In the fourth installment of the Judas Curse Series...
Benjamin Stanford has had enough. Leaving the world of the supernatural behind, Ben desperately tries to find his place back in the real world.
The supernatural world, however, has other ideas. Dealing with a string of random suicides, Ben knows the insane god, Apollo, is behind it. Reluctantly teaming up with Hades and Jude, Ben goes on a journey to try and find a solution to an unkillable god.
Knowing Ben is on the case, Mark and Alex make their way to Europe with a plan of their own. Something has to be done about the portals, and Alex thinks he has the answer. But it comes at a price, a price Mark may not be willing to pay.
Will the detective and his Devil companion manage to find a solution and keep Jude safe? And will Mark be willing to compromise everything he believes in if it will save the world?
Angella Graff was born and raised in the desert city of Tucson, Arizona. She married and became a mother very young, and after getting started with her family, began her University studies where she found her passion for creative writing, history and theology.
She now resides in Tucson with her husband, three children, one dog, and four cats. When not writing, Angella works as an editor and maintains a small shop on etsy.
Although 'The Empty Vessel' was the fourth book in the series, The Judas Curse, it took what could have gotten old and continued the tale with a fresh and new approach. While it was clear early on which God was rising to power, Apollo never reached the final outcome to what he was planning. Apollo was refreshing as he displayed his power, and yet frightening at the same time. Ben, our "special" detective, shows his bonds with Mark and Jude shifting as he finds himself growing closer to Jude who, up to this point, seemed to like being alone except for Mark. Jude reciprocates and it becomes obvious that whatever it is about Ben that makes him 'special,' seems to align more with Jude than with Mark. The groups splits up with Mark and Alex going off in search of the empty vessel while Alex, Ben, Jude, and Hades search for powerful portals to close. The first group finds the vessel and it turns out to be the body of Artemis, the twin to Apollo and sister to Hades. They call upon an ancient goddess Alex (Thor) was able to contact to take over the empty vessel and when she does, she finds her powers are enhanced. Our second group goes in search of portals and while they find the location of the two they need to close, they can feel Apollo getting stronger. This leads them to seek out Apollo's and Hades's only other sibling, Dio, for further assistance. As you are reading the story and it unfolds, the ending comes as a bit of a surprise for this installment ends in a cliff-hanger. You want to see what happens! Hermes joins forces with Apollo, Jude's powers are captured and used in an unexpected way, Olivia comes back on the scene, and finally Dio has to decide if he will help or stay neutral. Saying much more will give away too much so all I can tell you is don't hesitate on this one ... if you have started the series this is one of the most interesting volumes to date!
THE EMPTY VESSEL is the long awaited fourth book in the Judas Curse series. It opens some two years after the events of the third book, with Ben desperate to avoid anything immortal, god-like or other kind of being by drinking his way into cirrhosis. Once again Angella Graff has written a masterpiece, with the loveable characters from the first three books (minus a few and add a few more) that deals with religion and theology. The book is well written, entertaining and leaves you desperate for more. I know that I am very much looking forward to the fifth instalment in this series to see how the big plan goes and whether or not blood thirty Apollo can be stopped before all hell breaks loose.
With Jude infected with Apollo's curse, he turns to Ben for both protection and solace. Gods that were thought long dead, reappear ready to choose sides and there is also the matter of the namesake, the empty vessel that may be the answer to their problems, or they could be the beginning of the end. Highly recommened to all with an interest in theology, greek, nordic and any kind of god. Great books!
***I beg the author for copies so I can read it on my Nook (woe is me, no Kindle)***
This is not a standalone book. In fact, I don't think any of them really are (there is always the anticipated "what's going to happen in the next book," but I really should have re-read the first 3 before attempting this one, especially so soon after re-reading (or listening to) only the first of the series. You have to re-familiarize yourself with the gods all over again, and it's highly likely you'll completely forget a few.
That said.
I am a big fan of the series, the expanse of research and the inclusion of the WIDE number of beliefs that are included in the story. I think I would prefer the use of God names versus "normal" names so I could keep the story "straighter" in my head, but not a big deal. I like the new character additions, and the fact that Ben just can't get away from his heritage, if you can call it that. I think I've guessed his connection to the whole, but we'll see if that comes true in the final novel.
I finished this in one day. I can't help it. These are great page turners!
Extraordinary Read - The Empty Vessel (Judas Kiss)
I am so much a fan of this series. I find it to be unique, the characters well drawn out, and the storyline so fascinating that so hard to put the book down which is one of the reasons why I am writing this review at 2:00 in the morning. Just finished the 4th book and hoping next book coming soon...have to see what Apollo"s intentions are, Olivia's baby and if Ben finally breaks down. And thank you Angella Graff, you are such a wonderful writer....love love this series....
If you are a good reader I suggest this book to be on your list. This is the 4th series of THE JUDAS CURSE:
1. The Awakening (The Judas Curse, #1) 2. The Judas Kiss (The Judas Curse, #2) 3. Cry, Nike! (The Judas Curse, #3) 4. The Empty Vessel (The Judas Curse, #4) 5. The Rise of Apollo (The Judas Curse, #5) Sure you need to read all but I loved the 4th one: full of excitement, keeps you wish when and how the book will end up. I need to search for more books from the same author. .
I'm such a fan of the series, the characters are well developed, to the point you actually begin to either care for them or hate them (heroes or villains). The scope and imagination behind the story is breathtaking, twist and turns abound. I've just read the beta copy of the 5th instalment and it continues to excite and delight me. Angella is fast becoming one of my fave authors.
Great series, this is book 4, but the book cuts off without any closure. Obviously you need to read book 5 to get closure. At least I sure hope so because it is the last in the series. Reading it now. Beginning to get the feeling that this series should have been a bit shorter.