Absolute Zero

Soldier of Light Chronicles #2

by Ireland Gill

"I felt like I was losing the ground beneath me sometimes. It was that feeling inside of me that came around when I wasn't near Hayden, the force of something that didn't feel right to me at all. It was a darkness that I'd never invited." -Evika Stormer The Negative Zero series continues in Absolute Zero, as Evika Stormer's new life as Soldier of Light begin with her Guardian Angel, Hayden, right by her side. But this new life isn't turning out a simple as promised. New challenges arise, and new secrets unfold. And Evika soon discovers that there are certain level of evil from which even Hayden cannot protect her.

272 pages, Paperback

First published September 29, 2015

About the author

Ireland Gill has spent well over a decade preparing the story line for this new YA series: Negative Zero. It was originally created with intent to be a graphic comic book, but instead turned into a full length novel...and kept growing. Having experienced the sudden loss of her father as a child, Ireland's fascination with the idea of the afterlife grew, along with her imagination throughout her adulthood which further inspired memorable characters whose stories had to be told.
Having been diagnosed with MS on Friday the 13th of September, 2013, Ireland decided she would no longer sit on her series idea that had been mostly already written. Eleven months later, "Negative Zero" (self-published) is not only the first book of her series, but also her debut novel which hit Amazon as of August, 2014.
Ireland is a happily-married nightowl whose further inspiration comes from her husband, three daughters, and lots and lots of music - particularly the band, RED.
Keep updated by visiting her author website: www.irelandgill.com

Reviews

[Coco.V]

🎁 The Soldier of Light Series (2 book series) is FREE on Amazon today (4/1/2020)! 🎁

[Tassi (Read Ramble Repeat) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm at a loss for what to say with this book, I know what a rarity right?! Like there were aspects that I enjoyed about the book and I even liked the characters. I just didn't love them to the point where I was emotionally invested and….



The story I thought had so much potential from the first book but I felt this story dwindled off a little bit here. I'm wondering if I'm having this feeling because when I look back over this particular book not a lot really happens. There's definitely a few intriguing factors that pop up and the ending had me curious but I was really expecting a lot more to happen.

Don't get me wrong it isn't a bad book! I just expected a lot more of the Soldier Of Light part to really expand and even more with her mark, although colour me intrigued with how it reacted to Alysto. And this was one of the biggest parts I was super curious about when Alysto was brought into it and we see her interact with him for a brief time, I'm sure we will definitely see more of that in book 3 but I wanted more here and now haha. I also thought the inclusion of a betrayer within the Council, although obvious to me, was clever and I was hoping this would really stir the pot…but for most of the part she kept that information to herself and so that side of the story didn't grow as much as I would've liked. I'm a trouble maker haha. I like all that angst and drama to grow because then that intensity rate pics up for me and BAM crazy stuff starts happening, left right and centre. I felt a lot of the attention was put into the spark between Evika and Angel-man which was fine (coz we all know I'm all for that) I was just looking forward to some kick-butt action happening lol. buuuut I'm a bookie adrenaline junky haha.

I think one of my favourite characters would have to be Luka. He a loyal friend to them both and I feel he would literally do anything for these guys...and he proves that by one massive act he does for Hayden. I also love how is lighthearted and can also be serious when needed. He's like the perfect friendship balance for Evika, getting her on a different level Hayden could, even as her Guardian Angel. With there little team that are pretty awesome together. I love the playful teasing they have with each other. It does have quite a few laughable moments.

Don't get me wrong guys, its still a decent book, I'm totally blaming the last book I read, that was still so in my head at the time. I couldn't shake the characters. So I am wondering if it was partially to do with this…but not all of it. I'm used to a lot of stuff going on and happening in my books so it probably has a lot to do with that. It wasn't a hard book to read and I was still intrigued and curious where it will go. I wasn't really expecting the person that knocked at her door at the end and was like….



I kinda feel sorry for the person who just had to witness the epic blowup between a certain hot-headed chick and Angel. Like it was stormy in all senses of that word. 1 minute everything is all well and good and then your like



If you enjoy a book that is slower-paced but still within the world of Urban Fantasy - Angel, Demons etc you will probably really love this. A lot of the information is spaced out throughout the story but enough so that it still keeps you locked in, which is an art in itself.

Thank you so much Ireland Gill for the opportunity of reading this ARC for an honest review.

Anywho,

Happy Reading My Book Nerd Friends

[Brent Snyder · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed book one!!! Loved the idea and was hoping the story would continue to hold my interest. Gill Ireland did not fail. The book continues the story of Evika and her guardian angel. I was sure I knew what the ending would be. I even wrote it down first so I could prove to people that I was correct. I was wrong!!!! Such a nice twist at the end. This book is better than the first in my opinion. New characters, and new problems to deal with. Can’t wait for book 3!!!!

[Sarah Stevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was honored to be chosen as narrator/editor for the audiobook, it should be avail no later than Jan. 14th & will happily give away promo codes! While recording/editing I read, recorded & listened to it 1000s of times AND YET TODAY, 3 weeks after submitting final cut, I MISSED BEING W/ IRELAND'S CHARACTERS SO MUCH I LISTENED TO FINAL CHAPTER! I wanted to hear it again, TO JUST BE IN THE MOMENTS IRELAND CREATED AGAIN.

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG 😲! I loved the first book but this second book is every bit as good if not better! A total rollercoaster ride filled with twists and turns that had me holding my breath and on the edge of my seat the whole read! A great series with a fantastic storyline and awesome characters that I would totally recommend!

[Audrey Stars in Her Eye · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an audiobook version of this book from the author for review; all opinions are my own.
Absolute Zero is a fun tale but falls into some of the same pitfalls as other middle books in series.
The book starts off so slowly. The author has to bridge the gap between the ends of the last book and get us to the point where the action happens. It spends too much time on the character’s adjustment to her situation. That being said, it's also realistic. Most books would just skip the mundane adjustments that would have to be made. So I give her points for not being afraid to show that.
But once we get to the antagonist, the book really gets going and the reader is totally pulled in. Evika story is so much bigger than she or the reader thought and I can't wait to see where that goes.
This does end in a cliff hanger pushing towards the next installment. I'm not huge on books that do that but it's typical of a transitional book. And to be honest, I wanted to know what happened next before that.
The narrator does change between takes one and the first. At first, the change in narrator was a bit off-putting. There is nothing wrong with Sarah Stevens; I just had to adjust. She did well giving the proper emotions and bringing each character to life.
Overall, I enjoyed the second book in this series.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book for free. I am voluntarily posting this review and all opinions expressed herein are my own.

This is book two of the Negative Zero series. It is not a standalone and ends on a cliffhanger.

I consider this book to be the building blocks for all that is going to happen in book 3 of this series. The story moves slowly in developing the relationship between Evika and Hayden, as well as, exploring Evika's family/past. While some reviewers did not like the leisurely pace, I really enjoyed spending the time to get to know Evika more. She is having some interesting dreams/visitors, which are only lightly touched upon but that I believe she will likely have to contend with in the next book. I really enjoy how this story is told from the first person POV of Evika - who is still trying to come into her own while having to deal with some very overwhelming issues. I am completely fascinated with Alysto and the role he will play as the story evolves.

The narrator, Sarah Stevens, is very easy to listen to - she provides voices for the various characters and really pulls you into the story with her narration.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Absolute Zero is the next book in the series after Negative Zero. While I generally liked the book, I was more frustrated that the pace was slow and most of the book was hanging out or partying, and not dealing with the actual situations. Evika's duties as Soldier of Light were completely glossed over. I would have liked to see some scenes showing us more of her actual job. The romance between Evika and Hayden and ultimately leading to Hayden's decision was enjoyable, but the bigger issues at play introduced only briefly were frustrating. But I'm definitely curious to see how it all plays out, especially the plotline with Alysto. I did enjoy the audio narration. The pacing and voices were great. I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

[Mairy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was given an ARC of this book in an exchange for an honest review, but all thoughts and opinions are mine.
Not much has changed from the previous one (book and review).
Finally we see the devil. I was waiting for it from the first book.
Definely for adult readers from a point and after.
I have to say I cringed at the wedding scene. I laughed though.
Ev overthinks a little.
I am a little sad about Ev at the end. I understand that character in some weird bookish way. I am a bit tired with Hayden honestly! She was right!!! She was drastic and justified.

I am missing the action though. Twist in the end;okay but not enough. It is not evenly spread throughout the book. I think there was less action even from the first one.
More devil pls. He is the enemy after all.
About the cover again not fun.

[Ashley Dawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is the second in a series and is not a stand alone. You need to read book 1 before trying to start this one. I had some issues with this book, the narrator did a great job and I enjoyed the voices she gave the characters. My issue was the book pace. It was either dragging or gripping. There was no in between.

I enjoyed the book, so don't think I didn't. I just got frustrated at it's pacing. The twist at the end was good and I enjoyed that so that makes me hope book 3 will answer questions and have more action. I'm thinking this book was more a stepping stone for the next book to be amazing.

It was a 3/5 for me.



Thank you to the author for the review copy of this audiobook. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

[audiobook_chaos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Evika ups and moves across country to the house she bought Hayden goes with her and life seems better until it doesn’t .
Evika finds out she has another power to manipulate the elements it works off her emotions and she needs to learn to control it. Her nightmares are getting more intense and Luca recommends one of the elders make her a dream catcher although that doesn’t turn out quite how it’s supposed to and the devil still enters her nightmares/dreams.
Things between Evika and Hayden start to heat up life seems to be good for them both that is until there’s a knock at the door and Evika comes face to face with a secret the guardians have been keeping from her.
Loved this second book and the new narrator was perfect I enjoyed her better than the first.

[Aizlynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great sequel. It was really easy going for most of the book. Then, suddenly! A cliffhanger ending! There were a lot of feels in this book, even with the chill beginning. It felt a lot like a honeymoon period where (most) everything is happy and comfortable. What the conflict in this story comes down to is communication. Just talk to each other, for heaven sakes! Excited for the third installment.

[Tayla B · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is one that gets better as the story goes on. I listened to this instead of reading it, but would probably recommend reading. Most of the story was focused on the slow burn romance than any other plot line, but I actually didnt mind that. Hayden sounds like a dream. The main female matures a little more in this book, she is more contemplative even though she still acts rashly. But the ending.....wow! If i was given all the time in the world to predict that twist I would have never come up with it. I am looking forward to hearing how the new chatacter fits in and where the story goes next.

[Laura Dimick · Rating 5 out of 5]

The series just keeps getting better. Evika and Hayden move to North Carolina to dive into saving souls. She still resents giving the Seekers a second chance to step into the light. She also finds out she has a second gift. There are lots of twists and turns. Then she finds out the biggest secret of all, Hayden is fading to human and she finds out she has family, another secret kept from her. This book continues to pick up where the first left off. Grab this series, you will enjoy all the nuances of the storyline.

[Rachel Benham · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series gets better and better with each book. Evika is now growing in her new role as a Soldier of Light though she is still having issues with saving the souls whose crimes were so horrendous. As she struggles so does her angel, Hayden. But when the devil himself comes calling, things are more and more complicated. I could not put this book down!!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Margarita Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

She is in love but is keeping to many secrets to be reliable in her love for her angel. She's has to face some truths and I hope she does eventually. He has been giving and she's really become a taker and somewhat selfish. To say I liked her behavior is not right. Hayden makes a huge sacrifice and to me it seems she is looking for a way to sabotage them. What a mind blowing ending. Never expected such a wrench being added. Wow. Received ARC copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.

[Scarolet Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolute Zero: Soldier of Light Chronicles Book Two by Ireland Gill is an amazing story that I have had the privilege to read. This is book number two out of three in this absolutely amazing series and I can not wait to read book number three. I highly recommend this amazing story to everyone one who loves reading about paranormal romances.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amber K · Rating 3 out of 5]

Absolute Zero by Ireland Gill is the second release in this series.
I really like the story concept and enjoyed the first release. I was looking forward to the second but the audio recording just ruined it for me.It was recorded so poorly that I had to force myself to keep listening. It's very tinny sounding, randomly becomes muffled, the volume keeps changing and edit cut ins are very obvious and do not match at all

[Georgia Tumbleweed McNabb · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great 2nd in Series, both Interesting and at time Sad. The main character is learning to deal with her roll in life with the aid of her guardian angel, Hayden. Hayden is a amusing with a Very large ego, but not really in a bad way. Narrator did a nice job on both the voices of all the characters and the Storyline. Can not wait for the next book because this one sort of ended with a cliffhanger type ending.

[NanaShauna Joesten · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow this book is a Fantastic read. It grabbed me from the first page to the last. It a real page turner that had me on the edge of my seat. With lots of twists and turns. I love how well This story is written. Its like the Characters just jump of the page. This is a definite must read.
Shauna Joesten

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unique and creative guardian angel storyline. I love the characters in these books. The author gives each a unique personality and brings each alive with her writing. Three fourths of the book went along at a steady enjoyable pace and then that last chapter hits and WOW!! I cannot wait to see what happens next.

[Jeanne Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 2nd book I've read written by Ireland Gill; she has done a great job at writing a good book; I can’t wait to read more of her books.

The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.

[Heather Bane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 2 of the Soldier of Light Chronicles. I love this series and I was hooked from the start of book 1. I love the characters and the storyline flows well. Ireland Gill is a very talented author and I recommend reading this series. I’m really looking forward to reading book 3.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Alysse Bebin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was expecting a lot after the first book, and the sequel did not disappoint at all! The plot-twist was on another level, and even if I don't agree with Evika sometimes, the sheer fact that I want to debate with her is a testimony to the depth of character she has. CANNOT WAIT for part 3!

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author doesn’t disappoint. I really enjoyed the storyline, the characters and the narrator did a great job as well. Overall entertaining and interesting from beginning to the end. I recommend and hope you will enjoy as much as I did. I can’t wait for the next book.

[Bri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a good book. The characters were good. The details were well thought of. It was a bit slow at first but it did pick up in places.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This author is new to me. I'm glad I came across one of the authors books. Good story.

L

[Sarah | Retro Girl Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this second book of the Soldier of Light Chronicles, Evika deals with new challenges and struggles to navigate newfound powers. Her relationship with her Guardian Angel, Hayden, grows, and turns into something new. Evika also has the support of more of the Guardian Council in this novel, and builds more relationships with them. I loved Evika in this one, I feel like she really matured a lot, and her personal growth was obvious to see. I also loved her relationship with Luka, another Guardian Angel. This book took a lot of twists and turns, and the ending was completely insane!!!! Kudos to Gill for completely drawing me into this world and making me never wanting to leave it. I loved this book so much, and I can’t wait to continue the series!!!

I received a copy of this book from the author, and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Laura]

Dnf

I listened to the audiobook and didn’t get very far into the book. The author changed narrators and the new narrator Sarah Stevens. The narrator unfortunately had a computerized narration. I was unable to continue listening to the story. I will try to pick up the book at a later date to read.

[Dominique · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely mind blowing ..
If you thought book one was amazing you definitely need to read book two! The twists and turns that Evika has been through truly are one of a kind and she takes them in strive. And watching her fall in love has been superb 👌. Book three here I come!