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Empire of Angels #1

Claimed By Power

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So angels were real. And they were handsome and powerful and stern.

Thea Robinson has never needed anyone’s charity. Sure, her impoverished existence isn’t desired by most, but her ability to manipulate people’s emotions helps her to blend into the shadows of an unforgiving city. When hideous creatures threaten her life, a surly but gorgeous stranger shows up revealing a world she didn’t know existed. She refuses to put up with his rude, arrogant attitude, but how do you dismiss a warrior angel? And does she really want to when his stormy gaze sends delicious thrills straight to her core?

Cam is one of the most ruthless Power angels in the fight against evil. His devotion to kill demons has made him a celebrated warrior in the Angel Realm, even though his motivation stems from grief. When he is assigned to train and protect a half-angel just coming into her abilities, his rage is unparalleled. Until he realizes Thea isn’t like any others. She stirs a carnal passion in him that he can’t shake. He never counted on her being so beautiful… so fierce… so most definitely his.

Claimed by Power is the first book in the Empire of Angels series, a paranormal alpha angel romance series. If you’re a fan of alpha heroes, powerful heroines, paranormal worlds and destined mates, Zoey Ellis’ riveting, sexy tale is perfect for you.

About the end: Although this book can be read as a standalone, Cam and Thea’s story does continue over the next two books.

Sexual scenes and strong language included. Not suitable for readers under 18.

223 pages, Paperback

First published April 3, 2017

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969 people want to read

About the author

Zoey Ellis

31 books1,867 followers
Zoey Ellis is a Dark Romance author who unites Omegaverse and Epic Fantasy into intensely primal romances. With her signature blend of high steam, dark angst, and magical worlds, her work satisfies a thriving international community of bold-hearted, antihero lovers.

She lives in London, England, and spends most of her free time with family, collecting pretty fountain pen inks, and wrangling her TBR pile.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews
Profile Image for The Sassy Bookworm.
4,060 reviews2,868 followers
May 31, 2017
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descriptionI love yhis cover! Great representation of the book (obviously.) Fantastic composition. Nice typography with an eye-catching title. The light blue on the B&W background really makes it POP.description

descriptionI enjoyed this one. It was a good start to an ongoing series. It was well written and nicely paced. It had a fair bit of angst. Some hot sex scenes. There was a good amount of relationship and world building, so it takes the hero/heroine awhile to get together. I struggled a bit with that because it hindered me from feeling a connection to them as a couple for the first half the book. Their story is going to continue in the next book (and possibly the third one since book two will end in a cliffy), so there will be plenty of this couple for me connect with as the books go on.

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Both main characters were interesting. Alas, they were also incredibly frustrating at times. Communication wasn't their strong suit. Cam had a habit of running away angry and staying away for weeks (months) at a time. Thea had a habit of thinking Cam was trying to control her and overreacting. Unfortunately, that looks to be a continuing theme for book two, so I am already pulling up my big girl angst panties! The whole angel realm theme offers a plethora of opportunities for secondary characters and potential stories for them. I'd also love to see Thea's BFF get an angel mate of her own.

Like I said I really enjoyed this one and am looking forward to book two. Two thumbs up from yours truly.description

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Profile Image for Natalie  ~ The Biblioholic.
2,713 reviews1,419 followers
March 21, 2017
Summary:
Thea has started to see things. Ugly-looking demon things and no one else seems to see them. Like her life wasn't hard enough, right? Now she's seeing things. It becomes all too real when she's under attack and a gorgeous man comes to her rescue. But Cam isn't any ordinary man. He's the most ruthless of all the Power angels and has been tasked to train Thea on her new abilities. That's right, Thea isn't quite human either. She's half angel, a nephilim.

My Thoughts:
Thea was absolutely stubborn. One of those people who would cut off their own nose to spite their face. She was fiercely independent, understandably suspicious and distrustful. Add it all up and she annoyed me quite a bit in this story. But while there were times I wanted to reach in and shake her or gift her with a throat punch, I also admired her for the same characteristics that pissed me off. I happened to love Cam the most. I honestly couldn't get enough of him. He was a freaking powerful angel, a formidable and fearsome warrior, and came off as cold and unapproachable. What was there not to love? He had made a vow after his best friend's death to never mate, however, that was before the undeniable temptation that was Thea. And when he finally stopped fighting against the inevitable, he and Thea were explosive. In lust and in love, it was clear to this reader that these two belonged together. I can't wait to find out what happens next for them in book two. The preview made me a little leery and indubitably intrigued.

Release Date: April 3, 2017
Genre: PNR
POV: Dual - 3rd person
Steam: 4 out of 5
Book Type: Book 1 of The Empire of Angels series
Profile Image for TJ *Book Twins Reviews*.
1,185 reviews2,605 followers
April 7, 2017
This is a good start to a new series. The concept and storyline are engaging and new (at least to me). I was very intrigued and look forward to more of Cam and Thea's story!

Here's the breakdown: Thea's had a hard life. She does what she has to do to survive, which includes a few side jobs. During one such job, she notices strange creatures all around. She soon determines that other humans can't see them. Eventually, they attack and she uncovers the truth about the existence of Angels and Demons.

Here's what I enjoyed: For the most part, Thea is a kickass character. She's strong, independent, and fearless. I love strong heroines, so she was definitely a plus!
The tension between Cam and Thea. Holy hell, it was hot! I'm not always a fan of slow burn, but there was just the right amount of tension and longing between these two before they finally got together.
The storyline is new and refreshing. I haven't read much Angel/Demon fantasy romance so I really enjoyed the story.

Overall, a solid effort by a new to me author! I'll definitely read more. I rate it: 3.75 Stars
Profile Image for Snow.
2,323 reviews728 followers
March 21, 2017


3.75 "a natural mate" stars

First time I have read anything by this author, and to tell you the truth I always dive in when there's fantasy/paranormal read available or offered...so, this was intereasting to say the least, it wasn't a "knock you off of your feet" kinda story but it was a fast read, it had action, steamy sexy times, a little bit of angsty drama cause of the stubborness as a trade mark of both of the leading characters! But I had fun!

Elithea/Thea is living in a human world, not knowing her real origin until the events around her make her becoming aware of the "difference" in her. She's a Nephilim (half angel/half human) with powers unknown to any other being of her kind and she comes under the protection and training of the commanding hand of Camael/Cam a memeber of the Power Angels living in the Angel Realm, in order to prepare her for the "real job od Nephilims", fighting the demons that roam around the human world.
"Are you always at your best?"
"I told you, I'm the best there is."

What transpires between them is a natural connection, heat and steamy desire and even though Cam is fighting against it, he eventually falls deep and hard.
I will always need more,” Thea said with a smirk.
His eyes ran over her face, his eyes half-lidded with obvious desire. He put the glass on the bedside table and pulled her on top of him to straddle his hips.
“Then take what you need..

BUT what Cam sees as a normal natural urge and a thing not to dwell upon as it is simply inevitable, for Thea, as she was brought up in the human world, been hurt by men before, things might feel a bit overwhelming. She thinks differently about those same issues, even though she can't and won't deny the passion, desire and need for him BUT she resents his controling ways of conduct as she was burned before, hence the "angsty drama" which results in search for a stubborn distance from each other.

BUT not for long...
They come together, as they acknowledge the issues and offer compromises to one another...adn then the book ends, leaving us with a glimpse into the continuation of the second book, that takes us into the Angel Realm.


***ARC kindely provided by the author in exchange for an honest review***
Profile Image for Katy.
268 reviews76 followers
April 3, 2017
I just want to start out by saying man, that cover. So beautiful.
Now onto the review.
There was a lot to like here, but for me, it just wasn't enough.
The plot itself was great. Thea Robinson is the independent, feisty heroine that has the ability to manipulate people's emotions. She suddenly starts seeing things, nasty creatures that turn out to be a variety of demons. She finds out that she is Nephilim, a half human, half angel. Cam is a Power angel, a high ranking angel that fights demons. Cam's commander assigns him to properly train Thea so that she can begin fighting demons, as that is the job of the Nephilim. They don't get along at first, of course, and Cam finds himself attracted to her and loves that Thea has no problem with putting him in his place. It's a pretty standard PNR plot, but I really enjoyed the world building. Mostly.

I say mostly because there were there some problems. Why does someone with a paranormal gift find it so difficult to believe that there are angels? She's already seeing demons. There were inconsistencies that were so confusing. For example, in chapter eight, Cam tells Thea that his job is to help her learn to kill demons, because that is what Nephilim do. In the next chapter, Thea asks what would happen if she kills a demon, he tells her that Nephilim don't usually have the power to kill demons.



Cam, impressed with Thea's bravery and talent for fighting, thinks to himself that he had heard from other angels that Nephilim were know to be reluctant to fight at first, afraid of pain and death. That made me wonder why exactly it was their job to hunt demons. Especially considering other angels (such as Cam himself) kill demons as well. They seem more suited to the job. After training Thea for months, when she and Cam are finally fighting an actual demon, he has to tell her in the middle of it to avoid the demon's blood. Why didn't she know this? With a world as unique as this, a lot of explanation is needed. Perhaps it would have worked better as a full length novel. I wanted to know more. I thought this book did a wonderful job of putting a really original spin on an increasingly common sub-genre of PNR. What was there was interesting and exciting. It just wasn't enough.
I enjoyed the romance, but once again, I think it could have benefited from just more. The best part about “mate” romances is that it really gives permission for instalove. There is a legitimate reason for that all-powerful passionate attraction felt between two seemingly mismatched people. But there needs to be more. There needs to be the after, when they both realize that there is more to it than “because destiny”. I don't think the book really went into that enough. What reasons were given didn't feel like enough to justify the relationship, at least to me.
This book had a lot going for it, but in my opinion, it never really reached its full potential.

*ARC generously provided by the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Just a side note here, but doesn't amazon own goodreads? Could they not synchronize their rating system a bit better? It feels weird to leave two different star ratings for the same book. SO CONFUSING. Okay, now I'm done.
Profile Image for Denisa.
1,381 reviews332 followers
March 22, 2022
2.5 Booorrriiiinng!


Ok, maybe it wasn't the worst book ever. Maybe it's not even the book's fault, but my fault. Maybe I won't even give up on the rest of the series (haha, doubt that).

Buuuut, it was so, so BORING!

I can't remember anything that really happened, I just remember wanting to sleep throughout it. The writing was flat and the characters even flatter (is that a word?). True, the story has potential, but eh. Maybe it gets better after this book, maybe not.

Try it, I've seen people like this series. Not me, but eh. As I've said, maybe it's my overall meh mood. Unfortunately, the book didn't get me out of it, so maybe I'm not that far off, though, right?
Profile Image for Mandi.
2,354 reviews733 followers
April 3, 2017
Thea can invade people's emotions and manipulate them any way she pleases. She does this sometimes to get what she wants, sometimes feeling guilty but she tries to use her power only for good. When she sees horned, demon-like creatures following her one night, she is sure she must be hallucinating. But these creatures are real and she is in trouble.

Cam is an angel whose life goal is to kill demons. After losing his destined mate, Cam has turned his rage into fighting demons, making him one of the most skilled, and powerful angels around. When he is assigned to train Thea, a half-angel, half-human woman who has no idea what she is, Cam wants nothing to do with it. But duty calls, so he finds Thea and starts to train her in demon fighting ways. Along the way they fall for each other.

It's been a while since I read an angel book (maybe Nalini Singh's series is the only one I read?) so I decided to give this one a try. Unfortunately it didn't work that well for me. Cam is a big, alpha angel and Thea has moments of being kick-ass but we spend so much time training and training, and even more training, I got bored. Thea lives in a not so great neighborhood and is involved in some shady dealings - I wish that had been fleshed out more in this book to get a better picture of her life before Cam enters it.

I think months pass as Thea trains and I wanted more action or witty banter or something. While Cam is sexy and there are some very sexy moments in this book, I never felt like they fell in love. They have chemistry and there is a lot of sex...but no romance. I expected a lot more demon action and more courtship.

This one just didn't work well for me.

Grade: C
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews132 followers
Want to read
September 4, 2020
💝FREE on Amazon & on iBooks today (8/22/2018)!💝

Blurb:
So angels were real. And they were handsome and powerful and stern.

Thea Robinson has never needed anyone’s charity. Sure, her impoverished existence isn’t desired by most, but her ability to manipulate people’s emotions helps her to blend into the shadows of an unforgiving city. When hideous creatures threaten her life, a surly but gorgeous stranger shows up revealing a world she didn’t know existed. She refuses to put up with his rude, arrogant attitude, but how do you dismiss a warrior angel? And does she really want to when his stormy gaze sends delicious thrills straight to her core?

Cam is one of the most ruthless Power angels in the fight against evil. His devotion to kill demons has made him a celebrated warrior in the Angel Realm, even though his motivation stems from grief. When he is assigned to train and protect a half-angel just coming into her abilities, his rage is unparalleled. Until he realizes Thea isn’t like any others. She stirs a carnal passion in him that he can’t shake. He never counted on her being so beautiful… so fierce… so most definitely his.

Claimed by Power is the first book in the Empire of Angels series, a paranormal alpha angel romance series. If you’re a fan of alpha heroes, powerful heroines, paranormal worlds and destined mates, Zoey Ellis’ riveting, sexy tale is perfect for you.

About the end: Although this book can be read as a standalone, Cam and Thea’s story does continue over the next two books.
Profile Image for L. Jacobs.
Author 1 book118 followers
April 4, 2017
I really enjoyed this, I'm not usually into angels but I'de definitely give Cam a go or two ;) Thea hasn't had the easiest life and her trust in Cam doesn't come easy, he's a power angel assigned to train her to become even more of a badass Nephilim (half human, half angel) but she's always had to be independent, she doesn't like taking orders from the beautiful jerk. I won't give anything away, just read it!
Profile Image for Theresa.
3,566 reviews
April 6, 2018
Loved Cam and disliked Thea. Weak fated mate attraction. Not much relationship development. Great sex. Neat fight scenes. Cliff hanger ending for next installment.
Profile Image for Pianka *call me PIU*.
414 reviews
June 30, 2018
Are you hankering for an alpha hero with badass attitude, “heavenly” bod and killer looks who can melt your insides with one flick of his finger? If Yes, then you are in the right place, my friends. One alpha-angel/badass-hero coming right up. And to up the game in the whole badass front, we have a heroine who knows and especially loves to kick some demon ass. And yeah, you definitely call such a pair “A match made in heaven”, which apparently they are. So yeah, I totally loved this action packed angel romance very much.

Elithea or Thea as she prefers to go by is a survivor. She is fiercely independent and does her best to keep her life on the right track. On her 22nd birthday, life as she knows it changes when she encounters a world she had no idea existed. Suddenly she can see huge, ugly horned creatures when nobody else can. When one such creature attacks her, she is rescued by an honest to god angel, wings and all.

Cam is a power angel who has been tasked by his higher ups to help Thea, guide and train her. Cam is not interested in babysitting a nephilim, he much rather crash demon heads. But then the feisty girl slowly burrows under his skin as their training session goes on.

Thea is thrilled by her new powers and along with them grows her attraction towards Cam. She has no idea if he likes her back but the crackling awareness whenever they are around each other is not something to scoff at.

Both Cam and Thea are unsure of the ever-growing intense attraction between them. As the training continues and Thea gets more stronger and powerful than Cam had ever expected, he gets hit by some life-altering facts that changes his existence as well. Thea becomes more important to him than he could have ever imagined and he finally plunges into the attraction/lust that was simmering between them from the get go.

I enjoyed reading this quick and sexy read. Demon-hunting angels with major wing-action, magic and enough other-worldly feel makes this book very enjoyable. I liked the setting of Cam’s angel realm. The description of it was not enough in my opinion to totally get into it but the story in this book happens mostly in the human world so hopefully there will be more in the later books as the setting moves from the human world to the angel world.

As much as I enjoy badass alpha heroes, I get more bowled over when the heroine is just as adept in kicking asses and that’s just what I got here. Thea is brilliant with her feisty attitude and innate sensuality. She is deadly as well as sexy as all hell. You have got to agree with me, that’s a killer combination. Thea hates to rely on someone else or be the damsel in distress. She has been hurt in the past and she is reluctant in trusting men. But she couldn’t help fall for her angel.

Cam is a warrior on a mission. Thea starts off more as a nuisance to him but that quickly changes as he falls in love and she becomes his entire world. And that’s when the magic happens or shall I say the passion explodes on page and we experience the steamy goodness of angel-loving. It’s HOT and you won’t want to miss it at any cost.

This story works as a great start off to this series which will follow Cam and Thea’s future as a powerhouse angel-couple who kills demons for a living. Also there is the thing about Thea’s birth mom and her source of immense power which remains a mystery to them both in this book. The author sufficiently hints to something big buried in Thea’s lineage which will be a major plotline in the future books.

The plot is fast paced with action, passion, romance and of course some pretty rad demon killing mixed in it. It held my interest to the end. There were many lingering questions about Thea’s past and also her and Cam’s future in the angel realm but it just acts as a great enticer to read the series. Besides the principal characters, we also meet Zak, Cam’s commander who I have a feeling will play a major role in the next books. Also there was Thea’s best friend, Amber whose toxic relationship with her boyfriend lends a major plot point in this book.

Overall this was a fun, fast-paced and hell of an enjoyable read. I am looking forward to follow Thea and Cam’s story.
Profile Image for Carole Ann.
617 reviews
June 2, 2018
3.5 Stars. Good world building. But I wasn’t crazy about the heroine. She annoyed me periodically throughout the series, and it did impact my enjoyment of the books. But I am not sorry I read them, interesting worlds. Even if author continues the series with another couple, I probably won’t continue reading it though.
Profile Image for Varied Books.
1,186 reviews55 followers
decided-not-to-read
July 20, 2017
7/20/17 Ammy sale .99

Pass I don't think I will like the h.
Profile Image for Maureen.
338 reviews
February 24, 2019
Horrible. This book went nowhere. The writing was elementary and I cringed every time the author used the p-word — gag.

Thea’s character was horribly underdeveloped. Supposedly she had a lackluster childhood and started working for gangs to make ends meet. Really? A pretty young woman from the wrong side of the tracks does odd jobs for gangbangers and walks away alive? Unbelievable. Her ability to control emotions was interesting but was not utilized in her training, development or the overall storyline

It’s not worth wasting words or time discussing Cam’s character. The development and backstory of this character was so poorly created I’m not sure where I could even start in a review of him. I’m just thankful it was a short book so I could read it, forget it and move on.
Profile Image for E.M. Courier.
Author 10 books101 followers
May 25, 2018
Thea and Cam's book is romantic and sexy. Their journey begins with Thea finding out she's half-angel, and powerful warrior, Cam, has to train her. I'm excited for book 2, I read Zoey Ellis' alpha/omega series and was in love and was desperate to continue reading reading the authors works. When I saw this series I was quick to purchase the first book and was pleased to find out this book emits an equally satisfying feeling I had when I read her previous alpha series. When reading her books it's easy to put yourself in the characters shoes; going through the same emotions. Also, picturing the leading male character is stress relieving if you know what I mean...Cam is described as a tall, brooding, muscular, warrior who is serious and dedicate to the job(of killing demons)... The storyline and world building in this series is fascinating. Never have been a big fan of angel stories, but this will be one of my favorites!
Profile Image for Mona Livsey.
376 reviews3 followers
December 23, 2019
An interesting read about two strong Alpha characters that continuously fight against one are even when they both have feelings for the other. This is written from both characters prospectives and gets a bit jumbled for me. It has a lot of good, characters, storyline and ideal, but I got a bit lost is some places.
Profile Image for Angie Harvey.
726 reviews5 followers
April 4, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. I really enjoy PNR and this was different than anything else I've read. I liked that there was more to it than a romance, I liked the fact that there was combat and more of a purpose than love. Zoey, you did such a good job! I can't for the next book!!!
Profile Image for Dawn West.
538 reviews43 followers
April 3, 2017

**Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book.**

A powerful warrior angel meets a fiery woman and the results are explosive!



Thea is barely holding it together. Her apartment is shabby, the work she's doing isn't exactly inspiring, and her best friend is the only real family she has left. But Thea does have a secret. She has the power to reach into people's minds and help to alter their emotions. It's not a cure-all to her problems, but it's something. That is, until she begins to see supernatural beings that no one else does...

Cam isn't happy to be tasked with training a half-angel who is just coming into her powers. He's even more irritated with the woman flat out refuses to listen to him. His new charge is feisty, independent,
and constantly rubs him the wrong way. It isn't just his patience that's wearing thin. His desire for her is becoming stronger than he could have ever predicted.

Eventually, Thea warms up to her training and Cam warms up to her. Their fighting together helps to strengthen their bond and their attraction to each other becomes undeniable. Yet, while this new and more sensual relationship is fulfilling in many ways, it comes with problems and leaves them both with questions about their future together. Oh, and there are also some demons to vanquish along the way. Lots of demons.

This book was a fun ride with ups and downs, hot and cold, light and heavy, a roller coaster of emotion. The start was a little shaky for me while I tried to get a feel for the characters but soon I was soaring through the digital pages and itching for our couple to finally come together. And when they did? Hello, fireworks.

This was a novella but I didn't feel as if it needed to be longer, as I sometimes do when reading shorter books. There was enough time for me to grow to care for our couple and plenty of character development happening. The angel and demon battles were sprinkled throughout the story with just the right amount of gore.

But the plot wasn't all fast-paced action, all the time. There was actually more down-time than anything. But in those quiet moments was when Cam and Thea's relationship really began to take form. Their not-always-so-subtle glances and the sensual tension that continued to pile up between them made for a really steamy read. The love scenes were incredibly hot and satisfying. For everyone. *wink*

In closing...
The ending left me smiling, but there is a hint of trouble on the way for our happy couple in the next book. For this installment, five demon-slaying suns!

Full review on blog: http://uptildawnbookblog.blogspot.com/2017/04/review-claimed-by-power-by-zoey-ellis.html
Profile Image for Urban Fairy Godmother  aka... Jolene .
221 reviews35 followers
January 20, 2018
Great story, but...

Let me start by saying I love the books concept, and the author is a great writer. The story also has two main characters she shifts between from chapter to chapter, and I love when a writer uses that device, it gives me a better feel and understanding of the characters emotional journey. Here are my issues with the book, and this is what had me almost refusing to finish it on multiple occasions (if it hadn't been for the great writing and interesting story and concept, I might have): While I loved reading from Cam's point of view, it was often difficult to deal with Thea's personality from time to time. My main two problems are, one, the author makes Thea almost too unlikable in certain parts. With a character like Thea it should have been easier to side with her, but instead I often found myself feeling sorry that Cam even liked her. I understand being a hardened street rat, but that's not what I saw, instead Thea came across more spiteful and downright bitchy at times. The second issue is Thea supposedly being a street rat, but when that trait is needed she forgoes using it to instead have a crippling emotional tantrum. I know I sound harsh, but I truly almost quit reading on three separate occasions because of it. I understand the need for conflict in a story, I just feel it was just overdone in parts and sadly, because of that, I may or may not read the next two books. Still, what kept me reading was Cam's character, the great writing and plot, and delicious, but not too over the top or overdone sex scenes. So, please read it and judge for yourself, you may be able to ignore Thea's character flaws more than me, perhaps I'm biased because I know a lot of street rats, just know, my score and view isn't because the author wrote a bad book.
Profile Image for Allie Angi.
223 reviews13 followers
November 30, 2019
I could not put it down. I inhaled this book like the very air I need to survive. The moment Cam sees Thea it was instant volcanic fires. That is how deep this book burned. I loved the whole concept behind the book; angels and demons exist and so do nephilim, half-human and half-angel, stronger than humans but weaker angels. Cam is a Power Angel and his type of angels take down demons, killing and vanquishing them from earth. However Cam has been handed a special assignment; to train a certain nephilim and once she has completed her basic training on how to use her powers he is free to go back to his destroyer angel ways. Except Thea is no ordinary nephilim and he can't seem to keep his control when he is around her. The electrifying attraction between them is mutual and it isn't long before they both succumb to their carnal desires and give in to the lust that flares whenever they come in contact. Cam is the first to notice that Thea is not only a unique nephilim but that she is unique to him, someone that no other being can be for him. Thea struggles with how elusive Cam can be, while she utterly enjoys their passionate love making, she wants to know that Cam will not play with her feelings. Before either of them can clear the air, evil takes center stage in Thea's life and now Cam must make a tough decision. What will happen with Thea and Cam..... aaahhhh I can't wait for the next book!!!
Profile Image for Steph.
2,157 reviews305 followers
September 4, 2017
✮✮½

The plot was pretty standard for a PNR, but still interesting. However, there were too many WTH inconsistent moments for me to give this one a 3-star review. For instance, our MC has always had certain abilities, suddenly able to see demons has a hard time believing angels exist; she's told her job will be to kill demons then we learn her type usually don't have the power to kill demons; she's trained and kills demons then she's warned to avoid demon blood.

Much of the book (serial?) was the same - great potential, but unfulfilled. At the end, the author notes that this book can be read as a stand alone, but I wouldn't recommend it. It didn't feel complete to me, more like a serial that may be best read in sequential order once all are released. She also noted the second book (Ruined By Power) ends in a cliffhanger, if anyone's reading these one at a time.
Profile Image for Nessa.
3,924 reviews71 followers
July 7, 2019
A SOLID 3.5 STARS FOR THE ENTIRE TRILOGY!

I STILL ENJOYED ELLIS'S ALPHA OMEGA SERIES. THIS ONE PALED IN COMPARISON BECAUSE IT HAD AN ANNOYING HEROINE WHO WAS A BIT BIPOLAR TO ME. I PREFERRED THE AUTHOR'S HEROINES IN HER OTHER SERIES.

HERO was your typical hot, powerful and broody alpha angel male. Cam is a power angel who is tasked to rid the world of demons and such, he's basically the brute force. When he is assigned to train a Nephilim who not only takes his breath away but stirs his passion and heart? Hes not happy about it. And what is more? It seems she's his natural mate and if there is one signature feel to this series? Ellis always makes the couple struggle to become one when it comes to dealing with complications and dilemmas. A mating between angel and Nephilim is not favoured so the odds were already against them. Adding in the heroine's questionable parentage? It creates a divide. I could see that Cam truly wants to be with her, he struggles to adapt with a new mate in his life after the death of his would be mate Karaya. I would chalk it up to the fact that Cam has always done things and made decisions singularly so it is hard for him to change his ways with a mate in consideration. This causes them both to fight often. Cam's character was quite complex and at least not 2D and he's definitely flawed but at least he does try desperately.

HEROINE was annoying to me because of the brave pants she keeps trying to wear but fail and it pisses me off when she's just being a bitch to Cam. I want to think that I'm being biased but when she irked me about three times? I just knew it was just HER and not me. I can't quite put my finger on how Ellis's heroine here is different from the alpha omega heroines but I am just going to think it's because this was one of her earlier series. Anyway, the heroine was pretty caveman about her independence and while I got it, she didn't have to be so sensitive and bitchy about it. She's also one moment panting for Cam and yes they do have a communication problem, but she has serious trust issues that damaged their relationship more than she realises. Towards the end when Cam did something to ruin her trust in him (not cheating by the way), she becomes afraid and their relationship nearly broke off until I found out that a darker villain is at play. Thank god for that if not I would have totally hated the heroine.

OVERALL there was a lot of angel politics in here that was heavy on the brain becuase we had to understand this fictional world the author created. Was it good? It was okay, nothing that will blow your mind or urge you to want to devour the three books fanatically. Characters did leave a lot to be desired now that I reflect upon it. But since I'm an Ellis fan, it was no harm to check this one off my to read list.
Profile Image for SBee Reviews.
2,656 reviews82 followers
March 22, 2018
Review Rating: 4.0 out of 5 stars

"Interesting first dip into this author’s world of the Angel Realm"

This is the first book of the Empire of Angels series written by Zoey Ellis, and I enjoyed this author’s world of the Creator, the Dominion League and Power angels, and their responsibilities to the human world. Camael/“Cam” was assigned to use his combat experience to train a newly discovered Nephilim named Elithea/“Thea”, against his every wish. Little did he realize, though that his attraction was going to war with his sense of duty and a vow made in his past. He did not want to be deterred from his dedication to his purpose, especially by a mere Nephilim.

Thea was just discovering a whole new world out there, made known to her when she spots what had to be otherworldly creatures, red beast men. And unfortunately, her usually “persuasive” abilities did not work on them. She meets a Power angel, an elite angel, and she learns much and quickly from this millennia-hardened warrior, but he keeps her at arms length even though there is clearly a strong attraction between them. Until one day, it was just too much for him to handle, and his self-imposed barriers were broken down, but the warring was still ever-present in his heart. What happens to the strength of duty versus love, especially when you have a realm to protect?

When you mix a life-weary warrior with a comparatively young twenty-two-year old, there is bound to be some misunderstanding and clash of outlooks on life. But then throw in an old vow and a delicate new love and a secret, you are going to have an interesting story! Their story will be continued in the next two books.
Profile Image for Kerry Ann.
579 reviews8 followers
February 14, 2024
“Claimed by Power” is really act one of a three act (book) story. In the “Empire of Angels” Zoey Ellis returns to a tried and true format she’s seemed to developed, following a single couple/ story line threw the publishing of three novels and some 700 (give or take 100) pages. Don’t get me wrong. I’m not complaining, as the read I’ve loved the more detailed journeys she’s taking us on.

Cam is a Dominion or Power Angel. The special forces/ rock stars of the celestial heavens. He’s been tasked with training Thea a half-angel, not an assignment usually considered a good use of a powers time. Not surprisingly our grumpy hero isn’t thrilled.

However it isn’t long before odd things start occurring and it becomes very obvious that Thea is no run of the mill 1/2 angel. It doesn’t help that spark never fail when these two are in a room together. Cam initially fights his attraction. Fails miserably and then just as he’s finally resigned to accept the gift of love the universe has sent his way now needs to fight to protect from allowing circumstances from pulling them apart.

I really enjoyed the series having two of my fav ingredients. 1) a strong female lead in Thea. Our leading lady is not going to stand on the sidelines and hope that the world sorts itself out. She’s going to wade right in and fight along side her power angel. And 2) a strong protective leading man. One who knows the distinction between support and smother.


Book 1: Claimed by Power - 4⭐️
Book 2: Ruined by Power - 3.5 ⭐️
Book 3: Awakened by Power - 4⭐️


2,157 reviews14 followers
February 2, 2018
Elithea Robinson graduated from the school of hard knocks and has learned not to trust anyone. So when a handsome stranger rescues her from grotesque beasts that attacked her, Thea is wary. Warrior angel Camael is furious when he finds out he's been assigned to train the Nephilim Thea and is surprised when Thea tells him she doesn't need to be saved and refuses to train with him. Thea finally agrees to train with Cam just to get the Angel Realm to leave her alone. As Cam gets to know the incredibly beautiful Thea, he start falling for her. The feeling is mutual and Cam and Thea become intimate. When Cam realises he wants to mate with Thea during a meeting with his commander, he heads off to seek permission to mate with a Niphilim. Thea thinks that Cam left her and takes out her anger on him when he returns. Cam feels hurt and tells her "If you don't want to be with me, just say it!" before leaving. Is this the end for Cam and Thea?

Zoey Ellis delivers an action-packed, angsty and steamy story that will have you rooting for the hero and heroine to get together. I can't wait to read Ruined By Power (Book 2) to find out what happens to Cam and Thea.
789 reviews3 followers
September 9, 2025
Learning lessons by MeemsAngel82

Alphas, Omegas, Dragons...and now Angels? Serve me some more!! I was excited to learn that Zoey was doing an Angel book because a steamy angel story sounded good to me. This was written well and this had some unique characteristics and details of her very own unique Angelverse. The chemistry is great and these two know how to fight it out. She is a strong female and he is a strong male, together they can work or they can go toe to toe.

They have great differences and personalities to overcome. But they are going to get closer than they would ever think.

If I had her gifts then yes, I would be very worried. She sees things and oh my...if that's only part of it then kudos to her because I'd be checking my mental health. Or at the very least visiting my eye doctor! The world they are in is amazing. I want more details and I know we'll be getting them soon because Zoey doesn't leave me hanging. I literally cannot put her books down and might snap if interrupted, lol. This was an amazing start and with chemistry like they have I can't wait for part 2!
Profile Image for Carol 27.
1,093 reviews
November 24, 2019
Thea has grown up struggling to keep safe and make ends meet while living in a gang-filled neighbourhood. Thinking she’s seen some pretty scary things over the years, she’s not prepared for the glowing, red monsters she now sees everywhere. Unaware of her true heritage, she wonders if she’s going mad. Cam is a warrior angel, with a dominant, arrogant attitude and a ruthless, fearsome reputation in battle. Fighting demons is a piece of cake – dealing with Thea’s belligerent demeanor as he tries to train her is something else entirely. I enjoyed the push and pull between Thea and Cam. His dominance was well matched by her stubbornness. I also liked how Thea’s confidence blossomed through the discovery of her Nephilim talents and the badass skills she acquired. The story is well written with some action and adventure, violence, drama, suspense, plus a few surprises along with some steamy encounters. I’m looking forward to the continuation of Thea and Cam’s story in Ruined by Power.

I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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