Dark Rising

The Archangel Prophecies #2

by Monica McGurk

Can One Person Upend a Prophecy as Old as Time?

Hope Carmichael is on the run. The only question is, from whom?

The mark on her neck has branded her as part of an ancient prophecy, the Bearer of the Key. But the Fallen Angels have misunderstood and think Hope is their long-awaited way to regain Heaven by force. Now Hope is chasing down the artifact that could open Heaven’s Gates, while seeking to destroy it before the Fallen catch up with her. Will the Triad crime ring track Hope and exact their punishment before she gets the chance? Is the ragtag band of angels surrounding her now there to protect her, or imprison her? And will Michael, the Archangel sworn to defend Heaven at all costs, be forced to deny his love for Hope and take her life, instead, so that the artifact won’t fall into enemy hands?

The epic narrative introduced in Dark Hope continues in Dark Rising as Hope crisscrosses some of the most ancient sites in Europe and plumbs the depths of history in search of the truth about the Key, herself, and love. Exploring themes of identity, fate, jealousy, trust, and forgiveness, Dark Rising’s mythological scope and moral urgency deepen as we come to understand the choices and consequences faced by a young woman determined to follow her heart and chart her own destiny.

Genres: Fantasy, Angels, Young Adult, Paranormal

400 pages, Paperback

First published June 30, 2015

About the author

Award-winning author Monica McGurk likes nothing better than weaving complex, multilayered stories that bring contemporary issues and strong female characters to life through different genres of popular fiction. Her previous work includes three volumes of paranormal YA romance—The Archangel Prophecies: Dark Hope, Dark Rising, and Dark Before Dawn— along with numerous works of fan fiction under the name Consultant by Day. The Handler is the follow-up to her critically acclaimed The Agency, the first novel in The Norwood Nanny Chronicles.

A corporate executive, she now lives in Chicagoland with her husband, Tom, their youngest son, and their dog, Ellie. You can find her on Facebook, Instagram, Goodreads, and LinkedIn, or on her website: monicamcgurk.com.

Reviews

[Candy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hope has accepted her role in the prophecy & is now on the run with Michael to find the Key. She doesn't like that they had to lie to find their way to Turkey through Las Vegas. It was in Turkey that Michael last saw the Key so they begin their search for the Key in Istanbul. While they're looking for the Key, they find themselves tangled up with the human traffickers connected to Las Vegas. Hope learns that she is becoming more intuitive & follows her instincts to an antiquities dealer. The antiquities dealer explains the history of how the Westerns raided his lands during the Crusades & took all the religious relics with them. Michael thinks about where the Key could have been taken, where it would have been safe. He comes up with two possibilities & shows Hope pictures of both. Hope does not feel anything while looking at the first picture but feels completely drawn to the second picture. With that Hope & Michael are on their way to Ireland to find the Key. Has they wait to reach the monastery they are their to visit, Hope pieces together what is meant by the 'Gate of Heaven' in the Prophecy. When they finally make it to Skellig Michael of the coast of Ireland (the monastery), it isn't the Key they find but Michael's sister Gabrielle. Gabrielle is there with a message for Hope about the Prophecy & what it means. Hope is devastated to learn the truth about the Key & about the Prophecy, & what it now means for her. Will Hope be able to tell Michael the truth about the true Prophecy? Will Hope & Michael be able to find the Key? Will Hope & Michael's love be strong enough to endure what must be done?

Once again, I am completely intrigued by this book. I find the mystery, fantasy & historical arms of this story weaving together with the modern day issues fascinating & well done. I appreciate the struggle of a young woman trying to understand herself while believing she has the weight of the world on her shoulders to consider. It makes me think, what happens when you question your faith? It is a hard question to answer because I know what I want say but it isn't always what I actually do. This book has given me the gift to think about my own personal path & I think that is a good thing...... I hope it can do the same for you.

[Klinta · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would like to thank Netgalley, Greenleaf Book Group and the author – Monica McGurk for a free digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

This book did not have as much action as the first one, so I was alright with taking it in slower and not to rush to finish it as it was with the first one.
The beginning of the book seemed as if author would not know where to go and what to do with her characters, it was tangled and the relationships were completely different than at the end of the first book, it seemed like the author new what she wants to tell us in the book, but she didn’t know how to start the story. So actually at the beginning of the book I thought that Mona’s and Don’s story line was much more interesting.
The book itself got a lot better and although was a bit predictable still was enjoyable. It was however a bit hard to read as I am not familiar with Bible and honestly know close to nothing about it all. I am sure that, if I would be able to participate in the guessing game, it would be a lot more entertaining.

And then there’s the end. It wasn’t as heartbreaking as it should have been and I think it is because I just refused to accept everything that is happening. And the author did a really good job picturing Hope’s reaction and behavior. I think that it is how a normal person would react to all those things and still this normality left me frustrated, because I did not want to accept anything.

I am definitely waiting for the last book, to see what is going to happen and how this all will end.

For a full review, please visit my blog: https://bookowly.wordpress.com/2015/0...

[*Book Euphoria * · Rating 4 out of 5]

**I would like to thank Netgalley, Greenleaf Book Group and the author Monica McGurk for a free digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.** :-) :-) :-)

Dark Rising I felt was a bit slow in the beginning, I think is mostly because I wanted to see Michael and Hope happily together. :-)

In Dark Hope, Michael and Hope didn't really have a strong relationship, if you'll call it a relationship. To me it felt more like a friendship that could possible become more and in Dark Rising what those two had was just confusing. Michael was distant to Hope for most of the book. It felt like he was angry with her. He wants to protect her but he also wants to do his duty, and that I guess frustrates him, makes him fight his feelings. I felt there was no connection there. I was like " chill man".

Hope did frustrate me a couple times. She was told not to do something and she went and did it. I know she's her own person but when you're in a foreign country, don't speak the language and there's human traffickers, you do not go out for a run by yourself. I'm just saying... I'm just saying... And like five minutes ago Michael had told her not to go out. That's what's frustrating. But besides that I think Hope has grown. Before she was shy and sheltered and now she's running with Angels trying to save human kind and Heaven. She's traveling to many countries learning about history, culture, and about the past and the present. She also realizes that maybe she was wrong about her dad. She's been through a lot, and so have the people she's met.

In Dark Rising we also read about Mona, Don, Tabby, and Enoch. Mona and Don were a big part of this book. We read what Hope's parents were going through while Hope was missing. I don't know why but I didn't really like reading about them. I guess it's because I want to read more about Hope and Michael, is that bad? :-| But once I continued reading, I did get into it. You could see that Mona didn't know how she really felt about Don, and Don I think was hoping for another chance. I did think they were cute together, I had hoped that maybe they could work something out. So in the end, they were alright, after all they are Hopes parents and they just make you root for them. Okay now Tabby, I'm also not that big of a fan, just because I felt she was very bossy and did push Hope to do things she didn't want to do. Enoch, he was like a grandfather to Hope. She easily talked to him, she had felt more at ease with him during the search for the Rock. Crazy things happen to all of these characters, it was surprising. We also do meet new people. And they do a part in helping Hope and Michael out.

I really liked the writing and all the details. Monica McGurk really takes you to the location of the characters with her words. Everything was described with detail, and I love that. It helps you visualize the place, even though you've never been there or know where it is, it feels like you can see it. You can imagine the character there and what they're seeing. It brings the book to life.

Talking about locations, wow, weren't they great. Istanbul, Ireland, France, and all those chapels and churches. Another thing that I like is when authors write about real places. I like to look them up, do my research. It helps with the visualization. The descriptions on the book and the actual picture of the location really helps me understand where these characters are and makes me feel like I'm there. The locations just sounded beautiful. From the buildings to the view, I could just imagine it.

In this book there was more about hiding from the Fallen Ones, searching for the Rock, searching for Hope, understand/admitting how they ( Hope & Michael) felt about each other, and understanding what really needs to happen. There wasn't that much about human trafficking like there was in Dark Hope, but it was mentioned or brought up a couple of times. So human trafficking is still a part of these books.

I really enjoyed reading this book. I wasn't sure what was really going to happen, so that's good. I like surprises. I was shocked, surprised, there was some suspense there, hurt and betrayal, and sadly even some deaths. And girl there were tears, yes tears :-( :-( :-( :'( :'( that's what makes a great book. When it gets you so into these characters that it makes you feel for them, when you feel all these emotions. It makes you forget it's not real. And then you remember , and you're like, "okay, I'm okay, it's okay". I hope to read the next book. What will happen with all those Fallen Ones? With Mona? With Michael and Hope? What will happen to the world? Dun dun dun, I guess I'll have to see.
*notes

[Tish · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars. I got this book without realizing it was the second in a series and I think not reading the first one had a negative impact on my enjoyment of this one. There are some authors who have the ability to write novels in a series such that each is still a fully-realized story, no matter which book you start with. Monica McGurk was not wholly successful in this and I found the beginning, especially, to be rather confusing. Eventually, however, the storyline of this one picked up enough to draw me in. The book was exciting and suspenseful with interesting settings and themes. One drawback for me, however, was that the character of Michael didn't seem to be very consistent or believable. But overall, I enjoyed it enough that I am planning to read the third in the series.

Note: Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me a free e-ARC of this book.

[Rebecca Hubbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received a copy of the book from the author for a full and honest review. All opinions are 100% mine alone.*

As I was reading Dark Rising by Monica McGurk, her story took me on a tour of the streets of Istanbul and into the Greek district where she mentions Baklava. That’s when it occurred to me that I hadn’t had it in years. Years, people! I had to fix that issue, pronto! So into the kitchen I went. It’s funny how a book that takes place on the other side of the world can stir up such a dear memory from my childhood in central Maine. And at the same time give me the urge to jump on the next plane to Turkey. That’s what I love about reading, you can go anywhere in the world without leaving your house.

You might remember my review of Dark Hope, the first book in The Archangel Prophecies series, from last summer. The first book didn’t really excite me, but you guys know how I am with book series, I just NEED to know what happens. And I tell you what, I am so glad Monica sent me a copy of the second book, because it exceeded my expectations. I think McGurk is hitting her stride in this whole writing business. Where I would have definitely classified the first book as YA, this installment had a touch of historical fiction and really spoke to a more mature audience.

There were several things that made this book stand out against its predecessor, first of all, the characters were further developed and I found that it was easier to connect with them. For me, that’s the most important thing to a story. You can love a book if it has great characters even if the plot is less than desirable. A book can have the makings of a masterpiece, but if it has poorly developed characters, no one will want to read it. Even though Hope was the heroine in the first book, her personality was stronger in this book, and it carried through on the pages. Secondary characters like Michael and her parents were built up better as well and I think that the changes in POV and geographical location over the course of the story gave it depth.

I loved traveling with the characters, having been in Ireland just a few month’s ago it was so easy to picture the landscape in my mind, Skellig Michael is definitely a site I’d like to visit the next time I go. With Monica’s beautiful and vibrant descriptions of France and Turkey, it was hard not to go right out and buy a ticket over the Atlantic at the first chance I got! I chewed through this book once I got 50 or so pages in and probably would have stayed up all night reading it had it not been for that thing we call work in the morning.

One of the bigger issues in the first book was the storyline regarding human trafficking, while I think it’s a very important issue to bring attention to, and one that I fully support, it left the story feeling choppy. I was pleased to see that Monica found other ways to work it into the sequel without it feeling forced. I’ve always said writers get better as they go, and it was refreshing to see Monica break out of her Twilight Fan Fiction mold and find a voice and a story uniquely her own. I give Dark Rising 4 Stars, compared to 3 with Dark Hope. It’s fast paced, enthralling, and leaves you wanting more. Oh, plus there’s a puppy!

For the baklava recipe, click here: http://www.livingbettertogether.com/2...

[Amy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley for the free copy of this book!

I gave the first book 2 stars also because although I didn't like it very much, I read the whole thing. And I have a problem with series - once I read the first, I find it almost impossible not to keep reading.

And that said, I really didn't like this book either. Overall, I felt that the basic storyline was okay, but there were so many things that I disliked, it wasn't enough. I had the same problems with both books.

I really do think it's wonderful that the author is passionate about human trafficking, and I like that she is doing what she can to support the efforts to stop it. But it just doesn't fit into the story. I felt that it was forced in so that she could bring awareness. It was awkward and confusing, and actually made it seem less important than the subject actually is. I think it would better serve her purpose to write a book that focuses on just this issue, rather than just throwing it into a different book.

The characters are whining, insecure, emotionally unstable, even the adults. Michael's character is not at all realistic as the most revered, ancient archangel. And once again, we have a female "heroine" who is willing to put up with the romantic interest having complete control over her. And Hope just puts up with his angry, emotionally abusive behaviour.

In this book especially, there was too much religion and long explanations of scripture and biblical history for me to take. It also just made the story very convoluted and confusing.

And the relationship between Michael and Hope is creepy. I mean, she's FIFTEEN! And he's an incredibly old archangel. Not cool - and too much.

[Shayay · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was all set to give this 3 stars, but that ending was powerful! First off, I still was annoyed with Hope for the majority of the book, just like I was in the first book, and that's mainly why the first book got 3 stars from me, and this book almost did too, but what happened with Michael was written really well, and it bumped the rating up for me. I absolutely loved the setting also, having a glimpse of Turkey, Ireland, and France was interesting, and I liked how the descriptions were written. What's keeping this book from being 5 stars for me is that Hope didn't grow in this book as I was hoping after reading the first, and I still found her too immature and unappreciative of the help people are trying to do for her. I don't care for Hope's mom either, she's so back and forth, and for an adult, she can't catch a clue. I generally like angel stories, so I do like that aspect, but I did feel like all the characters act far younger than his/her age, and because of that there is far too much angst. I also like books that are about having to search for something to stop some type of apocalypse; it adds a sense of adventure that I enjoy, and this book had that in spades. A lot happens in this book, and I found it interesting and exciting to read, and with how this book ended, and the teaser for the next book, I am really looking forward to the next book!

[Fiona L · Rating 4 out of 5]

(I received a copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review)

Once again, I enjoyed the 2nd book of the Archangel Prophecies.

Dark Rising takes us to Turkey, Ireland and France. For me, it was always full of action and I love reading the description of the places and architecture of these places.

We get to read more about Hope and Michael as well as some of the other angels. I liked it when Hope and Michael are together, and hated reading the parts when they were avoiding each other.

It was also nice to get to know more about Hope's parents Mona and Don, and I loved that they got closer near the end.

Hope figured out the puzzle to the Key last time and now she figured out the puzzle to the Gate. It was devastating for her once she realised it but she kept going on and never giving up.

I'm quite happy with the ending and look forward to the next book. There was a teaser chapter at the end for the 3rd book and it got me really excited for "Dark Before Dawn", the next book in the Archangel Prophecies.

I would highly recommend this series for anyone who loves angel stories.

[Sabrina Bradley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book from the author through Goodreads for a honest review. I really liked this book and lost sleep trying to find out what happens next... Would have loved to be able to sit down and be able to read it nonstop but life and work got in my way! Can not wait until the next book in this series.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Archangel Prophecies series by Monica McGurk. I would say that you need to read the first book in order not be lost in this one.

Hope and Michael are still on a quest to find a key so that they can prevent the Fallen Angels from conquering Heaven. This adventure takes Hope and Michael to various parts of Europe as well as America. The determination of Hope and Michael to find the key was very impressive. They did not have very man clues as to where the key was but they were growing closer themselves.

The relationship between Hope and Michael was off and on. I really did not like reading when they were not talking to each other. As they learn new information about the Prophecy, as well as themselves, Hope thinks that maybe she has pushed away Michael one too many times. Is it too late for Hope and Michael?

This one will keep you turning the pages as you follow Hope and Michael on their adventure. I have to earn you, this one ends with a cliffhanger but does give you a small peek into the next book. I thought that Monica McGurk did a great job with this one and kept our attention well. I am sure we will have lots of answers in the next read!

[Rosemary · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the second book of Monica McGurk's Archangel Prophecies, Hope finds herself on the run and trying to stop the end of the world. There are a number or twists in this second book that kept things interesting. The mythology and religion continues to play an important role as Hope tries to figure out how to open the gates of Heaven without destroying the world. I found myself annoyed at times with her and Michael, but there is another book left, so I suppose the romantic aspect of the story can't be too easy. Dark Rising was a good addition to the trilogy and I am anxious to see how the story wraps up in book three.

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally published at seriestracker.wordpress.com


HOPE FOR HOPE
Dark Rising, by Monica McGurk is the second installment in the Archangel Prophecies trilogy.

I finished it over two weeks ago and this is the first moment I am “putting pen to paper” to write the review. There is significance in that. Typically, I have strong feelings one way or another and I just have to get it out. I have to get the review done so I can move on to the next book. Here, I couldn’t even start another book I am so conflicted. I didn’t want another story to muddy the waters that are my thoughts on this book – or at least not muddy them any more than they already are.

Even as I write this, I find myself (already) pausing at my keyboard trying to decide what to say next. Or at this very moment, really, what to say first. The angel story – has potential a-plenty. The characters are developing nicely, for the most part. There’s still too much of the YA bull *$%@ that for some reasons authors think creates great tension or relationship building when all it really does is annoy the reader. There were some great plot twists. But there were some great big grand canyon size plot holes too. There was some really great story telling and yet there was still a fair bit of trouble within the narration when it comes to switching the verb tense used to tell the story. There was much less focus on the human trafficking element and it pains me to say (because I know the author is super passionate about that) that I found that a positive with this installment. There was a slight imbalance in the amount of description given to things – some of the more well done scene building, in terms of imagery, seems to be throw-away (or red herring or maybe set up for the final installment, but too soon to tell that. And because the first book suffered from this a little too, and I didn’t see any pay off, I have to assume that it is just not well enough balanced story telling) while others could have used more of what was well done. Because if that imagery found the right balance, then this would go from a solid 3 stars (note: I am using the descriptors for the goodreads star convention for this statement; if I were using the amazon I would say solid 4 with a potential solid 5) to at least a solid 4 in my opinion. The overall story arc, which seemed to conclude in this installment was interesting and I loved that it was dragged out. The action was paced well and a few of the twists I didn’t see coming – now, part of that is because there were what seemed to be humongous plot holes associated with, or rather that facilitated, the twists. But, none of these issues were insurmountable as I still found the book enjoyable.

The main story here is that Hope and Michael are on their way to prevent the fallen angels from getting the key and opening the gates of heaven. They are traveling around Europe and Asia to find it. And, in the end, the prophecy is dealt with.

One of the elements that was particularly well done is hard for me to talk about in just the review – as it would create a huge spoiler. While spoilers are totally ok in my book on the page for a book I try not to let too big a spoiler out in the review. So… how to say this… often authors create super complicated and contrived sections of the plot so as to avoid a tragedy which impacts to permanently a main protagonist. Here, it seems that the author embraced letting some things happen to each of Hope and Michael and I question the ability to have the happily-ever-after that most YA books see as the absolute requirement for this type of story. At least as it stands at the end of this book. I know there is still a third installment to follow, but the preview that I got at the end of the second leaves me wondering and very curious. So, that’s super good because it means that I am very motivated to read the third – so I can see how it all ends!

I just hope that a couple of books written means that the author is learning a little of the balancing so that the potential for this series can be fully realized. The first two books are good but I really hope the third time we seem Hope will be great!

[Tina · Rating 2 out of 5]

*Thanks to NetGalley & the author for providing me with a free copy of this book*

Actual Rating: 2.5

Having read this series in the wrong order, I went into this book a little confused. McGurk's beautiful yet concise writing made it easy for me to catch up. I loved her vivid descriptions of the settings - Istanbul, Ireland (HON D'IRISH!) and France. It's evident the author loves architecture and as a fan myself I was in my element! Istanbul has been officially moved up my 'Places To Go' list and I'm dying to go to that hamam and Ayasofya myself now! The Biblical references were woven in flawlessly - being a sucker for them as paranormal shows like Supernatural are my weakness.

I'm a bit torn about the characters. On one hand, I liked Hope. She wasn't whiney and didn't cry every few paragraphs (*cough* Juliette *cough*) so she was refreshing to read. She only made a few stupid decisions, unlike the majority of female protagonists in YA these days, and she seemed pretty strong and able to handle herself. I'd say I'll have to read the first book to get a better understanding of her.

Michael, on the other hand, got a complete 'no' from me. I understand that he was in constant pain, but how did that excuse him freaking out and getting all up in Hope's face? It was seriously weird and creepy - I couldn't see any romance at all between them until the second half because of this. I mean, if you were in constant agony, would squaring up to a teenage girl (and becoming so angry your veins were popping and your fists were balled so tight that you were practically spitting in her face and being inches away from hitting her) make you feel better? That would only make the pain worse, in my opinion. How exactly did scaring and threatening her lessen his pain? It sounded like classic violent and abusive behaviour. I just couldn't understand why the author portrayed him like that. Violent isn't 'sexy'. Michael said on more than one occasion that there was a need to have two bodyguards there to 'protect' her from him. Eww.

I also didn't feel like the chapters where we saw what her parents were up to were interesting. I think they should have been cut, but then I read the author's interview about why they were necessary to set the stage for the final book, so I guess I understand now. I still found them boring, though, so -.5.

I took another star off my rating for the following reason; the chapters were way too long! In this age of instant gratification, where there are much snappier books like Shatter Me, I found it extremely hard to stay focused enough to read this book, mainly because of the long-ass chapters. I mean, there were only 13 chapters, I think (correct me if I'm wrong). There were so many times when I was reading about Hope going to sleep or the end of a big scene and I was expecting a chapter break but it just...continued on...? It was so off-putting. Which was a shame, because I liked the other elements such as setting, writing, plot, etc. The one point I made note of on my tablet was when I finally reached the 60% mark, it was only chapter 8. That would be the equivalent of chapter 40 in the Shatter Me series. If this isn't something that bothers you, then great. But it bothered me. A lot. Sorry for having a short attention span.

I feel like I should read the first book in order to get a fuller picture of the plot and the characters, but if it has those same long-ass, never-ending chapters, then I don't think I'll be able to drag myself through it.

[Rosie · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

‘Dark Rising’ is the second book in Monica McGurk’s ‘The Archangel Prophecies’ and continues Hope and Michael’s quest to find the key and prevent the Fallen Angels from conquering Heaven.

While the previous book, ‘Dark Hope’, took the characters to various locations in America, this one steps up the road-trip experience to a global endeavour, travelling to countries in Europe as well as having scenes in America. I really loved this aspect of the book. As someone who both enjoys travelling and art history, seeing Hope visiting all these countries and the beautiful buildings she encounters was particularly fascinating – especially how the buildings’ decorations pertained to the overall plot.

As Hope and Michael’s relationship in this book became strained, it was fantastic to have two extra characters join their team to even everything out. Enoch and Raph were very different, yet I found myself loving them both. Raph quickly became a favourite character and Enoch was a delightful grandfather-like figure. I also loved the extra insight we got into Hope’s parents – Mona and Don. Very often in these kind of books, the main character goes off on an adventure and little thought is given to who they left behind. Seeing her parent’s reactions to Hope’s disappearance was tragic but really made the story seemed real. The dichotomy between Hope’s fantastical journey and Mona’s very human search for her really stood out for me.

With the quest for the key taking up the main plot, there was a lot less action in this book than the previous book. This, however, did not leave the novel wanting. While there was the odd confrontation, there was a greater focus on the characters, their relationships and the clues they would follow. This allows the reader to get a greater understanding of angel lore, the mission Hope finds herself on, and lets the tension build as the book’s climax approaches. The climactic scene in particular was probably the most chilling, heart-racing scene in the entire books and it more than makes up for the lack of action earlier on.

In search of some criticism, while McGurk’s writing style is fluid and very readable, there were moments where I had to re-read a paragraph or so to work out what had happened, and there were a couple of moments that did not make sense. There was also a certain character twist in the final battle that did not make much sense to me, although it might in a reread. Hope does get a little bit frustrating at times, but with everything that was going on in her life, I can understand that. I also got a little lost in terms of timings.

Overall, I would have to say that this is a fantastic book. The characters are delightful to read and I really enjoyed how their actions had consequences. The inclusion of human trafficking was not so prominent in this book, but when it did feature, it was terrifying, especially when you consider that this is something which happens in real life. The twists are also fantastic. I am really excited to read the next book in the series, which cannot come soon enough and, while I read this and the previous book as an ebook, it’s a series I would definitely consider buying the physical copy for – I am just really enjoying them.

[Brit · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this ARC Copy from NetGalley in exchange for my review

You can read more of my reviews on my site: She Would Read

Writing:

I liked the writing style overall. Jumping back and forth between the parents perspective of the situation and Hope’s perspective was less jumpy and their subplot much more interesting.

There was good suspense. Having creative license with Angelic powers allowed for me to not always know what would happen next.

Characters:

Michael: I don’t like Michael as a love interest. His tantrums continue to feel abusive and less about the good vs evil battle and more to do with controlling and using Hope to his end purposes. Their romance needs more development.

I really see him as a selfish Archangel, friend and lover. Not an admirable yet flawed love interest. I would steer my friend or daughter away from him based on his character qualities.

Hope: In this book. it still felt like she was swept up into something greater than herself and was in a scrappy, survival mode. It kept being reinforced to her that she still had a choice in the abusive relationship, reminding Hope not to set him off and be cooperative but it didn’t seem to me like she had much of one.

I can’t decide how much her immaturity, childishness and quality of romance in the novel I should attribute to her age (16) as a character or to the author.

Henri: I didn’t like Henri’s character at all from the beginning. I still don’t. He confuses my understanding of how the Angelic realm works and makes me ask so many questions.


Premise, Plot and pacing:

I liked the premise of the series. I liked that the author wanted to draw attention to the evils of the human trafficking. That took more of a backseat in book two of the series and focused more on Michael and Hope’s romantic development and the prophecy.

I found the Prophecy unclear and confusing. I had to re-read Hope’s revelation because it her conclusions seemed out of the blue.

Inconsistencies:

What’s the deal with Raph? Where’d he go?

Does Michael love her or not? His actions don’t seem to line up with his words. It feels like Hope is being strung along romantically while being swept up into something unversally bigger than herself.

Henri- Is he fallen, technically? How does he work?

I usually try to always finish a series but I don’t think i’ll read the third installment unless I see some decent reviews.

Positives:
There were 3 great twists that I thought the author made great choices to throw in at the end and they don’t even have to do with Hope and Michael.



Enoch being fallen. All signs pointed to Raph, yet Enoch was the culprit.

Don’s death. This was actually emotionally tugging for me. I liked Don. Sad to see him go, but great choice.

Mona’s pregnancy. This was a ‘what the heck?’ moment for me. Good twist and surprise.



Yowza. Those positives are why this book gets 3 stars instead of 2.

[Shannon L. Gonzalez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review: A Young Adult Archangel Series of Global Consequence, Entertaining, Enlightening, and Electrifying.

Dark Rising
Book Two of the Archangel Prophecies Series
By Monica McGurk


Author Monica McGurk twists the threads of this story so expertly the reader is caught in her net within the first chapter.

Dark Rising is the second book of the Archangel Prophecies Series.
In the inaugural book Dark Hope, 16-year-old Hope Carmichael is introduced along with Michael who becomes her protector. The dark, seedy underworld of human trafficking is brought to light as they fight against its evilness. In Author Monica McGurk’s stand against modern day slavery a portion of proceeds from both of these books will be donated to organizations that fight against human trafficking.

In Dark Rising, the saga continues when they are on the run and further details of Hope’s destiny come to light. Learning of a prophecy, it leads them to find a key to open Heaven’s gates. Monica McGurk takes the reader into her story world that traverses history as the characters hop from Atlanta to Istanbul, Turkey to Ireland to France. Her descriptions of the historical places and the details of their travels pull the reader along as if they were in the caravan of travelers. Danger lurks along the journey’s path as they outrun several factions that are on their heels. One clue leads to another to push them to find the next until peril finally catches up with them.

However, this is not only Hope’s story. McGurk chronicles what Hope’s parents endure with her missing yet again. It reminds them of her abduction when she was just a toddler. They find answers to the meaning of the mark she received during that abduction. They find solace in each other’s arms as they had grown apart and now come together again.

This story continues the growth pattern of Hope as she navigates not only teen-hood, but how her choices have consequences to herself and to others. She is not a victim, but must decided whether following the advice of her angelic companions is in her best interest or theirs. Many missteps could have been prevented if she had taken the time to think through her actions before leaping forward. It is definitely a story that makes the reader ask what they would have done if they were in Hope’s situation.

The detail of settings that McGurk captures and the suspense/thrill of the adventure make this story an electrifying and entertaining read. Once you start reading, it definitely hard to put down.

For more information about her stand against Human Trafficking, her other books and her blog, please visit her website at http://www.monicamcgurk.com/

For educators, she has a guide to bring awareness of this cause to classrooms, please visit http://www.monicamcgurk.com/for-teach... to learn how you can bring it to your classroom too.



FTC Disclaimer: I was given an ARC of this title via Net Galley for review purposes only, no other compensation was awarded.

[Azaria Louise]

Dark Rising Book Review

Book Title: Dark Rising
Book Author: Monica McGurk
Date: 14/08/15

First of all, I would like to thank Netgalley, Greenleaf Book Group and the author Monica McGurk for a free digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Dark Rising is the second book in The Archangel Prophecies by Monica McGurk.
Book summary provided by the publishers:
The mark on her neck has branded her as part of an ancient prophecy, the Bearer of the Key. But the Fallen Angels have misunderstood and think Hope is their long-awaited way to regain Heaven by force. Now Hope is chasing down the artifact that could open Heaven’s Gates, while seeking to destroy it before the Fallen catch up with her. Will the Triad crime ring track Hope and exact their punishment before she gets the chance? Is the ragtag band of angels surrounding her now there to protect her, or imprison her? And will Michael, the Archangel sworn to defend Heaven at all costs, be forced to deny his love for Hope and take her life, instead, so that the artifact won’t fall into enemy hands?

The epic narrative introduced in Dark Hope continues in Dark Rising as Hope crisscrosses some of the most ancient sites in Europe and plumbs the depths of history in search of the truth about the Key, herself, and love. Exploring themes of identity, fate, jealousy, trust, and forgiveness, Dark Rising’s mythological scope and moral urgency deepen as we come to understand the choices and consequences faced by a young woman determined to follow her heart and chart her own destiny

I enjoyed reading this book and I found it really interesting, however I found parts of it quite confusing due to the fact that I haven't yet read the first book, and didn't realise that this was the second book. So unfortunately I cannot continue reading this book at this moment in time until I have read the first book (I admit this is my own fault for requesting a copy of this book before checking to see if it was part of a series). Hopefully in the near future I'll be able to get a copy of the first book and I'll be able to read that and all of this book and any other books that are to be released in the future.

From what I read I got the impression that this book is very well written and has many complex characters that have gone and will go through character development.


I would recommend this book to all of my book loving friends and anyone else who is interested in this genre, however I would recommend them to read the first book first so they will be able to read this book without any confusion.

I will redo this review in the future when I have read both the first book and this book so I am able to get a better understanding of the situation that these characters find themselves in.


I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

[Barbara Desmond · Rating 4 out of 5]

Got an ARC from Net Galley.

How awesome is that dedication?

Ideally I like the read series in order but that isn't always possible. I really enjoyed this book and hope to get around to reading the first one. Even though I jumped into the second book first I wasn't completely lost like I have been with other books. It was written in such a way that you didn't really need to read the first book although I am sure the whole reading experience is much better if you do read both books.

I really like this cover. As you can tell from the cover this is a book about angels. I really seem to be in a angel kind of mood lately. I've just been discovering great books that happen to be about angels. This has been added to the list because I really liked it. Even though I missed the first book I was easily sucked into this story and didn't really think about this being the second book in a trilogy I believe. Oh the horrors of having to wait until 2016 for the next book. This is why I need a Tardis so I can get the books I want without having to wait.

I'm assuming this book picks up where the first one left off. It was refreshing that Hope's parents were in the book. So often in fiction the parents aren't playing a big role. Look at the ridiculousness of Pretty Little Liars. That show drives me crazy. Anyhoo I need to shut my brain off to that crazy and focus on what I'm talking about. The story goes back and forth between what's going on with Hope and what's going on with her parents. Since the chapters are long it doesn't feel choppy or make you feel like you're on a boat getting seasick. They are pretty clueless about what's going on with Hope. They believe she's been kidnapped.

Hope is in a crappy position. She's the bearer which means she has the task of finding an object that will help open Heaven's Gate. Maybe she should call on the Winchesters to help her out. She is with Michael, Raph, and Enoch. It might just be me but every time I saw the name Raph I thought Ralph. Color me weird. I have to say that I didn't expect what happened to happened. You get punched in the gut with a shock and then when you're processing that you get punched again with another shocker. If you enjoy books about angels with a little romance thrown in and some feels this would be the book for you.

http://www.ficgal.com/book-club/dark-...

Color me an oddball but I couldn't help but think of Dean Winchester while reading this.

[Yami · Rating 3 out of 5]

Copy of book provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.


Dark Rising is the second book to Monica’s Archangel Prophecies Trilogy. I have to say my opinion about how angels are have been set in a certain way and may affect how I view this book’s angels. The book was a fairly fast read for a young adult romance it was alright. The way the Archangel Michael acted seemed to bother me, he was like a teenage boy trying to figure out if he loved someone or didn’t. Instead of an angel who had a duty to do and to try and figure it out.

The main character Hope is different and tied with emotions that make her very contradictory. She just wants this trip over searching for her ‘quest’ she loves Michael but wants him to suffer for him burning her skin. She doesn’t know how to deal with her feelings about Michael. It’s in between love, fear, and anger and they all come and go sometimes with a flip of a page. While her development seems a bit stunted by her obsession with her teenage love of the Archangel.

The plot brings you up to speed of what happened in the previous book, and takes you on the journey to Istanbul to France and back and forth. You meet Enoch and Raphael who doesn’t care for hope and Enoch treats her like a child he use to have. The story leads to the growth and fighting between angels and the dark ones and the humans.

While you see the pain that Hope’s family deals with as Hope has vanished and no one knows what happened. They think she’s been taken by a sex slave ring instead of on a mission from ‘God’. Her parents are divorced and both are suspects in her kidnapping at first then it seems she may have been taken by a sex traffic ring. It sends her parents into more worry about how to live and the father starts to reflect more on the bible relating it to his daughter. By the end of it the dark ones think they have won the battle when it seems to be a reflection of Christs death but with Michael taking Christs place and allowing those ‘Dark’ angels to be forgiven. With the world in chaos Hope makes it to authorities and is traumatized and gets home. Her mother saddened by her ex-husband’s loss has trouble getting back into a normal life.

[Ana Beatriz Esteves · Rating 5 out of 5]

*The publisher provided this book in exchange for an honest review through NetGalley.*
Hope Carmichael is on the run, trying to accomplish an age old phrofecy with the help of her kind of boyfriend, the archangel Michael and Enoch and Raphael. Together they hope to find they key to heaven's gates and stop the fallen angels from conquering it.
Michael is getting more unstable every day that passes and they have to avoid the Fallen that hunt them. Having to bear a love forbidden by God himself and the responsibility of being the Bearer of the Key, Hope has to rise to the occasion be the best version of herself while she travels through Europe in search for the key.
This is the second installment of "The Archangel Prophecies" and I must warn you, this series is very addicting and you must be carefull when you start reading it because you won't be able to stop.
Hope is the kind of characther that I grew to love and this book only gives me more reasons to love her, you can see her surpass her own fears and adversities to become a "strong and powerful woman".
You'll go absolutely nuts with the amount of plot twists in this book but you'll love them and you'll cry like a baby and you'll dance of happiness, that's how good and wonderful this book is.
The author somehow was able to ground her work in actual biblic passages and world history, including so many references that you'll believe the story is actually real.
The writing is beautiful and simple enough that a non-native speaker can read this book just fine (myself included) and it's an all ages book since it still, just as the previous one, teaches a lot about the danger of human trafficking and gives you warnings and tips about it that could garanty your safety if you found yourself in danger.
I advise this book to all fantasy and paranormal lovers who like tastefull YA romance without graphic sex scenes, if you're not confortable with that this book is perfect for you since it has nothing of it! Go and pick it up!

On my blog at:
http://thebewitchedreader.blogspot.pt...

[Terisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second installment in this series and is set to be released on June 30, 2015.

I suggest that you read book one before reading this one even though the author does a fairly decent job of explaining what's going on. Book one ended on a cliff hanger and this one does as well.

Hope Carmichael was marked by the angels as the Bearer of the key when she was saved from a drug addict by Michael the Archangel when she was only four years old. Her life hasn't been an easy one and it's doesn't look as though it's getting any easier because the Fallen Angels have misinterpreted the mark and believe that she is the key and that with her, they will be able to take over Heaven. This means that it's up to her and Michael to find the real key before they find her so she, Michael and two other Angels are in a race against time, traveling from one place to another trying to track down the actual key to Heaven's Gate in order to save mankind from the apocalypse. Not an easy task when you are trying to remain hidden from the FBI, the Triad as well as Fallen Angels.

This book takes off where book one leaves off and like book one it switches back and forth between stories of Hope and the Angels and her Mom and Dad's story, who are working with the FBI trying to find her. You get a more in depth look at what happened when Hope was kidnapped when she was young and also find out how she was marked or branded. Not all ends well for everyone in this portion of the series for some of the characters and my heart broke for Hope and what she has to endure. It's an epic tale that weaves its own tale by using actual scripture from the bible and turning it into a tale that you will either love or hate depending on your views. I myself loved it and cannot wait for the next part of the series. There is a glimpse of the book 3 at the very end of this book after the acknowledgments but read it at own risk because trust me, it will only leave you wanting more now rather than later.

I received an ARC from publisher through Netgalley in return for an honest review. 4 stars

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

We pick up right where Dark Hope left off. Hope is on the run with the Archangel Michael, who is sworn to protect Heaven at all costs, but he has given that up to follow Hope. In the beginning we don’t know if he is trying to protect her or if he is trying to push her away. Their dynamic is really quite interesting after reading the first book. Here is the Archangel Michael, sworn to protect the human race, and instead of doing that, he has decided to run after a girl he can’t decide if he loves or hates, leaving the rest of the world to the fallen angels.

A little background; Hope is branded with a mark on her neck which makes her a key part of an ancient prophecy, the bearer of the Key. The Fallen Angels have misinterpreted this as she actually being the key – the key to get them back into Heaven so they can take over.

This is a great follow up book to her first in the series. I sometimes feel like the second book in a trilogy can get kind of boring, but this one was great! I love to see all the imagery of the places in Europe where they are searching for the artifact that will actually open Heaven’s Gates.

Monica does a great job of incorporating the trafficking of girls and women, and oftentimes we don’t know if the Fallen Angels are on Hope’s tail or if it is the traffickers that she thwarted in the first book.

This is a pretty fast paced book, and a quick read. I enjoy watching the struggle of Michael, wanting to protect the humans he loves so dearly, but also being conflicted with his feelings for Hope. The attitude of the other angels that are with their little band is an interesting dynamic as well, where they could care less about Hope’s life.

I was compensated and provided a free copy of this book in return for my review. It was not required to be a positive review, and all opinions are my own. I only recommend products that I actually love, and this is a wonderful book series that fans of young adult fiction will definitely enjoy!

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced digital copy of this book.

Dark Rising picks up very shortly after Hope Rising leaves off. Hope and Michael are on a mission to locate the rock - the key that will allow the Fallen to possibly return to heaven. Unfortunately, the Fallen have a different idea about what they want to do with the key. Michael is becoming increasingly unstable and uncommunicative, while Hope must deal with healing from a previous injury as well as try to cooperate with her new "babysitters," the guards to keep Michael from hurting Hope.

This trilogy is said to have a strong plot about human trafficking, but it is more of an aside than anything. It comes up here and there in the story, and Hope is really concerned about it, but for the most part, the book is about the brewing battle between Michael and the Fallen angels. There are some very emotionally moving scenes between Michael and Hope, in which they must come to an understanding of God's plan and what it means that Hope is the key to what is going to happen.

Overall, the story is very entertaining, but some things just can't be ignored: for the most part, Michael doesn't act like the ancient, powerful Archangel he is, but an emotionally unstable 15-year-old boy most of the time. Hope often makes irrational decisions that a girl who has learned about Human Trafficking and the Fallen would never do, such as defy all reason to go jogging alone on the streets of a strange foreign city. She endangers herself and her companions time after time with her rash behavior. It is frustrating, to say the least!

Being the second book in a trilogy, it did move along nicely, except for the chapters about Hope's mother and father, which slowed the whole plot down to a crawl. The third book should be very good, now that Hope is searching for the truth about what happened!

[Ilaina · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second installment of the Archangel Prophecies titled "Dark Rising" was picking up were the last book "Dark Hope" ended. Hope Carmichael is racing with her companions the archangels Micheal, Raphael,and Enoch to find the "key" before the fallen. This key is to the gate of heaven that was once used to by Cain. This key, a rock, was chosen to be found by Hope, the "bearer of the key" because of who knows what. As she and her friends go across the world searching countless places fro the key only to be found with nothing. Whats more, Hope and Micheal aren't on particularly good terms as he is becoming overcome with pain Enoch and Hope fear he may fall from grace. Can Hope find the rock and fulfill the prophecy even if it means loosing Micheal? Or will she give up the chase and accept the fallen. Monica McGurk has created another page turning, on edge novel making you hope she continues the series.
I really enjoyed the novel Dark Rising because it continued the series and answered questions still left to wonder by the reader. It also brought up questions surrounding the characters and made you think if you thought they were innocent. Somethings I didn't like about the book was more about the story line. I got upset about certain events that took place that improved the story. Things like the relationship between Hope and Micheal and what had happened to Raphael near the end. In my opinion people who enjoyed fantasy and the mythological genre, but people who enjoy realistic fiction or historical fiction may not be as intrigued as I was. Overall it was a great novel that I recommend to every young adult reader.

[Anne Monteith · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second novel takes up where the first one ends and is just as good as the first. Michael and Hope are on the run, trying to figure out the prophecy before the Fallen find them and use Hope as a means to return to heaven and start a war.

Michael has changed his features to look like her father’s so they can travel without too many questions being raised. They are joined by the prophet Enoch as they try to decipher the clues to the prophecy. Their search will lead them to Las Vegas where they will become involved with criminals who are involved in child sex rings. Hope is determined find Maria who she met in Atlanta and rescues her from those who have taken her once again. She has told Michael that Maria is her top priority and she will not help him until Maria is found and rescued

Their searches are filled with danger and will take them from Vegas to Turkey, and France. Their attraction to each other has resulted in some unforeseen consequences Michael is dangerously close to Falling because he is no longer able to protect mankind and the chaos that is happening through out the world is taking a toll on him. Unfortunately not all things are as they seem and the Fallen are closer than they know. Will they be able to find everything in time and will all of them survive or will the Fallen regain entry to Heaven and destroy the humans that they hate?
I eagerly await the final book in this wonderful series.

4.5/5 STARS .**I want to thank the author and/or publisher for providing me with a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review; all opinions are mine.**

[Sheryle · Rating 2 out of 5]

ARC provided by NetGalley and River Grove Books

Dark Rising by Monica McGurk is the second book in the Archangel Prophecies series. I was happy to see that it started right where the first book ended, which was promising. Unfortunately, that promise was very short-lived. I thought this book was overly melodramatic and that the author was going out of her way at times to overcomplicate the story. For instance, at once point Hope was offered a key to a car. She refused it, went out, hotwired the car and drove off. Why not use the key? Later, she again hotwired a car, but that was necessary so she could steal it. It wasn’t needed the first time.

I also felt that the author had a list of ideas/things she wanted to include in these books and would fit them in anywhere and anyway she could. Case in point: the puppy. How much do I hate the part about the puppy? So much I wanted to call PETA! I was really getting invested in that puppy. I won’t say what happened to it, except don’t worry it doesn’t get killed, but I was not a happy reader. Again, this was totally, totally, unnecessary and melodramatic.

There were some good twists at the end. One of which sort of helped explain a hole in the plot big enough to drive a truck through! Of course, if you thought it through, it really wouldn’t explain what happened and you were back at the hole. But, I guess the other twists were okay. And, at least, this book has a real ending. There is a minor cliffhanger to it, but it is an ending. And this is one time I’m fine not knowing what happens next.

[Chanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

Let me start by saying-I have a weird compulsion to finish series, even if I didn’t particularly like the previous book(s). I gave Dark Hope 2/5 stars and unfortunately, this was the case for Dark Rising as well.

What I liked:
I was able to at least finish it. It took me a while, but I did it. The story-line is decent enough.
The locations in this book were pretty cool
What I didn’t:
-Unfortunately one of the things I liked in the first book made me skim over certain parts of this book. I like that the author is using her platform to bring attention to human trafficking, but it felt overly done in this book and forced.
-I have to bring this up. A 15 year old girl with a super old arch angel? It’s creepy, and I kind of feel gross reading about it. It just seems inappropriate. And Michael is a controlling jerk, so there’s that.
-Hope is so immature and whiny, and almost all of her friends are too. I have a hard time getting past that while reading. And she makes terrible choices and never listens to anyone. Ugh.
I still plan on reading book 3, and I am just hoping it gets better *fingers crossed*



I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Mary Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Angels, humans, fallen angels, world travel, Biblical prophecy, romance, and lots of action is what awaits you in Dark Rising by Monica McGurk. It's the second book in her Dark Hope series and even better than the first one.

In Dark Hope, readers are left hanging on so many levels and Dark Rising picks up right in the thick of it, not missing a beat. This second book answers a lot of the questions that surfaced in the first book but so many new conflicts pop up that you wonder if anyone is going to survive. Like I shared with my Dark Hope review, this isn't a genre I'm normally drawn to, but I couldn't stop reading. I want you to read this series so I don't want to explain too much (especially if you haven't read the first one yet), but Dark Rising is rich in travel descriptions, old European churches, and full of action. The reader can't help but be bitten by the travel bug as you read. With the mysteries that Hope, Michael, and their unlikely band of angels are trying to solve, I would compare a lot of this book to the great historical mysteries that Dan Brown writes, full of hidden signs, secrets to decode, and ancient artifacts. Throw in all of that goodness with a side of romance (always my favorite part) and Dark Rising by Monica McGurk is exciting, enthralling, and makes me super antsy for the last book.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

**I received this book in exchange for an honest review**

I have read both books in this series, and I really liked this second book. If you are new to the series, it is a Young Adult Paranormal novel about the Archangel Michael (yes that one) and a teenager Hope who somehow is mixed up with the end of the world. We have come to find out through both books Hope has been marked as the key the opening the gates of heaven and allowing the fallen angels (otherwise known as demons) back into heaven to over through it. Michael has been intertwined with Hope's life since he rescued her from kidnappers when she was very young (and he doesn't know why he was compelled to intercede) and came back into her life when she moved in with her mother as a teenager. Where the first book didn't really develop their relationship and explain as well central mystery, the second book really moves everything forward. It is way more fast paced, it develops Hopes and Michael's relationship and has plenty of plot twists surrounding why Michael has been drawn into Hope's life in the first place. The book ends on a real cliff-hanger leaving me waiting for the next book!. I normally read adult paranormal fiction, but very much enjoyed this book!

[elciesbooked · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yesterday I finished the first book, Dark Hope, and as soon as I did I started reading this one.
I couldn't put it down.

Dark Rising is a bit faster paced, full of action, and the plot coming in to full view as well as executed! Usually this is something we don't see until the 3rd, or last book of a season, so I'm definitely curious what will happen next. I wish I had the 3rd book now, but am satisfied to know that it is due out this year.

If you easily become attached to characters, then I'll warn you: have tissues on hand!

Hope and Michael, during her staged second kidnapping, rush to figure out the prophecy that tells of the Fallen Angels opening the gates of Heaven. They fear it means the end of the earth and all who inhabit it, humans especially as The Fallen loathe God's love for them, Michael's unwavering protection of them, and how much they revere Michael over all other angels because of it.

As the mystery of the prophecy is unraveled, it's meaning is not what it was originally thought to mean, and I must say that it really took me by surprise.

If you haven't started reading the Archangel Prophecies yet, start now!