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Stained #4
Exalted
Ripped apart by the betrayals of two friends and ensnared by Celestial captors, Julia and Cayne are poised to fulfill their sacrificial role in The Three’s return to power. Their Chosen friends will move Hell and Earth to win their freedom, but how will they fight fate when a powerful deity gets the upper hand?
The net will come down.
Someone will be sacrificed.
A dear friend will die.
And a Celestial battle will play out on Earth, with everything—and everyone—at stake.
The net will come down.
Someone will be sacrificed.
A dear friend will die.
And a Celestial battle will play out on Earth, with everything—and everyone—at stake.
254 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 30, 2012
39 people are currently reading
1440 people want to read
About the author
Ella James
75 books5,799 followersElla James is the USA Today + Amazon Top 10 bestselling author of more than twenty books. Ella lives in Colorado with her husband and three kids. When she's not writing, you can find her in the foothills.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
November 3, 2012
I think I hyped this book up in my head and was a little disappointed on how it read. After I was finished I was sort of annoyed and frustrated.
The novel lacked the fluidity of the first 3, it was choppy and confusing at more than one point. The overall story was good and I think maybe that the complimentary factors surrounding the story were lacking and that is why I was left frustrated.
A good novel ebbs and flows with rhythm and I felt this novel was intense without relief and therefore frustrating. The epilogue was way to fairy tale(ish)! It just undermined the entire series.
Im not sure what went wrong because I very much enjoyed the first three novels. Ella James is a talented author, don't get me wrong. I don't appreciate some things about her writing but she has a wonderful imagination and a writing talent.
The novel lacked the fluidity of the first 3, it was choppy and confusing at more than one point. The overall story was good and I think maybe that the complimentary factors surrounding the story were lacking and that is why I was left frustrated.
A good novel ebbs and flows with rhythm and I felt this novel was intense without relief and therefore frustrating. The epilogue was way to fairy tale(ish)! It just undermined the entire series.
Im not sure what went wrong because I very much enjoyed the first three novels. Ella James is a talented author, don't get me wrong. I don't appreciate some things about her writing but she has a wonderful imagination and a writing talent.
September 27, 2016
Um, no. Did I miss it? I think I must have skipped over some parts or something because I just don't think this could be all of it. I mean, there was way too much crying from Julia for my taste, and then Meredith, really? AND Natahan? How did I miss that? What about all the visions? There are some pretty big ones that weren't addressed/didn't come to pass...what's up with that!?
I am sad to say I was disappointed by the ending when I loved the series so much.
I am sad to say I was disappointed by the ending when I loved the series so much.
November 9, 2012
HOLY COW with a side of AWESOMESAUCE!!
I don't even know how I'm going to sum up the capstone to this AMAZING series. I feel like I've been reading about Julia and Cayne's journey for so long now!! I'm so sad to see them go, but were we absolutely WOW'd with how it all ended!!
This book, from the beginning took me on such an emotional roller coaster. I found my self anxious, filled with anticipation, amazed, scared, laughing, loving...I mean so many emotions it was insane!!!
A trip through hell (literally) and bringing down the heavens...Cayne and Julia do it all.
One of my favorite quotes, "Hell was like that: uniquely personalized. Unless you were in a group. Then the rules got even weirder." And Hell was brought to life in this book....
I was moved to tears at the loss of friends...and excited at the introduction and developement of some amazing characters.
Carlin - such a spitfire!! She's an unbelievably fiesty woman and developed into such an instrumental person in Julia's life.
Edan - I can't even describe the span of emotions I felt towards him throughout this book. All I can say, without giving away too much, is keep an OPEN mind...a VERY VERY VERY open mind!! It's worth it...trust me.
Twists and turns, up's and down's....just wow.
I can't wait to see what's next in line!! I would love to see a spin off with some of the other characters from the series.
The last thing I leave this review with is one of the most touching quotes from Cayne...
"As his arms caressed her back, his voice rumbled near her ear. "We'll be okay, you and me. We'll find a way to make things right. And you know what we'll do after that?
"What?"
"Live happily ever after."
I don't even know how I'm going to sum up the capstone to this AMAZING series. I feel like I've been reading about Julia and Cayne's journey for so long now!! I'm so sad to see them go, but were we absolutely WOW'd with how it all ended!!
This book, from the beginning took me on such an emotional roller coaster. I found my self anxious, filled with anticipation, amazed, scared, laughing, loving...I mean so many emotions it was insane!!!
A trip through hell (literally) and bringing down the heavens...Cayne and Julia do it all.
One of my favorite quotes, "Hell was like that: uniquely personalized. Unless you were in a group. Then the rules got even weirder." And Hell was brought to life in this book....
I was moved to tears at the loss of friends...and excited at the introduction and developement of some amazing characters.
Carlin - such a spitfire!! She's an unbelievably fiesty woman and developed into such an instrumental person in Julia's life.
Edan - I can't even describe the span of emotions I felt towards him throughout this book. All I can say, without giving away too much, is keep an OPEN mind...a VERY VERY VERY open mind!! It's worth it...trust me.
Twists and turns, up's and down's....just wow.
I can't wait to see what's next in line!! I would love to see a spin off with some of the other characters from the series.
The last thing I leave this review with is one of the most touching quotes from Cayne...
"As his arms caressed her back, his voice rumbled near her ear. "We'll be okay, you and me. We'll find a way to make things right. And you know what we'll do after that?
"What?"
"Live happily ever after."
June 20, 2013
Things finally came to an end here.
I really enjoyed the first part of this series, but for me, things went downhill from there. The story line had so much potential, but the quality of the writing waned a bit at the end.
Again, the author didn't have a very good way of keeping track of time in the book. It seemed like things were going on simultaneously, but it wasn' conveyed very well. Or she'd talk about one thing, but then go back to something else. In her defense though, she does give herself an out here at the end of her book when she explains she doesn't have the editors most books might have since she is an indie author. Those editors would have caught some of the issues I found. I can udnerstand some of that.
Unfortunately, that's not my only beef with the story. I understand the characters are teenagers and will behave and talk as such. However, I had a hard time following, when things seemed to be so serious and then Julia would use nothing but the terms "bestie" or "BFF". I had a really hard time with Cayne using them. It just didn't seem to fit. I could see an occasional drop of the word, but it was non-stop, which took alot away from the scene for me.
Again, liked the story line, lots of potential, just wasn't happy with the way it all panned out.
And such a big lead up to the climax, and then I felt a little let down. Plus, the epilogue didn't really tie anything up for me.
Have to say, I'm glad I borrowed this one and didn't pay for it.
I really enjoyed the first part of this series, but for me, things went downhill from there. The story line had so much potential, but the quality of the writing waned a bit at the end.
Again, the author didn't have a very good way of keeping track of time in the book. It seemed like things were going on simultaneously, but it wasn' conveyed very well. Or she'd talk about one thing, but then go back to something else. In her defense though, she does give herself an out here at the end of her book when she explains she doesn't have the editors most books might have since she is an indie author. Those editors would have caught some of the issues I found. I can udnerstand some of that.
Unfortunately, that's not my only beef with the story. I understand the characters are teenagers and will behave and talk as such. However, I had a hard time following, when things seemed to be so serious and then Julia would use nothing but the terms "bestie" or "BFF". I had a really hard time with Cayne using them. It just didn't seem to fit. I could see an occasional drop of the word, but it was non-stop, which took alot away from the scene for me.
Again, liked the story line, lots of potential, just wasn't happy with the way it all panned out.
And such a big lead up to the climax, and then I felt a little let down. Plus, the epilogue didn't really tie anything up for me.
Have to say, I'm glad I borrowed this one and didn't pay for it.
November 2, 2012
This is the fourth book in Ella James Stained series and it has been my favorite! The main characters are a girl named Julia who lost her family in a fire and happened on a lovely half demon named Cayne. In this book it starts with Julia in the hands of the enemy Methuselah and Cayne has been delivered to his father in hell. Despite the fact that both are being tortured their love for each other is touching and makes for a great story! Julia’s friends (Drew being my favorite) are also trapped that the chosen compound and trying to break free to help Julie. When the friends are reunited and Julie freed they journey to hell to find Cayne. This story keeps you heart racing. Not to mention a death that I never saw coming and left me in tears! This book in the stained series is very action packed with a lot of fighting which was new but very enjoyable! I’ve been reading about these charters since book one and feel like they are old friends. I will miss each on them so much! I’m sad that this has series has to end but I couldn’t of thought of a better way for it to end. I am so happy that Meredith and Nathan got to be together in the end even if it’s not how I had expected!
September 13, 2020
More like 3.5 stars
I was super excited to finish this series and I found myself quite disappointed. Somewhere around the last quarter of the book I began to fell like there were missing pieces. I thought maybe it was something done on purpose and I would get filled in further on. Nope not the case. It just felt like the last part was very rushed and I didn’t get any explanation as to what actually happened in the end. The details were just missing. I also noticed way more errors in this book than the previous ones. She/he when it should’ve been the opposite, they instead of the, and couple of times even the wrong name, this caused me to have to read several paragraphs multiple times to make sure I had read them correctly. This is usually not something that bothers me but it really threw me off this time. I do read a lot of indie books and understand that the editing process not the same as books published by big companies. The author mentions at the end of the book that they appreciate if you notify them of errors you may have found, but I am not going to re-read the book to find them again.
I was super excited to finish this series and I found myself quite disappointed. Somewhere around the last quarter of the book I began to fell like there were missing pieces. I thought maybe it was something done on purpose and I would get filled in further on. Nope not the case. It just felt like the last part was very rushed and I didn’t get any explanation as to what actually happened in the end. The details were just missing. I also noticed way more errors in this book than the previous ones. She/he when it should’ve been the opposite, they instead of the, and couple of times even the wrong name, this caused me to have to read several paragraphs multiple times to make sure I had read them correctly. This is usually not something that bothers me but it really threw me off this time. I do read a lot of indie books and understand that the editing process not the same as books published by big companies. The author mentions at the end of the book that they appreciate if you notify them of errors you may have found, but I am not going to re-read the book to find them again.
October 9, 2017
I absolutely adore this series. So much so, I read the first couple of books twice. It stood pretty strong, for me, until this one. I honestly expected a bit...more for the closing of this series.
A 3.5 rounded to a 3 rating.
A 3.5 rounded to a 3 rating.
November 23, 2018
Happily Ever After
Cutesy ending to the series. It does have drama and sadness and death, but still ends with a happily ever after ending that is kind of predictable. Worth the read especially if you have already finished the other three.
Cutesy ending to the series. It does have drama and sadness and death, but still ends with a happily ever after ending that is kind of predictable. Worth the read especially if you have already finished the other three.
August 4, 2019
😍😍
What a wonderful ending for a series. There are loads but their are gains, even after rereading this series, I am still surprised every time. That is what makes a good book y’all and this series doesn’t disappoint!!
What a wonderful ending for a series. There are loads but their are gains, even after rereading this series, I am still surprised every time. That is what makes a good book y’all and this series doesn’t disappoint!!
January 22, 2014
You can read more reviews at:
http://escapeinsidethepages.wordpress...
So it all came down to this book, the fourth and last book in the Stained series: Exalted. Let’s just say I had high expectations and they were not really met, unfortunately.
Exalted started off with high stress right off the bat. Chosen (Stained #3) ended with Julia and the gang being betrayed AGAIN and taken off into the unknown by Edan and crew. Needless to say, this was one cliff hanger that I was SO ready to see through into this book! So with an ending like that, Exalted began with some intense and brutal scenes of Julia and Cayne in their own separate versions of torture as they are both held against their will by both Methuselah and The Adversary (No, I won’t say who that is). Which means both of them are separated from one another yet again, which was agonizing as the reader. However, Ella James did not waste time keeping them apart and dragging out any romantic conflicts,which is what I love about this author! She gets things right down to business at least when it comes to the romance.
Though Exalted began wonderfully, with plenty of suspense and answers to my many questions as to who or what both Julia and Cayne really are, it lulled in the middle. It seemed like there was so much happening in the beginning that it was very noticeable when the action petered off in the middle of the story. I was expecting constant collisions between enemies, but it seemed like most of the content was being described from afar rather than from an eye witness point of view. There was so much potential for additional action scenes throughout the book that just didn’t happen. And yes there were some good romantic moments thrown in between to provide filler but not enough to satisfy the slower parts of the book.
By the time the ending rolled around, however, I was super excited, I thought this is the moment I’ve been waiting for, sh** is about to go down right now, I can’t wait to see this epic battle…and it was over in the blink of an eye. -_- There was such a large build up for this final confrontation with the enemy and when it finally came around it ended waaay too quickly, and half of it went unexplained. The first half of it started off awesome and had me hooked and then all of sudden it’s like someone hit fast forward and THE END. I felt soo confused by what transpired between the characters and by how the enemy actually was defeated, many aspects of the resolution were just very unclear and I felt so cheated out of a satisfying ending because of how rushed and uncertain it all felt. One good thing about the ending of Exalted was the epilogue, it was pretty freaking adorable, I really must say, though that too I wish had been a little longer.
Overall, Exalted was good and disappointing at the same time, if you have already committed to reading the first three books in the Stained Series, I would still recommend you read Exalted but just prepare yourself for an unsatisfying and confusing ending.
http://escapeinsidethepages.wordpress...
So it all came down to this book, the fourth and last book in the Stained series: Exalted. Let’s just say I had high expectations and they were not really met, unfortunately.
Exalted started off with high stress right off the bat. Chosen (Stained #3) ended with Julia and the gang being betrayed AGAIN and taken off into the unknown by Edan and crew. Needless to say, this was one cliff hanger that I was SO ready to see through into this book! So with an ending like that, Exalted began with some intense and brutal scenes of Julia and Cayne in their own separate versions of torture as they are both held against their will by both Methuselah and The Adversary (No, I won’t say who that is). Which means both of them are separated from one another yet again, which was agonizing as the reader. However, Ella James did not waste time keeping them apart and dragging out any romantic conflicts,which is what I love about this author! She gets things right down to business at least when it comes to the romance.
Though Exalted began wonderfully, with plenty of suspense and answers to my many questions as to who or what both Julia and Cayne really are, it lulled in the middle. It seemed like there was so much happening in the beginning that it was very noticeable when the action petered off in the middle of the story. I was expecting constant collisions between enemies, but it seemed like most of the content was being described from afar rather than from an eye witness point of view. There was so much potential for additional action scenes throughout the book that just didn’t happen. And yes there were some good romantic moments thrown in between to provide filler but not enough to satisfy the slower parts of the book.
By the time the ending rolled around, however, I was super excited, I thought this is the moment I’ve been waiting for, sh** is about to go down right now, I can’t wait to see this epic battle…and it was over in the blink of an eye. -_- There was such a large build up for this final confrontation with the enemy and when it finally came around it ended waaay too quickly, and half of it went unexplained. The first half of it started off awesome and had me hooked and then all of sudden it’s like someone hit fast forward and THE END. I felt soo confused by what transpired between the characters and by how the enemy actually was defeated, many aspects of the resolution were just very unclear and I felt so cheated out of a satisfying ending because of how rushed and uncertain it all felt. One good thing about the ending of Exalted was the epilogue, it was pretty freaking adorable, I really must say, though that too I wish had been a little longer.
Overall, Exalted was good and disappointing at the same time, if you have already committed to reading the first three books in the Stained Series, I would still recommend you read Exalted but just prepare yourself for an unsatisfying and confusing ending.
November 5, 2012
Motherlovin Ella James, just gave us all a "White Light Special"
The Author ended this series with a flippin BANG! May I suggest when you start to read this book. You make sure you are completely emptied of all responsibilities. Or you will find yourself wondering what the H-E-double-L is going on. The scenes are flipped from one perspective to another. This book is filled with so much action. You almost feel like your heart or kindle is going to catch fire. So it is important to have actual time to read and concentrate, because you do NOT want to MISS anything.
Where you left off with Cayne being taking away in Chosen. This book picks up from precisely where he wound up. You will be shaking once you find out where he is at. However, when you find out who his daddy is, that is when you will want to pee your pants!
Now think about Julia, and who has introduced himself to her, as her daddy! Let me say, we should definitely call him "Daddy Dearest" instead of wire hangers, he uses white light. Holy smokes. Poor Julia, still having no clue who she can trust and who she can not trust. Truthfully as a reader, I had no clue either. The Author has a way of making it feel like Julia has been betrayed. Then twisting the situation around to be for Julia's benefit. If that makes any sense! I guess the best way to understand what I am talking about, would be to read this book!!!
In this book we have all the same characters and still loving them. What did you say Nathan, you made a mistake???? Rut Roh!!!!! Adam, you're what.....you did what....WTC....!!! We have more Authorities and Demons join in. Can anyone say they didn't enjoy Lille or Noelle. Because I certainly did!!! At last we get introduced to the Adversary and Methuselah. I will not even begin to tell you about these two. This is a must read series!
So to sum this review up. You will experience passion, intense action, you will have giggles (pink wings). Your heart will feel like it is about to explode. You will even shed tears. Which I totally was thrown for a loop with the whole "Meredith" thing. Still contemplating on PM'ing the Author on that one!
Luckily she made up for it by giving us a great piece of closure, with a glimpse into Cayne and Julia's future. So in love with her for that!!!!
**I hate that I can't promise you anything** Cayne
The Author ended this series with a flippin BANG! May I suggest when you start to read this book. You make sure you are completely emptied of all responsibilities. Or you will find yourself wondering what the H-E-double-L is going on. The scenes are flipped from one perspective to another. This book is filled with so much action. You almost feel like your heart or kindle is going to catch fire. So it is important to have actual time to read and concentrate, because you do NOT want to MISS anything.
Where you left off with Cayne being taking away in Chosen. This book picks up from precisely where he wound up. You will be shaking once you find out where he is at. However, when you find out who his daddy is, that is when you will want to pee your pants!
Now think about Julia, and who has introduced himself to her, as her daddy! Let me say, we should definitely call him "Daddy Dearest" instead of wire hangers, he uses white light. Holy smokes. Poor Julia, still having no clue who she can trust and who she can not trust. Truthfully as a reader, I had no clue either. The Author has a way of making it feel like Julia has been betrayed. Then twisting the situation around to be for Julia's benefit. If that makes any sense! I guess the best way to understand what I am talking about, would be to read this book!!!
In this book we have all the same characters and still loving them. What did you say Nathan, you made a mistake???? Rut Roh!!!!! Adam, you're what.....you did what....WTC....!!! We have more Authorities and Demons join in. Can anyone say they didn't enjoy Lille or Noelle. Because I certainly did!!! At last we get introduced to the Adversary and Methuselah. I will not even begin to tell you about these two. This is a must read series!
So to sum this review up. You will experience passion, intense action, you will have giggles (pink wings). Your heart will feel like it is about to explode. You will even shed tears. Which I totally was thrown for a loop with the whole "Meredith" thing. Still contemplating on PM'ing the Author on that one!
Luckily she made up for it by giving us a great piece of closure, with a glimpse into Cayne and Julia's future. So in love with her for that!!!!
**I hate that I can't promise you anything** Cayne
February 26, 2013
Originally posted on my blog!! :) :)
Most endings are bittersweet for me. I mean, I've done it! I've finally made it to the end and now I understand everything that's been going on. All those great things that give you sort of a book high and leave you with a smile. It's amazing right? Then there's the other side. The realization that...I don't get to hang out with these characters anymore. Their story is done for me. Instant deflation. I mean I can always reread them, which I do trust me. But it's not nearly the same when you're not discovering new things.
Out of the entire Stained series I think that Exalted is my favorite book. It's quite a bit darker than the others in my opinion. Death, painful battles, etc. It's also more intense and well, except for people you grow attached to dying, I feel like this book ended the series beautifully. Endings are always scary. What if it's not how you picture it? I've put in all this time and what if I feel let down? There was no let down. Okay yeah once again some deaths were hard but you can't expect everyone to make it through when you're going through an apocalyptic type war. The very end of this book was just so intense, so on the edge of my seat. I swear I think I held my breath a time or two. And then the Epilogue. TEARS! Love, love, loved it.
Ella James is such an amazing Indie author if you haven't yet already, you really must go download the first book Stained... it's free so what are you waiting for. Get started on this great series it's very worth it.
Most endings are bittersweet for me. I mean, I've done it! I've finally made it to the end and now I understand everything that's been going on. All those great things that give you sort of a book high and leave you with a smile. It's amazing right? Then there's the other side. The realization that...I don't get to hang out with these characters anymore. Their story is done for me. Instant deflation. I mean I can always reread them, which I do trust me. But it's not nearly the same when you're not discovering new things.
Out of the entire Stained series I think that Exalted is my favorite book. It's quite a bit darker than the others in my opinion. Death, painful battles, etc. It's also more intense and well, except for people you grow attached to dying, I feel like this book ended the series beautifully. Endings are always scary. What if it's not how you picture it? I've put in all this time and what if I feel let down? There was no let down. Okay yeah once again some deaths were hard but you can't expect everyone to make it through when you're going through an apocalyptic type war. The very end of this book was just so intense, so on the edge of my seat. I swear I think I held my breath a time or two. And then the Epilogue. TEARS! Love, love, loved it.
Ella James is such an amazing Indie author if you haven't yet already, you really must go download the first book Stained... it's free so what are you waiting for. Get started on this great series it's very worth it.
March 27, 2014
I was torn between 2 stars or 3. I've went with 3 because I've read worse books than this and given em 2 (5* rating system doesn't offer enough leeway). Well, for not being an especially long book, it felt like it went on forever. I've quite enjoyed the series but, I don't know what it was, this last one just felt like such a slog. Somewhere along the line I found I'd stopped caring. I think it's because it went a little too big, I couldn't believe in it- yes, I know, it's about fallen angels and is supposed to be fantastical, but this one felt so far fetched I didn't connect to the fantasy at all. Julia felt sorry for herself way too much of the time- woe is me- and she came across as really quite false and ridiculous. Those damn hot pink all stars drove me batty! One small part that had me irrationally peed off was when cayne pulled them from his pocket on the swiss mountain, saying mer had given them to him and he'd forgot...how big were his freaking pockets to fit shoes in and not be constantly aware of them there? Also, Julia had been pressed right against him as he flew, and she didn't feel them? Seriously? There were a few little bits like this that didn't work or make sense. Bigger things too; huge chunks of story were messed up and so confusing- esp the big finale. Having said the 3 previous books deserved to be longer, I feel this one could definitely have benefitted from being shorter...or a little more focused...or scaled down in the crazy stakes. I don't know, something.
November 16, 2012
3.5 stars. I really do put Ella James in the category of Best Independent Authors. Her books aren't perfect, but they are well-edited and well thought out.
I found myself really confused while reading this book. I think perhaps it had been too long since I'd read the first 3 (although it was only August, I remember because I read them the same week I read King of Thorns and my life was changed). I guess I just didn't remember what happened at the end of Stolen.
What I will say, though, is that this book was full of action and realistic relationships between friends. I think the strength in this series is that it lacks all the normal YA cliches. For example, no one takes on the role of "protector." The main character doesn't sacrifice herself all willy-nilly because she doesn't want her friends/boyfriend to get hurt. There really isn't fight training. The main character doesn't wait for marriage before doing the hibbidy-dibbidy.
So well done, Ella. I'm certainly a fan and I'm looking forward to your other series. I downloaded Here today and I can't wait to start.
I found myself really confused while reading this book. I think perhaps it had been too long since I'd read the first 3 (although it was only August, I remember because I read them the same week I read King of Thorns and my life was changed). I guess I just didn't remember what happened at the end of Stolen.
What I will say, though, is that this book was full of action and realistic relationships between friends. I think the strength in this series is that it lacks all the normal YA cliches. For example, no one takes on the role of "protector." The main character doesn't sacrifice herself all willy-nilly because she doesn't want her friends/boyfriend to get hurt. There really isn't fight training. The main character doesn't wait for marriage before doing the hibbidy-dibbidy.
So well done, Ella. I'm certainly a fan and I'm looking forward to your other series. I downloaded Here today and I can't wait to start.
Read
March 2, 2013What happens when you find out the Devil is your father and or that Methuselah one of the Hebrew Patriarch's is.
Follow along on Cayne and Julia's journey as it spirals to the end. Will good or evil prevail? Will Cayne take the side of his Father the Devil and leave Julia?
Ella has brought you through their entire journey step by step and has never let the reader down. You're pulled into the struggles of the 2 main characters, watch as their love grows, taking you to the end of the war between heaven and hell and then beyond.
Julia has lost everything, her loving adopted parents, friends, her bff Mer and so many more. Cry with her, rejoice with her.
There is no way that you will be disappointed in this the final book of the Stained Series by Ella. An amazing Author who captivates her readers from beginning to end. Stained starts your journey with Julia and Cayne, continues with Stolen, moves into Chosen and finishes here in Exalted.
These are a must read, you won't be disappointed from beginning to end.
Follow along on Cayne and Julia's journey as it spirals to the end. Will good or evil prevail? Will Cayne take the side of his Father the Devil and leave Julia?
Ella has brought you through their entire journey step by step and has never let the reader down. You're pulled into the struggles of the 2 main characters, watch as their love grows, taking you to the end of the war between heaven and hell and then beyond.
Julia has lost everything, her loving adopted parents, friends, her bff Mer and so many more. Cry with her, rejoice with her.
There is no way that you will be disappointed in this the final book of the Stained Series by Ella. An amazing Author who captivates her readers from beginning to end. Stained starts your journey with Julia and Cayne, continues with Stolen, moves into Chosen and finishes here in Exalted.
These are a must read, you won't be disappointed from beginning to end.
October 3, 2013
I had higher hopes for this book considering it had better reviews then the first three. Yet, I can only give it 3 stars when I gave the first three books 4 stars.
This book seemed to drag. I found myself trying to push through until the end. There's a lot of stuff that happens in this book, but there's no emotional connectivity with the characters. So when the scenes play out, it's like, okay that could have been dramatic, but it inspired no feeling what so ever.
There's also something I found in the story line that made no sense. From their cloths not changing back when they got back to earth to when they ended up in the hostel. How did they get to the hostel? I don't think this author explained things very well.
One more complaint. Some of the dialog was awful. I thought it took away from the characters.
With all that being said, this book did still have some good points. That's why I gave it 3 stars. I think if Ella James took time and rewrote these books, tweaked them and put a little more passion behind her words, she would have something great.
This book seemed to drag. I found myself trying to push through until the end. There's a lot of stuff that happens in this book, but there's no emotional connectivity with the characters. So when the scenes play out, it's like, okay that could have been dramatic, but it inspired no feeling what so ever.
There's also something I found in the story line that made no sense. From their cloths not changing back when they got back to earth to when they ended up in the hostel. How did they get to the hostel? I don't think this author explained things very well.
One more complaint. Some of the dialog was awful. I thought it took away from the characters.
With all that being said, this book did still have some good points. That's why I gave it 3 stars. I think if Ella James took time and rewrote these books, tweaked them and put a little more passion behind her words, she would have something great.
January 1, 2015
A good conclusion to this series. The overall story was good (if a bit unclear and frustrating in places) and the writing was okay - but not great. I was getting a bit sick of the story by the end of the last book but everything really came together in this final instalment of the story. My lingering questions were answered and the story moved forwards with a clearer purpose than I had previously seen in in the series. I loved getting to see a bit more of Cayne's character in this story and see the way he was there to support and encourage Julia. I liked the way Julia was there for Cayne to help him see when he was letting misplaced guilt or shame over his past life distract him from what was happening around them. The final battle, although a bit unclear in spots, was great and had a decent build up throughout the last half of the book. Overall - I've enjoyed this series and I'd recommend it if you're looking for a quick and easy to read young-adult paranormal series. However, this probably won't be one I'll revisit.
December 11, 2012
Not a bad series overall. The references to Nephilim are fairly unique. Cayne, the Nephilim that Julia falls in love with, is really a loveable character, although perhaps not entirely realistic for a 200-year-old man who has gone around killing people most of his life. He is so loveable, in fact, that I found myself really questioning his relationship with Julia, who seems to cry every other page and acts awfully sheltered for a girl who supposedly was an unwanted orphan all her life. If I had to read about Julia crying one more time for no reason at all, I was going to throw my phone (with the book on Kindle) across the room and proceed to yell at its broken pieces in an attempt to get some sense into the protagonist. Cayne is the real hero of this book, not Julia.
That said, I ultimately liked this series. I almost wish, though, that it had ended with the previous book, which had a lot more action and legitimate drama, and left the ending of this one falling flat.
That said, I ultimately liked this series. I almost wish, though, that it had ended with the previous book, which had a lot more action and legitimate drama, and left the ending of this one falling flat.
January 6, 2016
This book was once again packed full of action, drama, and suspense. This book is made up of different points of view and it was great to read more from Cayne. His father is so horrible and how he treats his son is awful but what should I expect considering who he is. The stuff Julia has to go through in this book are terrible, challenging, and so sad at times, so hard to read at times. Then Cayne is being challenged, tricked, and hurt over and over again too. A past foe steps up and becomes a friend. Then we get to take a trip on the dark side and it is so interesting to read, it keeps your attention the whole time and you never know what is about to happen. There are several shockers in this book, it is very emotional, and intense at times, I cried several times through this book. The ending was beautiful and painful at the same time but I love Cayne and Julia and are so happy with their ending. I will miss this series, it is a must read.
November 6, 2012
OMG! I can breath now. Wow, the ending was frickin' intense. The whole book was a huge rollercoaster ride. So many, many bad things happening and you think it will never end well. That nothing good will ever happen again. Craziness!
At one point, I was sitting in the car, reading the book, waiting for my kids to get out of school and someone I knew knocked on my window during at intense moment, I jumped so high and a stream of curses involuntarily came out of my mouth. lol! The lady couldn't start laughing and asked if I was into my reading. I replied, "Uh, yeah. The Devil is coming after people and hellfire is shooting out all over the place. What do you think?"
That short story is an example of how good this book is. My emotions were all over the place and I was so wrapped up in the book. I consumed this whole series. So good!
At one point, I was sitting in the car, reading the book, waiting for my kids to get out of school and someone I knew knocked on my window during at intense moment, I jumped so high and a stream of curses involuntarily came out of my mouth. lol! The lady couldn't start laughing and asked if I was into my reading. I replied, "Uh, yeah. The Devil is coming after people and hellfire is shooting out all over the place. What do you think?"
That short story is an example of how good this book is. My emotions were all over the place and I was so wrapped up in the book. I consumed this whole series. So good!
November 6, 2013
I enjoyed the book very much. I like that the protagonist was a very strong character that didn't whine. Otherwise, the book was very well written and the characters were strong. I can't wait to read more books from this author!
April 5, 2013
Wow -- if you want a really great 4 book series that doesn't let up on the action, this is the one for you! This whole series really grabbed me and wouldn't let go. I tore through book after book (maybe not one right after another, but still) and was completely satisfied with the way everything came to its final conclusion.
The character are well thought out and the story was addictive. I was on pins and needles waiting to see where Cayne and Julia ended up! The world that the author created was so unique and interesting -- unlike anything else out there.
It's rare that I'm so satisfied at the end of a series, but here we are. Thanks, Ella James!
The character are well thought out and the story was addictive. I was on pins and needles waiting to see where Cayne and Julia ended up! The world that the author created was so unique and interesting -- unlike anything else out there.
It's rare that I'm so satisfied at the end of a series, but here we are. Thanks, Ella James!
February 11, 2014
Oh. My. Goodness. Did this all just happen?? That was crazy. From one ball of crazy to the next this story somehow came together with the craziest twists and turns, while managing to flow and make sense. My only issue was how quickly it resolved at the end. That was a little fast and a bit of a stunner. I would have liked to be a part of the story while it was resolving instead of getting the condensed after version. Oh wait, I have one more issue- Meredith. The rest was pretty cool...a good mix of despair and hope throughout. Good series overall and I did enjoy it. I just wished for a little more at the end.
December 13, 2012
It was SOOO GOOD! but it took me forever to finish it cause i was super busy... but at least i finished it im glad i did
i dont have much to write about though cause everything ill write will have spoilers i was super excited to read the book and know before hand what was going to happen and the best thing about it was it showed things in future like other books (that ive read) dont really tell what happens after the the battle or whatever is over they never show! i know some of them show but not all and i like to know what happened after the happy ever after thing i just enjoyed it
i dont have much to write about though cause everything ill write will have spoilers i was super excited to read the book and know before hand what was going to happen and the best thing about it was it showed things in future like other books (that ive read) dont really tell what happens after the the battle or whatever is over they never show! i know some of them show but not all and i like to know what happened after the happy ever after thing i just enjoyed it
July 1, 2013
So, I have read all four books in two days. I would really rate the series at a 4.5, it was addictive. The only reason for the .5 loss in points is that I was not satisfied with the ending. Maybe I just didn't want it to be over, maybe it just left me empty. I love happily ever after but nobody tells me the battle details, it ended too briefly. Honestly I needed another chapter squeezed in there somewhere to explain how we went from dooms day to happily ever after. #FeelinCheated #StillAGoodRead
May 27, 2014
I'm only giving half-hearted 3 stars for the last book in this series. I really liked the characters and story-line. But the end? Nope! Not so much! Finally, the big fight started, and it was over in blink! No details whatsoever, and then we suddenly jumped into the future :( I was so disappointed!
Plus, the Kindle-edition I bought doesn't seem to be proof-read! Apart from quite some spelling mistakes, some of the sentences didn't make sense at all - missing words, wrong genders,...
Plus, the Kindle-edition I bought doesn't seem to be proof-read! Apart from quite some spelling mistakes, some of the sentences didn't make sense at all - missing words, wrong genders,...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 10, 2012
The first 3 were just great, but I felt this one was just scattered and not really thought out. The ending was a disappointment and the epilogue felt really fake. She's such a great author, but she should have waited and given more time and thought to this one before feeling the need to "strike while the iron's hot."
December 23, 2012
Even thought I hated the series to end, I loved the ending! I am so glad I read this series and couldn't believe how late I would stay up to read. The only way I stopped reading was my eyes and head would star hurting and that was clue enough lol. Thank you Ella James for being one of the best authors ever!!!
January 27, 2013
After reading all the others I really struggled finishing this book. I stopped and put it aside to read something else several times and eventually had to use text-to-speech while doing something in order to finish it. I felt like all the books were headed toward this finish but once it got close it slowed down and drug out.
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