddamn night, it did get sexy for a while....
Then when he told her how he felt- my heart melted, HES SO FUCKING SEXY I just can't get enough of him.
Anyway, overall- the drama with uriel is still on going, I preferred the way this book turned out compared to the others, don't get me wrong I still love all the books equally, but Tory wasn't whiney- in fact she never complained unless it was about Michael, even if she had a knife in her back, she wouldn't say a word and that's why I love her so much. The whole Vittoria Bellona thing was a bonus, i loved it! It made others question her abilities, which proved to be badass in the end.
Beloch/ Uriel is a nasty piece of work, I'd love to thunder bolt his ass straight to hell, I wish Tory did but I suppose the time will come when he's shown his rightful place.
AND OMG ALLIE???!!!!!!! So unexpected but excitement filled me when I found out!
This books is worth every single star, Anne Stuart has never disappointed, and this book is proof of it!
LOOOOOVVEEEEEEEEE THIS SERIES!

[Booklover, Indianapolis · Rating 4 out of 5]

(June) Really more of a 3.5* book for me. I read several reviews that say this is the best of the three so far - for me, it was the least captivating. I'm not sure what was off exactly, but I just didn't feel like I got to know Tori and Michael very well. From what I read I liked them both - but I didn't feel the love between them, I guess. While I am used to Anne Stuart's abrupt endings, I felt this one was too abrupt for this book - fallout (or astonishment) about who the traitor was, or the news at the very end. And Martha comes off as being such a wimpy sad sack, I'm not that excited about her starring in the next book. I also would have liked more detail about Michael's time in the Dark World and what reaction, if any, Tori had to this information. This series is quite inventive (but being biblically challenged, I get a bit confused about who the good guys and bad guys really are) and I will definitely continue reading, but it's also one of those series that has so many details - and a year between each book - that I find myself always feeling slightly lost (for instance, aren't the Fallen looking for Lucifer to lead them against Uriel? If so, then why is he in Uriel's realm and why isn't he helping the Fallen?!)

[Sharon ∞❥ is an emotional book junkie ❥∞ · Rating 4 out of 5]

**4.5 stars**

Archangel Michael, the warrior angel, has been celibate for 100 years and has not taken blood from anyone but the Source for 200 years. Now due to a prophecy, he must not only wed but bed and drink blood from a woman who is the Roman goddess of war reincarnated to help save his brethren and defeat Uriel.

Finally a book that doesn't have the outright meanness that the other books have had. While Michael is not exactly excited about being with Tory outwardly, inwardly he wants her very much. I loved how they egged each other on and how they wore down each other's defenses.

Tory was great. I really enjoyed how she embraced her new "freedom" and all the movie/TV lines were hilarious especially when other people * coughMichaelcough * didn't get it.

I liked seeing what was going on with the other couples and the rest of the angels that we've come to know. I knew from the get go about Allie and I'm so excited about that! I loved seeing Raziel still being so overprotective...especially when she gave blood and he was jealous!

It was an intriguing little spin with the wraith and Uriel in the Darkness. I wonder if that will play out anymore.

The next book is Rebel and is about Cain and possibly Martha. I didn't read the excerpt but it's made me very curious. Can't wait!

Favorite quotes:

♥ “If I have to fall once more from grace, at least you’re going to make it worthwhile.”

♥ “I’m immune to euphoria.” {loved that!}

[Romanticamente Fantasy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Continua la lotta dei Caduti contro Uriel. Martha ha una visione nella quale vede la compagna predestinata di Michael e lui non la prende molto bene, ma per la vittoria si adegua e si reca in Italia a prenderla. Eh sì… la compagna di Michael è italiana: Victoria Bellona, la “povera” ragazza ha quasi 25 anni ed è la reincarnazione della dea della guerra romana (ma totalmente umana). La giovane è stata cresciuta, istruita e preparata al suo destino da un istruttore gelido e da una madre (beh, oddio madre), diciamo essere femminile che l’ha partorita e poi ignorata senza problemi. Tory (come vuole essere chiamata) ha fame d’amore, di contatti umani ma ha imparato a nascondere le emozioni per evitare di essere punita, nei suoi 24, quasi 25, anni ha potuto solo leggere qualsiasi cosa, vedere tanti film e anche tanta televisione, quando ovviamente non si allenava o doveva studiare, ma sempre da sola. Appena Tory e Michael si incontrano fanno scintille in tutti i sensi: lui è bellissimo (ovvio è un Arcangelo), lei è una bella ragazza che scuote l’imperturbabile angelo prima nei sensi, poi lo sfida, lo sfotte, lo stuzzica in maniera allucinante e anche lui non si tira indietro ovviamente; lei lo chiama “Sua Angelosità” o “Sua Santità” e lui si arrabbia parecchio e per dispetto la chiama con il suo nome per intero, oltre a essere decisamente “freddo” nei suoi confronti (anzi, sembra abbia un palo nel didietro!!!!) ma si sa: stuzzica oggi, stuzzica domani, anche il ghiaccio più spesso alla fine si scioglie e poi divampa il fuoco della passione… ma sempre con educazione. (Vi metto alcune citazioni per capire la dolcezza di Michael.)

Rachel si mosse con più calma e mi venne il sospetto che si fosse resa conto della presenza di Michael già da un po’. Forse fin dall’inizio. «Origliare è una pessima abitudine, Michael» lo rimproverò senza scomporsi. «Sapevi che ero qui» rispose lui, confermando i miei sospetti. «Dovevi aiutarla a scoprire i suoi poteri, non convincerla a fare la puttana. Che diavolo credevi di fare? Sai bene come la penso.»

«Non è un sacrificio» disse lui, piano. «E non prenderò il tuo sangue, ma solo la tua… No, ti risparmierò questa parola. Già non sopporti il termine scopare, figurarsi se puoi tollerare la madre di tutte le parolacce. Prenderò il tuo corpo. Ho deciso di credere al tuo bluff. Non credo che tu sia disposta a pagare la scommessa e prima te ne rendi conto, prima potrò liberarmi di te. Ci togliamo il pensiero e chiudiamo la questione.» Quel discorso mi mandò su tutte le furie. Per un attimo avevo fantasticato su come sarebbe stato giacere sotto di lui e il mio corpo aveva reagito con una vampata di desiderio potente e inarrestabile.

Maledizione, quell’uomo adorava darmi sui nervi. Eravamo alle solite. «Nient’affatto, Vostra Angelica Idiozia. Voglio del cibo vero: uova, prosciutto e magari una brioche o due.»
«Qui non siamo a Sheol. Non è sufficiente desiderare il cibo per ottenerlo.»
«Prima o poi dovrai spiegarmi come funziona questa cosa» risposi.

Ecco, i rapporti fra loro sono all’incirca tutti così. Potete immaginare il resto: che scintille! Infatti, anche questo terzo capitolo degli Angeli Caduti è ironico, divertente, “sessoso” il giusto, e continuiamo a scoprire pezzi sulla storia di Uriel, sul ruolo di Michael prima della caduta, e mi piacerebbe poi scoprire dov’è finito Dio: se è in vacanza, se è stato rapito o se in un attimo di follia ha lasciato tutto in mano a Uriel accarezzando l’idea della pensione, mah… Nell’attesa dell’ultimo capitolo della saga, per scoprire come finirà la guerra, vi lascio in compagnia di Tory e Michael (che se si sciogliesse un pochino sarebbe una favola), perché posso assicurarvi che in quanto a simpatia è meglio Azazel (calcolando cosa voleva fare a Rachel è tutto detto!) ma, nonostante tutto, il libro merita: come coppia sono spettacolari, le due metà di una mela. Buona lettura.

[EYLEEN · Rating 2 out of 5]

☆ 2.8 ☆

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 1/4 stars.

While this is by far the best in this series so far, I don't feel like I can go much higher than this just because as good as it was, I was still able to put it down without much difficulty. I did read it in 2 sittings, it's just that I didn't feel that need to MUST READ RIGHT NOW.

All of that said, this is the Lover Awakened of this series. And from me, that is about as high of a compliment a book can get. Because Lover Awakened is my all time favorite PNR book. With no equal. This series is by no means on level with the BDB, but I felt a kindred vibe throughout this book. It didn't have the level of awesome to propel it quite as high, but it was still plenty solid.

The level of characterization in this one is heads and shoulders above the others in this series. I was rooting for Tory, and I loved how although Michael fought pretty hard to resist his fate with Tory he was helpless to it. And of course, when he fell he fell plenty hard.

Overall just a very good book. All of my issues with the previous books in this series were erased in this one and the excellent world building was just built up even more.

[Lisa - (Aussie Girl) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Fallen series is an interesting take on the theme of Fallen Angels, in this world the Fallen are the good guys trying to save themselves and humans from the Archangel Uriel and his Angels who a missing in action Creator has left in charge. Warrior the third instalment is the story of the archangel Michael and Victoria Bellona the human personification of the Roman Goddess of War.

I really like the mythology of this series and the pop culture humour in places( the interpretation of Hell as a 1950's American suburb was inspired) but a few things lower my rating. The switching POV's between first person for the heroine Victoria to third person for Michael just doesn't gel somehow and interrupts the flow of the story. Also the love story between the two leads wasn't developed enough before they were each saving the other and professing their undying love. The parallel story of the fate of Lucifer is an interesting part of the world and needs to be expanded upon instead of just being a background to the HEA of the featured couple. For me development of these points would transform this series from good to great.

3.5 stars.

[Ash Tull-Cochrane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh Michael!! I loved him and I have to say Tory is my favorite female character so far but I love them all. She was just so badass.

The surprise ending with Allie - OMG I totally squealed! I hope Rachel is soon to follow :)

I can't wait for Lucifer to be freed! I have a feeling I'm going to love him!

I can't wait for them to go after Uriel instead of them always coming to their home to fight.

[Pepito · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now this definitely made me love this series all over again. What an amazing and outstanding read. I loved everything about it. The best of the series so far.

[Paranormal Romance · Rating 2 out of 5]

All of Tory’s existence has been training and solitude. When not being ruthlessly imbedded with hand to hand combat and studies, she spends her time locked in her room with only movies and TV’s to keep her company. It’s hard to stop ones self from wondering just what is her life meant for. Well, she finds out one day when he emotionally vacant mother summons her before the Archangel Michael and informs her that she is to be his bride.

Michael and the other Fallen are running out of time. The battle that approaches them will decide the fates of the heavens and those who reside on Sheol. To win this war, it’s prophesied they will need the aid of the Goddess of War and he must bed her and blood her in order for them to succeed. Michael is a man who knows his duty. Despite being cast out from Heaven, nothing has changed for him and his loyalty but rather it’s just shifted. So despite his intense opposition to this woman, he takes Victoria (Tory) as his bride.

They play a cat and mouse game of will they succumb to destiny and their growing affections or will they stay strong to each of their stubborn natures. That is, until Victoria is kidnapped. Michael goes through heaven and hell (Literally) to save her and bring her back but how can he stomach loving a woman if it means she will be destined to die because of it?

I struggled with this book and this is why. First off, I will list the positives. Mainly, great premise for a story and fantastic world building. Each level of heaven and hell is so imaginative and the pictures the author painted for the reader really came through and I could see myself standing in the place of watercolour or the place of no colour what so ever. I absolutely loved the new take on the battle of Heaven and Hell essentially as it’s not God battling the devil but rather the Fallen battling the false God. God made the heavens and humanity and then he left everything in the hands on one of his Archangels. Uriel is the false God and has systematically casted out or killed anyone who opposed him or his rule – Lucifer include. Now the Fallen- Michael, Razeal etc, are the only ones able to defeat him. Great idea. Loved it.

My issue with this story is mainly, the dialogue left a lot to be desired. It was very stilted and just meh. The flow of the novel had ups and downs and it definitely ended on a down. The final few chapters are very rushed and it was almost like the author wasn’t permitted to exceed the allotted number of pages by the publisher.

Tory could be the most annoying creature at times. I would have loved to truly get a scene of her unleashing her inner Goddess and being an all out badass however that never happened. Michael? Better, but still I felt like I wanted to explore more of what was going on in his head. The story POV would swap between Michael in the 3rd person and Tory in the first person- very jarring. And I didn’t believe them falling in love to be honest.

Overall, I just can’t say that I enjoyed this book entirely. As such, I will be reluctant to read it again.

[VampireNovelFan · Rating 3 out of 5]

The series at its best

It looks like Kristina Douglas has finally hit her stride in The Fallen series. Warrior is the best yet. What a difference adding more plot and featuring a better romance dynamic can make.

Raziel and Azazel have settled and found happiness with their human mates, but now it's Michael's turn. He's the fiercest warrior of The Fallen, shying away from love as much as he possibly can, even to the point of only drinking blood from The Source to avoid a deeper connection to his partners. However, his practices and beliefs are challenged in this installment as he is must marry the reincarnation of Victoria Bellona, the Roman Goddess of War.

Throughout history Victoria ("Tory") does not live past her 25th birthday, which is convenient as the prophecy states that in order for The Fallen to win against Uriel and his plans for destruction, Michael must fight with her by his side as his wife...and she must die. Knowing her fate ahead of time should make this process easy. However, as Tory and Michael grow closer they realize this is more difficult than they were expecting.

This series is not the best and it's not my favorite, but yet I keep coming back for more. I did enjoy this book quite a bit. Tory is actually a cool heroine this time around. Who doesn't like a character that kicks butt? It certainly ups the action factor which this series needs to add interest and excitement. I like that she is so skilled and even gives some of the angels a run for their money. All but Michael of course, though I'm not complaining because this is where I felt their chemistry was the strongest. They feel like a well-matched pair so I enjoyed seeing the relationship flourish. It has an angst factor, but I was a lot less bothered by their situation compared to Azazel and Rachel in book 2.

I also enjoyed what was going on around Michael and Tory. Characters from the past still get attention, especially Ally who has been experiencing a sickness that no one can identify. I predicted her issue early on, so I felt that it was dragged out for too long, but the possibility of Sheol evolving shows that Douglas is only getting started with this world. I look forward to what comes next. Each book is better than the last and the preview of book 4 makes me believe this trend will continue.

[R · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is probably my favorite of the series so far. I will admit to being predisposed to liking anything Anne Stuart writes, and reading her paranormal series has definitely been interesting.

My main problem with this book (and the previous one) was the alternating first person/third person POV. It just seemed odd, and as it's not something I'm used to, I suppose it detracted from my reading experience. I'd really prefer to just have everything in third person, and found myself rereading (translating?) passages in first person as third person. (And maybe I'm just especially prejudiced against first person. I don't even have the excuse of lacking the perspective of the other side, since there were third person passages from the hero's perspective. I guess first person seems more awkward to me, since it's essentially the character narrating their life, which is just weird.)

I liked Michael more than I remember liking the heroes from the first two books. (Of course, that was a few months ago, so I've forgotten quite a bit of what happened.) He was cute, especially in the scenes in Candyland.

The heroine seemed remarkably sensible for having lived in isolation for most of her life. Although books, movies, and the internet can certainly help, it seemed like maybe she should have been a bit more crazy or something.

The subplot with the heroine from book one being depressed over not being able to get pregnant was kind of annoying, though. (And the predictable conclusion was predictable.)

But mostly I liked the book. I just didn't like the first person bits.

[Feminista · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4 out of 5.

If you love paranormal romance with a mix of gamma heroes, then Kristina Douglas has the perfect series for you.

Michael is a fallen angel who has been celibate since his mate died years ago. Victoria (aka Tory) is the Roman goddess of war reincarnated. So basically there is this place that breeds goddess of war and on their 25th birthday, they are killed, if they aren't of use until then. Then the next goddess is bred.

Why are they killed at 25, you ask? Because goddesses have to be young, we can't have an old goddess you see!

So yeah, that part was a bit icky and weird.

So add in an archangel who is reluctant to marry/mate, a goddess who has been secluded from the world, and who after the initial reluctance, falls head over heels for the angel and a prophecy that dictates her short future, we have a good paranormal romance on our hands.

I just wished that Michael wasn't so jerkish, although he is tame in comparison to other Anne Stuart's heroes. I also wished that he wasn't so reluctant. It got boring after a while. I even forgot the reason he was so reluctant especially after he had both bedded and blooded her: she was doomed anyway.

I also would have liked it if Tory wasn't all so secretly in love with Michael. I mean seriously, I didn't find the romance of it really believable. And moments when she was like, oh shit, I-just-gave-him-my-heart, I found the said moments a bit lacking.

But overall it was a good book.

[Lindsey · Rating 2 out of 5]

What an improvement compared to the last two!
Michael was a much more tolerable hero in this book. Sure he was a bit of a jerk and a little dull, but a lot more nicer compared to Azazel or Raziel.
Victoria was a likeable heroine. I did find her whole "locked up in a castle my whole life whilst being trained as some sort of bad ass warrior" back story a little stupid, though. I kinda skipped through most of it because I thought it was ridiculous and unnecessary. Their banter was fun. I liked how they were always egging each other on, not "oh I can't stand you!" then *passionate kiss and sex on the floor*
Something else I wanted to to mention that I didn't quite understand was the whole Allie hate. It seems like every one of the Fallen seems to really dislike Allie. I got Azazel for a bit because she replaced his wife's position, but even when he got over it, he still seemed like he disliked her. As for Michael, it seemed as if he disliked her but put up with her because she was the Source.
I also found it funny that Azazel actually had something nice to say about Michael's wife, but never for Allie.
And before I forget, the surprise pregnancy thing was stupid. I rolled my eyes when I got to that part. After decades and decades of the women not being able to become pregnant all the sudden it's possible. I hope the author gives this "twist" a good reason as to why this is happening.

[♡ Sassy ~ Amy ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This on was by far the best in the series so far.

Michael is dark and cold for most of the book & Tory learned all her social pop culture remarks from watching movies in her secluded life. She has no idea how to cook because she never has, but learned everything she knows about cooking gormet from Julia Chiles who happens to be the Messiest cook ever! Why she was used instead of Rachael Ray or others is beyond me, but whatever.

Tory was my favorite female character in the series & I also liked Michael, instead of hating him like the others because there was a good reason behind his madness & his NOT blooding Tori.

One more book in the series & I am caught up. I am not sure I will continue with the series if it moves on, because so far these are hit or miss & I am having sacrilegious thoughts fantasizing over a fallen Angel… HAHAHA! Seriously. I may stop this series. It takes too long for the release in the books & I have hundreds more calling my name….

[SaturNalia · Rating 5 out of 5]

The relationship and verbal banter between Michael and Tory was phenomenal. Michael needs to marry the goddess of war, Tory, to ensure that Uriel's army does not win. Tory believes she is human, she has been trained to fight and survive, isolated from humans. On their first meeting, of course, they dislike and mistrust each other. But as they are forced to live together, slowly attraction begins to grow and the sexual tension was delicious. A lot of action happened and new worlds were introduced, but I never felt the relationship took the back seat. Tory was smart and resourceful, for someone who had never seen the outside world she wasn't silly. Michael distant and cold, at first, then warmed up to Tory, but he never turned mushy and over the top lovey dovey. I loved watching them fall in love.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The series is finally coming into its full potential, Michael and Tory's story is hands down the most well developed and the best storyline with the best matched hero and heroine of the three books in the series. If only June 2012 were the release date for Rebel instead of 2013! I have a feeling Cain and Martha's tale is going to be full of surprises.

[Lizzielvr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kristina Douglas aka Anne Stuart writes great anti-heros! I hate that I have to wait a year until the next one :P

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

Review to come....

[Marianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved Michael's line about the euphoria and great set up for future plot developments.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michael finally awakened! Tory you are sassy, loved this strong kick-ass character! Two warriors in a pod! My only objection was they needed to get it on more :)

[Hbeebti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another I read and reviewed deleted. Freaking hell this is annoying.

[Sabrina (Soter) Sally · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 e 1/2

"Mi abbandonai al calore delle ali nere di Michael, la cosa più soffice ed eterea che avessi mai toccato in tutta la mia vita. Restammo così, chiusi in quel bozzolo protettivo, mentre le sensazioni intense che avevamo provato cominciavano a placarsi. La mia mente si svuotò da ogni pensiero.
Restammo in silenzio a lungo. Lui mi accarezzò, asciugandomi le lacrime dagli occhi, e io mi voltai verso di lui per ricevere il suo lungo e dolcissimo bacio prima di rannicchiarmi contro il suo petto. Non mi ero mai sentita così protetta e amata in tutta la mia vita. Ero con Michael, il mio compagno vincolato, il mio amante. Lui era mio, fino alla fine dei miei giorni."

Sebbene il mio voto sia uguale al primo della serie, ho trovato questo terzo volume di poco superiore ai precedenti, diciamo che nella tristezza di questa serie è il meno peggio! XD La cosa triste è che il potenziale c'è ma viene rovinato da una narrazione ripetitiva (sia nei pensieri dei protagonisti sia a livello di trama), da personaggi superficiali e piatti e in generale da una certa banalità di struttura che impedisce alla storia di fare quel piccolo ma decisivo salto di qualità D: Anche qui abbiamo il solito angelo apparentemente gelido e senza cuore (che pare abbia avuto anche una storia d'amore finita male su cui nulla è dato sapere XD) che non fa che rimuginare ed auto-flagellarsi tutto il tempo, una donna "apparentemente umana ma anche no" (qui lo dico, l'idea della divinità mi è piaciuta assai...almeno è una guerriera per un motivo e non una wonder woman improvvisata XD) con il solito bollino di scadenza sulla schiena e i soliti ormoni a mille (ma almeno ha anche una vena ironica che porta a qualche battuta divertente XD) e ovviamente varie peripezie da cui escono a dire il vero abbastanza candidamente (riciclando qualche soluzione dal primo libro, a cui somiglia per molti - TROPPI - aspetti) compresa l'epica battaglia finale che tanto epica non è.... salvo un paio di colpi di scena (non quello di Allie, fin troppo intuibile) e le scene nel magico modo di Willy Wonka compresa la tanto sospirata dichiarazione (fermo restando che dopo ciò ripartono le mille elucubrazioni mentali ma vabbé XD)

«Sono innamorato di te, Victoria Bellona, dea della guerra, somma e illustrissima rottura di palle, lanciatrice di saette mortali, assassina di buone intenzioni e di ministri angelici. Ho provato a oppormi a questo sentimento. Io non sono fatto per l'amore, ma quello che provo è troppo forte. Nel momento esatto in cui usciremo di qui, ti dirò che hai immaginato queste parole, ma sono stanco di lottare contro tutto e, soprattutto, contro me stesso. Anche se mi fai arrabbiare continuamente, io ti amo e ti amerò sempre.»

[Ty McGuiness · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tory and Michael

i loved tory and michael's bickering although out the book. Tho i dont know which i liked better, Azazel or Michael, but in this case. this book did have more angst compared to the others. because in the others you could always assume confidently that everything will be alright in the end. here, i was kinda second guessing the ending.

the supposed "war" on the beach was a bit anti-climatic in my opinion but as tory/ michael said it will not be the last war that will be waged on them in Sheol.

2nd thing was that Tory started out fine in the book, then when they were in the dark city and in other dimensions, she became annoying and did a stupid thing on purpose. and then as they traveled deeper and deeper she became more and more annoying. Although once they were back in Sheol, she was back to her nice like-able strong and confident self.

i'll be reading the 4th book next! :)

[Sandy Schleich · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book. Tory has been locked in a tower for her whole life. The only times she is allowed out is to train in the art of fighting. The only thing she knows of the world beyond her prison is what she sees in the movies and TV. Before her 25th birthday she is summoned from her tower, told that she is the goddess Victoria Bellona the goddess of war, and that she is Destin to marry the archangel Michael. Tory thinks that they are all crazy. She is given the choice of going with Michael to help the fallen angels fight the war that is coming, or she can stay with her mother and be killed. Guess what she picks. Michael is bound and determined to spend as little time with Tory as he can. Tory and Michael are like oil and water, but they are attracted to each other. Neither one of them wants to admit it to themselves or each other. Then There is another trader among the fallen and he kidnaps Tory and takes her to the dark city. It is up to Michael to get her out.

[Library mouse · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars. Yet it could have been a good book... I really liked the first pages where we are introduced to an ancient goddess in an Italian castle, murdered by her guardians on each of her 25th birthdays, and this with the approval of her soulmate . But as often with Kristina Douglas, what could have been a subtle plot, full of originality and psychological complexity, just turns into... an instant attraction, a lot of sex and no complexity.