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Requiem #1
Lacrimosa
Some sacrifices should never be made, even for love.
Nesy is the best of an elite group of angels, warriors called Sentinals, charged with one job—vanquish the UnHoly. She’s never made a mistake, never gotten emotionally involved, never failed.
Until she comes face-to-face with Aydan.
He is evil incarnate. A fallen angel that feeds off the souls of others. Everything Nesy is supposed to hate. But she can’t, because he’s also the human love of her life; a love she was never supposed to feel.
Now she must choose between doing her duty or saving Aydan, a choice that will cost more than her life...
Or his soul.
**Second Edition includes the Requiem Short, Dies Irae, and features all new interiors and cover design
Nesy is the best of an elite group of angels, warriors called Sentinals, charged with one job—vanquish the UnHoly. She’s never made a mistake, never gotten emotionally involved, never failed.
Until she comes face-to-face with Aydan.
He is evil incarnate. A fallen angel that feeds off the souls of others. Everything Nesy is supposed to hate. But she can’t, because he’s also the human love of her life; a love she was never supposed to feel.
Now she must choose between doing her duty or saving Aydan, a choice that will cost more than her life...
Or his soul.
**Second Edition includes the Requiem Short, Dies Irae, and features all new interiors and cover design
514 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2012
36 people are currently reading
4050 people want to read
About the author
Christine Fonseca
40 books390 followersChristine Fonseca is a bestselling author, licensed educational psychologist, and mentor for deep-feeling creatives. For more than three decades, she has guided artists, writers, and visionaries to embrace their emotional intensity, reclaim their creative fire, and cultivate a practice that is both sustainable and soulful.
Renowned for her pioneering work in emotional intensity, creative empowerment, and somatic writing, Christine dismantles the myth that sensitivity is weakness. Instead, she reveals it as a source of artistry, leadership, and transformation. Her voice is equal parts poetic and practical, timeless and magnetic — inviting readers into a deeper relationship with their art, their body, and themselves.
Christine’s books and teachings have touched audiences across the globe and been featured in Psychology Today, Parents.com, The Neurodiversity Podcast, and on international stages. She is the author of multiple bestselling works, including Nevertheless, Create: Art, Intensity, and the Practice of Showing Up; Write Through: Feeling Your Way to the Page; and Emotional Intensity in Gifted Students: Helping Kids Cope with Explosive Feelings
For more information, visit her website - www.christinefonseca.com
Renowned for her pioneering work in emotional intensity, creative empowerment, and somatic writing, Christine dismantles the myth that sensitivity is weakness. Instead, she reveals it as a source of artistry, leadership, and transformation. Her voice is equal parts poetic and practical, timeless and magnetic — inviting readers into a deeper relationship with their art, their body, and themselves.
Christine’s books and teachings have touched audiences across the globe and been featured in Psychology Today, Parents.com, The Neurodiversity Podcast, and on international stages. She is the author of multiple bestselling works, including Nevertheless, Create: Art, Intensity, and the Practice of Showing Up; Write Through: Feeling Your Way to the Page; and Emotional Intensity in Gifted Students: Helping Kids Cope with Explosive Feelings
For more information, visit her website - www.christinefonseca.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 141 reviews
July 11, 2012
This review is also available on my blog, Qwerty
This needs to be awesome because;
1. Lacrimosa by Mozart is one of my favourite songs.
2. Lacrymosa by Evanescence is one of my other favourite songs.
3. Lacrimosa by Kalafina is another of my favourite song.
Not related to the book you say? Well, I'd read a book for strangest reasons because I'm weird like that.
Full review
Actual rating 4.5 stars
It was indeed awesome. I thought I had enough of angel books but this one truly changed my mind.
First, I had to take back my words by saying, Christine Fonseca's writing matches Maggie Stiefvater's but in a completely different way. Hence, I was wrong when I said in my Dies Irae review that Maggie Stiefvater's writing is better suited for stories like this. Heheh.
What prevented me from giving this book a full five star? I felt like I couldn't grown attached to any of the characters. I did feel their pains and torments but I don't know, somehow it felt like everything was overly dramatic but I guess, that's just the way this story was supposed to be written.
Pick this one up if;
1. You do like larger than life love stories and tragic Shakespeare's plays such as Romeo and Juliet and Macbeth.
2. You think you would feel comfortable talking with Master Yoda because the prose goes like this;
Visions of my lips on Nesy turning her blood to poison
-I won't allow thiis
Intimate embraces that turn her body into flames
-I'll never hurt you
The sound of her screams as I end her life
-I'll protect you. Somehow
3. You don't mind the abuse of Tab key. The author seems to love paragraphing.
4. You can tolerate a bit of insta love (just in the flashbacks)
"My name is Elle." Our gaze meets and I'm locked in sacred moment, just the two of us. Her eyes search mine and I wonder if she knows what I am. But it isn't my wings or my glowing skin she seems to see. It's my soul-the part of me I show no one.
In that second I know...
I will never forget her.
Other than that, I think everybody should give this a try and probably enjoy it.
This needs to be awesome because;
1. Lacrimosa by Mozart is one of my favourite songs.
2. Lacrymosa by Evanescence is one of my other favourite songs.
3. Lacrimosa by Kalafina is another of my favourite song.
Not related to the book you say? Well, I'd read a book for strangest reasons because I'm weird like that.
Full review
Actual rating 4.5 stars
It was indeed awesome. I thought I had enough of angel books but this one truly changed my mind.
First, I had to take back my words by saying, Christine Fonseca's writing matches Maggie Stiefvater's but in a completely different way. Hence, I was wrong when I said in my Dies Irae review that Maggie Stiefvater's writing is better suited for stories like this. Heheh.
What prevented me from giving this book a full five star? I felt like I couldn't grown attached to any of the characters. I did feel their pains and torments but I don't know, somehow it felt like everything was overly dramatic but I guess, that's just the way this story was supposed to be written.
Pick this one up if;
1. You do like larger than life love stories and tragic Shakespeare's plays such as Romeo and Juliet and Macbeth.
2. You think you would feel comfortable talking with Master Yoda because the prose goes like this;
Visions of my lips on Nesy turning her blood to poison
-I won't allow thiis
Intimate embraces that turn her body into flames
-I'll never hurt you
The sound of her screams as I end her life
-I'll protect you. Somehow
3. You don't mind the abuse of Tab key. The author seems to love paragraphing.
4. You can tolerate a bit of insta love (just in the flashbacks)
"My name is Elle." Our gaze meets and I'm locked in sacred moment, just the two of us. Her eyes search mine and I wonder if she knows what I am. But it isn't my wings or my glowing skin she seems to see. It's my soul-the part of me I show no one.
In that second I know...
I will never forget her.
Other than that, I think everybody should give this a try and probably enjoy it.
March 24, 2015
For the love of God this book is utterly amazing! It's dark, devilish, gothic, haunting, tender, poetic, beautiful, melancholy, captivating, enthralling and one non-stop ride of fantastical action. I took my time reading this because the writing felt like I was listening to music (hence the title of the book). The words just floated beautifully. There was so much feelings and emotions stirring through me as I devoured the words. There were so many highs and so many lows, and so many heartbreaking moments, and so many moments of love. It was divine and I fell in love straight away.
Yes, this is a story about angels and demons but what makes it stand out from all the others is that it's very human as well. What is happening is very raw and forbidden. Angels are never meant to fall prey to human emotions. They are not meant to fall in love with one another let alone an Unholy. The right hand man to the devil himself. Oh man this story had me engrossed.
Nesy is a Sentinel. A warrior Angel trained and groomed by non other than Mikayel himself. She is sent down to earth to banish and Unholy to the Abyss. An Unholy who sucks the souls out of innocent humans in order to feed and become strong. What she didn't account for was that this Unholy was the love of her life, Aydan. Oh dear Lord, this good guy turned bad was so deliciously devilish and hypnotic, he had me begging to be devoured *fans herself* But what had be swaying and swooning was when he finally realised who Nesy was, he's love for her came flooding back. That the enticement of being the Devil's right hand man was no longer imaginable. He needed to be with Nesy no matter what, or at least save her if he could. I thoroughly loved reading Aydan's POV (if you can't tell by my updates LOL). What was left of his soul was completely tormented and tortured my heart ached for him and wanted his suffering to end! But what played out I did not expect OMG! I was literally at the edge of my seat anticipating the battle scenes and wondering if this was it. If this was the moment that all this pain and suffering will end. And never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that ending. I was grasping for air at the end because the tears were starting. I could not believe what I was reading and I became numb. I thought Aydan was tortured before. What he was experiencing now was a lot worse but then BOOM! Oh dear me, Christine Fonseca you are amazing. You really had my heart in your hands and I'm hoping it remains intact when I get my hands on book 2. Please be gentle with me :)
All in all, I have to say that I really and truly fell in love with Lacrimosa, with Aydan and Nesy and with Christine Fonseca for being so brilliantly gifted with the ability to move you with her lyrical words. I highly recommend this book to all of you as it will not disappoint.
Yes, this is a story about angels and demons but what makes it stand out from all the others is that it's very human as well. What is happening is very raw and forbidden. Angels are never meant to fall prey to human emotions. They are not meant to fall in love with one another let alone an Unholy. The right hand man to the devil himself. Oh man this story had me engrossed.
Nesy is a Sentinel. A warrior Angel trained and groomed by non other than Mikayel himself. She is sent down to earth to banish and Unholy to the Abyss. An Unholy who sucks the souls out of innocent humans in order to feed and become strong. What she didn't account for was that this Unholy was the love of her life, Aydan. Oh dear Lord, this good guy turned bad was so deliciously devilish and hypnotic, he had me begging to be devoured *fans herself* But what had be swaying and swooning was when he finally realised who Nesy was, he's love for her came flooding back. That the enticement of being the Devil's right hand man was no longer imaginable. He needed to be with Nesy no matter what, or at least save her if he could. I thoroughly loved reading Aydan's POV (if you can't tell by my updates LOL). What was left of his soul was completely tormented and tortured my heart ached for him and wanted his suffering to end! But what played out I did not expect OMG! I was literally at the edge of my seat anticipating the battle scenes and wondering if this was it. If this was the moment that all this pain and suffering will end. And never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that ending. I was grasping for air at the end because the tears were starting. I could not believe what I was reading and I became numb. I thought Aydan was tortured before. What he was experiencing now was a lot worse but then BOOM! Oh dear me, Christine Fonseca you are amazing. You really had my heart in your hands and I'm hoping it remains intact when I get my hands on book 2. Please be gentle with me :)
All in all, I have to say that I really and truly fell in love with Lacrimosa, with Aydan and Nesy and with Christine Fonseca for being so brilliantly gifted with the ability to move you with her lyrical words. I highly recommend this book to all of you as it will not disappoint.
September 24, 2014
WOW!!!! I don't even know where to start. I have been thinking all night and morning about it. I will come back and do a thorough review very soon!
I would like to send my sincere thanks to the author, Christine Fonseca, for allowing me to read and review this book. This review is also posted on the following sites:
http://thecovercontessa.blogspot.com/
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007...
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/lacri...
Every once in a while, a book comes along and you are just floored. You are left without words. You're not sure where your emotions are. You have to sit and think, and think and think some more because it's too hard to formulate exactly how it made you feel; you are THAT blown away.
THIS is that book. If I can just say it made me laugh, it made me cry, it made me want to throw things, it made me sigh. The roller coaster of emotions brought on by this book was nothing less than spectacular. I am speechless, which really does not happen to me, and my ability to form a coherent thought about where to even start is really throwing me for a loop!
Nesy is an angle, a Sentinal, a warrior. She is sent to earth to ensure humanity is protected. She is sent to earth to vanquish the UnHoly. She doesn't waiver, she doesn't have emotion. She does her job and then advances to her next assignment. But, when she is sent to vanquish Ayden to the Abyss, all this changes. She is overcome with emotions as she slowly realizes that she and Ayden are connected from a prior lifetime. And with this information in her hands, her job becomes much more complicated than she ever thought possible.
First off, Fonseca is POETIC if nothing else with her descriptive abilities. The language of this book is amazing. The way Fonseca is able to wrap your head around the emotions of the characters is unbelievable. You feel every bit of pain, love, and fear that these characters are experiencing. It hits right at the core of your being, without fail, every single time. And the most amazing thing about it is that it is totally consistent from the beginning of the book through the end. I have not read many books that were able to do this. And the fact that she can do this while the book is being told from two different points of view shows that she truly knows how to write fiction. Usually, I am confused by which character is which in such novels. It takes me quite a few chapters to sort out each character's personality. Not with this book. I knew from the very beginning that Nesy and Ayden are two totally different characters and I was able to keep that separation throughout the book.
The characters are so well thought out. You can see their centuries old, despite the fact that they are teenagers. So, while this book is definitely billed as a Young Adult novel, I would say there is nothing young about it in the least. And this is not a bad observation. On the contrary, this is a tribute to how well Fonseca writes and how well she is able to pull her audience in. This is a tribute to how a book can take you on a ride that you never thought possible, no matter your age. And to watch their growth is amazing. You see each character go through changes that change their point of view. Even the ancillary characters are noted to change, and the focus is not even on them!!!
The book takes many twists and turns. Things you would not see coming. Things you were hoping would not happen but they do because without them happening, there is no story; you would be left with a bland, flat novel that has no substance at all. Fonseca uses that emotional roller coaster to keep you interested. There are also things that you want to happen, and you know they can't, but you are surprised. I love that. You think the characters have no way out of their pain, and Fonseca flips the story so that you cry, or sigh, or scream, or blubber. That is the mark of an excellent book. That is the mark of an author who is so into her writing, she knows exactly where she will take the reader and where she herself wants to go.
In the end, you are left with questions, yes, but you are also forced to rethink love. You question what it is, and whether or not it can stand the test of time, and the test of emotion.
This, my friends is a love story, filled with action. This is a romance which twists and turns and keeps you wanting to come back. I could not put this book down. I read it in one day, with work, and kids activities and everything!
Lacrimosa is by far one of my favorite books of 2012. I highly recommend it. If you put no other new release on your list this year, you must add this book, because I promise, you WILL NOT be disappointed.
I would like to send my sincere thanks to the author, Christine Fonseca, for allowing me to read and review this book. This review is also posted on the following sites:
http://thecovercontessa.blogspot.com/
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007...
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/lacri...
Every once in a while, a book comes along and you are just floored. You are left without words. You're not sure where your emotions are. You have to sit and think, and think and think some more because it's too hard to formulate exactly how it made you feel; you are THAT blown away.
THIS is that book. If I can just say it made me laugh, it made me cry, it made me want to throw things, it made me sigh. The roller coaster of emotions brought on by this book was nothing less than spectacular. I am speechless, which really does not happen to me, and my ability to form a coherent thought about where to even start is really throwing me for a loop!
Nesy is an angle, a Sentinal, a warrior. She is sent to earth to ensure humanity is protected. She is sent to earth to vanquish the UnHoly. She doesn't waiver, she doesn't have emotion. She does her job and then advances to her next assignment. But, when she is sent to vanquish Ayden to the Abyss, all this changes. She is overcome with emotions as she slowly realizes that she and Ayden are connected from a prior lifetime. And with this information in her hands, her job becomes much more complicated than she ever thought possible.
First off, Fonseca is POETIC if nothing else with her descriptive abilities. The language of this book is amazing. The way Fonseca is able to wrap your head around the emotions of the characters is unbelievable. You feel every bit of pain, love, and fear that these characters are experiencing. It hits right at the core of your being, without fail, every single time. And the most amazing thing about it is that it is totally consistent from the beginning of the book through the end. I have not read many books that were able to do this. And the fact that she can do this while the book is being told from two different points of view shows that she truly knows how to write fiction. Usually, I am confused by which character is which in such novels. It takes me quite a few chapters to sort out each character's personality. Not with this book. I knew from the very beginning that Nesy and Ayden are two totally different characters and I was able to keep that separation throughout the book.
The characters are so well thought out. You can see their centuries old, despite the fact that they are teenagers. So, while this book is definitely billed as a Young Adult novel, I would say there is nothing young about it in the least. And this is not a bad observation. On the contrary, this is a tribute to how well Fonseca writes and how well she is able to pull her audience in. This is a tribute to how a book can take you on a ride that you never thought possible, no matter your age. And to watch their growth is amazing. You see each character go through changes that change their point of view. Even the ancillary characters are noted to change, and the focus is not even on them!!!
The book takes many twists and turns. Things you would not see coming. Things you were hoping would not happen but they do because without them happening, there is no story; you would be left with a bland, flat novel that has no substance at all. Fonseca uses that emotional roller coaster to keep you interested. There are also things that you want to happen, and you know they can't, but you are surprised. I love that. You think the characters have no way out of their pain, and Fonseca flips the story so that you cry, or sigh, or scream, or blubber. That is the mark of an excellent book. That is the mark of an author who is so into her writing, she knows exactly where she will take the reader and where she herself wants to go.
In the end, you are left with questions, yes, but you are also forced to rethink love. You question what it is, and whether or not it can stand the test of time, and the test of emotion.
This, my friends is a love story, filled with action. This is a romance which twists and turns and keeps you wanting to come back. I could not put this book down. I read it in one day, with work, and kids activities and everything!
Lacrimosa is by far one of my favorite books of 2012. I highly recommend it. If you put no other new release on your list this year, you must add this book, because I promise, you WILL NOT be disappointed.
November 20, 2012
Nesy hasn't been in human for for hundreds of years. With this latest assignment she has to take on a body. The assignment is to vanquish Aydan, the devil, Azza's apprentice. He is the worst of the worst and feared by angel and demon alike. Nesy on the other hand is one of the best of the Sentinal, angel warriors.
When Nesy and Aydan first meet up, they are both overwhelmed by memories from a past life. One they both thought they had left behind. At one time Nesy was Elle and Aydan was Adam. And, they were in love with one another.
Nesy has to battle with the feeling she thought she had left behind. Aydan's love for Elle has held strong through time and was what brought about his downfall. Nesy keeps letting him get away angering the Celestium. Will she be able to cast him into the Abyss? And Aydan, will he be able to avoid Azza's plans for him? Will they loose each other or will they be able to overcome all that is amassed against them?
I loved this story! I do have a thing for star crossed lovers. Aydan is just tasty, Unholy or not. Nesy is a kick ass heroine, but humanly flawed. Their struggle is amazing and interesting and doesn't bore in the least.
When Nesy and Aydan first meet up, they are both overwhelmed by memories from a past life. One they both thought they had left behind. At one time Nesy was Elle and Aydan was Adam. And, they were in love with one another.
Nesy has to battle with the feeling she thought she had left behind. Aydan's love for Elle has held strong through time and was what brought about his downfall. Nesy keeps letting him get away angering the Celestium. Will she be able to cast him into the Abyss? And Aydan, will he be able to avoid Azza's plans for him? Will they loose each other or will they be able to overcome all that is amassed against them?
I loved this story! I do have a thing for star crossed lovers. Aydan is just tasty, Unholy or not. Nesy is a kick ass heroine, but humanly flawed. Their struggle is amazing and interesting and doesn't bore in the least.
June 16, 2012
So excited to release the paperback edition of LACRIMOSA. And yes, this is the boy from the backcover of the hardback! And yes, the girl is on the backcover of this book. Clever, yes? LOL!
June 22, 2019
Oh, I just loved this book!!!! I absolutely love angel stories, and I was excited to read Lacrimosa with the twist of having the heroine be an angel, too. I started it this morning and I couldn't put it down (yeah, didn't get a lot accomplished around the house today...)!!
Nesy is a 500-year-old member of the Sentinals, warrior angels sent to earth to destroy the Unholy. Her duty this time has her posing as a 17-year-old high school student as she hunts and damns Azzaziel's right hand man. But what she soon discovers is that this fallen angel Aydan was the boy named Adam who stole her heart when she posed as a human so many years ago. Nesy doesn't know how he became one of the fallen, and she's torn between her duty and her love for Aydan. Aydan, having thought Nesy was a human who had died in his arms before they ever got the chance to be together, is struggling now with his decision to turn against the Sentinals centuries ago. The love between them is still so strong, but Aydan's path has led him to pure evil while Nesy has become one of the top warriors of her kind. A battle is looming, and when the lines are drawn, they will be on opposite sides.
Nesy was a great heroine, I loved that she was such a bad-ass angel!! She was tough and strong, but when Aydan comes into the picture she's really thrown. She never expected to see those eyes again, and when she realizes What Aydan has become she's horrified but determined to carry out her duty. Only it's not as easy as it seems!! And Aydan, with his sexy cocky bad-boy attitude, was definitely swoon-worthy! It's disturbing what he's been doing for the centuries since he was once a warrior angel, steeling the souls of the living to feed himself and the other demons. He's just plain evil, but when Nesy comes into the picture he suddenly realized he gave up everything for something that wasn't true. The woman he fell so deeply in love with is still alive, and it puts all of his decisions and actions into a different perspective. Azza has a plan, though, and he's not about to let his protege turn his back on him after everything he's put into place.
I really liked the way this story played out, I love the romance rekindling and the torment that it causes both Nesy and Aydan. They are one of those couples that is just destined to be together, so you can't help but wish for things to turn around for them. But boy, do things ever get worse and worse for them!! Nesy constantly faces scrutiny from the Council for her inaction, and Aydan can't escape Azza's clutches. Just when you think there may be a light at the end of the tunnel, the author throws in a twist that sends things going full-tilt into the 'oooooh, no!' direction!!!! All of this leads up to one scene that was so upsetting to read that I actually had to skim through it a bit, it broke my heart!! Gah! Why did you do that to us, Christine??!! Oh, I was in pieces after reading that and I just wanted to scream "STOOOOOPPP" as it was happening!! But things aren't always what they seem, and despite the unbelievable heartbreak at the end of this book I'm excited with how Lacrimosa leads into the sequel. There's definitely a silver lining, and I can't wait to see more of these awesome characters!!
Nesy is a 500-year-old member of the Sentinals, warrior angels sent to earth to destroy the Unholy. Her duty this time has her posing as a 17-year-old high school student as she hunts and damns Azzaziel's right hand man. But what she soon discovers is that this fallen angel Aydan was the boy named Adam who stole her heart when she posed as a human so many years ago. Nesy doesn't know how he became one of the fallen, and she's torn between her duty and her love for Aydan. Aydan, having thought Nesy was a human who had died in his arms before they ever got the chance to be together, is struggling now with his decision to turn against the Sentinals centuries ago. The love between them is still so strong, but Aydan's path has led him to pure evil while Nesy has become one of the top warriors of her kind. A battle is looming, and when the lines are drawn, they will be on opposite sides.
Nesy was a great heroine, I loved that she was such a bad-ass angel!! She was tough and strong, but when Aydan comes into the picture she's really thrown. She never expected to see those eyes again, and when she realizes What Aydan has become she's horrified but determined to carry out her duty. Only it's not as easy as it seems!! And Aydan, with his sexy cocky bad-boy attitude, was definitely swoon-worthy! It's disturbing what he's been doing for the centuries since he was once a warrior angel, steeling the souls of the living to feed himself and the other demons. He's just plain evil, but when Nesy comes into the picture he suddenly realized he gave up everything for something that wasn't true. The woman he fell so deeply in love with is still alive, and it puts all of his decisions and actions into a different perspective. Azza has a plan, though, and he's not about to let his protege turn his back on him after everything he's put into place.
I really liked the way this story played out, I love the romance rekindling and the torment that it causes both Nesy and Aydan. They are one of those couples that is just destined to be together, so you can't help but wish for things to turn around for them. But boy, do things ever get worse and worse for them!! Nesy constantly faces scrutiny from the Council for her inaction, and Aydan can't escape Azza's clutches. Just when you think there may be a light at the end of the tunnel, the author throws in a twist that sends things going full-tilt into the 'oooooh, no!' direction!!!! All of this leads up to one scene that was so upsetting to read that I actually had to skim through it a bit, it broke my heart!! Gah! Why did you do that to us, Christine??!! Oh, I was in pieces after reading that and I just wanted to scream "STOOOOOPPP" as it was happening!! But things aren't always what they seem, and despite the unbelievable heartbreak at the end of this book I'm excited with how Lacrimosa leads into the sequel. There's definitely a silver lining, and I can't wait to see more of these awesome characters!!
June 14, 2012
Lacrimosa grabs readers and takes them on an emotional journey from the first page to the last.I liked the characters of Nessy & Aydan very much. Nessy is a smart and kick-ass sort of girl, who is confused at the beginning about why Aydan reminds her of Adam. But then that’s a part of the plot. I also love the darkness in Aydan.
the author has the ability to create great characters!!!
the author has the ability to create great characters!!!
September 3, 2012
A 3.5 for a story that I had very high expectations going in after a really cool prequel. I’m giving the fourth star because I think a lot had to do with my mood and the writing was pretty good. I was coming off Chasing Magic one of my all-time favorite books so almost anything was going to be a little bit of a letdown.
Nessy is a Sentinel, a warrior angel whose job is to vanquish the Unholy. She is sent to earth with Aydan as her target. Nessy is an elite Sentinel who never makes mistakes until she encounters Aydan. Her emotions take over her and she becomes unable to maintain the control she needs to do her job. Aydan is Azza’s apprentice who is the leader of the Unholy. Aydan is an important cog in Azza’s plan to take over Celestium and return the fallen from their condemned location.
First off I think I am done with reading prequels first. This is the second time that I believe it affected my enjoyment of the main book. Not sure what I would recommend doing because the information in this prequel really added something to the reading. My problem with prequels is that you go through world building, the story builds, peaks and then when you get to the main book you start all over with the world building. Just a personal note.
The good. I love getting into the heads of my characters and this book has a 2 person POV with Nessy and Aydan as the stars. I really liked the characters in the story and the world that was created.
Where this book went a little south for me is that although I love getting into the heads of my characters there was a little too much internal struggle and not enough storyline to keep my interest. Some of the world building didn’t really make sense to me.
Thanks for the recommendation Brooke sorry I didn’t love it as much as you. And thanks for the buddy read Amy maybe we’ll do it again (not on a holiday weekend though…haha)
Nessy is a Sentinel, a warrior angel whose job is to vanquish the Unholy. She is sent to earth with Aydan as her target. Nessy is an elite Sentinel who never makes mistakes until she encounters Aydan. Her emotions take over her and she becomes unable to maintain the control she needs to do her job. Aydan is Azza’s apprentice who is the leader of the Unholy. Aydan is an important cog in Azza’s plan to take over Celestium and return the fallen from their condemned location.
First off I think I am done with reading prequels first. This is the second time that I believe it affected my enjoyment of the main book. Not sure what I would recommend doing because the information in this prequel really added something to the reading. My problem with prequels is that you go through world building, the story builds, peaks and then when you get to the main book you start all over with the world building. Just a personal note.
The good. I love getting into the heads of my characters and this book has a 2 person POV with Nessy and Aydan as the stars. I really liked the characters in the story and the world that was created.
Where this book went a little south for me is that although I love getting into the heads of my characters there was a little too much internal struggle and not enough storyline to keep my interest. Some of the world building didn’t really make sense to me.
Thanks for the recommendation Brooke sorry I didn’t love it as much as you. And thanks for the buddy read Amy maybe we’ll do it again (not on a holiday weekend though…haha)
September 24, 2022
Where to begin? You know how something starts as intense and exciting, and after a while it gets dull and boring and you'd end up disappointed with it? Well, that's
not
the case with Christine Fonseca's Lacrimosa.
I like Christine Fonseca's writing style, her words are captivating. The moment I started reading, I was drawn to the story right away, I could feel the emotions her characters are experiencing. And after two chapters, I was already hooked. I immediately fell in love with the characters too and longed to read more about them.
Of course, it's not perfect. It has flaws but I looked past that and just enjoyed the rest of the story.
The ending was heartbreaking. I didn't see it coming, although while I was reading I kept wondering how it will end because it seemed like whatever happens, no one ends up happy. I cried so many times throughout this book, even when it reached the end, even with a glimpse of happiness, I am curious as to what will happen next and how that ending happened. I can't wait for the book 2 of the Requiem series.
Read my full review here.
I like Christine Fonseca's writing style, her words are captivating. The moment I started reading, I was drawn to the story right away, I could feel the emotions her characters are experiencing. And after two chapters, I was already hooked. I immediately fell in love with the characters too and longed to read more about them.
Of course, it's not perfect. It has flaws but I looked past that and just enjoyed the rest of the story.
The ending was heartbreaking. I didn't see it coming, although while I was reading I kept wondering how it will end because it seemed like whatever happens, no one ends up happy. I cried so many times throughout this book, even when it reached the end, even with a glimpse of happiness, I am curious as to what will happen next and how that ending happened. I can't wait for the book 2 of the Requiem series.
Read my full review here.
March 14, 2012
I cannot express how beautifully written this book is. Rich and full of texture, Fonseca has opened my mind to her world of angels and demons. She made me think of the world in a completely different way. And you know an author has done amazing world building when you put down the book thinking the author's way IS the right way.
This book reminded me of EVERNEATH and INK EXCHANGE--two of my favorite books.
If you like angel demon stories, or kick-butt girl stories, or books with fated love stories, you will LOVE LACRIMOSA. I sure did!
This book reminded me of EVERNEATH and INK EXCHANGE--two of my favorite books.
If you like angel demon stories, or kick-butt girl stories, or books with fated love stories, you will LOVE LACRIMOSA. I sure did!
January 12, 2012
I consider myself extremely lucky to have been one of the first people to get to read this novel. It blew me away and completely changed the way I think about angels and demons. This novel is for anyone who loves rich story telling that engages the reader on a deep level and keeps them coming back for more. LOVED it!
November 17, 2012
Lacrimosa is one of those books you have to bear with before the story becomes truly engaging and you feel sufficiently invested. I spent a lot of this frustrated with what I was reading and inwardly groaning at how far I was from the end; it seemed to drag on and I think at one point I was tempted to just stop reading. But some parts of it were good, and if the level at which the ending was written was consistent, this could have been great.
Nesy is a Sentinel, a level of angel whose job it is to vanquish the UnHoly. Professional, detached, determined, Sentinels don't feel emotion, and Nesy is the best there is. But all that changes when she's forced to take the form of a 17 year old girl in order to confront Aydan, her latest assignment. Things get complicated when the two of them realise they know each other from their human lives. With the additional problem of Azzaziel, the Dark One, leader of the UnHoly, Nesy needs to decide: either do her duty and cast Aydan into hell, or ignore her duty and suffer the consequences.
I mentioned before that I found this frustrating. Exceptionally so. So much of it focuses on the romance. Those of you who know me know how much I love my romance - so what's the problem? Well, the insta-love for one. I didn't see what either of them saw in the other. And I found it incredibly repetitive. There was this constant back and forth with Nesy - one minute she'd resolve to kill Aydan and beg the Council for another chance, the next minute she'd see Aydan and her resolve would crumble. Aydan would flit between succumbing to his hunger for souls and wanting it to end and be strong for Nesy. What I ended up reading for the most part was this confusion of emotions, and eventually it grew to be tiresome.
Nesy is meant to be a 500 year old warrior, yet I saw little evidence of wisdom or experience that she surely should have picked up. I would have liked to see greater contrast between how she usually acts as a Sentinel and how she's affected by this assignment. She did eventually toughen up, however, and start to use her intelligence; she did finally do her best to fulfil her duty, even if it was a the pushing of the one person who, in normal circumstances, would have pleaded for the opposite. Her failure to kill Aydan went from being the result of her emotions to Azza's interference, a much better excuse. I did feel sorry for Nesy, for what she went through when she was human and the betrayal she felt after discovering a certain truth. This girl does have a lot of pain in her and it's hard not to feel that at some point.
The book is split between her and Aydan's point of view, so I would have expected more insight to him. Mostly he focused on Nesy, but there were clear signs of his struggle to cope with the Beast. I never did figure out if that was literal, some force within him, or just a metaphor for his hunger. I would have liked to see more contrast in his character too, but I did grow to appreciate his willingness to sacrifice himself and feel the pain he suffered. Azza as an evil being wasn't as impressive as he could be - using this nickname even after his identity was revealed didn't exactly help - and the secondary characters fell flat too. Zane, Nesy's apparent best friend, I found quite annoying and didn't seem to possess any best friend qualities; Cass was overly sympathetic and seemed quite happy to invade Nesy's heart for someone who was supposed to be her friend.
Yet for all that, there were parts that were worth reading. I enjoy reading angel/demon stories generally. I liked seeing this different side to angels - they appear kind, beings that help humanity, yet they have a habit of invading thoughts and opening up your soul. Even one of the Council harbours a secret. The ending was well done, bringing some much-needed action. If you like reading about angels, I would still give this one a go, but do be prepared for the relationship between Nesy and Aydan.
This review is also posted on my blog.
Nesy is a Sentinel, a level of angel whose job it is to vanquish the UnHoly. Professional, detached, determined, Sentinels don't feel emotion, and Nesy is the best there is. But all that changes when she's forced to take the form of a 17 year old girl in order to confront Aydan, her latest assignment. Things get complicated when the two of them realise they know each other from their human lives. With the additional problem of Azzaziel, the Dark One, leader of the UnHoly, Nesy needs to decide: either do her duty and cast Aydan into hell, or ignore her duty and suffer the consequences.
I mentioned before that I found this frustrating. Exceptionally so. So much of it focuses on the romance. Those of you who know me know how much I love my romance - so what's the problem? Well, the insta-love for one. I didn't see what either of them saw in the other. And I found it incredibly repetitive. There was this constant back and forth with Nesy - one minute she'd resolve to kill Aydan and beg the Council for another chance, the next minute she'd see Aydan and her resolve would crumble. Aydan would flit between succumbing to his hunger for souls and wanting it to end and be strong for Nesy. What I ended up reading for the most part was this confusion of emotions, and eventually it grew to be tiresome.
Nesy is meant to be a 500 year old warrior, yet I saw little evidence of wisdom or experience that she surely should have picked up. I would have liked to see greater contrast between how she usually acts as a Sentinel and how she's affected by this assignment. She did eventually toughen up, however, and start to use her intelligence; she did finally do her best to fulfil her duty, even if it was a the pushing of the one person who, in normal circumstances, would have pleaded for the opposite. Her failure to kill Aydan went from being the result of her emotions to Azza's interference, a much better excuse. I did feel sorry for Nesy, for what she went through when she was human and the betrayal she felt after discovering a certain truth. This girl does have a lot of pain in her and it's hard not to feel that at some point.
The book is split between her and Aydan's point of view, so I would have expected more insight to him. Mostly he focused on Nesy, but there were clear signs of his struggle to cope with the Beast. I never did figure out if that was literal, some force within him, or just a metaphor for his hunger. I would have liked to see more contrast in his character too, but I did grow to appreciate his willingness to sacrifice himself and feel the pain he suffered. Azza as an evil being wasn't as impressive as he could be - using this nickname even after his identity was revealed didn't exactly help - and the secondary characters fell flat too. Zane, Nesy's apparent best friend, I found quite annoying and didn't seem to possess any best friend qualities; Cass was overly sympathetic and seemed quite happy to invade Nesy's heart for someone who was supposed to be her friend.
Yet for all that, there were parts that were worth reading. I enjoy reading angel/demon stories generally. I liked seeing this different side to angels - they appear kind, beings that help humanity, yet they have a habit of invading thoughts and opening up your soul. Even one of the Council harbours a secret. The ending was well done, bringing some much-needed action. If you like reading about angels, I would still give this one a go, but do be prepared for the relationship between Nesy and Aydan.
This review is also posted on my blog.
April 6, 2012
To be frank, my first experience with ‘Angels’ wasn’t very good and so I never thought of reading more books about them, until I received Dies Irae & Lacrimosa by this author. Since Dies Irae was a novella, I decided to give it a chance thinking that if I didn’t like it, I wouldn’t venture on with Lacrimosa. But Dies Irae managed to change my mentality about fantasy novels based on Angels.
Lacrimosa picks up after three thousand years since the ending that Dies Irae provided us with. Nessy has been a sentinel for five hundred years now and she is one of the best that Mikayel has. She is good at casting out demons but is uncomfortable within a human body. Still she manages to perform her duties well enough until she meets Aydan. Aydan reminds her of the one she loved in her human life. Aydan, now serving Azzaziel, thrives on human soul. He has come to gain a reputation of being the most dangerous UnHoly who stops at nothing. Aydan too is attracted to Nessy immediately as she reminds him of his love, Ella.
Where on one hand Nessy is shown to struggle to complete her assignment because of a minor problem of ‘emotions’ and a big problem of Azzaziel’s presence, Aydan on the other hand struggles with the darkness within that had become only too familiar to him. Well, the only predictable part about this book is where Nessy and Aydan’s attraction.
I liked the characters of Nessy & Aydan very much. Nessy is a smart and kick-ass sort of girl, who is confused at the beginning about why Aydan reminds her of Adam. But then that’s a part of the plot. I also love the darkness in Aydan. I was practically nodding at Azzaziel when he pointed out that Aydan had joined him out of his free will.
Overall, it’s a great read. The language and the flow of the story are smooth. The plot keeps you trapped in its grip. Action & emotion are served with great balance.
Lacrimosa picks up after three thousand years since the ending that Dies Irae provided us with. Nessy has been a sentinel for five hundred years now and she is one of the best that Mikayel has. She is good at casting out demons but is uncomfortable within a human body. Still she manages to perform her duties well enough until she meets Aydan. Aydan reminds her of the one she loved in her human life. Aydan, now serving Azzaziel, thrives on human soul. He has come to gain a reputation of being the most dangerous UnHoly who stops at nothing. Aydan too is attracted to Nessy immediately as she reminds him of his love, Ella.
Where on one hand Nessy is shown to struggle to complete her assignment because of a minor problem of ‘emotions’ and a big problem of Azzaziel’s presence, Aydan on the other hand struggles with the darkness within that had become only too familiar to him. Well, the only predictable part about this book is where Nessy and Aydan’s attraction.
I liked the characters of Nessy & Aydan very much. Nessy is a smart and kick-ass sort of girl, who is confused at the beginning about why Aydan reminds her of Adam. But then that’s a part of the plot. I also love the darkness in Aydan. I was practically nodding at Azzaziel when he pointed out that Aydan had joined him out of his free will.
Overall, it’s a great read. The language and the flow of the story are smooth. The plot keeps you trapped in its grip. Action & emotion are served with great balance.
July 22, 2012
I would NOT normally read "angels and demons" books maybe I have a wrong opinion of the subject "over-religious/cheesy" material but anyways i would not. However, one of my friends on GR made such a good review of Lacrimosa that it got my curiosity level pretty high. I read some other reviews and was convinced I should have a go. And WOW, it was GREAT!!! Naah it was AWESOME.
Christine Fonseca has a way of telling stories, you just need to know more. Chapters are short and intense which lead me to tell myself "ok one more chapter" (at 2 am in the morning after reading "ONE more" several times already ;) ). I even sneaked into the bathroom at work to read a little about Aydan and Nesy but please don't tell my boss.
The language of this book is amazing. It's simple yet very powerful and NEVER boring. The author makes you feel for the characters (except for the Dark One, what a piece of @#$*@%).
If I had to describe the book I would say it's "Supernatural" (what girl doesn't love the Whinchesters and their angel friend Cass) meets "Buffy" (yes you can love your enemy).
If you like young adult books, go for it you won't be disappointed.
Christine Fonseca has a way of telling stories, you just need to know more. Chapters are short and intense which lead me to tell myself "ok one more chapter" (at 2 am in the morning after reading "ONE more" several times already ;) ). I even sneaked into the bathroom at work to read a little about Aydan and Nesy but please don't tell my boss.
The language of this book is amazing. It's simple yet very powerful and NEVER boring. The author makes you feel for the characters (except for the Dark One, what a piece of @#$*@%).
If I had to describe the book I would say it's "Supernatural" (what girl doesn't love the Whinchesters and their angel friend Cass) meets "Buffy" (yes you can love your enemy).
If you like young adult books, go for it you won't be disappointed.
April 2, 2012
Nessy is a warrior angel, or a sentinel. Her job is to kill the UnHoly, or fallen angels, and protect the souls of the humans living on Earth.
She is very good at her job, one of the best, until her latest assignment. Her job is to dispatch of Ayden. He has sucked the souls out of many people.
Unfortunately for her this job is not simple. Ayden is bring out many feelings and buried memories of her time on Earth. He may possibly be the love of her Earthly existence, Adam.
How can an angel kill the one that she still loves? That is the dilemma in this story.
The book is an emotional journey. Nessy and Ayden alternate point of view. The reader is able to see where there emotions are and the memories that they share. We see why they made their decisions in the past and why they make their decisions in the present.
I was intrigued by the story and loved the exploration of redemption. When is it too late to be redeemed?
There is some violence and kissing. There isn't anything in this book that I would be overly concerned with letting teens read it.
She is very good at her job, one of the best, until her latest assignment. Her job is to dispatch of Ayden. He has sucked the souls out of many people.
Unfortunately for her this job is not simple. Ayden is bring out many feelings and buried memories of her time on Earth. He may possibly be the love of her Earthly existence, Adam.
How can an angel kill the one that she still loves? That is the dilemma in this story.
The book is an emotional journey. Nessy and Ayden alternate point of view. The reader is able to see where there emotions are and the memories that they share. We see why they made their decisions in the past and why they make their decisions in the present.
I was intrigued by the story and loved the exploration of redemption. When is it too late to be redeemed?
There is some violence and kissing. There isn't anything in this book that I would be overly concerned with letting teens read it.
March 20, 2012
Being a Young Adult, hormone-fueled-teenage-love-story, I was pleasantly surprised at some of the appalling darkness in this book! At first you're like, "awwwww..." and then you're like, "he did what?!?!" and then, "awwww...(again)" and then, "Ahhhh! Holy ____!... Azryel's Wings!"
You aren't sure whether to hate Aydan or love him... I guess you have to read it and decide for yourself! BUT, BE CAREFUL, once you are sucked in to Aydan and Nessy's world, you will NEED more and likely find yourself jonesing for the next book. (You may even pester the poor author with email asking her to please stop doing whatever else she happens to be doing and get back to writing because you CAN NOT wait until the next book comes out).... just saying. :)
You aren't sure whether to hate Aydan or love him... I guess you have to read it and decide for yourself! BUT, BE CAREFUL, once you are sucked in to Aydan and Nessy's world, you will NEED more and likely find yourself jonesing for the next book. (You may even pester the poor author with email asking her to please stop doing whatever else she happens to be doing and get back to writing because you CAN NOT wait until the next book comes out).... just saying. :)
May 19, 2012
I purchased this book after reading the first few reviews on goodreads - I was looking for a book that I can connect with - experience the emotions of the characters, live through their highs and lows with them. This story had so much potential but I feel it really fell short.
I didn't connect with a single character, didn't care what happened to them, didnt feel a single emotion. The plot was completely cookie cutter predictable and obvious from the first few pages. I finished the book on autopilot. The dialogue was repetitive and far too angsty for me to enjoy. Definitely for the tween market. I really did like the idea of the story though so it was a shame I couldn't connect with it.
I didn't connect with a single character, didn't care what happened to them, didnt feel a single emotion. The plot was completely cookie cutter predictable and obvious from the first few pages. I finished the book on autopilot. The dialogue was repetitive and far too angsty for me to enjoy. Definitely for the tween market. I really did like the idea of the story though so it was a shame I couldn't connect with it.
March 20, 2012
What an emotional journey this book takes you on. Makes you wonder how many of us really are spiritual beings living our journeys on earth. The times you want to stretch your wings, or float on a beautiful sky just might be moments remembered... I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and am anxiously awaiting the next one.
January 14, 2015
Okay I seriously hate to start a review like this but OMG!!! Seriously this book blew me away!! I was amazed at the amount of emotion there was and yet it didn't take away from the story. I am still (4 days later) having issues getting past just writing sentence after sentence of wow! I went into this book with fairly high expectations. That is not typical of me at all but high expectations and all this book blew me out of the water. Yes, you have your Angels that are here to vanquish the evil, and yes evil is HOT but nothing will prepare you for the ride that you will go one in this book. The is so much love, pain and action that you wont want to stop.
Nesy... To be honest I don't know how do do this character justice. There are so many reasons that I have respect for her. With her blond hair and blue eyes I almost expected her to be the typically beautiful girl that just smiles and turns heads wherever she may tread. She is not that girl. Well I mean she is that girl but that is only scratching the surface. Nesy is a Sentinel. Saying that really doesn't describe what you need to know. Nesy is top of her class and never, I mean NEVER misses her target. She is the one they send when they want the job done and done right and clean. Why is this job so different? Why when she looks at the the dark Aydan does her emotions stir. Emotions long ago forgotten and now unwanted. Unwelcome as they are she can't ignore them and needs to find a way to look past them and finish the job before things get too complicated. Nesy doesn't want to fail and she would do anything to prove that she is strong enough to do what needs to be done. When the time comes and the pressure is on anything is possible for her though.
"Your time here is finished," she yells...
Aydan is what we would classify as the bad guy. He has been the right hand man on Azza for hundreds of years. He is at the mercy of him to be honest. What Azza says goes and that is how he lives his life. Well there is also the little fact that he has no problem feeding his hunger. Claiming what he wants and taking all he needs. There is so much freedom so much choice that he never thought that his mind may change. The scent that almost sent him into a frenzy may be more than he ever could have expected. When the prey is more resistant the hunt only becomes more interesting. The desire to hunt and fill his needs only grows stronger but is that what it really is? What is it about the new girl that has him feeling so different than normal? As his time to become something more than he is draws nearer will he be able to do what he is meant to do or is his world only one breath one step away from changing.
My world slips away and I again taste vengeance on my tongue.
Zane, Cass, Lori are also super note worthy characters. You don't see much of them but each and every one of them leaves their own impact on you.
Zane is not always controlled but he cares for Nesy. He is a strong firend and loyal to her almost every step of the way and that also means that sometimes he must be the one to speak the truth when no one else wants to. He isn't always subtle but his honesty and loyalty speak volumes about who he is. A Mediator that's job is to protect and rely messages. He had helped Nesy centuries ago and is still there for her in all the times that really matter to her.
" Yes you are! And you're risking all our lives in the process."
Cass is the more calm of the group. Where Zane is brutally honest and straight forward, Cass is the one to understand. She is the one that understands matters of the heart even when she shouldn't. I can't help but picture Cass with a beautiful and soft face the shows the calm and caring that rest within her.
"We'll make sure Lori stays safe. Do what you must." Cass embraces me.
"Be careful," she whispers
Lori is the one person that Nesy befriends at school. There is something about her that makes her special. There is no sign stating that she will be the key to anything or be anyone but she seems special. Even different. Lori shows concern for Nesy even when Nesy tries to reassure her that she can take care of herself. It doesn't matter how you look at Lori she is special and you can not deny it.
Everthing else -- her blazing hair, her too-old eyes, her antique dress -- Screams of another time altogether.
This novel is so much more than its vivid characters. There is a rich and clear world that has a strong background (see Dies Irae). You see the world of light and take some steps into the darkness. We all know that there can not be no light without some dark and no good without the evil. This novel takes that balance and makes you question if maybe those two sides can blend and make a grey area and if it does will it work. The dreams that these characters have are passionate.
A hand in mine.. hot. Breath on my neck... sweet. The feel of lips on my own... forbidden.
Everyone in the book has a job. A place where they belong and know where they stand. You don't have to worry about being lost at any point in the book. There is no love triangle or a love that s there too easily. Every moment that passes in this book you know what should happen and what you want to happen. Not a single moment do you have to sit back and think "Why is this happening?" or "How did they get there?"
The only being I'll ever love. The one I must kill.
I never mastered anything. I am damaged. Broken. And I always will be.
Do not let this read pass you by. Christine has taken love and angels to a higher level. This book will draw you in and hook you right until the very last page. You will experience love, fights and lessons as you read this book. Ever page you turn and every word you read will leave you addicted and feeling what the characters feel. I wish I could do this book justice in this review and hope I came close because I was honestly stunned and blown away on so many levels. This read is fun, original and easy!!
I part my lips and succumb fully to the moment. My body feels as though it will implode as heat fuses my cells from my belly to my head.
April 6, 2012
Title: Lacrimosa
Author: Christine Fonseca
Publisher: Compass Press
Date of Release: March 21st, 2012
Summary From Goodreads:
“LACRIMOSA reaches out, grabs readers by the heart, and takes them on an emotional journey from the first page to the last. The last novel you’ll need to read to understand true sacrifice.” ~Elana Johnson, Author of POSSESSION
It’s been three thousand years since the fall of Azzaziel and the rebirth of evil; three thousand years since the Sentinal Order, an elite group of warrior angels, returned to Celestium. Their job—rid Earth of the dark creatures, the UnHoly. And with luck, end Azza’s rule.
As if casting out demons isn’t hard enough, five-hundred-year-old Nesy has to masquerade as a teenage girl to do it. Nesy is the best of the Sentinals. She never makes mistakes, never hesitates, never gets emotionally involved. Until she meets Aydan.
He is evil incarnate; a fallen angel that feeds off the souls of others. Everything Nesy is supposed to hate. But she can’t, because he’s also the love of her former life as a human girl—a life that ended too soon, tying her to emotions she was never supposed to feel.
Now Nesy must choose between doing her duty—damning Aydan to the fiery depths of hell—or saving him, and condemning herself. And her choice may cost her, and Celestium, far more than anyone realizes.
How much will she sacrifice for love?
Review: When I was offered to review this book, I didn’t hesitate to say yes because I saw that the main character was a female AND a warrior angel! I knew this book was going to be intense but, I didn’t know that I would actually get into it as much as I did! Christine Fonseca has taken the angel and spun a beautiful tale of love, loss and the trials of facing your worst fears.
I kind of first read Nessy as the Paris, Gilmore girls reference there, of the angel Sentinels. She is the best, and when we first meet her, there isn’t a ton of emotional depth, it’s there but so not as present as it is when we hit the climax of the novel. I loved the character growth shown, and the struggle she had between her duty and her heart.
MAN GUYS AYDAN IS IMPOSSIBLE!! I mean he is one of the worst fallen out there but, I read him as a deep complex character that wasn’t happy with this life. The novel was in alternating POV’s with Nessy, and while sometimes, you fall in love with one character and dread the switch. That was so not the case with Lacrimosa.
The switching point of views gave even more insight and information into the world Christine Fonseca created. While in the beginning it is all about Duty and what is right, in the end the focus sshifted to Love and choosing what’s right for you.
While I know this review just seems like a jumble of words. I mean it does feel like that to me. I really put off writing this review, because I couldn’t find the right words for it! I really enjoyed Lacrimosa and will be waiting anxiously for it’s sequel.
Author: Christine Fonseca
Publisher: Compass Press
Date of Release: March 21st, 2012
Summary From Goodreads:
“LACRIMOSA reaches out, grabs readers by the heart, and takes them on an emotional journey from the first page to the last. The last novel you’ll need to read to understand true sacrifice.” ~Elana Johnson, Author of POSSESSION
It’s been three thousand years since the fall of Azzaziel and the rebirth of evil; three thousand years since the Sentinal Order, an elite group of warrior angels, returned to Celestium. Their job—rid Earth of the dark creatures, the UnHoly. And with luck, end Azza’s rule.
As if casting out demons isn’t hard enough, five-hundred-year-old Nesy has to masquerade as a teenage girl to do it. Nesy is the best of the Sentinals. She never makes mistakes, never hesitates, never gets emotionally involved. Until she meets Aydan.
He is evil incarnate; a fallen angel that feeds off the souls of others. Everything Nesy is supposed to hate. But she can’t, because he’s also the love of her former life as a human girl—a life that ended too soon, tying her to emotions she was never supposed to feel.
Now Nesy must choose between doing her duty—damning Aydan to the fiery depths of hell—or saving him, and condemning herself. And her choice may cost her, and Celestium, far more than anyone realizes.
How much will she sacrifice for love?
Review: When I was offered to review this book, I didn’t hesitate to say yes because I saw that the main character was a female AND a warrior angel! I knew this book was going to be intense but, I didn’t know that I would actually get into it as much as I did! Christine Fonseca has taken the angel and spun a beautiful tale of love, loss and the trials of facing your worst fears.
I kind of first read Nessy as the Paris, Gilmore girls reference there, of the angel Sentinels. She is the best, and when we first meet her, there isn’t a ton of emotional depth, it’s there but so not as present as it is when we hit the climax of the novel. I loved the character growth shown, and the struggle she had between her duty and her heart.
MAN GUYS AYDAN IS IMPOSSIBLE!! I mean he is one of the worst fallen out there but, I read him as a deep complex character that wasn’t happy with this life. The novel was in alternating POV’s with Nessy, and while sometimes, you fall in love with one character and dread the switch. That was so not the case with Lacrimosa.
The switching point of views gave even more insight and information into the world Christine Fonseca created. While in the beginning it is all about Duty and what is right, in the end the focus sshifted to Love and choosing what’s right for you.
While I know this review just seems like a jumble of words. I mean it does feel like that to me. I really put off writing this review, because I couldn’t find the right words for it! I really enjoyed Lacrimosa and will be waiting anxiously for it’s sequel.
April 4, 2012
Kindle Version (free from author for honest review)
What is a young angel to do when she is sent to kill a demon who turns out to be her lover when she was a human? This is the battle raging inside of Nesy, the angel sent to kill Aydan, a demon. As Nesy goes to kill Aydan she senses something very familiar about him, something that makes her not carry out her killing. The longer she thinks about it and the more she sees Aydan and tries to kill him, the clearer it becomes…Aydan is Adam, the man Nesy loved when she was human. Aydan also senses that Nesy is more than just an angel trying to kill him, she seems to be unable to carry out her kill. Soon he too realizes that she is the same girl he loved as a human. Both are supposed to kill each other, but how can they when they were so in love as humans? Can their feelings for each other resurface and can Aydan turn from a demon back to an angel? What happens if they don’t end each other’s lives, will the other angels and demons do it for them?
Having read the prequel to this book, I was very excited to read it. I was a tiny disappointed when I read how much time had passed between the prequel and this book, but was still very interested in reading it. This book was a good book with lots of action and wonderful characters. I must say though, that I thought the plot line of Nesy not being able to do Aydan in was a bit drawn out. She keeps trying to kill him and just as she is almost to complete the deed, stops and lets him go. This I can see, it adds something to the plot of her inner struggles and her feelings for him, however, this same scene plays out numerous times and I found myself thinking, “here we go again” by the time she tries for the third time. It was like I knew she wouldn’t do it and it was just there to say how she couldn’t do it and how she failed and how she feels bad about not being the Sentinel warrior she is supposed to be. I understand the inner struggle end, but I felt it a bit overdone. On the up side, this book was a good read. It had a great plot and I just LOVED the characters. I felt connected to them and felt for them throughout the book. It was the ultimate good versus evil plot. Aydan seems to do things for Nesy to keep her safe, even if it means his own demise. What better love story is that? I think reading the prequel made this book much better than if I would have picked it up on its own. It added depth to the story and more understanding to the characters and the “feel” of the book. The action, adventure, and the touching love story made up for my feelings about the drawn out areas. All in all this was a very good book that I definitely recommend to anyone who likes some angel/demon reads!
4/5 Stars!
What is a young angel to do when she is sent to kill a demon who turns out to be her lover when she was a human? This is the battle raging inside of Nesy, the angel sent to kill Aydan, a demon. As Nesy goes to kill Aydan she senses something very familiar about him, something that makes her not carry out her killing. The longer she thinks about it and the more she sees Aydan and tries to kill him, the clearer it becomes…Aydan is Adam, the man Nesy loved when she was human. Aydan also senses that Nesy is more than just an angel trying to kill him, she seems to be unable to carry out her kill. Soon he too realizes that she is the same girl he loved as a human. Both are supposed to kill each other, but how can they when they were so in love as humans? Can their feelings for each other resurface and can Aydan turn from a demon back to an angel? What happens if they don’t end each other’s lives, will the other angels and demons do it for them?
Having read the prequel to this book, I was very excited to read it. I was a tiny disappointed when I read how much time had passed between the prequel and this book, but was still very interested in reading it. This book was a good book with lots of action and wonderful characters. I must say though, that I thought the plot line of Nesy not being able to do Aydan in was a bit drawn out. She keeps trying to kill him and just as she is almost to complete the deed, stops and lets him go. This I can see, it adds something to the plot of her inner struggles and her feelings for him, however, this same scene plays out numerous times and I found myself thinking, “here we go again” by the time she tries for the third time. It was like I knew she wouldn’t do it and it was just there to say how she couldn’t do it and how she failed and how she feels bad about not being the Sentinel warrior she is supposed to be. I understand the inner struggle end, but I felt it a bit overdone. On the up side, this book was a good read. It had a great plot and I just LOVED the characters. I felt connected to them and felt for them throughout the book. It was the ultimate good versus evil plot. Aydan seems to do things for Nesy to keep her safe, even if it means his own demise. What better love story is that? I think reading the prequel made this book much better than if I would have picked it up on its own. It added depth to the story and more understanding to the characters and the “feel” of the book. The action, adventure, and the touching love story made up for my feelings about the drawn out areas. All in all this was a very good book that I definitely recommend to anyone who likes some angel/demon reads!
4/5 Stars!
October 7, 2015
I received a free copy from the author in exchange for an honest review in ( Never too old for Y.A Books)
Rating: 3.5
When I started reading, I didn’t have a hard time getting into Nesy and Aydan’s beautifully story of forbidden love. The story is told in alternating points of view between them, so we get to see how both of them feel throughout the whole book. And although I liked the alternating PoV’s , I’ll admit sometimes I preferred Aydan’s a bit more. I guess his darker tortured nature made it more interesting for me.
While reading Nesy’s PoV, I thought she was going to drive me a little crazy. She repeats her internal monologue of frustration, pain, and torment many times. But as much as I wanted to shake her, the way the author wrote those reflected just how confused she was by the events happening around her and to her. Still, a few times I really wished she would just do her duty. My “Do it”’s all over the reading progress are proof of that. But if she did that in chapter 10, what would happen to the rest of the story, right? But what would I know of choosing duty over love when I’ve never been assigned with the task of “terminating” someone I feel connected to. Still, I couldn’t help but consider her a selfish “person” because of her actions and decisions; she says it herself and I agreed every time she mentioned it.
As for Aydan, I liked him. Yes, even if I wanted Nesy to “get rid of him” throughout the whole book. For some reason, I could connect more with him than I could with her. I also felt a little sad for his situation, even if his own choices paved the road which led him to the situation he was in. Another character I liked was Zane, one of Nesy’s friends. He has a strong sense of duty, yet he can be flexible too. So, sometimes he finds himself helping her even though he would prefer to do the opposite. Plus, he was always telling her just what I was thinking, and I would find myself nodding in agreement more than once while he was in lecture mode.
My favorite parts of the book were the action ones, the pace was just right and I loved imagining how the wings would look on each character as they fought. I also loved the ancient ritual scene; it was almost like I was right there among the rest of the demonic creatures experiencing the moment. I would have liked to read a little more of those type of scenes.
Also, I felt the last two chapters of the book were a little disconnected from the story. The transition felt a little bumpy.
Although, sometimes I wasn’t very fond of Nesy, I did enjoy the book and can’t wait to know what will happen in Book 2.
Rating: 3.5
When I started reading, I didn’t have a hard time getting into Nesy and Aydan’s beautifully story of forbidden love. The story is told in alternating points of view between them, so we get to see how both of them feel throughout the whole book. And although I liked the alternating PoV’s , I’ll admit sometimes I preferred Aydan’s a bit more. I guess his darker tortured nature made it more interesting for me.
While reading Nesy’s PoV, I thought she was going to drive me a little crazy. She repeats her internal monologue of frustration, pain, and torment many times. But as much as I wanted to shake her, the way the author wrote those reflected just how confused she was by the events happening around her and to her. Still, a few times I really wished she would just do her duty. My “Do it”’s all over the reading progress are proof of that. But if she did that in chapter 10, what would happen to the rest of the story, right? But what would I know of choosing duty over love when I’ve never been assigned with the task of “terminating” someone I feel connected to. Still, I couldn’t help but consider her a selfish “person” because of her actions and decisions; she says it herself and I agreed every time she mentioned it.
As for Aydan, I liked him. Yes, even if I wanted Nesy to “get rid of him” throughout the whole book. For some reason, I could connect more with him than I could with her. I also felt a little sad for his situation, even if his own choices paved the road which led him to the situation he was in. Another character I liked was Zane, one of Nesy’s friends. He has a strong sense of duty, yet he can be flexible too. So, sometimes he finds himself helping her even though he would prefer to do the opposite. Plus, he was always telling her just what I was thinking, and I would find myself nodding in agreement more than once while he was in lecture mode.
My favorite parts of the book were the action ones, the pace was just right and I loved imagining how the wings would look on each character as they fought. I also loved the ancient ritual scene; it was almost like I was right there among the rest of the demonic creatures experiencing the moment. I would have liked to read a little more of those type of scenes.
Also, I felt the last two chapters of the book were a little disconnected from the story. The transition felt a little bumpy.
Although, sometimes I wasn’t very fond of Nesy, I did enjoy the book and can’t wait to know what will happen in Book 2.
April 22, 2012
This is such a quick paced and exciting book that I had to declare, early into reading it, that it couldn’t be my night-time book. The subject matter of Angels, good versus evil and the grey in between, is disturbing in itself, but Ms. Fonseca’s style of writing keeps the action immediate, in-your-face. AND, there is the internal dialogue the main characters go through while trying to bring about a greater good.
The characters were strong and likable, unless they were meant not to be. The evil ones were, evil! The plot with or without the prequel, Dies Irae, held together in this, I hope, growing series of Requiem. Oh, and if you are not Catholic (I’m not), nor a music major (I am. Thank you, Prof. Laura Hemenway), the story is still accessible. To enrich the experience, take the time to Google these terms. The titles reflect the angst within the books.
But LOVE is the emotion that pulls the reader. Yes, there is romantic love, but that isn’t to the sickening extent as true romance books go. The love for fellow humans is there, also.
My complaint is that the angst often reflected itself, became redundant. What I wanted, when I read how much the two main characters loved each other but couldn’t follow through due to Angel rules, was more history. Why did they love each other so much? I know the time to present their original meeting and growth of their relationships would have slowed the book down. I give kudos to Ms. Fonseca for not getting bogged down. And maybe a deeper story can come out separately of more origins of the relationships.
The topic at hand, Angels, makes writing fiction that isn’t doctrine or didactic problematic. There are so many people who are “Angel experts.” I can see those coming forward and arguing that certain Archangels wouldn’t act this way or that. Since I am not one of those experts, I have dabbled in reading the occasional Angel book, so the story remains a fantasy full of conflicting and human emotion that may or may not be following ‘mere guidelines’ (sorry, my inner pirate came out there). But speaking of the angst, I loved the tools the author used to reflect inner conflict, the kind we all go through. Thought patterns, in real life, are seldom grammatically correct, full sentences, but rather fragments fighting for top billing. Cool tool, Christine!
I’m looking forward to more from Christine Fonseca.
The characters were strong and likable, unless they were meant not to be. The evil ones were, evil! The plot with or without the prequel, Dies Irae, held together in this, I hope, growing series of Requiem. Oh, and if you are not Catholic (I’m not), nor a music major (I am. Thank you, Prof. Laura Hemenway), the story is still accessible. To enrich the experience, take the time to Google these terms. The titles reflect the angst within the books.
But LOVE is the emotion that pulls the reader. Yes, there is romantic love, but that isn’t to the sickening extent as true romance books go. The love for fellow humans is there, also.
My complaint is that the angst often reflected itself, became redundant. What I wanted, when I read how much the two main characters loved each other but couldn’t follow through due to Angel rules, was more history. Why did they love each other so much? I know the time to present their original meeting and growth of their relationships would have slowed the book down. I give kudos to Ms. Fonseca for not getting bogged down. And maybe a deeper story can come out separately of more origins of the relationships.
The topic at hand, Angels, makes writing fiction that isn’t doctrine or didactic problematic. There are so many people who are “Angel experts.” I can see those coming forward and arguing that certain Archangels wouldn’t act this way or that. Since I am not one of those experts, I have dabbled in reading the occasional Angel book, so the story remains a fantasy full of conflicting and human emotion that may or may not be following ‘mere guidelines’ (sorry, my inner pirate came out there). But speaking of the angst, I loved the tools the author used to reflect inner conflict, the kind we all go through. Thought patterns, in real life, are seldom grammatically correct, full sentences, but rather fragments fighting for top billing. Cool tool, Christine!
I’m looking forward to more from Christine Fonseca.
June 16, 2012
Nesy is a 500 year old Sentinal Warrior Angel whose job is to track and banish evil UnHoly creatures from Earth,protecting the humans. Problem is, her latest assignment turns out to be Aydan- the love of her life when she was human and before she became an Angel. If she kills him, it's like killing a part of herself. If she doesn't, she is dooming the entire world and allowing Azzaziel, the leader of the UnHoly to gain a foothold on Earth. What a choice...
I was captivated and spellbound almost from the first chapter of this book and raced through it in a day. It was VERY hard to put down!
For me, a big part of whether I like a book or not is if I can identify with and like the characters. I definitely did in this book. The heroine Nessy was strong and very capable, yet her tender side for Aydan was very evident. Aydan saw himself as this evil, beyond redemption being yet he too, had a tender side. Their love transcended normal mortal love and the sacrifices they made were heartbreaking.
The dialog and language Christine Fonseca chooses puts you right into the heads of the characters and you feel their every emotion. Heartbreak, love, anguish, and hope. I found myself yelling out loud several times during this book "NOOOO..." with teary eyes.
I don't want to give out any spoilers so I won't comment on my final impression except to say that I now have hope and am anxiously awaiting the next novel in the series. I will be busying myself with the two novelettes in the meantime though!!
I was captivated and spellbound almost from the first chapter of this book and raced through it in a day. It was VERY hard to put down!
For me, a big part of whether I like a book or not is if I can identify with and like the characters. I definitely did in this book. The heroine Nessy was strong and very capable, yet her tender side for Aydan was very evident. Aydan saw himself as this evil, beyond redemption being yet he too, had a tender side. Their love transcended normal mortal love and the sacrifices they made were heartbreaking.
The dialog and language Christine Fonseca chooses puts you right into the heads of the characters and you feel their every emotion. Heartbreak, love, anguish, and hope. I found myself yelling out loud several times during this book "NOOOO..." with teary eyes.
I don't want to give out any spoilers so I won't comment on my final impression except to say that I now have hope and am anxiously awaiting the next novel in the series. I will be busying myself with the two novelettes in the meantime though!!
June 21, 2012
Wow this book had me hooked from the very start. Talk about forbidden love. It has left me speechless, left me wanting more.
Nessy is a 500year old sentinal - a worrier angerl and is one of the best, she is sent on a mission to kill an unholy ( the unholy feed on human souls). The unholy that she is sent to destroy is Ayden and when they meet its not that easy to kill him. Its supposed to be simple go in and destroy him but Ayden reminds her of her former life her forer lover that she lost. Throughout the book you feel her struggle between right and wrong between her heart and her mission.
I loved it that you got to hear both POV Aydens and Nessy's. Throughout the story you learn their history.
This book bought out alot of emotions in me it was a real rollercoaster ride alot of heartbreak to the point where both Nessy and Ayden can never be together but then the author flips the story and a whole new set of emotions come into play. This was truely an amazing story. There were points in this book where i wanted to scream "Why" and " Nooooo" . I cannot wait to see what happens next...
Nessy is a 500year old sentinal - a worrier angerl and is one of the best, she is sent on a mission to kill an unholy ( the unholy feed on human souls). The unholy that she is sent to destroy is Ayden and when they meet its not that easy to kill him. Its supposed to be simple go in and destroy him but Ayden reminds her of her former life her forer lover that she lost. Throughout the book you feel her struggle between right and wrong between her heart and her mission.
I loved it that you got to hear both POV Aydens and Nessy's. Throughout the story you learn their history.
This book bought out alot of emotions in me it was a real rollercoaster ride alot of heartbreak to the point where both Nessy and Ayden can never be together but then the author flips the story and a whole new set of emotions come into play. This was truely an amazing story. There were points in this book where i wanted to scream "Why" and " Nooooo" . I cannot wait to see what happens next...
July 8, 2012
This story was really beautiful!! I enjoyed reading from both POV. It flowed nicely and the writing was extremely poetic and made want to keep turning the pages. The reason why I did not give it 5 stars is because it was a bit too predictable from the beginning. I'm usually really bad at predicting endings, but I had a feeling about this one. There was also no twists and turns. Perhaps because it was from both POV. But I really did enjoy the story and I am looking forward to reading more of Christine's books.
Read
July 17, 2012Loved Christine's writing style. My heart ached for this poor couple, and I loved all the characters--even the bad ones. I'll admit I was very worried about how it would end, but wow what an ending. Very well done. I finished late at night then went to bed and dreamed of black and silver blood, so you know the book is good if it affected my dreams. ;) Looking forward to reading more from Christine.
June 26, 2017
Not sure what to write about this book, but how much I loved it!! This is a story of redemption, and love, and sacrifices. Most of it is sad. Some of it is happy. And a little bit is tearful. This book drags you in from the first page, and doesn't let you go until the last page. I love Nesy and her fellow angels, and Aydan, but not his followers. I cannot wait for the second book to come out!
April 16, 2012
I'm so happy to be able to bring this story to everyone. I first wrote it in 2009...-and now, here it is. Yes, it is angsty. And yes, it is highly emotional. But that's the story these characters told...I just tried to keep up :)
March 23, 2012
This book was AMAZING. I was completely hooked from the start and could not put it down. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves angels and god versus evil, ohhh and of course a story where love concurs all and is undying...I cant wait for more!!!
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