Torn by Fury

Ascension #6

by S.M. Reine

Elise Kavanagh is marching on New Eden, the city angels have built from the bones of human victims. She’s hellbent on making them atone for their sins–no matter the cost.

Rylie Gresham has realized that werewolves are the key to defeating angels. They’re apex predators, designed to bring powerful, immortal beings to heel. She has no choice but to follow Elise into war against Heaven…especially since it’s the only way to protect her family from complete annihilation.

The angels are prepared to fight. Their magic will tear the universe apart. And if they have their way, there will soon be no Earth left to save…

Genres: Urban Fantasy, Paranormal, Fantasy, Angels, Demons, Witches, Werewolves

304 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 19, 2014

About the author

Hi everyone! My name is Sara, and I write urban fantasy and paranormal novels as SM Reine. I collect swords, cat hair, and typewriters (which I do use for writing!). It's a good day when those three things have nothing to do with each other.

If you would like to know the instant my next book is available, you should enlist in my Army of Evil! We have a wicked cool secret handshake, but you'll have to sign up to learn it. ;) Check it out -- http://smarturl.it/armyofevil

Reviews

[✘✘ Sarah ✘✘ (former Nefarious Breeder of Murderous Crustaceans) · Rating 5 out of 5]

🖤 Elise Kavanagh Thou Art the Sunshine of Our Black Withered Hearts Buddy Reread (EKTAtSoOBWHBR™) with the MacHalos 🖤

➽ And the moral of this reread is: Elise Kavanagh Pissed Off Ninja Turtle + James Faulkner Douchebag Gandalf = one of UF's hottest power couple. And that, my Little Barnacles, is a scientifically proven fact. Let's dance and stuff.



That's Elise and James at Neuma's post trick-or-treating Halloween party last year, in case you were wondering. (They still got the smooth moves, even after all those years away from James' studio. Quite cool, that.).

· Book 1: Sacrificed in Shadow ★★★★
· Book 2: Oaths of Blood ★★★★
· Book 3: Ruled by Steel ★★★★
· Book 4: Caged in Bone ★★★
· Book 5: Lost in Prophecy ★★★★★
· Book 7: Sins of Eden ★★★★★
· Book 8: The Second Coming ★★½



[June 2015]

There's no way I can write a review for this.

[Kasey · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review*
Torn by Fury. I don’t even know where to start. I know I’ve done previous reviews about how much I love this series and Elise, but it’s been a hard road to follow. James’s betrayal and seeing how much Elise had changed just from the beginning was especially hard to deal with. This book though, this book might have held some redemption for James.

It’s hard not to give anything away because there is so much backstory to understand before you see why this book is the best in the series so far, but suffice it to say that James undergoes a big transformation in this book. At least, it seems that way. James has always been selfish, and no matter how much he loved Elise it would always be with a caveat or condition. Here though, James makes a sacrifice, a true one. One that will change him, but leave Elise intact. Simply because she doesn’t wish to change and would rather die, but he can’t imagine a world without her in it. Such a big step from where James started out at, and even a huge step from where he was just two books ago.

Elise is a constant, it’s one of my favorite things about her. Yes, she does grow and she does change, but the fundamental part of Elise doesn’t. Elise knows who she is, flaws and all, and she is not apologetic for it. If she does things she regrets, she makes amends. Usually she just is very straightforward about her personality and the people who accept her become her closest friends. This book doesn’t change that, but it does add a depth to Elise that I didn’t expect. I had guessed who Marion was, but am now utterly confused as to what happened her.

I just can’t praise S.M. Reine’s writing enough. These are not literature or even the most well-written books I’ve read. However, she creates such intriguing and interesting characters that none of that matters. There are no gaping plot holes here, there’s no terrible grammar or punctuation. Just good characters, and good storylines that somehow dig themselves into you and make you want to keep reading.

I woudl give this book 5 out of 5 stars, as I’ve given most of her books. Without fail all of them have made me feel for the characters, and think about these books long after I’m done with them. I can’t wait to see what the next book Sins of Eden holds for them, but I do hope that at the end of this series it involves Elise getting her quiet ending.

*This review was first posted to Moonlight Gleam Reviews http://moonlightgleam.com/2014/05/tor...*

[Merissa (Archaeolibrarian) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book from the author in return for a fair and honest review.

This book is better than the last one for the simple reason that you can feel it building up to the climax. There are the twists and turns to the story that I have come to associate with S.M. Reine, as well as a build up of the suspense in the fight between the angels and the demons. As with most of S.M. Reine's books, there is no clearcut good and evil but a murky shade of grey.

Some of the hints that were given in the last book are answered in this but there are still lots more that needs tying up before the end of the next book.

I have enjoyed this series but feel like it is time to finish it. Give Elise the chance to "go out strong, rather than living in weakness."

[Nereid · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, my mind is still reeling from starting the book around 6 pm and I finished it at 12.01 am as I could not put it down. What the hell – so not the outcome I was expecting and the rollercoaster ride to get there was well worth the wait. Sara gets you hooked from the first chapter and then the characters become like old friends (some truly scary friends you may not want to meet in a dark alley) but you start to care what happens to them and then empathize with their highs and lows, their joys and sorrows. Elise and James have such a complicated relationship and I don’t blame her one little bit for how she feels about him and his justification of the choices and sacrifices he made along the way. Deep down we all know he does love Elise but he can’t rationalize the woman he fell in love with as the demon he knows now though I think she has become more human and sympathetic along the way. I really enjoyed this crossover series as Riley and the werewolves were another favourite series of mine and the surprises just keep coming. Enemies become frenemies and vice versa and war is brewing between the factions but who will win that final battle and at what cost? The ending is not a cliff hanger per se but it is going to be a long wait till I can get some sleep after going over the details in my head and trying to make sense of what just happened. It must be amazing to have that kind of imagination as I could envision the world of New Haven down to the last detail, almost feeling Claustrophobic due to smells and lack of fresh air whenever Riley is in Dis. This is the traits of a good storyteller, weaving all the threads together in a complex and action packed tapestry of dissent, despair and redemption.

Oh yeah I almost forgot I was given a copy of this book in return for an honest review though I would have bought it anyway.

[Ara Prado · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review to follow soon...

[Leah Speller · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is no doubt when you can tell you are getting close to the end. Everything is getting...tight. The stress is evident. Not just in the characters but in yourself. You feel what the characters feel. Reine is just that good. Every battle you hope not to lose anyone but know that is not always possible. This of course only makes the stress that much more. You reach for the tissues just as much as you try to stretch out your muscles because yeah your that tight as you read.

There are more self-realizations, Elise knows who she is and will not apologize for it. James is learning to accept her slowly, the hardest, knowing that he cannot change her. Riely learning there is a greater purpose for the werewolves that it is not a curse. These are just a few things for these characters for there are so much more coming. Especially as they learn more about Angles are not what they should be and another war begins.

[Julie Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is part of a box set I have and continues the Ascension series.

There's plenty of action, for sure, as various groups battle on many fronts. Elise is a complex character and always tries to do the right thing, despite being a demon; and she's not well. James loves her but has his own agenda. The werewolves are involved, of course, not all in the same direction. Angels are...well, you'll have to read it to find out.

Overall, I enjoyed the many strands of this story and wonder what will happen in book #7.

Recommended.

[Anita Keaton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think Sara is trying to kill me

You ever get that feeling when you finish a really good book that ends in a wtf moment??? That was me .. Just now. I am.glad there's another book because I'm so sucked into this story I lose my mind!!

I'm still so confused about James son and why he appears as Benjamin and what will happen to Rylie and the pack and will.Elise ever be human again!? I feel like Eve really is a part of Elise and maybe she isn't finished yet

[Melissa King · Rating 5 out of 5]

FANTASTIC I LUV THESE BOOKS

I just can't get enough of S M Raine's books but this series in particular has left me wanting more at the end of each book. There's only 1 book left in the series, where will I get my daily fix of action packed fantasy & adventure after that?!!

[Donna Van · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of action

Lots of fast paced action in this Book 6 in The Ascension Series. Because of the way this book ended, I really want to get to the next book in this series to hopefully see some happier outcomes for many of the main characters.

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg, this is one hell of a story. This series is brilliant anyway but this one is even better. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again Elise is one hell of a badass and then some. Have to get on with this next one now, to see what happens, especially to the main protagonists. Highly recommended.

[Llaph · Rating 4 out of 5]

I should really take notes while I read since there are so many things to love and wow over when reading them.
Great book and I will probably read it again because her stories are that awesome.

[Wesley Arnold · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I could give it 6 stars. Holy Crap

[Christina Blake · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic

So much action, and so much emotion. I cannot get enough of these books, what a fantastic series. Elise is amazing. Now onto book 7...

[Auz Burger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Things get really hectic for Elise and Riley in this book. It had some great twists and turns that left me looking forward to the next book.

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

These books are my absolute favorite, giving you the full range of action, romance, and excellent storytelling. I always find it hard to decide between savoring every last page and rushing through to see what happens next. Either way, I couldn’t put the book down.

In this latest installment we find Elise (and her demons) beginning the war against the angels. She is reluctantly still paired off with James (yay!) and Lincoln (boo!) at the start of this book while ruling over army and trying to get support from the werewolves. If you haven’t read all of the previous books (and I mean all of them) I think you will be rapidly left behind. A lot of things come at you all at once in Elise’s world and most of them are related to past issues, James and Elise’s relationship issues, or past big bads. This was like a who’s who of the entire universe all packed into one book. So, that being said, we also get a bit of character loss that was good and character loss that was bad. There’s almost nothing in this world that happens without a cost, but I’d like to think that this book came out in Elise’s favor.

I guess I don’t really focus on the werewolves because they seemed to take a backseat to all the demon/angel drama. They were by no means any less integral to the plot, though. The werewolves are truly the most important weapon in the ongoing war. We also get updates and some answers about our ongoing mysteries including Benjamin, Marion, and Nathaniel. Big magic is done and James is still amazing (and a jerk). We even get to see some faces I thought were long gone.

The ending of this one really put a huge smile on my face. Maybe it makes me a little sick and twisted, but I'm able to read all the gritty gore and find in it the most wonderfully tragic love story. Yes, there is a ton of action, supernatural mayhem, apocalyptic battles, and government conspiracies, but through it all we get the awesomeness that is James and Elise. They are both complete badasses on their own (with both magic and physical violence), but together they are unstoppable. I can’t wait to see where they end up after this one!

It’s really wonderful to watch all the characters grow and change with each book in this series. Aside from the pulse pounding action scenes, there were also a bunch of really emotional ones. These books really know how to keep you on your toes! There must also be some serious planning and coordination to get all these moving pieces to where they will eventually end up. Things from way earlier in the series seem to be sliding further into place with each installment in this series, which should add up to one fantastic series finale.

[Gerd · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Received a free copy for an honest review*

Now that Elise learned the terrible secret of New Eden there's no doubt left in her that the angels have to fall. Although Eve, mother of the angels, whose soul now lives in Elise's demon body, has still to find out that everything, no matter how innocently conceived, can with ingenuity be corrupted.

But before Elise can prepare her army to march against New Eden, the angels launch a surprise attack, devastating Dis and leaving the known entrance to New Eden closed off. A new path has to be found, and even then crossing realms to reach the angels new ethereal home means dangers Elises Demon hordes may not survive.

Abel and Rylie, the remaining Alphas, become Elise's best hope in the war.
Both have an interest of their own to march into New Eden, wanting to free the members of their pack being held captured there.
The catch being that Rylie holds secrets, that may be spell disaster not only for Elise's plans.


I must admit that this instalment felt a bit like going in circles, Elise is still suffering from her abuse of ethereal magic, and on top shows increased signs of Anathema powder poisoning, leading to temporary memory lapses and thinning the border between her personality and Eve's. Same as with Lincoln who's still dying from having gotten poisoned and in the progress increasingly slips back into his possessed Judy personae.

Rylie as usual is holding secrets she's not willing to share with Abel, and she's doubting their relationship, questioning if it was her that fell in love with him or just her wolf that chose him for her. Seeing how the girl seems to trust everyone else around her more than her mate these doubts may not be unfounded.
But then, the story reminds us again of how young Rylie still is really.

A somewhat unexpected character reappearance essentially negates the tension of a former instalments cliff-hanger, leaving one of the main characters a bit of a drama-queen - in addition to our already known and beloved drama-queens.

Yet there's enough twists and turns, as if we were ever short of those here, eh, to keep a reader satisfied. It got shocking revelations, and some even more shocking character deaths abound.

All in all it really looks as if author SM Reine is getting ready in the coming final instalment to completely tear apart the universe she created, and only the Gods can know who or what may be left of it by the very end.

[Darlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Before I get into the actual review, I must thank S.M. Reine for allowing me to read/review her book for free.

As usual, Ms. Reine's book grabbed me in the beginning and wouldn't let me go until the end. It is so full of action that I actually groaned at the beginning as I wasn't ready to get up and fight, again. I felt tired of the fights fought in the previous books of the series. I wasn't ready for the blood, guts and gore, again.

Don't get me wrong. I love the characters, demons, witches, and werewolves, a lot. I care about them and want for their best lives. So of course, when they decide to gang up together to fight the bad guys (um, angels, yeah) I am on their side. Yay, let's go get'em! So I ignore my weak stomach and gird my loins for another war. Once I understand that that is what we have to do, I fight and cheer for them.

The gore doesn't go away and I must admit to wishing I could hide from some scenes. But then I might miss something important.

Weary. That's what I felt most for the characters. They have been through so much already, why prolong this?

Going into this book I thought it was near the end of the series. After all, Sarah has written the beginnings of another series. But I found at the end of the book that it wasn't the wrapped up end. Sure some things get solved but other problems are calling for help. I felt so tired at the end of this book and it wasn't because it was nearly 4 o'clock in the morning. And I had to pull out my latest 'boring' read to calm myself down to sleep. (Unfortunately, that book decided to get rousing, suddenly. Why can we rely on books to suit our needs?)

So, in the end, I find myself longing for the next book in the Ascension series. Meanwhile, while waiting for Sarah to finish it, I'll read her new series, Preternatural Affairs. Even though many of her books contain blood and gore and fighting, I think a lot of people would like to read S. M. Reine's books. I find it best to start out with the werewolf books, Six Moon Summers, etc. Rylie's stories, then proceed to the Cain Chronicles. Then there is Descent and Ascension series with Elise and James. Sarah drags all the characters you know and love through all the books. I love that as you get to know everyone so intimately. Charater depth at is best! Enjoy!

[Shirley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received Torn by Fury in exchange for a fair and honest review.

If I could rate this one higher than a 5 I would. One more book left and there is so much that needs to be resolved... (aka 'FIX IT NOW!!!!') Full review coming soon.

This might be the shortest review I’ve ever written for any of the books in the Ascension series. Not because I have nothing to say. More because I’m afraid to say anything. I guess I have some explaining to do, huh?

So much happened to so many people in Torn by Fury. Even if I didn’t know that this book is planned to be the next to the last in the series, I’d know by the way the story unfolded that we’re nearing the end. The only thing I don’t know is exactly how S.M. Reine plans to fix everything for everyone in just one more book. And there are things that HAVE to be fixed. Seriously… Please?!?

The author took the ‘Authors Are Evil’ statement about as far as she could in Torn by Fury. The action didn’t stop, the unthinkable happened and it turns out no one is safe. See why I can’t say any more? My jaw dropped in this book more than once. Forget a mere cliff hanger, that wasn’t enough. Torn by Fury ended in at least 3 or more if you count the lives that are still hanging in the balance from previous books. I’m honestly torn between wanting the next book yesterday, if not sooner, and being afraid to see what happens next.

So there you have it. My vain attempt at putting into words how much this book made me feel without giving anything away. Again, if you haven’t picked up a book by S.M. Reine yet, you need to… sooner rather than later. Just make sure you start from the beginning. Get to know Riley in Seasons of the Moon and Elise in Descent so you can truly appreciate their worlds colliding in Ascension.

[Kelly Smith Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elise Kavanaugh (kopis, hunter, incarnation of Eve, Father of Hell) is waging war against the angels, wanting them to repent for their sins in building New Eden with the bones of the humans they've killed.
She can't do it alone, however, enlisting Rylie (an Alpha werewolf who has personal reasons for doing this), and James, Elise's aspis.
But trials litter their already treacherous path, and no one knows if Hell, Heaven or Earth will even survive.

In the tradition of SM Reine's fast-paced, imaginative and intricate novels, the reader is treated to a barrage of action and emotions mixed in with the author's unique voice.
I have always been a fan of Elise's character (and yes, I "ship" her with James all the way back since Death's Hand) and her inner goodness shines strongly in Torn By Fury. She might be a demon, but she's a true hero...even if she has to drop a few bodies along the way! One of the best female lead characters in a very long time.
I think both new and longtime fans of Reine will be delighted with the story. I know I was! The bloodshed was just enough and not overdone, and the characters interact with each other in a way that make you feel as though they're real.
Amazing work, as always.

5/5--amazing!

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a love/fear relationship with S.M. Reine's books. I love her writing, the characters, the non-stop action that wriggles out of the pages. At the same time, I have this instinctive fear response that tells me I'm going to have my heart ripped out while reading it. Somebody (probably Abel. Or Elise. Elise would totally do this, come to think of it. TOTALLY.) will also attempt to choke me with said heart. Maybe pull off a limb and beat me with it.

Guys, I love these books and I'm terrified of them. WELL PLAYED, S.M. REINE! Well played!

So. Yep. This time around I was gutted. Still am. My guts are lying on the floor next to me. It's not pretty. But then, most of the things Elise has to deal with aren't, so I'm in good company. Flat out, the ending is a doozy. Oh, and that middle part. And then there was the time in the beginning. And that other time.

You know what? The whole book is awesome. It's chock full of evisceration, beheadings, painful death, and epic badassery. Elise gets things done with style. Bloody, painful style. And I like that.

-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Torn by Fury is another great addition to the Ascensions series. Ms. Reine has a fantastic way of spinning this urban fantasy that keeps you on the edge of your seat needing to find out what will happen next.

Elise Kavanagh is back to fight in a war against the angels who have built the city of New Eden out of human victims including some of Rylie’s pack members. She will make them pay for using all the humans no matter what it takes. When Rylie discovers that the werewolves can help defeat them she will force Elise to let her accompany her and give her the chance to save her pack.

The angels are ready to fight for their city using all the magic they have. When the war is over they plan to be the only ones alive. And Earth will no longer exist. Can Elise and Rylie save the world? Or this war end the human world has they now know it?

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Jaime Hendrickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished this book literally the day it came out but didn't review it. I wanted to let it all sink in. It was so good. Sm Reine(who my kindle continuously tries to change to an twine ) is so talented and has an imagination and writing skill you just don't see that often. I'm amazed at her ability to write a few books every few months and they are GOOD. I've never read one that I've had to put down because I'm bored. If anything there is so much going on , I have to reread it. I'm not going to go over the plot, if you've stumbled onto this book and you haven't read the previous ones go to the beginning, call out of work for week and sit down and ENJOY! This book was one of my favorites in the series because of JAMES. Maybe I just love a bad boy but I just love James. We see some old friends in this book who I've missed and the ending?! Wow! can't wait for the next one!!!!

[Natalia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very intense book. We got to experience both Elise and Lincoln under the effects of anthema poison, as Elise continued to regress to her retired days, and to the memories she held of Eve. Though James was determined to 'cure' her, Elise, stubborn as ever, insisted on letting the poison run its course so that she could finally die.

We got to experience everyone's reactions to war-time, and we got to better understand the mistakes Rylie made in previous books leading to her loosing the pack.

Throughout this book, we lost a lot of good characters, and made many revelations about others (such as Nathaniel). It culminated with James making the ultimate sacrifice for Elise.

I can't wait to see how the series gets concluded. Reine is an amazing author.

[Jenn Lambert · Rating 4 out of 5]

cleared through that quick. I dunno how she cranks out these books so quick, and they are still good. amazing talent. Really liked this one.....now I have to wait for the next one....for the love of god!!!!! There were a couple of confusing things....spoiler alert....I was confused how Benjamin kept coming and going, thinking that it might be Nathaniel, and how some things happened, then they didn't, like re-do's. really confusing. Bummer she couldn't make it work with Lincoln, and intriguing that James is now mortal, and she doesn't have a kopis. I hope that Riley dying was a re-do in the next book, she deserved better.

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book free from the author. I am always honored and thankful because she does this. She is an amazing writer and I think each book just gets better and better. Elise is one of my favorite characters of all time, she has been through so much and keeps fighting for what she believes to be the right thing. I was shocked at the end of this book as well as several places throughout it. I love how things that are hinted at in the previous books are not forgotten and brought to life. I don't think anyone who likes this kind of book would be disappointed in this series.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was sent a free advanced copy by the author to review. Unfortunately, my busy schedule kept me from reviewing it early, but I am finally getting to it now. I will admit, when this series started I was kind of on the fence. It was certainly not bad, but I just wasn't into it as much. But I have become increasingly more into the story, especially with these last two books. I only have a chance to read a few pages a day, otherwise I'm sure I'd be finishing a book every day or two! I absolutely loved the end, and was not expecting it at all! Great choice!

[Berrynana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has to be the best book in the series so far! That ending... Oh boy! I think we finally see James' true feelings, or do we? Elise is probably my favourite heroine ever, she is so complicated and beautiful. Even more so with Eve inside of her.. What's going on with that anyway? And then the whole "other" trinity thing? Whoa! I wish I was a creature who didn't sleep, I can't wait to start the next book in this series.

P.s. I have never been a super fan of anything, well maybe Doctor Who. But I have to say, even the good Doctor does not compare to SM Reine in any way. Amazing woman!

[Tricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series!!!!

As this book drew to an end, all but too quickly, each book only getting better, eagerly reaching for the next book-Sins of Eden. Elise and James just keep getting all the more fascinating and more intense (along with the rest of pack!) Elise's bad-assery and James's scheming ways are one of the best I've immersed myself in in a long time! Hopefully this series isn't drawing towards an end......!!

[Tabby Shiflett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This novel is the best one yet in the series! All the characters, main and supporting, are well-written, flawed, and beautiful. The plot is enticing and fully engages the reader. The book has some good fight scenes and the ending left me speechless. Lots of surprises. I cannot wait til the next one.