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The Guard Duet #1
Ivory Guard
Life will make you stumble...
One peaceful afternoon Lillian finds two angels in her living room - wings and gloriole and all - telling her she is an Ivory. Half human and half angel, she is born to fight for humankind and guard the hellholes where the membrane between worlds is at its weakest.
She, an important warrior? Yeah, riiiight.
Life can make you fall...
Raz might be an angel, but he doesn’t do compassion. His job is to train and make her a leader. So Lillian will just have to suck it up when she discovers the deadly truth behind his words. When she does exactly that, he has to admit there’s more to the bookworm than he thought. Much more. But there’s one thing he shouldn’t forget – in his world feelings come with a price. Is he willing to pay?
Love will give you wings.
One peaceful afternoon Lillian finds two angels in her living room - wings and gloriole and all - telling her she is an Ivory. Half human and half angel, she is born to fight for humankind and guard the hellholes where the membrane between worlds is at its weakest.
She, an important warrior? Yeah, riiiight.
Life can make you fall...
Raz might be an angel, but he doesn’t do compassion. His job is to train and make her a leader. So Lillian will just have to suck it up when she discovers the deadly truth behind his words. When she does exactly that, he has to admit there’s more to the bookworm than he thought. Much more. But there’s one thing he shouldn’t forget – in his world feelings come with a price. Is he willing to pay?
Love will give you wings.
244 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 5, 2014
2 people are currently reading
332 people want to read
About the author
Natalie Herzer
9 books219 followersI'm a German-born author suffering from itchy feet which recently carried me to South Africa.
Much like my beloved travel bug, my love for words has always been there, but is thankfully a lot easier to satisfy. When I'm not off wandering my own imaginary worlds, I love to curl up on the couch and get lost in a good book.
Though I guess in the end books are just another form of traveling, seeing places and finding friends.
Much like my beloved travel bug, my love for words has always been there, but is thankfully a lot easier to satisfy. When I'm not off wandering my own imaginary worlds, I love to curl up on the couch and get lost in a good book.
Though I guess in the end books are just another form of traveling, seeing places and finding friends.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
February 1, 2014
This novel is very approachable and imaginative. Herzer’s writing style is very welcoming and draws you in from the beginning. Her vividly real descriptions place you firmly within the action of this fast paced tale while invoking many emotions. The author has developed a very solid history and mythology upon which her story is firmly built. I appreciate how she draws on religion and runs with it, making it her own. I also appreciate how Herzer presents it gradually rather than swamping you all at once. You learn along with the main character, getting to know the world and how it works bit by bit. She weaves this all together to create an entirely unique, completely seamless world for her readers to enjoy, yet it is one that you can plausibly see and understand.
Herzer has developed a cast of characters that you can easily relate to. I love how they think and talk like real people. There was more than once that I couldn’t help but laugh at the main character, thinking ‘I’d so do that’. Even the angels aren’t stuck in some long ago timewarp. I must say, however, that I never thought I’d laugh at God, but… Well, just read it. You’ll see. It’s brilliant. Through these characters she looks at coming of age in a very intriguing way without it being the sole focus of her tale.
As a whole this story was past paced and exciting yet still personal. Herzer throws you for some completely unexpected loops on this journey but it is a journey that I wouldn’t miss for anything and one that I can’t wait to continue.
Please note that I received this novel free of charge from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Herzer has developed a cast of characters that you can easily relate to. I love how they think and talk like real people. There was more than once that I couldn’t help but laugh at the main character, thinking ‘I’d so do that’. Even the angels aren’t stuck in some long ago timewarp. I must say, however, that I never thought I’d laugh at God, but… Well, just read it. You’ll see. It’s brilliant. Through these characters she looks at coming of age in a very intriguing way without it being the sole focus of her tale.
As a whole this story was past paced and exciting yet still personal. Herzer throws you for some completely unexpected loops on this journey but it is a journey that I wouldn’t miss for anything and one that I can’t wait to continue.
Please note that I received this novel free of charge from the author in exchange for an honest review.
May 5, 2015
NEW EDITED EDITION!!
GREAT READ!
Natalie Herzer is a highly creative and imaginative author. When she said she was introducing a new series, I had to be there.
The Ivory Guard's originality blew me away. It is based on the premise of Nephilim being trained to guard hellholes from demon activity. (Although, I don't believe she ever refers to them as Nephilim but ½ angel ½ human born).
This story is about Lillian, a young lady/book worm who finds herself suddenly pulled into this warrior world.
From the very start, the story will pull you in. The plot is presented with lots of action, romantic tension and a few twists that will throw you off guard. Ivory Guard is an exciting start to a new series, I can't wait to see what happens next with The Guard Duet.
I received this ARC copy of Ivory Guard from Natalie Herzer in exchange for a honest review.
Written by: Natalie Herzer
Series: The Guard Duet
Sequence in Series: 1
Page Count: 257
Rating: 4 Stars
Find this book on: Amazon
GREAT READ!
Natalie Herzer is a highly creative and imaginative author. When she said she was introducing a new series, I had to be there.
The Ivory Guard's originality blew me away. It is based on the premise of Nephilim being trained to guard hellholes from demon activity. (Although, I don't believe she ever refers to them as Nephilim but ½ angel ½ human born).
This story is about Lillian, a young lady/book worm who finds herself suddenly pulled into this warrior world.
From the very start, the story will pull you in. The plot is presented with lots of action, romantic tension and a few twists that will throw you off guard. Ivory Guard is an exciting start to a new series, I can't wait to see what happens next with The Guard Duet.
I received this ARC copy of Ivory Guard from Natalie Herzer in exchange for a honest review.
Written by: Natalie Herzer
Series: The Guard Duet
Sequence in Series: 1
Page Count: 257
Rating: 4 Stars
Find this book on: Amazon
August 9, 2014
A great start to a new series.
Lillian is a normal pre-college student – or so she thinks. Normal, except that she has a stalker.
Then she finds him in the living room with her mom, only this time he has wings.
Within the space of one breath, Lillian’s life changes forever. She learns that she is an Ivory, a half angel child, and her destiny is to fight the minions of hell – whether she wants to or not.
She’s unconvinced by what she’s told, and by the idea that she might be equipped in any way to command an Ivory Guard watching over a hellhole when she’d rather cosy up with a good book (sensible girl!). But when she and her parents are attacked by demons everything becomes horribly real.
The next portion of the book is taken up by Lillian’s training, and whilst I found it a bit of a stretch to believe that this quiet bookworm could turn so easily into a magnificent fighter who accepted her change in circumstances and likely short life expectancy with remarkably little angst, this was covered by her half-angel genes, and consequently her instincts kicking into gear now she’d come of age.
I was surprised that she never questions the identity of her real father.
Raz, the angel tasked with her training, is a hard-nosed loner, but we see him gradually soften towards Lillian as she proves equal to the tasks he sets her, and before long they are trading insults like the best of friends.
Raz and Lillian’s mutual, dangerous attraction unfolded in much the way I expected, but what I found captivating was that the story continued to take me in fresh directions that I didn’t anticipate. There is a healthy dose of evil characters, who were not evil at all, just caught by the circumstances of their births, much like Lillian herself, and the author does a great job of capturing the cold impartiality of immortal beings, although I did find myself uncomfortable with the idea of angels willing to commit murder.
I was delighted to find more story than I expected, with the romance not being the most important driver, and a surprise ending that leaves plenty of material for the next book.
The descriptive passages could have benefited from more editing, but the dialogue was fun, and the mix of danger, steamy romance, heart-breaking sadness, friendship, love and betrayal endows the novel with more depth than many other books in this genre.
I will definitely be reading the next one.
Lillian is a normal pre-college student – or so she thinks. Normal, except that she has a stalker.
Then she finds him in the living room with her mom, only this time he has wings.
Within the space of one breath, Lillian’s life changes forever. She learns that she is an Ivory, a half angel child, and her destiny is to fight the minions of hell – whether she wants to or not.
She’s unconvinced by what she’s told, and by the idea that she might be equipped in any way to command an Ivory Guard watching over a hellhole when she’d rather cosy up with a good book (sensible girl!). But when she and her parents are attacked by demons everything becomes horribly real.
The next portion of the book is taken up by Lillian’s training, and whilst I found it a bit of a stretch to believe that this quiet bookworm could turn so easily into a magnificent fighter who accepted her change in circumstances and likely short life expectancy with remarkably little angst, this was covered by her half-angel genes, and consequently her instincts kicking into gear now she’d come of age.
I was surprised that she never questions the identity of her real father.
Raz, the angel tasked with her training, is a hard-nosed loner, but we see him gradually soften towards Lillian as she proves equal to the tasks he sets her, and before long they are trading insults like the best of friends.
Raz and Lillian’s mutual, dangerous attraction unfolded in much the way I expected, but what I found captivating was that the story continued to take me in fresh directions that I didn’t anticipate. There is a healthy dose of evil characters, who were not evil at all, just caught by the circumstances of their births, much like Lillian herself, and the author does a great job of capturing the cold impartiality of immortal beings, although I did find myself uncomfortable with the idea of angels willing to commit murder.
I was delighted to find more story than I expected, with the romance not being the most important driver, and a surprise ending that leaves plenty of material for the next book.
The descriptive passages could have benefited from more editing, but the dialogue was fun, and the mix of danger, steamy romance, heart-breaking sadness, friendship, love and betrayal endows the novel with more depth than many other books in this genre.
I will definitely be reading the next one.
February 18, 2014
This story was incredible!
I loved witnessing Lillian developing from a bookworm into a kick-ass heroine and gripped my kindle almost to the point of breaking whenever Raz was around. The chemistry between those two...it had me laughing and cheering and fanning myself.
I loved gradually discovering the world Herzer created in this fast-paced tale. She really has a unique talent of picking pieces of reality and mythology and creating a world that is entirely hers but most of all incredibly easy to imagine and to dive into.
Having read Natalie Herzer's first books/series and knowing that English is not her native tongue (and that other readers complained about the editing in her previous books) I can say that she is becoming better and better. She is on her way of finding her very own (and great) style that pulls you in right from the start - and, believe me, I really had trouble letting this one go. Her imagination and her stories' originality blow my mind and promise a lot for the future.
I highly recommend this book and can't wait to see what the author will come up with next!
Please note that I received this novel free of charge from the author in exchange for an honest review AND that this is my first review ever.
I loved witnessing Lillian developing from a bookworm into a kick-ass heroine and gripped my kindle almost to the point of breaking whenever Raz was around. The chemistry between those two...it had me laughing and cheering and fanning myself.
I loved gradually discovering the world Herzer created in this fast-paced tale. She really has a unique talent of picking pieces of reality and mythology and creating a world that is entirely hers but most of all incredibly easy to imagine and to dive into.
Having read Natalie Herzer's first books/series and knowing that English is not her native tongue (and that other readers complained about the editing in her previous books) I can say that she is becoming better and better. She is on her way of finding her very own (and great) style that pulls you in right from the start - and, believe me, I really had trouble letting this one go. Her imagination and her stories' originality blow my mind and promise a lot for the future.
I highly recommend this book and can't wait to see what the author will come up with next!
Please note that I received this novel free of charge from the author in exchange for an honest review AND that this is my first review ever.
January 31, 2014
4.5 stars.
I've been Natalie's plot tester/beta reader with this, as well as it's proof reader, from early on and I really enjoyed it, now I've finally gotten to read it's ending.
The thing with Natalie is she always come up with something original. This is the first time I've read a book, or even heard of a book, about a team of half angels/half humans who are trained by angels to takeout demons. The same could be said about her Patroness series; once again, I've never read anything like it. That's what I like about her books: they're different.
I don't want to give too much away but this is a story of good (angels) versus evil (demons) to put it simply. The struggle of eighteen year old Lillian as she realises her life is about to change whether she wants it to or not and her journey from bookworm to fearless leader with the help of her Ivory Guard and Raz, the angel of secrets.
I really enjoyed it, like I did her Patroness series and I'm looking forward to reading the second book in the series, Ebony Fight, to see how everything works out for her and her team.
I've been Natalie's plot tester/beta reader with this, as well as it's proof reader, from early on and I really enjoyed it, now I've finally gotten to read it's ending.
The thing with Natalie is she always come up with something original. This is the first time I've read a book, or even heard of a book, about a team of half angels/half humans who are trained by angels to takeout demons. The same could be said about her Patroness series; once again, I've never read anything like it. That's what I like about her books: they're different.
I don't want to give too much away but this is a story of good (angels) versus evil (demons) to put it simply. The struggle of eighteen year old Lillian as she realises her life is about to change whether she wants it to or not and her journey from bookworm to fearless leader with the help of her Ivory Guard and Raz, the angel of secrets.
I really enjoyed it, like I did her Patroness series and I'm looking forward to reading the second book in the series, Ebony Fight, to see how everything works out for her and her team.
February 28, 2014
I received a copy of the Ivory Guard from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I finished this book almost a week ago and I am only getting around to writing this review now...shame on me! In my own defense I manage something like 20 blogs so writing on my personal one seems a lot like a busmans holiday, anyway I am rambling so let me get to the review.
Natalie is an awesome writer and yes you should read this book it was very good and I liked it a lot and I don't really read NA very often, but Natalie wrote it so I was more than willing to give it a try. It's hard to write a review without giving away spoilers as some of my favorite parts came at the end. God...wow.
So Lillian, on her 18th birthday discovers she is half angel and now she is going to be battling demons in the ongoing war between good and evil. Since she starts out as a kinda nerdy bookworm she is pretty intimidated by the whole thing. She has a pair of Angels who are there to guide her through the whole adjustment process and one of them is the hottie, Raz. While I liked Lillian, Raz kinda irritated me, he was really aloof and the whole Angels never falling in love or ever having sex kinda made me want to smack him.
Lillian and her group of fighters are in a never ending war with demons so that provides lots of action, I liked the chemistry between the group and the drunk Angel was my favorite. Along the way Lillian discovers that good and bad aren't as black and white as she has been led to believe. Which brings us to the best part of the book, the ending. I will read the second book in the series as soon as in comes out since I enjoyed this one so much.
I finished this book almost a week ago and I am only getting around to writing this review now...shame on me! In my own defense I manage something like 20 blogs so writing on my personal one seems a lot like a busmans holiday, anyway I am rambling so let me get to the review.
Natalie is an awesome writer and yes you should read this book it was very good and I liked it a lot and I don't really read NA very often, but Natalie wrote it so I was more than willing to give it a try. It's hard to write a review without giving away spoilers as some of my favorite parts came at the end. God...wow.
So Lillian, on her 18th birthday discovers she is half angel and now she is going to be battling demons in the ongoing war between good and evil. Since she starts out as a kinda nerdy bookworm she is pretty intimidated by the whole thing. She has a pair of Angels who are there to guide her through the whole adjustment process and one of them is the hottie, Raz. While I liked Lillian, Raz kinda irritated me, he was really aloof and the whole Angels never falling in love or ever having sex kinda made me want to smack him.
Lillian and her group of fighters are in a never ending war with demons so that provides lots of action, I liked the chemistry between the group and the drunk Angel was my favorite. Along the way Lillian discovers that good and bad aren't as black and white as she has been led to believe. Which brings us to the best part of the book, the ending. I will read the second book in the series as soon as in comes out since I enjoyed this one so much.
January 17, 2016
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First review: April 1, 2015
1 Star
This book had SO much potential but when I actually started reading it, I was so disappointed because it was written so BADLY. I was really disappointed.
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Updated review: January 15, 2016
2.5 Stars
Full review at: http://bluefolie.com/?p=859
Despite my first impression, I really did enjoy Ivory Guard. I liked Mary-Sue…Oops, I mean Lillian. She was hard to dislike, to be honest. She was a good leader, and she treated all of her guards with respect. However, her fatal flaw as a character is that she had no fatal flaw. She was perfect! She picked up her training quickly, she was brave, compassionate and kind. At no point in the novel did she make a mistake or stumble. This lowered my opinion of her and, ultimately, of the book itself.
Don’t get me wrong. Every reader loves a character that’s noble, brave, compassionate, and kind. Its an added bonus if that character is female and a total boss with a weapon. Hello, Kate Daniels. But, to make such a character infallible is unacceptable. In order to be plausible, character have to possess some kind of flaw. Its what allows us as reader’s to identify with them and its what makes them human . . .
First review: April 1, 2015
1 Star
This book had SO much potential but when I actually started reading it, I was so disappointed because it was written so BADLY. I was really disappointed.
----------------------------------
Updated review: January 15, 2016
2.5 Stars
Full review at: http://bluefolie.com/?p=859
Despite my first impression, I really did enjoy Ivory Guard. I liked Mary-Sue…Oops, I mean Lillian. She was hard to dislike, to be honest. She was a good leader, and she treated all of her guards with respect. However, her fatal flaw as a character is that she had no fatal flaw. She was perfect! She picked up her training quickly, she was brave, compassionate and kind. At no point in the novel did she make a mistake or stumble. This lowered my opinion of her and, ultimately, of the book itself.
Don’t get me wrong. Every reader loves a character that’s noble, brave, compassionate, and kind. Its an added bonus if that character is female and a total boss with a weapon. Hello, Kate Daniels. But, to make such a character infallible is unacceptable. In order to be plausible, character have to possess some kind of flaw. Its what allows us as reader’s to identify with them and its what makes them human . . .
April 2, 2016
A brilliant introduction to a new series that I can't wait to read more of.
I don't dip into fantasy very often but when I do it has to be for something that will grab my attention and keep me wanting to read right to the end. The Ivory Guard does that and more.
There are a lot things that I liked about this novel. Lillian's initial jolt from normal teenage life to that of the guard where death could be just around the corner had me sympathising for her while anticipating the adventures and fights she would ultimately get into. The action begins almost immediately where Lillian has to fight demons in her own home before she is taken away under the protection of the angel Raz. The pace doesn't slow down after this.
Lillian is a mysterious and interesting character. In her human life she is a bookworm but even as an Ivory Guard there is more to her than meets the eye. The fight scenes between the demons and the Ivory Guard are exciting, made more so by the fact that demons are a real threat and well able to kill angels and Ivory Guards. I couldn't help but wonder if all of Lillian's team would make it to the end.
Lillian's relationship with and growing love for Raz is complicated and dangerous which makes for entertaining reading between fight scenes.
I liked the side characters, especially Becca, and I can't wait to read her adventure in the next book.
I don't dip into fantasy very often but when I do it has to be for something that will grab my attention and keep me wanting to read right to the end. The Ivory Guard does that and more.
There are a lot things that I liked about this novel. Lillian's initial jolt from normal teenage life to that of the guard where death could be just around the corner had me sympathising for her while anticipating the adventures and fights she would ultimately get into. The action begins almost immediately where Lillian has to fight demons in her own home before she is taken away under the protection of the angel Raz. The pace doesn't slow down after this.
Lillian is a mysterious and interesting character. In her human life she is a bookworm but even as an Ivory Guard there is more to her than meets the eye. The fight scenes between the demons and the Ivory Guard are exciting, made more so by the fact that demons are a real threat and well able to kill angels and Ivory Guards. I couldn't help but wonder if all of Lillian's team would make it to the end.
Lillian's relationship with and growing love for Raz is complicated and dangerous which makes for entertaining reading between fight scenes.
I liked the side characters, especially Becca, and I can't wait to read her adventure in the next book.
not-my-cuppa
May 7, 2014She walks in and her mom doesn't even blink an eye leaving her daughter alone with angels. (Obvi the mom knows stuff, I just mean, if they're close as can be, cooking together and hanging out kind of close, you'd think she'd at least give an encouraging nod, or slap on the back, or word of reassurance!) And then the h is like 'huh weird, angels with giant wings in my loving room. Odd.' But not like freak out odd. Her reaction is what I would do if I walked in and there was an unexplained clown in my living room. If I walked in to two giant angels, my freak out levels would be slightly higher. And by slight I mean WAY FREAKIN HIGHER! And then when they actually say they're angels and she's an ivory, her reaction is to start the disbelieving mockery. Not 'what's an ivory' or 'why are you in my living room dressed like angels?' (Cuz c'mon i wouldn't believe it right away)... Just, c'mon really? I'm all for setting reality aside to embrace make believe stuff.. But they at least have to have semi realistic reactions!!
March 18, 2014
This review was first published at M's Bookshelf - http://mssbookshelf.blogspot.be
I did not expect to like this book as much as I did - 'fantasy' not being my absolute favorite genre; and not being in the right mindset myself when I started reading. But I loved reading Ivory Guard. In true Natalie Herzer style, from the very first chapter you find yourself drawn into this whole new world with rules and creatures you've never heard of before. You forget the world around you and you get lost in this world with Ivory's, Angels and Demons (no, not Bernini's), and in Lillian and Raz's epic love story.
Lillian is the perfect main character, and Raz the perfect broody, sexy tough guy who, of course, turns out to be soft romantic as hell. (Ha!) ... and did I mention sexy? Sheez!
Everything fit for me. The characters, their relationships, their conversations, the story line... Brilliant!
Friendship, battle and love... emotions run high in Ivory Guard! Can't wait for more!
I did not expect to like this book as much as I did - 'fantasy' not being my absolute favorite genre; and not being in the right mindset myself when I started reading. But I loved reading Ivory Guard. In true Natalie Herzer style, from the very first chapter you find yourself drawn into this whole new world with rules and creatures you've never heard of before. You forget the world around you and you get lost in this world with Ivory's, Angels and Demons (no, not Bernini's), and in Lillian and Raz's epic love story.
Lillian is the perfect main character, and Raz the perfect broody, sexy tough guy who, of course, turns out to be soft romantic as hell. (Ha!) ... and did I mention sexy? Sheez!
Everything fit for me. The characters, their relationships, their conversations, the story line... Brilliant!
Friendship, battle and love... emotions run high in Ivory Guard! Can't wait for more!
May 6, 2015
Ivory Guard (The Guard Duet #1) by Natalie Herzer
One day Lillian finds two angels in her living room telling her she is an Ivory, half human and half angel. She is told she needs to fight for humankind and to guard the hellholes. Raz is an angel sent to train her, to make her a leader.
A well written fantasy. I liked young Lillian. She learns secrets that she could never imagine, and accepts herself for who she is. She encounters good Angels, demons and even God. She is faced with tough choices and knows her decisions have consequences.
The story flows at a rapid pace. The vivid details and well written dialog pulls you deep into the story. A great blend of action, drama, romance and a touch of laughter. All the makings of a perfect five star read. I highly recommend Ivory Guard to those who love; fantasy/angels/romance.
One day Lillian finds two angels in her living room telling her she is an Ivory, half human and half angel. She is told she needs to fight for humankind and to guard the hellholes. Raz is an angel sent to train her, to make her a leader.
A well written fantasy. I liked young Lillian. She learns secrets that she could never imagine, and accepts herself for who she is. She encounters good Angels, demons and even God. She is faced with tough choices and knows her decisions have consequences.
The story flows at a rapid pace. The vivid details and well written dialog pulls you deep into the story. A great blend of action, drama, romance and a touch of laughter. All the makings of a perfect five star read. I highly recommend Ivory Guard to those who love; fantasy/angels/romance.
February 10, 2016
Hmm
This was not what I expected when I started this book. It is an intriguing series, I am not sure if I will keep up with the series but it was a good book to read. I am glad I got to chance to read it, it gives you new perspectives on some things.
This was not what I expected when I started this book. It is an intriguing series, I am not sure if I will keep up with the series but it was a good book to read. I am glad I got to chance to read it, it gives you new perspectives on some things.
May 14, 2015
You can read my full/honest review here: http://wp.me/p37Zro-1fR
April 5, 2014
Ivory guard
the book had a little bit everything that kept me at the edge of my seat love every minute I was. not able to put it down until I had finished reading it
the book had a little bit everything that kept me at the edge of my seat love every minute I was. not able to put it down until I had finished reading it
January 17, 2015
while the story was interesting it needed more editing. i like the concept not all heaven and angels are always good. love a gray area story.
July 31, 2017
3.5 stars
Warning: spoilers
"Bookworm" Lillian comes home one day to find 2 beings - with wings - in her living room with her mom. Lillian comes to find out that she's an Ivory, a being chosen to fight demons in the name of "god". Of course it's a "good girl" type. Why can't the hot cheerleader ever be a hero? *sigh*
The 2 beings - Raziel and Amber (who dies early) are meant to train Lillian, who is to be the head of her own team. Wow, what a lucky break for her. As Lillian trains she seems to become a bit too flawless. I love women who kick ass, and can do other things, but no human is perfect and I'd have liked to see more imperfections. Also, I would like to know more about the secondary and tertiary characters.
As they travel in and out of purgatory, the world literally becomes black and white. Interesting premise.
I liked the story base, I do think it had more promise though. What pissed me off about this book was the sexism. Yes, really.
1. Raziel says to Lillian - "You don't have that nowadays, mothers teaching their daughters how to cook. One more tradition falling victim to fast food". Um, NO. It's a sexist and archaic "tradition". Sons can cook, too you know. Men are perfectly capable of cooking - it shouldn't be a woman's job.
2. The idea that Lillian tempted Raziel into falling and into sex. STOP with blaming women for the shortcomings of men! MEN are weak, men can learn to control themselves if they're real men. Honestly Lillian did NOTHING. She didn't wear skimpy clothes on purpose, she didn't bend over deliberately...nothing. She was literally just...there. Typical.
2.A. What's with centuries old beings falling for young girls?? Ugh. He's existed forever and just happens to fall for this one...who when he comes back after 2 years is all of a sudden in love with? Yeah, b/c she's 20 and toned. Still love her at 40 and graying? Not likely.
2.B. Raziel leaves for two years and comes back out of nowhere and all of a sudden he's forgiven??? How about no...
3. Lillian has a discussion with her teammate Abby about wanting a guy she's attracted to where there's a 'spark' and will respect her the next day?! Oh come off it! What's with men getting to stick it in anything that moves and women have to be in love? Why aren't men disrespecting themselves by being whores? Oh no, only women do that. STFU.
Since Raz (as they call him) was surprised that's what sex was like he was obviously a virgin, so kudos on not having a man-whore in that character.
I would have liked Lillian to get together with one of her team mates. I think the dynamic of teamwork with a partner would have been a good message. As it stands there's a poor message of blaming women simply for being women, but the idea of a team fighting against demons is good. Also the idea that it's not what you are but who you are that defines you and that some things - even your best (divine) plans - need to change to make way for a better future.
Warning: spoilers
"Bookworm" Lillian comes home one day to find 2 beings - with wings - in her living room with her mom. Lillian comes to find out that she's an Ivory, a being chosen to fight demons in the name of "god". Of course it's a "good girl" type. Why can't the hot cheerleader ever be a hero? *sigh*
The 2 beings - Raziel and Amber (who dies early) are meant to train Lillian, who is to be the head of her own team. Wow, what a lucky break for her. As Lillian trains she seems to become a bit too flawless. I love women who kick ass, and can do other things, but no human is perfect and I'd have liked to see more imperfections. Also, I would like to know more about the secondary and tertiary characters.
As they travel in and out of purgatory, the world literally becomes black and white. Interesting premise.
I liked the story base, I do think it had more promise though. What pissed me off about this book was the sexism. Yes, really.
1. Raziel says to Lillian - "You don't have that nowadays, mothers teaching their daughters how to cook. One more tradition falling victim to fast food". Um, NO. It's a sexist and archaic "tradition". Sons can cook, too you know. Men are perfectly capable of cooking - it shouldn't be a woman's job.
2. The idea that Lillian tempted Raziel into falling and into sex. STOP with blaming women for the shortcomings of men! MEN are weak, men can learn to control themselves if they're real men. Honestly Lillian did NOTHING. She didn't wear skimpy clothes on purpose, she didn't bend over deliberately...nothing. She was literally just...there. Typical.
2.A. What's with centuries old beings falling for young girls?? Ugh. He's existed forever and just happens to fall for this one...who when he comes back after 2 years is all of a sudden in love with? Yeah, b/c she's 20 and toned. Still love her at 40 and graying? Not likely.
2.B. Raziel leaves for two years and comes back out of nowhere and all of a sudden he's forgiven??? How about no...
3. Lillian has a discussion with her teammate Abby about wanting a guy she's attracted to where there's a 'spark' and will respect her the next day?! Oh come off it! What's with men getting to stick it in anything that moves and women have to be in love? Why aren't men disrespecting themselves by being whores? Oh no, only women do that. STFU.
Since Raz (as they call him) was surprised that's what sex was like he was obviously a virgin, so kudos on not having a man-whore in that character.
I would have liked Lillian to get together with one of her team mates. I think the dynamic of teamwork with a partner would have been a good message. As it stands there's a poor message of blaming women simply for being women, but the idea of a team fighting against demons is good. Also the idea that it's not what you are but who you are that defines you and that some things - even your best (divine) plans - need to change to make way for a better future.
October 2, 2018
2 stars
July 3, 2014
review will be posted shortly
June 19, 2015
It wasn't too bad of a book. I don't read these types of books a lot.
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