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Desolation #2
Desolate
Every time I get to choose, I make the wrong choice.
Every. Single. Time.
Everyone thinks I’m something special. A savior. A hero.
And I tried, I really did.
But, when the demon I’m hunting flays my soul, it turns out I’m none of those things.
My friends think they know what I need, but they don’t know the real me.
The gates to the realms of rest are closed, leaving the dead with nowhere to go, and I revel in the chaos.
Why shouldn’t I?
I am the devil’s daughter, after all.
Book two in the completed Desolation trilogy.
Every. Single. Time.
Everyone thinks I’m something special. A savior. A hero.
And I tried, I really did.
But, when the demon I’m hunting flays my soul, it turns out I’m none of those things.
My friends think they know what I need, but they don’t know the real me.
The gates to the realms of rest are closed, leaving the dead with nowhere to go, and I revel in the chaos.
Why shouldn’t I?
I am the devil’s daughter, after all.
Book two in the completed Desolation trilogy.
236 pages, ebook
Published July 3, 2012
18 people are currently reading
929 people want to read
About the author
Ali Archer
18 books84 followersAli Archer is the USA Today bestselling author of young adult fantasy and science fiction, including the Desolation series and the Minnie Kim: Vampire Girl series. Ali's always loved science fiction and fantasy, as the first books she read were by such greats as Isaac Asimov, Ray Bradbury, and Lloyd Alexander. But when she discovered *Dragonriders of Pern* by Anne McCaffrey, which was such a perfect blend of fantasy and science fiction, her own imagination was set aflame. At eleven, Ali met Ms. McCaffrey in one of the single most illuminating moments of her life. When she told the eminent writer she wanted to be an author when she grew up, Ms. McCaffrey said, “Never let anything stand in the way of your dreams.” Ali’s been following that advice ever since.
Ali’s a Canadian expat living in Utah with her husband, twin sons, two adorable yorkies, and an ancient cat who rules them all.
Ali’s a Canadian expat living in Utah with her husband, twin sons, two adorable yorkies, and an ancient cat who rules them all.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
July 11, 2012
"Desolate" by Ali Cross is the much-anticipated sequel to "Become", and occurs two months after the events in the previous novel. As the title suggests, this is not a happy-go-lucky book. It is an intense, dark fantasy in which good people are forced to make dreadful choices, then live through the consequences as they continue to fight against evil. The characters are brought face-to-face with nightmares and not everyone comes out unscathed. Throughout the story, however, there are glimmers of hope that perhaps all is not lost; that the battles are worth the cost to those willing to fight them.
The war between good and evil is coming to a head and Desolation, or Desi as she is also called, must make a difficult decision: she is the key to victory for whichever side she chooses... and neither will give her up without a fight. This book starts slowly, emphasizing the underlying tones of desperate loneliness and despair Desi feels at having to condemn her lover to save her friend, but the action quickly picks up until the audience is swept away in a race to the finish.
I loved seeing the characters develop in this book. Ali Cross has a good handle on Desi, Michael, Miri, James and the rest of her cast and really brings them to life as they each confront their own demons (both literal and figurative) and find themselves in new and daunting circumstances. She also does a really wonderful job exploring the complex and diverse relationships Desi has with each character. I especially enjoyed watching Desi interact with Miri, as Desi clearly still has no idea what to do with the completely foreign -to her- concept of friendship.
The greatest thing about this series is that there are no perfect people in it. Even the "angels" are not completely unblemished -yet we love them anyway- and Ms. Cross continues to explore the idea that evil, or even goodness, is a choice and not an inherent state of being. I liked seeing Desi and Michael work to come to terms with the consequences of his time in Hell. There are even a few chapters written from directly from Michael's point of view, which I found fascinating.
This really was a fantastic book. The scenery was vivid, the characters were complex and it felt like Ali Cross took all the best bits of "Become" and made them even better. I can't wait to see what happens next!
The war between good and evil is coming to a head and Desolation, or Desi as she is also called, must make a difficult decision: she is the key to victory for whichever side she chooses... and neither will give her up without a fight. This book starts slowly, emphasizing the underlying tones of desperate loneliness and despair Desi feels at having to condemn her lover to save her friend, but the action quickly picks up until the audience is swept away in a race to the finish.
I loved seeing the characters develop in this book. Ali Cross has a good handle on Desi, Michael, Miri, James and the rest of her cast and really brings them to life as they each confront their own demons (both literal and figurative) and find themselves in new and daunting circumstances. She also does a really wonderful job exploring the complex and diverse relationships Desi has with each character. I especially enjoyed watching Desi interact with Miri, as Desi clearly still has no idea what to do with the completely foreign -to her- concept of friendship.
The greatest thing about this series is that there are no perfect people in it. Even the "angels" are not completely unblemished -yet we love them anyway- and Ms. Cross continues to explore the idea that evil, or even goodness, is a choice and not an inherent state of being. I liked seeing Desi and Michael work to come to terms with the consequences of his time in Hell. There are even a few chapters written from directly from Michael's point of view, which I found fascinating.
This really was a fantastic book. The scenery was vivid, the characters were complex and it felt like Ali Cross took all the best bits of "Become" and made them even better. I can't wait to see what happens next!
December 3, 2012
What a crazy story! And the chilff-hanger!! UGH!!
I cannot imagine the battle that will happen next, all the angels and demons fighting. Maybe even Loki and Obin will have an epic battle!
Desi and Michael's love is so amazing. It isn't mushy, it just transcends everything. That is what true soul-mates are.
I cannot imagine the battle that will happen next, all the angels and demons fighting. Maybe even Loki and Obin will have an epic battle!
Desi and Michael's love is so amazing. It isn't mushy, it just transcends everything. That is what true soul-mates are.
January 25, 2021
(Source: I received a digital copy of this book for free on a read-to-review basis. Thanks to Ali Cross!)
This is book 2 in the Desolation series, and picks up 2 months after the end of book 1 ‘Become’. **Warning – some unavoidable spoilers for book 1**
Desi is holding it together as best she can, knowing that her beloved – Michael is stuck in hell with her father Loki, and there’s little that she can do to help him.
Her friend Miri is having terrible nightmares about a demon on a grey horse, that she fears Desi will have to face, and Desi worries that she will not be capable of battling this foe when it comes to it.
So much is at stake for Desi though, her life, her love, and her friends. Can she save Michael? And ultimately can she save herself?
I really enjoyed this book, it was gripping and action packed! I got into this one right from the start, and read about half of it in one sitting!
I love Desi, and loved how she still cared for Michael and did her best for him, and how she fought the evil inside her, even though it was part of her. Once again, there wasn’t a lot of romance in this book, but Desi and Michael’s feelings for each other are so apparent and untainted it is really lovely.
I loved the world building, and Desolations flights with her wings – so cool. I did get a little confused by the complex storyline again, there really is a lot going on in this book, but again, the further you read, the more everything comes together. This really is a story that sucks you in for a real thrill ride!
I have to say that I really liked the grand finale and ending in this book! So dark and different, and I love how roles are reversed again compared to the ending of the first book. Such a twist that I didn’t see coming either!
Overall; great sequel! Looking forward to the next instalment!
8 out of 10.
This is book 2 in the Desolation series, and picks up 2 months after the end of book 1 ‘Become’. **Warning – some unavoidable spoilers for book 1**
Desi is holding it together as best she can, knowing that her beloved – Michael is stuck in hell with her father Loki, and there’s little that she can do to help him.
Her friend Miri is having terrible nightmares about a demon on a grey horse, that she fears Desi will have to face, and Desi worries that she will not be capable of battling this foe when it comes to it.
So much is at stake for Desi though, her life, her love, and her friends. Can she save Michael? And ultimately can she save herself?
I really enjoyed this book, it was gripping and action packed! I got into this one right from the start, and read about half of it in one sitting!
I love Desi, and loved how she still cared for Michael and did her best for him, and how she fought the evil inside her, even though it was part of her. Once again, there wasn’t a lot of romance in this book, but Desi and Michael’s feelings for each other are so apparent and untainted it is really lovely.
I loved the world building, and Desolations flights with her wings – so cool. I did get a little confused by the complex storyline again, there really is a lot going on in this book, but again, the further you read, the more everything comes together. This really is a story that sucks you in for a real thrill ride!
I have to say that I really liked the grand finale and ending in this book! So dark and different, and I love how roles are reversed again compared to the ending of the first book. Such a twist that I didn’t see coming either!
Overall; great sequel! Looking forward to the next instalment!
8 out of 10.
December 30, 2012
I am really enjoying this series. I thought the first book, Become, was a clever, fresh addition to the YA Dark Fantasy genre and this second book, Desolate, was even better. And GOSH, I love the covers! What makes me like these books by Ali Cross so much? Here's the short list:
1. Did I mention the covers?
2. Desi Black is the devil's daughter--literally--but she's not just that. And the more than that is what keeps her pulled in opposite directions and struggling with her power.
3. The demon wanna-be high school students.
4. The passing back and forth of the evil football between the two main characters, Desi and Michael.
5. So that the Good Guy gets to be Bad.
6. The Nordic mythology works really well in this second installment.
7. I love the scene where an oblivious Desi is brought back to the present by a child witnessing her Become. It's small scenes like that that make a huge story like the Desolation series feel real.
And make no mistake, this is a HUGE, EPIC story. It's also an intensely fun one. Cross reaches far and wide pulling in references, symbolism, and tropes. There were a few points I feared the story might careen off the edge of its dizzying heights (think zombies and patent red heels), but no. Each of those times the narrative found its edge and maintained its balance.
Looking forward--sort of--to the final installment, Desire. The sort of: Don't you hate it when a good story ends?
My single writer's quibble: a little heavy handed on the use of "my love." Bah! Writers.
1. Did I mention the covers?
2. Desi Black is the devil's daughter--literally--but she's not just that. And the more than that is what keeps her pulled in opposite directions and struggling with her power.
3. The demon wanna-be high school students.
4. The passing back and forth of the evil football between the two main characters, Desi and Michael.
5. So that the Good Guy gets to be Bad.
6. The Nordic mythology works really well in this second installment.
7. I love the scene where an oblivious Desi is brought back to the present by a child witnessing her Become. It's small scenes like that that make a huge story like the Desolation series feel real.
And make no mistake, this is a HUGE, EPIC story. It's also an intensely fun one. Cross reaches far and wide pulling in references, symbolism, and tropes. There were a few points I feared the story might careen off the edge of its dizzying heights (think zombies and patent red heels), but no. Each of those times the narrative found its edge and maintained its balance.
Looking forward--sort of--to the final installment, Desire. The sort of: Don't you hate it when a good story ends?
My single writer's quibble: a little heavy handed on the use of "my love." Bah! Writers.
November 2, 2012
Ali Cross has done it again! I didn’t think I could enjoy Desolate as much as I enjoyed Become but wow!
Desolate starts us off a few months after Become. Desi is deeply regretting her choices and is slowly destroying herself with the guilt of choosing to save Miri over Michael. She is coming apart at the seams and she only wants to undo the harm she caused her true love Michael.
When Miri starts having dark and prophetic dreams about the end of days, Desi is convinced Hell is just getting started and she is right.
In Desolate, we learn that there are so many sides to good and evil; it isn’t all black and white, there is a gray area. And it’s in that gray area that we find ourselves doubt the choices we make and who is affected by them.
With both sides battling for the upper hand, the stakes are even greater than before. Desi finds herself with desperate choices to make. Will she let go of her light and embrace the darkness within herself or will her love help her overcome the darkness?
Ms. Cross spins a hell of a story and I can’t wait to continue Desi’s journey. If you haven’t read this series yet, you are sorely missing out!
Desolate starts us off a few months after Become. Desi is deeply regretting her choices and is slowly destroying herself with the guilt of choosing to save Miri over Michael. She is coming apart at the seams and she only wants to undo the harm she caused her true love Michael.
When Miri starts having dark and prophetic dreams about the end of days, Desi is convinced Hell is just getting started and she is right.
In Desolate, we learn that there are so many sides to good and evil; it isn’t all black and white, there is a gray area. And it’s in that gray area that we find ourselves doubt the choices we make and who is affected by them.
With both sides battling for the upper hand, the stakes are even greater than before. Desi finds herself with desperate choices to make. Will she let go of her light and embrace the darkness within herself or will her love help her overcome the darkness?
Ms. Cross spins a hell of a story and I can’t wait to continue Desi’s journey. If you haven’t read this series yet, you are sorely missing out!
July 30, 2012
Ali Cross’s DESOLATE emotes darkness like a demon from Hell.
Two months ago, sixteen-year-old Desolation “Desi” Black lost Michael, her eternal love, to the depths of Hell. Now, she must not only find a way to save him but also Heimdall, the keeper of the Rainbow Bridge and the gates between the worlds. Yet an injury threatens to destroy her heavenly spark, and she’ll soon learn her choice on who she is to Become is not so black and white.
DESOLATE drops the reader two months after BECOME. The characters seem at a standstill, since they aren’t certain how they should proceed forward in saving Michael. For every step forward Desi made in BECOME, she takes two steps back as the call of her dark side and a poisonous injury threatens her light side. Cross excels at the emotional toll the characters are going through. The plot is fast-paced, although personally, I thought the last third could’ve been drawn out a bit more. The characterizations and voice are excellent.
DESOLATE by Ali Cross is the darkest of night before the dawn. I hope.
Two months ago, sixteen-year-old Desolation “Desi” Black lost Michael, her eternal love, to the depths of Hell. Now, she must not only find a way to save him but also Heimdall, the keeper of the Rainbow Bridge and the gates between the worlds. Yet an injury threatens to destroy her heavenly spark, and she’ll soon learn her choice on who she is to Become is not so black and white.
DESOLATE drops the reader two months after BECOME. The characters seem at a standstill, since they aren’t certain how they should proceed forward in saving Michael. For every step forward Desi made in BECOME, she takes two steps back as the call of her dark side and a poisonous injury threatens her light side. Cross excels at the emotional toll the characters are going through. The plot is fast-paced, although personally, I thought the last third could’ve been drawn out a bit more. The characterizations and voice are excellent.
DESOLATE by Ali Cross is the darkest of night before the dawn. I hope.
August 19, 2012
Ali Cross has a wonderful vision with her books that she shares with wonderful prose and stunning imagery. She takes us back to Desi's world where she battles with the two parts of herself, her halo and her shadow. Her journey takes her to deeper depths and greater inner turmoil as she battles with demons both inside and out. Insight into Michael's part of the journey adds to the story and we get to see more of the devotion and pain they go through in order to protect the world and each other. I highly recommend this series. Ali is a very professional author, her insight into the world of Desi and Michael comes alive on the pages, and Desi's story is definitely one worth reading.
October 24, 2012
Ali Cross out did herself with this sequel that is better than the first!!! In this story, Ali goes darker and deeper, offering a story that is beautifully written and artfully crafted. If you liked BECOME, you will be blown away with this next installment.
A very enthusiastic 5 stars. Brava!Absolutely one of my favorite reads
A very enthusiastic 5 stars. Brava!Absolutely one of my favorite reads
February 18, 2016
I liked this book a lot more than the first book!
August 27, 2017
My review is based on the Audiobook. In Desolate we find Desi once again with the internal struggle of good vs evil, dark vs light. Above all she is trying to do what is best for everyone. I do get a little tired of her woe is me, I'm not good enough, low self esteem whining. It gets old after awhile. This book got pretty dark, in a good way. Overall It is a good series for all paranormal fans and Kelli Shane as narrator does a great job bringing the characters and story to life. I look forward to more in this series and from this Author & Narrator.
October 6, 2018
Desi chose to stay on Earth rather than Hell but she's not sure if she made the right choice. She also still needs to fight the darkness inside her. Great 2nd book. Went right on to book 3.
January 15, 2019
Even better than the first . Its grabs and tells you dont put it down.
May 18, 2021
(Sigh) I really think I’m getting to be too old for this much angst.
Also, I really hate cliffhangers.
Also, I really hate cliffhangers.
July 29, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
June 23, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The stakes rise as inner conflict deepens, and the darkness in this sequel is visceral. The protagonist’s spiral feels raw and earned, with strong emotional beats as she questions her role and destiny. The writing grows sharper here, diving deeper into chaos, power, and identity. A strong middle entry that pushes the story forward with intensity.
The stakes rise as inner conflict deepens, and the darkness in this sequel is visceral. The protagonist’s spiral feels raw and earned, with strong emotional beats as she questions her role and destiny. The writing grows sharper here, diving deeper into chaos, power, and identity. A strong middle entry that pushes the story forward with intensity.
September 4, 2012
Hear that? The silence, the complete void of anything. That is me in shock and still trying to scramble to recover from this one. I mean I loved it but there is so much to digest, process and hope for. Ali brings her same riveting writing style to the table but throws a much darker and harder spin on this book. This is a place where the evil draws strength and the light struggles to go. *sigh* Nightmares and darkness that makes even the best of people in this one see the shadows and question their own purity.
"Would my grief over my many sins never cease? No. I didn't deserve them to release me. I deserve this pain."- Desi
Desi is fighting a large amount of guilt and resentment in this novel. With due reason of course, you can't go through all she had gone through in BECOME and not feel anything. Unfortunately she seems to no longer be sure of her decision and that drags on her. Her love for Michael is still as strong as ever but the fear of loosing it or it fading is pushing her to the limit. Knowing that all that made you feel good, made you feel like you were worth more could possibly be slipping out from between your fingers... It's a trial of its own and Desolation is harbouring this feeling on her own. Her inner battle of dark and light is wavering and my heart went out to her and all she was dealing with. Even though there is people now surrounding her that care it's like a world removed from where Desi is at the moment.
"He had no idea how his nickname for me cut, how it reminded me- every.
single. time.- of the duties Father demanded of me and the choices I'd made. Including the wrong choice."- Desi
A tremendous amount of growth happens in this novel. Not just for Desi but the other characters I truely love as well. James did like a 360 from what he was before. From the dark and alluring guy he was in book one to something completely different. His love for Desi is clear but not in the sense of anything more than a friend and sister. He cares for her but ultimately his heart and loyalty lays with Miri. My affection and attraction for James is just as strong as it was in BECOME but I think it kind of developed with him. Miri is a beautiful soul. I love that she has become such a developed and anchoring part in Desi's life most of the time. Her friendship and affection for Desi means so much and it becomes very apparent that she is extremely perceptive when it comes to Desi and it's very important.
"You are loved, Des. Whether you like like it or not."- James
Ali really does make the lines between dark and light blur a little in this one. There are bridges removed and bridges built that really bring a lot of light to how we all have battles to fight. The fact that no one person is perfect but we all have to fight the darkness within to be a part of the light. What happens though if the light just doesn't seem worth it? What if a free fall into darkness would feel like a relief, a release? The way that both Michael and Desi deal with the inner battle between light and dark is powerful and emotional every page of the way. However I feel that they balance each other better this way and maybe Desi will be able to settle into a sense of being worthy instead of feeling undeserving of the love everyone has for her.
"There was only us. Only this. And nothing else. No one else. Notthe past, the future, none of it."- Michael
Ali does not skip a beat on the awesome meter with Desolate. The world, the characters, the growth and the emotions that run high in this one will have you glued to the pages from the start. My heart was pulled in the end and I am left in wanting for the next novel in this series. Ali has obviously put so much into this one and it shows. The hope that everyone has is put to the test but some loyalties are just stronger than others and in the end I hope that this is not the start of the end. With dark turns, brief glimpses and shimmers of light this was definitely the start of something but what I don`t know. This was a wonderfully written addition to the Desolation series and I can`t wait for more!!
"Would my grief over my many sins never cease? No. I didn't deserve them to release me. I deserve this pain."- Desi
Desi is fighting a large amount of guilt and resentment in this novel. With due reason of course, you can't go through all she had gone through in BECOME and not feel anything. Unfortunately she seems to no longer be sure of her decision and that drags on her. Her love for Michael is still as strong as ever but the fear of loosing it or it fading is pushing her to the limit. Knowing that all that made you feel good, made you feel like you were worth more could possibly be slipping out from between your fingers... It's a trial of its own and Desolation is harbouring this feeling on her own. Her inner battle of dark and light is wavering and my heart went out to her and all she was dealing with. Even though there is people now surrounding her that care it's like a world removed from where Desi is at the moment.
"He had no idea how his nickname for me cut, how it reminded me- every.
single. time.- of the duties Father demanded of me and the choices I'd made. Including the wrong choice."- Desi
A tremendous amount of growth happens in this novel. Not just for Desi but the other characters I truely love as well. James did like a 360 from what he was before. From the dark and alluring guy he was in book one to something completely different. His love for Desi is clear but not in the sense of anything more than a friend and sister. He cares for her but ultimately his heart and loyalty lays with Miri. My affection and attraction for James is just as strong as it was in BECOME but I think it kind of developed with him. Miri is a beautiful soul. I love that she has become such a developed and anchoring part in Desi's life most of the time. Her friendship and affection for Desi means so much and it becomes very apparent that she is extremely perceptive when it comes to Desi and it's very important.
"You are loved, Des. Whether you like like it or not."- James
Ali really does make the lines between dark and light blur a little in this one. There are bridges removed and bridges built that really bring a lot of light to how we all have battles to fight. The fact that no one person is perfect but we all have to fight the darkness within to be a part of the light. What happens though if the light just doesn't seem worth it? What if a free fall into darkness would feel like a relief, a release? The way that both Michael and Desi deal with the inner battle between light and dark is powerful and emotional every page of the way. However I feel that they balance each other better this way and maybe Desi will be able to settle into a sense of being worthy instead of feeling undeserving of the love everyone has for her.
"There was only us. Only this. And nothing else. No one else. Notthe past, the future, none of it."- Michael
Ali does not skip a beat on the awesome meter with Desolate. The world, the characters, the growth and the emotions that run high in this one will have you glued to the pages from the start. My heart was pulled in the end and I am left in wanting for the next novel in this series. Ali has obviously put so much into this one and it shows. The hope that everyone has is put to the test but some loyalties are just stronger than others and in the end I hope that this is not the start of the end. With dark turns, brief glimpses and shimmers of light this was definitely the start of something but what I don`t know. This was a wonderfully written addition to the Desolation series and I can`t wait for more!!
June 3, 2013
"WHERE DARKNESS LIVES, ALL BECOMES DESOLATE..."
Desi’s path is a difficult one. Two months ago, she was forced to decide the fate of the lives of two people she loved – Miri (her best friend) or Michael (her forever love). The Hallowed tell her she made the right choice. Still the guilt of her decision to save Miri and damn Michael into the bowels of Hell to be tormented for all eternity by her father, Lucifer, weighs on her. She finds a feeble distraction in training, school, and the members of the Hallowed. But the demands of her fate stir once more and she battles a Horseman who brings destruction, discovers a newly created door to Hell, releases a goddess from chains, and struggles to keep the tenuous, warm glow of Asgard from being eradicated by her Shadow self. Desi thought she had made her choice, but can she overcome Loki's influence that has taken root and slowly spreads throughout her soul?
Similar to Become, Desi's continuing guilt and I-don't-deserve-Michael was overused - kind of like (please excuse the cliche here) kicking a dead horse. There were a couple of typos, which normally wouldn't distract me from the flow of the story, but I did find myself getting snagged enough that it's worth mentioning. While the POV changes from Desi, the new view is also riddled with the woe-is-me and what-have-I-done sentiments. After the 10th time I felt like screaming "I get it already! Move on!"
On the plus side, the overall plot was interesting. Readers who were teased in Become by the mention of Helena, the goddess who originally ruled Hell, finally get a chance to meet the quirky vixen. James went from a “meh” character to one I really enjoyed and loved reading. Knowles also displays a surprising side. The characters’ hope and determination continue to embolden their spirits and steel their resolve to battle against Lucifer’s newly appointed Second and the death and destruction she commands. The cliffhanger at the end effectively sparked my curiosity and left me wondering what the characters were going to face in the 3rd book, Destined. Honestly, I would love to see Miri evolve from the timid, fragile girl she was in the first two books into a woman who finds her backbone, gains some confidence and becomes a force to be reckoned with! I gotta read on to find out!
Overall rating: 3 out of 5 stars.
Appropriate for ages 14 & up.
Desi’s path is a difficult one. Two months ago, she was forced to decide the fate of the lives of two people she loved – Miri (her best friend) or Michael (her forever love). The Hallowed tell her she made the right choice. Still the guilt of her decision to save Miri and damn Michael into the bowels of Hell to be tormented for all eternity by her father, Lucifer, weighs on her. She finds a feeble distraction in training, school, and the members of the Hallowed. But the demands of her fate stir once more and she battles a Horseman who brings destruction, discovers a newly created door to Hell, releases a goddess from chains, and struggles to keep the tenuous, warm glow of Asgard from being eradicated by her Shadow self. Desi thought she had made her choice, but can she overcome Loki's influence that has taken root and slowly spreads throughout her soul?
Similar to Become, Desi's continuing guilt and I-don't-deserve-Michael was overused - kind of like (please excuse the cliche here) kicking a dead horse. There were a couple of typos, which normally wouldn't distract me from the flow of the story, but I did find myself getting snagged enough that it's worth mentioning. While the POV changes from Desi, the new view is also riddled with the woe-is-me and what-have-I-done sentiments. After the 10th time I felt like screaming "I get it already! Move on!"
On the plus side, the overall plot was interesting. Readers who were teased in Become by the mention of Helena, the goddess who originally ruled Hell, finally get a chance to meet the quirky vixen. James went from a “meh” character to one I really enjoyed and loved reading. Knowles also displays a surprising side. The characters’ hope and determination continue to embolden their spirits and steel their resolve to battle against Lucifer’s newly appointed Second and the death and destruction she commands. The cliffhanger at the end effectively sparked my curiosity and left me wondering what the characters were going to face in the 3rd book, Destined. Honestly, I would love to see Miri evolve from the timid, fragile girl she was in the first two books into a woman who finds her backbone, gains some confidence and becomes a force to be reckoned with! I gotta read on to find out!
Overall rating: 3 out of 5 stars.
Appropriate for ages 14 & up.
January 30, 2013
Now this is what I’m talking about! Where Become, the first book in the Desolation series, focuses on developing the goodness in Desi, Desolate is all about the evil. Also, Become had to spend a large amount of the story building a religious-heavy framework, since that was already in place Desolate got to focus on action and lots of it.
The pacing and flow of Desolate was perfect, I couldn’t stop reading even if I wanted to. In Desolate there is a great mix of action scenes and internal conflict of the main character Desi. Where Desi felt like a secondary character in Become, something that bothered me a bit at the time, in Desolate the focus is all on her and the struggles she has with her darker side. The injury she suffers allows for her evil side to take control once more and slowly she loses the good part of her, and even her eons-long lover might not be able to bring her back.
Speaking of which, Michael’s thoughts are brought into the forefront at times in Desolate which helps to strengthen his character and give the reader a bit of insight into his thoughts and internal struggles. However, he really is the only secondary character that gets any major attention which is the only qualm I have with Desolate as I felt it missed out on capitalizing James’s character which was so strong in Become. Desolate also reveals a lot more about Hel, but to find out who she is and what part she plays you’ll have to read it for yourself (I’m such a tease).
The plot works well as the buildup feels natural and the character development keeps the story moving during the non-action scenes. The struggle between Loki/Lucifer and Odin/God and their respective forces intensifies and the ending? Awesome. Who doesn’t like a good climactic battle scene? I know I do!
I really couldn’t find any flaws in Desolate at all (outside of the secondary characters thing which was minor) and enjoyed the book quite a bit. Though it was kind of hard to watch Desi battle her darker side it was so well done that I couldn’t help but relish the journey. Overall a very solid read and one that I think would appeal more to mainstream audiences since it wasn’t nearly as heavy on the religious aspects.
Rating 5/5
The pacing and flow of Desolate was perfect, I couldn’t stop reading even if I wanted to. In Desolate there is a great mix of action scenes and internal conflict of the main character Desi. Where Desi felt like a secondary character in Become, something that bothered me a bit at the time, in Desolate the focus is all on her and the struggles she has with her darker side. The injury she suffers allows for her evil side to take control once more and slowly she loses the good part of her, and even her eons-long lover might not be able to bring her back.
Speaking of which, Michael’s thoughts are brought into the forefront at times in Desolate which helps to strengthen his character and give the reader a bit of insight into his thoughts and internal struggles. However, he really is the only secondary character that gets any major attention which is the only qualm I have with Desolate as I felt it missed out on capitalizing James’s character which was so strong in Become. Desolate also reveals a lot more about Hel, but to find out who she is and what part she plays you’ll have to read it for yourself (I’m such a tease).
The plot works well as the buildup feels natural and the character development keeps the story moving during the non-action scenes. The struggle between Loki/Lucifer and Odin/God and their respective forces intensifies and the ending? Awesome. Who doesn’t like a good climactic battle scene? I know I do!
I really couldn’t find any flaws in Desolate at all (outside of the secondary characters thing which was minor) and enjoyed the book quite a bit. Though it was kind of hard to watch Desi battle her darker side it was so well done that I couldn’t help but relish the journey. Overall a very solid read and one that I think would appeal more to mainstream audiences since it wasn’t nearly as heavy on the religious aspects.
Rating 5/5
September 21, 2012
I was given this book in return for an honest review. Desolation is back and so are her cohorts, Miri, James, Longinus,Knowles, and Cornelius. Desi is in despair due to her only love, Michael, being sent to hell because of her. She is desperate to find a way to get him back. It happens sooner than she thinks. Miri is having her prophetic dreams about the apocolypse and how Desi is the only one that can stop the horsemen. Desi does come up against the 4th horseman, guess who?? Michael, they wound each other with the spear of destiny. She wakes to find Michael injured and still evil from his time spent in hell, so she puts her mother's protective necklace around his throat, which begins to seap the evil from him. She is now unprotected against her father. She will fall farther and farther away from her mission and her friends as the story progresses. By the end of the book she has fallen fully into her roll as Desolation the daughter of Lucifer and is commanding his army. Michael get help from an unlikely source, Asgard (kind of like heaven) He also has an army, it includes Desi's mother's sister, Fahria, and the rest of thier group. They won't give up on Desi. She is wearing a ring that has to be removed if Michael is to ever get through to her and get his Desi back. Friends will be lost, can they succeed in saving Desi from her herself as well as her father? Or will she be the bringer of the apocolypse. I love this series, Desolation is a girl that is so torn, so filled with guilt over things that have happened in the past, yet so good deep down. She wants to do the right thing and hates her father. This is just a great series. WaAr
October 13, 2012
The second book in the Desolation series by Ali Cross begins where the first book left off. Desi and James are living in Lucy's apartment where they begin trying to live a normal life. The problem is that Desi continues to have dreams about Michael living in Hell. When Desi' best friend Miri begins to have dreams about a horseman from Hell coming to claim the Earth things begin to change.
The Hallowed meet and begin to prepare for the coming of the horseman. Unfortunately Desi begins to be pulled by her Shadow and feels as though when she lost Michael she lost her golden spark as well. When the horseman finally comes he manages to pierce Desi's heart and Lucifer enters for good.
Desi soon embraces her Shadow and is ready to become the daughter her father wants her to be. Michael and Miri desperately try to get her to find her golden spark but they may be too late this time. Will Desi finally Become the princess of Hell?
Desi really begins to grow up in this book. She feels responsible for Lucy's death and Michael's eternal punishment in Hell. She is depressed and feels as though she has no where to go and no one to help her make it all right. She tries to fight off the darkness but has difficulty locating her light. This is such a real struggle that teens face everyday of their lives and that made this a realistic struggle.
I really loved the ending of this book and can't wait to see what happens in the third book in the series. I'm glad that Michael is back in the picture and that James and Miri have become Desi's closest friends. I can only hope that Desi chooses what is right in the third book.
I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.
The Hallowed meet and begin to prepare for the coming of the horseman. Unfortunately Desi begins to be pulled by her Shadow and feels as though when she lost Michael she lost her golden spark as well. When the horseman finally comes he manages to pierce Desi's heart and Lucifer enters for good.
Desi soon embraces her Shadow and is ready to become the daughter her father wants her to be. Michael and Miri desperately try to get her to find her golden spark but they may be too late this time. Will Desi finally Become the princess of Hell?
Desi really begins to grow up in this book. She feels responsible for Lucy's death and Michael's eternal punishment in Hell. She is depressed and feels as though she has no where to go and no one to help her make it all right. She tries to fight off the darkness but has difficulty locating her light. This is such a real struggle that teens face everyday of their lives and that made this a realistic struggle.
I really loved the ending of this book and can't wait to see what happens in the third book in the series. I'm glad that Michael is back in the picture and that James and Miri have become Desi's closest friends. I can only hope that Desi chooses what is right in the third book.
I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.
August 5, 2012
Desolate (Desolation 2) is just as amazing as Become, more so because it didn’t have the slow start. Prepare yourself for the twist.
I really wanted to start this book after finishing the first, but life and the Olympics called. In a way I’m glad. It gave me a chance to digest the first book. I like the character of Desolation, but I can’t even imagine what kind of life she’s life to be so freaking pessimistic. This girl isn’t just half empty; she shatters the glass so nothing CAN be held.
Every decision she makes is wrong. But what can you expect from a girl raised in hell and is named Desolation Black? As an Asgardian, half-Valkyrie princess, half-demon princess, I still expect more because she is capable of more. It’s frustrating to read.
This novel ends on a resolute cliff-hanger. I wanted a third. Desolate is the perfect name for this novel. Every character at the end is left there. Even Miri the most upbeat character in the series is left their and its plausible.
It’s rollercoaster of a ride. Ali Cross telegraphs some parts are like a bad poker player until you realize she was showing her hand to distract you when she swiping the entire table from under you. The newer characters are perfect characterization, especially Helena, long after her chapters I was still thinking about her. What kinds of demented do you have to be to create Hell?
I really wanted to start this book after finishing the first, but life and the Olympics called. In a way I’m glad. It gave me a chance to digest the first book. I like the character of Desolation, but I can’t even imagine what kind of life she’s life to be so freaking pessimistic. This girl isn’t just half empty; she shatters the glass so nothing CAN be held.
Every decision she makes is wrong. But what can you expect from a girl raised in hell and is named Desolation Black? As an Asgardian, half-Valkyrie princess, half-demon princess, I still expect more because she is capable of more. It’s frustrating to read.
This novel ends on a resolute cliff-hanger. I wanted a third. Desolate is the perfect name for this novel. Every character at the end is left there. Even Miri the most upbeat character in the series is left their and its plausible.
It’s rollercoaster of a ride. Ali Cross telegraphs some parts are like a bad poker player until you realize she was showing her hand to distract you when she swiping the entire table from under you. The newer characters are perfect characterization, especially Helena, long after her chapters I was still thinking about her. What kinds of demented do you have to be to create Hell?
April 22, 2013
I received this book to give an honest review.
Poor Desi just can not take a break! When she lost her beloved Michael two months ago, Desi and her friends Miri, James, Longinus, Knowles, and Cornelius all try to figure out a way to get him back! But that is easier said than done.
Miri ends up having dreams of a horseman, and Desi knows she has to stop him before he does any damage to Earth! But who is this horseman? Now while fighting the horseman she is injured and next thing you know Desi's evil side is trying to get her! And she is finding it harder and harder to not turn....but will she end up evil at the end? Or will good triumph evil? Will she ever get Michael back?
Now I was truly upset with Desi and how she treated her friend Miri when she was going through a hard time. Not once did she try to comfort her and it bothered me because her and Miri have a past and that is really her only true girl friend. I mean hell when Miri was face to face with her Mom Desi didn't even try to be right beside her best friend. I just found that way too weird, and I did understand that hey Desi is fighting a battle within herself but still she knew what she was doing.
Now I know this may be silly, but when Michael and Desi were in Hell. Desi ended up screaming and Michael. Umm why now? I didn't truly understand that part.
With Desolate you are filled with a slow starting pace at first then it heats up with action and all sorts of feelings going on. There is a battle like no other, which is really good. Now I can not wait to read book three in this amazing series!
Poor Desi just can not take a break! When she lost her beloved Michael two months ago, Desi and her friends Miri, James, Longinus, Knowles, and Cornelius all try to figure out a way to get him back! But that is easier said than done.
Miri ends up having dreams of a horseman, and Desi knows she has to stop him before he does any damage to Earth! But who is this horseman? Now while fighting the horseman she is injured and next thing you know Desi's evil side is trying to get her! And she is finding it harder and harder to not turn....but will she end up evil at the end? Or will good triumph evil? Will she ever get Michael back?
Now I was truly upset with Desi and how she treated her friend Miri when she was going through a hard time. Not once did she try to comfort her and it bothered me because her and Miri have a past and that is really her only true girl friend. I mean hell when Miri was face to face with her Mom Desi didn't even try to be right beside her best friend. I just found that way too weird, and I did understand that hey Desi is fighting a battle within herself but still she knew what she was doing.
Now I know this may be silly, but when Michael and Desi were in Hell. Desi ended up screaming and Michael. Umm why now? I didn't truly understand that part.
With Desolate you are filled with a slow starting pace at first then it heats up with action and all sorts of feelings going on. There is a battle like no other, which is really good. Now I can not wait to read book three in this amazing series!
Want to read
September 9, 2012I am really loving this series, I can barely wait until the last book comes out in December. It is so torturous seeing Desi being torn every which way, and the guilt she feels over what happens to Michael is almost driving her to the cold wastelands of Hell, where the pull seems to be calling her more and more. She tries so hard to maintain her spark of goodness, and kindle her light from the Valkyrie in her blood, but she struggles more and more as the book progresses.
So much unfolds in this book, from Michael riding through the portal and injuring Desi and she piercing him with the spear of destiny, to Michael's betrayal of Heimdahl and then their joint efforts to release Hel from captivity in Hell to try and control Desi's father, Loki.
The story is a wave of extreme upheavals and low points, everything from Miri's mum to the Spartans rising from Hell is almost more than any of the small group can bare, with moments of extreme despair but also flashes of the burning love and need that drives them all to keep going and to want to defeat the burning cold of Hell once and for all.
I am counting down the days until book 3 is released I can hardly wait to see what will happen in the conclusion to the Desolation series.
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.
So much unfolds in this book, from Michael riding through the portal and injuring Desi and she piercing him with the spear of destiny, to Michael's betrayal of Heimdahl and then their joint efforts to release Hel from captivity in Hell to try and control Desi's father, Loki.
The story is a wave of extreme upheavals and low points, everything from Miri's mum to the Spartans rising from Hell is almost more than any of the small group can bare, with moments of extreme despair but also flashes of the burning love and need that drives them all to keep going and to want to defeat the burning cold of Hell once and for all.
I am counting down the days until book 3 is released I can hardly wait to see what will happen in the conclusion to the Desolation series.
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 2, 2013
This is the second book in the Desolation series. I reviewed the first book here back in October.
I loved this book so much more than the first one, and I did enjoy the first one. This one though was amazing, I thought. It was very climatic, and I was constantly trying to figure out what was going to happen. The second book in a series is usually the slowest (especially in a trilogy), but I definitely don't think that that was true for this one. The entire book was just one epic event after the other, and I never knew what was going to happen next.
I'm not going to go into very much detail since this is a sequel. I don't want to spoil anything for the first book, since I don't really have much to say. I mostly feel like the story is too incomplete for me to talk about anything spoilery. I need to read the last book first.
I can't wait to read the next book and see what happens. The end of this one was definitely a cliffhanger, and I really want to read the next one soon!
http://hmweasley-blog.blogspot.com/20...
I loved this book so much more than the first one, and I did enjoy the first one. This one though was amazing, I thought. It was very climatic, and I was constantly trying to figure out what was going to happen. The second book in a series is usually the slowest (especially in a trilogy), but I definitely don't think that that was true for this one. The entire book was just one epic event after the other, and I never knew what was going to happen next.
I'm not going to go into very much detail since this is a sequel. I don't want to spoil anything for the first book, since I don't really have much to say. I mostly feel like the story is too incomplete for me to talk about anything spoilery. I need to read the last book first.
I can't wait to read the next book and see what happens. The end of this one was definitely a cliffhanger, and I really want to read the next one soon!
http://hmweasley-blog.blogspot.com/20...
March 3, 2015
Powerful and Threatening with characters who are in a war of good and evil. Cross vividly begins the storyline with a tone to match the title in every way leaving readers desperately turning the pages to find out which Desi will choose. The characters are very well depicted while fighting their individual demons and discovering the valuable relationships they have with each other. Cross has expertly continued this series memorably with this sequel to Book One.
Evil is a prominent emotion and readers will relate well to the plot while obtaining a better understanding of how to overcome their own personal torments. It isn’t often that we have a clear path to follow and finding that balance is a difficult one. Doubt and fear tend to cloud judgments for any person and Cross has ingeniously painted an overwhelming picture that will keep you guessing about the path that Desi will take in her fight to succumb to evil or hold fast to good. Counting down to find out the conclusion to Desolation’s story.
~The Book Stalker Reviewed
Evil is a prominent emotion and readers will relate well to the plot while obtaining a better understanding of how to overcome their own personal torments. It isn’t often that we have a clear path to follow and finding that balance is a difficult one. Doubt and fear tend to cloud judgments for any person and Cross has ingeniously painted an overwhelming picture that will keep you guessing about the path that Desi will take in her fight to succumb to evil or hold fast to good. Counting down to find out the conclusion to Desolation’s story.
~The Book Stalker Reviewed
April 4, 2013
'Desolate', Book Two of Desolation, by Ali Cross continues Desolation's story as she struggles with the two sides of her inner self - light and dark! A mixture of Greek mythology, angels and demons, this paranormal story brings readers into a new realm as the sides of good and evil try to persuade Desolation to 'Become.'
Trying to understand her love for Michael and her driving need to be loved by her father, Loki, the Lord of Darkness, Desolation is caught up in a personal struggle to decide whether to follow her lighter side or to delve deeper into the darkness within her.
I have been swept into the fantasy world of this series and have found myself caught up in Desolation's struggle to follow the path before her.
Readers who like to be entranced by the fight between good and evil and enjoy stories about Angels and Demons will find this book an interesting read.
Trying to understand her love for Michael and her driving need to be loved by her father, Loki, the Lord of Darkness, Desolation is caught up in a personal struggle to decide whether to follow her lighter side or to delve deeper into the darkness within her.
I have been swept into the fantasy world of this series and have found myself caught up in Desolation's struggle to follow the path before her.
Readers who like to be entranced by the fight between good and evil and enjoy stories about Angels and Demons will find this book an interesting read.
March 9, 2015
Sometimes the middle book in a planned trilogy feels like a place holder. That is not the case here. Desolate by Ail Cross is a strong stand alone novel that just happens to fall the middle of a trilogy.
Desi holds my heartstrings tight in her evil little fist. Her fight to hold back the evil is one that everyone has to deal with at some point in their lives. Sure, maybe we all don't have the Devil as a father, but we all fight the good fight everyday. Seeing Desi fight for everything right in the world gives me strength to fight my smaller battles, you know the laundry, the dishes, the toys covering the playroom floor.
Desi holds my heartstrings tight in her evil little fist. Her fight to hold back the evil is one that everyone has to deal with at some point in their lives. Sure, maybe we all don't have the Devil as a father, but we all fight the good fight everyday. Seeing Desi fight for everything right in the world gives me strength to fight my smaller battles, you know the laundry, the dishes, the toys covering the playroom floor.
October 2, 2019
Excellent book two......
Desolation changes with the wind, but when the battle rages on her love for both Michael and Miri will be out to the test. Lucy is gone, but in the end, Desi and James move into her old place and make it theirs. James loves Miri and the Hallowed have a battle that must be undertaken. Michael is claimed by Loki, and Miri is saved, for the moment.
The horseman of the apocalypse rides, and Desi must stop him. She searches for a way to save Michael, who has been captured in hell. But Loki is truly a trickster, and things spiral out of control. Desi barely has control over herself.... And then she has none.
It's a fabulous story.
Read on my friends
Desolation changes with the wind, but when the battle rages on her love for both Michael and Miri will be out to the test. Lucy is gone, but in the end, Desi and James move into her old place and make it theirs. James loves Miri and the Hallowed have a battle that must be undertaken. Michael is claimed by Loki, and Miri is saved, for the moment.
The horseman of the apocalypse rides, and Desi must stop him. She searches for a way to save Michael, who has been captured in hell. But Loki is truly a trickster, and things spiral out of control. Desi barely has control over herself.... And then she has none.
It's a fabulous story.
Read on my friends
December 31, 2012
It had been a long time since I read Become, and I was nervous I wouldn't be able to remember the story, but Cross does a great job weaving reminders into the plot so I was not lost all. I loved Desi more in this book than the first, primarily because her choices are, remarkably, harder. The characters are phenomenally complex and the plot twists and twists. Thankfully, I can jump right into the final book.
September 5, 2012
Meh...I decided to give the second book a chance. The quick action covers over the under developed story. I think I would have enjoyed this novel a lot more if the author has trimmed it back and developed more of the characters and plot points.
Also, I was so sick of conversation-Desi says something mean/rude-Desi runs away-Desi is now evil-but it's okay because Michael shows up and she's good.
Also, I was so sick of conversation-Desi says something mean/rude-Desi runs away-Desi is now evil-but it's okay because Michael shows up and she's good.
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