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In the city that never sleeps the Chronicles continue…
Serving coffee is temporary, just like Casey's year off from school. She’s going to come up with a plan to stay in New York City and go back to college, and that plan does not involve dating a paranormal creature—let alone two.
Running the supernatural society of New York is not as fun as it sounds, especially when you still have to answer to your ex-girlfriend’s fiancé. Toby doesn’t mean to bring Casey into the chaos of his life, but he can't resist the girl who makes him smile when he thought no one else ever could.
Jared's in New York checking out a security risk for his best friend, the king. He plans to return to New Orleans quickly, but not if it means losing his chance with the brunette who pretends she wants nothing to do with him.
In over her head with a bunch of winged creatures who most definitely are not angels, Casey has to figure out who to trust with her life and maybe her heart.
Serving coffee is temporary, just like Casey's year off from school. She’s going to come up with a plan to stay in New York City and go back to college, and that plan does not involve dating a paranormal creature—let alone two.
Running the supernatural society of New York is not as fun as it sounds, especially when you still have to answer to your ex-girlfriend’s fiancé. Toby doesn’t mean to bring Casey into the chaos of his life, but he can't resist the girl who makes him smile when he thought no one else ever could.
Jared's in New York checking out a security risk for his best friend, the king. He plans to return to New Orleans quickly, but not if it means losing his chance with the brunette who pretends she wants nothing to do with him.
In over her head with a bunch of winged creatures who most definitely are not angels, Casey has to figure out who to trust with her life and maybe her heart.
252 pages, Paperback
First published November 15, 2013
260 people are currently reading
3619 people want to read
About the author
Alyssa Rose Ivy
100 books2,487 followersAlyssa Rose Ivy is the bestselling author of more than forty novels with over one million books sold worldwide. She loves to weave stories with romance and humor, and she is best known for writing about college boys with wings. After surviving law school and earning her masters in library science, she turned back to her creative side and decided to write. Although raised in the New York area, she fell in love with the South after moving to New Orleans for college. She lives in Alabama with her two children, and she can usually be found with a cup of coffee in her hand.
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January 26, 2014Waiting for them all! I don't do cliffhangers!
November 19, 2013
4.5 Stars~
I absolutely adored the Crescent Chronicles so how in the world could I resist reading the spin off series, The Empire Chronicles? Well, I can't, so I didn't. In fact I dove right in eager to get back to the world of the prenaturals (yay Pterons!!) that Rose created.
How could I resist another book filled with the hunky guys that stole my heart in the first series? And this time, this time it was all about Toby, someone that some how, all circumstances aside, managed to weasel his way into my heart in Found and I just knew I needed to know more of his story and Rose once again delivered and then some.
Not only did she gives us Toby but she gave us some more Jared as well. And how can anyone resist the gruff, brooding, heart of gold best friend to the (now) king? Not I apparently. I have liked Jared from the very beginning, broodiness and all.
This was such a great addition to the series! I couldn't be more happy with this spin off if I wrote it myself. It had everything I fell in love with with the Crescent Chronicles except with a whole new dynamic and new cast of characters as well as the familiar ones we have come to love from before.
And that ending? Holy crap that ending blew me away (no pun intended!!). I am still trying to process it all. And the worst part is...it just left me wanting, no craving, the next book.
Toby, Jared....how in the world could a girl pick, and can she even pick now after the stuff that was reveled? Gah! I have some many questions now..so much left to discover and to be told. I can not wait!!
Once again Rose has proven that she is a master story teller. With her creative stories full of friendship, spicy hot encounters, sweet romance, a thrilling plot, lots of action and so many twists I didn't see coming that it is no wonder my head is still spinning from them all, she is one author that you do not want to miss out on. If you have any doubts at all about trying this series, don't. It is worth it and then some.
I absolutely adored the Crescent Chronicles so how in the world could I resist reading the spin off series, The Empire Chronicles? Well, I can't, so I didn't. In fact I dove right in eager to get back to the world of the prenaturals (yay Pterons!!) that Rose created.
How could I resist another book filled with the hunky guys that stole my heart in the first series? And this time, this time it was all about Toby, someone that some how, all circumstances aside, managed to weasel his way into my heart in Found and I just knew I needed to know more of his story and Rose once again delivered and then some.
Not only did she gives us Toby but she gave us some more Jared as well. And how can anyone resist the gruff, brooding, heart of gold best friend to the (now) king? Not I apparently. I have liked Jared from the very beginning, broodiness and all.
This was such a great addition to the series! I couldn't be more happy with this spin off if I wrote it myself. It had everything I fell in love with with the Crescent Chronicles except with a whole new dynamic and new cast of characters as well as the familiar ones we have come to love from before.
And that ending? Holy crap that ending blew me away (no pun intended!!). I am still trying to process it all. And the worst part is...it just left me wanting, no craving, the next book.
Toby, Jared....how in the world could a girl pick, and can she even pick now after the stuff that was reveled? Gah! I have some many questions now..so much left to discover and to be told. I can not wait!!
Once again Rose has proven that she is a master story teller. With her creative stories full of friendship, spicy hot encounters, sweet romance, a thrilling plot, lots of action and so many twists I didn't see coming that it is no wonder my head is still spinning from them all, she is one author that you do not want to miss out on. If you have any doubts at all about trying this series, don't. It is worth it and then some.
January 20, 2015
3.5 stars
Warning you might actually want to read Flight The Crescent Series first this is a spinoff but there are so many connections to the first series that you may feel a little lost like me! I didn't read the Crescent Series first because I was intrigued by this book, i didn't think they were connected....it became apparent they were. These are also connected to her Dire Series which was the one i read, first, first so mayhaps because i knew a little about the Pterons already i wasn't as long as i should have been but i also was reading about them on the other side.
So here is the thing i was semi familiar with this world but not these characters, and some of these characters *cough cough im assuming a LOT of these characters cough cough* were in the first series and we are supposed to know about their history, so with all that said i was a little off put when starting this book because i didn't. i considered and debated for awhile if i wanted to hold off in the middle of reading this go back and read flight so i could understand better but there is a whole series to those as well its hard because i didn't want to. i was so intrigued by these paranormals about these characters i wanted to go on!
What was so special about Casey? Other than Toby and Jared's attraction to her but all in all i was just interested in learning more about the world, and the characters. i wanted to stay up all night reading these book but i couldn't because i had work but i had to pry myself away from the book. unfortunately as addicted as i want to this read i couldn't get over the overwhelming love triangle that was being forced upon us. I am not usually a fan of love - triangles there are few that i actually am okay with, this was not one of them.
so overall i think that this was an interesting read, the pace again for me was a little off but i was so interested in what was going to happen next, what was going on that i wanted to keep reading. i had to know, and that ending, goddammit. there was no stopping me i was continuing with this series before going back to the original series, that started all the spinoffs. I think the Dire series which is in the same universe by the way can be read completely separate as i read that series first, but this one? I am not so sure. you can but you might feel a little lost and disconnected to certain characters you are already supposed to know about. not terribly but a little bit and just especially their history together.
Warning you might actually want to read Flight The Crescent Series first this is a spinoff but there are so many connections to the first series that you may feel a little lost like me! I didn't read the Crescent Series first because I was intrigued by this book, i didn't think they were connected....it became apparent they were. These are also connected to her Dire Series which was the one i read, first, first so mayhaps because i knew a little about the Pterons already i wasn't as long as i should have been but i also was reading about them on the other side.
So here is the thing i was semi familiar with this world but not these characters, and some of these characters *cough cough im assuming a LOT of these characters cough cough* were in the first series and we are supposed to know about their history, so with all that said i was a little off put when starting this book because i didn't. i considered and debated for awhile if i wanted to hold off in the middle of reading this go back and read flight so i could understand better but there is a whole series to those as well its hard because i didn't want to. i was so intrigued by these paranormals about these characters i wanted to go on!
What was so special about Casey? Other than Toby and Jared's attraction to her but all in all i was just interested in learning more about the world, and the characters. i wanted to stay up all night reading these book but i couldn't because i had work but i had to pry myself away from the book. unfortunately as addicted as i want to this read i couldn't get over the overwhelming love triangle that was being forced upon us. I am not usually a fan of love - triangles there are few that i actually am okay with, this was not one of them.
so overall i think that this was an interesting read, the pace again for me was a little off but i was so interested in what was going to happen next, what was going on that i wanted to keep reading. i had to know, and that ending, goddammit. there was no stopping me i was continuing with this series before going back to the original series, that started all the spinoffs. I think the Dire series which is in the same universe by the way can be read completely separate as i read that series first, but this one? I am not so sure. you can but you might feel a little lost and disconnected to certain characters you are already supposed to know about. not terribly but a little bit and just especially their history together.
December 11, 2013
Big thanks to Alyssa and Kelly for an ARC copy for review.
I love being back in the Petron world again. I was beyond excited that I get to see more of characters that I have grown to love, as well introducing some new ones, and a new city. Yes New York City to be exact, or Toby's territory as appointed from King Levi Laurent. Gosh I love saying that. *giggles*
Casey was a great character. She was quick witted and fierce, just like my girl Allie. I love how Alyssa makes her main female heroines strong, and independent. Now when it comes to Toby and Jared my mind is very torn. I really like Toby, he is charming and serious at the same time. Then you have Jared.. who I loved from the Crescent Chronicles. He has that magnetic quality that draws you in.
"Yes, you will. I hope you know what your getting into though." I closed the balcony door. She wasn't going back inside that night.
"And what's that?"
"A night you'll never forget." ~ Jared and Casey
Wow, What's a girl to do? I loved seeing Allie and Levi again, and it was great seeing them through someone's eyes. You can really see how in love those two are. This novel has is packing with action, heated and tender moments, and one big shocking secret that I did not see coming. Yes the ending left my mouth hanging wide open, and in desperate need of book two. I am waiting anxiously to find out what happens.
"He laughed, "Your always asking questions, Casey. How about you find your own answers for once?" ~ Murphy and Casey
Review also posted at: http://jesstimetoread.blogspot.com
I love being back in the Petron world again. I was beyond excited that I get to see more of characters that I have grown to love, as well introducing some new ones, and a new city. Yes New York City to be exact, or Toby's territory as appointed from King Levi Laurent. Gosh I love saying that. *giggles*
Casey was a great character. She was quick witted and fierce, just like my girl Allie. I love how Alyssa makes her main female heroines strong, and independent. Now when it comes to Toby and Jared my mind is very torn. I really like Toby, he is charming and serious at the same time. Then you have Jared.. who I loved from the Crescent Chronicles. He has that magnetic quality that draws you in.
"Yes, you will. I hope you know what your getting into though." I closed the balcony door. She wasn't going back inside that night.
"And what's that?"
"A night you'll never forget." ~ Jared and Casey
Wow, What's a girl to do? I loved seeing Allie and Levi again, and it was great seeing them through someone's eyes. You can really see how in love those two are. This novel has is packing with action, heated and tender moments, and one big shocking secret that I did not see coming. Yes the ending left my mouth hanging wide open, and in desperate need of book two. I am waiting anxiously to find out what happens.
"He laughed, "Your always asking questions, Casey. How about you find your own answers for once?" ~ Murphy and Casey
Review also posted at: http://jesstimetoread.blogspot.com
February 6, 2022
Soar is the first book of (The Empire Chronicles)and this was incredible, believe or not I think I loved this book better then flight. I think it was because we had Allie and Levi and the other characters Jared,Owen,Hailey,Toby backgrounds, and now we still get to know what they're all up to in this series too, which I absolutely loved. As well as getting new characters.
𝙃𝙖𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙗𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙛𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙣 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙤 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙗𝙤𝙨𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙥𝙡𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨, 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙄 𝙬𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙𝙣'𝙩 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙙 𝙢𝙮 𝙥𝙤𝙨𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙖𝙣𝙮𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜.
We get three different POVs in Soar. Now if you read any of my other reviews, you know I love it when a author does different POVs of characters. We meet a new character, Casey, an 18 year student that's taking a year off college. She struggles through life working in a coffee shop. I love Casey. She is the kind of young lady that wants to earn her way, she is such a loveable person but she finds it hard to trust people and yeah I can see why, I mean wow does she have some crazy background secrets. Casey is definitely intriguing and I loved unfolding her background but I have a feeling there's a lot more to discover in the other books.
𝙎𝙝𝙚'𝙙 𝙗𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙢𝙚 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙙𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙬𝙚'𝙙 𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙤𝙜𝙚𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙄'𝙙 𝙝𝙖𝙙 𝙞𝙣 𝙢𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙝𝙨.
I was really thrilled when I found out we were getting to know more about our two other characters we already know, one of them being Toby, awwww Toby I felt so sorry for him bless his heart, he loved Allie so deeply and in the end he did the right thing. Now he is working for his ex-girlfriends fiance running supernatural society for New York. It's not the easiest for him and you can't help who you love right. I was really hoping that we would get his story and of course he meets the lovely Casey, let's just say they are so adorable, I'm so happy for Toby and Casey it made me smile. The third POV we have is the cocky, arrogant and gorgeous Jared as we know as head of security, for his best friend Levi the king. Of course he meets Casey and wants her too haha, and ohh boy Toby and Jared now fighting for the same girl, seriously Toby just can't have a break lol. Casey has a hard time deciding who she can trust with her heart, and that ending OMG!!!!!!!!!! I need the next book now lol.
𝙄 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙢𝙞𝙨𝙚𝙙 𝙢𝙮𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙛 𝙞𝙩 𝙬𝙖𝙨𝙣'𝙩 𝙗𝙚𝙘𝙖𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙨𝙚𝙭𝙮 𝙜𝙪𝙮 𝙩𝙤 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙡𝙚.
Alyssa Rose Ivy just gets better and better, i'm loving these characters and growing so close to them all. I'm so excited to carry on through this series, there is so much drama and action, twists and turns, there is not a page without something going on, and i'm so intrigued to find out more about Casey and her life and family. If you haven't read Flight book 1 Allie and Levi’s story I recommend that you start there first, before starting soar it will be so more enjoyable and will make so much more sense.
𝙃𝙖𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙗𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙛𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙣 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙤 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙗𝙤𝙨𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙥𝙡𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨, 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙄 𝙬𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙𝙣'𝙩 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙙 𝙢𝙮 𝙥𝙤𝙨𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙖𝙣𝙮𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜.
We get three different POVs in Soar. Now if you read any of my other reviews, you know I love it when a author does different POVs of characters. We meet a new character, Casey, an 18 year student that's taking a year off college. She struggles through life working in a coffee shop. I love Casey. She is the kind of young lady that wants to earn her way, she is such a loveable person but she finds it hard to trust people and yeah I can see why, I mean wow does she have some crazy background secrets. Casey is definitely intriguing and I loved unfolding her background but I have a feeling there's a lot more to discover in the other books.
𝙎𝙝𝙚'𝙙 𝙗𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙢𝙚 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙙𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙬𝙚'𝙙 𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙤𝙜𝙚𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙄'𝙙 𝙝𝙖𝙙 𝙞𝙣 𝙢𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙝𝙨.
I was really thrilled when I found out we were getting to know more about our two other characters we already know, one of them being Toby, awwww Toby I felt so sorry for him bless his heart, he loved Allie so deeply and in the end he did the right thing. Now he is working for his ex-girlfriends fiance running supernatural society for New York. It's not the easiest for him and you can't help who you love right. I was really hoping that we would get his story and of course he meets the lovely Casey, let's just say they are so adorable, I'm so happy for Toby and Casey it made me smile. The third POV we have is the cocky, arrogant and gorgeous Jared as we know as head of security, for his best friend Levi the king. Of course he meets Casey and wants her too haha, and ohh boy Toby and Jared now fighting for the same girl, seriously Toby just can't have a break lol. Casey has a hard time deciding who she can trust with her heart, and that ending OMG!!!!!!!!!! I need the next book now lol.
𝙄 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙢𝙞𝙨𝙚𝙙 𝙢𝙮𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙛 𝙞𝙩 𝙬𝙖𝙨𝙣'𝙩 𝙗𝙚𝙘𝙖𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙨𝙚𝙭𝙮 𝙜𝙪𝙮 𝙩𝙤 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙡𝙚.
Alyssa Rose Ivy just gets better and better, i'm loving these characters and growing so close to them all. I'm so excited to carry on through this series, there is so much drama and action, twists and turns, there is not a page without something going on, and i'm so intrigued to find out more about Casey and her life and family. If you haven't read Flight book 1 Allie and Levi’s story I recommend that you start there first, before starting soar it will be so more enjoyable and will make so much more sense.
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November 19, 2013Meh I am disappointed. Loved the other series and seeing Levi and Allie again. They were a hard couple to compete with. But I didn't really feel this one. I HATE love triangles and 85% of the book she seemed so into Toby and I was happy for him and he was so nice and had such heartbreak then all of a sudden she falls into bed with Jared!!! *#@&$@(#$*&@()#$ Insert lots of cuss words here. And he was such a douche. I liked him in the other series and he is funny but I don't like him with Casey at all. Might go back and read the last 10% later but just didn't like the way the story went. I guess the ending is a shocker. Might skip to that to see if there is some paranormal explanation for such a horrible occurrence.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 1, 2014
Soar is now available :)
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November 17, 2017Just not in the mood for this - yet another YA paranormal romance that's trying too hard.
April 21, 2014
Despite my recent book slump that I’ve had for the past month, I actually read this one in a few hours. I just got sucked into this from the begining and before I knew it I was halfway done. I finished it that same night and now I’m really looking forward to the next book in this series.
I really liked Alyssa’s The Crescent Chronicles series and my favorite character was definitely Jared, Levi’s best friend. I was surprised when I found out that this new series would be about Toby since he wasn’t a very likable person in the other books (although he really did grow on me by book 3). I must not have paid attention to the summary the first time because I didn’t even realize that Jared would be involved in this series too until last week. Before even starting the book, I was already torn on the love triangle. It got worse once I actually started the book!
Most of the book is about Toby and Casey, Jared only has a few POV chapters and he doesn’t even make an appearance (in New York) into about the 40% mark. By this point, I was 100% on board on the whole Toby and Casey relationship. Then Jared showed up and I was like oh-uh. Luckily, things get off to a slow start between Jared and Casey so I was back to Team Toby. Towards the end of the book, we get more interactions between Jared and Casey. The more interactions we got between them, the more my Team Toby flag started changing to Team Jared.
Although we are still pretty much in the same world as The Crescent Chronicles, the change or scenery and characters gives this story it’s own unique take. While I ended up really liking Toby’s character, I thought he was (I feel horrible for saying this, or typing it I guess) a little bit too nice. He let too many opportunities with Casey go to waste. True, he was worried about her safety and he wanted to take things slow for her (and him) but this just gave Jared a chance to swoop in and swoon Casey. My one issue with the book was how easy it was
Despite my issue, I still really enjoyed this one. It was easy to get lost in and I love revisiting this world through new eyes. I have to admit that I did not see the big secret coming at all! The ending was awesome even if it was a bit of a cliffy. I’m excited to see where this goes next with Casey, Jared and Toby and I will definitely be picking up the next book in this series!
4 out of 5 stars!
***
Read full review & more of my reviews at Mostly YA Book Obsessed
I really liked Alyssa’s The Crescent Chronicles series and my favorite character was definitely Jared, Levi’s best friend. I was surprised when I found out that this new series would be about Toby since he wasn’t a very likable person in the other books (although he really did grow on me by book 3). I must not have paid attention to the summary the first time because I didn’t even realize that Jared would be involved in this series too until last week. Before even starting the book, I was already torn on the love triangle. It got worse once I actually started the book!
Most of the book is about Toby and Casey, Jared only has a few POV chapters and he doesn’t even make an appearance (in New York) into about the 40% mark. By this point, I was 100% on board on the whole Toby and Casey relationship. Then Jared showed up and I was like oh-uh. Luckily, things get off to a slow start between Jared and Casey so I was back to Team Toby. Towards the end of the book, we get more interactions between Jared and Casey. The more interactions we got between them, the more my Team Toby flag started changing to Team Jared.
Although we are still pretty much in the same world as The Crescent Chronicles, the change or scenery and characters gives this story it’s own unique take. While I ended up really liking Toby’s character, I thought he was (I feel horrible for saying this, or typing it I guess) a little bit too nice. He let too many opportunities with Casey go to waste. True, he was worried about her safety and he wanted to take things slow for her (and him) but this just gave Jared a chance to swoop in and swoon Casey. My one issue with the book was how easy it was
Despite my issue, I still really enjoyed this one. It was easy to get lost in and I love revisiting this world through new eyes. I have to admit that I did not see the big secret coming at all! The ending was awesome even if it was a bit of a cliffy. I’m excited to see where this goes next with Casey, Jared and Toby and I will definitely be picking up the next book in this series!
4 out of 5 stars!
***
Read full review & more of my reviews at Mostly YA Book Obsessed
November 25, 2013
Soar was everything I was hoping for in this spin-off series, and so much more. I loved the Crescent Chronicles and was so happy to hear that Alyssa would continue writing about this unique and interesting world she created. In Soar, you get POVs from Toby, a somewhat “bad guy” from the Crescent Chronicles, Jared, Levi’s Head of Security of The Society, and the new girl, Casey. Let me forewarn you, there is a love triangle brewing, but triangle naysayers need not fear, Alyssa does a great job with it so far and I honestly don’t know who I’m rooting for more at this point. Sure, after being in Toby’s head, I have a soft spot for him and have become a fan, but there’s just something about Jared that is hard to resist and I really want to see both of them happy.
The story itself starts out amazing. You’re pulled in right away and Alyssa’s writing really never lets you go. I always find myself hooked on her books. Her writing style is very different and she has the ability to cut through the crap and needless details, yet still giving enough substance to create an engaging and riveting story. Here, Casey is caught in the middle of what appears to be a rebellion, as the other shifters in this world believe this is the perfect time to attack the Pteron empire and stage a coup. How does Casey fit into all this? Well, her role is a lot more important than even I originally thought, and even though Ivy doesn’t give up much about Casey’s past, you get enough to know just how crazy this storyline is going to get. There were definitely a few surprises I didn’t see coming and I loved it.
As for the romance, even though I felt it coming, I was still hoping Ivy wouldn’t throw in the triangle. Still, like I said, she did it well, and I’m at a loss of who should be with who, especially after that ending! From what we got regarding Toby in the other series, I didn’t like him at all. Now, however, we see a whole other side to him. We see why he does what he does, and just how much he cares for certain people. I just want to hug the poor guy. I really liked his interactions with Casey, they are very cute together. As for Jared, he’s your typical charming, yet infuriating sexy playboy who, I admit, I can’t help but be attracted to. He may talk a lot of crap, but as the book progresses, you see just how much he cares for Casey and their dynamic was playful and, at times, pretty hot. I look forward to seeing just how each relationship plays out and where Ivy is going with this.
As with all of Alyssa’s books, I’m totally left wanting more. I seriously need Book 2, Search, like right now! That ending was a bit of a cliffhanger and some of the choices that Casey makes towards the end left me both giddy and heartbroken. I don’t know what to think or how to feel! Seriously, at one point, she had me going NOOOOO!!!, yet also saying HELL YEAH!!! Ugh, all I know is the wait for Search will be torture.
The story itself starts out amazing. You’re pulled in right away and Alyssa’s writing really never lets you go. I always find myself hooked on her books. Her writing style is very different and she has the ability to cut through the crap and needless details, yet still giving enough substance to create an engaging and riveting story. Here, Casey is caught in the middle of what appears to be a rebellion, as the other shifters in this world believe this is the perfect time to attack the Pteron empire and stage a coup. How does Casey fit into all this? Well, her role is a lot more important than even I originally thought, and even though Ivy doesn’t give up much about Casey’s past, you get enough to know just how crazy this storyline is going to get. There were definitely a few surprises I didn’t see coming and I loved it.
As for the romance, even though I felt it coming, I was still hoping Ivy wouldn’t throw in the triangle. Still, like I said, she did it well, and I’m at a loss of who should be with who, especially after that ending! From what we got regarding Toby in the other series, I didn’t like him at all. Now, however, we see a whole other side to him. We see why he does what he does, and just how much he cares for certain people. I just want to hug the poor guy. I really liked his interactions with Casey, they are very cute together. As for Jared, he’s your typical charming, yet infuriating sexy playboy who, I admit, I can’t help but be attracted to. He may talk a lot of crap, but as the book progresses, you see just how much he cares for Casey and their dynamic was playful and, at times, pretty hot. I look forward to seeing just how each relationship plays out and where Ivy is going with this.
As with all of Alyssa’s books, I’m totally left wanting more. I seriously need Book 2, Search, like right now! That ending was a bit of a cliffhanger and some of the choices that Casey makes towards the end left me both giddy and heartbroken. I don’t know what to think or how to feel! Seriously, at one point, she had me going NOOOOO!!!, yet also saying HELL YEAH!!! Ugh, all I know is the wait for Search will be torture.
November 18, 2013
It's no secret that I am a huge Alyssa Rose Ivy fan. One of my favorite series that she has written is The Crescent Chronicles. I was thrilled to find out that Alyssa Rose Ivy was writing a spin-off series based on The Crescent Chronicles and have been anxiously awaiting it's release. In Soar, book one in The Empire Chronicles, we get to know some of the secondary characters that we originally met in The Crescent Chronicles really well. The main characters in Soar are Toby, who I really grew to like in this novel, then there is Jared, yes girls and he remains quite the heartthrob, we also meet Casey Bates, the newest addition to the story, and Casey finds herself right in the middle of these two hotties with both Toby and Jared vying for her attention. The story takes place in New York, but they do visit good ole New Orleans, and Levi and Allie play important roles in this novel. We also get to see a little of Owen and Hailey. Toby is now running New York City for Levi, who is now the King. When attacks by the Bears and Wolves, who are also shifters, start to draw to much attention, Toby knows it needs to be handled and reluctantly calls on Levi, who in turn dispatches his head of security, Jared, to look into things.
Casey works in the local coffee shop, which Toby frequently visits, and somehow she has managed to land herself right in the middle of all that is going on. There are also a lot of things about Casey that are revealed as the story progresses, as more and more secrets regarding her past, who she is, and exactly what that means comes to light, much of which Casey was completely unaware of. Toby really likes Casey, and she likes him to, but Jared also really likes Casey, and Casey is has the hots for Jared also. This puts her and them in a rather precarious situation. I must say that I've had a really hard time choosing which guy to root for, though I'll have to say I'm really pretty much leaning toward Team Jared. There is quite the plethora of events that take place throughout the book that are hot, dangerous, and pivotal points in the story as it progresses. The romance is hot, of course, as are the guys, especially Jared. Soar also has plenty of action and excitement that keep you on the edge of your seat and turning the pages. There is a huge revelation at the end of the book that will leave you dying for the next book. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed Soar and I love where Alyssa Rose Ivy has taken and is taking the characters in this story. I also loved being able to see the characters from The Cresecent Chronicles and find out what's going on in their lives. Alyssa Rose Ivy delivers yet another outstanding paranormal story that is creative, action-packed, and romantic all wrapped up in one that will keep you turning the pages to find out what happens next, and longingly waiting to find out where she will take this story and the characters in it next.
Casey works in the local coffee shop, which Toby frequently visits, and somehow she has managed to land herself right in the middle of all that is going on. There are also a lot of things about Casey that are revealed as the story progresses, as more and more secrets regarding her past, who she is, and exactly what that means comes to light, much of which Casey was completely unaware of. Toby really likes Casey, and she likes him to, but Jared also really likes Casey, and Casey is has the hots for Jared also. This puts her and them in a rather precarious situation. I must say that I've had a really hard time choosing which guy to root for, though I'll have to say I'm really pretty much leaning toward Team Jared. There is quite the plethora of events that take place throughout the book that are hot, dangerous, and pivotal points in the story as it progresses. The romance is hot, of course, as are the guys, especially Jared. Soar also has plenty of action and excitement that keep you on the edge of your seat and turning the pages. There is a huge revelation at the end of the book that will leave you dying for the next book. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed Soar and I love where Alyssa Rose Ivy has taken and is taking the characters in this story. I also loved being able to see the characters from The Cresecent Chronicles and find out what's going on in their lives. Alyssa Rose Ivy delivers yet another outstanding paranormal story that is creative, action-packed, and romantic all wrapped up in one that will keep you turning the pages to find out what happens next, and longingly waiting to find out where she will take this story and the characters in it next.
November 21, 2013
My thoughts…
Source: Publicist
Format: eARC
Ratings: 3 Stars
Reviewer: Chyna
“Very satisfying world-building.”-Lite-Rate-Ture Reviews
I would be lying if ever I said that I loved the book because I liked it only to this amount. It wasn’t a very complicated read that would drive a reader mad, but it was a story more on romance. I preferred it more if Alyssa wrote the story focused more on the mystery and the society of her book. Her pacing was incredibly fast and not very consistent, the next thing she’s slow then fast then steady. And I also find our main character here, Casey, very feisty and witty. She’s an attractive girl that every paranormal creature would want, but when Jared and Toby fell madly in love with her everything just went down…It was too fast, not instant, but more like a childish love story when like Prince Charming met his princess, but what I loved about this book was how Alyssa was able to write a tiny twist that gave a huge blow on how I favored the book, and also I really like Toby’s persona, he’s a gorgeous boy with honey and sugar at the side while Jared, my boy here, is rebellious and so very dangerous. Why do I find him so delicious? Oh my gosh! That freaking rhymes!
I endured the whole instalove thing going on because of how steamy it was and intriguing, I don’t support fast attraction, but somehow Alyssa in the end had it in her to actually pull it off. Some readers just have to be patient enough. In this book, I’m sure a lot of readers will demand details and explanation. I received an eARC of the book, so it is not final yet. I’ve noticed that the book had mostly dialogues and not much imagery. The author should have defined the beauty of The Society and expanded more on the world building, but still I found her book rather amusing and a light read.
To summarize this review I would say this story is rather daring. The author was very impatient when she got to write the last chapter from how I’ve read, her pacing began to speed up once more. She grew excited to know how her story will end and she also added a cliffhanger. That really killed me…Now I have to read the second book. Yes, that’s right. You thought I wouldn’t read the sequel? Of course I will! The romance here continues to steam and ooze that I can’t miss it. Right after finishing it, I still can’t decided which team I’m on. Jared or Toby? I need to be decisive about this book. To end this review, I am proud to say that I definitely liked Soar enough for me to swoon for more.
I definitely recommend this to all readers who love paranormal romance.
Source: Publicist
Format: eARC
Ratings: 3 Stars
Reviewer: Chyna
“Very satisfying world-building.”-Lite-Rate-Ture Reviews
I would be lying if ever I said that I loved the book because I liked it only to this amount. It wasn’t a very complicated read that would drive a reader mad, but it was a story more on romance. I preferred it more if Alyssa wrote the story focused more on the mystery and the society of her book. Her pacing was incredibly fast and not very consistent, the next thing she’s slow then fast then steady. And I also find our main character here, Casey, very feisty and witty. She’s an attractive girl that every paranormal creature would want, but when Jared and Toby fell madly in love with her everything just went down…It was too fast, not instant, but more like a childish love story when like Prince Charming met his princess, but what I loved about this book was how Alyssa was able to write a tiny twist that gave a huge blow on how I favored the book, and also I really like Toby’s persona, he’s a gorgeous boy with honey and sugar at the side while Jared, my boy here, is rebellious and so very dangerous. Why do I find him so delicious? Oh my gosh! That freaking rhymes!
I endured the whole instalove thing going on because of how steamy it was and intriguing, I don’t support fast attraction, but somehow Alyssa in the end had it in her to actually pull it off. Some readers just have to be patient enough. In this book, I’m sure a lot of readers will demand details and explanation. I received an eARC of the book, so it is not final yet. I’ve noticed that the book had mostly dialogues and not much imagery. The author should have defined the beauty of The Society and expanded more on the world building, but still I found her book rather amusing and a light read.
To summarize this review I would say this story is rather daring. The author was very impatient when she got to write the last chapter from how I’ve read, her pacing began to speed up once more. She grew excited to know how her story will end and she also added a cliffhanger. That really killed me…Now I have to read the second book. Yes, that’s right. You thought I wouldn’t read the sequel? Of course I will! The romance here continues to steam and ooze that I can’t miss it. Right after finishing it, I still can’t decided which team I’m on. Jared or Toby? I need to be decisive about this book. To end this review, I am proud to say that I definitely liked Soar enough for me to swoon for more.
I definitely recommend this to all readers who love paranormal romance.
April 13, 2014
I wasn't exactly 100% sure what to expect from this book, but I can honestly say that it blew my mind! I absolutely loved it! It was a unique story that kept me intrigued over the course of the book.
Casey is taking time off college and is staying with her cousin in a tiny New York apartment. She works at a coffee shop, and has had her eye on Toby since he became one of her favorite customers. She didn't think that Toby even knew her name. At a mutual friend's party one night Toby asks Casey out.
Toby is the head of the New York chapter of a paranormal society. After saving Casey from a wolf attack one night, he feels the urge to protect her.
Jared works closely with the King of the society, and has also taken an interest in Casey. He too, feels the need to protect her.
Casey gets dragged in to a paranormal world she could never have dreamed of. As animal attacks become more frequent in the city, the society must discover who is behind the attacks and why Casey is being targeted.
All the characters in Soar were lovable and I easily connected and related to them. Alyssa Rose Ivy's writing style is truly captivating. Once her stories have grabbed your attention, it isn't easily swayed. The one thing that irked me? The ending! Don't get me wrong, it was fantastic with a plot twist that I never saw coming, but now I have to wait! I have to wait for the next book in the series. I hope it isn't too far away. I can't wait to read more of The Empire Chronicles!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Casey is taking time off college and is staying with her cousin in a tiny New York apartment. She works at a coffee shop, and has had her eye on Toby since he became one of her favorite customers. She didn't think that Toby even knew her name. At a mutual friend's party one night Toby asks Casey out.
Toby is the head of the New York chapter of a paranormal society. After saving Casey from a wolf attack one night, he feels the urge to protect her.
Jared works closely with the King of the society, and has also taken an interest in Casey. He too, feels the need to protect her.
Casey gets dragged in to a paranormal world she could never have dreamed of. As animal attacks become more frequent in the city, the society must discover who is behind the attacks and why Casey is being targeted.
All the characters in Soar were lovable and I easily connected and related to them. Alyssa Rose Ivy's writing style is truly captivating. Once her stories have grabbed your attention, it isn't easily swayed. The one thing that irked me? The ending! Don't get me wrong, it was fantastic with a plot twist that I never saw coming, but now I have to wait! I have to wait for the next book in the series. I hope it isn't too far away. I can't wait to read more of The Empire Chronicles!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 8, 2014
I have mixed feelings about this book. Not whether or not it was good because I was really engrossed in it! It was the story that made me have mixed feelings.
Casey is a very down to earth girl that works a lot to try and pay for NYC. I really liked her character but you can tell she has a dark background. At times she would surprise me because she sort of acted too innocent when it seemed like she knew more.
[SPOILERS]
I am usually all for love triangles also. Casey starts to date a wonderful guy named Toby and everything was going well. After Toby’s assistant (and at the time the assistant was really bitchy) told Casey that he will never get over his ex, she started to lean toward Jared.
The ending was also a big shock! I knew Casey was part of something big but not this! I will keep an open mind in the next book that is supposed to come out sometime this year! Overall, the book was really well written and it made me happy that the author was not afraid to talk about sex. Sometimes in young adult books, talking about sex or doing anything past kissing is a no-no. I understand it is young adult, but this was great to see. Sometimes a little spice needs to be added to the relationships since most of the time they talk about how “connected” they are.
Casey is a very down to earth girl that works a lot to try and pay for NYC. I really liked her character but you can tell she has a dark background. At times she would surprise me because she sort of acted too innocent when it seemed like she knew more.
[SPOILERS]
I am usually all for love triangles also. Casey starts to date a wonderful guy named Toby and everything was going well. After Toby’s assistant (and at the time the assistant was really bitchy) told Casey that he will never get over his ex, she started to lean toward Jared.
The ending was also a big shock! I knew Casey was part of something big but not this! I will keep an open mind in the next book that is supposed to come out sometime this year! Overall, the book was really well written and it made me happy that the author was not afraid to talk about sex. Sometimes in young adult books, talking about sex or doing anything past kissing is a no-no. I understand it is young adult, but this was great to see. Sometimes a little spice needs to be added to the relationships since most of the time they talk about how “connected” they are.
October 24, 2013
Well we got to decide what team we are on Team Toby or Team Jared, me I'm not sure what team I'm on yet, I love both men equally. Toby, he's protective, "no. Stay away from her." Once again, I felt the urge to transform. I'm sure my eyes were already turning black." I have to say though in the beginning I was team Toby, Casey she keeps him grounded, "we're going to the market like normal people." Toby he's a tad bit possessive, "she's with me. Get the eff out of here." Toby strode over to Murphy with the most menacing expression I'd ever seen." Leave it to Cody to put things in perspective about the relationship between Case and Toby, "it does in your case. You were about to be mauled by a bear you were more concerned with staring at him without a shirt on." Jared there were times I was team him, but then I thought it mean to be on team Jared because of things that happened in the book, and now I'm kind of unsure what team I'm on and maybe I was a tad disappointed something happened in the book but I'm all confused about who I'm routing for now.
December 18, 2015
I'm not sure how I feel about this book. I was completely with it until the big twist at the end. Even with this whole love triangle going on.
Lets forget the big twist at the end and focus on the characters. I like Casey, she is pretty down to earth. Everyone seems obsessed by her so I don't get that part as much but she is ok. Not that annoying or whiney character but still not great.
Jared is cool, he sounds so hot and I would struggle over who to pick if it came down to him or Toby. Although I think Toby is more attractive as he seems to care for her and not just because he feels lust for her.
Toby. I can't remember who Toby is from the last series. Shocking as that is. I feel that he is completely in love with her even if he doesn't want to admit it yet...
Normally spin offs leave a bad taste in my mouth but I am loving this one!
Lets forget the big twist at the end and focus on the characters. I like Casey, she is pretty down to earth. Everyone seems obsessed by her so I don't get that part as much but she is ok. Not that annoying or whiney character but still not great.
Jared is cool, he sounds so hot and I would struggle over who to pick if it came down to him or Toby. Although I think Toby is more attractive as he seems to care for her and not just because he feels lust for her.
Toby. I can't remember who Toby is from the last series. Shocking as that is. I feel that he is completely in love with her even if he doesn't want to admit it yet...
Normally spin offs leave a bad taste in my mouth but I am loving this one!
July 20, 2015
I think I might like this series better than the Crescent Chronicles...
Honestly, I never n a million years expected to love Toby. I hated him throughout the Crescent Chronicles, so I was absolutely shocked to not only like him, but to actually love him and want him to end up with Casey.
Shock #2: JARED! When I started reading this book, I believed that I was reading JARED's book. That's how I always referred to it. The reason I read this book is because Jared is awesome and one of my favorite characters. So, what about Jared? This love triangle kills me because I want everyone to be happy and I have no idea if that's going to happen.
I'm hoping for the best, but I'm almost positive that they will all have to go through hell and back just to achieve the happiness they deserve.
Honestly, I never n a million years expected to love Toby. I hated him throughout the Crescent Chronicles, so I was absolutely shocked to not only like him, but to actually love him and want him to end up with Casey.
Shock #2: JARED! When I started reading this book, I believed that I was reading JARED's book. That's how I always referred to it. The reason I read this book is because Jared is awesome and one of my favorite characters. So, what about Jared? This love triangle kills me because I want everyone to be happy and I have no idea if that's going to happen.
I'm hoping for the best, but I'm almost positive that they will all have to go through hell and back just to achieve the happiness they deserve.
October 30, 2013
WOW, just WOW!! I read this book in like 5 hours and it was awesome sauce!! I LOVED The Crescent Chronicles. In fact it's one of my favorite series. This book, Soar, may just be my new favorite!
I loved Jared in the Crescent Chronicles and am looking forward to reading more about him in the Empire Chronicles. Learning about Toby was a nice addition as well. It was good to get into his mind and see how he ticks.
And the plot twists!!! Let's just say that the author rocked them!!! I highly recommend this NA book and give it five glittery stars!!!
I loved Jared in the Crescent Chronicles and am looking forward to reading more about him in the Empire Chronicles. Learning about Toby was a nice addition as well. It was good to get into his mind and see how he ticks.
And the plot twists!!! Let's just say that the author rocked them!!! I highly recommend this NA book and give it five glittery stars!!!
February 9, 2016
I love that these continue on from The Crescent Chronicles. Already knowing some of the characters made this book flow nicely for me. Toby is much more enjoyable and Jared is just as annoying. Jared reminds me of Levi, I guess that's why they are best friends. Casey isn't as interesting as Allie, but I'm sure that'll change through the series. I would recommend Alyssa Rose Ivys' books to any one who enjoys paranormal romance NA style.
Read
September 19, 2016I thought Flight was much better , but maybe the next book will change my mind.
Want to read
October 5, 2013I need to read this! I can't wait to find our more about Jared and Toby. This needs to come out now.!
March 30, 2014
I hated how the main character was so wishy washy about what guy to choose... I honestly hated the ending it showed she was a real slut.
October 16, 2015
I don't care about Toby or Casey. I read this book for Jared.
May 13, 2015
I read The Empire Chronicles without reading The Cresent Chronicles first (or at all for that matter), so I was a little lost about what went down in the past of the characters lives. However, that did not deter me from getting my hands on Soar. Since Casey is a new character, and the main character of this series, readers learn about this world of wolves, bears, witches, hybrid birds (what they call Pteron) at the same time Casey does. The story is told in alternating POVs between Casey, Toby and Jared. We get to dive into the mind and lives of all three before their lives collide and after. Their lives change once they cross paths as they become more involved with each other.
Casey is a nineteen year old living in New York with her cousin and working at a coffee shop to save money to go back to NYU. She was living a pretty mundane life, living paycheck to paycheck. Until one day she was nearly attacked by a wolf in an alleyway while taking out the track at work. Upon the attack, Casey catches a glimpse of a man with wings who saves her from the assailant from getting their paws on her, but with an injury to her head, she pushes it aside as a delusion. At a friends party, she finds a way to avoid a date with her unrelenting co-worker, Eric, by agreeing to a date with someone else. That someone else turns out to be her regular customer at the coffee shop named Toby. Meanwhile, there's this guy named Jared who is head of security for the King in New Orleans. Jared is ordered by the King, Levi, to go to New York and see why Toby isn't holding his part of the fort. Thus the beginning of these three lives crossing paths.
While attacks are happening around New York, Casey and Toby spend a lot of time together. The more they spend together, the more their feelings for each other grow. But Toby is still not over his ex-girlfriend, Allie, and it doesn't help that he has to answer to his boss who just so happens to be Allie's new fiance. Toby and Allie used to date in (technically before) The Cresent Chronicles-- hell, they were in love-- until she broke his heart and started dating Levi, the King. It doesn't make it any better for him knowing that not only his boss stole the girl he loved, but is now engaged to be married, making her his queen. Toby doesn't think that he'll get over Allie soon, and isn't ready to go back into the dating scene. But since having saved Casey in the alley and going on dates with her, he can't stop thinking about her or being around her. She becomes the new constant in his life. Even though he's hurting, he finds solace in Casey. He feels things for her that he didn't think he would feel for another since Allie ever again. Casey and Toby's chemistry is so strong and obvious, yet they dance around the lines of a relationship. Casey is Toby's ray of light in his day, and he told her as much. When it comes to Casey, it becomes personal to Toby. While staying over at Toby's, it seemed very domesticated when they played roommates and cooked together. They are cozy and comfortable around each other, and they feel somewhat strongly for each other. Not to mention the heated passion flowing and surfacing in their connection. I was deeply invested in them together, and I still am.
Ever-the-so-gentleman Toby that he is, Casey took his lack of moving things between them forward as mixed signals about Toby's feelings for her. With a little meddling courtesy of Toby's assistant who has feelings for him, and the sexual tension between Casey and Jared, it's enough to push her right into Jared's arms...and bed. Even though I, as does Casey, find Jared attractive, I did not like them together. I mean they are fun together and the sexual tension is so thick, but he's a means to sexual release. That's the vibe I get from him. I'm not saying that to be rude or degrade him because he really is a cool and mature guy, but Jared is the one-night-stand type of guy. The non-stop sexual innuendos he throws to get Casey into his bed also doesn't help his case to say otherwise. Unfortunately, Casey feels like she and Jared are perfect once they sleep together. Jared claims that he has found his match in Casey, but all I felt between them was purely physical. I felt no emotional pull between them. They are too clouded in their sexual highs to see that their newfound feelings for each other is based on sex. At least that's what I got from it. I found that annoying of Casey to think that she belongs with Jared and not Toby because she is obviously isn't in the right place or state of mind. She still thinks that Toby is still pining over Allie, so she moves on with Jared.
Toby likes and cares a whole hell of a lot for Casey and dropped more than one hint that he did want to sleep with Casey. So, why did she question Toby's feelings for her? It was then that she became an annoying character to me. So naive, gulible and easily mislead to believe anything before looking for hints and asking questions from the source itself. I just hope that nothing more forms between them, because Jared is more of a heartbreaker than Toby. At least she broke whatever it is that she had with Toby off before rolling in the sheets with Jared. One thing I hate is infidelity.
I felt for Toby once things got rocky between him and Casey, and things heated up between Casey and Jared. He already, recently no less, lost his first love to someone else, now he's losing Casey to another guy. He just can't seem to catch a break, and my heart hurt for him. It's tough to take all that heartache. I can only hope that Toby doesn't back down without a fight in the next book, because I believe that he and Casey belong together. However, with recent discoveries, I don't think Casey can be with either. They have a rule, and that rule is: Pteron's can't be with Pteron's. So where does she stand in all of this? Is there hope for her to be with either Toby or Jared? And where does she stand with her connected bloodline to royalty?
I may talk a lot about the romance going on in the story, but that's just because it really pressed my buttons. So I guess this is more of a summary and rant, than a review. Don't get me wrong, there is a whole lot more than the romance and sexual tension going on in this story, but there is so much more than that in this dangerous, abnormal world with it's politics and enemies. The gang also runs into trouble right after another. When I first heard that this was a paranormal story, I feared that it would be about the typical angels, demons, werewolves, vampires, etc. kind of book. Luckily Ivy strayed from the overused paranormal stigma by writing about hybrid bird-shifters and bear-shifters. There is also plenty well-written plot and character development equip of history of each species included. Some are revealed in Soar, but it is evident that there is a lot more to cover in the sequel. Since this series is a spinoff, I'm sure there is more history covered in The Cresent Chronicles.
Strange things are running amok with Casey. Not because of attacks in alleys, her boy problems or her missing sister, but she finds herself not like the average human. For example, in flight with Jared, she should have been freezing in the cold night in New York City, but she wasn't. She found herself sinking in this new world with more calm demeanor than she should have. A bunch of hints indicating that something is off with her. Soon we find out what when Toby anonymously receives Casey's paternity test with shocking results, and the help of Casey's sisters boyfriend pushing her off of the Empire State Building to help her spread her wings and soar.
Casey is a nineteen year old living in New York with her cousin and working at a coffee shop to save money to go back to NYU. She was living a pretty mundane life, living paycheck to paycheck. Until one day she was nearly attacked by a wolf in an alleyway while taking out the track at work. Upon the attack, Casey catches a glimpse of a man with wings who saves her from the assailant from getting their paws on her, but with an injury to her head, she pushes it aside as a delusion. At a friends party, she finds a way to avoid a date with her unrelenting co-worker, Eric, by agreeing to a date with someone else. That someone else turns out to be her regular customer at the coffee shop named Toby. Meanwhile, there's this guy named Jared who is head of security for the King in New Orleans. Jared is ordered by the King, Levi, to go to New York and see why Toby isn't holding his part of the fort. Thus the beginning of these three lives crossing paths.
While attacks are happening around New York, Casey and Toby spend a lot of time together. The more they spend together, the more their feelings for each other grow. But Toby is still not over his ex-girlfriend, Allie, and it doesn't help that he has to answer to his boss who just so happens to be Allie's new fiance. Toby and Allie used to date in (technically before) The Cresent Chronicles-- hell, they were in love-- until she broke his heart and started dating Levi, the King. It doesn't make it any better for him knowing that not only his boss stole the girl he loved, but is now engaged to be married, making her his queen. Toby doesn't think that he'll get over Allie soon, and isn't ready to go back into the dating scene. But since having saved Casey in the alley and going on dates with her, he can't stop thinking about her or being around her. She becomes the new constant in his life. Even though he's hurting, he finds solace in Casey. He feels things for her that he didn't think he would feel for another since Allie ever again. Casey and Toby's chemistry is so strong and obvious, yet they dance around the lines of a relationship. Casey is Toby's ray of light in his day, and he told her as much. When it comes to Casey, it becomes personal to Toby. While staying over at Toby's, it seemed very domesticated when they played roommates and cooked together. They are cozy and comfortable around each other, and they feel somewhat strongly for each other. Not to mention the heated passion flowing and surfacing in their connection. I was deeply invested in them together, and I still am.
Ever-the-so-gentleman Toby that he is, Casey took his lack of moving things between them forward as mixed signals about Toby's feelings for her. With a little meddling courtesy of Toby's assistant who has feelings for him, and the sexual tension between Casey and Jared, it's enough to push her right into Jared's arms...and bed. Even though I, as does Casey, find Jared attractive, I did not like them together. I mean they are fun together and the sexual tension is so thick, but he's a means to sexual release. That's the vibe I get from him. I'm not saying that to be rude or degrade him because he really is a cool and mature guy, but Jared is the one-night-stand type of guy. The non-stop sexual innuendos he throws to get Casey into his bed also doesn't help his case to say otherwise. Unfortunately, Casey feels like she and Jared are perfect once they sleep together. Jared claims that he has found his match in Casey, but all I felt between them was purely physical. I felt no emotional pull between them. They are too clouded in their sexual highs to see that their newfound feelings for each other is based on sex. At least that's what I got from it. I found that annoying of Casey to think that she belongs with Jared and not Toby because she is obviously isn't in the right place or state of mind. She still thinks that Toby is still pining over Allie, so she moves on with Jared.
Toby likes and cares a whole hell of a lot for Casey and dropped more than one hint that he did want to sleep with Casey. So, why did she question Toby's feelings for her? It was then that she became an annoying character to me. So naive, gulible and easily mislead to believe anything before looking for hints and asking questions from the source itself. I just hope that nothing more forms between them, because Jared is more of a heartbreaker than Toby. At least she broke whatever it is that she had with Toby off before rolling in the sheets with Jared. One thing I hate is infidelity.
I felt for Toby once things got rocky between him and Casey, and things heated up between Casey and Jared. He already, recently no less, lost his first love to someone else, now he's losing Casey to another guy. He just can't seem to catch a break, and my heart hurt for him. It's tough to take all that heartache. I can only hope that Toby doesn't back down without a fight in the next book, because I believe that he and Casey belong together. However, with recent discoveries, I don't think Casey can be with either. They have a rule, and that rule is: Pteron's can't be with Pteron's. So where does she stand in all of this? Is there hope for her to be with either Toby or Jared? And where does she stand with her connected bloodline to royalty?
I may talk a lot about the romance going on in the story, but that's just because it really pressed my buttons. So I guess this is more of a summary and rant, than a review. Don't get me wrong, there is a whole lot more than the romance and sexual tension going on in this story, but there is so much more than that in this dangerous, abnormal world with it's politics and enemies. The gang also runs into trouble right after another. When I first heard that this was a paranormal story, I feared that it would be about the typical angels, demons, werewolves, vampires, etc. kind of book. Luckily Ivy strayed from the overused paranormal stigma by writing about hybrid bird-shifters and bear-shifters. There is also plenty well-written plot and character development equip of history of each species included. Some are revealed in Soar, but it is evident that there is a lot more to cover in the sequel. Since this series is a spinoff, I'm sure there is more history covered in The Cresent Chronicles.
Strange things are running amok with Casey. Not because of attacks in alleys, her boy problems or her missing sister, but she finds herself not like the average human. For example, in flight with Jared, she should have been freezing in the cold night in New York City, but she wasn't. She found herself sinking in this new world with more calm demeanor than she should have. A bunch of hints indicating that something is off with her. Soon we find out what when Toby anonymously receives Casey's paternity test with shocking results, and the help of Casey's sisters boyfriend pushing her off of the Empire State Building to help her spread her wings and soar.
April 2, 2018
(3.5 stars)
When I first saw the summary for the Empire Chronicles, it features a three book set. So many times I've ordered a serf of book only to be disappointed so I decided to buy book one, "Soar" to see if I would even like it. It was pretty good but the last few chapters of t read were totally frustrating. Why? Because after a prolonged dating with one character, the heroine turns around and falls for another less enticing one.
Callie is a coffee barista and has watching a particular handsome customer who always seems so sad. Toby is trying his best to get over the fact that his ex girlfriend, Allie is now engaged to his King, Levi. After twenty or so humans are aTtached by various shifter factions it is clear the the wolves and bears have joined forces to take down the king and By some strange coincidence, Callie seems to be the person they want to make this happen.
After Callie is attached, Tony decides to keep her close and save. It also doesn't hurt that he find her attractive. Together they step to embark on a relationship but when the King's security, Jared, is sent to NY to figure out what is going on it is clear the playboy has just put Callie in his sight.
As Callie becomes more and more emmersed in the lives of the shifters and pterons she will have a check of a time keeping herself out of harms way. The question is who can she trust and who is lying? I enjoyed this read even though at times I felt the writing could have been better and the storyline was a bit muddled. I plan to read book two before I decide to continue on with this series or leave it alone.
When I first saw the summary for the Empire Chronicles, it features a three book set. So many times I've ordered a serf of book only to be disappointed so I decided to buy book one, "Soar" to see if I would even like it. It was pretty good but the last few chapters of t read were totally frustrating. Why? Because after a prolonged dating with one character, the heroine turns around and falls for another less enticing one.
Callie is a coffee barista and has watching a particular handsome customer who always seems so sad. Toby is trying his best to get over the fact that his ex girlfriend, Allie is now engaged to his King, Levi. After twenty or so humans are aTtached by various shifter factions it is clear the the wolves and bears have joined forces to take down the king and By some strange coincidence, Callie seems to be the person they want to make this happen.
After Callie is attached, Tony decides to keep her close and save. It also doesn't hurt that he find her attractive. Together they step to embark on a relationship but when the King's security, Jared, is sent to NY to figure out what is going on it is clear the playboy has just put Callie in his sight.
As Callie becomes more and more emmersed in the lives of the shifters and pterons she will have a check of a time keeping herself out of harms way. The question is who can she trust and who is lying? I enjoyed this read even though at times I felt the writing could have been better and the storyline was a bit muddled. I plan to read book two before I decide to continue on with this series or leave it alone.
May 23, 2018
#1 in The Empire Chronicles romance/paranormal series
After I bought this, I found out it was the first in a spinoff series following The Crescent Chronicles series. But it sounded good and I went ahead and read it anyway. Although I found there was quite a bit of reference to the previous series, mentioning many characters and storylines that had already been completed, I still enjoyed this book very much. The characters were fun and appealing, and the storyline was a bit different and definitely kept my interest. It was probably better than the usual first-in-series book because I didn't have to wade through a lot of explanation about the world but picked it up as I went along. Toby is apparently the new leader of the supernatural folks of NYC, having completed some sort of coup in the previous series. He's new and still finding his way, having also just ended a romantic relationship where he lost to another guy. Now he's attracted to Casey, a local (human) barista. He's moving so slowly, though, that all of a sudden he has some competition from another supernatural. Jared is visiting NYC from New Orleans on a job for the king, and he's definitely not against moving in our Toby's woman. So we have a typical romantic triangle, but the supernatural aspects make thing interesting. And there's also some mystery about why another organization has their sights set on Casey. All in all, a good read, and I will definitely go back and start from the beginning to fill in some of the blanks.
After I bought this, I found out it was the first in a spinoff series following The Crescent Chronicles series. But it sounded good and I went ahead and read it anyway. Although I found there was quite a bit of reference to the previous series, mentioning many characters and storylines that had already been completed, I still enjoyed this book very much. The characters were fun and appealing, and the storyline was a bit different and definitely kept my interest. It was probably better than the usual first-in-series book because I didn't have to wade through a lot of explanation about the world but picked it up as I went along. Toby is apparently the new leader of the supernatural folks of NYC, having completed some sort of coup in the previous series. He's new and still finding his way, having also just ended a romantic relationship where he lost to another guy. Now he's attracted to Casey, a local (human) barista. He's moving so slowly, though, that all of a sudden he has some competition from another supernatural. Jared is visiting NYC from New Orleans on a job for the king, and he's definitely not against moving in our Toby's woman. So we have a typical romantic triangle, but the supernatural aspects make thing interesting. And there's also some mystery about why another organization has their sights set on Casey. All in all, a good read, and I will definitely go back and start from the beginning to fill in some of the blanks.
November 26, 2016
Ok so this pretty much starts off from the end of Found, but we get to see more of Toby. He's fallen into the role of leader in New York and gets on with it but everyday his only piece of solace is getting coffee and seeing Casey. She makes him feel something again which has been difficult after Allie chose Levi, but apparently she also needs protecting. Casey's life changes when she's attacked by a wolf behind the coffee house but was it an attack? Things get worse when Jared arrives to check out what's been happening and meets Casey, even though he realises Toby has feelings for her he's not bothered. Will she choose the right path? Or will a surprise twist change everything?
Wow great plot, story and characters, again amazing angst and twists that keep you glued. I once again was so into this story that I didn't realise if was finished until I'd read the final word. This has some very sweet moments, some sexual moments, which aren't crude but I have to be honest, I'm not happy how Casey just pushes Toby away because of what Nelly tells her, she didn't even find out if it was true. I'm sure that will come full circle so I'm moving on to the next book in this series. I'm loving it. Would recommend.
Wow great plot, story and characters, again amazing angst and twists that keep you glued. I once again was so into this story that I didn't realise if was finished until I'd read the final word. This has some very sweet moments, some sexual moments, which aren't crude but I have to be honest, I'm not happy how Casey just pushes Toby away because of what Nelly tells her, she didn't even find out if it was true. I'm sure that will come full circle so I'm moving on to the next book in this series. I'm loving it. Would recommend.
June 27, 2018
I enjoyed this book enough to immediately start reading the second book in the series. The MC, Casey, is a beguiling mix of insecure, brave, and dry-witted. Read that as: my kind of girl. I love me some "literal life" humor and Alyssa Rose Ivy delivers this very well through Casey. Casey's sarcasm and snark levels are high and tempered with an seemingly real desire to interact with the world around her.
I couldn't give it 5 stars simply because I had a hard time making sure I was in the right "head" as the story progressed. I read a "Jared" chapter the whole way through thinking I was in Toby's head. That was a little startling as Toby and Jared are completely different and their internal motivations towards Casey are dichotic. After going back and figuring out whose brain I was in, the story made much more sense.
Overall, I really enjoyed the story, and plan to finish the series.
I couldn't give it 5 stars simply because I had a hard time making sure I was in the right "head" as the story progressed. I read a "Jared" chapter the whole way through thinking I was in Toby's head. That was a little startling as Toby and Jared are completely different and their internal motivations towards Casey are dichotic. After going back and figuring out whose brain I was in, the story made much more sense.
Overall, I really enjoyed the story, and plan to finish the series.
March 4, 2019
This book is sorely lacking in many things.
1) plot structure
2) pacing, tension (this reads as a first draft as the writer rushes to get everything on the page first before ever beginning the deconstruction of their story)
3) developed characters (if it wasn’t for the names at the beginning of each chapter, I wouldn’t know who was narrating and none of the characters were interesting)
4) credibility (love triangle that doesn’t even feel convincing, events that feel forced)
5) good writing (there is no effort to set the scene and mood) Has the author even consulted an editor?
It seems the author is trying to mask all of these flaws in the book with sex appeal and lust. Hint: it didn’t work.
1) plot structure
2) pacing, tension (this reads as a first draft as the writer rushes to get everything on the page first before ever beginning the deconstruction of their story)
3) developed characters (if it wasn’t for the names at the beginning of each chapter, I wouldn’t know who was narrating and none of the characters were interesting)
4) credibility (love triangle that doesn’t even feel convincing, events that feel forced)
5) good writing (there is no effort to set the scene and mood) Has the author even consulted an editor?
It seems the author is trying to mask all of these flaws in the book with sex appeal and lust. Hint: it didn’t work.
May 29, 2021
Before jumping into this series I would highly advise reading the entirety of The Crescent Chronicles first so that you know what happened before Toby became head of NYC. I'm going to be honest, although I did enjoy this book, I was not impressed with anyone. Most of them are pretty much shit heads. Casey was awesome till she did something highly stupid with one of the shittiest characters in the book. I don't care, but Toby is still a screw up and the last thing I would have done if I were Levi was to give him NYC. Jared is what I consider to be a egotistical fuck boy. Eric is super creepy. I honestly don't think any of these characters have ant redeeming qualities at this point, but hopefully as the books go on someone might get their head out of their ass and be an adult.
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