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The Violet Eden Chapters #5
Vereint: Band 5
It has been two years since Violet Eden walked away from the city, her friends, her future and - most importantly - her soulmate, Lincoln. Part angel, part human, Violet is determined to stand by the promises she made to save the one she loves.
Living in the perpetual coldness of a broken soul she survives day to day as a Rogue Grigori in London.
But when an unexpected visitor shows up at her door, the news he bears about someone she swore to protect leaves Violet with no choice.
Even worse, she fears that this might all lead back to the night she tries hardest to forget. And what was taken without her permission.
Violet is going back to New York ... and she knows exactly who is going to be there.
With Phoenix in her dreams and Lincoln in her heart she knows it is only a matter of time before the final choice must be made.
Living in the perpetual coldness of a broken soul she survives day to day as a Rogue Grigori in London.
But when an unexpected visitor shows up at her door, the news he bears about someone she swore to protect leaves Violet with no choice.
Even worse, she fears that this might all lead back to the night she tries hardest to forget. And what was taken without her permission.
Violet is going back to New York ... and she knows exactly who is going to be there.
With Phoenix in her dreams and Lincoln in her heart she knows it is only a matter of time before the final choice must be made.
Paperback
First published May 1, 2014
183 people are currently reading
6823 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Shirvington
13 books3,265 followersJessica Shirvington is the author of THE VIOLET EDEN CHAPTERS also known as THE EMBRACE SERIES, stand alone novel, BETWEEN THE LIVES and has an exciting new duology called DISRUPTION on the way in 2014.
An entrepreneur, author, and mother living in Sydney, Australia, Jessica is also a 2011 & 2012 finalist for Cosmopolitan’s annual Fun, Fearless Female Award. She’s also one of the lucky few who met the love of her life at age seventeen: Matt Shirvington, a former Olympian and current sports broadcaster for Foxtel and Fox Sports. Married for twleve years with two beautiful daughters, Sienna and Winter, Jessica knows her early age romance and its longevity has definitely contributed to how she tackles relationships in her YA novels.
An entrepreneur, author, and mother living in Sydney, Australia, Jessica is also a 2011 & 2012 finalist for Cosmopolitan’s annual Fun, Fearless Female Award. She’s also one of the lucky few who met the love of her life at age seventeen: Matt Shirvington, a former Olympian and current sports broadcaster for Foxtel and Fox Sports. Married for twleve years with two beautiful daughters, Sienna and Winter, Jessica knows her early age romance and its longevity has definitely contributed to how she tackles relationships in her YA novels.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 808 reviews
December 2, 2013
Empower is the final heart-racing book in the Violet Eden Chapters, also known as the Embrace Series by Jessica Shirvington.
It’s been two years since Violet Eden left her old life behind to protect those she loves against the danger that she attracts. She has learnt to switch off her emotions and survive the soul crushing ache she feels for her soulmate and former grigori partner, Lincoln, by getting into the bloodlust of killing exiles with the Rogue grigori of London city.
With her new powers from Phoenix, she is able to build guards against her emotions and powers, which distract her from the pain, and help her to grow stronger and become a better fighter.
But when an old friend appears at her apartment door to deliver news about someone she swore to protect, Violet knows the only hope lies with her.
With a battle brewing in the near future, Violet knows that she must fight for her position to save those she loves or stand on the sidelines. The consequences of the past two years are catching up to her, and she must face her worse fears, even if it means going against everything she tried to avoid.
I was so happy to receive Empower! After waiting a year and two months since Endless, I was well and truly ready to continue Violet’s story.
And boy was it an emotional roller coaster!
Empower had everything that I love in a book and finished up the series beautifully. All the loose ends were tied up in ways never expected and there was action, romance, conflict and heartbreak as well as an epic battle to finish it all off.
The character development through Empower was the most noticeable, especially since it was set two years after Endless. The thought process and the choices that the characters made really showed the difference between them at the very start of the series to how much they have learnt and grown up by the end, and yet still managed to keep their characters and basic ideals.
Lincoln and Violet go on an amazing journey of self discovery together and learn to look at things from different perspectives than what they’ve been told. They worked really well together, something that we hadn’t gotten to see as there were always other things in the way. I really enjoyed the way they worked together as partners and discovered the trust and love they had for each other.
Phoenix was very interesting in Empower because you know all about his past and his story with Violet, yet he’s changed and he’s learnt to accept that, but it leaves him in a bad position. But I also love that Jessica wrote the natural path of the what used to be a love triangle, into a friendship and respect and that Phoenix kept looking out for others and for Violet and her wellbeing and sanity even when she was with Lincoln. I felt that he was a very important character in Empower, and him trying to fit in to the grigori and exile world was commendable especially since he didn’t really fit in anywhere, and trying to become someone he wasn’t to impress other people was a real challenge for him and an achievement that I felt showed how much he cared about which side he was fighting for.
I loved meeting the new characters! Even in the last book, we’re still being introduced to new people who are essential to the storyline! Gray was an amazing character and represented the pillar of strength for Violet during the hard times while a certain someone else was, err… away. The Rogues were badass and I loved that! Their views on the world and their own morals really helped Violet get into that mindset and helped her grow up and also provided the edge that helped them get through the battle with exiles.
And as always, Steph. What would we do without Steph? She again showed her true self with her love for riddles and solving problems as well as being one of the only main girls in the story. Her and Salvatore were really cute and I was so happy for them in the end. I was also happy with the way Griffin’s story ended up as well. Especially since I had a prediction that he was going to die. And he deserves what he got in the end and I’m very proud of him. I loved getting to know Josephine more and watching Violet’s attitude and respect for her grow as she learnt more about her. It was one of the best new qualities that she had developed over the two years between books and made her a more believable and likeable character.
The setting of Empower was amazing! London and New Orleans! I loved it so much! Jessica Shirvington really captured the settings and it sounded like a lot of research went into the novel to make it realistic and to make all the mythology add up. The description and imagery used made me feel like I was right there in the city.
Things that exist in real life were able to worm their way into mythology and into the novel and play a part in key scenes and reveals. I liked how the battle was able to take place not under a glamour but out there in the open, and they knew they had to protect people who were scared and who were in a very real and dangerous situation.
The plot was amazing as well. I didn’t think anything could get worse after Lilith was destroyed in Endless but boy was I wrong. Sammael really was evil and cunning and scheming and he was a very evil guy! Written very well, might I add, so believable and I hated him so much! He had very realistic goals and motivations for doing what he was doing. His whole situation was very much taking the reader through the journey and inevitable ending that those who challenge a higher power and don’t deserve it are going to cause destruction and need to be dispatched.
The same kind of theme also followed within the Grigori Training Academy walls with the council members and the hierarchy there.
Another prediction that kind of came true was the identity of Violet’s Angel Maker. A few discussions and ideas made readers think and come up with some idea as well as a bit of research, but knowing in advance, or having an idea, didn’t ruin the plot at all. If anything, it made it very enjoyable to be able to have that confirmed and put the reader into the story along with Griffin, who also said he had an idea in Emblaze.
There was a lot of humour injected into the lines as well, and that does lighten the mood of certain scenes and gives a comic relief through the darkness and despair but doesn’t take the focus or set mood away from the scene. The little quips were very cleverly written in and they were hilarious! I burst out laughing a couple of times! I especially like the angel humour. They were so funny! And their judgement was so cute and naïve but it also was what made them dangerous, in their case it was having power and not knowing how to use it properly compared to Sammael who wanted more power than he could get and ended up throwing a temper tantrum that could’ve destroyed everything.
And the romance. I honestly didn’t know how Jessica was going to pull it off after her and Lincoln been separated for so long with feelings of betrayal and heartbreak between them as well as barriers and lies to try and keep each other safe. But I was glad they were able to figure it out with the help of some dirty dancing, jealousy, fighting alongside each other and telling the truth eventually and the events that followed.
It was also very funny and very cute when they were discussing their… activities and this happened: “Do you know how much noise we, er you made last night?”
I fangirled a lot.
Finally, the ending brought the closure for the series in the best possible way. A wedding. It was beautiful and the couple were so cute and I was very happy for them. Having that as a way for Evelyn and James and Jase and a few other characters that we didn’t get to see as much during the book to come back into the story quickly was very appropriate.
And then there was birthdays.
In Embrace, the first sentence is: “Birthdays aren’t my thing.”
And in Empower, the last sentence is: “And at that moment I realised that birthdays would forever more be one of my favourite things.”
And having that as the ending, bring the whole series in a complete circle was really emotional and ended the series perfectly.
I absolutely lost it at that part, everything from the past coming back for the ending. It was very fitting and left me on a high note with a sense of completion and bittersweet memories from the past.
Congratulations Jessica Shirvington on an amazing series and Empower finished it off in the best possible way. Like you said in the acknowledgements, ‘I hope it was time well spent,’ I believe that reading the Violet Eden Chapters has been one of the most life changing series of my whole life. You should be very proud.
5 out of 5 stars to Empower and to the Violet Eden Chapters!
I can’t wait to read more of your books.
It’s been two years since Violet Eden left her old life behind to protect those she loves against the danger that she attracts. She has learnt to switch off her emotions and survive the soul crushing ache she feels for her soulmate and former grigori partner, Lincoln, by getting into the bloodlust of killing exiles with the Rogue grigori of London city.
With her new powers from Phoenix, she is able to build guards against her emotions and powers, which distract her from the pain, and help her to grow stronger and become a better fighter.
But when an old friend appears at her apartment door to deliver news about someone she swore to protect, Violet knows the only hope lies with her.
With a battle brewing in the near future, Violet knows that she must fight for her position to save those she loves or stand on the sidelines. The consequences of the past two years are catching up to her, and she must face her worse fears, even if it means going against everything she tried to avoid.
I was so happy to receive Empower! After waiting a year and two months since Endless, I was well and truly ready to continue Violet’s story.
And boy was it an emotional roller coaster!
Empower had everything that I love in a book and finished up the series beautifully. All the loose ends were tied up in ways never expected and there was action, romance, conflict and heartbreak as well as an epic battle to finish it all off.
The character development through Empower was the most noticeable, especially since it was set two years after Endless. The thought process and the choices that the characters made really showed the difference between them at the very start of the series to how much they have learnt and grown up by the end, and yet still managed to keep their characters and basic ideals.
Lincoln and Violet go on an amazing journey of self discovery together and learn to look at things from different perspectives than what they’ve been told. They worked really well together, something that we hadn’t gotten to see as there were always other things in the way. I really enjoyed the way they worked together as partners and discovered the trust and love they had for each other.
Phoenix was very interesting in Empower because you know all about his past and his story with Violet, yet he’s changed and he’s learnt to accept that, but it leaves him in a bad position. But I also love that Jessica wrote the natural path of the what used to be a love triangle, into a friendship and respect and that Phoenix kept looking out for others and for Violet and her wellbeing and sanity even when she was with Lincoln. I felt that he was a very important character in Empower, and him trying to fit in to the grigori and exile world was commendable especially since he didn’t really fit in anywhere, and trying to become someone he wasn’t to impress other people was a real challenge for him and an achievement that I felt showed how much he cared about which side he was fighting for.
I loved meeting the new characters! Even in the last book, we’re still being introduced to new people who are essential to the storyline! Gray was an amazing character and represented the pillar of strength for Violet during the hard times while a certain someone else was, err… away. The Rogues were badass and I loved that! Their views on the world and their own morals really helped Violet get into that mindset and helped her grow up and also provided the edge that helped them get through the battle with exiles.
And as always, Steph. What would we do without Steph? She again showed her true self with her love for riddles and solving problems as well as being one of the only main girls in the story. Her and Salvatore were really cute and I was so happy for them in the end. I was also happy with the way Griffin’s story ended up as well. Especially since I had a prediction that he was going to die. And he deserves what he got in the end and I’m very proud of him. I loved getting to know Josephine more and watching Violet’s attitude and respect for her grow as she learnt more about her. It was one of the best new qualities that she had developed over the two years between books and made her a more believable and likeable character.
The setting of Empower was amazing! London and New Orleans! I loved it so much! Jessica Shirvington really captured the settings and it sounded like a lot of research went into the novel to make it realistic and to make all the mythology add up. The description and imagery used made me feel like I was right there in the city.
Things that exist in real life were able to worm their way into mythology and into the novel and play a part in key scenes and reveals. I liked how the battle was able to take place not under a glamour but out there in the open, and they knew they had to protect people who were scared and who were in a very real and dangerous situation.
The plot was amazing as well. I didn’t think anything could get worse after Lilith was destroyed in Endless but boy was I wrong. Sammael really was evil and cunning and scheming and he was a very evil guy! Written very well, might I add, so believable and I hated him so much! He had very realistic goals and motivations for doing what he was doing. His whole situation was very much taking the reader through the journey and inevitable ending that those who challenge a higher power and don’t deserve it are going to cause destruction and need to be dispatched.
The same kind of theme also followed within the Grigori Training Academy walls with the council members and the hierarchy there.
Another prediction that kind of came true was the identity of Violet’s Angel Maker. A few discussions and ideas made readers think and come up with some idea as well as a bit of research, but knowing in advance, or having an idea, didn’t ruin the plot at all. If anything, it made it very enjoyable to be able to have that confirmed and put the reader into the story along with Griffin, who also said he had an idea in Emblaze.
There was a lot of humour injected into the lines as well, and that does lighten the mood of certain scenes and gives a comic relief through the darkness and despair but doesn’t take the focus or set mood away from the scene. The little quips were very cleverly written in and they were hilarious! I burst out laughing a couple of times! I especially like the angel humour. They were so funny! And their judgement was so cute and naïve but it also was what made them dangerous, in their case it was having power and not knowing how to use it properly compared to Sammael who wanted more power than he could get and ended up throwing a temper tantrum that could’ve destroyed everything.
And the romance. I honestly didn’t know how Jessica was going to pull it off after her and Lincoln been separated for so long with feelings of betrayal and heartbreak between them as well as barriers and lies to try and keep each other safe. But I was glad they were able to figure it out with the help of some dirty dancing, jealousy, fighting alongside each other and telling the truth eventually and the events that followed.
It was also very funny and very cute when they were discussing their… activities and this happened: “Do you know how much noise we, er you made last night?”
I fangirled a lot.
Finally, the ending brought the closure for the series in the best possible way. A wedding. It was beautiful and the couple were so cute and I was very happy for them. Having that as a way for Evelyn and James and Jase and a few other characters that we didn’t get to see as much during the book to come back into the story quickly was very appropriate.
And then there was birthdays.
In Embrace, the first sentence is: “Birthdays aren’t my thing.”
And in Empower, the last sentence is: “And at that moment I realised that birthdays would forever more be one of my favourite things.”
And having that as the ending, bring the whole series in a complete circle was really emotional and ended the series perfectly.
I absolutely lost it at that part, everything from the past coming back for the ending. It was very fitting and left me on a high note with a sense of completion and bittersweet memories from the past.
Congratulations Jessica Shirvington on an amazing series and Empower finished it off in the best possible way. Like you said in the acknowledgements, ‘I hope it was time well spent,’ I believe that reading the Violet Eden Chapters has been one of the most life changing series of my whole life. You should be very proud.
5 out of 5 stars to Empower and to the Violet Eden Chapters!
I can’t wait to read more of your books.
November 24, 2013
update 2013-05-29
IT HAS A TITLE!!! Now we just have to wait....damnit its too long!
Say WHAT!?!! Thank God there is a fifth book! Maybe after reading it I'll be able to stop being heartbroken over Violet and Lincoln. That love is too beautiful to end like this. Let me tell ya, if those two don't end up together there is a problem. Now I just hope it's going to be a very long book and we won't have to wait a whole year to read it!
IT HAS A TITLE!!! Now we just have to wait....damnit its too long!
Say WHAT!?!! Thank God there is a fifth book! Maybe after reading it I'll be able to stop being heartbroken over Violet and Lincoln. That love is too beautiful to end like this. Let me tell ya, if those two don't end up together there is a problem. Now I just hope it's going to be a very long book and we won't have to wait a whole year to read it!
December 12, 2013
Violet Eden you do this to me every time I just finished Endless and I absolutely loved and I have never cried so much about in my entire life for the last 10 chapters my heart was just rating and yet I'm still enticed keep going back and reading it again and again and again. No matter how long it takes for the next book to come out I will be eagerly waiting to read it. I always find myself at 6 o'clock in the morning reading this book and not ever wanting to put them down. This series knows make you cry and laugh and you just never know what's coming on the next page I like many others I'm in love with Lincoln and Violet and a couple and I cannot wait to see how they come together in the next book. Especially after the amazing and some what painful ending of Endless.
July 22, 2015
Empower, the last book in the Violet Eden chapters, or known as the embrace series, was almost indescribable. Almost, because I will give you more than enough reasons to buy the book and read it. A.S.A.P
Five whole stars review. And this book deserves it more than enough. O, but what am I saying; Violet and Lincoln deserve it ;).
The book begins two years after Violet has left the ordeal in New york, home and her soulmate behind. She has done everything to furfill Uri's judgement. She must surrender to everything. She lives in London now and hunts with a group of Rogues. At least, when she's not going by herself. But after a year of running from Lincoln and a year of trying to stay hidden from him, someone unexpected knocks on her frontdoor. Saying one of the only things that will make her go back.
My throat tightened. 'Spence.' I wasn't asking any more.
The first half of the book I was just as heartbroken as the Keshet was, because you could see everything clearly through her eyes. Normally I hate it when a character denies itself true love, but when she explained it to Lincoln, it made perfect sense. And when he discovered it, gosh, I will just admit I reached for the tissue box.
I cut him off. ‘It changes nothing, Lincoln.’
‘It changes everything!’ he thundered.
I can admit I was doubtfull how it would end, especially when I read the first part of the book. Things really changed between Violet and Lincoln, and I doubted they would regain what looked lost to both. Still, everything fell in its place. I wondered about a lot of things, what about Sammuel, the men with the briefcase? What about Phoenix? It all went right. Even though I wish some things ended up different, it was just perfect for the book.
‘Come back to me,’ he whispered.
‘I’m right here,’ I said, my chest unbearably tight.
‘No. You’re not.’
Somehow my body melded even closer with his and Lincoln tucked the hair away from my eyes, tilting my head up to his. ‘There you are,’ he murmured.
All in all, best book of the series. Definitely in my top 5 best books ever read.
For the last four books, all I ever wanted was a happy ending for Violet and Lincoln. My sole (pun intended) is finally happy and content, just as theirs are.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Update November 14th
I'M READING IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Update November 11th
TOMORROW
TOMORROW
I LOVE YOU
Update November 8th
4 MORE DAYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
YES YES YES YES
can i just say that the FRONT COVER OF THE BOOK has been published?!?!
CAN ANYONE UNDERSTAND HOW HAPPY THIS MAKES ME?
right now i'm like
so after my discover of the cover (whoh this rhymes), I looked at the publish date
DID NOT EXPECT THAT EITHER
When I finished the book I was just so so so so angry and confused.
Why would she leave Lincoln when she said in the book 3 that they couldn't run anymore. When they were together it would be allright.
AND THEN IN BOOK 4 SHE F*CKING RUNS. like whatthehell haha... :(
Oh well. Just have to wait for 4 months. Ugh, before I wanted to type that I thought the wait was 2 months. that's just amazing. Thank you brain.
Five whole stars review. And this book deserves it more than enough. O, but what am I saying; Violet and Lincoln deserve it ;).
The book begins two years after Violet has left the ordeal in New york, home and her soulmate behind. She has done everything to furfill Uri's judgement. She must surrender to everything. She lives in London now and hunts with a group of Rogues. At least, when she's not going by herself. But after a year of running from Lincoln and a year of trying to stay hidden from him, someone unexpected knocks on her frontdoor. Saying one of the only things that will make her go back.
My throat tightened. 'Spence.' I wasn't asking any more.
The first half of the book I was just as heartbroken as the Keshet was, because you could see everything clearly through her eyes. Normally I hate it when a character denies itself true love, but when she explained it to Lincoln, it made perfect sense. And when he discovered it, gosh, I will just admit I reached for the tissue box.
I cut him off. ‘It changes nothing, Lincoln.’
‘It changes everything!’ he thundered.
I can admit I was doubtfull how it would end, especially when I read the first part of the book. Things really changed between Violet and Lincoln, and I doubted they would regain what looked lost to both. Still, everything fell in its place. I wondered about a lot of things, what about Sammuel, the men with the briefcase? What about Phoenix? It all went right. Even though I wish some things ended up different, it was just perfect for the book.
‘Come back to me,’ he whispered.
‘I’m right here,’ I said, my chest unbearably tight.
‘No. You’re not.’
Somehow my body melded even closer with his and Lincoln tucked the hair away from my eyes, tilting my head up to his. ‘There you are,’ he murmured.
All in all, best book of the series. Definitely in my top 5 best books ever read.
For the last four books, all I ever wanted was a happy ending for Violet and Lincoln. My sole (pun intended) is finally happy and content, just as theirs are.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Update November 14th
I'M READING IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Update November 11th
TOMORROW
TOMORROW
I LOVE YOU
Update November 8th
4 MORE DAYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
YES YES YES YES
can i just say that the FRONT COVER OF THE BOOK has been published?!?!
CAN ANYONE UNDERSTAND HOW HAPPY THIS MAKES ME?
right now i'm like
so after my discover of the cover (whoh this rhymes), I looked at the publish date
DID NOT EXPECT THAT EITHER
When I finished the book I was just so so so so angry and confused.
Why would she leave Lincoln when she said in the book 3 that they couldn't run anymore. When they were together it would be allright.
AND THEN IN BOOK 4 SHE F*CKING RUNS. like whatthehell haha... :(
Oh well. Just have to wait for 4 months. Ugh, before I wanted to type that I thought the wait was 2 months. that's just amazing. Thank you brain.
December 2, 2025
re-read this book on halloween because nothing's scarier than the tragic emotional breakdown that follows once you've finished it 👍
anyway go buy this series fuckers—posting an updated review soon!
anyway go buy this series fuckers—posting an updated review soon!
Want to read
September 23, 2012I NEED I NEED I NEED THIS!!!!!!!!! NEEDS!!! Book 4 broke my heart into tiny pieces, then stomped on it some more for good measure. Like, LDFKJSHKLJFDLHSHLKDFSJHDFSK. GIVE US A DATE FOR THIS SPECIAL AMAZING AWESOME BOOK! AND A TITLE PLEASE! AND A COVER! :)
Want to read
November 15, 2012What the hell??? I finished endless 10 minutes ago and can't stop thinking how to survive till the next book. When i read 'let's go' and it was over, i wanted to freak really out! I thought 'what for a shit was this and where is the rubbish to put these heartbreaking books away.' But now i come a little bit down, but i had to learn for physiks. I don't know how to make this! I'm to much killed!!!! Hope jessica shirvington is writing quick!!
January 30, 2025
Loved this series and the ending was perfect, although I still want more Violet Eden books.
Phoenix and Spence should at least have a novella. Yes, I know this series came out ages ago. I first listened to it 10 years ago. I waited too long to listen to it a second time.
Phoenix and Spence should at least have a novella. Yes, I know this series came out ages ago. I first listened to it 10 years ago. I waited too long to listen to it a second time.
November 18, 2013
OH MY GOSH!!! THANK CHRIST! I completely crumpled inside at the ending of Endless! Cried the entire last chapter! I NEED THIS BOOK NOW! I CAN'T WAIT AN ENTIRE YEAR!! Its to much suspense to handle!
November 11, 2013
My warning:
Chocolate and Tissues are needed
Two years have passed since Violet left New York and left Lincoln after returning his soul to him. Living as a rouge Grigori an old enemy from when Lilith was destroyed has found Violet and he has a message for her. In her time with Gray, a rouge Grigori, from Greece helps Violet block out her emotions and keeps the coldness that she feels from having an almost completely shattered soul from when she returned from after Phoenix killed her.
Determined never to go back to New York or where Lincoln is, changes when Onyx turns up with word that Spencer has been taken by the exile who took Violet's blood. On a mission to save her friend knows that things are going to change with Lincoln in charge of finding Spence.
We have watched Violet change and embrace her nature throughout the series none more so than in Empower. Violet is longer the confused and love stricken 17 year old we met in Embrace, (okay she is still in love) she has turned into a warrior, a weapon and a symbol. You can't help but feel for Violet and everything that she has been going through for the last two years.
Lincoln doesn't know why Violet left him after she returned his soul to him and the anger that he has towards Violet is understandable. Lincoln has changed since Violet left him, becoming stronger and a better fighter pushing him up the academy's ranks. Phoenix, is well Phoenix and being an angel he tries to help Violet any way he can to save her. Gray, he is Violets rock when it comes to controlling her emotions and keeping it all lock away, we also learn about something funny that these two have done in London which is a great scene when they are in New York.
The challenges that they face in Empower makes what happened with Lilith child's play. Everything is on the line and only Violet has the final choice, after all she is the Keshet.
I absolutely loved Empower, as soon as I was on the train back to Newcastle I was reading getting lost into this world wanting to know how it was going to end. I was slightly worried after reading Allegiant just as few days before but none the less it was an amazing end to this series. And so in the words of Onyx be 'Giddy with excitement... It's as if someone has rebooted your favourite movie just for you and you get to sit back and watch all over again.'
Rating: 5/5
Keely xx
Chocolate and Tissues are needed
Two years have passed since Violet left New York and left Lincoln after returning his soul to him. Living as a rouge Grigori an old enemy from when Lilith was destroyed has found Violet and he has a message for her. In her time with Gray, a rouge Grigori, from Greece helps Violet block out her emotions and keeps the coldness that she feels from having an almost completely shattered soul from when she returned from after Phoenix killed her.
Determined never to go back to New York or where Lincoln is, changes when Onyx turns up with word that Spencer has been taken by the exile who took Violet's blood. On a mission to save her friend knows that things are going to change with Lincoln in charge of finding Spence.
We have watched Violet change and embrace her nature throughout the series none more so than in Empower. Violet is longer the confused and love stricken 17 year old we met in Embrace, (okay she is still in love) she has turned into a warrior, a weapon and a symbol. You can't help but feel for Violet and everything that she has been going through for the last two years.
Lincoln doesn't know why Violet left him after she returned his soul to him and the anger that he has towards Violet is understandable. Lincoln has changed since Violet left him, becoming stronger and a better fighter pushing him up the academy's ranks. Phoenix, is well Phoenix and being an angel he tries to help Violet any way he can to save her. Gray, he is Violets rock when it comes to controlling her emotions and keeping it all lock away, we also learn about something funny that these two have done in London which is a great scene when they are in New York.
The challenges that they face in Empower makes what happened with Lilith child's play. Everything is on the line and only Violet has the final choice, after all she is the Keshet.
I absolutely loved Empower, as soon as I was on the train back to Newcastle I was reading getting lost into this world wanting to know how it was going to end. I was slightly worried after reading Allegiant just as few days before but none the less it was an amazing end to this series. And so in the words of Onyx be 'Giddy with excitement... It's as if someone has rebooted your favourite movie just for you and you get to sit back and watch all over again.'
Rating: 5/5
Keely xx
January 21, 2023
This series is extraordinary. Violet has come a long way in such a small amount of time. It's impossible not to grow along with her. Her story is one of hardship, trial and error, passion, and so many other things. I can honestly say that I am content. The series is over and yet I feel as if Violet is still out there which is why these books are so good. Her life is one that I won't soon forget.
July 9, 2015
I was so anxious for this book to come out. It is the fifth and final book in the Embrace series, a series that I absolutely loved way back in the beginning. While I was a bit more disappointed in each new book that came out, I still had high hopes that finale would swing things back around to how great it all was in the beginning because I knew it would be wrapping things up.
No such luck.
I was soooo disappointed in this book! I'm tempted to say I hated it. While I wasn't totally thrilled with the previous book, I think that one would have made a much better finale than this one. The thing that kills me most is that this book became everything I was so glad the first book wasn't. In the first book it was refreshing to see relationships that were real, without cheesy melodramatics that all YA books seem to have. It was great to have a fairly straight forward plot that kept on track and kept a good pace without a lot of fluff and filler. It was just all . . . good . . . back in the beginning. This final book is just dripping with sappy conversations and over the top proclaiming of undying love yadda yadda blah blah puke. I *hate* the common tactic of people in love who decide it's best to not be together because one will get hurt. I *hated* when author Jessica Shirvington ended the previous book with that cheap cop out tactic, but I knew this book would have to deal with them getting back together so I thought it might be tolerable. I will say, I was glad to see all the characters in the book telling main character Violet exactly what I was thinking, that she's stupid for running away and trying to 'save' Lincoln by not being with him.
And Lincoln. Ohhhhhh, Lincoln. What have you become? I used to love you for your calm bluntness, your quiet caring. Now you've become the whiny, face touching, grand sappy statement proclaiming, pansy girl that I hate.
And Phoenix?! What the heck happened to the hottest guy in all of YA literature??? You used to be so bold and cool and, and, and just . . . hot. Now you've been reduced to a mopey, whiny, can't look anyone in the eye or do anything because it hurts to see the girl you love and know you can't be with her. The old Phoenix would have kept pushing. If Lincoln wasn't stepping up to the plate, the old Phoenix would have kept making himself known even if it was just to get Lincoln moving in the right direction. No, now you're just some pathetic whiner who does nothing for me.
And once again there is some highly complicated, over blown battle looming that really didn't need to be anywhere near as complicated as it was. Probably 300 of the 473 pages was researching, plotting, planning how they were going to deal with this latest threat. Grigori from around the world were assembled. Military was involved. High tech teams and maneuvers and strategies in place. And for what? A two minute battle that covered maybe three pages?
I don't know, everything about this book just failed for me. There was only one part that I liked and that was way back on page 132 when a reunited but still not talking Violet and Lincoln were dueling to see who would command this battle. She beat him in a physical match but he challenged that result, saying she needed to do it without her guards up. (She can use her powers to sort of turn her emotions off, and these guards were cranked to the max now that she was back around him.) He knew what he was doing to her but he forced her to do it anyway. He wanted to be sure her true feelings were still in there. And when he did beat her in this second round, he was also there to catch her as she collapsed and just like back in the first and second book, he quietly and simply instructed her to "Put them back up." Ohhh, with that happening fairly early in the book I was so happy to have old Lincoln back and was so looking forward to the rest of the book.
But no, it just tanked from there. And I was so bummed.
No such luck.
I was soooo disappointed in this book! I'm tempted to say I hated it. While I wasn't totally thrilled with the previous book, I think that one would have made a much better finale than this one. The thing that kills me most is that this book became everything I was so glad the first book wasn't. In the first book it was refreshing to see relationships that were real, without cheesy melodramatics that all YA books seem to have. It was great to have a fairly straight forward plot that kept on track and kept a good pace without a lot of fluff and filler. It was just all . . . good . . . back in the beginning. This final book is just dripping with sappy conversations and over the top proclaiming of undying love yadda yadda blah blah puke. I *hate* the common tactic of people in love who decide it's best to not be together because one will get hurt. I *hated* when author Jessica Shirvington ended the previous book with that cheap cop out tactic, but I knew this book would have to deal with them getting back together so I thought it might be tolerable. I will say, I was glad to see all the characters in the book telling main character Violet exactly what I was thinking, that she's stupid for running away and trying to 'save' Lincoln by not being with him.
And Lincoln. Ohhhhhh, Lincoln. What have you become? I used to love you for your calm bluntness, your quiet caring. Now you've become the whiny, face touching, grand sappy statement proclaiming, pansy girl that I hate.
And Phoenix?! What the heck happened to the hottest guy in all of YA literature??? You used to be so bold and cool and, and, and just . . . hot. Now you've been reduced to a mopey, whiny, can't look anyone in the eye or do anything because it hurts to see the girl you love and know you can't be with her. The old Phoenix would have kept pushing. If Lincoln wasn't stepping up to the plate, the old Phoenix would have kept making himself known even if it was just to get Lincoln moving in the right direction. No, now you're just some pathetic whiner who does nothing for me.
And once again there is some highly complicated, over blown battle looming that really didn't need to be anywhere near as complicated as it was. Probably 300 of the 473 pages was researching, plotting, planning how they were going to deal with this latest threat. Grigori from around the world were assembled. Military was involved. High tech teams and maneuvers and strategies in place. And for what? A two minute battle that covered maybe three pages?
I don't know, everything about this book just failed for me. There was only one part that I liked and that was way back on page 132 when a reunited but still not talking Violet and Lincoln were dueling to see who would command this battle. She beat him in a physical match but he challenged that result, saying she needed to do it without her guards up. (She can use her powers to sort of turn her emotions off, and these guards were cranked to the max now that she was back around him.) He knew what he was doing to her but he forced her to do it anyway. He wanted to be sure her true feelings were still in there. And when he did beat her in this second round, he was also there to catch her as she collapsed and just like back in the first and second book, he quietly and simply instructed her to "Put them back up." Ohhh, with that happening fairly early in the book I was so happy to have old Lincoln back and was so looking forward to the rest of the book.
But no, it just tanked from there. And I was so bummed.
February 10, 2015
This was exactly the conclusion I was looking for! It was explosive, heartbreaking, heartwarming, action-packed, lovey-dovey, everything!
The gamble you take when you read a series is whether or not the finale will be a good one. Because if you read a bad finale, you'll always remember that instead of the awesomeness leadng up to it. If it's a good finale, BRAVO! The perfect capstone on one awesomesauce series!
That gamble paid off in this book. I'm going to keep it brief and vague because if I don't, I'll end up giving away everything!
Phoenix remains one of my favorite characters throughout this book. He sacrifices so much for Violet and is just an all-around complex character. He's bad and then good and then stuck in the middle somewhere and it's just perfect.
Violet and Lincoln are everything you could hope for in this book and really, in a reunion to end all reunions! These two have some major unresolved issues and chemistry that all comes into play. The best thing I love about their relationship in this book is how Violet's reasons aren't all based on 'Oh I just want you to live!' it's much more than that and it'll blow your mind. One of my favorite scenes of this book is when all the secrets come out and they have their little chat.
Aaaand I'm getting to deep so I'll just quick talk about the ending and we'll be through! The ending was everything I could have hoped for. When I read the last sentence, it's that contented feeling you get knowing that everything is okay but not okay and the characters will fight through more. It had that perfect unknown yet resolved feeling you know?
The Final Verdict:
A fabulous end to a fabulous series! The characters and plot were spot on and the ending tied it all up but still left just the right loose ends wonderfully. If you haven't read this series, I recommend it!
5 stars
Quotes:
“His words were so...Phoenix. A complication”
“And as soon as he was gone, I saw beyond, to where Lincoln stood, exactly where I'd seen him last, when I'd begged him to trust me.
And my heart shuttered to life.
Because he had.”
“Love is all the small moments. It is what fills the quiet.”
The gamble you take when you read a series is whether or not the finale will be a good one. Because if you read a bad finale, you'll always remember that instead of the awesomeness leadng up to it. If it's a good finale, BRAVO! The perfect capstone on one awesomesauce series!
That gamble paid off in this book. I'm going to keep it brief and vague because if I don't, I'll end up giving away everything!
Phoenix remains one of my favorite characters throughout this book. He sacrifices so much for Violet and is just an all-around complex character. He's bad and then good and then stuck in the middle somewhere and it's just perfect.
Violet and Lincoln are everything you could hope for in this book and really, in a reunion to end all reunions! These two have some major unresolved issues and chemistry that all comes into play. The best thing I love about their relationship in this book is how Violet's reasons aren't all based on 'Oh I just want you to live!' it's much more than that and it'll blow your mind. One of my favorite scenes of this book is when all the secrets come out and they have their little chat.
Aaaand I'm getting to deep so I'll just quick talk about the ending and we'll be through! The ending was everything I could have hoped for. When I read the last sentence, it's that contented feeling you get knowing that everything is okay but not okay and the characters will fight through more. It had that perfect unknown yet resolved feeling you know?
The Final Verdict:
A fabulous end to a fabulous series! The characters and plot were spot on and the ending tied it all up but still left just the right loose ends wonderfully. If you haven't read this series, I recommend it!
5 stars
Quotes:
“His words were so...Phoenix. A complication”
“And as soon as he was gone, I saw beyond, to where Lincoln stood, exactly where I'd seen him last, when I'd begged him to trust me.
And my heart shuttered to life.
Because he had.”
“Love is all the small moments. It is what fills the quiet.”
November 16, 2013
Honestly, I have never been through so many emotion roller coasters in my life. That's right. Roller coasters. Plural. I just finished Empower less than an hour ago and I think I'm already feeling withdrawal symptoms.
First let us start off with a summary:
It has been two years since Violet Eden walked away from the city, her friends, her future and - most importantly - her soulmate, Lincoln. Part angel, part human, Violet is determined to stand by the promises she made to save the one she loves.
Living in the perpetual coldness of a broken soul she survives day to day as a Rogue Grigori in London.
But when an unexpected visitor shows up at her door, the news he bears about someone she swore to protect leaves Violet with no choice.
Even worse, she fears that this might all lead back to the night she tries hardest to forget. And what was taken without her permission.
Violet is going back to New York ... and she knows exactly who is going to be there.
With Phoenix in her dreams and Lincoln in her heart she knows it is only a matter of time before the final choice must be made.
Can I get a hallelujah for the amazing blurb? And that's only a tiny piece compared to how amazing the book is ;)
Anyway, Jessica Shirvington basically pinned the tail on the donkey with this story. Each word felt like I was a part of the story and each sentence I could feel the raw emotion.
All in all, I think I may have bought everything in the Kleenex department. Don't say I didn't warn you if you're reading EMPOWER.
You can't say that after four books of fighting, lust, tragedy and adventure that EMPOWER wouldn't make the series go out with a bang. Because it did exactly just that.
I rated Empower 5/5 stars because of the development during the book, the scenes were perfectly set, every emotion described so it felt raw, and the history of the series really got to me :')
Now excuse me, I need to go find some chocolate...
First let us start off with a summary:
It has been two years since Violet Eden walked away from the city, her friends, her future and - most importantly - her soulmate, Lincoln. Part angel, part human, Violet is determined to stand by the promises she made to save the one she loves.
Living in the perpetual coldness of a broken soul she survives day to day as a Rogue Grigori in London.
But when an unexpected visitor shows up at her door, the news he bears about someone she swore to protect leaves Violet with no choice.
Even worse, she fears that this might all lead back to the night she tries hardest to forget. And what was taken without her permission.
Violet is going back to New York ... and she knows exactly who is going to be there.
With Phoenix in her dreams and Lincoln in her heart she knows it is only a matter of time before the final choice must be made.
Can I get a hallelujah for the amazing blurb? And that's only a tiny piece compared to how amazing the book is ;)
Anyway, Jessica Shirvington basically pinned the tail on the donkey with this story. Each word felt like I was a part of the story and each sentence I could feel the raw emotion.
All in all, I think I may have bought everything in the Kleenex department. Don't say I didn't warn you if you're reading EMPOWER.
You can't say that after four books of fighting, lust, tragedy and adventure that EMPOWER wouldn't make the series go out with a bang. Because it did exactly just that.
I rated Empower 5/5 stars because of the development during the book, the scenes were perfectly set, every emotion described so it felt raw, and the history of the series really got to me :')
Now excuse me, I need to go find some chocolate...
June 11, 2017
If you'd excuse me, I'm just going to go and sit in the corner and cry. All the feels of this book are back and I can't deal.
It was honestly such a beautiful yet gut wrenching conclusion to one of my favourite series ever. I love it just as much as I did the first time and I'm still shook by how amazing it was wrapped up. It's definitely one of the best endings I've ever read and it has forever set the bar high for how I expect endings to be.
I honestly wish that these characters could live on forever and I could keep reading about their lives until the end of time. I hate that this is the end. I hate saying goodbye to these books and these characters and this amazing world that Jessica has built.
I am now the same age as Violet is in this last book and it's bittersweet. I've grown up with these books and I hold them so dear to my heart. I remember being 14 and idolising these characters and honestly I still do today. Violet, Lincoln and Phoenix were the original loves of my life and they'll remain in my heart forever.
It was honestly such a beautiful yet gut wrenching conclusion to one of my favourite series ever. I love it just as much as I did the first time and I'm still shook by how amazing it was wrapped up. It's definitely one of the best endings I've ever read and it has forever set the bar high for how I expect endings to be.
I honestly wish that these characters could live on forever and I could keep reading about their lives until the end of time. I hate that this is the end. I hate saying goodbye to these books and these characters and this amazing world that Jessica has built.
I am now the same age as Violet is in this last book and it's bittersweet. I've grown up with these books and I hold them so dear to my heart. I remember being 14 and idolising these characters and honestly I still do today. Violet, Lincoln and Phoenix were the original loves of my life and they'll remain in my heart forever.
May 9, 2015
Firstly, thanks to Hachette Children's Books Australia for this review copy
“I need you to live for me.”
Fast track two years from the ending of Endless and Violet Eden’s living the Rogue life in the UK, travelling around like a nomad and killing off Exiles for a form of income. She works alone. Vi’s strength is something I have always admired. She has grown into such an indepenent woman over the course of the books. What I love about her is that she has never complained about the large weight on her shoulders; she has taken everything in her stride – the sacrifice, the pain, the heart break. Her resilience and willingness to fight for her loved ones AND the greater good result in her decisions being occassionally conflicted as she tries to decide what’s best. But in the end she always manages to pull-through. She’s definitely a lot more distant and colder compared to the previous books. Shirvington did a great job with her character – the change over the years as a result of everything really reflected through Vi’s thoughts and actions. Once upon a time I may have been slightly annoyed with her, but not anymore. I love this girl so much.
“We do not run. We do not quit.”
Then, by a thrilling turn of events, someone goes missing and Vi is the one commissioned to find them. A knock at her door one night makes her go back to the Academy and face-to-face with Lincoln Wood again. ERMAGHERD *SWOON* Linc Linc Linc <3 Love this boy… wait man? Yes man omg I keep forgetting he’s 9 years older than Vi and OMG IS HE REALLY ALREADY 29 HERE? Woah yes he’s definitely a man. A very yummy one at that. He’s matured so much in Violet’s absence, filling out his suit ;) and becoming a real leader. I think my heart just automatically stutters of its own free will whenever he’s mentioned. And when we/Vi meets him head on? That tension was palpable and I’m just sitting here like “SODJFSDLHFSLDFKJSDJFD;LSAJDKASD GET TOGETHER ALREADY”. But the great thing is they didn’t. Ha. Hahaha. I’m such a masochist. The pain of reading Linc as he struggled with Vi’s reappearance was heart-wrenching. I loved that Shirvington didn’t just throw them together again. Linc had issues he had to work through – trust issues and the need to constantly protect Vi that he needed to let go of so that they could be real partners again. The great thing was him slowly learning to treat Vi as an equal in every respect. His trust, ability to love conditionally, sweetness, kind heart and honesty make him of the best book boyfriends ever. Also, just… The sexy. Lots of it.
“It was painful. Incredibly so. It surpasses anything imaginable.”
Phoenix also makes an appearance in this book. How can he not? From the beginning he was integral to the story and I’ve always had a soft spot for him. As the series progressed he became more important and then Endless happened and I was like “BBY I’M HERE FOR YOU” *cries*. Phoenix has changed so much throughout the series… Or rather, is he finally showing his true self? Either way, Shirvington has created a complex character with so many edificies – one that looks different if you look on at different angles… Just like his hair really. The things he does, the acceptance and belonging he strives for, the love he yearns to have… This beautiful and broken person made me bawl my eyes out.
“Say the words I came to hear.”
What makes a series great and the main characters stand out are the supporting/secondary characters. The stronger they are, the more personality they give to the story and protagonists. The Violet Eden Chapters has some of the most memorable people I’ve ever met. Each one leaves a lasting imprint. Onyx and Dapper, Spence, Vi’s parents, Griffin all have their stories. But who I adored the most was Steph. Steph has been a constant to the series and her friendship with Vi since Embrace has been one of the most endearing things I have ever read. Their friendship is basically indestructible. Steph herself is another strong, young woman. Being pulled into the Grigori world, staying by Vi’s side, supporting her, being surrounded by people who will outlive her – that takes a strength and willpower of one’s own. Then there’s Gray, whose presence in Empower just took my breath away. I immediately fell in love with him at the beginning of Empower and his character is just brilliant. Funny, charming, witty and just so full of life he really had a huge impact on the story.
“Steph… well, Steph is one of the good ones. She doesn’t hold a grudge. She isn’t cold.”
So that romance aye? What we’ve all been waiting for. *Flails around wildly* My heart. My poor heart. That is all.
“This was real. Understood. Fought for. Against. Lost.”
Shirvington has managed to tie up every loose end in Empower. Seriously it’s an achievement. I’ll be honest, I was quite confused when I read the blurb of Empower. What did Shirvington have in store? What else could she put them through? Really hadn’t she done enough damage. Well thankfully she picks up the pieces and puts everything together. Everything from book one to what’s introduced in book five all fall into place as the story progresses. The complex plot explains many things that were left unanswered, the story never faltering in its purpose. Her writing is as addictive as ever, her words pulling you in to the Grigori world and anchoring you there until the story’s over. There is no shortage of emotions in Empower. With the squealing of happiness and swooning comes heart ache and heart break; with the healing comes new wounds and with the love comes bittersweet hope. As Shirvington has taught us, there must be a balance and she has done just that with Empower – balanced every emotion, every person and death and love. With it all, comes an amazing sense of completeness and peace once the last page is turned. In your heart, you just know this was the way things were supposed to end.
“May your dreams be many.”
---
NOT ENOUGH STARS TO RATE THIS. OMG MY FEELS. MY CREYS. Epic finale to an epic series. One of the best books and endings I've ever read in my life. I loved all the characters but OMG Lincoln and Phoenix my heart cannot. This was so beautiful. Full review to come
“I need you to live for me.”
Fast track two years from the ending of Endless and Violet Eden’s living the Rogue life in the UK, travelling around like a nomad and killing off Exiles for a form of income. She works alone. Vi’s strength is something I have always admired. She has grown into such an indepenent woman over the course of the books. What I love about her is that she has never complained about the large weight on her shoulders; she has taken everything in her stride – the sacrifice, the pain, the heart break. Her resilience and willingness to fight for her loved ones AND the greater good result in her decisions being occassionally conflicted as she tries to decide what’s best. But in the end she always manages to pull-through. She’s definitely a lot more distant and colder compared to the previous books. Shirvington did a great job with her character – the change over the years as a result of everything really reflected through Vi’s thoughts and actions. Once upon a time I may have been slightly annoyed with her, but not anymore. I love this girl so much.
“We do not run. We do not quit.”
Then, by a thrilling turn of events, someone goes missing and Vi is the one commissioned to find them. A knock at her door one night makes her go back to the Academy and face-to-face with Lincoln Wood again. ERMAGHERD *SWOON* Linc Linc Linc <3 Love this boy… wait man? Yes man omg I keep forgetting he’s 9 years older than Vi and OMG IS HE REALLY ALREADY 29 HERE? Woah yes he’s definitely a man. A very yummy one at that. He’s matured so much in Violet’s absence, filling out his suit ;) and becoming a real leader. I think my heart just automatically stutters of its own free will whenever he’s mentioned. And when we/Vi meets him head on? That tension was palpable and I’m just sitting here like “SODJFSDLHFSLDFKJSDJFD;LSAJDKASD GET TOGETHER ALREADY”. But the great thing is they didn’t. Ha. Hahaha. I’m such a masochist. The pain of reading Linc as he struggled with Vi’s reappearance was heart-wrenching. I loved that Shirvington didn’t just throw them together again. Linc had issues he had to work through – trust issues and the need to constantly protect Vi that he needed to let go of so that they could be real partners again. The great thing was him slowly learning to treat Vi as an equal in every respect. His trust, ability to love conditionally, sweetness, kind heart and honesty make him of the best book boyfriends ever. Also, just… The sexy. Lots of it.
“It was painful. Incredibly so. It surpasses anything imaginable.”
Phoenix also makes an appearance in this book. How can he not? From the beginning he was integral to the story and I’ve always had a soft spot for him. As the series progressed he became more important and then Endless happened and I was like “BBY I’M HERE FOR YOU” *cries*. Phoenix has changed so much throughout the series… Or rather, is he finally showing his true self? Either way, Shirvington has created a complex character with so many edificies – one that looks different if you look on at different angles… Just like his hair really. The things he does, the acceptance and belonging he strives for, the love he yearns to have… This beautiful and broken person made me bawl my eyes out.
“Say the words I came to hear.”
What makes a series great and the main characters stand out are the supporting/secondary characters. The stronger they are, the more personality they give to the story and protagonists. The Violet Eden Chapters has some of the most memorable people I’ve ever met. Each one leaves a lasting imprint. Onyx and Dapper, Spence, Vi’s parents, Griffin all have their stories. But who I adored the most was Steph. Steph has been a constant to the series and her friendship with Vi since Embrace has been one of the most endearing things I have ever read. Their friendship is basically indestructible. Steph herself is another strong, young woman. Being pulled into the Grigori world, staying by Vi’s side, supporting her, being surrounded by people who will outlive her – that takes a strength and willpower of one’s own. Then there’s Gray, whose presence in Empower just took my breath away. I immediately fell in love with him at the beginning of Empower and his character is just brilliant. Funny, charming, witty and just so full of life he really had a huge impact on the story.
“Steph… well, Steph is one of the good ones. She doesn’t hold a grudge. She isn’t cold.”
So that romance aye? What we’ve all been waiting for. *Flails around wildly* My heart. My poor heart. That is all.
“This was real. Understood. Fought for. Against. Lost.”
Shirvington has managed to tie up every loose end in Empower. Seriously it’s an achievement. I’ll be honest, I was quite confused when I read the blurb of Empower. What did Shirvington have in store? What else could she put them through? Really hadn’t she done enough damage. Well thankfully she picks up the pieces and puts everything together. Everything from book one to what’s introduced in book five all fall into place as the story progresses. The complex plot explains many things that were left unanswered, the story never faltering in its purpose. Her writing is as addictive as ever, her words pulling you in to the Grigori world and anchoring you there until the story’s over. There is no shortage of emotions in Empower. With the squealing of happiness and swooning comes heart ache and heart break; with the healing comes new wounds and with the love comes bittersweet hope. As Shirvington has taught us, there must be a balance and she has done just that with Empower – balanced every emotion, every person and death and love. With it all, comes an amazing sense of completeness and peace once the last page is turned. In your heart, you just know this was the way things were supposed to end.
“May your dreams be many.”
---
NOT ENOUGH STARS TO RATE THIS. OMG MY FEELS. MY CREYS. Epic finale to an epic series. One of the best books and endings I've ever read in my life. I loved all the characters but OMG Lincoln and Phoenix my heart cannot. This was so beautiful. Full review to come
June 19, 2021
Enttäuschendes Finale.
Die erste Hälfte vom Buch war super.
Dann hat es sehr nachgelassen - alles war sehr schnell und einfach gelöst und es gab selbst bei dem Kampf keine Spannung mehr.
Violet hat sich im Laufe der Reihe sehr entwickelt.
Aber die Reihe hat unglaubliches chosen one Syndrom und das hat man in dem Band sehr gemerkt.
Was mich auch sehr in der Reihe gestört hat war wie der nicht vorhandene love triangle in die Länge gezogen wurde. Ich versteh nicht warum das am Ende von Band 5 noch immer Thema war bzw. warum sie und Phoenix diesen Abschiedmoment hatten.
Phoenix wurde nur dafür ausgenutzt, dabei war er teilweise das beste an der Reihe und hätte doch mehr Nutzen verdient.
Hätte ich die Reihe vor mehr als 10 Jahren gelesen, dann wär ich sicher Fan von gewesen.
Jetzt ist es eher eine okay Reihe.
Band 1 hatte einen super Schreibstil und die Idee hat mich interessiert, deshalb wollte ich weiterlesen.
Band 2 und 3 waren nicht gut und hatten auch plötzlich einen sehr trockenen Schreibstil.
Fühlte sich gar nicht wie Band 1 an.
Band 4 war mega gut! Der beste Band der Reihe.
Das konnte und wollte ich teilweise gar nicht aus der Hand geben.
Als Ganzes würde ich der Reihe 3 Sterne geben.
War okay, aber nichts was großen Eindruck hinterlassen wird.
Die erste Hälfte vom Buch war super.
Dann hat es sehr nachgelassen - alles war sehr schnell und einfach gelöst und es gab selbst bei dem Kampf keine Spannung mehr.
Violet hat sich im Laufe der Reihe sehr entwickelt.
Aber die Reihe hat unglaubliches chosen one Syndrom und das hat man in dem Band sehr gemerkt.
Was mich auch sehr in der Reihe gestört hat war wie der nicht vorhandene love triangle in die Länge gezogen wurde. Ich versteh nicht warum das am Ende von Band 5 noch immer Thema war bzw. warum sie und Phoenix diesen Abschiedmoment hatten.
Phoenix wurde nur dafür ausgenutzt, dabei war er teilweise das beste an der Reihe und hätte doch mehr Nutzen verdient.
Hätte ich die Reihe vor mehr als 10 Jahren gelesen, dann wär ich sicher Fan von gewesen.
Jetzt ist es eher eine okay Reihe.
Band 1 hatte einen super Schreibstil und die Idee hat mich interessiert, deshalb wollte ich weiterlesen.
Band 2 und 3 waren nicht gut und hatten auch plötzlich einen sehr trockenen Schreibstil.
Fühlte sich gar nicht wie Band 1 an.
Band 4 war mega gut! Der beste Band der Reihe.
Das konnte und wollte ich teilweise gar nicht aus der Hand geben.
Als Ganzes würde ich der Reihe 3 Sterne geben.
War okay, aber nichts was großen Eindruck hinterlassen wird.
September 10, 2015
Source: I own a copy of this book.
Note: These are my personal opinions. I received no outside person comments or opinions.
Random Person: What's you're favorite book series?
Me: The Embrace Series. You have to read it!
I waited a long time to read this. I didn't want this series to be over. I am saddened with grief that it now is all over. Although, this series could not have had a more perfect ending.
I can't remember the last time I binge-read a novel. I sat down to read a few chapters yesterday and it got so good I ended up staying up to midnight reading the whole book.
Plot Summary:
Violet is a Rogue Grigori. She left her soul mate and is living with a shattered soul. She returns exiles and fights just to stay alive. Knowing that somewhere Lincoln is alive and well is all she needs to keep living and not give into the coldness.
When Spence is taken by an Exiled Angel of Light, Violet wastes no time in returning to NY to rescue the guy who has always had her back knowing full well that the man she left behind will be there.
In all the chaos and drama, they defeat the Angel. Violet and Lincoln are alright again. They rescue Spence. Violet finds out who her angel maker is. All the Grigori vote Violet as their leader. And all is well again.
My Reaction:
The way Shirvington perfectly ties in biblical things without forcing religion down the reader's throat is amazing. She stands neutral and allows the reader to have their own opinions on God. She simply just tells the story from a character that doesn't even believe herself.
Violet is an example of a strong female heroine. In every book she has taken a stand and fought til death on some occasions. She is a leader and someone that people look up to. Maybe that's why I loved this book series so much. Because I had a strong female lead to root for.
The anguish in the beginning was too much! So many feels! But in the end, as always, Violet and Lincoln work things out and their soul-bond is back in tact. The only one who didn't win was Phoenix.
I also loved all the suspense and action in every chapter. It kept me engaged until the very end. Every book had that and all around this is just an amazing book series!
Overall, I would recommend this book series to anyone. I loved it and I'm extremely sad its all over.
Note: These are my personal opinions. I received no outside person comments or opinions.
Random Person: What's you're favorite book series?
Me: The Embrace Series. You have to read it!
I waited a long time to read this. I didn't want this series to be over. I am saddened with grief that it now is all over. Although, this series could not have had a more perfect ending.
I can't remember the last time I binge-read a novel. I sat down to read a few chapters yesterday and it got so good I ended up staying up to midnight reading the whole book.
Plot Summary:
Violet is a Rogue Grigori. She left her soul mate and is living with a shattered soul. She returns exiles and fights just to stay alive. Knowing that somewhere Lincoln is alive and well is all she needs to keep living and not give into the coldness.
When Spence is taken by an Exiled Angel of Light, Violet wastes no time in returning to NY to rescue the guy who has always had her back knowing full well that the man she left behind will be there.
In all the chaos and drama, they defeat the Angel. Violet and Lincoln are alright again. They rescue Spence. Violet finds out who her angel maker is. All the Grigori vote Violet as their leader. And all is well again.
My Reaction:
The way Shirvington perfectly ties in biblical things without forcing religion down the reader's throat is amazing. She stands neutral and allows the reader to have their own opinions on God. She simply just tells the story from a character that doesn't even believe herself.
Violet is an example of a strong female heroine. In every book she has taken a stand and fought til death on some occasions. She is a leader and someone that people look up to. Maybe that's why I loved this book series so much. Because I had a strong female lead to root for.
The anguish in the beginning was too much! So many feels! But in the end, as always, Violet and Lincoln work things out and their soul-bond is back in tact. The only one who didn't win was Phoenix.
I also loved all the suspense and action in every chapter. It kept me engaged until the very end. Every book had that and all around this is just an amazing book series!
Overall, I would recommend this book series to anyone. I loved it and I'm extremely sad its all over.
November 12, 2013
Empower was a perfect ending for an amazing set of books. Jessica Shirvington is an amazing writer and the whole time you felt like you were right beside Violet on the adventure with her. Without giving anything away, you will need tissues! Endless left me so depressed and I couldn't believe how long we had to wait to find out what happens, but the wait has been worth it. It's always hard reading the last book of any series, knowing that these characters stories are coming to an end, but this is one series I will be re-reading at least once a year. Thank you Jessica! Look forward to reading more of your amazing work!
December 31, 2017
Love this book. Love this series.
May 15, 2014
This full review is NON SPOILER for THE WHOLE SERIES
I want to thank Raincoast publishing for introducing me to this amazing series. In all honesty I wouldn't have ever picked it up if I didn't receive Embrace for review over two years ago. I was introduced to such amazing characters.. ones I grew attached to with each new book and truly cared about their well beings. Evil characters turned good and good characters turned evil. Shirvington didn't hold back at all, and I loved it so much. You just never knew what to expect and the direction of the plot line was never guessed. Even with Empower.. the fifth and last book in this series, I honestly wasn't able to imagine how the plot line will end and what will happen to the characters. I laughed and cried with and for these characters as well as cursed at them for how stupid they were acting but at the same time hugged them (in my mind) for all the good they wanted to do and just are. The Violet Eden Chapters series is the one series that showed me that paranormal books aren't just cliche after cliche, but can have a solid plot line with crazy crap happening and take you for a thrilling ride. This is the Violet Eden Chapters series.
Violet.. has grown SO much over the past couple of books. You can truly see how much stronger, more independent she is.. how much of a leader she could be and all the potential that she's finally started to tap into. Violet is one of the most kick butt female protagonists that have never frustrated me.. her and I seemed to be so in synch and I was always cheering her on with whatever her decisions were.. I could always understand them and I loved her. We've got Linc.. and he is one of the most perfect book boyfriends ever. He is the other half of Violet.. they both became better people when they were together and it was a mutual thing. There's also Phoenix and his story is so complicated but I have to say that by the end of this whole series.. I have come to understand him.. I can't say anything extra without giving away any spoilers. We also have the secondary characters that I would have loved to have as my best friends. Honestly Violet was blessed with such amazing friends!
Moving into the plot.. that was one hell of a plot.. for both Empower and the whole series. Like I mentioned above, Shirvington knew how to take such an overused idea, angels, exiles, etc, and turn it into something unique and thrilling and memorable. This is when you know if an author is talented or not and Shirvington is one hell of a talented writer! Writing a 5 book series (where the last four books are 450+ pages) without making the readers feel like there are fillers or an overextended plot is a skill. So many people have been complaining about a currently beloved famous series being too long but I can say with confidence that I never felt that way with this series. Every single book, chapter, and page had its purpose.. every scene too. Honestly I would have been totally happy if there was a 6th book! maybe a spin off? *waves at Jessica Shirvington* Basically, all I can say is to PLEASE pick up this series.. give the first AND second book a try because the second book, Entice, is when I truly started loving this series. It is hard saying bye to these characters which is why I put off writing this review.. because that's the final goodbye.. so.. I guess this is it. I will be tuning into any new releases by Shirvington because.. well you should know by now why :)
I want to thank Raincoast publishing for introducing me to this amazing series. In all honesty I wouldn't have ever picked it up if I didn't receive Embrace for review over two years ago. I was introduced to such amazing characters.. ones I grew attached to with each new book and truly cared about their well beings. Evil characters turned good and good characters turned evil. Shirvington didn't hold back at all, and I loved it so much. You just never knew what to expect and the direction of the plot line was never guessed. Even with Empower.. the fifth and last book in this series, I honestly wasn't able to imagine how the plot line will end and what will happen to the characters. I laughed and cried with and for these characters as well as cursed at them for how stupid they were acting but at the same time hugged them (in my mind) for all the good they wanted to do and just are. The Violet Eden Chapters series is the one series that showed me that paranormal books aren't just cliche after cliche, but can have a solid plot line with crazy crap happening and take you for a thrilling ride. This is the Violet Eden Chapters series.
Violet.. has grown SO much over the past couple of books. You can truly see how much stronger, more independent she is.. how much of a leader she could be and all the potential that she's finally started to tap into. Violet is one of the most kick butt female protagonists that have never frustrated me.. her and I seemed to be so in synch and I was always cheering her on with whatever her decisions were.. I could always understand them and I loved her. We've got Linc.. and he is one of the most perfect book boyfriends ever. He is the other half of Violet.. they both became better people when they were together and it was a mutual thing. There's also Phoenix and his story is so complicated but I have to say that by the end of this whole series.. I have come to understand him.. I can't say anything extra without giving away any spoilers. We also have the secondary characters that I would have loved to have as my best friends. Honestly Violet was blessed with such amazing friends!
Moving into the plot.. that was one hell of a plot.. for both Empower and the whole series. Like I mentioned above, Shirvington knew how to take such an overused idea, angels, exiles, etc, and turn it into something unique and thrilling and memorable. This is when you know if an author is talented or not and Shirvington is one hell of a talented writer! Writing a 5 book series (where the last four books are 450+ pages) without making the readers feel like there are fillers or an overextended plot is a skill. So many people have been complaining about a currently beloved famous series being too long but I can say with confidence that I never felt that way with this series. Every single book, chapter, and page had its purpose.. every scene too. Honestly I would have been totally happy if there was a 6th book! maybe a spin off? *waves at Jessica Shirvington* Basically, all I can say is to PLEASE pick up this series.. give the first AND second book a try because the second book, Entice, is when I truly started loving this series. It is hard saying bye to these characters which is why I put off writing this review.. because that's the final goodbye.. so.. I guess this is it. I will be tuning into any new releases by Shirvington because.. well you should know by now why :)
February 20, 2015
I DONT WANT THIS SERIES TO END! I absolutely bloody loved this Violent Eden series, more so than I ever thought possible. Violet is honest to god one of my favourite YA characters and her growth was freaking phenomenal. I loved her strength and ability to grow and adapt throughout the books and I just want more and more! As easy as it is to look at the series as a whole I want to look at this final book in particular.
Overall, I enjoyed it immensely although I felt that it was lacking in some sense. We start with a whole lot of pain and tears which were still fresh from finishing Endless. Don't get me started on that, I'm still emotionally unstable because of that book. Phoenix my beautifully dangerous lover, was in the background a bit more in this finale which was upsetting but considering how it ended I'm happy and content with that. Lincoln I was happy he finally took charge and played his hand (so to say) and watching that play out with Violet was fantastic after four books being hot, cold, freezing then on fire. GO LINCOLN! Watching everyone's character development from book one to five was fantastic and I felt everyone did grow. Spence, my bae, I want a spin off just on him. PLEASE!?
Having said all that I did feel as if this conclusion was lacking something. I don't know I just felt like it could have been better or stronger in conviction. If that makes sense? I was scared to start this and nervous, considering it was the finale but was again, like all the other books, enthralled and addicted to the story telling. But I felt it could had more? But then again I wouldn't want to change anything that happened in the conclusion to my favourite characters. I didn't quite understand Sammuel's motivations with Violet's blood and the final battle was over quite quickly. But again I'm glad it was the way the it was.
If you haven't started the Violet Eden series, you NEED to. If you're into books about angels, nephilim, battles between good and evil and strong, witty and funny characters this is honest to god the best series. I wish that the fan base was larger so I could fangirl with more people but it was a compelling read and I would recommend it to anyone.
Overall, I enjoyed it immensely although I felt that it was lacking in some sense. We start with a whole lot of pain and tears which were still fresh from finishing Endless. Don't get me started on that, I'm still emotionally unstable because of that book. Phoenix my beautifully dangerous lover, was in the background a bit more in this finale which was upsetting but considering how it ended I'm happy and content with that. Lincoln I was happy he finally took charge and played his hand (so to say) and watching that play out with Violet was fantastic after four books being hot, cold, freezing then on fire. GO LINCOLN! Watching everyone's character development from book one to five was fantastic and I felt everyone did grow. Spence, my bae, I want a spin off just on him. PLEASE!?
Having said all that I did feel as if this conclusion was lacking something. I don't know I just felt like it could have been better or stronger in conviction. If that makes sense? I was scared to start this and nervous, considering it was the finale but was again, like all the other books, enthralled and addicted to the story telling. But I felt it could had more? But then again I wouldn't want to change anything that happened in the conclusion to my favourite characters. I didn't quite understand Sammuel's motivations with Violet's blood and the final battle was over quite quickly. But again I'm glad it was the way the it was.
If you haven't started the Violet Eden series, you NEED to. If you're into books about angels, nephilim, battles between good and evil and strong, witty and funny characters this is honest to god the best series. I wish that the fan base was larger so I could fangirl with more people but it was a compelling read and I would recommend it to anyone.
March 10, 2014
ASTOUNDING finish to a breathtaking series. Jessica Shirvington, you have outdone yourself again. This is not a joke: This is one of the BEST series of all time. It just has so much meaning, and makes me think about life and sacrifice.
To you all out there, Empower is no simple book. It carries on with the same emotional rollercoaster that has encompassed this whole series. Although never near to tears at any point in this book, there are so many touching moments which simply took my breath away.
Violet has become such a strong character, and has developed so much from being the slightly whiny girl who was unsure about her future but made rash decisions. She has become a leader in her own right, and I admire her so much as a fictional character. Like Lincoln says, she IS beautiful inside out. She is the kind of person you want for a best friend, because you know she always has your back.
As for Lincoln, what can I say, there were moments when his lines just shook me to the core. He seems to always know the right thing to say, and is so in tune with Violet that 'soulmates' doesn't even seem to cut it at times. Please, please, please to whatever higher power is listening: I would love a soulmate like him. He develops too, from a slightly impulsive, overly protective man with an alpha complex to an understanding companion to Violet, which she so deserves.
I loved it completely, and am a bit torn between wanting a follow-up about Phoenix's search for love after Violet, and wanting him to be eternally devoted to her. That image is rather appealing, I confess.
To you all out there, Empower is no simple book. It carries on with the same emotional rollercoaster that has encompassed this whole series. Although never near to tears at any point in this book, there are so many touching moments which simply took my breath away.
Violet has become such a strong character, and has developed so much from being the slightly whiny girl who was unsure about her future but made rash decisions. She has become a leader in her own right, and I admire her so much as a fictional character. Like Lincoln says, she IS beautiful inside out. She is the kind of person you want for a best friend, because you know she always has your back.
As for Lincoln, what can I say, there were moments when his lines just shook me to the core. He seems to always know the right thing to say, and is so in tune with Violet that 'soulmates' doesn't even seem to cut it at times. Please, please, please to whatever higher power is listening: I would love a soulmate like him. He develops too, from a slightly impulsive, overly protective man with an alpha complex to an understanding companion to Violet, which she so deserves.
I loved it completely, and am a bit torn between wanting a follow-up about Phoenix's search for love after Violet, and wanting him to be eternally devoted to her. That image is rather appealing, I confess.
November 24, 2013
OMG!!! this book was an AWESOME! end to the series...i loved! these books so much, they have become my #1 Favorite series pushed up over Hush Hush (didn't think that would happen)...the characters were so interesting, and they grew so much over the series which was so much better to read...
I really liked that this book had a time jump of 2years, it really gave Vi time to grow and develop herself and her skills etc. I loved that she went 'Rogue'...i think due to her powers that that was a better path for her to take if she wasn't going to be with Lincoln...She matured so much, she got smarter and a little sassier which was more fun to read...she didn't take crap from anyone
I seriously have nothing bad to say about this book it was a total rollacoaster emotional fest of AWESOMENESS and EPIC love ....just read it :)
I really liked that this book had a time jump of 2years, it really gave Vi time to grow and develop herself and her skills etc. I loved that she went 'Rogue'...i think due to her powers that that was a better path for her to take if she wasn't going to be with Lincoln...She matured so much, she got smarter and a little sassier which was more fun to read...she didn't take crap from anyone
I seriously have nothing bad to say about this book it was a total rollacoaster emotional fest of AWESOMENESS and EPIC love ....just read it :)
January 15, 2015
I want to cry that it's all over. AMAZING journey with Violet. I hope Pheonix gets a novella <3
The end of a much loved series is always emotional. Bittersweet in the fact that you get the answers you need but have to say goodbye to the characters that have come to mean so much to you.
Empower manages to recap the story so far subtlety within the narrative. My heart broke for Violet, having given up everything (her friends and even her soul-mate) in order to keep the ones she loves safe. She immerses herself in her duty while denying herself emotional attachments.
The action is heart pounding while combining some very interesting theological debates within the plot. The tension never lets up for a moment; this is definitely edge of your seat stuff here. All the while taking you through multifarious emotions.
I am not going to go into detail about the plot as it will most definitely spoil it for you. However, while my heart simultaneous broke and warmed I couldn’t have asked for a better or more unexpected ending. You won’t see this one coming.
I really, really don’t want to say goodbye to the characters, I may beg for novellas :)
The end of a much loved series is always emotional. Bittersweet in the fact that you get the answers you need but have to say goodbye to the characters that have come to mean so much to you.
Empower manages to recap the story so far subtlety within the narrative. My heart broke for Violet, having given up everything (her friends and even her soul-mate) in order to keep the ones she loves safe. She immerses herself in her duty while denying herself emotional attachments.
The action is heart pounding while combining some very interesting theological debates within the plot. The tension never lets up for a moment; this is definitely edge of your seat stuff here. All the while taking you through multifarious emotions.
I am not going to go into detail about the plot as it will most definitely spoil it for you. However, while my heart simultaneous broke and warmed I couldn’t have asked for a better or more unexpected ending. You won’t see this one coming.
I really, really don’t want to say goodbye to the characters, I may beg for novellas :)
August 27, 2015
Picture plucking a 3-yr old child from a deep sleep in her bed, shaking her a little, throwing her up and catching her, plopping her back down on the bed and flicking her on the nose. Can you see it? Hear it? The utterly disoriented, flabbergasted, open-mouthed wail? That was me reading this series. And if you can hear the ascent to the open-mouthed-silent-not-breathing wail, welp...that was me reading this last book. It's embarrassing really. A woman my age having such a visceral reaction to a YA Paranormal book about Angels? But I am. And I did. From the settings, to the characters, to the plot; I loved it all. I've read some damn good books in my life, and each with its own reasons, whether it be the characters, the storytelling, the plot, the humor, the action, and even the timing of when I read it. For this, it was the feels. Took me by storm and made me root with all my might for people I could've sworn I communicated with via Kindle. Thank you Jessica Shirvington!
May 15, 2014
If I were capable of feeling shame about books I've read and loved, I would surely feel it for this series. It's awesomely bad. I cannot stand Violet. I have to chew gum while reading to offset my gag reflex. And the details around Violet's origin are so absurd, its borderline offensive. BUT I really liked this series. I don't know why, but I do. Its mind numbingly entertaining, contains interesting world building and has a fair amount of swoon. Sometimes that's all it takes I suppose, for me at least.
As for this final installment, it didn't disappoint. There was plenty of action and steam. All the lose ends were tied up and each character was granted an appropriate ending. Lovers of the series will be wholly satisfied.
As for this final installment, it didn't disappoint. There was plenty of action and steam. All the lose ends were tied up and each character was granted an appropriate ending. Lovers of the series will be wholly satisfied.
September 27, 2014
I LOVE Violet & Lincoln! I loved all the characters and where their stories went! WOW WOW WOW...this series really turned out great! Definitely a great love, friendship, family, & action packed story! It had everything! Their story was slow in the first 3 books but by the last 2 just WOW, something was constantly going on! LOVED IT!
June 17, 2018
My heart broke in this. I shipped a ship and it didn't happen and it was so bittersweet when they parted and I still love this series wth all my heart but I wished that my ship happened then I wouldn't love it more.
August 20, 2014
Nooooooo.......it finally finished....
I think im gonna start crying now...
I think im gonna start crying now...
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