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Dark Ink Chronicles #4
Black Fallen
There’s only one thing more lethal than a vampire.
A Black Fallen. Rather, a fallen angel engulfed in the blackest of magic.
And three of the most dangerous have descended upon Edinburgh…
Tattoo artist, RILEY POE, has changed. After surviving the bites of three potent Strigoi, she has acquired traits from each that parallel those of the most lethal of vampires. Her strength, speed, hearing are unmatched. She’s a stick of dynamite, fuse lit. She’s about to put those unique powers to good use. And she’ll need them.
Now that the rogue bloodsuckers plaguing the Lowcountry are under control once more, and Riley, along with her guardian vampire, ELI DUPRE, Riley’s brother, SETH POE, and Eli’s brother, PHIN DUPRE, and Strigoi vampire VICTORIAN ARCOS agree to join JAKE ANDORRA’S elite WUP team. Worldwide Unexplained Phenomenon takes cases too powerful and dangerous for mere humans to handle. Comprised of vampires, humans with tendencies, immortal druids, werewolves and witches, there aren’t many situations the WUP members can’t handle. But there are unholy, lethal disturbances in the ancient city of Edinburgh, Scotland, and Riley and the others accept the mission.
A Black Fallen. Rather, a fallen angel engulfed in the blackest of magic.
And three of the most dangerous have descended upon Edinburgh…
Tattoo artist, RILEY POE, has changed. After surviving the bites of three potent Strigoi, she has acquired traits from each that parallel those of the most lethal of vampires. Her strength, speed, hearing are unmatched. She’s a stick of dynamite, fuse lit. She’s about to put those unique powers to good use. And she’ll need them.
Now that the rogue bloodsuckers plaguing the Lowcountry are under control once more, and Riley, along with her guardian vampire, ELI DUPRE, Riley’s brother, SETH POE, and Eli’s brother, PHIN DUPRE, and Strigoi vampire VICTORIAN ARCOS agree to join JAKE ANDORRA’S elite WUP team. Worldwide Unexplained Phenomenon takes cases too powerful and dangerous for mere humans to handle. Comprised of vampires, humans with tendencies, immortal druids, werewolves and witches, there aren’t many situations the WUP members can’t handle. But there are unholy, lethal disturbances in the ancient city of Edinburgh, Scotland, and Riley and the others accept the mission.
327 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published December 31, 2012
17 people are currently reading
1211 people want to read
About the author
Elle Jasper
7 books495 followersElle Jasper spent her youth buried in the pages of Mary Shelley, Edgar Allan Poe, Bram Stoker, and Stephen King. Growing up on the salt marshes of Savannah, Georgia, she was always fascinated by the city’s ancient cobblestones, eerie church spires and Gothic Revival architect—as well as the dark, not-so-publicized side of Savannah, both steeped in tumultuous history. After an education at Armstrong Atlantic University, she forged her love of Gothic literature with an active imagination to pen her own stories. She is now a full time writer and lives amidst the moss and shadows of Savannah.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
June 24, 2013
3.5 ★'s
Riley and Eli have been recruited by WUP, or Worldwide Unexplained Phenomenon team, and are on their way to hunt some Black Fallen in Edinburgh, Scotland. Riley is still trying to get used to all her new powers and while they make her stronger, sometimes they leave her at a disadvantage.
Wow...I'm not sure what happened with this series but it up and took a left turn and left me hanging in the dust! It's gone from a fairly simple story of dealing with some bad@ss vampires to now dealing with every sort of paranormal creature in existence...almost.
Now that...I could handle, but what was hard to handle was being bombarded with sooo many new characters. And on top of that, one of Riley's new powers enables her to see part of a person's past with just a touch. So now we have all these new characters who have lived hundreds and thousands of years and we're reading stories about their lives with MORE characters. Talk about confusing!! I do have to say that by the end of the story, I did get a handle on who's who...but then there's my other problem.
The problem is that Riley is what I call a "Marilyn"...everybody lusts after her...even the women want to be her best friend! And this isn't the first book where we've encountered this...it's just that it keeps happening. Of course, they're all extremely good looking, sexy and total bad@sses themselves. It just gets old...it would be amazing to come across someone who isn't attracted to her.
But back to the story...The gang arrived in Edinburgh and immediately start training and training and training. I get that they need it but besides all the characters and all their side stories, there is a lot of training going on and not a lot of action and when we do get action, it's something crazy and short lived. It also bothers me that Riley doesn't stop and think for herself anymore. Some things were pretty obvious but she just didn't catch on.
We don't really get much of her and Eli and what we do is Eli basically being her sex toy. What happened to the Eli we know and love? I MISS him!! I get that he's there for Riley but I wish he had a bigger part.
Then there's some crazy drama...not sure how EJ is going to work things out but bravo to her! It definitely woke me up and the story became so much more interesting. The 'problem' is now I have to read the next book to find out what happens and if anything gets worked out.
There's also a part with a ghost in the place everyone is staying. I'm not really sure what was suppose to come of their interactions besides what Lily showed her at the end. Could that be all it was about?
And I really felt something was up with that creepy angel fountain! It really bothers me about all the attention devoted to it and...then nothing??
The ending battle with the Black Fallen was a bit of a disappointment. What in the heck happened? It almost felt like the author ran out of room and needed to end it quickly. It was disappointing and not very believable.
I know this all sounds pretty negative but there were good things about the story. I really enjoyed Riley and her new powers, I love the deepening of her friendships with Noah and Victorian and I do like quite a few of the new characters.
Like I said, I have to read the next book to find out what happens. It's not a cliffhanger, just things left unfinished. Whatever you do, DO NOT read the blurb for the next book, Darklove, HUGE MAJOR SPOILERS!! 'Nuff said.
Favorite quotes:
♥ “I’m so in love with you, Eligius Dupré.” I kiss his nose. “It actually took a vampire to claim my icy heart.”
“Your heart has never been icy,” he answers, and kisses me. He fingers the wings at my cheek. “It was just waiting on me.”
Riley and Eli have been recruited by WUP, or Worldwide Unexplained Phenomenon team, and are on their way to hunt some Black Fallen in Edinburgh, Scotland. Riley is still trying to get used to all her new powers and while they make her stronger, sometimes they leave her at a disadvantage.
Wow...I'm not sure what happened with this series but it up and took a left turn and left me hanging in the dust! It's gone from a fairly simple story of dealing with some bad@ss vampires to now dealing with every sort of paranormal creature in existence...almost.
Now that...I could handle, but what was hard to handle was being bombarded with sooo many new characters. And on top of that, one of Riley's new powers enables her to see part of a person's past with just a touch. So now we have all these new characters who have lived hundreds and thousands of years and we're reading stories about their lives with MORE characters. Talk about confusing!! I do have to say that by the end of the story, I did get a handle on who's who...but then there's my other problem.
The problem is that Riley is what I call a "Marilyn"...everybody lusts after her...even the women want to be her best friend! And this isn't the first book where we've encountered this...it's just that it keeps happening. Of course, they're all extremely good looking, sexy and total bad@sses themselves. It just gets old...it would be amazing to come across someone who isn't attracted to her.
But back to the story...The gang arrived in Edinburgh and immediately start training and training and training. I get that they need it but besides all the characters and all their side stories, there is a lot of training going on and not a lot of action and when we do get action, it's something crazy and short lived. It also bothers me that Riley doesn't stop and think for herself anymore. Some things were pretty obvious but she just didn't catch on.
We don't really get much of her and Eli and what we do is Eli basically being her sex toy. What happened to the Eli we know and love? I MISS him!! I get that he's there for Riley but I wish he had a bigger part.
Then there's some crazy drama...not sure how EJ is going to work things out but bravo to her! It definitely woke me up and the story became so much more interesting. The 'problem' is now I have to read the next book to find out what happens and if anything gets worked out.
There's also a part with a ghost in the place everyone is staying. I'm not really sure what was suppose to come of their interactions besides what Lily showed her at the end. Could that be all it was about?
And I really felt something was up with that creepy angel fountain! It really bothers me about all the attention devoted to it and...then nothing??
The ending battle with the Black Fallen was a bit of a disappointment. What in the heck happened? It almost felt like the author ran out of room and needed to end it quickly. It was disappointing and not very believable.
I know this all sounds pretty negative but there were good things about the story. I really enjoyed Riley and her new powers, I love the deepening of her friendships with Noah and Victorian and I do like quite a few of the new characters.
Like I said, I have to read the next book to find out what happens. It's not a cliffhanger, just things left unfinished. Whatever you do, DO NOT read the blurb for the next book, Darklove, HUGE MAJOR SPOILERS!! 'Nuff said.
Favorite quotes:
♥ “I’m so in love with you, Eligius Dupré.” I kiss his nose. “It actually took a vampire to claim my icy heart.”
“Your heart has never been icy,” he answers, and kisses me. He fingers the wings at my cheek. “It was just waiting on me.”
December 11, 2015
In my review of EVENTIDE, book three in this series, I said that BLACK FALLEN would be the make or break book of the series for me. I wasn’t all that thrilled with EVENTIDE and I didn’t really like where it was all heading, in multiple manners, so BLACK FALLEN was going to be the book that would have me either keep reading or not.
And I’m done.
It’s just gotten so incredibly Riley-serving that I can’t even stomach it anymore. And the crappy thing is, Riley really isn’t that bad of a character. She’s a creature of circumstance and she’s dealing with what’s happening the best she can. But she’s the sun to all of the other otherworldly planets orbiting around her and the world can not function without Riley. All the dudes are crushing on her, everyone is thinking about her, everyone’s opining on her, everyone has a comment about her, everyone wants to protect her, she’s a magnet for every cock on the planet. Whatever. The writing itself has just gotten downright bad. Its taken what is rightly a fine character and just Mary-Sued the shit out of it until it’s insufferable.
The story itself, of BLACK FALLEN, was turning into an episode of Family Guy without the humor. Six minutes of verifiable plot and the rest of the time was spent on irrelevant asides. Chicken fighting would have made this book better. I’m talking pages upon pages of superfluous backstory of characters that had three and a half seconds of scene time in the book and were only there to show how fantastic a fighter Riley was and to have them comment on how beautiful she was. I got all the backstory on characters that don’t even qualify for secondary. Methinks we didn’t have enough plot to fill the pages because not enough plot filled the pages even outside of these nonsense flashbacks.
It was thin. The build-up consisted of this one dude dream-raping Riley (but she liked it, come join me in the corner for a good gag) and a couple creatures possessing people and then when they die they turn into white goo (which I’m sure if just a metaphor for all the cum Riley produces in her myriad of admirers). The book is over three hundred pages long. Half of that are sparing scenes taking place in a training room where after Riley fights everyone applauds her fantasticness or she’s admiring the bulk of the big dudes with whom she’s training (because, as you very well know, every male in history was like 6’5″ and FILLED with muscle, bodily variations are a new invention . . .). The rest of it is . . . flashback nonsense sprinkled with minor plot developments (see above re: cum demons and dream rapes). The end of the book comes about, the day is saved, for now, and on to the next mission.
Look, I get it. Big, burly, muscly, sweaty dudes are typical in romance novels because these books are FANTASIES. I get it. Totally. But when the entire book is just downright ridiculous, the ridiculousness of the typical, that otherwise would have blended in with the scenery, becomes ridiculous too. It’s Riley’s story. It would be hard to have a book that doesn’t revolve around her. It’s only reasonable to have her be the center of attention, whatever that attention is, good, bad, whatever, but there’s a difference between having a story about a character and having the universe revolve around that character. Characters literally gravitate around Riley and orbit her, be it in the vein of interest, congratulations, protection, help, bringing dinner, unwelcome sexual advances, whatever they are every character, good, bad, or all of the above, pander to Riley and that makes for a real crappy story. It doesn’t feel like a natural story; it feels contrived and all I want to do is roll my eyes.
In a book where dream rape constitutes legitimate seduction, the protagonist has no more than three guys chasing her tail, where even the women are in marvel at her awesomeness, and everyone else is showing outward concern in the form of weird chapter interviews that lead into the chapter itself, this just isn’t working. The series has lost sight of itself and the writing is now pandering to a character instead of telling a story. Give me a character who is the center of the action. I’m fine with that. But she can’t be the center of everyone’s lives:
This . . . is awful. They’re like peeks into people’s diaries (all the chapter headers are from different characters) but these characters writing them are only in existence in relation to Riley. They don’t have their own concerns about what’s happening; they just care about Riley:
Because the world revolves around her. They would cease to function if Riley weren’t the glue holding all their lives together. It’s awful. It’s awful because Jasper got in the way of her own story. Riley was actually a good character and even through the mess that is BLACK FALLEN I still liked her as a character. But for all that is holy how has Riley not come off the page and screamed WILL YOU ALL BACK UP OUT OF MY SPACE ALREADY? This girl can’t wipe her ass without no less than four people being concerned about anal paper cuts. She can’t go up to her bedroom, after a heinous event with her fiancé, without getting sexually hounded by two men that are supposed to be her friends and who are offering thinly guised support in the form of hot beef injections. Characters don’t have thoughts without Riley in them. They don’t eat without Riley, they don’t fight without Riley, and I’m sure they can’t breathe without her either.
Blech.
Give me a no-nonsense character that commandeers a story all day long. But keep the self-serving writing to yourself. I don’t want it, the character doesn’t need it, and it just ruins the story for all involved. I will say it was nice that Riley had female allies that weren’t catty pseudo-adversaries. It was a nice reprieve from the otherwise typical competition that female characters get into. But then again everyone was already bowing at Riley’s feet anyway. She could probably kick them in the face and they’d thank her for it.
1
And I’m done.
It’s just gotten so incredibly Riley-serving that I can’t even stomach it anymore. And the crappy thing is, Riley really isn’t that bad of a character. She’s a creature of circumstance and she’s dealing with what’s happening the best she can. But she’s the sun to all of the other otherworldly planets orbiting around her and the world can not function without Riley. All the dudes are crushing on her, everyone is thinking about her, everyone’s opining on her, everyone has a comment about her, everyone wants to protect her, she’s a magnet for every cock on the planet. Whatever. The writing itself has just gotten downright bad. Its taken what is rightly a fine character and just Mary-Sued the shit out of it until it’s insufferable.
The story itself, of BLACK FALLEN, was turning into an episode of Family Guy without the humor. Six minutes of verifiable plot and the rest of the time was spent on irrelevant asides. Chicken fighting would have made this book better. I’m talking pages upon pages of superfluous backstory of characters that had three and a half seconds of scene time in the book and were only there to show how fantastic a fighter Riley was and to have them comment on how beautiful she was. I got all the backstory on characters that don’t even qualify for secondary. Methinks we didn’t have enough plot to fill the pages because not enough plot filled the pages even outside of these nonsense flashbacks.
It was thin. The build-up consisted of this one dude dream-raping Riley (but she liked it, come join me in the corner for a good gag) and a couple creatures possessing people and then when they die they turn into white goo (which I’m sure if just a metaphor for all the cum Riley produces in her myriad of admirers). The book is over three hundred pages long. Half of that are sparing scenes taking place in a training room where after Riley fights everyone applauds her fantasticness or she’s admiring the bulk of the big dudes with whom she’s training (because, as you very well know, every male in history was like 6’5″ and FILLED with muscle, bodily variations are a new invention . . .). The rest of it is . . . flashback nonsense sprinkled with minor plot developments (see above re: cum demons and dream rapes). The end of the book comes about, the day is saved, for now, and on to the next mission.
Look, I get it. Big, burly, muscly, sweaty dudes are typical in romance novels because these books are FANTASIES. I get it. Totally. But when the entire book is just downright ridiculous, the ridiculousness of the typical, that otherwise would have blended in with the scenery, becomes ridiculous too. It’s Riley’s story. It would be hard to have a book that doesn’t revolve around her. It’s only reasonable to have her be the center of attention, whatever that attention is, good, bad, whatever, but there’s a difference between having a story about a character and having the universe revolve around that character. Characters literally gravitate around Riley and orbit her, be it in the vein of interest, congratulations, protection, help, bringing dinner, unwelcome sexual advances, whatever they are every character, good, bad, or all of the above, pander to Riley and that makes for a real crappy story. It doesn’t feel like a natural story; it feels contrived and all I want to do is roll my eyes.
In a book where dream rape constitutes legitimate seduction, the protagonist has no more than three guys chasing her tail, where even the women are in marvel at her awesomeness, and everyone else is showing outward concern in the form of weird chapter interviews that lead into the chapter itself, this just isn’t working. The series has lost sight of itself and the writing is now pandering to a character instead of telling a story. Give me a character who is the center of the action. I’m fine with that. But she can’t be the center of everyone’s lives:
The change in Riley now is like mist to black vapor. It is as obvious as a knife plunged into the heart. She won’t accept her mate’s fate. Will not. I can see it in her eyes. There’s a fury there that is chilling. For the first time since arriving in Edinburgh, I feel like the Fallen have no chance in Hell of surviving. Not Riley Poe anyway.
This . . . is awful. They’re like peeks into people’s diaries (all the chapter headers are from different characters) but these characters writing them are only in existence in relation to Riley. They don’t have their own concerns about what’s happening; they just care about Riley:
Aye, this lass is by far the most intriguing of Andorra’s pack of misfits. Riley Poe. I vow she’ll give the Fallen a run for their coin. Makes me want to stay and join the team, although I know my bride, Andrea, would no doubt clout my ears for doing so.
Because the world revolves around her. They would cease to function if Riley weren’t the glue holding all their lives together. It’s awful. It’s awful because Jasper got in the way of her own story. Riley was actually a good character and even through the mess that is BLACK FALLEN I still liked her as a character. But for all that is holy how has Riley not come off the page and screamed WILL YOU ALL BACK UP OUT OF MY SPACE ALREADY? This girl can’t wipe her ass without no less than four people being concerned about anal paper cuts. She can’t go up to her bedroom, after a heinous event with her fiancé, without getting sexually hounded by two men that are supposed to be her friends and who are offering thinly guised support in the form of hot beef injections. Characters don’t have thoughts without Riley in them. They don’t eat without Riley, they don’t fight without Riley, and I’m sure they can’t breathe without her either.
Blech.
Give me a no-nonsense character that commandeers a story all day long. But keep the self-serving writing to yourself. I don’t want it, the character doesn’t need it, and it just ruins the story for all involved. I will say it was nice that Riley had female allies that weren’t catty pseudo-adversaries. It was a nice reprieve from the otherwise typical competition that female characters get into. But then again everyone was already bowing at Riley’s feet anyway. She could probably kick them in the face and they’d thank her for it.
1
December 15, 2012
*Genre* Paranormal Romance
*Rating* 3.0
*Review*
Black Fallen, by Elle Jasper, is the fourth book in the Dark Ink Chronicles. It is really the start of a new story cycle that finds Riley leaving behind her Inksomnia business to fight evil in the world.
If you haven’t read Eventide, please ignore the next part of my review.
Riley, Eli Dupre, Noah Miles, and Victorian Arcos have all joined forces with Jake Andorra's group known as WUP (Worldwide Unexplained Phenomenon). There are, of course, other secondary characters like Darius (Immortal), Ginger and Lucian McLeod (werewolves), Gabriel (Immortal) and Sydney Maspeth (Archivist/Immortal). There are tertiary characters as well in Tristan de Barne, and Gawan of Conwyk.
The premise of the story is interesting on a basic level. There are Black Fallen (angels engulfed in the darkest kind of magic) creating havoc in Edinburgh, Scotland. It is up to the WUP team members to locate sacred artifacts and defeat them before they spread their Jodis (evil minions) around the globe. Riley also learns that she has another unique ability that the rest of the group doesn’t have; the ability to crossover onto another plane of existence.
What didn’t work for me was the back story of Tristan and Gawan that were introduced after the group was brought together in Scotland. The back story took up too much time that should have been devoted to finding and defeating the Black Fallen. Maybe it’s just me, but I like to see action, adventure, mystery, suspense, and yes, romance and smexy scenes that are not overly done. What we do get is a lot of smexy scenes, just not between Riley and her fiancé Eli.
I was shocked that Jasper actually wrote two characters off. One at the height of their search for the Black Fallen. We really have no clue where they went, or what actually happened to them. Talk about a swift kick to the ass! I’m sure it was done for a reason so that readers will be looking for the conclusion of this particular story when it’s released August 6th 2013.
I would be remiss in my duties as a reader/reviewer not to say that I'm a bit disappointed in this book. It had a lot of potential. Then again, I was slightly reserved about my thoughts on the previous book (Eventide) as well. As always, my reviews are slightly personal in nature and may or may not be compare to what you believe about this series, or this particular book.
Expected publication: December 31st 2012 by Signet
*Rating* 3.0
*Review*
Black Fallen, by Elle Jasper, is the fourth book in the Dark Ink Chronicles. It is really the start of a new story cycle that finds Riley leaving behind her Inksomnia business to fight evil in the world.
If you haven’t read Eventide, please ignore the next part of my review.
Riley, Eli Dupre, Noah Miles, and Victorian Arcos have all joined forces with Jake Andorra's group known as WUP (Worldwide Unexplained Phenomenon). There are, of course, other secondary characters like Darius (Immortal), Ginger and Lucian McLeod (werewolves), Gabriel (Immortal) and Sydney Maspeth (Archivist/Immortal). There are tertiary characters as well in Tristan de Barne, and Gawan of Conwyk.
The premise of the story is interesting on a basic level. There are Black Fallen (angels engulfed in the darkest kind of magic) creating havoc in Edinburgh, Scotland. It is up to the WUP team members to locate sacred artifacts and defeat them before they spread their Jodis (evil minions) around the globe. Riley also learns that she has another unique ability that the rest of the group doesn’t have; the ability to crossover onto another plane of existence.
What didn’t work for me was the back story of Tristan and Gawan that were introduced after the group was brought together in Scotland. The back story took up too much time that should have been devoted to finding and defeating the Black Fallen. Maybe it’s just me, but I like to see action, adventure, mystery, suspense, and yes, romance and smexy scenes that are not overly done. What we do get is a lot of smexy scenes, just not between Riley and her fiancé Eli.
I was shocked that Jasper actually wrote two characters off. One at the height of their search for the Black Fallen. We really have no clue where they went, or what actually happened to them. Talk about a swift kick to the ass! I’m sure it was done for a reason so that readers will be looking for the conclusion of this particular story when it’s released August 6th 2013.
I would be remiss in my duties as a reader/reviewer not to say that I'm a bit disappointed in this book. It had a lot of potential. Then again, I was slightly reserved about my thoughts on the previous book (Eventide) as well. As always, my reviews are slightly personal in nature and may or may not be compare to what you believe about this series, or this particular book.
Expected publication: December 31st 2012 by Signet
January 13, 2013
I have been a great fan of this series, I love Eli and Riley, loved both characters as I watched their relationships form. Black Fallen is the fourth installment and a kind of new path for Riley and co - I say co because there are a lot of new characters to come to terms with in this book as well as a new way of life for Riley because being part of the Worldwide Unexplained Phenomenon, (WUP) removes her from her Inking background.
We know by now that Riley is not quite as human as she was, having been bitten by a number of vamps in past books and her new powers start surfacing here in Black Fallen - however, I felt that this took up lots of time and energy trying to decipher backgrounds of the people Riley touched and then trying to learn the new characters. To be honest, I found myself pushing the pages to try and get to the next bits...
Even though there is the mystery surrounding Eli now, I remain disappointed in the new edition of The Dark Ink Chronicles, I'm not sure where this storyline is now leading but it's not leaving me any room toward looking forward to the next book.
We know by now that Riley is not quite as human as she was, having been bitten by a number of vamps in past books and her new powers start surfacing here in Black Fallen - however, I felt that this took up lots of time and energy trying to decipher backgrounds of the people Riley touched and then trying to learn the new characters. To be honest, I found myself pushing the pages to try and get to the next bits...
Even though there is the mystery surrounding Eli now, I remain disappointed in the new edition of The Dark Ink Chronicles, I'm not sure where this storyline is now leading but it's not leaving me any room toward looking forward to the next book.
December 27, 2012
It’s been a long road for Riley. At this point she’s gone from a very human, rockin tattoo artist to a semi human who has had 4 different vampires bite her…and only one of those was by choice. She’s learning how to adjust to these new found abilities she has acquired with the help of her incredibly sexy fiance, Eli.
Faced with an opportunity to become something more, she leaves behind her home to help a whole new set of friends across the globe. Riley must learn to trust and control her abilities quickly when a new foe presents itself bent on destroying everything she holds dear.
I will be honest. I think this book is flawed. Majorly. I have been a champion of this series since book one. I have felt that with each book the writing got stronger and the story got better with each curve that was thrown the characters way. Black Fallen takes away everything that the readers have come to know about these people and instead throws a bunch of new characters into the mix for the sake of extending the story arc. Riley has been asked to join an elite group of warriors that make up the WUP team. They consist of other supernaturals who make hunting down the baddest demons their only business. Along with Eli, Victorian and Eli’s best friend, they set off across the world to train. I hated this. I had come to love the supporting cast of characters these books have provided, and to suddenly be ripped away from them…well it sucked. As did the absence of the person Riley has been, a tattoo artist. A kick ass one.
Riley has the ability to touch someone and view their past. While I appreciated this first hand account of the new characters lives, I think Jasper leaned too heavily on it at times just for word count. I really don’t need to know about the first time someone had sex with their wife unless it directly relates to the story at hand…which it didn’t. These looks took page upon page at times and mostly didn’t further the story along at all. Now times that by a whole handful of characters…it was overwhelming.
Add to this the stripping away of everything Riley has come to count on, I was both furiously turning pages (in between the weird look backs) and being horribly frustrated with the story line. At points the book dragged like a two legged dog and then it got super manic towards the end, ending with a bang that made me want to throw the book across the room. As it was I yelled and scared my poor skiddish cat.
I love this series…but I did not love this book. I’m not happy with this weird locale change and brand new cast of characters who may or may not play a big part of the following books since Riley heads back home at the end of this one. Most everything about this book felt off, like the author was grasping at how to hold everything together for the next few books. I will continue with this series though despite all this because my love for the characters runs deeper then this one book. I can only hope that with Riley heading home, the old feel of the books will reappear.
I give Black Fallen by Elle Jasper 2.75 stars
Faced with an opportunity to become something more, she leaves behind her home to help a whole new set of friends across the globe. Riley must learn to trust and control her abilities quickly when a new foe presents itself bent on destroying everything she holds dear.
I will be honest. I think this book is flawed. Majorly. I have been a champion of this series since book one. I have felt that with each book the writing got stronger and the story got better with each curve that was thrown the characters way. Black Fallen takes away everything that the readers have come to know about these people and instead throws a bunch of new characters into the mix for the sake of extending the story arc. Riley has been asked to join an elite group of warriors that make up the WUP team. They consist of other supernaturals who make hunting down the baddest demons their only business. Along with Eli, Victorian and Eli’s best friend, they set off across the world to train. I hated this. I had come to love the supporting cast of characters these books have provided, and to suddenly be ripped away from them…well it sucked. As did the absence of the person Riley has been, a tattoo artist. A kick ass one.
Riley has the ability to touch someone and view their past. While I appreciated this first hand account of the new characters lives, I think Jasper leaned too heavily on it at times just for word count. I really don’t need to know about the first time someone had sex with their wife unless it directly relates to the story at hand…which it didn’t. These looks took page upon page at times and mostly didn’t further the story along at all. Now times that by a whole handful of characters…it was overwhelming.
Add to this the stripping away of everything Riley has come to count on, I was both furiously turning pages (in between the weird look backs) and being horribly frustrated with the story line. At points the book dragged like a two legged dog and then it got super manic towards the end, ending with a bang that made me want to throw the book across the room. As it was I yelled and scared my poor skiddish cat.
I love this series…but I did not love this book. I’m not happy with this weird locale change and brand new cast of characters who may or may not play a big part of the following books since Riley heads back home at the end of this one. Most everything about this book felt off, like the author was grasping at how to hold everything together for the next few books. I will continue with this series though despite all this because my love for the characters runs deeper then this one book. I can only hope that with Riley heading home, the old feel of the books will reappear.
I give Black Fallen by Elle Jasper 2.75 stars
May 28, 2013
This one seriously pissed me off, I was going to wait to write the review but I just can't. I have loved this series since I accidentally ran into the series. And now I am thoroughly disappointed, what I thought was going to be EPIC was not! I mean really the whole book dragged since I first picked it up and than soem shit goes down which was interesting, but than the huge battle that I thought was going to be amazing and grueling is literally described and over with in 1 page!!! I mean mb 2 paragraphs of the one page was about the actual fighting, and So the good stuff, hmm hmmm hmmm hmmm umm the scenery descriptions were good, it had potential to be really good, I saw what I thought she was heading and than changed it so I mean it was good, yea we had some tear jerking scenes that had me sniffling (no tears, thou).
The question now is will I read the next book, more than likely just to see if a certain someone is saved and if she can improve the book more than this one. So yes I will continue on until she really kills it for me. I am sadden. :'(
The question now is will I read the next book, more than likely just to see if a certain someone is saved and if she can improve the book more than this one. So yes I will continue on until she really kills it for me. I am sadden. :'(
November 16, 2015
Honestly I'm still trying to figure this one out. I liked it. I'm torn between 3.5 and 4.It takes a couple of chapters to get use to the nonstop descriptions of everything. Its been awhile since the last book and I was trying to remember what happened last time. Anyway I was kinda bummed that there wasn't enough Eli and that there was soooo much training and just talking. I wanted more of Riley and Eli and less of the other stuff.
But then BAM! Everything changes and I am left asking WTF? Seriously?? Oh come on! How many times can Riley go through this, seriously. If you read the other three books you know what I mean. I wasn't happy about what went down about half way through. Then it ends and I am left unsatisfied that there wasn't any, um.... ok how about, something wasn't fixed or made right? Trying not to give anything away here. Which was a good set up for the next book but I wanted a different ending for certain reasons. Dammit now I have to wait for the next book because I know I wont be left hanging because that would just be mean.
But then BAM! Everything changes and I am left asking WTF? Seriously?? Oh come on! How many times can Riley go through this, seriously. If you read the other three books you know what I mean. I wasn't happy about what went down about half way through. Then it ends and I am left unsatisfied that there wasn't any, um.... ok how about, something wasn't fixed or made right? Trying not to give anything away here. Which was a good set up for the next book but I wanted a different ending for certain reasons. Dammit now I have to wait for the next book because I know I wont be left hanging because that would just be mean.
March 9, 2013
This was ok, and the story kept me engaged while I was reading it, but looking back there were more cons than pros.
The series made an abrupt turn and many of the good things about the series (New Orleans, the cast of characters there, Riley's work, even the good relationship stuff) were all missing from this as she and Eli packed up and went to Edinburgh to help a team of supernaturals try to defeat the Black Fallen there. The new team is not as engaging as the crew back in New Orleans, and the way we kept dropping into the past via Riley's new power got really annoying.
All in all, I'm not sure I feel like reading the next book or any more after it.
The series made an abrupt turn and many of the good things about the series (New Orleans, the cast of characters there, Riley's work, even the good relationship stuff) were all missing from this as she and Eli packed up and went to Edinburgh to help a team of supernaturals try to defeat the Black Fallen there. The new team is not as engaging as the crew back in New Orleans, and the way we kept dropping into the past via Riley's new power got really annoying.
All in all, I'm not sure I feel like reading the next book or any more after it.
January 13, 2013
Wow. 4.5 stars. I just... wow.
Oh. My. Word. As I sit, rocking in the fetal position, I want to beg Ms. Jasper to allow me to read even the ROUGH DRAFT for the next title in the Dark Ink Chronicles series. Black Fallen, the newest title in the series, takes the reader on a rollercoaster of emotions and a flurry of activity. While we do learn more about the characters we've come to love, we meet more characters, and (temporarily?) say goodbye to others. While this is the fourth title in the series, I think Ms. Jasper does a wonderful job with backstory in the first part of the book, and one could begin with this title, although reading prior books would help with the deeper understanding of the culture, and the interplay between characters.
There's no tap-dancing around this. There's a major plot point involving Eligius Dupre. Seriously. I had to figure out whether Ms. Jasper would resolve prior to the end of the book, or move it out to the next book (Please, tell me this major point resolves well...). I could have consumed this title in one sitting, if I'd had the time. Eli is described by Riley as, “Deadly predator. Violent vampire. Fiercely loyal … My sensitive, hot, kick-ass vampire fiance.” I think that this description is extremely telling as foreshadowing in the story. OMG! Y'all need to hurry up and read this book so I can talk about it with someone! There really isn't a lot I can say about Eli without spoilering. **covers mouth with duct tape** Moving on...
Our secondary characters were pretty important in this story. Jake, Gabriel & Darius, long-time natives of the area, are part of the WUP that brought Riley and her group to Edinburgh, Scotland. I am ALWAYS excited when a story is set in Scotland. I think the countryside is breathtaking, there's room for much description of the surroundings, including the air, smells, and mood driven by the weather. I was also geeked that there was Celtic, Gaelic and Pict lore mentioned. In the first 5% of the story, Jasper brings us this excellent description - foreshadowing again, methinks – of a statue: “...a derelict angel, wings haning limply behind him, his hands raised and cupped over his mouth as if shouting something at the top of his lungs. Water spurts from his hands and washes over him into the fountain's pond. For some reason, the statue chills me.” This statue seems to have a pull for Riley, and shouldn't be discounted through the reading of this title. Noah Miles, Eli's best friend, plays a pretty significant role in Black Fallen. He is truly a good friend to Eli as well as Riley. Ginger and Lucian, the werewolves in our band of unlikely comerades, didn't get a lot of 'airtime' in this title...but I believe that they'll get more in the next title, purported to be in were territory, during a war. Sydney, the archivist, has but one purpose: to lead the WUP to the Book, read the spell to destroy it, ensuring mankind continues to thrive. No pressure. The group should be protecting her with every spare ounce of energy they have, but this protection seems to be for Riley, and no one is telling her why, although they are constantly saying things like, 'You really don't know, do you...' and the like. Victorian Arcos also appears in this unlikely band of warriors. He's still got the hots for Riley, but he seems to have reigned in the urge to kiss her senseless every second of the day. Tristan and Conwyk, immortals from the 12th and 13th centuries – now – turned – human, seemed to form easy bonds with Riley. Especially Tristan. As as swordman and trainer for Riley, Tristan was quite interested in ensuring that Riley was kept safe. I think part of it was that 12-13th century sense of chivalry. All the immortals seem to have it. I LOVE it, even though it leans toward the male chauvanist side of things.
So. The Black Fallen are fallen angels, as the title would imply. I like the lore behind them. Canthor, Danu and Athios. “...Two have been condemend for some time. But we know very little about the youngest one, Athios.” They can create minions, known as Jodis, to do their dirty work. The Fallen feed from the souls of the innocent, which irks Riley and other WUP members.
Riley Poe, owner of Inksomnia, a tattoo parlor in Georgia, has been bitten by 4 vampires. She's sort-of like a vampire superhero. She's got these abilities, and they're the best of what the four vamps that bit her have/had. She's still learning to hone her skills, and keep her talents under control. It's with Riley's talent for seeing the past of a person with a mere touch that we get to know new characters in the story, via Riley's flashbacks.
I **really** feel for Riley. I got to know her a little better than in the last book, and she went through a gut-wrenching emotional trauma that would have sent me running for the hills, sobbing like a baby. I admire Riley. She compartmentalizes her emotions, only letting out what is needed for the vengeance she seeks. She seems to take everyting in-stride. Even at the 72% mark...she seemed to simply go with the flow, trusting all would work out. This is the ONE thing that I struggle with about Riley. She is really intense, and I don't think she would simply roll with the punches on this SPECIFIC thing. I got hung up on it for a few minutes, and decided that I would turn into a simpering idiot if the secondary conflict didn't resolve by the end of the book. **Runs around room, 'Bbbbbbbbbth! Bbbbbbbbbth!'**
At the end of Black Fallen, we do have a resolution to one conflict arc, but a second must be important to the next title in Ms. Jasper's Dark Ink Chronicles series. I'm sure she didn't leave the massive cliffhanger to simply wreak havoc on my emotions... I cannot wait for the next book in this series!
Oh. My. Word. As I sit, rocking in the fetal position, I want to beg Ms. Jasper to allow me to read even the ROUGH DRAFT for the next title in the Dark Ink Chronicles series. Black Fallen, the newest title in the series, takes the reader on a rollercoaster of emotions and a flurry of activity. While we do learn more about the characters we've come to love, we meet more characters, and (temporarily?) say goodbye to others. While this is the fourth title in the series, I think Ms. Jasper does a wonderful job with backstory in the first part of the book, and one could begin with this title, although reading prior books would help with the deeper understanding of the culture, and the interplay between characters.
There's no tap-dancing around this. There's a major plot point involving Eligius Dupre. Seriously. I had to figure out whether Ms. Jasper would resolve prior to the end of the book, or move it out to the next book (Please, tell me this major point resolves well...). I could have consumed this title in one sitting, if I'd had the time. Eli is described by Riley as, “Deadly predator. Violent vampire. Fiercely loyal … My sensitive, hot, kick-ass vampire fiance.” I think that this description is extremely telling as foreshadowing in the story. OMG! Y'all need to hurry up and read this book so I can talk about it with someone! There really isn't a lot I can say about Eli without spoilering. **covers mouth with duct tape** Moving on...
Our secondary characters were pretty important in this story. Jake, Gabriel & Darius, long-time natives of the area, are part of the WUP that brought Riley and her group to Edinburgh, Scotland. I am ALWAYS excited when a story is set in Scotland. I think the countryside is breathtaking, there's room for much description of the surroundings, including the air, smells, and mood driven by the weather. I was also geeked that there was Celtic, Gaelic and Pict lore mentioned. In the first 5% of the story, Jasper brings us this excellent description - foreshadowing again, methinks – of a statue: “...a derelict angel, wings haning limply behind him, his hands raised and cupped over his mouth as if shouting something at the top of his lungs. Water spurts from his hands and washes over him into the fountain's pond. For some reason, the statue chills me.” This statue seems to have a pull for Riley, and shouldn't be discounted through the reading of this title. Noah Miles, Eli's best friend, plays a pretty significant role in Black Fallen. He is truly a good friend to Eli as well as Riley. Ginger and Lucian, the werewolves in our band of unlikely comerades, didn't get a lot of 'airtime' in this title...but I believe that they'll get more in the next title, purported to be in were territory, during a war. Sydney, the archivist, has but one purpose: to lead the WUP to the Book, read the spell to destroy it, ensuring mankind continues to thrive. No pressure. The group should be protecting her with every spare ounce of energy they have, but this protection seems to be for Riley, and no one is telling her why, although they are constantly saying things like, 'You really don't know, do you...' and the like. Victorian Arcos also appears in this unlikely band of warriors. He's still got the hots for Riley, but he seems to have reigned in the urge to kiss her senseless every second of the day. Tristan and Conwyk, immortals from the 12th and 13th centuries – now – turned – human, seemed to form easy bonds with Riley. Especially Tristan. As as swordman and trainer for Riley, Tristan was quite interested in ensuring that Riley was kept safe. I think part of it was that 12-13th century sense of chivalry. All the immortals seem to have it. I LOVE it, even though it leans toward the male chauvanist side of things.
So. The Black Fallen are fallen angels, as the title would imply. I like the lore behind them. Canthor, Danu and Athios. “...Two have been condemend for some time. But we know very little about the youngest one, Athios.” They can create minions, known as Jodis, to do their dirty work. The Fallen feed from the souls of the innocent, which irks Riley and other WUP members.
Riley Poe, owner of Inksomnia, a tattoo parlor in Georgia, has been bitten by 4 vampires. She's sort-of like a vampire superhero. She's got these abilities, and they're the best of what the four vamps that bit her have/had. She's still learning to hone her skills, and keep her talents under control. It's with Riley's talent for seeing the past of a person with a mere touch that we get to know new characters in the story, via Riley's flashbacks.
I **really** feel for Riley. I got to know her a little better than in the last book, and she went through a gut-wrenching emotional trauma that would have sent me running for the hills, sobbing like a baby. I admire Riley. She compartmentalizes her emotions, only letting out what is needed for the vengeance she seeks. She seems to take everyting in-stride. Even at the 72% mark...she seemed to simply go with the flow, trusting all would work out. This is the ONE thing that I struggle with about Riley. She is really intense, and I don't think she would simply roll with the punches on this SPECIFIC thing. I got hung up on it for a few minutes, and decided that I would turn into a simpering idiot if the secondary conflict didn't resolve by the end of the book. **Runs around room, 'Bbbbbbbbbth! Bbbbbbbbbth!'**
At the end of Black Fallen, we do have a resolution to one conflict arc, but a second must be important to the next title in Ms. Jasper's Dark Ink Chronicles series. I'm sure she didn't leave the massive cliffhanger to simply wreak havoc on my emotions... I cannot wait for the next book in this series!
May 26, 2018
While I really like this series and the many of the characters this had lots of jumps, things didn't seem to blend or connect well, I felt jarred as a reader.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 11, 2013
Rated 4.5 ~ Also posted at TBR Mountain Range.
An addictive paranormal series, THE DARK INK CHRONICLES books keep you up all night, wondering what will happen next. BLACK FALLEN continues Riley Poe’s adventure and leaves you grasping for more.
I didn’t think it was possible, but Elle Jasper has written another mind-numbing, soul-sucking paranormal thriller that nails you to the wall. As for the DARK INK CHRONICLES as a series, I bet you can’t read just one!
Word of warning—the DARK INK CHRONICLES series should be read in order for the fullest enjoyment. That said, I honestly think a reader could read BLACK FALLEN and not be completely lost without reading the three novels before it. Although, I have no idea why you’d want to since the whole series is so freaking awesome, but you could try BLACK FALLEN and then start from the beginning to catch up on what you missed. If you’re a stickler about reading series books in order, then you can read my reviews of AFTERLIGHT, EVERDARK and EVENTIDE. I try to stay away from spoilers, but in a series such as this, it’s nearly impossible to do when one book’s ending leads to what happens in the next.
In BLACK FALLEN we leave half the secondary cast of characters in Savannah, Georgia, while Riley Poe and her fiancé Eligius “Eli” Dupré join the Worldwide Unexplained Phenomenon (WUP) team in Edinburgh, Scotland to fight the Black Fallen. Along with them are Noah Miles, another vampire and Eli’s best friend, plus Victorian Arcos, one of the strigoi vampires who bit Riley and added his DNA to her special blood. Other team members are immortal, werewolf or vampire and various otherworldly beings. Riley met some of them when she was recruited but she’s continuously surprised by the variety.
It doesn’t take long for Riley and the others to feel the dark, evil foreboding that has draped itself over Edinburgh. There’s an awakening that’s just getting started and when the Black Fallen are fully themselves, the evil will certainly be crushing. The Black Fallen are recruiting beings to do their bidding, building their strength. Will Riley Poe and the rest of the WUP team be strong enough to eradicate them?
First, each of the team will be trained in the art of sword fighting because the only way to kill the Black Fallen and their minions is to lop off their heads. Yes, this is described in vivid detail, as are many other absorbing fight scenes. BLACK FALLEN has great horror and gothic inclinations so it appeals to more than one type of reader. Riley’s special tendencies will also come into play, but does she have enough control over her new-found abilities to assist in time?
Now engaged to be married, Riley and Eli have become more comfortable with one another. Their love and passion knows no boundaries, intent on protecting one another from the evil that grows around them. There’s more than one love story brewing amongst the characters which heightens the sensual awareness and protectiveness of all.
There are very few novels that grab me from the first page and insist that I read them cover to cover in one sitting. So far, every book in the DARK INK CHRONICLES series has made me lose sleep and avoid anything else that dares to interfere with turning the last page. Always so darn good! I may not always agree with everything that happens within the pages, or I may want more of something in particular, but none of that matters because I thoroughly enjoy reading these books. To me, it’s not about each book being everything I expect or want or need, but the fact that they mesmerize me from beginning to end.
Filled with totally creepy things that insure rapt attention, you’ll consistently sense something diabolical around the corner. Love this series—it engages me like no other. Sensually explicit, BLACK FALLEN combines sinister with sexy—romance with heartbreak—setting your nerves on edge while grasping for more.
Review and book courtesy of Romance Junkies.
An addictive paranormal series, THE DARK INK CHRONICLES books keep you up all night, wondering what will happen next. BLACK FALLEN continues Riley Poe’s adventure and leaves you grasping for more.
I didn’t think it was possible, but Elle Jasper has written another mind-numbing, soul-sucking paranormal thriller that nails you to the wall. As for the DARK INK CHRONICLES as a series, I bet you can’t read just one!
Word of warning—the DARK INK CHRONICLES series should be read in order for the fullest enjoyment. That said, I honestly think a reader could read BLACK FALLEN and not be completely lost without reading the three novels before it. Although, I have no idea why you’d want to since the whole series is so freaking awesome, but you could try BLACK FALLEN and then start from the beginning to catch up on what you missed. If you’re a stickler about reading series books in order, then you can read my reviews of AFTERLIGHT, EVERDARK and EVENTIDE. I try to stay away from spoilers, but in a series such as this, it’s nearly impossible to do when one book’s ending leads to what happens in the next.
In BLACK FALLEN we leave half the secondary cast of characters in Savannah, Georgia, while Riley Poe and her fiancé Eligius “Eli” Dupré join the Worldwide Unexplained Phenomenon (WUP) team in Edinburgh, Scotland to fight the Black Fallen. Along with them are Noah Miles, another vampire and Eli’s best friend, plus Victorian Arcos, one of the strigoi vampires who bit Riley and added his DNA to her special blood. Other team members are immortal, werewolf or vampire and various otherworldly beings. Riley met some of them when she was recruited but she’s continuously surprised by the variety.
It doesn’t take long for Riley and the others to feel the dark, evil foreboding that has draped itself over Edinburgh. There’s an awakening that’s just getting started and when the Black Fallen are fully themselves, the evil will certainly be crushing. The Black Fallen are recruiting beings to do their bidding, building their strength. Will Riley Poe and the rest of the WUP team be strong enough to eradicate them?
First, each of the team will be trained in the art of sword fighting because the only way to kill the Black Fallen and their minions is to lop off their heads. Yes, this is described in vivid detail, as are many other absorbing fight scenes. BLACK FALLEN has great horror and gothic inclinations so it appeals to more than one type of reader. Riley’s special tendencies will also come into play, but does she have enough control over her new-found abilities to assist in time?
Now engaged to be married, Riley and Eli have become more comfortable with one another. Their love and passion knows no boundaries, intent on protecting one another from the evil that grows around them. There’s more than one love story brewing amongst the characters which heightens the sensual awareness and protectiveness of all.
There are very few novels that grab me from the first page and insist that I read them cover to cover in one sitting. So far, every book in the DARK INK CHRONICLES series has made me lose sleep and avoid anything else that dares to interfere with turning the last page. Always so darn good! I may not always agree with everything that happens within the pages, or I may want more of something in particular, but none of that matters because I thoroughly enjoy reading these books. To me, it’s not about each book being everything I expect or want or need, but the fact that they mesmerize me from beginning to end.
Filled with totally creepy things that insure rapt attention, you’ll consistently sense something diabolical around the corner. Love this series—it engages me like no other. Sensually explicit, BLACK FALLEN combines sinister with sexy—romance with heartbreak—setting your nerves on edge while grasping for more.
Review and book courtesy of Romance Junkies.
December 31, 2012
3.5 Stars
This review was posted at Under the Covers
At the end of EVENTIDE I was quite excited about the fact that there would be a change of scenery for the series and the crew was going to Edinburgh, joining another team and hunting a different set of baddies.
Then BLACK FALLEN rolls around and at the beginning I thought it was all interesting, going to see new places and learning new things. Except that the learning curve got stuck there for a while. It felt like about half the book was an exercise in getting situated in Edinburgh, training with their new team, and Riley touching all the new people she met and getting flashbacks of their lives, which was a cool way of getting to know the, I might add. But just a little bit was discussed about the Black Fallen.
“The Black Fallen are angels engulfed in the darkest of magic. They’re obsessed, powerful, and completely undetectable. They’ve zero conscience. They move among humans as one of them, and only another fallen one can recognize them straight away. They’re from an ancient realm of holy and unholy, if you believe in that sort of thing. And they’ll not stop until they have what they desire.”
Although the Black Fallen were scary and I thought a great storyline to follow, I would’ve liked to see more of the battles with them throughout the book and, like I said before, a little less of all the training.
Then there’s Riley. I love her and she kicks ass, but sometimes she just pisses me off. For example, how many books will it take for her to learn to talk about the weird things that happen to her? Hasn’t she seen time and time again that she could’ve avoided a lot of trouble if she had said something to Eli sooner? But I digress. And speaking of Eli, I could’ve used a little more Eli sexy time. Just saying.
The haunted house storyline added a bit of creepy to the story that I liked and I think it worked well in the setting. But I admit…I missed Savannah, Georgia. I missed the tattoo parlor, I missed Nyx…I missed the whole gang that was left behind. As much as I thought I was ready for a change I don’t like that they weren’t there and I think the setting being in GA has been so much a part of this series it was like taking a character out as well.
However the last say…30% of this book was really good. Things started clicking into place and speeding up, we got action and answers, and I really like where the author went with the Black Fallen storyline. Although that might’ve been an easy way to resolve the issue being that she made them almost invincible.
But BE WARNED… There is a major twist towards the end of this book… I gasp, I didn’t quite cry but I might’ve screamed “NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO”…. Twice. I do trust that the author has set that up to make it a great storyline for the next book.
BLACK FALLEN is another good addition to the Dark Ink Chronicles series, sexy vamps, bad angels, a very powerful heroine and a goth and gritty story.
*ARC provided by publisher
This review was posted at Under the Covers
At the end of EVENTIDE I was quite excited about the fact that there would be a change of scenery for the series and the crew was going to Edinburgh, joining another team and hunting a different set of baddies.
Then BLACK FALLEN rolls around and at the beginning I thought it was all interesting, going to see new places and learning new things. Except that the learning curve got stuck there for a while. It felt like about half the book was an exercise in getting situated in Edinburgh, training with their new team, and Riley touching all the new people she met and getting flashbacks of their lives, which was a cool way of getting to know the, I might add. But just a little bit was discussed about the Black Fallen.
“The Black Fallen are angels engulfed in the darkest of magic. They’re obsessed, powerful, and completely undetectable. They’ve zero conscience. They move among humans as one of them, and only another fallen one can recognize them straight away. They’re from an ancient realm of holy and unholy, if you believe in that sort of thing. And they’ll not stop until they have what they desire.”
Although the Black Fallen were scary and I thought a great storyline to follow, I would’ve liked to see more of the battles with them throughout the book and, like I said before, a little less of all the training.
Then there’s Riley. I love her and she kicks ass, but sometimes she just pisses me off. For example, how many books will it take for her to learn to talk about the weird things that happen to her? Hasn’t she seen time and time again that she could’ve avoided a lot of trouble if she had said something to Eli sooner? But I digress. And speaking of Eli, I could’ve used a little more Eli sexy time. Just saying.
The haunted house storyline added a bit of creepy to the story that I liked and I think it worked well in the setting. But I admit…I missed Savannah, Georgia. I missed the tattoo parlor, I missed Nyx…I missed the whole gang that was left behind. As much as I thought I was ready for a change I don’t like that they weren’t there and I think the setting being in GA has been so much a part of this series it was like taking a character out as well.
However the last say…30% of this book was really good. Things started clicking into place and speeding up, we got action and answers, and I really like where the author went with the Black Fallen storyline. Although that might’ve been an easy way to resolve the issue being that she made them almost invincible.
But BE WARNED… There is a major twist towards the end of this book… I gasp, I didn’t quite cry but I might’ve screamed “NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO”…. Twice. I do trust that the author has set that up to make it a great storyline for the next book.
BLACK FALLEN is another good addition to the Dark Ink Chronicles series, sexy vamps, bad angels, a very powerful heroine and a goth and gritty story.
*ARC provided by publisher
June 19, 2013
http://openbooksociety.com/article/bl...
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Heidi
*Beware of possible Spoilers*
Riley and Eli have officially joined WUP (Worldwide Unexplained Phenomenon), now that Valerian is no longer a threat. Their first mission takes them to Edinburgh, Scotland to try to defeat the Black Fallen (fallen angels) that are wrecking havoc there. They train with a couple of the best swordsmen, who actually lived by the sword in their own time, as beheading is the only way to kill a Black Fallen.
But Riley’s world is turned upside down when Eli disappears one night, taken by the fallen. She won’t believe he’s dead until she can prove it though. She must fight that much harder to defeat these evil beings and discover exactly what happened to her beloved.
Meanwhile, someone else has an eye for Riley and is invading her thoughts and dreams. Could it be the key to finding out what happened to Eli? Or could it lead to her destruction?
This is another book in this series that I found to be underwhelming. I wanted to like it, and hoped the new storyline with a new evil to fight would breathe some life into the flailing series, but unfortunately that just wasn’t to be. I struggled to continue reading this book, and had to force myself back to it over and over again. The only thing I found remotely interesting is when Riley accused Noah of invading her dreams, and that was short-lived.
I’m trying to pinpoint the reason I don’t like this book. There is lots of history, sometimes too much that it becomes confusing and bogs the story down. But I really think the lack of emotion is what bothers me the most. Riley supposedly loves Eli, and he her, but I just don’t ‘feel’ it! Especially when Eli disappears and it takes no time before she’s kissing another man (not saying who!) and she doesn’t really seem to have any remorse.
Which brings me to one of the big issues for me with this series. Riley’s field of romantic prospects is just too wide, and it gets larger with each book. There is Eli, Victorian, Noah, and even Julian (Vic’s dad). And, now of course there is another prospect. I’m okay with the possibility of her not ending up with Eli, and her having a strong friendship or two that could evolve into more later, but it seems like every unmated male she comes into contact with wants her. I’m sorry I just don’t feel that anybody is that irresistible and is just too much to be believed.
Also, I find this series to be too repetitive. I mean how many people can really invade Riley’s mind and seduce her in her dreams? Please for the love of all that is holy find a new shtick! Please! And, also one of her dreams was just like a sex scene with Eli in Eventide, just in a different location. I thought maybe it meant it was Eli in the dream…. but no, apparently Jasper just really liked that kind of scene.
Now Riley is off to another destination to try to solve one mystery that was not solved in this novel. I would like to think the series will finally get better, but I’m quickly losing hope.
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Heidi
*Beware of possible Spoilers*
Riley and Eli have officially joined WUP (Worldwide Unexplained Phenomenon), now that Valerian is no longer a threat. Their first mission takes them to Edinburgh, Scotland to try to defeat the Black Fallen (fallen angels) that are wrecking havoc there. They train with a couple of the best swordsmen, who actually lived by the sword in their own time, as beheading is the only way to kill a Black Fallen.
But Riley’s world is turned upside down when Eli disappears one night, taken by the fallen. She won’t believe he’s dead until she can prove it though. She must fight that much harder to defeat these evil beings and discover exactly what happened to her beloved.
Meanwhile, someone else has an eye for Riley and is invading her thoughts and dreams. Could it be the key to finding out what happened to Eli? Or could it lead to her destruction?
This is another book in this series that I found to be underwhelming. I wanted to like it, and hoped the new storyline with a new evil to fight would breathe some life into the flailing series, but unfortunately that just wasn’t to be. I struggled to continue reading this book, and had to force myself back to it over and over again. The only thing I found remotely interesting is when Riley accused Noah of invading her dreams, and that was short-lived.
I’m trying to pinpoint the reason I don’t like this book. There is lots of history, sometimes too much that it becomes confusing and bogs the story down. But I really think the lack of emotion is what bothers me the most. Riley supposedly loves Eli, and he her, but I just don’t ‘feel’ it! Especially when Eli disappears and it takes no time before she’s kissing another man (not saying who!) and she doesn’t really seem to have any remorse.
Which brings me to one of the big issues for me with this series. Riley’s field of romantic prospects is just too wide, and it gets larger with each book. There is Eli, Victorian, Noah, and even Julian (Vic’s dad). And, now of course there is another prospect. I’m okay with the possibility of her not ending up with Eli, and her having a strong friendship or two that could evolve into more later, but it seems like every unmated male she comes into contact with wants her. I’m sorry I just don’t feel that anybody is that irresistible and is just too much to be believed.
Also, I find this series to be too repetitive. I mean how many people can really invade Riley’s mind and seduce her in her dreams? Please for the love of all that is holy find a new shtick! Please! And, also one of her dreams was just like a sex scene with Eli in Eventide, just in a different location. I thought maybe it meant it was Eli in the dream…. but no, apparently Jasper just really liked that kind of scene.
Now Riley is off to another destination to try to solve one mystery that was not solved in this novel. I would like to think the series will finally get better, but I’m quickly losing hope.
March 18, 2013
Black Fallen, Dark Ink Chronicles #4, by Elle Jasper
Grade: C+
“It actually took a vampire to claim my icy heart.”
Riley Poe, tattoo artist and human with special tendencies, has left her home of Savannah, Georgia with her fiance and vampire Eli Dupre to join with the Worldwide Unexplained Phenomena team. The team in in Edinburgh, Scotland hunting three Black Fallen, former angels who are so powerful they can even kill vampires. The Black Fallen are killing all Edinburgh and the team is hoping that Riley is the key to stopping them once and for all. Things aren’t what they seem in Scotland and as Riley makes new friends she also makes new enemies and she must dig down deep to stop the killings and save the ones she loves.
Black Fallen picks up right where Eventide left off with Riley and Eli joining the WUP team and heading off to Scotland for their first mission. I liked Black Fallen much better than Eventide and I feel like it’s almost a new series because most of the characters are new or were just introduced. We get no time in Savannah but it does let a new reader join without feeling like they’ve too much since we learn so much about the new characters on Riley’s team.
Eli and Riley are still very much in love and Riley is still trying to figure out how to use her new powers that she got from being bitten by the strigoi vampires. With her new powers a small touch lets Riley experience certains events in the person she’s touching life and this gift allows us to learn more about some of the new characters. Gawan and Tristan are by far my two favorite and I would pay good money to get their full stories. I really hope we get to see them in future books.
So much happens in Black Fallen that it’s very hard to write a review without spoilers. To say this book is an emotional rollercoaster is a vast understatement and I didn’t know if I loved or hated Riley half of the time. I know that the events that occur need to happen and that a lot more twists and turns can be expected in future books but I need some time before I get back on the crazy train with Riley. I am hoping to see some more emotions from Riley and have her be a little more upset over her actions. I felt that at times that yes she had a job to do but some really heavy stuff was happening and she should have cared more.
This series is difficult for me because I either love or hate what’s going on. Riley doesn’t do easy but I love that about her and I hate that about her too. I am really looking forward to what happens next and I’m hoping that Riley can get a happy ending soon.
Grade: C+
“It actually took a vampire to claim my icy heart.”
Riley Poe, tattoo artist and human with special tendencies, has left her home of Savannah, Georgia with her fiance and vampire Eli Dupre to join with the Worldwide Unexplained Phenomena team. The team in in Edinburgh, Scotland hunting three Black Fallen, former angels who are so powerful they can even kill vampires. The Black Fallen are killing all Edinburgh and the team is hoping that Riley is the key to stopping them once and for all. Things aren’t what they seem in Scotland and as Riley makes new friends she also makes new enemies and she must dig down deep to stop the killings and save the ones she loves.
Black Fallen picks up right where Eventide left off with Riley and Eli joining the WUP team and heading off to Scotland for their first mission. I liked Black Fallen much better than Eventide and I feel like it’s almost a new series because most of the characters are new or were just introduced. We get no time in Savannah but it does let a new reader join without feeling like they’ve too much since we learn so much about the new characters on Riley’s team.
Eli and Riley are still very much in love and Riley is still trying to figure out how to use her new powers that she got from being bitten by the strigoi vampires. With her new powers a small touch lets Riley experience certains events in the person she’s touching life and this gift allows us to learn more about some of the new characters. Gawan and Tristan are by far my two favorite and I would pay good money to get their full stories. I really hope we get to see them in future books.
So much happens in Black Fallen that it’s very hard to write a review without spoilers. To say this book is an emotional rollercoaster is a vast understatement and I didn’t know if I loved or hated Riley half of the time. I know that the events that occur need to happen and that a lot more twists and turns can be expected in future books but I need some time before I get back on the crazy train with Riley. I am hoping to see some more emotions from Riley and have her be a little more upset over her actions. I felt that at times that yes she had a job to do but some really heavy stuff was happening and she should have cared more.
This series is difficult for me because I either love or hate what’s going on. Riley doesn’t do easy but I love that about her and I hate that about her too. I am really looking forward to what happens next and I’m hoping that Riley can get a happy ending soon.
July 4, 2013
Riley, Eli, Noah, and Victorian Arcos are on their way to Edinburgh, Scotland as new members of the Worldwide Unexplained Phenomenon (WUP) task force. They have been recruited to help rid the Black Fallen from this plane. Black Fallen are "angels engulfed in the darkest of magic" (Jasper, E. 2012, pg. 24).
The Black Fallen are here to find an ancient tome stolen by the Celtae and hidden away. The Celtae hid the tome away so well that no one has been able to locate it. The Black Fallen are able to hide their presence here because they can walk among humans undetected by most people. Unfortunately, they require pure souls to replenish their own dark, unholy souls, which leads to a string of dead bodies showing up in the city.
It is up to the WUP to locate the tome and destroy it before it gets into the hands of the Black Fallen. Finding the tome requires locating three ancient relics and bringing them together. An archivist has been brought into the team for this purpose. There have also been ghosts-turned-human brought in to teach proper sword techniques.
The Black Fallen are immune to one of Riley's new tendencies: mind/body control but she's able to use it on everyone else, which is a great help as they scour the city for both the relics and the Fallen. Unfortunately, being unable to control the Fallen leads to a HUGE loss to the team.
Book 4 has many types of paranormal groups:
Angels
Earthbounds
Demons
Jodis
Fallen
Vampires
Werewolves
Immortal Druids
and
Riley - a human with tendencies
This is the first installment of this series that I didn't get completely irritated at Riley. Normally, she keeps so many secrets from Eli and everyone else that she gets herself into more trouble than is necessary. She wasn't like that in this one. She has become more open and a bit more trusting that others will be there to help her. We see more emotions from her than in previous books.
Riley also has another new ability that allows her to see a person's past with just a touch. There are several instances in the book that we get to glimpse the how's and why's of the members' pasts. These sections, while interesting, are long and wordy. I found myself skimming through them.
There is another cliffhanger ending and I can't wait for the next book, Darklove, that will be released in December 2013.
Paperback Review Copy Courtesy Of: My Local Library
The Black Fallen are here to find an ancient tome stolen by the Celtae and hidden away. The Celtae hid the tome away so well that no one has been able to locate it. The Black Fallen are able to hide their presence here because they can walk among humans undetected by most people. Unfortunately, they require pure souls to replenish their own dark, unholy souls, which leads to a string of dead bodies showing up in the city.
It is up to the WUP to locate the tome and destroy it before it gets into the hands of the Black Fallen. Finding the tome requires locating three ancient relics and bringing them together. An archivist has been brought into the team for this purpose. There have also been ghosts-turned-human brought in to teach proper sword techniques.
The Black Fallen are immune to one of Riley's new tendencies: mind/body control but she's able to use it on everyone else, which is a great help as they scour the city for both the relics and the Fallen. Unfortunately, being unable to control the Fallen leads to a HUGE loss to the team.
Book 4 has many types of paranormal groups:
Angels
Earthbounds
Demons
Jodis
Fallen
Vampires
Werewolves
Immortal Druids
and
Riley - a human with tendencies
This is the first installment of this series that I didn't get completely irritated at Riley. Normally, she keeps so many secrets from Eli and everyone else that she gets herself into more trouble than is necessary. She wasn't like that in this one. She has become more open and a bit more trusting that others will be there to help her. We see more emotions from her than in previous books.
Riley also has another new ability that allows her to see a person's past with just a touch. There are several instances in the book that we get to glimpse the how's and why's of the members' pasts. These sections, while interesting, are long and wordy. I found myself skimming through them.
There is another cliffhanger ending and I can't wait for the next book, Darklove, that will be released in December 2013.
Paperback Review Copy Courtesy Of: My Local Library
March 8, 2013
I would actually give this book 3.5 stars, but since that isn't an option and I really, really enjoyed the other books in this series, I went with a 4.
First, I really appreciated how Elle Jasper was able to move the characters and the storyline out of Savannah and into Edinburgh pretty seamlessly. I like how we discover that the big, bad vampires that Riley has been battling really aren't all that big and bad compared to the more ancient evil of the fallen angels (a.k.a. "Black Fallen").
I also really liked the majority of the new characters that were introduced in the last book and were more thoroughly explored in this book. Jasper is really good at giving each character its own distinct voice.
Now, onto the one thing that I really, really did not like at all that was the fact that Jasper appears to have lifted entire scenes from other books that she has written and pasted them into this book in the form of Riley being able to use her new power to experience certain parts of peoples' pasts.
Jasper also writes adult historical romances under the name Cindy Miles and, although I haven't read them, I can tell from the descriptions of these books that she has taken scenes from a couple of them and put them directly into this book. In "Black Fallen," she introduces a character named Tristan de Barre, whom is also a character in her book "Spirited Away", and another character named Gawan of Conwyk, whom is a character from her book "Into Thin Air". In "Black Fallen", Riley touches each of them and experiences snippets of their past which are written in italics and seem to be directly copied and pasted from the books that these characters first showed up in.
This annoyed me SO much! Not only was it stupidly lazy, but those two characters really weren't even necessary to the plot of this book. I felt as though Jasper knew that her book had to be a certain length, so she just added those characters in because they were characters that she already knew well and which she could then just copy and paste their back stories into this book. All this did was create unnecessary confusion and piss me off, because I was really, really loving this series prior to this!
Now, of course I'll read the next book when it comes out because I need to know what happened to Eli and Victorian. But I really hope that Jasper stops using the copy and paste controls in this next book and actually just writes the damn book!
First, I really appreciated how Elle Jasper was able to move the characters and the storyline out of Savannah and into Edinburgh pretty seamlessly. I like how we discover that the big, bad vampires that Riley has been battling really aren't all that big and bad compared to the more ancient evil of the fallen angels (a.k.a. "Black Fallen").
I also really liked the majority of the new characters that were introduced in the last book and were more thoroughly explored in this book. Jasper is really good at giving each character its own distinct voice.
Now, onto the one thing that I really, really did not like at all that was the fact that Jasper appears to have lifted entire scenes from other books that she has written and pasted them into this book in the form of Riley being able to use her new power to experience certain parts of peoples' pasts.
Jasper also writes adult historical romances under the name Cindy Miles and, although I haven't read them, I can tell from the descriptions of these books that she has taken scenes from a couple of them and put them directly into this book. In "Black Fallen," she introduces a character named Tristan de Barre, whom is also a character in her book "Spirited Away", and another character named Gawan of Conwyk, whom is a character from her book "Into Thin Air". In "Black Fallen", Riley touches each of them and experiences snippets of their past which are written in italics and seem to be directly copied and pasted from the books that these characters first showed up in.
This annoyed me SO much! Not only was it stupidly lazy, but those two characters really weren't even necessary to the plot of this book. I felt as though Jasper knew that her book had to be a certain length, so she just added those characters in because they were characters that she already knew well and which she could then just copy and paste their back stories into this book. All this did was create unnecessary confusion and piss me off, because I was really, really loving this series prior to this!
Now, of course I'll read the next book when it comes out because I need to know what happened to Eli and Victorian. But I really hope that Jasper stops using the copy and paste controls in this next book and actually just writes the damn book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 31, 2014
Ok. This book is very gloom and doom. It sort of reminds me of KM Moning's book... It feels very end of the world- a book is needed to save it - only your special powers can help - all men are hot and at some degree they have the hots for you.... Get me? :)
Ok let's talk first about her ability to "feel" people. Are there other books in this series I should know about? The war lord dudes' stories are pretty detailed... I mean should I read a different book? Am I reading spoilers? Anyway, I was to lazy to actually check here in GoodReads. But they pull you away or at least distract you from the actual story line.
Second, thank you for being very descriptive. At some point I was speed reading to get to the point and at other times I really appreciate it since it's been awhile since I read the last book. I was depended on the book description. I don't get why they bothered to mention Seth and Eli's brother. They're not even in this book.
Third, we will put a spoiler link...
Will I read the next one? Yup! I think that will be the last book. Since I haven't seen an update on the series for a year or two.
Ok let's talk first about her ability to "feel" people. Are there other books in this series I should know about? The war lord dudes' stories are pretty detailed... I mean should I read a different book? Am I reading spoilers? Anyway, I was to lazy to actually check here in GoodReads. But they pull you away or at least distract you from the actual story line.
Second, thank you for being very descriptive. At some point I was speed reading to get to the point and at other times I really appreciate it since it's been awhile since I read the last book. I was depended on the book description. I don't get why they bothered to mention Seth and Eli's brother. They're not even in this book.
Third, we will put a spoiler link...
Will I read the next one? Yup! I think that will be the last book. Since I haven't seen an update on the series for a year or two.
June 19, 2013
At the end of Eventide I was quite intrigued that this book was going to take Riley and her crew to a new place and meet some new people in Edinburgh to battle a whole new set of baddies.
The learning curve of what Edinburgh is all about seemed to last a little long than I would have liked and I felt that the whole book was about Edinburgh and the new characters' backstories through Riley's touch and getting a flashback of their lives and very little was discussed about the Black Fallen.
From what I understand, they are damned angels that entangled themselves in dark magic. They're crazed, powerful and virtually undetectable beings who can throw their disguise to look and act like normal human beings and only other fallen can recognize them. I would also have liked to see more battles between the Black Fallen, but I suppose I'll just have to wait for the next book to see if they re-emerge.
The fact that Riley and the others were staying in this mansion that used to be an orphange / sanitarium added more to the creep factor, which I loved especially Little Lily. *shivers*
The last few chapters of the book were fast-paced and action packed and there were couple of twists and surprises in there that almost made me cry and throw my book across the room, but I think Elle might have set that up for the next book *crosses fingers* which comes out in December of this year. Another great addition to the Dark Ink Chronicles.
The learning curve of what Edinburgh is all about seemed to last a little long than I would have liked and I felt that the whole book was about Edinburgh and the new characters' backstories through Riley's touch and getting a flashback of their lives and very little was discussed about the Black Fallen.
From what I understand, they are damned angels that entangled themselves in dark magic. They're crazed, powerful and virtually undetectable beings who can throw their disguise to look and act like normal human beings and only other fallen can recognize them. I would also have liked to see more battles between the Black Fallen, but I suppose I'll just have to wait for the next book to see if they re-emerge.
The fact that Riley and the others were staying in this mansion that used to be an orphange / sanitarium added more to the creep factor, which I loved especially Little Lily. *shivers*
The last few chapters of the book were fast-paced and action packed and there were couple of twists and surprises in there that almost made me cry and throw my book across the room, but I think Elle might have set that up for the next book *crosses fingers* which comes out in December of this year. Another great addition to the Dark Ink Chronicles.
January 15, 2016
I haven't read books back to back like I have this series since before my son was born. But, this series brought back that hunger for books that I have missed so much. I haven't been able to stop reading it. I read on my lunch break, I read during dinner, I read after my son is asleep and I don't stop until I cannot keep my eyes open.
This book was just as incredible as the others in the series. This one brought forth new characters that I love just as much as the others. It's Riley's first mission as a part of WUP and she is there with Noah, Eli, Jake, and Victorian as well as other members who are more seasoned. I love that Victorian is included in this. I always kind of liked him and it's pretty awesome to see him presented as part of the team and behaving himself for the most part.
Of course, this book is also quite heartbreaking but I have hope that everything will work itself out. It surprises me that even with one the main characters down for the count in this book, the interactions with other characters and the action made it just as intense and fantastic to read. That is not something I say lightly because typically when something like this happens, I drop the book because I cannot stand to read anymore. Not so with this series. I am excited to find out what happens next. I am truly loving this author!
This book was just as incredible as the others in the series. This one brought forth new characters that I love just as much as the others. It's Riley's first mission as a part of WUP and she is there with Noah, Eli, Jake, and Victorian as well as other members who are more seasoned. I love that Victorian is included in this. I always kind of liked him and it's pretty awesome to see him presented as part of the team and behaving himself for the most part.
Of course, this book is also quite heartbreaking but I have hope that everything will work itself out. It surprises me that even with one the main characters down for the count in this book, the interactions with other characters and the action made it just as intense and fantastic to read. That is not something I say lightly because typically when something like this happens, I drop the book because I cannot stand to read anymore. Not so with this series. I am excited to find out what happens next. I am truly loving this author!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 19, 2013
I loved this series when it first started, but the last two novels have been transition books and I didn't love them in the same way. Riley Poe is a kick-butt tattoo artist from Savannah, Georgia. She has had not the easiest life while raising her brother and running half a business. In the beginning novels of this series we see Riley get bit by not one but two strong vampires (strigoi).
She is not all together human anymore and she, her lover (Eli Dupre), her brother, and various other people are contracted to a special group to help hunt down rogue vampires. I usually love the highlands in all the books I read, but it fell a little flat in this one.
I think once Riley makes it back to Savannah the story will get a lot better. I mean that's why I fell so hard for this series in the first place; the rich world Jasper had created in a wonderfully enriched Southern city with Riley as the go-to girl. Plus I don't think Riley has grown nearly enough since the first novel. I mean she is still hiding things from Eli- did she learn nothing from the previous novels? Hello?!?!?!
2.5 Stars
She is not all together human anymore and she, her lover (Eli Dupre), her brother, and various other people are contracted to a special group to help hunt down rogue vampires. I usually love the highlands in all the books I read, but it fell a little flat in this one.
I think once Riley makes it back to Savannah the story will get a lot better. I mean that's why I fell so hard for this series in the first place; the rich world Jasper had created in a wonderfully enriched Southern city with Riley as the go-to girl. Plus I don't think Riley has grown nearly enough since the first novel. I mean she is still hiding things from Eli- did she learn nothing from the previous novels? Hello?!?!?!
2.5 Stars
September 22, 2013
Riley Poe is alittle something more than human with four strains of Strigori Vampire running thru her veins. She's also the newest member of WUP(Worldwide Unexplained Phenomenon) heading for Edinburgh Scotland to battle The Black Fallen. The Black Fallen are angels of unspeakable evil descended from The Fallen. Riley has incredible dreams that appear to come true along with other special abilities. Riley is tested when Eli turns up missing while the others believe him to be dead. She also sees little girl ghost who helps her understand more of her powers. A mysterious male voice is guiding Riley in ways even she can't explain or conceive of at this point. Jake and company are searching for powerful tome that needs to be destroyed. Athios is unknown Fallen because no one knows anything about him. Can Riley do her job? Will the Black Fallen be stopped? Who is Athios really? Who does the mysterious voice belong to? Will Eli be found? Your answers await you in Black Fallen.
January 9, 2013
No, no, NO! It can't end like that!
Seriously, when this novel started I was like Oh man, I'm so sick of Eli when there is so many other hot guys around. Then when Eli was lost, I bawled like a baby. I can't get enough of this series and the characters in it. I just wished the novels would come out quicker. This one for me was different though, it was a cliffhanger. Also the whole fact that I believe one of Riley's teammates died and was possessed by the fallen who is in love with her. It's just a hunch but one I can't let go of. All together I am DYING for the next novel. This one was AMAZING!
Seriously, when this novel started I was like Oh man, I'm so sick of Eli when there is so many other hot guys around. Then when Eli was lost, I bawled like a baby. I can't get enough of this series and the characters in it. I just wished the novels would come out quicker. This one for me was different though, it was a cliffhanger. Also the whole fact that I believe one of Riley's teammates died and was possessed by the fallen who is in love with her. It's just a hunch but one I can't let go of. All together I am DYING for the next novel. This one was AMAZING!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 6, 2013
I put off reading this book because I knew I'd be dying for more and I was so right.
This is a complicated read that I really had to focus on but it was worth every hour, minute and second.
Riley is my hero, she's a kick ass, ask questions later type of girl and she's fiercely loyal to those she loves. And she'd die to protect everyone of them.
There are new and exciting characters who are easy to love and to admire.
There's action and passion and love and loss.
This story has it all.
It's riveting and heart wrenching and it broke my heart.
Please hurry up with the next installment.
You can't go wrong with this story.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!
This is a complicated read that I really had to focus on but it was worth every hour, minute and second.
Riley is my hero, she's a kick ass, ask questions later type of girl and she's fiercely loyal to those she loves. And she'd die to protect everyone of them.
There are new and exciting characters who are easy to love and to admire.
There's action and passion and love and loss.
This story has it all.
It's riveting and heart wrenching and it broke my heart.
Please hurry up with the next installment.
You can't go wrong with this story.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!
February 5, 2013
I think it is time to break up with this series. While I have read all of them so far, none have gotten above a 2 star rating from me, nothing great, but not bad either. I am not sure of the new direction this book seems to be taking. It doesn't help that in the 60 pages that I have read, I have put down the book 4 times, each time getting harder to pick back up. Normally I can read a book like this in one sitting. I find myself bored with them arriving at the school, the training and don't really care about the new people being introduced. In the end, this one just can't keep my attention.
June 21, 2014
I'm only giving this book 4 stars because although I love this Series and all the characters, the one and only aspect of this book that I didn't so much care for was all the friggin flashbacks. I don't wanna say too much , but every time she went into one I kinda scanned through the entire "visit". Don't get me wrong, it was cool to see the backgrounds on some of the characters, but when she is constantly going back, it made my head hurt and it made the book slightly go slower. It d let like I was never going to end this book. On the other hand, I am rooting for her to Eli and Vic back, and I can't wait to read how she does it. To the next book.
October 9, 2013
I really liked this book with a few exceptions. I thought that the fighting and action scenes could have been much better. It seemed like they were rushed and missing a lot of details. I also wish that I would have known that this was not the first book in the series before I pocked it up. At some points I was a little lost. I don't think that this book was meant to be read as a stand alone book.
Other than that, I loved the book. The characters were great and I loved the fact that it was a little different. It did slightly remind me of Kenyon's Belador series at the begining though.
Other than that, I loved the book. The characters were great and I loved the fact that it was a little different. It did slightly remind me of Kenyon's Belador series at the begining though.
February 4, 2013
I am disappointed that another paranormal romance author has found it necessary to follow the 'celestial' path. The frequent, repetitive, and seemingly gratuitous, sex scenes were another disappointment; I was not reading this book for the sex scenes, but for the story which seemed choppy and disjointed. The story flow was not helped by the introduction of a large number of new characters, and a resolution that seemed trite.
January 6, 2013
Well, it definitely kept my interest, otherwise it would probably be 3 stars. I'm disappointed in the short length. Every action scene seemed lacking. It was clear the book ended where it did to have the cliff hanger, which hurt, but is understandable. But the book could have been longer just based on everything that happened so quickly.
January 6, 2013
Beautifully written and amazing addition to the prior ones. It captivates the audience, brings them further into Riley's chaotic world and makes the reader beg for more. The twists of events keeps you on your toes page after page. How I ache for Riley, Eli, and Vic. Athios I did not expect but believe he's got a place in my heart now as well.
January 5, 2013
Ok so I just finished this and was shocked with what happened with Eli that I was like WTH just happened!! I felt the same thing as Riley and kept thinking he would some how turned up! I thought this was the last book but I am glad it is not the last one now I am going to be sad to have wait for the next book!! I know Riley will get Eli back because that has to happen!!!
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