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The Immortal Descendants #2
Tempting Fate
”This series has time travel, vampires, shape shifters, but most importantly the best characters! Saira is one kick butt heroine that falls in the Katniss category. And I basically dare you not to fall in love with Ringo.” Updated with new epilogues for the 10th Anniversary editions of the series.
Seventeen-year-old Clocker, Saira Elian is back on the run …
… and being hunted by Mongers. The Descendants of War are amassing power in the twenty-first century, bent on controlling all the Immortal Descendants. Their attempt to kidnap Saira, a rare Descendant of Time and Nature, reveals just how brazen they’ve become. Archer, the Descendant of Death who has loved Saira for over a century, is willing to risk everything to protect her.
When a horrific vision reveals Ringo, thief and loyal companion from 1888, being tortured at the hands of the bloodthirsty Bishop Wilder in a Renaissance prison, Saira and Archer realize there has been a ripple in the river of Time, and they must travel to 1554 to find its source and save their friend. Their rescue mission lures them to the Tower of London, site of the most notorious executions in history, where they encounter the mysterious Lady Elizabeth who is confronting a terrible fate of her own.
The time-traveler, the vampire, and the thief will need all of their skills and ingenuity as they race against time to steal a document that could change the course of history and put the Immortal Descendants at the mercy of the Mongers. Can they stop a madman bent on collecting the blood of history’s most powerful Seer before the executioner’s axe falls?
Seventeen-year-old Clocker, Saira Elian is back on the run …
… and being hunted by Mongers. The Descendants of War are amassing power in the twenty-first century, bent on controlling all the Immortal Descendants. Their attempt to kidnap Saira, a rare Descendant of Time and Nature, reveals just how brazen they’ve become. Archer, the Descendant of Death who has loved Saira for over a century, is willing to risk everything to protect her.
When a horrific vision reveals Ringo, thief and loyal companion from 1888, being tortured at the hands of the bloodthirsty Bishop Wilder in a Renaissance prison, Saira and Archer realize there has been a ripple in the river of Time, and they must travel to 1554 to find its source and save their friend. Their rescue mission lures them to the Tower of London, site of the most notorious executions in history, where they encounter the mysterious Lady Elizabeth who is confronting a terrible fate of her own.
The time-traveler, the vampire, and the thief will need all of their skills and ingenuity as they race against time to steal a document that could change the course of history and put the Immortal Descendants at the mercy of the Mongers. Can they stop a madman bent on collecting the blood of history’s most powerful Seer before the executioner’s axe falls?
402 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 28, 2014
248 people are currently reading
1622 people want to read
About the author
April White
31 books1,139 followersAPRIL WHITE has been a film producer, private investigator, bouncer, teacher and screenwriter. She has climbed in the Himalayas, survived a shipwreck, and lived on a gold mine in the Yukon. She and her husband share their home in Southern California with two extraordinary boys and a lifetime collection of books.
Her first novel, Marking Time is the 2016 winner of the Library Journal Indie E-Book Award for YA Literature, and all five books in the Immortal Descendants series are on the Amazon Top 100 lists in Time Travel Romance and Historical Fantasy. Code of Conduct is an RWA Vivian Award finalist for romantic suspense, a Next Generation Award finalist for romance, and RONE Award finalist for suspense. And Death's Door is a Grand Prize winner of the Next Generation Award, and a Foreword Reviews Award finalist. More information and her blog can be found at www.aprilwhitebooks.com.
Her first novel, Marking Time is the 2016 winner of the Library Journal Indie E-Book Award for YA Literature, and all five books in the Immortal Descendants series are on the Amazon Top 100 lists in Time Travel Romance and Historical Fantasy. Code of Conduct is an RWA Vivian Award finalist for romantic suspense, a Next Generation Award finalist for romance, and RONE Award finalist for suspense. And Death's Door is a Grand Prize winner of the Next Generation Award, and a Foreword Reviews Award finalist. More information and her blog can be found at www.aprilwhitebooks.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 216 reviews
March 16, 2017
➦Can we just take a second and talk about time travel again?
➦Hokay, so.
➦IF I were able to travel through time I would definitely go back to that moment in first grade riiiiight before my skirt fell down while I was walking up the stairs.
➦Embarrassing, right? Now, think when you're 6. It's like, the end of the world.
➦Just sayin'.
➦But the most important question, perhaps, is what happens if we go back in time and stealthily off some important person that had an impact on history?
➦Saira, the heroine of this series, has to go back to 1554 to make sure some things don't happen and therefore screw up history. Don't ask. My brain hurts even thinking about it.
➦She also has to save her friend's life in the process. So she takes her vampire lover boy with her back in time. I would too. Because, chances of survival and all that jazz.
➦Recommended to anyone who likes time travel/shifter/vampire books with non-stop action.
August 15, 2020
5 Making History Real, Touchable and Seriously Swoony Stars
* * * * * Spoiler Free
As I sit here thinking about what I have just read...I applaud April White for her amazing ability to make history... make it accessible, full of intrigue and guile.... and use an edgy yet coming of age gal as our leader through it all. She has taken all the current times flavor; mixed it with deeply thought-provoking questions of the ages and blended her own brand of magic to capture our attention from the first page to the end.
Her first book, Marking Time, set a stage of using time travel... a group of people who had specific powers which their descendants continued through generations. She called them the Immortal Descendants. Now I am not the talented Ms. White, so I will direct you to please read the blurb and if you wish also my review to get the back story for this series:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
However, what I can and will tell you is how fantastic this second book in the series was.
It is one thing to start a series and layout the feel, characters, complete a full arc of a story and then leave the readers wanting for more...with seeds planted as to how another additional part could go. Sometimes the first books are good... but you get the feeling the writer has all these boxes they have to tick...so the current story gets lost... there is too heavy a hand pointing to the proposed secondary character to have their own book... it can be like the author has a neon sign pointing- saying "over here" flashing every time they have this character do anything. But Ms. White wasn't that type of author in the first book and so when this second part of the series happened... I was dancing for joy to see it released.
What was so amazing about the style and way of writing was as I read the first couple of pages... every memory, every emotion I felt while reading the first.... came flooding back to me. The affection I held for Saria and her gutsy somewhat unpolished way of approaching things came back to me. My remembrance of the sweet new young love she had for Archer tingled in my mind and all of the complexity of the whole Traits and Powers hit full-on as I dug into the book. It is very special when a reader can just fall right back into the correct mind to accept all the fantasy and time travel as if it was an everyday experience. I was able to be in the moment with Saria; I was off and running.
This second book looks at the time of Elizabeth Tudor... with all of the politics, family upheaval and imprisonment, and marries it against the politics, family upheaval, and possible imprisonment of the Immortals. It was so smart.... the intrigue... the discoveries...and the times and how they lived.... all of it sucked you in and you wanted to know more.
The main characters also focused on real-life challenges; acceptance of love, willingness to truly be honest with others, and forgiveness. Also, the main continuing question was... are we masters of our own fate... do we have choices in our lives and what is moral...How do we live a good just life- accepting all for who they are as people and not segregate our love... be open to just love unconditionally.
All of the main characters in these books are strong... it doesn't matter what century or class or sex... the gals are steel... the men are clear and good-hearted. I loved it all.
So if you want to get lost in a book which mixes real-life events with a story of creativity and guile... Then please...carve out some time for something which will capture your mind as well as your heart. The great news is you can read each one and not have that cliffy hangover. Each book ends with a true understanding and conclusion. Ms. White... I am ready to go where you take me next....
These are all of the books:
Marking Time (The Immortal Descendants, #1)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Tempting Fate (The Immortal Descendants #2)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Changing Nature (The Immortal Descendants #3)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Waging War (The Immortal Descendants #4)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Cheating Death (The Immortal Descendants #5)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The Immortal Descendants (The Immortal Descendants #1-3) https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...
An arc was was provided by the author for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
* * * * * Spoiler Free
As I sit here thinking about what I have just read...I applaud April White for her amazing ability to make history... make it accessible, full of intrigue and guile.... and use an edgy yet coming of age gal as our leader through it all. She has taken all the current times flavor; mixed it with deeply thought-provoking questions of the ages and blended her own brand of magic to capture our attention from the first page to the end.
Her first book, Marking Time, set a stage of using time travel... a group of people who had specific powers which their descendants continued through generations. She called them the Immortal Descendants. Now I am not the talented Ms. White, so I will direct you to please read the blurb and if you wish also my review to get the back story for this series:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
However, what I can and will tell you is how fantastic this second book in the series was.
It is one thing to start a series and layout the feel, characters, complete a full arc of a story and then leave the readers wanting for more...with seeds planted as to how another additional part could go. Sometimes the first books are good... but you get the feeling the writer has all these boxes they have to tick...so the current story gets lost... there is too heavy a hand pointing to the proposed secondary character to have their own book... it can be like the author has a neon sign pointing- saying "over here" flashing every time they have this character do anything. But Ms. White wasn't that type of author in the first book and so when this second part of the series happened... I was dancing for joy to see it released.
What was so amazing about the style and way of writing was as I read the first couple of pages... every memory, every emotion I felt while reading the first.... came flooding back to me. The affection I held for Saria and her gutsy somewhat unpolished way of approaching things came back to me. My remembrance of the sweet new young love she had for Archer tingled in my mind and all of the complexity of the whole Traits and Powers hit full-on as I dug into the book. It is very special when a reader can just fall right back into the correct mind to accept all the fantasy and time travel as if it was an everyday experience. I was able to be in the moment with Saria; I was off and running.
This second book looks at the time of Elizabeth Tudor... with all of the politics, family upheaval and imprisonment, and marries it against the politics, family upheaval, and possible imprisonment of the Immortals. It was so smart.... the intrigue... the discoveries...and the times and how they lived.... all of it sucked you in and you wanted to know more.
The main characters also focused on real-life challenges; acceptance of love, willingness to truly be honest with others, and forgiveness. Also, the main continuing question was... are we masters of our own fate... do we have choices in our lives and what is moral...How do we live a good just life- accepting all for who they are as people and not segregate our love... be open to just love unconditionally.
All of the main characters in these books are strong... it doesn't matter what century or class or sex... the gals are steel... the men are clear and good-hearted. I loved it all.
So if you want to get lost in a book which mixes real-life events with a story of creativity and guile... Then please...carve out some time for something which will capture your mind as well as your heart. The great news is you can read each one and not have that cliffy hangover. Each book ends with a true understanding and conclusion. Ms. White... I am ready to go where you take me next....
These are all of the books:
Marking Time (The Immortal Descendants, #1)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Tempting Fate (The Immortal Descendants #2)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Changing Nature (The Immortal Descendants #3)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Waging War (The Immortal Descendants #4) https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Cheating Death (The Immortal Descendants #5) https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The Immortal Descendants (The Immortal Descendants #1-3) https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3... An arc was was provided by the author for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
May 9, 2022
These books are GOLD! The time travel, shifters, clockers and a vampire that growls AND is deeply protective—gets me everytime. Archer has my heart! April White is a brilliant writer. I’m addicted to the history and immense research that is clearly evident in April’s writing. This story was set in the time of Elizabeth Tudor and was outstanding!! I am loving the growth journey we see taking place with 17 year old Saria as she is fiercely independent and yet she is torn with opening her heart to Archer’s love if it means losing herself. This is a girl with spirit and gumption and I love her. I’m so hooked on this series!!
August 21, 2015
You know that feeling when you finish a good book, it's like saying "good-bye" to good friends? Yeah, that.
Looking forward to the next one!
Looking forward to the next one!
December 31, 2022
I realize I've never actually reviewed this book. It might be odd to review one's own book, but I just recently re-read it for the 10th Anniversary re-release, and - maybe even better - just listened to the re-recording of the audiobook by Sarah Kempton, so I have thoughts.
This was the second book I'd ever written, the first book I wrote working directly with my editor, and the follow-up to Marking Time, into which I'd poured heart and soul, and which people who weren't my mom had read and loved. I had every insecurity a writer could have as I wrote this book, worrying it wouldn't be enough of whatever books and stories need to be. It took a year to write and six months to edit all that insecurity out of me. With Tempting Fate, I finally trusted the work, and believed in my ability to tell an adventurous, compelling, romantic story filled with history, mystery, interesting women, and cheeky young men. I fell in love with supporting characters as a way to tell stories, with the real historical mysteries that pepper all of my books because I love them so much, and with truth-telling best friends who are the mirrors the main characters need in order to grow.
So, yeah, I give Tempting Fate five stars. There are moments in it that still give me chills, moments that make me laugh out loud, and things that make heat rise to my skin as I read. And this book is the one where Ringo stepped out of his side character past to stand right next to Saira and Archer wherever they went.
This was the second book I'd ever written, the first book I wrote working directly with my editor, and the follow-up to Marking Time, into which I'd poured heart and soul, and which people who weren't my mom had read and loved. I had every insecurity a writer could have as I wrote this book, worrying it wouldn't be enough of whatever books and stories need to be. It took a year to write and six months to edit all that insecurity out of me. With Tempting Fate, I finally trusted the work, and believed in my ability to tell an adventurous, compelling, romantic story filled with history, mystery, interesting women, and cheeky young men. I fell in love with supporting characters as a way to tell stories, with the real historical mysteries that pepper all of my books because I love them so much, and with truth-telling best friends who are the mirrors the main characters need in order to grow.
So, yeah, I give Tempting Fate five stars. There are moments in it that still give me chills, moments that make me laugh out loud, and things that make heat rise to my skin as I read. And this book is the one where Ringo stepped out of his side character past to stand right next to Saira and Archer wherever they went.
June 13, 2014
Seventeen-year-old Clocker, Saira Elian is back on the run…
…and being hunted by Mongers. The Descendants of War are amassing power in the 21st century, bent on controlling the Immortal Descendants. Their attempt to kidnap Saira, a rare Descendant of Time and Nature, reveals just how brazen they’ve become. Archer, the vampire who has loved Saira for over a century, is willing to risk everything to protect her.
When a horrific vision reveals Ringo, thief and loyal companion from 1888, being tortured at the hands of the bloodthirsty Bishop Wilder in a Renaissance prison, Saira and Archer realize there has been a breach in the fabric of Time, and they must travel to 1554 to find its source and save their friend. Their rescue mission lures them to the Tower of London, site of the most notorious executions in history, where they encounter the mysterious Lady Elizabeth who is confronting a terrible fate of her own.
The time-traveler, the vampire, and the thief will need all of their skills and ingenuity as they race against time to steal a document that could change the course of history and put the Immortal Descendants at the mercy of the Mongers. Can they stop a madman bent on collecting the blood of history’s most powerful Seer before the executioner’s axe falls?
July 6, 2017
I expected this book to be good, but I didn't think it could possibly live up to the same standard as the first book. I'm happy to report that I stand corrected. Tempting Fate had every bit as much action, drama, and history if not more. This story fascinating. The history just boggled my mind, especially the way that April White weaves it into her storytelling. She made the time period come to life. I felt as if I were there, experiencing everything right along with Saira and the others.
I was so happy to see more of the characters I met in Marking Time. Saira is growing, not only in her time travel skills but her relationships, as well. She's tough, a fighter, and I admire her will. And I'm still totally in love with Archer. He's just the best. He does so much for Saira, has a quiet strength, and he's absolutely perfect.
I'm so excited to see where the next adventures take me.
I was so happy to see more of the characters I met in Marking Time. Saira is growing, not only in her time travel skills but her relationships, as well. She's tough, a fighter, and I admire her will. And I'm still totally in love with Archer. He's just the best. He does so much for Saira, has a quiet strength, and he's absolutely perfect.
I'm so excited to see where the next adventures take me.
November 14, 2022
This one felt messier compared to the first. I didn’t dislike it, but at times I did have to convince myself to carry on hoping it’d get better.
At the beginning of this one, there was some really weird stuff happening between Adam and Saira. So, in the first book there’s kinda potential for them to like one another but it ends in “nah, he’s like a brother to me” but then in this one he almost kisses her (while they’re both in relationships btw) but two seconds later is like “oh well I only flirt because I know nothing will ever happen between us”. I feel like the author needs to really figure out how these two are gonna because they keep flipfloping and I’m not a fan.
Also, Saira didn’t learn her lesson from the first book. Remember when she kept Archer becoming a vampire from him and it caused this big drift? Well she did it again. This time we see her not telling Ringo that he’s gonna get tortured…fun. To be fair, they do go through this whole emotional thing where she seemingly has some character development and decides to trust the guys some more. I’ll just have to wait to see if that development stays in the next book.
As much as I’ve been complaining, I did enjoy this one despite it being a bit of a mess. I feel like a lot of things happened to advance the plot and I’m really curious to see what happens next.
At the beginning of this one, there was some really weird stuff happening between Adam and Saira. So, in the first book there’s kinda potential for them to like one another but it ends in “nah, he’s like a brother to me” but then in this one he almost kisses her (while they’re both in relationships btw) but two seconds later is like “oh well I only flirt because I know nothing will ever happen between us”. I feel like the author needs to really figure out how these two are gonna because they keep flipfloping and I’m not a fan.
Also, Saira didn’t learn her lesson from the first book. Remember when she kept Archer becoming a vampire from him and it caused this big drift? Well she did it again. This time we see her not telling Ringo that he’s gonna get tortured…fun. To be fair, they do go through this whole emotional thing where she seemingly has some character development and decides to trust the guys some more. I’ll just have to wait to see if that development stays in the next book.
As much as I’ve been complaining, I did enjoy this one despite it being a bit of a mess. I feel like a lot of things happened to advance the plot and I’m really curious to see what happens next.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 5, 2018
This suffered somewhat from a disease that seems to hit many second novels. If the entire book had been the pace and quality of the final third, this would be an easy four stars however. Unfortunately the pace of the first two thirds lags and the novel doesn’t seem to know where it’s going. When combined with a lot of filler and vomit worthy romance gunge, this was distinctly disappointing considering how much I enjoyed the first in the series.
I was also disappointed that so few awesome characters are used here; you are more or less down to Saira, Archer and Ringo for huge swathes of the novel. Out of the three, Ringo wins on interest levels as Saira has gone ditzy with love and romance and bleh and Archer is too busy being the handsome love interest to be interesting. Tom is brought in briefly, but disappointed me with how quickly his involvement was brought to a close. Other brilliant characters like Millicent, Mr Shaw, Ava and Adam are utterly sidelined and that’s a real shame.
Whilst it’s good to see a strong female protagonist and all that jazz, when you have her going soppy eyed you need a better supporting cast. The final third took the hint and played with old and new characters well, but before that it was as though no one else really existed, and the novel as a whole suffers for it. As an aside, I’d love to see a strong female protagonist who doesn’t spend swathes of time goggly eyed for a boy, but hey. The author managed to straddle a decent line in the first novel, but veered too heavily toward the love interest here for me.
That said, this is well written and when it finally gets moving it becomes a rollercoaster of events and emotions. It’s just a pity it takes so long to get there. I’m certainly reading the next instalment and will just hope it has a tighter plot and less sap and filler. The way the author plays with the idea of Descendants of Time and Fate is particularly interesting, as indeed is the way she has slotted science into the mix. There is certainly promise here and we even have an overriding big bad enemy here to focus on, allowing his motives to guide the events that follow through the timeline.
So. Not as good as the first, but not bad. April White has an engaging writing style that draws you in... its just a pity this relies so heavily on filler and romantic mehness. I’m fairly sure I also picked up on some holes in the fabric of the world building - the same person being in the same timeline more than once for instance and Archer’s tendency of feeding versus his unwillingness to kill, but that might just me being picky.
I was also disappointed that so few awesome characters are used here; you are more or less down to Saira, Archer and Ringo for huge swathes of the novel. Out of the three, Ringo wins on interest levels as Saira has gone ditzy with love and romance and bleh and Archer is too busy being the handsome love interest to be interesting. Tom is brought in briefly, but disappointed me with how quickly his involvement was brought to a close. Other brilliant characters like Millicent, Mr Shaw, Ava and Adam are utterly sidelined and that’s a real shame.
Whilst it’s good to see a strong female protagonist and all that jazz, when you have her going soppy eyed you need a better supporting cast. The final third took the hint and played with old and new characters well, but before that it was as though no one else really existed, and the novel as a whole suffers for it. As an aside, I’d love to see a strong female protagonist who doesn’t spend swathes of time goggly eyed for a boy, but hey. The author managed to straddle a decent line in the first novel, but veered too heavily toward the love interest here for me.
That said, this is well written and when it finally gets moving it becomes a rollercoaster of events and emotions. It’s just a pity it takes so long to get there. I’m certainly reading the next instalment and will just hope it has a tighter plot and less sap and filler. The way the author plays with the idea of Descendants of Time and Fate is particularly interesting, as indeed is the way she has slotted science into the mix. There is certainly promise here and we even have an overriding big bad enemy here to focus on, allowing his motives to guide the events that follow through the timeline.
So. Not as good as the first, but not bad. April White has an engaging writing style that draws you in... its just a pity this relies so heavily on filler and romantic mehness. I’m fairly sure I also picked up on some holes in the fabric of the world building - the same person being in the same timeline more than once for instance and Archer’s tendency of feeding versus his unwillingness to kill, but that might just me being picky.
June 17, 2019
Five families from five Immortals are the descendants of Time (the Clockers), Fate (the Seers), Nature (Shifters), War (Mongers) and Death (Suckers). For the descendant’s things are about to get complicated. Loyalties shall be tried.
Saira Elian managed to save her mother but at a great cost. Her Clocker skills are getting better and better. But the prophecy is still ongoing, and it isn’t getting any easier. A vision tells her that she needs to travel back to the Elizabethan Era. Also, one of my favourite times in history. I’m a serious history nerd.
But a sucker and a clocker aren’t enough you know. What would this book be without the 1888 urchin Ringo? And they are up against adversaries in both times. There is a time split that is about to happen and somehow Saira/Archer and Ringo need to save Lady Elizabeth.
There are so many fantastic characters in the book and over the next couple of books I know where I want the plot to go but will Ms. White take us there or shall it be something completely different? I love Mr. Shaw, Ms. Simpson and even the Millicent has something about her.
The plot, the history, the development is all captivating and has depth and substance which lets face it we need in our books. The pace of the book is perfect. Why did I dock a star? Saira kept on running away from her problems and she shouted at the future Queen of England I mean show some restraint woman.
I finished this book in one day so that is saying how good this book and this series is. I have already ordered book 3 and feel as if I can’t start anything until I finished this series.
Saira Elian managed to save her mother but at a great cost. Her Clocker skills are getting better and better. But the prophecy is still ongoing, and it isn’t getting any easier. A vision tells her that she needs to travel back to the Elizabethan Era. Also, one of my favourite times in history. I’m a serious history nerd.
But a sucker and a clocker aren’t enough you know. What would this book be without the 1888 urchin Ringo? And they are up against adversaries in both times. There is a time split that is about to happen and somehow Saira/Archer and Ringo need to save Lady Elizabeth.
There are so many fantastic characters in the book and over the next couple of books I know where I want the plot to go but will Ms. White take us there or shall it be something completely different? I love Mr. Shaw, Ms. Simpson and even the Millicent has something about her.
The plot, the history, the development is all captivating and has depth and substance which lets face it we need in our books. The pace of the book is perfect. Why did I dock a star? Saira kept on running away from her problems and she shouted at the future Queen of England I mean show some restraint woman.
I finished this book in one day so that is saying how good this book and this series is. I have already ordered book 3 and feel as if I can’t start anything until I finished this series.
December 7, 2014
I was reluctant to read this one because the next one doesn't come out for awhile. I was afraid of the torture of waiting for the next story, since each one is so enjoyable and incredible. As always the characters are bold, brilliant and lovable. April White is a master of her craft. I love how she adds her own version to history while twisting magic into the story. This is a must read! Not to mention I love her characters more and more, page by page.
April 19, 2016
4.5 stars
I'm giving this installment of the Immortal Descendants series .25 less of a star than the first because, although I am still completely enthralled by Saira and her world, the premise of this particular story (time-traveling to Tudor England) just did not captivate me quite as much as Jack the Ripper did in the first installment. The story seemed to slow down when Saira was in the 16th century and I found myself longing for her to return to St. Bridget's. I've fallen so much in love with the world and characters April White has created that I hardly wanted to depart from it/them in order to move the story forward. This was surprising to me since I am such a lover of royal history and the primary reason I was initially looking toward this installment was because of the Elizabethan storyline. While I wouldn't say I was disappointed with that part of the story, the historical elements weren't as enticing to me as in the last book. Luckily, everything else was and I became even more invested in Saira (and "Ringo") in this book. I still love the concept of Time, Nature, War, Fate, and Death being portrayed as people and having modern day descendents with special abilities. However, I'm still not crazy over Saira's romantic interest being a vampire (did he have to be a vampire? Really?). This series has so much uniqueness going for it that a vampire love interest feels a bit like settling for mediocrity. Thankfully, this author is not keen on shoving love scenes down her readers' throats. The very minor parts of this book that I did not fully enjoy were definitely overshadowed by those that I did, so I really have no reason to complain. This is still an extremely under-appreciated series that deserves more so much more exposure than it gets.
Now, onto the part of this review I have been just itching to write: the narration critique. As my name suggests, I primarily listen to (and review) audiobooks and this is an audiobook I absolutely cannot recommend. This was, by far, the worst listening experience I have ever had with an audiobook. It bears no reflection on the story itself (which was reviewed above), but on the narrator and whomever approved this audiobook. Firstly, I have no earthly clue as to why someone thought it was a good idea to hire a British-accented narrator to voice a Californian protagonist. Seriously, no clue. It made this book feel like part of a completely different series than the first. But I could get over that. The worst part was that I could hear audible swallowing from the narrator. That may not sound like a big deal, but after the first five minutes I wanted to claw my eyes out from sheer frustration and annoyance. It took every ounce of will I had to stay focused on the story. If this story had been even the tiniest bit less incredible, I would have given up on it in under an hour, just because of the narrator. This audiobook sounded like an amateur recording on YouTube. So, unless you have the patience of Job, read the physical book.
Update: Just to clarify (because it isn't very clear in my original review), my annoyance was with the production/audio quality and not the narrator. I am certainly not faulting her for swallowing/ being human. I was simply annoyed that those noises were picked up by the microphone, which was disruptive to my listening experience. Gemma Boyle has a lovely voice and none of this has to do directly with her or her narrating ability. I am happy that the third installment seems to have none of these issues! ♣︎
I'm giving this installment of the Immortal Descendants series .25 less of a star than the first because, although I am still completely enthralled by Saira and her world, the premise of this particular story (time-traveling to Tudor England) just did not captivate me quite as much as Jack the Ripper did in the first installment. The story seemed to slow down when Saira was in the 16th century and I found myself longing for her to return to St. Bridget's. I've fallen so much in love with the world and characters April White has created that I hardly wanted to depart from it/them in order to move the story forward. This was surprising to me since I am such a lover of royal history and the primary reason I was initially looking toward this installment was because of the Elizabethan storyline. While I wouldn't say I was disappointed with that part of the story, the historical elements weren't as enticing to me as in the last book. Luckily, everything else was and I became even more invested in Saira (and "Ringo") in this book. I still love the concept of Time, Nature, War, Fate, and Death being portrayed as people and having modern day descendents with special abilities. However, I'm still not crazy over Saira's romantic interest being a vampire (did he have to be a vampire? Really?). This series has so much uniqueness going for it that a vampire love interest feels a bit like settling for mediocrity. Thankfully, this author is not keen on shoving love scenes down her readers' throats. The very minor parts of this book that I did not fully enjoy were definitely overshadowed by those that I did, so I really have no reason to complain. This is still an extremely under-appreciated series that deserves more so much more exposure than it gets.
Now, onto the part of this review I have been just itching to write: the narration critique. As my name suggests, I primarily listen to (and review) audiobooks and this is an audiobook I absolutely cannot recommend. This was, by far, the worst listening experience I have ever had with an audiobook. It bears no reflection on the story itself (which was reviewed above), but on the narrator and whomever approved this audiobook. Firstly, I have no earthly clue as to why someone thought it was a good idea to hire a British-accented narrator to voice a Californian protagonist. Seriously, no clue. It made this book feel like part of a completely different series than the first. But I could get over that. The worst part was that I could hear audible swallowing from the narrator. That may not sound like a big deal, but after the first five minutes I wanted to claw my eyes out from sheer frustration and annoyance. It took every ounce of will I had to stay focused on the story. If this story had been even the tiniest bit less incredible, I would have given up on it in under an hour, just because of the narrator. This audiobook sounded like an amateur recording on YouTube. So, unless you have the patience of Job, read the physical book.
Update: Just to clarify (because it isn't very clear in my original review), my annoyance was with the production/audio quality and not the narrator. I am certainly not faulting her for swallowing/ being human. I was simply annoyed that those noises were picked up by the microphone, which was disruptive to my listening experience. Gemma Boyle has a lovely voice and none of this has to do directly with her or her narrating ability. I am happy that the third installment seems to have none of these issues! ♣︎
July 18, 2014
Tempting Fate was an absolutely fantastic sequel!
I had been waiting for this book since I finished the first one, Marking Time, about a year ago, and I was not disappointed! First of all, the writing. I realized while rereading the first book that April White's writing is so captivating. She writes with so much detail that you're able to actually envision the whole scene in your head like watching a movie. I feel like it's hard to do that with historical fiction novels just because it's not something everyone will be able to picture. But the author really does an amazing job describing scenes and places that really heightens the quality of the novel.
Another thing I loved about this book was the characters. The first book was more of an introduction to the world and the descendants, and while I had no problem with that, I felt like Tempting Fate was more about really developing the characters and building this world the author created. I especially loved seeing the mother daughter dynamic in this novel. We don't really see much of Saira's mother in the first book which honestly gave me the impression that she was a very cold and unapproachable character. I am so happy I was wrong about this. Although their relationship isn't exactly the best, you can see how much they care and love one another and I'm really glad we got to see that.
Speaking of characters, who else absolutely loved Ringo!? I was jumping with joy when I found out we were going to see more of him. I also loved his development. He went from being a boy to a man. He matured and we got to see more of his personality. Saira, our main protagonist, pretty much stayed consistent throughout the first half of the novel from the first book. I really liked her in Marking Time. I thought she was a sarcastic, badass character (which I love.) And don't get me wrong, she was all those things in this one too, but I have to say I was a bit frustrated with her. I thought she was a little selfish, impulsive, and confused. But that's what made me like her character more honestly. She had flaws which made her relatable. And eventually, she acknowledged them, and moved past it, which is what I want from a character. Overall, characters were awesome. Probably my favorite element of this series!
Also, the whole plot with Queen Elizabeth, and the time period the book was set in was so cool! You can really tell April White did her research with this. It was really well thought out, which I appreciate. The only minor problem I had was that I felt like the powers of the descendants were a bit confusing, and I also felt that in the first novel. I definitely understand more about their powers now than in the first book, but I'm still a bit confused about the Seers' and the Clockers' powers. Maybe it's just me, maybe I read too fast or something, but I was just a bit muddled on the facts. However, I'm pretty sure there will be more books in this series so I'm hoping it will be more thoroughly explained in the next ones.
All in all, highly enjoyed this sequel and I can't wait to read the next ones! This series is definitely underrated and should have more spotlight so please pick this up! I promise you won't regret it!
I had been waiting for this book since I finished the first one, Marking Time, about a year ago, and I was not disappointed! First of all, the writing. I realized while rereading the first book that April White's writing is so captivating. She writes with so much detail that you're able to actually envision the whole scene in your head like watching a movie. I feel like it's hard to do that with historical fiction novels just because it's not something everyone will be able to picture. But the author really does an amazing job describing scenes and places that really heightens the quality of the novel.
Another thing I loved about this book was the characters. The first book was more of an introduction to the world and the descendants, and while I had no problem with that, I felt like Tempting Fate was more about really developing the characters and building this world the author created. I especially loved seeing the mother daughter dynamic in this novel. We don't really see much of Saira's mother in the first book which honestly gave me the impression that she was a very cold and unapproachable character. I am so happy I was wrong about this. Although their relationship isn't exactly the best, you can see how much they care and love one another and I'm really glad we got to see that.
Speaking of characters, who else absolutely loved Ringo!? I was jumping with joy when I found out we were going to see more of him. I also loved his development. He went from being a boy to a man. He matured and we got to see more of his personality. Saira, our main protagonist, pretty much stayed consistent throughout the first half of the novel from the first book. I really liked her in Marking Time. I thought she was a sarcastic, badass character (which I love.) And don't get me wrong, she was all those things in this one too, but I have to say I was a bit frustrated with her. I thought she was a little selfish, impulsive, and confused. But that's what made me like her character more honestly. She had flaws which made her relatable. And eventually, she acknowledged them, and moved past it, which is what I want from a character. Overall, characters were awesome. Probably my favorite element of this series!
Also, the whole plot with Queen Elizabeth, and the time period the book was set in was so cool! You can really tell April White did her research with this. It was really well thought out, which I appreciate. The only minor problem I had was that I felt like the powers of the descendants were a bit confusing, and I also felt that in the first novel. I definitely understand more about their powers now than in the first book, but I'm still a bit confused about the Seers' and the Clockers' powers. Maybe it's just me, maybe I read too fast or something, but I was just a bit muddled on the facts. However, I'm pretty sure there will be more books in this series so I'm hoping it will be more thoroughly explained in the next ones.
All in all, highly enjoyed this sequel and I can't wait to read the next ones! This series is definitely underrated and should have more spotlight so please pick this up! I promise you won't regret it!
June 19, 2014
Tempting Fate is book 2 in the Immortal Descendants series by author April White. If you haven't read book 1, you need to go do that as many things will only make sense if you've read that one first.
Saira Elian, descendant of time, has learned a lot lately. She learned that she can travel through time. She learned that she is the child of a forbidden love between her mother and a shifter named Will Shaw. She learned about the value of friendship, the price of secrets, and the pain of loss. When we meet up with Saira in Tempting Fate, she's back at St. Brigid's school, learning everything she can to survive and thrive in her new reality. Beside her are her friends and the vampire who loves her, Archer. Mongers are getting bolder in their attempts to "fix" the problem of her birth and there's a growing sense of danger in the air as the drums of war beat ever closer.
When Saira accidentally sees a vision of her Victorian friend Ringo being tortured by her nemesis Bishop Wilder in a Renaissance prison, she knows she has to go back and save him - and fix the tear in the fabric of Time that Bishop Wilder is creating.
This book is even better than Tempting Fate, if that's possible. Since we learned all about the Immortal Descendants in book 1, book 2 hits the ground running with plot, chaos, intrigue, love, and battle. Saira has grown a bit of confidence in her abilities and in Archer's love, although both still give her plenty of worries. The time spent in the 16th century is immaculately researched and filled with vibrant and interesting details. I couldn't put the book down for fear of missing what was going to happen next. The entire text is cohesive, clear, vastly entertaining, as well as wickedly fun. The author is a master at weaving bits of story in, out, and around the text - it creates a masterfully told story. Despite tons of time and space travel I was never lost in the story or confused. It was, in a word, epic.
I cannot WAIT for book 3.
Note: I was a beta reader of this book, so read it prior to its release date.
Saira Elian, descendant of time, has learned a lot lately. She learned that she can travel through time. She learned that she is the child of a forbidden love between her mother and a shifter named Will Shaw. She learned about the value of friendship, the price of secrets, and the pain of loss. When we meet up with Saira in Tempting Fate, she's back at St. Brigid's school, learning everything she can to survive and thrive in her new reality. Beside her are her friends and the vampire who loves her, Archer. Mongers are getting bolder in their attempts to "fix" the problem of her birth and there's a growing sense of danger in the air as the drums of war beat ever closer.
When Saira accidentally sees a vision of her Victorian friend Ringo being tortured by her nemesis Bishop Wilder in a Renaissance prison, she knows she has to go back and save him - and fix the tear in the fabric of Time that Bishop Wilder is creating.
This book is even better than Tempting Fate, if that's possible. Since we learned all about the Immortal Descendants in book 1, book 2 hits the ground running with plot, chaos, intrigue, love, and battle. Saira has grown a bit of confidence in her abilities and in Archer's love, although both still give her plenty of worries. The time spent in the 16th century is immaculately researched and filled with vibrant and interesting details. I couldn't put the book down for fear of missing what was going to happen next. The entire text is cohesive, clear, vastly entertaining, as well as wickedly fun. The author is a master at weaving bits of story in, out, and around the text - it creates a masterfully told story. Despite tons of time and space travel I was never lost in the story or confused. It was, in a word, epic.
I cannot WAIT for book 3.
Note: I was a beta reader of this book, so read it prior to its release date.
August 23, 2014
I love this series, LOVE it. The characters, the time travel (which I usually don't like), the storyline... It just rocks! It has been a long wait but TEMPTING FATE was so worth it.
It doesn't take long for the action to start. In fact the books open up with Saira running through the woods from danger, getting your heart pumping with a nice pace and the pace doesn't slow down until the book is over. The blurb does a really fantastic job of explaining what book 2 was about. I really loved that all of our favorite characters are involved at some point. Ringo is a pretty important part of the group and I couldn't imagine him not being involved. The world building that goes into a series like this is pretty extensive and April does such a good job of making it easy to understand. I had no problem picturing myself in the book at any point. So much happens in TEMPTING FATE and I don't want to give anything away, but know that no one is left unchanged in some way by the end.
The relationship between Saira and Archer isn't easy. Archer has loved Saira for a really long time while Saira has only loved him for a short amount compared. Archer gives Saira her space to figure things out but it takes something drastic for her to finally realize she can't live without him and even after that she has to find a way to let him into her life and stop doing everything on her own. Their relationship is pretty strong by the end of TEMPTING FATE and I admit it is one of my favorite parts of the series.
All that I wanted when TEMPTING FATE ended was to read more. April PLEASE don't make us wait as long as we did for book 2, I need more.
* This book was provided free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
It doesn't take long for the action to start. In fact the books open up with Saira running through the woods from danger, getting your heart pumping with a nice pace and the pace doesn't slow down until the book is over. The blurb does a really fantastic job of explaining what book 2 was about. I really loved that all of our favorite characters are involved at some point. Ringo is a pretty important part of the group and I couldn't imagine him not being involved. The world building that goes into a series like this is pretty extensive and April does such a good job of making it easy to understand. I had no problem picturing myself in the book at any point. So much happens in TEMPTING FATE and I don't want to give anything away, but know that no one is left unchanged in some way by the end.
The relationship between Saira and Archer isn't easy. Archer has loved Saira for a really long time while Saira has only loved him for a short amount compared. Archer gives Saira her space to figure things out but it takes something drastic for her to finally realize she can't live without him and even after that she has to find a way to let him into her life and stop doing everything on her own. Their relationship is pretty strong by the end of TEMPTING FATE and I admit it is one of my favorite parts of the series.
All that I wanted when TEMPTING FATE ended was to read more. April PLEASE don't make us wait as long as we did for book 2, I need more.
* This book was provided free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
November 25, 2015
If you take one glance at my goodreads you'll see that I have a somewhat serious addiction to all things British and all things time travel, which is why I picked up the first book in April White's Immortal Descendants series, Marking Time. I'm delighted that the second book in the series, Tempting Fate, was just as fun to read. It trades Victorian London for Elizabethan, featuring Good Queen Bess herself when she was a princess imprisoned in the Tower of London. The book does a good job of being as clear as possible about the rules of time travel in this world, which is necessary if you want to read a time travel book and not have your head explode. The historical details were great (and I LOVE that the author gives you some insight into her research after the story concludes), but I also really enjoyed that the characters continue to be compelling and grow as people. Relationships with family, friends, romantic partners, teachers, and even other adults are explored from a realistic but mature perspective for a 17-year-old. Saira is smart, but flawed and young, and all of this comes through in a really positive way. The nuances of her relationship with Archer (including the supernatural ones!) are refreshing, especially since Saira is confused and trying to figure out what it means to be in a serious relationship rather than being someone who just falls all over a guy. Loved seeing Ringo evolve as well, and learning even more of the mythology of this very cool world April White has created. I'm such a fan of this series!
November 2, 2014
Fast paced and intriguing, I loved this book. Saira is back in a her free-running, confidence inspiring glory.
This book has well defined characters and just enough humour to make it a fun, thrilling ride through time and the complicated realities of the Grandfather Paradox. Saira grows as a person and is definitely growing up into a woman I would love to meet.
The author has clearly done her research but doesn't flaunt it at the expense of the plot. She takes a very well known person in history and makes them into an interesting character within the storyline. The book introduces the reader to history in a fun way that leaves you clamouring for more. In fact, I was ready to devour the next book right away!
I would totally recommend reading this to all my friends for a fun, thrilling read.
This book has well defined characters and just enough humour to make it a fun, thrilling ride through time and the complicated realities of the Grandfather Paradox. Saira grows as a person and is definitely growing up into a woman I would love to meet.
The author has clearly done her research but doesn't flaunt it at the expense of the plot. She takes a very well known person in history and makes them into an interesting character within the storyline. The book introduces the reader to history in a fun way that leaves you clamouring for more. In fact, I was ready to devour the next book right away!
I would totally recommend reading this to all my friends for a fun, thrilling read.
December 5, 2019
Saira is a "clocker" which means that by drawing a particular spiral she can travel in time. She is aided by her friends including a vampire and a seer to help stop a mad vampire/clocker from changing time. In this book, Saira goes back to 1554 and meets Queen Elizabeth I before she is crowned, and actually when she is imprisoned waiting a possible execution.
I enjoy the historical fiction aspect, and the characters are really well developed. As I started this book I was wondering why this series isn't much more popular! By the end Saira was getting on my nerves a bit (pet hate of mine is time travellers that forget to change their language to suit the time or get annoyed for differences), but the story and the world building is solid enough that I'll be jumping into book 3 soon.
I enjoy the historical fiction aspect, and the characters are really well developed. As I started this book I was wondering why this series isn't much more popular! By the end Saira was getting on my nerves a bit (pet hate of mine is time travellers that forget to change their language to suit the time or get annoyed for differences), but the story and the world building is solid enough that I'll be jumping into book 3 soon.
June 29, 2016
Tempting Fate is the epic sequel to what has become a new favorite series of mine, the Immortal Descendants. The story picks up shortly after where Marking Time ends. This is not a stand alone and you most definitely want to read the first book in order to understand what's going on. And read it you should because this series is badass epic awesomeness.
April White has created a magical world with time travel, vampires, werewolves, and all sorts of fantasy characters while at the same time this is also a story about a young girl finding out who she is.
I am in love with all her characters and really can't wait until the next installment in the series!
April White has created a magical world with time travel, vampires, werewolves, and all sorts of fantasy characters while at the same time this is also a story about a young girl finding out who she is.
I am in love with all her characters and really can't wait until the next installment in the series!
April 2, 2016
This series continues to wow me. In the first book, I loved that even though she's a teenager and he's an old vampire, it's not creepy because . I also loved the absence of a love triangle. At the beginning I was afraid there was suddenly going to be a love triangle, but then everyone got their brain adjusted shortly into it, and we were back on track for a wonderful, stay-up-late-into-the-night adventure.
March 10, 2023
3.5 rounded up to 4
Buddy read with Lenore and Berls.
The character development here was well done, Saira is growing, and she’s starting to become more mature and a little bit more trusting.
The time travel parts were really well done, and I enjoyed the history attached to that as well.
The overall plot was exciting, and I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
Buddy read with Lenore and Berls.
The character development here was well done, Saira is growing, and she’s starting to become more mature and a little bit more trusting.
The time travel parts were really well done, and I enjoyed the history attached to that as well.
The overall plot was exciting, and I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
August 18, 2014
4.5 stars
I had the pleasure of reading and reviewing Marking Time last year and since then, I have been eagerly awaiting the release of this one. Since the first book did an amazing job of explaining the Descendants and their background and history, this book literally hits the ground free running!
There was a large chase/action sequence that opens the book, which I loved. It was great to start the book at such a quick pace. Though from time to time, I did find myself trying to recall all the Descendant details in the beginning–the action was fantastic.
This book does a great job at exploring a lot of teen issues such as fitting in, first love, friendships, forgiveness, choice, and trust. I loved the relationships between all the characters and how they have evolved and changed from the first book to this one.
The only thing I was looking forward to in this one was seeing more romantic progress between Archer and Saira. In the first book there was a lot more romance and romantic tension between the two which I had hoped to see more of in this one. There was some romance and tension between the two, but I guess I was just expecting things to heat up a little more.
At times it was hard to keep all the ‘time rules’ straight as well. You definitely need to pay attention when you are reading to make sure you don’t miss anything important.
I especially loved that we aren’t limited to one historic period. I know it’s a time travel novel but I’ve seen some novels just stick to one period rather than jump around. My guess would be that there is a lot of historic research that needs to be done when writing a period novel so multiple time periods would be a lot of research.
I loved that White didn’t shy away from a challenge. She showed her ability as a writer by picking more than one historic era to set this novel in. Well done!
I am in love with this series. There is a lot of adventure and time travel not to mention a strong likable protagonist. Throw in a little love, danger, and history and you have a recipe for a standout YA series!
See my full review here
I had the pleasure of reading and reviewing Marking Time last year and since then, I have been eagerly awaiting the release of this one. Since the first book did an amazing job of explaining the Descendants and their background and history, this book literally hits the ground free running!
There was a large chase/action sequence that opens the book, which I loved. It was great to start the book at such a quick pace. Though from time to time, I did find myself trying to recall all the Descendant details in the beginning–the action was fantastic.
This book does a great job at exploring a lot of teen issues such as fitting in, first love, friendships, forgiveness, choice, and trust. I loved the relationships between all the characters and how they have evolved and changed from the first book to this one.
The only thing I was looking forward to in this one was seeing more romantic progress between Archer and Saira. In the first book there was a lot more romance and romantic tension between the two which I had hoped to see more of in this one. There was some romance and tension between the two, but I guess I was just expecting things to heat up a little more.
At times it was hard to keep all the ‘time rules’ straight as well. You definitely need to pay attention when you are reading to make sure you don’t miss anything important.
I especially loved that we aren’t limited to one historic period. I know it’s a time travel novel but I’ve seen some novels just stick to one period rather than jump around. My guess would be that there is a lot of historic research that needs to be done when writing a period novel so multiple time periods would be a lot of research.
I loved that White didn’t shy away from a challenge. She showed her ability as a writer by picking more than one historic era to set this novel in. Well done!
I am in love with this series. There is a lot of adventure and time travel not to mention a strong likable protagonist. Throw in a little love, danger, and history and you have a recipe for a standout YA series!
See my full review here
August 23, 2014
Before starting to write this review I gave some thoughts about which kind of Heroes and Heroines I loved as a teenager/YA.
The Immortal descendants Series recalls memories of evenings spent watching "Ladyhawke" and "Shakespeare in Love", or reading books like Ivanhoe or The Nonexistent Knight
. The first because is a classic, beautiful romantic story; the second because the heroine is a Knight herself.
Tempting fate is a marvelous mix of Adventure, Chivalry and Immortal love. I wish I could read it to my older son who's actually 7yo and appreciating
right now, but his English consist of one hundred words nowadays ;) So I need to wait a little more, or an Italian edition ;)
I want to read it to him because Archer is a real Hero, the one able to commit to the heroine behalf, the one who waits more than a century to kiss her, the one who would jump in front of every kind of danger to protect her. And unfortunately for Archer - but luckily for us readers - Saira is a problems' magnet.
She can fight her own battles, for sure. She's one of the few real badass heroines in the fictional world that would never cry uncle or run in the other direction. But she needs the counterbalance of a savvy, pondered, nurturing soul like Archer's.
He's the Yin to her Yang. She's a firecracker, he's the kite, flying with her but still grounded to Earth.
And then come the secondary characters as good as the H/h couple!
April did a fantastic job bringing historical characters like the street boy Ringo as well the Queen Elizabeth in a fantasy story populated by vampires, shapeshifters and time travelers. And all wrapped up in an amazing, capturing way for a very difficult audience (YA).
KUDOS April!
And give us soon more to read, please.
The Immortal descendants Series recalls memories of evenings spent watching "Ladyhawke" and "Shakespeare in Love", or reading books like Ivanhoe or The Nonexistent Knight
. The first because is a classic, beautiful romantic story; the second because the heroine is a Knight herself. Tempting fate is a marvelous mix of Adventure, Chivalry and Immortal love. I wish I could read it to my older son who's actually 7yo and appreciating
right now, but his English consist of one hundred words nowadays ;) So I need to wait a little more, or an Italian edition ;)I want to read it to him because Archer is a real Hero, the one able to commit to the heroine behalf, the one who waits more than a century to kiss her, the one who would jump in front of every kind of danger to protect her. And unfortunately for Archer - but luckily for us readers - Saira is a problems' magnet.
She can fight her own battles, for sure. She's one of the few real badass heroines in the fictional world that would never cry uncle or run in the other direction. But she needs the counterbalance of a savvy, pondered, nurturing soul like Archer's.
He's the Yin to her Yang. She's a firecracker, he's the kite, flying with her but still grounded to Earth.
And then come the secondary characters as good as the H/h couple!
April did a fantastic job bringing historical characters like the street boy Ringo as well the Queen Elizabeth in a fantasy story populated by vampires, shapeshifters and time travelers. And all wrapped up in an amazing, capturing way for a very difficult audience (YA).
KUDOS April!
And give us soon more to read, please.
November 17, 2015
This series keeps getting better, more complicated and many times more dangerous. It picks up where the last one left off and the past comes back to haunt Saira and her friends. Only this time Bishop Wilder is going after another part of the Descendant families – the Seers. Of course Bishop Wilder having an ego the size of Everest any Seer won’t do, it has to be the most powerful and influential one; Lady Elizabeth - future Queen of England.
A few things I really like with this series; we readers get to think for ourselves, the answers aren’t immediately served on a silver platter, we are left to wonder along with Saira, Archer and the rest of them. I’m a huge science nerd so Bob’s teaching and the medicinal/chemistry aspects of the book is something I really enjoy. I have never been interested in, or know much about history, but I love the fact that we do get a new spin, or in my case a crash course in history but with a twist. We get to live, breathe and experience it along with Saira, Archer and Ringo – with the threat of execution hanging over our shoulders if we fail.
I love the characters in this series, Ringo is both hilarious and a chameleon, he has the ability to blend in any timeline. Saira is brave, witty (love her tendency to rename the people she meets) and impulsive and sometimes a bit careless, but in this book we see her grow and mature, hinting to the woman she will become (well, when someone hits her over her head and forces her to make some hard choices). Archers compassion and patience with family and friends. Though I love him and Saira together I would like to see some more of Archer part from her, we mostly know him in relation to her, but he has had 125 years to become a person part from her and I wonder if we will get to know that side of him.
This series has it all, a thrilling plot with good twists and amazing characters that never fails to amuse and surprise all woven into a unique blend of fixing the past and changing the present to save the future. I can’t wait to find out what will happen next.
A few things I really like with this series; we readers get to think for ourselves, the answers aren’t immediately served on a silver platter, we are left to wonder along with Saira, Archer and the rest of them. I’m a huge science nerd so Bob’s teaching and the medicinal/chemistry aspects of the book is something I really enjoy. I have never been interested in, or know much about history, but I love the fact that we do get a new spin, or in my case a crash course in history but with a twist. We get to live, breathe and experience it along with Saira, Archer and Ringo – with the threat of execution hanging over our shoulders if we fail.
I love the characters in this series, Ringo is both hilarious and a chameleon, he has the ability to blend in any timeline. Saira is brave, witty (love her tendency to rename the people she meets) and impulsive and sometimes a bit careless, but in this book we see her grow and mature, hinting to the woman she will become (well, when someone hits her over her head and forces her to make some hard choices). Archers compassion and patience with family and friends. Though I love him and Saira together I would like to see some more of Archer part from her, we mostly know him in relation to her, but he has had 125 years to become a person part from her and I wonder if we will get to know that side of him.
This series has it all, a thrilling plot with good twists and amazing characters that never fails to amuse and surprise all woven into a unique blend of fixing the past and changing the present to save the future. I can’t wait to find out what will happen next.
September 4, 2014
4.5/5
What a nerve-wracking, delightful piece of young adult time travel fiction!
I've already said that April White's Marking Time which I had the opportunity to read last year was wonderful, and I recommended it to everyone left, right and center. In many ways Miss White follows the path carved by Deborah Harkness and successfully interweaves magic, destiny, vampires and time travel.
Saira, her main heroine and an illegal half-breed Clocker is a descendant of Time who continues to hunt a rogue vampire, Wilder, travelling through time and causing ripples which threaten everything she knows.
If last book was spent chasing The Ripper through Victorian London, in Tempting Fate, Saira, Archer and Ringo are forced to go further down in history trying to save young princess Elizabeth from being beheaded in The Tower of London.
I would say that first third of the book is pretty quiet, but it picks up when Saira appears in pre-Elizabethan London, and becomes pretty intense and scary in its last third. I know I could not stop reading and was so involved with the characters my whole body did not relax until I got to the end of the book.
What I enjoy in this series is a refreshing level headedness of its characters and the absence of over dramatization which is so typical for YA. Saira is not a loner, she has a strong circle of friends, and while Archer loves her, and she loves him, both of them keep their heads cool which allows them to work as a team through a lot of awful situations.
Ringo as a Victorian thief is an absolute delight as well. I'm glad that Saira could drag him out of his time stream and let him help her in her mission. I hope we'll see him again in the next book.
Overall, it's a lovely series which I recommend to all the fans of paranormal YA fantasy and especially to those who have a weakness for time travel novels.
What a nerve-wracking, delightful piece of young adult time travel fiction!
I've already said that April White's Marking Time which I had the opportunity to read last year was wonderful, and I recommended it to everyone left, right and center. In many ways Miss White follows the path carved by Deborah Harkness and successfully interweaves magic, destiny, vampires and time travel.
Saira, her main heroine and an illegal half-breed Clocker is a descendant of Time who continues to hunt a rogue vampire, Wilder, travelling through time and causing ripples which threaten everything she knows.
If last book was spent chasing The Ripper through Victorian London, in Tempting Fate, Saira, Archer and Ringo are forced to go further down in history trying to save young princess Elizabeth from being beheaded in The Tower of London.
I would say that first third of the book is pretty quiet, but it picks up when Saira appears in pre-Elizabethan London, and becomes pretty intense and scary in its last third. I know I could not stop reading and was so involved with the characters my whole body did not relax until I got to the end of the book.
What I enjoy in this series is a refreshing level headedness of its characters and the absence of over dramatization which is so typical for YA. Saira is not a loner, she has a strong circle of friends, and while Archer loves her, and she loves him, both of them keep their heads cool which allows them to work as a team through a lot of awful situations.
Ringo as a Victorian thief is an absolute delight as well. I'm glad that Saira could drag him out of his time stream and let him help her in her mission. I hope we'll see him again in the next book.
Overall, it's a lovely series which I recommend to all the fans of paranormal YA fantasy and especially to those who have a weakness for time travel novels.
July 30, 2014
I am totally crazy for this series! The concepts of time travel and paranormals is always a draw for me; but these tales are exceptionally woven. The author's knowledge of history is a huge bonus. Therefore, the settings actually come to life. There are references to people and events that we learned in school, but didn't capture our attention. Well, "hello, history", I think I love you. I love the imagining of actually meeting Queen Elizabeth. April did a fantastic job of making Elizabeth seem like a real person. Have you seen the very old photos of historical figures that have been colorized? That is exactly what I feel this author accomplishes with her amazing story-telling.
Saira is still running from trouble and toward answers. There are enemies lurking at every corner. I am still figuring out which families she should count as friends. She and Archer continue to build a relationship. Again, just a beautiful way of writing/unveiling a beautiful romance. The pace is very fast and detailed so your attention is kept throughout. I don't find myself "skimming" at all. I love the details! The dialogue continues to be fresh and believable. Saira is very snarky and that is endearing to myself, another snark. Another factor that makes me so happy is the fact that there are characters who I did not like in the beginning (Marking Time). I had decided that they would play a major role in Saira's downfall. Hmmm. Characters who have been very systematically revealed to be something entirely different than my initial judgement. That is another quality to writing an epic series. I love it when I have to change my mind!
I can't wait for the next one!
Saira is still running from trouble and toward answers. There are enemies lurking at every corner. I am still figuring out which families she should count as friends. She and Archer continue to build a relationship. Again, just a beautiful way of writing/unveiling a beautiful romance. The pace is very fast and detailed so your attention is kept throughout. I don't find myself "skimming" at all. I love the details! The dialogue continues to be fresh and believable. Saira is very snarky and that is endearing to myself, another snark. Another factor that makes me so happy is the fact that there are characters who I did not like in the beginning (Marking Time). I had decided that they would play a major role in Saira's downfall. Hmmm. Characters who have been very systematically revealed to be something entirely different than my initial judgement. That is another quality to writing an epic series. I love it when I have to change my mind!
I can't wait for the next one!
February 9, 2017
Check out my blog, One Man Book Club
The Value of a Star: Ratings Explained
At Least as Fun as Book One!
Tempting Fate, book two of the Immortal Descendant Series was at least as much fun as book one—maybe even more so thanks to a really cool historical-fiction background for the story.
Time travel? Check.
Often time travel stories get bogged down and confusing when the authors try to over explain. I’m enjoying these stories because there seems to be a really nice balance between tricky-don’t-break-the-future rules and not letting those rules get in the way of telling a fun story.
Vampires? Check.
Yet another version of what it means to be a vampire, but without the sparkles or super powers. Just dudes who need blood to survive, don’t age, are hard to kill, and have to sleep during the day.
Werewolves? Check.
The Romanians. Bad dudes.
Shape Shifters? Check.
Lions, wolves, bears, foxes, gazelles. These are the good guys.
Some cool historical fiction? Check.
The action happens in the year 1554 in the Tower of London where the future Queen Elizabeth I is being held as a prisoner by the current queen and her half-sister, Mary. Man, was there ever some family drama going on there!
Vampire love? Check.
And Barf. How about less getting dizzy looking into each other’s eyes and more blowing stuff up? Oh well, I can’t have everything my way all the time I guess. At least it’s staying age appropriate, which I appreciate very much.
Off to book three for me! Happy reading to you!
The Value of a Star: Ratings Explained
At Least as Fun as Book One!
Tempting Fate, book two of the Immortal Descendant Series was at least as much fun as book one—maybe even more so thanks to a really cool historical-fiction background for the story.
Time travel? Check.
Often time travel stories get bogged down and confusing when the authors try to over explain. I’m enjoying these stories because there seems to be a really nice balance between tricky-don’t-break-the-future rules and not letting those rules get in the way of telling a fun story.
Vampires? Check.
Yet another version of what it means to be a vampire, but without the sparkles or super powers. Just dudes who need blood to survive, don’t age, are hard to kill, and have to sleep during the day.
Werewolves? Check.
The Romanians. Bad dudes.
Shape Shifters? Check.
Lions, wolves, bears, foxes, gazelles. These are the good guys.
Some cool historical fiction? Check.
The action happens in the year 1554 in the Tower of London where the future Queen Elizabeth I is being held as a prisoner by the current queen and her half-sister, Mary. Man, was there ever some family drama going on there!
Vampire love? Check.
And Barf. How about less getting dizzy looking into each other’s eyes and more blowing stuff up? Oh well, I can’t have everything my way all the time I guess. At least it’s staying age appropriate, which I appreciate very much.
Off to book three for me! Happy reading to you!
May 30, 2015
I received the first book in the series for free, and was willing to pay full price for a hard copy version of book two. It did not disappoint.
We have already met Saira, a Clocker, and her non-sparkly, non-garlic-hating vampire boyfriend, who is a seer, as well. That is, he can see the future - not a future carved in stone, but a probable future. They have other talented and human friends who help them through their troubles.
Tempting Fate lands them in the court of Mary Tudor, King Henry VIII's Catholic daughter. His red-haired daughter, Elizabeth, is imprisoned in the Tower of London, and her life is at risk. Can they save her and prevent history from changing?
Although the plot line is dark, and there is violence (and war and death), there are enough snarky, light-hearted moments to carry me through. I love books that explore relationships, and where I feel that I fit right into the story. This series gives me that. It reminds me a little of other YA series like "Vampire Academy/Bloodlines" or even "Harry Potter," since part of the story takes place in a school, where there are hidden passages and storerooms, and there is more going on that meets the eye. But it is a unique storyline too, and I find myself waiting desperately for the 4th book.
April apparently plans on 5 books to round out the series, referring to the five original immortals - Time, Fate, Nature, War and Death. (I hope I have those right.) Each book explores one group of immortal descendants and their subsequent talents.
I stayed up late to finish the book, and couldn't wait to start the next one, (which had fortuitously arrived in the same shipment!) Definitely worth reading!
We have already met Saira, a Clocker, and her non-sparkly, non-garlic-hating vampire boyfriend, who is a seer, as well. That is, he can see the future - not a future carved in stone, but a probable future. They have other talented and human friends who help them through their troubles.
Tempting Fate lands them in the court of Mary Tudor, King Henry VIII's Catholic daughter. His red-haired daughter, Elizabeth, is imprisoned in the Tower of London, and her life is at risk. Can they save her and prevent history from changing?
Although the plot line is dark, and there is violence (and war and death), there are enough snarky, light-hearted moments to carry me through. I love books that explore relationships, and where I feel that I fit right into the story. This series gives me that. It reminds me a little of other YA series like "Vampire Academy/Bloodlines" or even "Harry Potter," since part of the story takes place in a school, where there are hidden passages and storerooms, and there is more going on that meets the eye. But it is a unique storyline too, and I find myself waiting desperately for the 4th book.
April apparently plans on 5 books to round out the series, referring to the five original immortals - Time, Fate, Nature, War and Death. (I hope I have those right.) Each book explores one group of immortal descendants and their subsequent talents.
I stayed up late to finish the book, and couldn't wait to start the next one, (which had fortuitously arrived in the same shipment!) Definitely worth reading!
June 7, 2015
The reason why I only post a review for this book, not the others in the series, was because I absolutely LOVED Elizabeth!!
What can I say about this book... Hmmm... Elizabeth was freaking awesome??? Of course!! She was the freaking queen of England! Some soft moments and wanting to accept her death for a few times, but with some help from Saira she bounced right back and bloomed in all her queenly manners!
Oh, but I probably should have mentioned Saira first, right? After all, SHE was the protagonist, not Elizabeth. Let me see, she was still as brave as in Marking Time, still got that witty attitude that usually gave me crazy giggles. This time, she was also more mature, as she realized she treated Archer like crap and changed. Ohh and I just looove how she knew that her actions was childish sometimes and, despite the "It's not my fault" thought, she sat down and think or talk about it with someone else. That was a major improvement from book 1!
Ringo was unbearably adorable! If you think he was not, may mosquitoes sting your butts!
As for the plot, I couldn't have asked for more! It was fast-paced, filled with actions and time travels and kicking bad guys in their big fat ass! The writing style wasn't really my favorite kind, but somehow, every pages was more interesting than the last, and I devoured it in a single night, despite having an important math exam the next morning! I know I'm using more exclamation points than necessary, but hey, it's my keyboard, my happiness-induced craziness :D
What can I say about this book... Hmmm... Elizabeth was freaking awesome??? Of course!! She was the freaking queen of England! Some soft moments and wanting to accept her death for a few times, but with some help from Saira she bounced right back and bloomed in all her queenly manners!
Oh, but I probably should have mentioned Saira first, right? After all, SHE was the protagonist, not Elizabeth. Let me see, she was still as brave as in Marking Time, still got that witty attitude that usually gave me crazy giggles. This time, she was also more mature, as she realized she treated Archer like crap and changed. Ohh and I just looove how she knew that her actions was childish sometimes and, despite the "It's not my fault" thought, she sat down and think or talk about it with someone else. That was a major improvement from book 1!
Ringo was unbearably adorable! If you think he was not, may mosquitoes sting your butts!
As for the plot, I couldn't have asked for more! It was fast-paced, filled with actions and time travels and kicking bad guys in their big fat ass! The writing style wasn't really my favorite kind, but somehow, every pages was more interesting than the last, and I devoured it in a single night, despite having an important math exam the next morning! I know I'm using more exclamation points than necessary, but hey, it's my keyboard, my happiness-induced craziness :D
July 30, 2015
5 BRILLIANT STARS.
I would give it 10 stars if I could. Seriously, I can't praise this series enough...
To be honest, I thought "Marking Time" was the best time-travel book ever, but "Tempting Fate" proved me wrong. This second installment is way "best-er", if that's even possible: better than the best.
With a heroine full of badassary, a harmonized and loveable ensemble, an admirable and not-at-all-cheesy romance, an action-packed and most intriguing plot, a most astonishing version of a certain Queen of England, two adorable Victorian "gentlemen", a satisfying ending that still had me wanting to grasp the next book immediately, plus the fact that not an eyeroll was tossed nor was there ever a moment of wanting to put the book down, "Tempting Fate" eased its way to becoming my all-time favorite. Yes. I mean "all-time".
READ THE SERIES, EVERYBODY!
It has not been properly received at all. Where is the justice in that???
***Currently suffering from a sleep deprivation while a phonetics-and-phonology final is awaiting me in 7 hours. Gotta get some sleep and no more cramming. And I don't regret a thing.
And yes, the book is that good. Good books are forever the wiser choices. I'll get to the third book right after the test. Gosh... I'm dying of anticipating what's next.
.
Thank you, Ms. April White. You are brilliant!
Thank you, Goodreads, for recommending this series to me.
.
If only I had picked it up sooner....
Oh well... Better late than never.
I would give it 10 stars if I could. Seriously, I can't praise this series enough...
To be honest, I thought "Marking Time" was the best time-travel book ever, but "Tempting Fate" proved me wrong. This second installment is way "best-er", if that's even possible: better than the best.
With a heroine full of badassary, a harmonized and loveable ensemble, an admirable and not-at-all-cheesy romance, an action-packed and most intriguing plot, a most astonishing version of a certain Queen of England, two adorable Victorian "gentlemen", a satisfying ending that still had me wanting to grasp the next book immediately, plus the fact that not an eyeroll was tossed nor was there ever a moment of wanting to put the book down, "Tempting Fate" eased its way to becoming my all-time favorite. Yes. I mean "all-time".
READ THE SERIES, EVERYBODY!
It has not been properly received at all. Where is the justice in that???
***Currently suffering from a sleep deprivation while a phonetics-and-phonology final is awaiting me in 7 hours. Gotta get some sleep and no more cramming. And I don't regret a thing.
And yes, the book is that good. Good books are forever the wiser choices. I'll get to the third book right after the test. Gosh... I'm dying of anticipating what's next.
.
Thank you, Ms. April White. You are brilliant!
Thank you, Goodreads, for recommending this series to me.
.
If only I had picked it up sooner....
Oh well... Better late than never.
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