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Fallen Legacies #2
Forging Darkness
No one knows if Steel is dead or alive... except me.
For months I kept the late night calls from Steel a secret, until he let it slip that he tracked down his villainous sister, Silver. He needs help—even if the powerful angel-shifter is too stubborn to admit it.
But the Steel I find isn’t the same boy from Seraph Academy. He’s darker. Haunted. And the distance between us can’t be crossed by a simple flap of my wings.
When a battle with the Forsaken goes horribly wrong, I awaken as a prisoner inside a Fallen stronghold. My enigmatic abductor—Thorne—is manipulative, secretive, and claiming I’m meant to rule by his side.
I’m not buying it, especially since the alluring offer to unveil the mystery of my seraph ancestry comes at the cost of bringing every Nephilim to their knees.
Lines between the realms will blur. My world will burn. And this time, I’m not sure I can fight the darkness on my own...
For months I kept the late night calls from Steel a secret, until he let it slip that he tracked down his villainous sister, Silver. He needs help—even if the powerful angel-shifter is too stubborn to admit it.
But the Steel I find isn’t the same boy from Seraph Academy. He’s darker. Haunted. And the distance between us can’t be crossed by a simple flap of my wings.
When a battle with the Forsaken goes horribly wrong, I awaken as a prisoner inside a Fallen stronghold. My enigmatic abductor—Thorne—is manipulative, secretive, and claiming I’m meant to rule by his side.
I’m not buying it, especially since the alluring offer to unveil the mystery of my seraph ancestry comes at the cost of bringing every Nephilim to their knees.
Lines between the realms will blur. My world will burn. And this time, I’m not sure I can fight the darkness on my own...
476 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 26, 2021
1311 people are currently reading
1925 people want to read
About the author
Julie Hall
23 books1,410 followersJulie Hall is a USA Today bestselling, 11x award-winning author.
She writes YA paranormal / fantasy novels, loves doodles, and drinks Red Bull, but not necessarily in that order. Julie's daughter says that her super power is sleeping all day and writing all night... and well, she wouldn't be wrong.
Julie currently lives in Colorado with her four favorite people - her husband, daughter, and two fur babies.
Website: www.JulieHallAuthor.com
Newsletter: www.JulieHallAuthor.com/newsletter
Julie's Fan Club: www.fb.com/groups/juliehall
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julie.hall....
She writes YA paranormal / fantasy novels, loves doodles, and drinks Red Bull, but not necessarily in that order. Julie's daughter says that her super power is sleeping all day and writing all night... and well, she wouldn't be wrong.
Julie currently lives in Colorado with her four favorite people - her husband, daughter, and two fur babies.
Website: www.JulieHallAuthor.com
Newsletter: www.JulieHallAuthor.com/newsletter
Julie's Fan Club: www.fb.com/groups/juliehall
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julie.hall....
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 238 reviews
February 19, 2021
i really enjoyed this follow up installment. it has everything i loved about the first book but also adds some new exciting world-building and characters.
again, i would have loved for this to have more of a mature feel to it. its still feels pretty juvenile in terms of dialogue and some characterisation.
but im invested in the story and cant wait to see how everything plays out in the next book/conclusion.
↠ 3.5 stars
again, i would have loved for this to have more of a mature feel to it. its still feels pretty juvenile in terms of dialogue and some characterisation.
but im invested in the story and cant wait to see how everything plays out in the next book/conclusion.
↠ 3.5 stars
January 30, 2021
A taunting, sizzling thrill-ride through the supernatural! FORGING DARKNESS has it all—action, romance, and epic battles. Julie Hall is a master, twisting hearts and lives—ours and her characters—with each riveting page!
This is one of those books that for every page you read, the deeper you are irrevocably immersed. I simply couldn't stop reading. I'm loving this series. My only lament--the wait till book 3. Hurry up, Julie Hall!!
This is one of those books that for every page you read, the deeper you are irrevocably immersed. I simply couldn't stop reading. I'm loving this series. My only lament--the wait till book 3. Hurry up, Julie Hall!!
January 27, 2021
I thought it couldn't get any better, nothing could beat book ones amazing take off and cliff hanger, because lets be real Stealing Embers was just that good, it was great. I was WRONG! Forging Darkness was even BETTER and has every single thing you need in a great book!
The storyline and plot advances even more but at a flawless and easy to follow pace. The world building continues to grow and develop into an addictive unputdownable way. You discover so much more than book one. AND THE CHARACTER *SWOON* I love the development in Steel, he really evolves in this book I think. Emberly will always be my favorite but I love them both. The dialog and witty banter in this book was epic and I devoured it in one sitting! If you haven't read book one Stealing Embers DO IT, If you have read it then you need this book in your life now! READ ITTTT!
Listen this book was great! I love the author and her writing skills. If you are looking for a great YA book thats going to keep you interested from page one until the very end. You should definitely give these books a chance!
The storyline and plot advances even more but at a flawless and easy to follow pace. The world building continues to grow and develop into an addictive unputdownable way. You discover so much more than book one. AND THE CHARACTER *SWOON* I love the development in Steel, he really evolves in this book I think. Emberly will always be my favorite but I love them both. The dialog and witty banter in this book was epic and I devoured it in one sitting! If you haven't read book one Stealing Embers DO IT, If you have read it then you need this book in your life now! READ ITTTT!
Listen this book was great! I love the author and her writing skills. If you are looking for a great YA book thats going to keep you interested from page one until the very end. You should definitely give these books a chance!
August 24, 2021
Fantastic paranormal romance.
December 23, 2020
If book one deserves all the stars, then book 2 gets all the stars and then some confetti!!!
This book has all the feels. Emberly and the gang set off to find Steel & answers. This is full of non stop twists & turns with a love to hate Villain and some major bombs being dropped.
You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll laugh some more.
So sit back, strap in and enjoy the ride.
This book has all the feels. Emberly and the gang set off to find Steel & answers. This is full of non stop twists & turns with a love to hate Villain and some major bombs being dropped.
You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll laugh some more.
So sit back, strap in and enjoy the ride.
June 25, 2021
This series just gets better and better! The characters grew so much and we got to see more of the spectrum world which I loved! The depth that this story went was amazing.
First, I must say that Steel was so good in this story, I think he grew the most out of all the characters. I loved getting to see more of Ash, Greyson, Sterling, Nova and Tinkle and how they interact with Emberly and each other. Emberly learns so much in this book and she truly takes all that information in stride. She is dealt some pretty crazy things and she just continues to be a bad*ss. We get a new character who adds some great interactions to the story (I wont say more to avoid spoiling anything.)
This series has been great and as I mentioned before, it keeps getting better as the series moves along! I highly suggest this series!
First, I must say that Steel was so good in this story, I think he grew the most out of all the characters. I loved getting to see more of Ash, Greyson, Sterling, Nova and Tinkle and how they interact with Emberly and each other. Emberly learns so much in this book and she truly takes all that information in stride. She is dealt some pretty crazy things and she just continues to be a bad*ss. We get a new character who adds some great interactions to the story (I wont say more to avoid spoiling anything.)
This series has been great and as I mentioned before, it keeps getting better as the series moves along! I highly suggest this series!
January 31, 2021
I’m just, not a fan of the writing style. It’s like it wants to sophisticated, but as the same time comical and light-hearted. Which creates such a clash in the sentence structure.....it just confuses me.
And the sudden switch in dynamic between Steel and Em??? Seriously??? That’s what the build-up of the first book led to??
And the sudden switch in dynamic between Steel and Em??? Seriously??? That’s what the build-up of the first book led to??
December 10, 2022
3.25 Stars ⭐️
There are a lot of reviews that say that this book is better than the first one and on some level, I do agree since it felt slightly more mature and serious. But then on others it just went downhill fast and I ended up in a situation where about 60% in I was slogging through to get to the end or trying to distract myself from reading. Basically I wasn’t as enticed as I was reading book one.
Don’t get me wrong, it is enjoyable and I will be picking up the third book, if for only the reason to see the series to completion as it wasn’t that bad that I want to DNF the rest. This book just isn’t as memorable as the first in my mind.
This will contain spoilers for book one so proceed at your own risk.
This book starts off a few months after Steel has left to go search for Silver. Emberly has been receiving strange stalker-ish “heavy breathing” phone calls from him in the middle of the night and so after informing her friends that Steel has found Silver, they concoct this “brilliant” plan to go help him find his forsaken sister. In so doing, often making seriously juvenile mistakes there is an obvious trap that ends up with Emberly captured (and kidnapped again). She is then taken to the spirit realm and held in a Fallen and Forsaken fortress ruled by a mysterious someone like her, another seraph-born…Thorne.
The world building does take it up a notch, and we do get to see more of the spirit realm that was hinted to and briefly glimpsed in the first installment. We also learn quite a bit more about Emberly’s heritage and unknowns about the Forsaken and Fallen that the Nephilim don’t know about.
Emberly’s character does develop slightly more and she does have a few more layers added to her but that’s about it in terms of everyone’s character development. She still is very clearly a teenager who has had the worlds problems thrown on her shoulders, so she try’s to solve these problems like a teenager would. You don’t get a lot of interaction with her friends, and the banter and exchanges between her “found family” can actually be felt missing and is one of the reasons this book is not as good. I was giggling in book one and for this one, I don’t think I laughed once…
Then there is Steel. Even though we get a few glimpses into character and a few chapters of his POV he is still very one-dimensional and I don’t like him as a love interest. His whole persona of “alpha moody broody handsome guy“ doesn’t get a lot of depth and his love for Emberly almost feels out of nowhere. It happens too fast and basically the first time they see each other since Em is taken is him telling her:
The plot also feels quite repetitive and by the fourth time I had to read about Emberly and Steel having their asses handed to them and being beaten in a fight…I kind of got over it and was bored.
The only cool addition to characters was Thorne. I feel like there was a missed opportunity for a love triangle that was hinted…
Overall, it’s okay. I’d recommend a slog through this to get to book three to finish the series as I am intrigued to see what happens in the end. If you like YA paranormal Angels, you might actually love that the characters are pretty face value and this is primarily just plot….
There are a lot of reviews that say that this book is better than the first one and on some level, I do agree since it felt slightly more mature and serious. But then on others it just went downhill fast and I ended up in a situation where about 60% in I was slogging through to get to the end or trying to distract myself from reading. Basically I wasn’t as enticed as I was reading book one.
Don’t get me wrong, it is enjoyable and I will be picking up the third book, if for only the reason to see the series to completion as it wasn’t that bad that I want to DNF the rest. This book just isn’t as memorable as the first in my mind.
This will contain spoilers for book one so proceed at your own risk.
This book starts off a few months after Steel has left to go search for Silver. Emberly has been receiving strange stalker-ish “heavy breathing” phone calls from him in the middle of the night and so after informing her friends that Steel has found Silver, they concoct this “brilliant” plan to go help him find his forsaken sister. In so doing, often making seriously juvenile mistakes there is an obvious trap that ends up with Emberly captured (and kidnapped again). She is then taken to the spirit realm and held in a Fallen and Forsaken fortress ruled by a mysterious someone like her, another seraph-born…Thorne.
The world building does take it up a notch, and we do get to see more of the spirit realm that was hinted to and briefly glimpsed in the first installment. We also learn quite a bit more about Emberly’s heritage and unknowns about the Forsaken and Fallen that the Nephilim don’t know about.
Emberly’s character does develop slightly more and she does have a few more layers added to her but that’s about it in terms of everyone’s character development. She still is very clearly a teenager who has had the worlds problems thrown on her shoulders, so she try’s to solve these problems like a teenager would. You don’t get a lot of interaction with her friends, and the banter and exchanges between her “found family” can actually be felt missing and is one of the reasons this book is not as good. I was giggling in book one and for this one, I don’t think I laughed once…
Then there is Steel. Even though we get a few glimpses into character and a few chapters of his POV he is still very one-dimensional and I don’t like him as a love interest. His whole persona of “alpha moody broody handsome guy“ doesn’t get a lot of depth and his love for Emberly almost feels out of nowhere. It happens too fast and basically the first time they see each other since Em is taken is him telling her:
“Don’t you know by now that I would do anything for you? I would search for thousand years and tear down ten thousand doors to reach you. I’d rip the world apart and then find a way to stitch it back together if you willed it”.As much as the quote is enduring…They haven’t had more than a couple of kisses! It’s quite a declaration of love in comparison to the minimal displays of affection they’ve had.
The plot also feels quite repetitive and by the fourth time I had to read about Emberly and Steel having their asses handed to them and being beaten in a fight…I kind of got over it and was bored.
The only cool addition to characters was Thorne. I feel like there was a missed opportunity for a love triangle that was hinted…
Overall, it’s okay. I’d recommend a slog through this to get to book three to finish the series as I am intrigued to see what happens in the end. If you like YA paranormal Angels, you might actually love that the characters are pretty face value and this is primarily just plot….
November 14, 2025
Hmmmm.
Characters- The FMC was likable.
I wasn’t impressed by the love interest, Steel, in the last book. I was REALLY HOPING we would get a love triangle going so I could jump ship. I was ready and willing.
Sure enough, this book did introduce a second love interest. Say no more, I was on his team from the first moment. Gladly!
But none of their interactions were flirty in the least. She admitted in a detached sort of way that he was exceptionally hot, but there was almost no sexual tension.
And then there was a disturbing scene where he beat her to a PULP in the name of “training” and I felt very uncomfortable. He kept hitting and kicking her when she was already down and immobile. I’m talking broken back, cracked ribs, dislocated knee, the works. Just lying there in a crumpled wreckage while he kept whaling on her.
It was like a domestic violence scene.
Sure, she can magically heal in a day so it’s not the same as if it was IRL. And sure, he claimed that it was his culture to fight to the near-death, but it was still way OTT and horrifying.
And what’s absolutely NOT OKAY is that she felt true terror that he was going to kill her.
Let that sink in.
When it was over he tenderly carried her to his own room with a hint of regret in his eyes, and it was just way too creepy. Def gave me domestic violence vibes.
Then I wasn’t his fan anymore. Jumped back to the first ship with sad resignation.
Besides, Steel from Book 1 had chapters in his POV, so I figured it was a done deal and the new guy must be a villain. But the fact that the last chapter was in the new guy’s POV gave me pause. What’s going to happen in Book 3?!
Romance- Needs work. Neither of the love interests are swoon worthy. See above.
Plot- The plot was engaging. I’m intrigued enough to continue the series. I think. Maybe.
Writing - Complicated world building.
I got confused between “Fallen” and “Forsaken.” So here are my notes, which provide a brief albeit incomplete overview:
The Fallen are angels who were cast out of heaven. They have black wings and are very strong. They supposedly aren’t able to procreate, so they bred with humans and I think their progeny is the Angelborn species, who revolted against them.
For some reason I don’t understand, the Fallen want to take the Angelborn’s bodies. When they merge, they turn into a Forsaken and the Angelborn’s spirit is immediately overcome, so it basically doesn’t exist anymore.
Forsaken are stunningly beautiful in the Mortal Realm but are ugly in the Spirit Realm. They prey on humans and drink their blood.
Content-
Language- No swears.
Spice- No sexual content. I don’t even remember if there was any kissing, but if there was, it wasn’t exciting.
Violence- yes, see above. The FMC gets the crap beaten out of her by the new love interest/villain. (It was creeptastic.)
Substance abuse- no.
Cover- great!
POV- dual POV between FMC and Steel, first person
Cliffhanger- yes
Format- audiobook via Audible ($5)
Narration- okay/average.
Will I continue?
I mean, I think so. In for a penny, in for a pound. Maybe.
Characters- The FMC was likable.
I wasn’t impressed by the love interest, Steel, in the last book. I was REALLY HOPING we would get a love triangle going so I could jump ship. I was ready and willing.
Sure enough, this book did introduce a second love interest. Say no more, I was on his team from the first moment. Gladly!
But none of their interactions were flirty in the least. She admitted in a detached sort of way that he was exceptionally hot, but there was almost no sexual tension.
And then there was a disturbing scene where he beat her to a PULP in the name of “training” and I felt very uncomfortable. He kept hitting and kicking her when she was already down and immobile. I’m talking broken back, cracked ribs, dislocated knee, the works. Just lying there in a crumpled wreckage while he kept whaling on her.
It was like a domestic violence scene.
Sure, she can magically heal in a day so it’s not the same as if it was IRL. And sure, he claimed that it was his culture to fight to the near-death, but it was still way OTT and horrifying.
And what’s absolutely NOT OKAY is that she felt true terror that he was going to kill her.
Let that sink in.
When it was over he tenderly carried her to his own room with a hint of regret in his eyes, and it was just way too creepy. Def gave me domestic violence vibes.
Then I wasn’t his fan anymore. Jumped back to the first ship with sad resignation.
Besides, Steel from Book 1 had chapters in his POV, so I figured it was a done deal and the new guy must be a villain. But the fact that the last chapter was in the new guy’s POV gave me pause. What’s going to happen in Book 3?!
Romance- Needs work. Neither of the love interests are swoon worthy. See above.
Plot- The plot was engaging. I’m intrigued enough to continue the series. I think. Maybe.
Writing - Complicated world building.
I got confused between “Fallen” and “Forsaken.” So here are my notes, which provide a brief albeit incomplete overview:
The Fallen are angels who were cast out of heaven. They have black wings and are very strong. They supposedly aren’t able to procreate, so they bred with humans and I think their progeny is the Angelborn species, who revolted against them.
For some reason I don’t understand, the Fallen want to take the Angelborn’s bodies. When they merge, they turn into a Forsaken and the Angelborn’s spirit is immediately overcome, so it basically doesn’t exist anymore.
Forsaken are stunningly beautiful in the Mortal Realm but are ugly in the Spirit Realm. They prey on humans and drink their blood.
Content-
Language- No swears.
Spice- No sexual content. I don’t even remember if there was any kissing, but if there was, it wasn’t exciting.
Violence- yes, see above. The FMC gets the crap beaten out of her by the new love interest/villain. (It was creeptastic.)
Substance abuse- no.
Cover- great!
POV- dual POV between FMC and Steel, first person
Cliffhanger- yes
Format- audiobook via Audible ($5)
Narration- okay/average.
Will I continue?
I mean, I think so. In for a penny, in for a pound. Maybe.
February 13, 2021
~𝟑.𝟓 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬
I can’t believe I have to wait 5 months to find out what happens!!! This second book hooked me and that cliffhanger was so good. I love that you get to learn a bit more about the world, yet still have too many questions unanswered. My biggest wish was that it was longer so we got to spend more time getting to know side characters and the world. I cant wait to see where the third one takes us.
Cover- ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Characters- ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot- ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Pacing- ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Dialogue- ⭐️⭐️⭐️
World building- ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot twists- ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Smut- ⭐️ (kissing only)
Overall enjoyment- ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
I can’t believe I have to wait 5 months to find out what happens!!! This second book hooked me and that cliffhanger was so good. I love that you get to learn a bit more about the world, yet still have too many questions unanswered. My biggest wish was that it was longer so we got to spend more time getting to know side characters and the world. I cant wait to see where the third one takes us.
Cover- ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Characters- ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot- ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Pacing- ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Dialogue- ⭐️⭐️⭐️
World building- ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot twists- ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Smut- ⭐️ (kissing only)
Overall enjoyment- ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
January 3, 2022
What an amazing sequel! Emberly has grown as a heroine into a badass with smashing abilities no one ever expected from her. Her origins are a big enigma for her and her friends from the Academy. She meets new and powerful enemy who seeks an ally with her to execute a bold plan that will change the world forever.
I also loved the world-building and the whole idea of angel-born people. This series made me look for more information regarding angels' ranks, duties and abilities. What an interesting idea, indeed!
I am straght into the book three!
I also loved the world-building and the whole idea of angel-born people. This series made me look for more information regarding angels' ranks, duties and abilities. What an interesting idea, indeed!
I am straght into the book three!
January 8, 2021
Forging Darkness
by Julie Hall
Book 2 in the Fallen Legacies series
Rating: 4/5
Release date: January 26, 2021
I am such a huge fan of Julie Hall and I was so excited to finally get my hands on the sequel to Stealing Embers, the first book in the Fallen Legacies series. I highly recommend reading the first book before this one, and you will not be disappointed. Forging Darkness picks up where Stealing Embers left off and continues the adventure by taking the reader into a whole new world that we only caught glimpses of in book one.
When Emberly seeks out Steel and tries to help him find his sister, things go horribly wrong and she is taken captive by Thorne, someone who is like her and has similar powers. She is curious about the way things work in Thorne's world while trying to figure out a way to escape back to the mortal realm. Thorne's control and power over the Fallen and Forsaken is uncanny and she finds herself unable to fully trust him. When the truth is revealed, can Emberly and Steel find a way back to each other before the unthinkable happens?
I really enjoyed the continuing story and cannot wait for what comes next. (Way to end the story on a bit of cliffhanger.) I found the progression in the relationship between Emberly and Steel to be slower than I would have preferred lol. The relationship between Emberly and Thorne was interesting but a bit annoying since I don't really like love triangles (this is not necessarily a true love triangle but it has hints of one). However, I really liked learning about Thorne, and the author does a good job of showing why he is the way he is. I did enjoy finding out more about Emberly's powers and her angel fire. Her abilities make her a threat to the entire theology built around the Fallen and Forsaken, which could literally change the world. I definitely did not see that coming.
Highly recommend if you enjoy YA fantasy with lots of action, mystery, humor, and some romance. (Especially if you enjoy animals that talk and drink Red Bull and like the interactions between siblings)
PG-13.
My thanks to the author for providing me with an ARC of the book. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own. No positive review was expected and no compensation received.
by Julie Hall
Book 2 in the Fallen Legacies series
Rating: 4/5
Release date: January 26, 2021
I am such a huge fan of Julie Hall and I was so excited to finally get my hands on the sequel to Stealing Embers, the first book in the Fallen Legacies series. I highly recommend reading the first book before this one, and you will not be disappointed. Forging Darkness picks up where Stealing Embers left off and continues the adventure by taking the reader into a whole new world that we only caught glimpses of in book one.
When Emberly seeks out Steel and tries to help him find his sister, things go horribly wrong and she is taken captive by Thorne, someone who is like her and has similar powers. She is curious about the way things work in Thorne's world while trying to figure out a way to escape back to the mortal realm. Thorne's control and power over the Fallen and Forsaken is uncanny and she finds herself unable to fully trust him. When the truth is revealed, can Emberly and Steel find a way back to each other before the unthinkable happens?
I really enjoyed the continuing story and cannot wait for what comes next. (Way to end the story on a bit of cliffhanger.) I found the progression in the relationship between Emberly and Steel to be slower than I would have preferred lol. The relationship between Emberly and Thorne was interesting but a bit annoying since I don't really like love triangles (this is not necessarily a true love triangle but it has hints of one). However, I really liked learning about Thorne, and the author does a good job of showing why he is the way he is. I did enjoy finding out more about Emberly's powers and her angel fire. Her abilities make her a threat to the entire theology built around the Fallen and Forsaken, which could literally change the world. I definitely did not see that coming.
Highly recommend if you enjoy YA fantasy with lots of action, mystery, humor, and some romance. (Especially if you enjoy animals that talk and drink Red Bull and like the interactions between siblings)
PG-13.
My thanks to the author for providing me with an ARC of the book. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own. No positive review was expected and no compensation received.
March 18, 2021
Book one was better..
The mc power was still stilted and nothing is great about her. The secondary ex girlfriend was more interesting than the mc. I mean the mc celestial guardian even preferred the ex. I think the author should have made the ex the mc since the heroine was portrayed as weak and with low self esteem.
The chemistry between the h was weak. It annoys me when the ex is made to be better than the mc. The relationship between the ex and h was even brought up as an on and off again from book one but wasn't explained. Maybe if the ex wasn't glorified as being hot, sexy, and badass the mc would have been more interesting?
Book one was about the the mc learning about herself but book two is pretty much about the twin sister of the h. I don't care for books that makes the ex better than the mc. The h was unlikable and the worst was the mc were constantly saving him from dying. Lost interest on this series. Weak plotline in my opinion.
The mc power was still stilted and nothing is great about her. The secondary ex girlfriend was more interesting than the mc. I mean the mc celestial guardian even preferred the ex. I think the author should have made the ex the mc since the heroine was portrayed as weak and with low self esteem.
The chemistry between the h was weak. It annoys me when the ex is made to be better than the mc. The relationship between the ex and h was even brought up as an on and off again from book one but wasn't explained. Maybe if the ex wasn't glorified as being hot, sexy, and badass the mc would have been more interesting?
Book one was about the the mc learning about herself but book two is pretty much about the twin sister of the h. I don't care for books that makes the ex better than the mc. The h was unlikable and the worst was the mc were constantly saving him from dying. Lost interest on this series. Weak plotline in my opinion.
October 4, 2022
The follow-up to Stealing Embers was perfect. I loved how it continued developing old characters, while adding new characters to the story. And when I got to see more of the spectrum world, I think I was fangirling inside.
At first I didn't really like reading the story in Steel's POV, him not being my favorite character, but once again I was caught up in the story and world-building. I still don't really like the romance between Emberly and Steel, mostly because I ship them with other characters, but the plot and other characters more than made up for that.
Overall, I like the book. But I did wish it was a bit longer, as I had so many unanswered questions after finishing the book. Hopefully book 3 will not disappoint.
At first I didn't really like reading the story in Steel's POV, him not being my favorite character, but once again I was caught up in the story and world-building. I still don't really like the romance between Emberly and Steel, mostly because I ship them with other characters, but the plot and other characters more than made up for that.
Overall, I like the book. But I did wish it was a bit longer, as I had so many unanswered questions after finishing the book. Hopefully book 3 will not disappoint.
April 17, 2023
Second book syndrome? Not for this book! This was a fabulous second installment in the series. Maybe one of the best I’ve read (besides Catching Fire). It moved the story along, was fast paced, and the writing was spot on for YA fantasy. All the events were logical and connected well to the first book and set up the third book well. I am SO enjoying this series. It really is addictive.
And the romance! Wow!! Such great chemistry while still being a clean read. I need someone to chat with about this series!
I felt like some explanations of the “villain’s” intentions would have helped. I was pretty confused on what he needed from Emberly and why she was important to him, therefore I could not give it a full 5 stars personally. But I loved this book!
And the romance! Wow!! Such great chemistry while still being a clean read. I need someone to chat with about this series!
I felt like some explanations of the “villain’s” intentions would have helped. I was pretty confused on what he needed from Emberly and why she was important to him, therefore I could not give it a full 5 stars personally. But I loved this book!
October 6, 2021
Forging Darkness is Book #2 in the Fallen Legacies Series. It did not disappoint. Sometimes when ou read book 2 in a series, it falls flat. THIS DID NOT! I am still kicking myself under the table that I did not read this sooner. The action is top notch, the slow burn romance is wonderful and the paranormal aspect of fallen angels is out of this world!
This book takes off exactly where book 1 ended. It flowed nicely and it was fun to be back with the gang again. It was also an introduction to new characters and I am excited to see where this will conclude in book 3. Julie hall makes reading these books so easy. Her style is flawless and super easy to read. There is not a lot of fluff where it doesn't need to be. I believe that if you give this series a try, you will fall in love as I have. This book gets 5 stars.!
This book takes off exactly where book 1 ended. It flowed nicely and it was fun to be back with the gang again. It was also an introduction to new characters and I am excited to see where this will conclude in book 3. Julie hall makes reading these books so easy. Her style is flawless and super easy to read. There is not a lot of fluff where it doesn't need to be. I believe that if you give this series a try, you will fall in love as I have. This book gets 5 stars.!
May 24, 2022
This definitely wasn't as good as the first one.
It took a little bit of catching up to recall what happened in the previous book, but using the Glossary in the back and reading through a few reviews helped jog my memory.
I think my biggest issue was the juvenile touch to the book - I would have liked an older feel, but most characters and descriptions read like younger teenagers, from their dialogue to characteristics.
I'll read the final book, because I'm curious about what happens, but this one was a little predictable.
It took a little bit of catching up to recall what happened in the previous book, but using the Glossary in the back and reading through a few reviews helped jog my memory.
I think my biggest issue was the juvenile touch to the book - I would have liked an older feel, but most characters and descriptions read like younger teenagers, from their dialogue to characteristics.
I'll read the final book, because I'm curious about what happens, but this one was a little predictable.
December 5, 2022
I loved this sequel so much. The plot got even more advanced in this one and I loved the new additions and discoveries. This series is quickly becoming one of my favorite angel series that I've ever read. I love all of the characters and that we got to see more relationships develop further in this one. I also loved learning more about the angel and forsaken worlds. We got so much important information and I can't wait to see what is done with it in the rest of the series. I love this book so much and I highly recommend it!
April 30, 2021
Absolutely love this series so far
Omg!!! There are not enough words for this series. I picked this book up because it was recommend and I'm so so glad I did. Emberley is growing and Steel can we just say stop being a man and do what your heart tells you. The adventure Julie takes you on is amazing. I was on my seat the whole time.
Omg!!! There are not enough words for this series. I picked this book up because it was recommend and I'm so so glad I did. Emberley is growing and Steel can we just say stop being a man and do what your heart tells you. The adventure Julie takes you on is amazing. I was on my seat the whole time.
did-not-finish
November 8, 2021Started 11/7/2021. Read 27 pages (4%). DNF on 11/8/2021.
I started this and realized I'm just no longer interested. There was nothing wrong with the first one, but I think I waited too long to continue the series and now I just don't care. So I'm putting it down for now. Maybe I'll finish it at some point, but I'm not holding my breath.
I started this and realized I'm just no longer interested. There was nothing wrong with the first one, but I think I waited too long to continue the series and now I just don't care. So I'm putting it down for now. Maybe I'll finish it at some point, but I'm not holding my breath.
February 28, 2021
Recommend this series so much.
August 6, 2025
Again not super memorable and it would have gotten a 2.5 stars but I enjoyed the ending enough to bump it up and the writing was less clunky.
January 11, 2021
Bless this beautiful book! I'm over the moon about this unputdownable sequel that does not disappoint! I'm feeling all the things and wondering what comes next!
Steel finally earns his redemption and I loved the tender and spicy moments he shares with Emberly. The protective vibes are pulsing pretty heavily and I'm delighted to bask in his presence!
Emberly is a character that you will quickly fall for and her friends have so many endearing qualities. Julie Hall has penned a stunning masterpiece!
The new characters are delightfully sneaky and villainish. You'll cheer to see them brought down. Though there are still many to vanquish! And I'm really looking forward to seeing the Forsaken and Fallen fall.
The twists is this are beautifully foreshadowed, but even so, some will still smack your face.
I'm excited and nervous and ready to read the next book! I need answers and more of these wonderfully written characters.
And can we just praise these gorgeous covers!? I want to stare at them all day! And the character art inside in glorious! There are so many beautiful reasons why you should pick this up! Which ever one grabs you the most, buckle up and enjoy this adventure, it gets dicey and bumpy and dicey and bumpy again!
Steel finally earns his redemption and I loved the tender and spicy moments he shares with Emberly. The protective vibes are pulsing pretty heavily and I'm delighted to bask in his presence!
Emberly is a character that you will quickly fall for and her friends have so many endearing qualities. Julie Hall has penned a stunning masterpiece!
The new characters are delightfully sneaky and villainish. You'll cheer to see them brought down. Though there are still many to vanquish! And I'm really looking forward to seeing the Forsaken and Fallen fall.
The twists is this are beautifully foreshadowed, but even so, some will still smack your face.
I'm excited and nervous and ready to read the next book! I need answers and more of these wonderfully written characters.
And can we just praise these gorgeous covers!? I want to stare at them all day! And the character art inside in glorious! There are so many beautiful reasons why you should pick this up! Which ever one grabs you the most, buckle up and enjoy this adventure, it gets dicey and bumpy and dicey and bumpy again!
February 15, 2021
Slower than the first book (which I loved), but still enjoyable. Feels like it took me half an age to get through this one.
February 6, 2021
really enjoyed the scenes between steel and emberly yet sometimes the book feels like it moves too slow. looking forward to the 3rd book and hopefully i like it more!
February 10, 2023
Where to start with how much I love this series?
No spoilers, but… the end. I did not see that coming.
What I liked…
The pace was perfect. A balance of fast and steady with cute moments in between the chaos which is my favourite kind of story.
More answers for Emberly. We needed some answers.
New threats to amp up the stakes.
Emberly and Steel are a super fun pair with their complex relationship.
What I didn’t like…
Hmm, it’s hard because there are still very vague things that have no reason to be vague at this point, but at the same time, something needs to wait for book 3 to be revealed. It’s complicated.
Final thoughts…
I cannot rave about this series enough. It’s a wild ride with fun magic, complex characters and questionable villains.
No spoilers, but… the end. I did not see that coming.
What I liked…
The pace was perfect. A balance of fast and steady with cute moments in between the chaos which is my favourite kind of story.
More answers for Emberly. We needed some answers.
New threats to amp up the stakes.
Emberly and Steel are a super fun pair with their complex relationship.
What I didn’t like…
Hmm, it’s hard because there are still very vague things that have no reason to be vague at this point, but at the same time, something needs to wait for book 3 to be revealed. It’s complicated.
Final thoughts…
I cannot rave about this series enough. It’s a wild ride with fun magic, complex characters and questionable villains.
January 30, 2021
Forging Darkness - Book 2 of the Falling Embers series - 5 dazzling starlights 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
This was good. This was really good! An enthralling and mesmerising urban fantasy. Forging Darkness has it all - Nephilim, dark villains, supernaturals, romance and epic battle scenes. Julie Hall’s penmanship is truly brilliant! Her writing grips you from the very first page. I thoroughly enjoyed it. This is fast becoming one of my favourite series.
Book one (Stealing Embers) was simply stunning and this one was even better! Totally Reverting and immersive!
Emberly and the group set off to find Steel and seek answers and end up facing something no one would’ve fathomed. We get to see a little inside of Steel’s mind, as the narrative shifts to his POV at times in this book, as he’s off on a quest to track down his not-so-dead twin sister - a forsaken. This search forces Steel to confront his inner darkness and seek redemption. Meanwhile, he has to confront his feelings for Emberly and she for him.
The story takes an intense turn - completely griping and heart-wrenching, with exciting plot twists and turns and wonderfully dynamic characters (heroes and villains) who will make you cry, laugh, hold your breath and scream.
The world building continues to grow and develop even further in this book and narrative is phenomenal!
The Romance is beyond swoon worthy! I love the dynamic between Emberly and Steel - their banter, their chemistry, the romantic tension between them - it’s all just so riveting. And then there’s the others such as Sterling and newbies such as Silver and Thorne. All together, these compelling characters will take you on a memorable journey.
If you are looking for another YA fantasy series about angles, demons, amazing characters and a unique premise and plot, then I highly recommend this series.
This was good. This was really good! An enthralling and mesmerising urban fantasy. Forging Darkness has it all - Nephilim, dark villains, supernaturals, romance and epic battle scenes. Julie Hall’s penmanship is truly brilliant! Her writing grips you from the very first page. I thoroughly enjoyed it. This is fast becoming one of my favourite series.
Book one (Stealing Embers) was simply stunning and this one was even better! Totally Reverting and immersive!
Emberly and the group set off to find Steel and seek answers and end up facing something no one would’ve fathomed. We get to see a little inside of Steel’s mind, as the narrative shifts to his POV at times in this book, as he’s off on a quest to track down his not-so-dead twin sister - a forsaken. This search forces Steel to confront his inner darkness and seek redemption. Meanwhile, he has to confront his feelings for Emberly and she for him.
The story takes an intense turn - completely griping and heart-wrenching, with exciting plot twists and turns and wonderfully dynamic characters (heroes and villains) who will make you cry, laugh, hold your breath and scream.
The world building continues to grow and develop even further in this book and narrative is phenomenal!
The Romance is beyond swoon worthy! I love the dynamic between Emberly and Steel - their banter, their chemistry, the romantic tension between them - it’s all just so riveting. And then there’s the others such as Sterling and newbies such as Silver and Thorne. All together, these compelling characters will take you on a memorable journey.
If you are looking for another YA fantasy series about angles, demons, amazing characters and a unique premise and plot, then I highly recommend this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 27, 2021
“Death isn’t powerful enough to extinguish the fire between us. This isn’t our end. If there’s anything I believe in, it’s that.”
Forging Darkness ☑️ I’m not often surprised by MCs. But here comes Emberly spitting fire 🔥 and rocking some serious gold attire. Let me explain.
If you’ve read a lot of fantasy series, you know what’s usually coming… book one takes its time with world building, MC and love interest throw some serious “mine” vibe but don’t really get on the same page. And then we get book two to test all of that… so when the “beautiful” new guy shows up pointing out “all the lies” her friends have told her, you start thinking “here we go… she’s gonna fall for it, develop feelings for the guy and doubt her relationship with the one she should be with.” Insert eye role. (Remember what I told before?! I don’t do love triangles well 🙈). BUT EMBERLY IS ONE KICK@SS NEPHILIM AND NO FOOL!!! I might have clapped when she started thinking: “yeah psychopaths can fake empathy” and “I bet if I ask if he would let me go, he will just give me a vague answer… yep, that’s exactly it.” I’m not sure who I love more: Emberly for being so non-cliche or Julie Hall for writing her that way. Regardless, I want to be Emberly or Emberly’s best friend. Whichever is easier 😎😁
And don’t get me started on Steel. His chapters gave me life. Life, people!!!!!! He is all we ever needed and can we please continue having his POV in book 3?! Now that I had it, I can’t go without 😭😩 speaking of book 3… there’s still so much of the plot we don’t know about that I might need to call off work tomorrow 🙈 5 stars ⭐️
P.S.: everybody’s obsessed with Sterling, right?! No?! Just me then 💃🏻
Forging Darkness ☑️ I’m not often surprised by MCs. But here comes Emberly spitting fire 🔥 and rocking some serious gold attire. Let me explain.
If you’ve read a lot of fantasy series, you know what’s usually coming… book one takes its time with world building, MC and love interest throw some serious “mine” vibe but don’t really get on the same page. And then we get book two to test all of that… so when the “beautiful” new guy shows up pointing out “all the lies” her friends have told her, you start thinking “here we go… she’s gonna fall for it, develop feelings for the guy and doubt her relationship with the one she should be with.” Insert eye role. (Remember what I told before?! I don’t do love triangles well 🙈). BUT EMBERLY IS ONE KICK@SS NEPHILIM AND NO FOOL!!! I might have clapped when she started thinking: “yeah psychopaths can fake empathy” and “I bet if I ask if he would let me go, he will just give me a vague answer… yep, that’s exactly it.” I’m not sure who I love more: Emberly for being so non-cliche or Julie Hall for writing her that way. Regardless, I want to be Emberly or Emberly’s best friend. Whichever is easier 😎😁
And don’t get me started on Steel. His chapters gave me life. Life, people!!!!!! He is all we ever needed and can we please continue having his POV in book 3?! Now that I had it, I can’t go without 😭😩 speaking of book 3… there’s still so much of the plot we don’t know about that I might need to call off work tomorrow 🙈 5 stars ⭐️
P.S.: everybody’s obsessed with Sterling, right?! No?! Just me then 💃🏻
January 26, 2021
Julie Hall has become one of my favorite authors. Her world creation twists and turns with unexpected surprises! Forging Darkness brings back my favorite characters, Emberly and Steel, and adds new ones who are shocking to the core.
The book opens just after Steel leaves to search for his younger sister. Her existence goes against everything he ever knew about those possessed by the Forsaken. She recognized him and hates him for his childhood betrayal.
Emberly, Steel’s family, and their friends are determined to rescue Steel from his certain death, but they don’t know where he’s gone?
When Emberly finally locates Steel, she is captured and thrown into a plush suite. Her jailer is Steel’s sister or is she? No one seems to be what they appear on the surface.
When taken to observe a gladiator style fight, Emberly watches as she discovers an angel born male, surrounded by Forsaken, fighting for his life or so she thinks. Leaping into the fray, she uses her poorly controlled powers to fight alongside of Thorne.
Thorne isn’t what he appears to be at all! And as Emberly learns she is also more than meets the eye. Who is telling the truth? Or is everyone’s understanding as warped as the Forsaken?
You are in for a rollercoaster ride of emotions and plot changes. Some discoveries are shocking and others brutal. The ending bursts onto the scene!
The book opens just after Steel leaves to search for his younger sister. Her existence goes against everything he ever knew about those possessed by the Forsaken. She recognized him and hates him for his childhood betrayal.
Emberly, Steel’s family, and their friends are determined to rescue Steel from his certain death, but they don’t know where he’s gone?
When Emberly finally locates Steel, she is captured and thrown into a plush suite. Her jailer is Steel’s sister or is she? No one seems to be what they appear on the surface.
When taken to observe a gladiator style fight, Emberly watches as she discovers an angel born male, surrounded by Forsaken, fighting for his life or so she thinks. Leaping into the fray, she uses her poorly controlled powers to fight alongside of Thorne.
Thorne isn’t what he appears to be at all! And as Emberly learns she is also more than meets the eye. Who is telling the truth? Or is everyone’s understanding as warped as the Forsaken?
You are in for a rollercoaster ride of emotions and plot changes. Some discoveries are shocking and others brutal. The ending bursts onto the scene!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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