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Maelstrom Chronicles #1
Defender
Defiant savior....
Alien soldier Gregori has one final mission: save Earth from the demons threatening to destroy it. He doesn’t care if he survives as long as he does his best to save a world he believes is worth rescuing despite his superiors’ conventional wisdom to the contrary—until, that is, he meets Adelita, a human refugee, whose spirit and determination give him a renewed reason to fight. And live. He’s falling for her, despite the fact he’s told her nothing but lies and there can’t possibly be a future for them.
Adelita can hardly believe the archangel Gregori, sent to save mankind, has lost his faith and his edge. After he saves her from a demon attack, she vows to help him recover both, by any means necessary. But can she keep her own faith when she learns the truth about who and what Gregori really is?
Alien soldier Gregori has one final mission: save Earth from the demons threatening to destroy it. He doesn’t care if he survives as long as he does his best to save a world he believes is worth rescuing despite his superiors’ conventional wisdom to the contrary—until, that is, he meets Adelita, a human refugee, whose spirit and determination give him a renewed reason to fight. And live. He’s falling for her, despite the fact he’s told her nothing but lies and there can’t possibly be a future for them.
Adelita can hardly believe the archangel Gregori, sent to save mankind, has lost his faith and his edge. After he saves her from a demon attack, she vows to help him recover both, by any means necessary. But can she keep her own faith when she learns the truth about who and what Gregori really is?
Unknown Binding
First published January 27, 2014
21 people are currently reading
163 people want to read
About the author
Jody Wallace
47 books158 followersJody Wallace’s 30+ titles include sf/f romance, paranormal romance, and contemporary romance. Her fiction features diverse protagonists, action, adventure, and humor. Her readers frequently comment on her great characters, suspenseful stories, and intriguing and creative world building. When describing her methods, Jody says: “There are two sides to every story. I aim to tell the third. And I add cats regardless.”
Outside of her fiction career, Jody has employed her Master’s Degree in Creative Writing to work as a college English instructor, technical documents editor, market analyst, web designer, and all around pain in the butt.
Outside of her fiction career, Jody has employed her Master’s Degree in Creative Writing to work as a college English instructor, technical documents editor, market analyst, web designer, and all around pain in the butt.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
September 5, 2016
After reading the second book in this series it made me really want to read the first one, too! After publishing my review of ‘Traitor’ I was offered the opportunity to read and review the first book in the Maelstrom Chronicles series - and I jumped at the chance!
From the very start, this is an action packed apocalyptical scenario where demons are threatening life on earth as we know it and only with the help of the humanoid aliens posing as angels is there any chance of saving humanity. The blurb makes the plot seem straightforward but don’t be misled, it is anything book. This is a well constructed series, with characters that grow and develop as you become more familiar with them and their roles. Adelita has decided to thwart authorities endeavouring to move the population and try to visit all the places on her ‘bucket list’ before she dies. She’s feisty, rebellious, determined and independent - a brilliant character! Then she meets Gregori, the leader of the aliens who are endeavouring to save humanity, guided by ‘Ship’, the computer on their space craft who seems more than a little sentient -there’s a sub plot regarding Ship, too.
This is a well crafted science fiction romance with complex characters, interwoven, intriguing plot and a ‘shouldn’t be happening’ romance. It was a real page turner and filled in many of the gaps I hadn’t realised existed when I read the next book in the series before this. Now I understand so much more that I didn’t realise I can’t wait to read the third book in the series! I have no hesitation in highly recommending this series but do recommend you read them in the correct sequence! I’m going to re-read ‘Traitor’ again before reading the third novel, ‘Prodigal’ . . . .
I was gifted a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.
From the very start, this is an action packed apocalyptical scenario where demons are threatening life on earth as we know it and only with the help of the humanoid aliens posing as angels is there any chance of saving humanity. The blurb makes the plot seem straightforward but don’t be misled, it is anything book. This is a well constructed series, with characters that grow and develop as you become more familiar with them and their roles. Adelita has decided to thwart authorities endeavouring to move the population and try to visit all the places on her ‘bucket list’ before she dies. She’s feisty, rebellious, determined and independent - a brilliant character! Then she meets Gregori, the leader of the aliens who are endeavouring to save humanity, guided by ‘Ship’, the computer on their space craft who seems more than a little sentient -there’s a sub plot regarding Ship, too.
This is a well crafted science fiction romance with complex characters, interwoven, intriguing plot and a ‘shouldn’t be happening’ romance. It was a real page turner and filled in many of the gaps I hadn’t realised existed when I read the next book in the series before this. Now I understand so much more that I didn’t realise I can’t wait to read the third book in the series! I have no hesitation in highly recommending this series but do recommend you read them in the correct sequence! I’m going to re-read ‘Traitor’ again before reading the third novel, ‘Prodigal’ . . . .
I was gifted a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.
August 23, 2016
My first book by this author and I'm not really sure how to start this review . It's not exactly what I expected but that doesn't mean I didn't enjoy it far from it. A story that initially was a little hard to understand but which luckily gathered pace and made sense as I read on. I found this book to be riveting and didn't want to put it down until finished.
Imagine aliens traveling through space in ships always trying to prevent a demon like race from destroying planets and their inhabitants . These human like aliens are technologically advanced but still struggle to wholly prevent the destruction taking place. They arrive at Earth and assume the guises of Angels as they feel humans will find the idea of Gods holy army coming to fight demons easier to understand. Nothing is quite what it seems and unfortunately plans go awry leaving devestation behind.
Gregori has spent his life fighting the Demons and obeying the code that his people follow but the idea of leaving the humans to their destruction seems so wrong to him. He's always done as he's told but this time it's different.Determined to do what little he can he disobeys orders and remains on Earth to fight. He meets Adelita who turns out to be the bravest and most infuriating female that he's ever encountered . Adelita had almost given up on life but finding the angel who turns out to be far from angelic makes her want to fight for life and her planet. All they have is hope but maybe just maybe they can destroy the incoming wormhole and save what's left of mankind. Gregori won't just give up but he's not been told everything and secrets are all about to be revealed !
As I first mentioned I didn't quite get this initially and then boy did it get interesting. This is very well written and the two main characters just bounced off each other! Adelita may have been shocked to discover Gregoris disguise but it didn't take her long to deal with it! She's a very feisty Latino woman and made the story for me. Although I can't dismiss the gorgeous Gregori because they truly do seem deserving of each other.
There's lots going on in what is really a book about an alien invasion but the author managed to crank up the suspense whilst not forgetting to include both action and romance.
Did I enjoy it? Yes. Would I recommend it? Hell yes! Is Gregori an angel? Definitely not!
Imagine aliens traveling through space in ships always trying to prevent a demon like race from destroying planets and their inhabitants . These human like aliens are technologically advanced but still struggle to wholly prevent the destruction taking place. They arrive at Earth and assume the guises of Angels as they feel humans will find the idea of Gods holy army coming to fight demons easier to understand. Nothing is quite what it seems and unfortunately plans go awry leaving devestation behind.
Gregori has spent his life fighting the Demons and obeying the code that his people follow but the idea of leaving the humans to their destruction seems so wrong to him. He's always done as he's told but this time it's different.Determined to do what little he can he disobeys orders and remains on Earth to fight. He meets Adelita who turns out to be the bravest and most infuriating female that he's ever encountered . Adelita had almost given up on life but finding the angel who turns out to be far from angelic makes her want to fight for life and her planet. All they have is hope but maybe just maybe they can destroy the incoming wormhole and save what's left of mankind. Gregori won't just give up but he's not been told everything and secrets are all about to be revealed !
As I first mentioned I didn't quite get this initially and then boy did it get interesting. This is very well written and the two main characters just bounced off each other! Adelita may have been shocked to discover Gregoris disguise but it didn't take her long to deal with it! She's a very feisty Latino woman and made the story for me. Although I can't dismiss the gorgeous Gregori because they truly do seem deserving of each other.
There's lots going on in what is really a book about an alien invasion but the author managed to crank up the suspense whilst not forgetting to include both action and romance.
Did I enjoy it? Yes. Would I recommend it? Hell yes! Is Gregori an angel? Definitely not!
February 23, 2018
I've been sitting on this one since I was lucky enough to win a copy, but finally picked it up and whew, what a ride! Parts sci-fi and parts post-apocalyptic and all exciting with a dash of romance. This was a refreshing take on angels and demons.
Angeli started out on an epic battle at the end of the world for earth or 'terran' as the alien people known to humans as the angeli called it. Angeli came to stop a demonic alien race from eating their way through earth's human souls, but somehow the usual game plan didn't work. Gregori defies the rules of his people and stays around to fight on behalf of the hapless humans.
Gregori is no angel, but he's good just as Adelita has an inner strength and forces Gregori to question and challenge what he's always been taught. Something is going on- a conspiracy involving Gregori's people and what's going on, and this discovery just notches up the intensity all the more.
My favorite part of post-apoc stories is the gritty, survival fight for all the marbles and this story was no exception. I liked the characters, but it is the intensity that I preferred. It was fun as feisty Adelita figures out quickly that Gregori is no angel, but they are good for each other. She's pushy and loud and very stubborn, but she's just what is needed to save the world.
Nicholas, another angeli, is another complex and fascinating character and I can't wait to see what comes next with him because Angeli is only the first installment of the series.
All in all, this was a great start to a series with stellar world building and had some good action, intriguing twists, and romance.
Angeli started out on an epic battle at the end of the world for earth or 'terran' as the alien people known to humans as the angeli called it. Angeli came to stop a demonic alien race from eating their way through earth's human souls, but somehow the usual game plan didn't work. Gregori defies the rules of his people and stays around to fight on behalf of the hapless humans.
Gregori is no angel, but he's good just as Adelita has an inner strength and forces Gregori to question and challenge what he's always been taught. Something is going on- a conspiracy involving Gregori's people and what's going on, and this discovery just notches up the intensity all the more.
My favorite part of post-apoc stories is the gritty, survival fight for all the marbles and this story was no exception. I liked the characters, but it is the intensity that I preferred. It was fun as feisty Adelita figures out quickly that Gregori is no angel, but they are good for each other. She's pushy and loud and very stubborn, but she's just what is needed to save the world.
Nicholas, another angeli, is another complex and fascinating character and I can't wait to see what comes next with him because Angeli is only the first installment of the series.
All in all, this was a great start to a series with stellar world building and had some good action, intriguing twists, and romance.
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July 9, 2022🎁 FREE on Amazon today (7/9/2022)! 🎁
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April 22, 2023Purch Amz July 9, 2022
August 11, 2021
I was hoping for a great science fiction story without a lot of sex. From the blurb, I figured it could go either way so I took a chance and accepted a copy in exchange for an honest review.
So, the story itself was good. There are a lot of unanswered questions, but there are two more books in the series so I'm willing to wait for answers. I really liked the idea of an alien race trying to protect the earth from this invasion of soul sucking shades and demons. I even liked the meshing of ideas that hinted at the "code" being like Star Trek's prime directive and the crazy computer Hal from 2001 A Space Odyssey. Actually, I loved when Adelita made her "Hal/Not Hal" list. The action was good, the fighting was good, the writing was good.
The three is simply for two reasons. 1. There were times I wanted a little more depth from the characters. I wanted them to demand answers instead of faithfully pushing forward. 2. I skipped A LOT of pages of intimate scenes.
In the end, I give Defender a 4 and an R rating. So, for my more sensitive followers, skip this one if you don't want strong language and on-screen intimacy.
1-5 scale and what it means:
1: I couldn’t even finish it / just plain bad
2: I hope I didn’t pay for this / disappointing
3: I didn’t hate it, but it was still missing something / forgettable but inoffensive
3.5: On the line between good and ok / like, not love
4: Solid mind candy / worth reading
4.5: So very close to perfection! / must read
5: I could not put it down and I’m still thinking about it! / a true treasure
Movie Ratings in relation to my review:
Clean--Hallmark movies, some kissing, no nudity, no sex on or off "screen"
PG--Some innuendo but nothing kids don't hear every day, sex is all closed door
PG-13--some language (swear words not related to sex), more talk about sex, heavy petting, removal of clothing on screen, but sex is closed door.
PG-14—somewhere between PG-13 and R. Not erotica, but at least a paragraph of on-screen sex
R--swearing (F-bomb, on “screen” sex, sometimes feels like the whole story is about the sex and not the relationship or some other plot, but not always
So, the story itself was good. There are a lot of unanswered questions, but there are two more books in the series so I'm willing to wait for answers. I really liked the idea of an alien race trying to protect the earth from this invasion of soul sucking shades and demons. I even liked the meshing of ideas that hinted at the "code" being like Star Trek's prime directive and the crazy computer Hal from 2001 A Space Odyssey. Actually, I loved when Adelita made her "Hal/Not Hal" list. The action was good, the fighting was good, the writing was good.
The three is simply for two reasons. 1. There were times I wanted a little more depth from the characters. I wanted them to demand answers instead of faithfully pushing forward. 2. I skipped A LOT of pages of intimate scenes.
In the end, I give Defender a 4 and an R rating. So, for my more sensitive followers, skip this one if you don't want strong language and on-screen intimacy.
1-5 scale and what it means:
1: I couldn’t even finish it / just plain bad
2: I hope I didn’t pay for this / disappointing
3: I didn’t hate it, but it was still missing something / forgettable but inoffensive
3.5: On the line between good and ok / like, not love
4: Solid mind candy / worth reading
4.5: So very close to perfection! / must read
5: I could not put it down and I’m still thinking about it! / a true treasure
Movie Ratings in relation to my review:
Clean--Hallmark movies, some kissing, no nudity, no sex on or off "screen"
PG--Some innuendo but nothing kids don't hear every day, sex is all closed door
PG-13--some language (swear words not related to sex), more talk about sex, heavy petting, removal of clothing on screen, but sex is closed door.
PG-14—somewhere between PG-13 and R. Not erotica, but at least a paragraph of on-screen sex
R--swearing (F-bomb, on “screen” sex, sometimes feels like the whole story is about the sex and not the relationship or some other plot, but not always
March 4, 2014
I have to admit, I was not excited about reading this for a few reasons. It was science fiction which I enjoy but thought I was not in the mood for a "end of the world" scenario, it was aliens posing as angels (did not sound like anything fun or interesting), and of course there is passion with the poor human. All of which said "BORING" to my mind, I could NOT have been more wrong.
The action starts on page one and does not let up for awhile, the heroine is more entertaining than I ever imagined and the hero who is a bit conflicted (something else I generally hate) comes across as a real person who is interesting.
The plot is more complex than you will get from reading the synopsis (way more), the world building is good so you understand why things are being done pretty well and the romance becomes a intrinsic part of the plot and the ending.
Gregori and Adelita were perfect characters to play off of each other and the apocalyptic plot since they kept the story from getting too dark.
If I have any real complaints it would be that while the main plot was resolved well, there were some threads of things left hanging without being addressed or answered, I assume these will be answered in a future sequel but there is no real story left and this can be considered a stand alone with no trouble for most readers.
Bottom Line: Get this book, I tend to enjoy PNR/UF mostly but this was an amazing diversion and one of the better books of any genre I have read in months. 4.5 Stars rounded to 5.
The action starts on page one and does not let up for awhile, the heroine is more entertaining than I ever imagined and the hero who is a bit conflicted (something else I generally hate) comes across as a real person who is interesting.
The plot is more complex than you will get from reading the synopsis (way more), the world building is good so you understand why things are being done pretty well and the romance becomes a intrinsic part of the plot and the ending.
Gregori and Adelita were perfect characters to play off of each other and the apocalyptic plot since they kept the story from getting too dark.
If I have any real complaints it would be that while the main plot was resolved well, there were some threads of things left hanging without being addressed or answered, I assume these will be answered in a future sequel but there is no real story left and this can be considered a stand alone with no trouble for most readers.
Bottom Line: Get this book, I tend to enjoy PNR/UF mostly but this was an amazing diversion and one of the better books of any genre I have read in months. 4.5 Stars rounded to 5.
July 17, 2024
I really liked this book. Gregori doesn't have much personality, he's kinda meh, but Adelita is really funny, I was laughing most of the time with her antics.
The beginning is kinda confusing, made me wonder if there was a series this was a spinoff of, or something. And I don't think I'll read the next book, I really don't like Niko. And, based on the sample chapter at the end of this book, his love interest is kind of a bitch and I didn't like her either.
The beginning is kinda confusing, made me wonder if there was a series this was a spinoff of, or something. And I don't think I'll read the next book, I really don't like Niko. And, based on the sample chapter at the end of this book, his love interest is kind of a bitch and I didn't like her either.
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January 27, 2023
DNF I liked the main FMC but the rest of the story was not for me
February 22, 2014
Another one of those really hard book for me to rate. On the one hand, I really liked the writing, the adventure was fun and original, the sexual tension was good but realistic. Overall I was pleased with the pacing. But then there were lots of places where I had to put aside my questions and hope for answers at the end. Those answers never came. I don't actually know if this is just the first book in a series, so maybe the answers come later. But by the end of the book, I felt like the characters were just plugging along with a veil thrown over their heads, so they never saw beyond their own feet.
Adelita was tough and fatalistic. She got things done and had a good time doing them. I loved how she was drawn. She felt very real and she was able to integrate all parts of the situation pretty well. I liked how she could be emotionally vulnerable but also take charge and intelligent. She seemed to always have a plan and know what needed to be done without being clued in to all the details.
Gregori is an enhanced alien/humanoid. He was honorable, a little blundery, and ready to take on the world. He felt a little like the Wolverine, but with wings. The pain of his enhancements is sort of glossed over in a way that he just shrugs and says that's how things are. He seems like he's not that good around people and he was ok with Adelita taking charge when she felt like it. Not that he was all beta and bendable. He could be rather full of himself sometimes and an authoritarian know-it-all, but he was still flawed and Adelita was just as likely to be the one in charge as he was.
It felt like Adelita and Gregori were pretty perfectly matched to each other. They were able to support each other and care for each other in such unerringly precise ways. They fit together like puzzle pieces and their romance and sexual tension was well done without being over powering.
If this were a book written only for the romance, I'd give it four stars for the characters' interactions together. It had a happy ending for the romance portion of the story. But the romance and emotional tension was only about a third of the book. The rest was focused on the adventure and in those terms, I felt like I was just left hanging. Even Gregori and Adelita's part in the adventure seemed to be unclearly resolved at the end, so I was left frustrated and unfulfilled. Perhaps if I see a second book in the series, more of my questions will be answered and I won't feel so slighted, but right now I feel like I put all kinds of time into confusing myself. I did like the writing, so I still have plans to read more by this author.
**This review is archived on my blog: The Theory Of Lieto Fine
Adelita was tough and fatalistic. She got things done and had a good time doing them. I loved how she was drawn. She felt very real and she was able to integrate all parts of the situation pretty well. I liked how she could be emotionally vulnerable but also take charge and intelligent. She seemed to always have a plan and know what needed to be done without being clued in to all the details.
Gregori is an enhanced alien/humanoid. He was honorable, a little blundery, and ready to take on the world. He felt a little like the Wolverine, but with wings. The pain of his enhancements is sort of glossed over in a way that he just shrugs and says that's how things are. He seems like he's not that good around people and he was ok with Adelita taking charge when she felt like it. Not that he was all beta and bendable. He could be rather full of himself sometimes and an authoritarian know-it-all, but he was still flawed and Adelita was just as likely to be the one in charge as he was.
It felt like Adelita and Gregori were pretty perfectly matched to each other. They were able to support each other and care for each other in such unerringly precise ways. They fit together like puzzle pieces and their romance and sexual tension was well done without being over powering.
If this were a book written only for the romance, I'd give it four stars for the characters' interactions together. It had a happy ending for the romance portion of the story. But the romance and emotional tension was only about a third of the book. The rest was focused on the adventure and in those terms, I felt like I was just left hanging. Even Gregori and Adelita's part in the adventure seemed to be unclearly resolved at the end, so I was left frustrated and unfulfilled. Perhaps if I see a second book in the series, more of my questions will be answered and I won't feel so slighted, but right now I feel like I put all kinds of time into confusing myself. I did like the writing, so I still have plans to read more by this author.
**This review is archived on my blog: The Theory Of Lieto Fine
June 27, 2014
The earth is in peril from an invasive alien species. Humanity's only hope are intergalactic warriors who assume the disguised as angels, assuming the identity of Angeli in an effort to unite earth's people against the common enemy. When failure seems imminent, Angeli Gregori breaks rank and goes rogue, defying the orders of Ship (the sentient artificial intelligence that guides the warriors) and his brethren to make a last-ditch effort at saving the planet.
Of course, Gregori and his kind have a particular conflict of interest in this fight - earth's women. As their own females are in short supply, the rapturous 'rescue' of many specimens rouses Gregori's suspicions. Too bad one human woman in particular rouses much more in the rogue warrior. With her planet on the brink of destruction, Adelita Martinez just wanted one last hoorah ala a visit to the Grand Canyon and a resolution to her crisis of faith. She didn't expect to stumble across Gregori in the midst of battling the 'demon' aliens, his former brother Nikolas who's been sent to retrieve (or neutralize him), and his own doubts about the wisdom of Ship's code. Will she prove a formidable obstacle, ally, or a distraction he can ill afford?
I LOVE this very original and clever variation on the alien invasion theme. Throw in fast-paced action, a surly (and sometimes fumbling) hero, and a heroine who embodies kick-assitude, and you've got one hell of a story! The romantic elements have heat and heart, and are well-balanced with the action and the larger story arc, full of plot twists and witty banter a-plenty.
Some of my favorite lines:
Gregori: "Your hard work? I'm the one who got shot."
Adelita: "You poor man. My hero." She pulled slightly away from him, and he could see her sneer. "Get our butts back down there so we can steal his stuff."
***
Nikolas: "You're a surprise to me, Miss Martinez," he conceded. "I did not expect Gregori to pick up a sidekick."
Adelita: "He's my sidekick." "You're the invading aliens. I'm the hero. I'm the one with a sidekick."
And best part - wide open for sequels!
Of course, Gregori and his kind have a particular conflict of interest in this fight - earth's women. As their own females are in short supply, the rapturous 'rescue' of many specimens rouses Gregori's suspicions. Too bad one human woman in particular rouses much more in the rogue warrior. With her planet on the brink of destruction, Adelita Martinez just wanted one last hoorah ala a visit to the Grand Canyon and a resolution to her crisis of faith. She didn't expect to stumble across Gregori in the midst of battling the 'demon' aliens, his former brother Nikolas who's been sent to retrieve (or neutralize him), and his own doubts about the wisdom of Ship's code. Will she prove a formidable obstacle, ally, or a distraction he can ill afford?
I LOVE this very original and clever variation on the alien invasion theme. Throw in fast-paced action, a surly (and sometimes fumbling) hero, and a heroine who embodies kick-assitude, and you've got one hell of a story! The romantic elements have heat and heart, and are well-balanced with the action and the larger story arc, full of plot twists and witty banter a-plenty.
Some of my favorite lines:
Gregori: "Your hard work? I'm the one who got shot."
Adelita: "You poor man. My hero." She pulled slightly away from him, and he could see her sneer. "Get our butts back down there so we can steal his stuff."
***
Nikolas: "You're a surprise to me, Miss Martinez," he conceded. "I did not expect Gregori to pick up a sidekick."
Adelita: "He's my sidekick." "You're the invading aliens. I'm the hero. I'm the one with a sidekick."
And best part - wide open for sequels!
January 29, 2014
I chose this book based on cover (wowzer) and publisher since like their books and writers but this is first time reading by this author. So it was a little of a surprise as I begin to read this was a science fiction romance and do not usually encounter to many of these anymore. Only a few authors that I have read have actually been able to do this successfully and so happy dancing that I have found another. Usually it is too much of one and not enough of the other in this combo but it is just right in this story, gee sounds like another story ha ha. Anyways you are right away drawn into a battle that means alot of death of not just lives but a planet also if not won. But for one so he believes he is not going to give up because of what he believes. Gregori also will meet his match in this battle to the death he so believes when Adelita is taking care of a bucket list and low and behold rescues the rescuer. The humor is also out of this world in this one and interjected at just the right times as when she discovers and voices her thoughts on Gregori and him being a "angeli". Of course can angels reek such hotness and hormones kick into gear as his does? Hers are no exception and she is no ugly duck herself. As you read along you begin to really enjoy these two characters even though they have some really tough situations and can they survive? Being the type of story line there is no second guessing and left with just the pure joy of reading with hot romance interjected into it also. Of course these are not the only two contained in this story and one of Gregori's ship mates you want to slap a time or two. You would also like to put a virus or two into ship and see how it likes it too. The magic of a story such as this though I suppose is to get reactions such as these from us the readers, it shows the story is alive and well. So do they all live to tell their story to another people and does love also be the survivor for Gregori and Adelita? The answers are in there waiting to be discovered. Received a arc for a honest review.
January 26, 2014
Angeli, by Jody Wallace is an interesting story. The premise being that some aliens have come to rescue Earth, or Terra, from another species that seek to suck the souls or kill humans. These aliens, called Angeli, have determined that the easiest way to get humans to accept them is by masquerading as angels sent from God, the Christian god specifically. The story begins with Gregori, the head Angeli, as he is fighting some daemons on Terra after the "apocalypse" has already come. He meets Adelita, a 20-something law student trying to fulfill her bucket list before she dies.
The beginning of this story is extremely confusing. It took a good 30 pages before I could make sense of what was going on the story. However odd it may have seemed, the story definitely held my attention. There was a definite romantic note to the story, once Adelita, a religious Catholic, understands that Gregori is not an angel, but a humanoid from another planet. There is a bit of a subplot involving the intentions of Ship, the sentient computer that is the vessel the aliens travel on around the galaxy. In one humorous scene, Adelita makes a pro and con list labeled "Hal or Not Hal", a fine nod to classic alien movies (2001, specifically). It seems that from Adelita's perspective, Ship's motives are not as pure as Gregori and his team would like to think.
In all, this was a fun book to read, although a bit light on the specifics, details and facts. The action was well done, and I would recommend this book to sci-if fans.
ARC provided by NetGalley
The beginning of this story is extremely confusing. It took a good 30 pages before I could make sense of what was going on the story. However odd it may have seemed, the story definitely held my attention. There was a definite romantic note to the story, once Adelita, a religious Catholic, understands that Gregori is not an angel, but a humanoid from another planet. There is a bit of a subplot involving the intentions of Ship, the sentient computer that is the vessel the aliens travel on around the galaxy. In one humorous scene, Adelita makes a pro and con list labeled "Hal or Not Hal", a fine nod to classic alien movies (2001, specifically). It seems that from Adelita's perspective, Ship's motives are not as pure as Gregori and his team would like to think.
In all, this was a fun book to read, although a bit light on the specifics, details and facts. The action was well done, and I would recommend this book to sci-if fans.
ARC provided by NetGalley
January 31, 2014
3 1/2 STARS
After reading the first chapter, I was scared! The book appeared to be too complex and nothing I had expected. Happily, after that first chapter the book became quite "normal".
What kind of woman works on her bucket list during the apocalypse? Adelita, of course. She was a fiesty and strong heroine. I immediately loved her character. Gregori was not the "angel" he appeared to be but still an amazing protector. I enjoyed the constant banter and sexual tension between these two. At times, the relationship seemed a little rushed, but that's what happens when the world is ending. The events prior to the ending were confusing for me. However, that didn't stop me from really enjoying the story.
The concept of this book is quite unique and a refreshing change. I am a huge paranormal fan and have never read anything like this. There is a complete ending, no cliff hangers here!
Favorite Quotes:
-"Neutralizing a minor threat like Gregory isn't high priority."
-"Obviously not, if they sent you." Adelita said.
She was the reason he was going to die, so she could live.
** I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. **
After reading the first chapter, I was scared! The book appeared to be too complex and nothing I had expected. Happily, after that first chapter the book became quite "normal".
What kind of woman works on her bucket list during the apocalypse? Adelita, of course. She was a fiesty and strong heroine. I immediately loved her character. Gregori was not the "angel" he appeared to be but still an amazing protector. I enjoyed the constant banter and sexual tension between these two. At times, the relationship seemed a little rushed, but that's what happens when the world is ending. The events prior to the ending were confusing for me. However, that didn't stop me from really enjoying the story.
The concept of this book is quite unique and a refreshing change. I am a huge paranormal fan and have never read anything like this. There is a complete ending, no cliff hangers here!
Favorite Quotes:
-"Neutralizing a minor threat like Gregory isn't high priority."
-"Obviously not, if they sent you." Adelita said.
She was the reason he was going to die, so she could live.
** I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. **
October 26, 2015
This was the first book in an interesting, engaging and wonderfully complex SFR series. And another example of why I am enjoying this genre so very much lately!
I really liked the premise of masquerading as angels and the scene where Adelita finds out who or what Gregori really is was hilarious!! This author must have a wicked sense of humor because the way she uses humor in this book (and the next) is quite brilliant and certainly makes this series a must keep reading for me. The ending of this book will have you running right into the second one,
Traitor.
The “world building” in this book is very complex and you really do have to pay attention to who each character is and their relationships until you get the names straight. The motivations behind each character are also very complex and just when you think you understand some new twist comes out. Even the reason they unveiled themselves to the people of Earth as “angels” has several levels of explanation and deception.
I absolutely recommend this book! And the next and the (hopefully) next…
I really liked the premise of masquerading as angels and the scene where Adelita finds out who or what Gregori really is was hilarious!! This author must have a wicked sense of humor because the way she uses humor in this book (and the next) is quite brilliant and certainly makes this series a must keep reading for me. The ending of this book will have you running right into the second one,
Traitor.The “world building” in this book is very complex and you really do have to pay attention to who each character is and their relationships until you get the names straight. The motivations behind each character are also very complex and just when you think you understand some new twist comes out. Even the reason they unveiled themselves to the people of Earth as “angels” has several levels of explanation and deception.
I absolutely recommend this book! And the next and the (hopefully) next…
January 27, 2014
Well to begin let me say that I don't normally read scifi romance. Since this is not my normal genre i dont have much to compare this to but...I did love the characters. The concept of aliens coming to earth presenting themselves as angels has its own appeal. Gregori stand by his code until he meets Adelita. Now he falls for a human haw rebelled against his races code and has help in a very unlikely person. It was an interesting read enough that I would consider another from this author. Each genre has its own appeal and opens new window to be explored.
January 28, 2014
Read in one evening. This SF romance was just the change of pace I needed and had me smiling from the dedication on (For Hal. You were misunderstood.) A Latina heroine and an 'enhanced' Shipborn hero masquerading as an archangel fight daemons and shades from an inter-dimensional portal. All the fun action of a disaster story with a hot romance thrown in. Great riffs on Space 2001 and Mars Needs Women. Looking forward to the sequel, where presumably we will find out what's up with Niko and the AI Ship.
November 2, 2014
This book was a mixed bag for me. It is heavier on the action than the romance and the world building while good is awkward in places. The timing is off here and there.
But if you like the action more than the romance, you are likely to enjoy this a bit. I just perfer the romance to the action.
I liked the characters very much.
I was given this book for my honest review. So there you have it!
But if you like the action more than the romance, you are likely to enjoy this a bit. I just perfer the romance to the action.
I liked the characters very much.
I was given this book for my honest review. So there you have it!
February 18, 2014
If you like Sci-fi, you'll like this. It has a little bit of everything and once you've managed to get into the story, you'll like the hero and the heroine. A very likeable , heroine and a dead sexy hero. What more can you ask for. Especially if you like space ship action.
And it had action from the very first page. Gregori was assertive and Adelita a risk taker and a fixer and the two made an interesting couple. If you get the chance, pick it up, you just might enjoy it.
And it had action from the very first page. Gregori was assertive and Adelita a risk taker and a fixer and the two made an interesting couple. If you get the chance, pick it up, you just might enjoy it.
March 14, 2014
An apocalypse should not be entertaining, but Angeli is. I do not usually like apocalypse stories, but this one is good enough to overcome my normal feelings. The plot is entertaining and well-written with a good level of chills and horror without being extremely grim. The romance is believable, considering the whole 'we could die anytime' thing. Adelita is wonderful, and feels very real. Gregori and his reactions to her are very entertaining. I am looking forward to book #2.
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April 17, 2021I wrote this so I won't rate it. Just adding it to my shelves!
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January 21, 2014Review to come.....
July 30, 2016
Fast paced with a quirky sense of humor. Anxious to read the sequel.
June 14, 2017
A fun sci-fi romance with a very sassy heroine. The writing style wasn't always smooth but the storyline was entertaining and I was intrigued by the secondary character: Nikolas.
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