Dark Divinity

Cursed #2

by Amy Braun

Heaven and Hell won't let me catch a break.

It’s been two months since my sister, Andromeda, was used as the Key to opening the Gates of Heaven and Hell. We survived with help from new friends, but our enemies won't stop until they capture her and kill us.

With demons emerging into the mortal world, our only hope is to find a way to close the Gates of Heaven and Hell before the angels and demons begin a war that will destroy mankind. If that weren't enough, enemies from my past have found me, eager to settle deadly scores.

With my friends and family's lives at stake, I will have to fight harder than ever before. Even if that means putting my life on the line.

Dark Divinity is the second book in the Cursed trilogy. If you love strong heroines, heart-pounding action, shocking twists, and a dash of romance, check out this thrilling urban fantasy series.

Ideal for fans of Helen Harper, Domino Finn, McKenzie Hunter, BR Kingsolver, and Matthew Hermann.

Genres: Paranormal, Urban Fantasy

296 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2015

About the author

Amy is a Canadian urban fantasy and horror author. Her work revolves around monsters, magic, mythology, and mayhem. She started writing in her early teens, and never stopped. She loves building unique worlds filled with fun characters and intense action.

When she isn’t writing, she’s reading, watching movies, taking photos, gaming, struggling with chocoholism and ice cream addiction, and diving headfirst into danger in Dungeons & Dragons campaigns. Amy can be found online on Facebook (www.facebook.com/amybraunauthor/) Twitter (@amybraunauthor) and Instagram (@amybraunauthor)

Reviews

[Cassandra (Thebookishcrypt) · Rating 5 out of 5]

*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review*

First and foremost, happy release day Amy!!!

Okay, now for my review:
YES!! Amy's books are honestly some of my favorites and I dropped everything I was doing just for her. (Not lying here) This woman can do no wrong, especially since she writes about my main weaknesses: Angels and Demons!
I missed this world so, so much and I miss it again. I dived into the world as if no time had passed at all. The characters were even more amazing than the first book and I witnessed some spectacular character developments. I shrieked at certain parts that spoke to my heart, as you can see if you follow my updates.
This book takes part 2 months after Demon's Daughter ended and lived up to all of my expectations. The gang was even more amazing than ever!
Constance: The development! We saw more into her past events and many questions were answered which was perfect. I was looking forward to her flashbacks as much as I looked forward to her present struggles. She's as badass as they come and I loved seeing her character grow, both in the past and the present.
Andromeda (Dro): HOLY. She definitely knocked me out of the park. We saw a side of her that we haven't seen yet and boy, I respect her even more for it!
Warrick: The handsome Demon slayer who took my heart the second he was introduced in the first book. His development was one of my favorites. He was so different and I loved it!! (As much as I love him)
Sephiel: My heart keeps going out to him! His sorrow and pain are my own. I can never handle it when seeing him down. My everything goes out to him and I just wish I could reach into the pages to hug it all away.
Max: His behavior towards Dro is so heart-melting thatI couldn't keep myself from tearing up. Even after what he went through, he still manages to keep his head up for Dro.
All of these characters have so much of my respect, it's ridiculous. This book did NOT disappoint in every department. It was extremely action-packed, romantic, badass, heart-breaking, and bittersweet.
Especially because of that ending. Oh, that ending. I just want to reread it over and over again because it's too perfect! I feel like I've been waiting for that scene my entire life.
I know, I know. The gang's not done with their dark adventure yet but I refuse to acknowledge that so I can bask in the perfection that was that ending.
Amy, I am highly anticipating more from you, as you know!

[N.N. Heaven · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book two in the series and while I enjoyed the first book more (this one has way too many flashbacks for my taste), this is much more intense with action scenes and huge stakes for the characters. I even cheered for the demons at times. lol! Well written and can't wait to see what happens next.

My Rating: 4 stars

[Tami · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review is based on an ARC provided by the author and /or publisher via Xpresso Book Tours in exchange for an honest opinion.

3.5


The second of the series and it read A LOT easier than the first! Starting to see a little why this author has such a strong fan base!

[Anastasia · Rating 4 out of 5]

My thoughts on Dark Divinity:
Overall I really enjoyed the book, the writing was really efficient, vivid and just capturing. I really enjoyed the flashbacks throughout the entirety of the book it helped weave the history more than the first book making it like a dot to dot with all the history.

There was a few times in the book where the vividness of the book made me shudder, feel queasy
and outright shiver leaving goosebumps up and down my arms. They scenes were so very well detailed at parts it was so hard to read without getting a full mental image of the incidents it was just amazing.

The effortless way Amy writes pulled me in and trapped me, I love the fact that she has completely created a new untold way for Angles vs Demons to be in the same book without it being cliché which happens so much with many books now.

The amount of information and detail that has been poured into Dark Divinity is just outstanding, I feel there is more detail in Dark Divinity compared to Demons Daughter but the action was more in Demons Daughter compared to Dark Divinity.

I feel the transition between Demons Daughter and Dark Divinity is really smooth making it so much easier to jump from Demons Daughter to Dark Divinity without having to scrabble aground to remember everything that had happened no matter how long the gap was between both the books.


About Dark Divinity:
The gates to Hell and Heaven are open bringing chaos and destruction down to earth. Lucifer the most dangerous, most powerful person from hell used his daughter Andromeda (Dro), to open both the gates. The underground place where they found Lucifer, the creatures from hell and the with a witch called Isobel who was a neighbour to the sisters Constance and Andromeda when they lived with their parents.

They escaped with two angels who where helping them Sephiel and Rorikel, John Warrick a Demondhunter that knew Max and Manny (Max is physic amongst other abilities and Manny a Demonologist). Constance and Dro found Max and Manny out of desperation and has stayed with them since protecting each others families. They where safe until Drake Bounty Hunter for the Blood Thorns a Mexican Drug cartel that Constance once worked at to keep her and her sister safe.

Dro becomes more and more powerful the more she uses her powers both the Hellfire and Anglefire, the hell powers taking a pull on Dro the more she uses the powers.

Constance and Dro escaped from the Blood Thorns clasps when Isobel turned up asking for Dro.

It's a race against time to shut the Gates of Heaven and Hell, making sure the Demons don't create chaos and for Angels to stop trying to irradiate the Human race.

[The Blonde Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

I agreed to read Braun's Cursed series after much arm pulling, name
calling, and begging on her part. Just kidding. It took absolutely
none of those things. I have read many of Braun's books and I think it
was a little more of the opposite, to be honest. I was pulling her
virtual arm (via email), calling her lots of names (ex. OMG you're
fabulous), and begging (please send me more!!).

In Dark Divinity, the second installment of the Cursed Trilogy, the
reader picks up right where book one ended. "Action packed" doesn't
even begin to describe this novel. Dro, Connie, Sephiel, Max, and Warrick are
thrown back into the heat of battle right from the beginning and the
action doesn't stop until the very last page, where you will be left
gasping for air and begging for more.

The characters in the second book are much more developed. You learn
about Dro and Connie's past with the blood thorn's and about
Connie's past with Mateo. Dro and Max's relationship continues to grow,
and we finally get to see what Warrick and Connie may have to offer
one another. Sephiel is a robust character that I became incredibly
attached to throughout the novel, loving him more and more with each
swipe of a page. His honesty, bravery and devotion to the group made
me enjoy and value his presence. I found myself constantly counting on
him to get the group out of every sticky situation even when the future
looked grim.

In Dark Divinity, Braun creates a magical world with magnificently
beautiful and terrifying characters. The reader is easily able to use
their own imagination and can be instantly transported into the world of angels and
demons. Once again, another stunner from Amy Braun!

[Kel (Faerie-bookworm) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: Dark Divinity
Author: Amy Braun
Genre: NA Urban Fantasy
Format: Ebook
Pages: 296
Rating: 5
Heat: 1

Thoughts: Again, I could not put this down! This trilogy is so intense, non-stop action and suspense. With the Hell gate and Heaven Gate now open chaos ensues as the group tries to find a way to close them. Now on top of the demons chasing them, Lucifer has joined the hunt along with some demon hunters. Throw in some angry angels and there's nowhere to hide and no one to trust. There's no rest, even when it seems there is, the reader is just as anxious and stressed as the characters, waiting for the next fight for their lives. This story just sinks it's claws into you and doesn't let go even after the last word has been read. Sleep? I don't need sleep!! I need to know what happens next!! I mean, I'm pretty sure that everything will work out in the end, but how we get there is the best part of the journey. I'm happy that this is only a trilogy, it's complete, and I can read it all without having to wait for the next book. But I'm also bummed that there's only one book left and I won't be hanging with the characters anymore. Ms. Braun creates such realistic characters that are bursting with personality, it's hard to believe they aren't real. I can't count how many times I just wanted to jump in and either hold or punch a character. But don't take my word for it, grab your own copy and immerse yourself in this exciting story!

Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.

[We Said It: Literary Reviews w/ Ts Blogging · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: Coast to Coast Battle
“Dark Divinity” by Amy Braun

Reviewed by T’s Blogging
2/10/2016
7:17 a.m.

All hell has broken loose and at the heart of it are two sisters; one who is destined for something extraordinary, and the other will do whatever it takes to protect the only family she has. But, how will the pair measure up against the greatest evil man has ever known…Lucifer.

This action packed young adult read, with its female protagonists, is far from dainty. And readers are going to love it! Author Amy Braun’s female characters are strong as well as fearless, and they have no issues with taking names as they handout beat-downs from coast to coast. From the very beginning of Dark Divinity, the sisters find themselves in several crossfires. Rather it is the gangs in Mexico or the supernatural battle that spills over into their world, they have no choice but to fight to stay alive. But keep calm, even with all the violence assaulting so many pages, there is enough romance that keeps the heart fluttering and balances out the vivid and gruesome scenes.

Hands down, this is a great read. The author unconventionally tells the story in a way that gives the reader the illusion that they are familiar with the characters. Braun throws her readers directly into the action of the story without really focusing on character development. However, if you are a fan you are aware of her style of writing and appreciate her ability to create a reader and character connection without ever noticing it. And it works! This author knows how to keep readers enthralled, but there are a few things that could hurt this book.

I could not do away with the deja’vu feeling or overlook the editing errors. At times, there is this gnawing, similarity to Braun’s Crimson Sky. However, rest assure that the resemblances stem from her storytelling niche and her ability to write strong female characters that face unmeasurable odds. And lastly, the grammatical errors sometimes halt the flow of the story.

I give “Dark Divinity” 3 ½ out of 5 stars.

Happy Reading

T’s Blogging
www.mcwpub.blogspot.com

[DebbieReadsBooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.

This is book two, and I would STRONGLY recommend you read Demon's Daughter first. It will give you a better picture of what Connie and Dro went through to get to this point.

With both gates now open, Earth is at war with itself. Half the world is praying for redemption and half is doing just as it pleases, and its going to, quoting the book, Hell in a hand basket. The only way to save the world is to close the gates, with Heaven's gate being the priority. But that will mean all the angels on earth, currently fighting the demons let loose by their gate opening, will be stranded and they will have no way to return. They will become mortal and will, eventually, die on earth.

Its far darker than book one, and so much more bloodier. I said in my review for book one, that I didn't mind the fighting so much, but this book seems to be ALL fighting. Con and Dro, and the other fighting the demons, fighting the angels in places too. It was, for me, too much, hence the star drop. Still rather clean, but Con and Warrick do (eventually!) get their act together and give in to their feelings for each other.

Dro comes face to face with her father again, and it surprises him, how much her power has grown. She still isn't able to defeat him, not yet, but time will tell on that one. Connie comes face to face with two of her nightmares: Mateo, whom she thought she loved, while working for the cartels, and who betrayed her and Drake, the bounty hunter sent by the cartels to bring Con in. Both these men stand side by side with Lucifer.

The angels stranded on earth are also after Dro, because Michael wants Dro gone, the abomination that she is. But Gabriel has a change of heart, and realises that, while born of Lucifer, her heart is that of her mother, an angel kidnapped long ago and is pure.

I'm still not sure how this is all gonna play out, and it is keeping me on my toes. But thats a good thing!

so, because there is so much more violence than book one,

3 stars

**same worded review will appear on other sites**

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

By the end of Demon’s Daughter, it didn’t seem possible that things could get tougher for Constance and Andromeda. I mean, nothing could be worse than facing the devil himself, right? Well, yes and no. While the girls and their little gang- Dro’s telepathic boyfriend Max, renegade angel Sephiel and ultra-hot demon-slayer Warrick (doesn’t the list of side-kicks alone make you want to read this?)- survived the encounter, they’re on a difficult, dangerous mission, and time is running out while their enemies multiply.

The action is nearly non-stop and just as in Demon’s Daughter, there are multiple lengthy flashbacks to Con’s former life, this time working for a Mexican drug lord. Unsurprisingly, the flashbacks are no less exciting, and to be honest, I found them probably the most thrilling part of the book. And by thrilling I mean, my heart was pounding, I said “ew” a lot and even had to cover my eyes a few times.

The twists and turns of both storylines were both interesting and unpredictable. I especially enjoyed the fact that Braun never sacrifices emotional development to the rip-roaring pace. In the brief and seldom peaceful interludes she successfully conveys Con’s emotional turmoil, especially regarding her tentative, burgeoning relationship with Warrick. This meshes nicely with the parallel flashback story of Con’s ill-fated relationship with drug-lord-spawn Mateo (girl, what did you expect?!?).

There’s a very surprising development near the end, about which I will say nothing further. The ending itself was . . well, it was aggravating, but not in a bad way. Okay, it was bad at first because I wanted to throw my kindle at the wall, because @@##$%@@ DOUBLE CLIFFHANGER!! But upon further reflection I decided that my frustration was an indicator that the author had succeeded in her mission. She made me care about these characters, and get really invested in their journey. I just wish I didn’t have to wait multiple months to find out what happens next, but that’s not a bad thing. Bring on Book Three!

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am so glad I didn’t miss this series. It’s fantastic how the characters keep going and going and going… They beat odds that are nil for success. There are 5 major characters and each one pulled me in and made me love them. If I had to pick, I would probably choose the angel warrior, Sephriel as my ultimate favorite. He has the most interesting history. It’s no mistake he has the most painful history too.

Angels are, I think, truly identified in this story. They are not the choir singing, harp wielding kind of angels that are normally portrayed. These angels are focused warriors. They do not care if humans are collateral damage as long as Lucifer is destroyed. Michael, the archangel, is prettier than John Travolta and Lucifer is devastatingly beautiful with a whole lot of evil mixed in.

Constance’s life is replayed in snippets and it becomes blatantly obvious how damaged she really is when the betrayal of her lover comes to light. I have to admire her loyalty to her adopted sister. I have to admire Connie’s fearlessness and bravery. For a human, she is a powerful protector. There was a lot of pain for the characters in this story. Pain and fear and a whole lot of running for their lives. Every time things look bleak and foreboding, somehow a turn is taken and a twist becomes the light at the end of the tunnel.

[Boundless Book Reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 Stars

We are back with the second installment. After Dro learns who her father is, their on a mission. With the help of one angel and the rest of the gang. Their set out to close the gates.

In between there's a lot of running and fighting. Though Con is strong willed, I think at times she's not as strong as she wants to be. She does go after the demons but is always on the brink of almost dying. But with Dro there, she knows when to step in.

As much as the flashbacks that Con remembers are important. I felt that it dragged a bit. I think it's good to have them but it happens a lot. I'd rather get glimpses of the past but it's more than a glimpse. I like Angel/Demon type stories. But I don't think this my favorite, unfortunately.

I did like how the sisters were with each other. Without even knowing what Dro was, Con loved her. Was there to stand by her and I don't doubt will be there in the end. Still the story was boarding on ok/good, so with that its a three (2.5) stars. ...Lissa

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[The Book Junkie Reads . . . · Rating 4 out of 5]

Keep this in mind as you read further "Hell has risen. Heaven is descending. Sacrifices are made..."

Constance and Andromeda have not completed their task. They have only survived a battle that will bring more to there doorstep. They barely escaped opening the door to Hell with their lives in place. They have acquired more enemies and a new task to complete.

The world was rich, detailed and sucked you in. I could feel and see the surrounding. The vivid picture built gave me a connection to the world. I love seeing the sister reverse roles even with its brevity. It was good to see that both sisters felt the need to protect each other. There was no one way street and we see it. Stepping in the past opens doors to the future. We learn more about Constance.

Andromeda grows. Constance understands. Danger encroaches.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book two starts off with bang. Picking up where book 2 left off, Dark Divinity takes us on another crazy ride with a massive war, evil bad guys, a sister who is a demon and Constance dealing with her issues.

Braun does it again in this second book of the trilogy. We get more insight into Constance's past and how she and Dro survived. The book ends on a cliffhanger again leading into the final book of the trilogy.

[C Dove · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read, second installment in the series takes up right where you would expect"blood guts and constant conflict"! The group is determined to close the Gates with both Angels & Demons seeking to stop them. One learns some background truths about the group "what it is to be a fallen angel, how Constance made herself be a hard hearted killer, Andromeda comes of age...etc."

[Lissa Rice]

Received a copy in exchange for an honest Review. Review will be up on Boundless Book Reviews.