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Lily is in trouble of the deepest kind. Having been tricked by the forces of evil, she killed what she thought were "demons" at will. Now, she knows better, and with a little help from half-angel, half-demon Deacon Camphire, she must try to take down the bad guys from within as a double agent.
320 pages, Paperback
First published October 14, 2009
12 people are currently reading
731 people want to read
About the author
Julie Kenner
161 books1,242 followersJ. Kenner (aka Julie Kenner) is the New York Times, USA Today, Publishers Weekly, Wall Street Journal and International bestselling author of over seventy novels, novellas and short stories in a variety of genres.
Though known primarily for her award-winning and international bestselling erotic romances (including the Stark and Most Wanted series) that have reached as high as #2 on the New York Times bestseller list, JK has been writing full time for over a decade in a variety of genres including paranormal and contemporary romance, “chicklit” suspense, urban fantasy, Victorian-era thrillers (coming soon), and paranormal mommy lit.
Her foray into the latter, Carpe Demon: Adventures of a Demon-Hunting Soccer Mom by Julie Kenner, has been consistently in development in Hollywood since prior to publication. Most recently, it has been optioned by Warner Brothers Television for development as series on the CW Network with Alloy Entertainment producing.
JK has been praised by Publishers Weekly as an author with a “flair for dialogue and eccentric characterizations” and by RT Bookclub for having “cornered the market on sinfully attractive, dominant antiheroes and the women who swopn for him.” A three time finalist for Romance Writers of America’s prestigious RITA award, JK took home the first RITA trophy awarded in the category of erotic romance in 2014 for her novel, Claim Me (book 2 of her Stark Trilogy).
Her books have sold well over a million copies and are published in over over twenty countries.
In her previous career as an attorney, JK worked as a clerk on the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, and practiced primarily civil, entertainment and First Amendment litigation in Los Angeles and Irvine, California, as well as in Austin, Texas. She currently lives in Central Texas, with her husband, two daughters, and two rather spastic cats.
Though known primarily for her award-winning and international bestselling erotic romances (including the Stark and Most Wanted series) that have reached as high as #2 on the New York Times bestseller list, JK has been writing full time for over a decade in a variety of genres including paranormal and contemporary romance, “chicklit” suspense, urban fantasy, Victorian-era thrillers (coming soon), and paranormal mommy lit.
Her foray into the latter, Carpe Demon: Adventures of a Demon-Hunting Soccer Mom by Julie Kenner, has been consistently in development in Hollywood since prior to publication. Most recently, it has been optioned by Warner Brothers Television for development as series on the CW Network with Alloy Entertainment producing.
JK has been praised by Publishers Weekly as an author with a “flair for dialogue and eccentric characterizations” and by RT Bookclub for having “cornered the market on sinfully attractive, dominant antiheroes and the women who swopn for him.” A three time finalist for Romance Writers of America’s prestigious RITA award, JK took home the first RITA trophy awarded in the category of erotic romance in 2014 for her novel, Claim Me (book 2 of her Stark Trilogy).
Her books have sold well over a million copies and are published in over over twenty countries.
In her previous career as an attorney, JK worked as a clerk on the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, and practiced primarily civil, entertainment and First Amendment litigation in Los Angeles and Irvine, California, as well as in Austin, Texas. She currently lives in Central Texas, with her husband, two daughters, and two rather spastic cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
December 23, 2009
It's hard to review Torn without spoiling the big twist in the previous book, Tainted! So, I'll just say that Torn follows the further adventures of Lily Carlyle, now Alice Purdue, as she attempts to keep demons from overrunning the Earth. Meanwhile, her thorny relationship with Deacon continues, her handlers have teamed her up with a partner, and now Lily has custody of her traumatized little sister, Rose.
Rose is now facing a violation that might well be worse than what she suffered in the previous book. The demon responsible for her rape has now taken up residence in her mind and body, sometimes possessing her wholly, sometimes lurking just below the surface. The parts of Torn that deal with Rose are pretty painful to read, especially when you think about Rose only being fourteen and what she's already gone through in her young life. And it starts to seem like there's no way for Lily to help her.
I was a little disappointed in the treatment of two of Torn's characters. One of them finally achieves his fondest desire, but I guess I was hoping he'd get a longer, more poignant scene when it happened. Then, there's Lily's partner, Kiera. She's a really interesting character, from her sharp tongue to the never-quite-answered question of which side she's really on. I wanted to see her explored more deeply, but instead I felt that she was kind of wasted and that she was only in the story for a particular reason.
Torn's plot is definitely a "middle book" plot. It picks up right where Tainted left off and serves mainly to set up the events of Turned, and to prepare the characters for what lies ahead. However, it's a quick, suspenseful read filled with demonic intrigue and a bit of Indiana Jones-style temple-raiding. And we get to see Lily give one of the minor villains his just desserts, which is quite satisfying indeed!
Rose is now facing a violation that might well be worse than what she suffered in the previous book. The demon responsible for her rape has now taken up residence in her mind and body, sometimes possessing her wholly, sometimes lurking just below the surface. The parts of Torn that deal with Rose are pretty painful to read, especially when you think about Rose only being fourteen and what she's already gone through in her young life. And it starts to seem like there's no way for Lily to help her.
I was a little disappointed in the treatment of two of Torn's characters. One of them finally achieves his fondest desire, but I guess I was hoping he'd get a longer, more poignant scene when it happened. Then, there's Lily's partner, Kiera. She's a really interesting character, from her sharp tongue to the never-quite-answered question of which side she's really on. I wanted to see her explored more deeply, but instead I felt that she was kind of wasted and that she was only in the story for a particular reason.
Torn's plot is definitely a "middle book" plot. It picks up right where Tainted left off and serves mainly to set up the events of Turned, and to prepare the characters for what lies ahead. However, it's a quick, suspenseful read filled with demonic intrigue and a bit of Indiana Jones-style temple-raiding. And we get to see Lily give one of the minor villains his just desserts, which is quite satisfying indeed!
December 11, 2009
A great read. Fast paced and adventurous, this book was hard to put down.
For one, this book has a kick-ass protagonist who can actually do something, has only ONE man in her mind, and even if she does feel something from others, she knew it wasn't real. I like protagonists like that- who are sure of the person they want and don't waver ... Fickle protagonists are the type I want to strangle, so thank God Lily is not one of them.
That being said, I noticed the word 'love' was never used between Lily and Deacon, but I guess those are big words, and actions do speak louder than words, after all.
I love Lily's character- she has a compassionate heart, one that she shows throughout the entire book, especially to her sister. She battles to protect those that matter to her, and if anything, that is definitely something to be admired about.
I've felt the problems were dealt with too easily, although I do love how the ending turned out. Secrets will be revealed, mysteries will be discovered. The mystery and the adventure that would lay ahead on the next book/s would be something to look forward to, something that's definitely darker and harder to deal with.
Mystery, suspense and romance all rolled into one book- Give it a go. This is dark urban fantasy done right.
For one, this book has a kick-ass protagonist who can actually do something, has only ONE man in her mind, and even if she does feel something from others, she knew it wasn't real. I like protagonists like that- who are sure of the person they want and don't waver ... Fickle protagonists are the type I want to strangle, so thank God Lily is not one of them.
That being said, I noticed the word 'love' was never used between Lily and Deacon, but I guess those are big words, and actions do speak louder than words, after all.
I love Lily's character- she has a compassionate heart, one that she shows throughout the entire book, especially to her sister. She battles to protect those that matter to her, and if anything, that is definitely something to be admired about.
I've felt the problems were dealt with too easily, although I do love how the ending turned out. Secrets will be revealed, mysteries will be discovered. The mystery and the adventure that would lay ahead on the next book/s would be something to look forward to, something that's definitely darker and harder to deal with.
Mystery, suspense and romance all rolled into one book- Give it a go. This is dark urban fantasy done right.
December 18, 2009
I enjoyed both books 1 and 2 of the Blood Lily Chronicles. However, I must say, I am not sure what it is about this author that is bothering me. Lily is a street smart young woman trying her best to do what is right by her sister (left in her care/ their mother is dead). She faces challenges head on and is strong and nobody's fool. She has all of the qualities I like in an herione and that is my dilemna, what is bothering me? Well, I think I have finally figured it out. As much as Ms. Kenner tries, Lily and the other characters are not endearing. I do not easily empathize with them. Don't get me wrong, the story line is fascinating and fast paced and I would definitely recommend the books, it is just I don't necessarily love the characters. Also, with so many women being brutalized I do not find Kenner's treatment of this subject matter sensitive or empathetic. It seems gratuitous. Read it for yourself and you decide.
July 7, 2020
2.5-3 stars.
I didn’t think the second 2 books in the series were as engaging as the first...one of my biggest issues was that the author kept revisiting, summarizing, & repeating what happened in the book before, which felt really unnecessary since everyone is most likely (/should be) reading this as a series. I don’t need you keep recapping what happened in the book I just read before this - it made the story feel disjointed and harder to get into. I also started to lose steam with this story at this point and went off to read other books, coming back to this series to finish it. There were definitely some interesting premises, but something was lacking for me.
I didn’t think the second 2 books in the series were as engaging as the first...one of my biggest issues was that the author kept revisiting, summarizing, & repeating what happened in the book before, which felt really unnecessary since everyone is most likely (/should be) reading this as a series. I don’t need you keep recapping what happened in the book I just read before this - it made the story feel disjointed and harder to get into. I also started to lose steam with this story at this point and went off to read other books, coming back to this series to finish it. There were definitely some interesting premises, but something was lacking for me.
January 30, 2018
Good quick read - I don't think demons are my thing ;)
February 1, 2019
Good, nice sophomore book to the series. The characters develop nicely, and the story progresses as a good pace.
September 22, 2023
Read this a long time ago and it was sooooo good! Need to read the series cause I never got to!
March 15, 2012
If you have not read the first book in this series Tainted, then this review will have spoilers for the first book. I do have a review of Tainted already on this website, so I would recommend reading that before you read any further on this review. Okay now that you have been warned about possible spoilers.....
Julie Kenner bring us the next installment of the Blood Lily chronicles, where Lily is forced to work for the dark side in order to save the one thing that helps her hold onto the human world and her sanity, her sister Rose.
Lily knows that she has screwed up big time. She has not prevented the hell gate from being locked, actually she is the reason why the gate was not locked. She was working for the wrong side, the dark side who had convinced her that they were light. This does not mean that she has given up, but things just got a lot more complicated, especially now that Clarance has assigned Lily a side kick Kiera, who Lily doesn't know if she can trust. Then there is Deacon, who is a Demon who is supposedly working for the light side, but after being betrayed once Lily isn't sure she can trust him, even though she has an attraction to him. And then in the background the man who haunts Lily and Rose, Johnson, who is responsible for all the sorrow, hurt and death in both their lives. Lily is going to need all her whits about her in order to keep going, all she can do is trust her instinct and hope this time she has chosen the right side.
Not going to lie, it has been a bit since I read the first book in the series Tainted. It is just one of those things that you always mean to get around to but never quite do.This is why I appreciated that Kenner did a little bit of a recap of what happened in the first books, just to refresh my memory, nothing long just a page or two (I mean I have read quite a few books since I read the first book, I believe it was over a year ago now).
I really have to admire Lily for always putting her sister first before anything, and really just wanting to protect her, I mean Lily died to protect Rose. There is no greater sacrifice than that. But the question Lily really has to face is the age old philosophy question "Kill one to save Ten" or in this case kill one to save the world and this really becomes the main premise of the book, and what the storyline is focused around and what decision Lily will make.
I liked the introduction of a partner for Lily, Kiera who is another kickass warrior who has the special ability to smell whether an individual is human or demon, and she has no problems taking them out when the time comes. But you feel for Lily because she is always wondering if Kiera is really on her side, and can actually help and trust her. Kiera is very similar to Lily and does speak about how she is Tainted as well before she was brought over to fight for the "light" but the main difference there was that she was "allowed" to keep her own body. But you always have to wonder if Kiera is just another manipulating maneuver from the Dark.
The only thing I wish there was a bit more of is the use and development of all the powers that Lily has acquired from killing Demons. I mean in this book there was very little use of her powers, other than what her blood is able to do. There was very little talk about the blood lust that she had acquired. I guess what I am trying to say I wish there was a little bit more action, there are a few fighting scenes but they never seemed to be with Lily using her powers. I began wonder if Kenner is unsure of how Lily should use all the powers and power that she has acquired, and possible bit off more than she thought when she introduced the concept. I still really like to concept as it is something different I just think that is needs to be developed a bit more.
This book and series would be enjoyed by the individuals who like paranormal books but also those who like paranormal romance. I think that Kenner has done a good job with appealing to individuals who enjoy both of these genres. Yes, there is some romance, sex and tension between Lily and Deacon, that I will admit that I enjoyed, as it was not constant.
I think that this series has developed along really well into the second book, and the stony line is getting better as the books seem to go on. I do wonder what the next book will hold, and I hope I do not wait as long to read the next book as I did to read this one.
Enjoy!!!!
Julie Kenner bring us the next installment of the Blood Lily chronicles, where Lily is forced to work for the dark side in order to save the one thing that helps her hold onto the human world and her sanity, her sister Rose.
Lily knows that she has screwed up big time. She has not prevented the hell gate from being locked, actually she is the reason why the gate was not locked. She was working for the wrong side, the dark side who had convinced her that they were light. This does not mean that she has given up, but things just got a lot more complicated, especially now that Clarance has assigned Lily a side kick Kiera, who Lily doesn't know if she can trust. Then there is Deacon, who is a Demon who is supposedly working for the light side, but after being betrayed once Lily isn't sure she can trust him, even though she has an attraction to him. And then in the background the man who haunts Lily and Rose, Johnson, who is responsible for all the sorrow, hurt and death in both their lives. Lily is going to need all her whits about her in order to keep going, all she can do is trust her instinct and hope this time she has chosen the right side.
Not going to lie, it has been a bit since I read the first book in the series Tainted. It is just one of those things that you always mean to get around to but never quite do.This is why I appreciated that Kenner did a little bit of a recap of what happened in the first books, just to refresh my memory, nothing long just a page or two (I mean I have read quite a few books since I read the first book, I believe it was over a year ago now).
I really have to admire Lily for always putting her sister first before anything, and really just wanting to protect her, I mean Lily died to protect Rose. There is no greater sacrifice than that. But the question Lily really has to face is the age old philosophy question "Kill one to save Ten" or in this case kill one to save the world and this really becomes the main premise of the book, and what the storyline is focused around and what decision Lily will make.
I liked the introduction of a partner for Lily, Kiera who is another kickass warrior who has the special ability to smell whether an individual is human or demon, and she has no problems taking them out when the time comes. But you feel for Lily because she is always wondering if Kiera is really on her side, and can actually help and trust her. Kiera is very similar to Lily and does speak about how she is Tainted as well before she was brought over to fight for the "light" but the main difference there was that she was "allowed" to keep her own body. But you always have to wonder if Kiera is just another manipulating maneuver from the Dark.
The only thing I wish there was a bit more of is the use and development of all the powers that Lily has acquired from killing Demons. I mean in this book there was very little use of her powers, other than what her blood is able to do. There was very little talk about the blood lust that she had acquired. I guess what I am trying to say I wish there was a little bit more action, there are a few fighting scenes but they never seemed to be with Lily using her powers. I began wonder if Kenner is unsure of how Lily should use all the powers and power that she has acquired, and possible bit off more than she thought when she introduced the concept. I still really like to concept as it is something different I just think that is needs to be developed a bit more.
This book and series would be enjoyed by the individuals who like paranormal books but also those who like paranormal romance. I think that Kenner has done a good job with appealing to individuals who enjoy both of these genres. Yes, there is some romance, sex and tension between Lily and Deacon, that I will admit that I enjoyed, as it was not constant.
I think that this series has developed along really well into the second book, and the stony line is getting better as the books seem to go on. I do wonder what the next book will hold, and I hope I do not wait as long to read the next book as I did to read this one.
Enjoy!!!!
March 25, 2012
!! Achtung, es können Spoiler enthalten sein !!
Es hätte so gut werden können. Wurde es aber nicht. Nach dem ersten Band Erwachen war ich von der Reihe durchaus angetan und ich kann noch gar nicht fassen, wie man eine Fortsetzung so in den Sand setzen kann. Leider konnte Zerrissen nur bedingt an den guten Einstieg anknüpfen, so dass ich einfach enttäuscht bin. Der Beginn der Geschichte war dabei durchaus noch ansprechend. Ohne große Einleitung war man direkt wieder mitten im Geschehen. Nachdem Lily erfahren hat, dass sie für das Böse gearbeitet hat will sie nun mit allen Mitteln verhindern, dass die geöffnete Pforte auch von Dämonen genutzt werden kann. An dieser Stelle beginnen dann auch erstmal einige Wiederholungen aus dem ersten Band, so dass man auch weiß, wie alles zusammenhängt. Ich hatte den ersten Band vor etwa einem Jahr gelesen, so dass es für mich kein Problem war. Direkt hintereinander könnte das zweite Buch allerdings erstmal langweilig werden.
Schade war vor allem, dass sich so wenig Spannung aufgebaut hat und die Charaktere teilweise sehr unglaubwürdig reagierten. Lily erkannte ich fast nicht wieder. Im ersten Buch ging es doch darum ihre Schwester zu beschützen und nun nimmt sie die 14-jährige mit in einen Nachtclub? Und während Lily sich dort betrinkt und einen Dämon tötet sitzt die Kleine in einer Ecke und nippt an ihrer Cola. Zu allem Überfluss wird Rose dann auch noch mit zum Tätowierer genommen, wo sie dann ein nettes kleines Tattoo bekommt. Ich wiederhole, Rose ist 14 Jahre alt! Ich verstehe es nicht. Genauso unverständlich ist für mich die Reaktion von Rachel, der Schwester von Alice. (Alice ist im ersten Band gestorben und Lily bekam ihren Körper für einen Neuanfang.) Nun erzählt Lily Rachel sämtliche Fakten und die akzeptiert die ganze Geschichte praktisch sofort. Wenn ich erzählt bekommen würde, dass meine Schwester lange tot ist und ihr Körper von einer anderen getöteten Dämonenjägerin benutzt wird, würde ich anders reagieren - vor allem, wenn sie dabei vor mir steht.
Da Zerrissen deutlich kürzer als Erwachen ist, hatte ich erwartet, dass die Handlung mehr gestrafft wird, aber es gab statt dessen einfach weniger Handlung. In der zweiten Hälfte des Romans wird es besser, weil endlich der Hauptstrang fortgeführt wird. In den Passagen, in denen Lily sich jeweils auf die Suche macht kommt auch Spannung auf. Das "große Finale", auf das das gesamte Buch über hingearbeitet wird ist dann allerdings innerhalb von ein paar Seiten vorbei und ich frage mich nun wirklich, ob ich mir den dritten Band noch kaufen soll. Es ist wirklich schade, weil die Geschichte so viel Potential hat und das absolut nicht rüber gebracht worden ist.
Bewertung
Durchschnittliche Unterhaltung und wenige Überraschungen hat Zerrissen zu bieten. Leider gelang das Anknüpfen an Erwachen nicht. Mit den Wiederholungen und den unglaubwürdigen Charakteren nimmt das Lesevergnügen enorm ab. Empfehlen kann ich das Buch daher nicht.
Es hätte so gut werden können. Wurde es aber nicht. Nach dem ersten Band Erwachen war ich von der Reihe durchaus angetan und ich kann noch gar nicht fassen, wie man eine Fortsetzung so in den Sand setzen kann. Leider konnte Zerrissen nur bedingt an den guten Einstieg anknüpfen, so dass ich einfach enttäuscht bin. Der Beginn der Geschichte war dabei durchaus noch ansprechend. Ohne große Einleitung war man direkt wieder mitten im Geschehen. Nachdem Lily erfahren hat, dass sie für das Böse gearbeitet hat will sie nun mit allen Mitteln verhindern, dass die geöffnete Pforte auch von Dämonen genutzt werden kann. An dieser Stelle beginnen dann auch erstmal einige Wiederholungen aus dem ersten Band, so dass man auch weiß, wie alles zusammenhängt. Ich hatte den ersten Band vor etwa einem Jahr gelesen, so dass es für mich kein Problem war. Direkt hintereinander könnte das zweite Buch allerdings erstmal langweilig werden.
Schade war vor allem, dass sich so wenig Spannung aufgebaut hat und die Charaktere teilweise sehr unglaubwürdig reagierten. Lily erkannte ich fast nicht wieder. Im ersten Buch ging es doch darum ihre Schwester zu beschützen und nun nimmt sie die 14-jährige mit in einen Nachtclub? Und während Lily sich dort betrinkt und einen Dämon tötet sitzt die Kleine in einer Ecke und nippt an ihrer Cola. Zu allem Überfluss wird Rose dann auch noch mit zum Tätowierer genommen, wo sie dann ein nettes kleines Tattoo bekommt. Ich wiederhole, Rose ist 14 Jahre alt! Ich verstehe es nicht. Genauso unverständlich ist für mich die Reaktion von Rachel, der Schwester von Alice. (Alice ist im ersten Band gestorben und Lily bekam ihren Körper für einen Neuanfang.) Nun erzählt Lily Rachel sämtliche Fakten und die akzeptiert die ganze Geschichte praktisch sofort. Wenn ich erzählt bekommen würde, dass meine Schwester lange tot ist und ihr Körper von einer anderen getöteten Dämonenjägerin benutzt wird, würde ich anders reagieren - vor allem, wenn sie dabei vor mir steht.
Da Zerrissen deutlich kürzer als Erwachen ist, hatte ich erwartet, dass die Handlung mehr gestrafft wird, aber es gab statt dessen einfach weniger Handlung. In der zweiten Hälfte des Romans wird es besser, weil endlich der Hauptstrang fortgeführt wird. In den Passagen, in denen Lily sich jeweils auf die Suche macht kommt auch Spannung auf. Das "große Finale", auf das das gesamte Buch über hingearbeitet wird ist dann allerdings innerhalb von ein paar Seiten vorbei und ich frage mich nun wirklich, ob ich mir den dritten Band noch kaufen soll. Es ist wirklich schade, weil die Geschichte so viel Potential hat und das absolut nicht rüber gebracht worden ist.
Bewertung
Durchschnittliche Unterhaltung und wenige Überraschungen hat Zerrissen zu bieten. Leider gelang das Anknüpfen an Erwachen nicht. Mit den Wiederholungen und den unglaubwürdigen Charakteren nimmt das Lesevergnügen enorm ab. Empfehlen kann ich das Buch daher nicht.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 18, 2012
Coming in at 188 pages, Torn is a very short book that somehow still manages to feel extremely long. When we last left Lily, she had discovered that rather than working on the side of the good, she had actually been tricked into opening the 9th gate. If that were the only problem with being fooled that would be bad enough, but her sister Rose's body has been invaded by a demon. Johnson makes it clear that he the price of Rose's freedom is the Oris Clef - the key which throws open all of the gates to hell. Unfortunately another demon faction also wants the key. Deacon Camphire the demon who Lily feels inextricably attracted to wants her to abandon the search for the Oris Clef in favour of finding the one key that will lock all the doors. At stake for him, is the possibility of redemption.
The only thing Lily knows for sure is that she must find a way to save Rose. This is her mantra repeatedly and yet she seems to be quite willing to palm Rose off on others. She feels the urge to hunt a demon, she dumps Rose. She has a mission to go on to retrieve part of the key, she dumps Rose. It's easy to see why Deacon could suggest that maybe Rose is disposable after all.
Lily moves from one location to another attempting to gather the pieces of the key but the archangel Gabriel is stalker her. At first, she assumes that he is a demon because of the tattoos on his face but Deacon explains that he is heaven's warrior. Can Lily save her sister, and stop the gates from being opened -does she even want to?
In the first book of this series, there was a lot of world building that was absent in this story. Unfortunately, without this world building, all that is challenging about this story is erased. One of the prominent challenges in was classism. Though the story itself was not original, I enjoyed the fact that Kenner went of her way to detail how one's class location greatly effects one's life chances. Considerin that this story is extremely erased - no characters of colour, no disabled and no GLBT characters the focus on class at least added a real world element. It was further intriguing because class based issues are something that rarely gets discussing in this genre, making it one of the best things about Tainted. When Kenner stopped discussing class, she effectively got rid of the best thing about this series. Now there is absolutely nothing to differentiate it from all of the other books in this genre.
read more
The only thing Lily knows for sure is that she must find a way to save Rose. This is her mantra repeatedly and yet she seems to be quite willing to palm Rose off on others. She feels the urge to hunt a demon, she dumps Rose. She has a mission to go on to retrieve part of the key, she dumps Rose. It's easy to see why Deacon could suggest that maybe Rose is disposable after all.
Lily moves from one location to another attempting to gather the pieces of the key but the archangel Gabriel is stalker her. At first, she assumes that he is a demon because of the tattoos on his face but Deacon explains that he is heaven's warrior. Can Lily save her sister, and stop the gates from being opened -does she even want to?
In the first book of this series, there was a lot of world building that was absent in this story. Unfortunately, without this world building, all that is challenging about this story is erased. One of the prominent challenges in was classism. Though the story itself was not original, I enjoyed the fact that Kenner went of her way to detail how one's class location greatly effects one's life chances. Considerin that this story is extremely erased - no characters of colour, no disabled and no GLBT characters the focus on class at least added a real world element. It was further intriguing because class based issues are something that rarely gets discussing in this genre, making it one of the best things about Tainted. When Kenner stopped discussing class, she effectively got rid of the best thing about this series. Now there is absolutely nothing to differentiate it from all of the other books in this genre.
read more
March 17, 2010
This is the second book in the Blood Lily Trilogy. I needed a trilogy for 2 different challenges and I have pretty much liked everything I've read by Julie Kenner. However I'm not loving this series. I don't feel a real connection to the characters.
Lily, the main character is in someone else's body, you find that out in the first 10 pages of the first book so this isn't a secret. What's weird is that she's claimed some of Alice's (her new body's) friends. Plus she is trying to hang on to her old life and she is starting to share her secret identity and mission with people, making it not so secret. There are just a lot of characters that are so far seemingly useless. And some of the more interesting ones got killed off without much becoming of their potential. She has a love interest of sorts as well and he's interesting but I don't have a real feel for him either except that he seems to always be around to save the day.
The biggest problem is Lily herself. She reminds of everything I didn't like about Dante Valentine in the Lilith Saintcrow series. She has this severe case of darkness, that she alternates between embracing for her own purposes and hating for what it might be doing to her. She feels everything she wants is justified and wants everyone to trust her that she knows what she doing because she's a badass. However she trusts no one. Not even the one who keeps helping her. Add that to her sort of annoying sister that she keeps dragging around and it doesn't lend itself to my most favorite cast of characters.
Meh. I'll obviously read the last book and I'll hope that it gives me what I'm looking for, something that makes the last 2 books better.
Lily, the main character is in someone else's body, you find that out in the first 10 pages of the first book so this isn't a secret. What's weird is that she's claimed some of Alice's (her new body's) friends. Plus she is trying to hang on to her old life and she is starting to share her secret identity and mission with people, making it not so secret. There are just a lot of characters that are so far seemingly useless. And some of the more interesting ones got killed off without much becoming of their potential. She has a love interest of sorts as well and he's interesting but I don't have a real feel for him either except that he seems to always be around to save the day.
The biggest problem is Lily herself. She reminds of everything I didn't like about Dante Valentine in the Lilith Saintcrow series. She has this severe case of darkness, that she alternates between embracing for her own purposes and hating for what it might be doing to her. She feels everything she wants is justified and wants everyone to trust her that she knows what she doing because she's a badass. However she trusts no one. Not even the one who keeps helping her. Add that to her sort of annoying sister that she keeps dragging around and it doesn't lend itself to my most favorite cast of characters.
Meh. I'll obviously read the last book and I'll hope that it gives me what I'm looking for, something that makes the last 2 books better.
February 7, 2010
After reading Tainted Book 1, I couldn’t wait for Torn to be released! I really enjoy the character Lily in these books. She is easy to connect to. You can feel all of her emotions like you are right there in the action with her and the other characters she interacts with.
In Torn, Lily realizes she has been working for the demons instead of trying to stop them. She is sent on a mission to collect 3 pieces of a key that will lock the 9th gate of Hell and prevent millions of demons from taking over the Earth. The only part of this story that I found hard to believe is how easily she was swayed to believe she was working for the dark side. She took one person’s word for it and turned on the men she was working for.
There was a lot of story to keep track of in this second book. Not only has she switched sides but she has to keep a demon who has taken up residence in her little sister’s body happy by going along with what he wants, she has been assigned a partner to help collect the pieces, she falls in love with a demon, and she has to fight the urges within her that she takes in with each demon she kills. I highly recommend reading the first book first as this book begins right where the first one left off.
For a second book, this one really shines. Kenner doesn’t waste time in recapping the whole first book in the second one like some authors attempt to do. To me, that can be annoying and distracting. Keener jumps into the story and has small bits here and there from the previous book. This series is definitely a good one. I can’t wait to get my hands on Book 3 that was released in January!
In Torn, Lily realizes she has been working for the demons instead of trying to stop them. She is sent on a mission to collect 3 pieces of a key that will lock the 9th gate of Hell and prevent millions of demons from taking over the Earth. The only part of this story that I found hard to believe is how easily she was swayed to believe she was working for the dark side. She took one person’s word for it and turned on the men she was working for.
There was a lot of story to keep track of in this second book. Not only has she switched sides but she has to keep a demon who has taken up residence in her little sister’s body happy by going along with what he wants, she has been assigned a partner to help collect the pieces, she falls in love with a demon, and she has to fight the urges within her that she takes in with each demon she kills. I highly recommend reading the first book first as this book begins right where the first one left off.
For a second book, this one really shines. Kenner doesn’t waste time in recapping the whole first book in the second one like some authors attempt to do. To me, that can be annoying and distracting. Keener jumps into the story and has small bits here and there from the previous book. This series is definitely a good one. I can’t wait to get my hands on Book 3 that was released in January!
October 2, 2012
This book was extremely disappointing. Especially when compared to its predecessor. It wasn't bad, but lacking in all areas. The characters were mediocre, the storyline was bland and failed to excite me at any point, and the storytelling was barely palatable. I have certainly read worse, its just that I had high expectations from reading the previous novel. There were times throughout the story where I hated Lily. She contradicts herself and her feelings at times. She's straddling the fence of good and evil, and I guess thats getting in the way of her social life aswell. Like how she goes on and on about protecting her little sister, then leaves her for someone else to baby sit without another thought. Or how she could so easily go out and have fun with friends or have sex with Deacon while her sister is suffering. I just didn't get it. Most of the time it seemed like she was saying things just to say them ,without there being any dept or meaning to her words. In other words I'm saying that the characters were a little shallow.
Once again, I think my hopes were too high with this book. I was hoping that I would get to know and understand Lily better, that there would end up being more to Lily and Deacons relationship than sexual attraction, and that the storyline would be paced better. The ending seemed a little rushed to me. So do I recommend this book, or rather, this series? Only if you have the time. Its not a must read for me, but a sensible one if you want to expand your reading list and have a taste of everything; from the awsome, the mediocre, and the just plain shitty. I'm giving this book 2.5 stars.
Once again, I think my hopes were too high with this book. I was hoping that I would get to know and understand Lily better, that there would end up being more to Lily and Deacons relationship than sexual attraction, and that the storyline would be paced better. The ending seemed a little rushed to me. So do I recommend this book, or rather, this series? Only if you have the time. Its not a must read for me, but a sensible one if you want to expand your reading list and have a taste of everything; from the awsome, the mediocre, and the just plain shitty. I'm giving this book 2.5 stars.
August 30, 2010
Torn
{3.5★} picks up where Tainted left off. As we saw in the first book, Lily Carlyle, in the body of Alice Purdue, is trying to lock the doors to Hell keeping the demons from overtaking the Earth.
With all the twists and turns in the series, I will keep my review short to avoid any spoilers for this one or the previous book.
In Torn, we find her battling to protect her little sister, Rose, from a demon from their past, one she thought was long gone. She continues to feel a strong attraction toward Deacon even though she remains uncertain as to where his loyalties really lie. And a new character, Kiera, is introduced as Lily's partner.
This book is no less action packed than the first. It's full of demon battles, the struggle between what you desire and what you know is right, and the "do whatever it takes" to protect those you love.
We see the end of two semi-main characters, one we cheered and one we will miss.
I will definitely be reading Turned to complete the trilogy and see how Lily makes out. So far, I felt that Tainted was better than Torn, but both keep you guessing.
With all the twists and turns in the series, I will keep my review short to avoid any spoilers for this one or the previous book.
In Torn, we find her battling to protect her little sister, Rose, from a demon from their past, one she thought was long gone. She continues to feel a strong attraction toward Deacon even though she remains uncertain as to where his loyalties really lie. And a new character, Kiera, is introduced as Lily's partner.
This book is no less action packed than the first. It's full of demon battles, the struggle between what you desire and what you know is right, and the "do whatever it takes" to protect those you love.
We see the end of two semi-main characters, one we cheered and one we will miss.
I will definitely be reading Turned to complete the trilogy and see how Lily makes out. So far, I felt that Tainted was better than Torn, but both keep you guessing.
March 8, 2011
As a follow-up to Julie Kenner’s fast-paced and entertaining book, Tainted, the following book, Torn, is a big disappointment.
The first major difference is the number of chapters. Torn only consists of 28 chapters, while Tainted boasts 43. Turned has even less. (By the way, I’m not saying this is a bad thing. Just pointing it out.)
While Tainted only took me two or three days to finish, Torn took far longer partly due to that fact that I didn’t find it interesting. Tainted had a number of battles which would help contribute to the storyline, while Torn’s battles feel very tacked on and spontaneous. Most of them feel like something I would’ve written in 8th grade for a comic book. The demon characters have the same generic and basic “Look at me, I’m so evil” personality. The storyline felt very rushed at some points where the author should've put a lot more detail and substance.
Torn does have some important parts such as introducing Gabriel, who is an important character, and tying up loose ends from the first novel. Torn is important for those who want answers to what happened in the first book, but this novel is far less entertaining.
Julie Kenner spent a month writing each Blood Lily book, so I guess there's her excuse for not being so sloppy.
The first major difference is the number of chapters. Torn only consists of 28 chapters, while Tainted boasts 43. Turned has even less. (By the way, I’m not saying this is a bad thing. Just pointing it out.)
While Tainted only took me two or three days to finish, Torn took far longer partly due to that fact that I didn’t find it interesting. Tainted had a number of battles which would help contribute to the storyline, while Torn’s battles feel very tacked on and spontaneous. Most of them feel like something I would’ve written in 8th grade for a comic book. The demon characters have the same generic and basic “Look at me, I’m so evil” personality. The storyline felt very rushed at some points where the author should've put a lot more detail and substance.
Torn does have some important parts such as introducing Gabriel, who is an important character, and tying up loose ends from the first novel. Torn is important for those who want answers to what happened in the first book, but this novel is far less entertaining.
Julie Kenner spent a month writing each Blood Lily book, so I guess there's her excuse for not being so sloppy.
May 14, 2012
Really 4.75 Rating,
[SPOILERS INCLUDED] I strongly suggest you read the previous book Tainted before reading this book. This installment picks up immediately where Tainted leaves off. Lily rescues her sister but was too late to protect her from being possessed by her demon rapist, Lucas Johnson. Lily is up to her neck in trouble when Lucas blackmails her to vacate her sister's body. Lily together with Deacon Camphire fight tooth and nail to close the hell gates. Knowing that she's been double crossed and out-played puts Lily on the war path! This book was dark and dangerous with interesting demonic creatures, has a plethora of thrilling twists and turns and plenty of action. This was an exciting read and I can't wait to see how this trilogy concludes. I recommend this book and series to fellow dark urban fantasy readers and look forward to the next book Turned due out 12/29/09.
I also recommend:
Speak of the Devil (Morgan Kingsley, Exorcist, Book 4)
Scorched: The Dark Forgotten
Street Magic (Black London, Book 1)
Demon Inside
Darkness Calls
[SPOILERS INCLUDED] I strongly suggest you read the previous book Tainted before reading this book. This installment picks up immediately where Tainted leaves off. Lily rescues her sister but was too late to protect her from being possessed by her demon rapist, Lucas Johnson. Lily is up to her neck in trouble when Lucas blackmails her to vacate her sister's body. Lily together with Deacon Camphire fight tooth and nail to close the hell gates. Knowing that she's been double crossed and out-played puts Lily on the war path! This book was dark and dangerous with interesting demonic creatures, has a plethora of thrilling twists and turns and plenty of action. This was an exciting read and I can't wait to see how this trilogy concludes. I recommend this book and series to fellow dark urban fantasy readers and look forward to the next book Turned due out 12/29/09.
I also recommend:
Speak of the Devil (Morgan Kingsley, Exorcist, Book 4)
Scorched: The Dark Forgotten
Street Magic (Black London, Book 1)
Demon Inside
Darkness Calls
August 6, 2010
I have to say first of all, that I enjoyed Tainted a little more than this one. I thought Lily had changed a little bit- I didn't really remember the cheesy one-liners she threw out here and there that didn't really work for me. However, I've come to believe that the author has a knack for really great endings. I think I wasn't 100% invested until around page 197 (not that I was hating it or anything.) Then I couldn't read fast enough. I also think it's fun for the reader to have to constantly guess and look for clues as to who is trustworthy, or "good" and who's working their own agenda. And even that could be for good or evil. I feel like Kenner closes enough of the story arc up at the end to feel somewhat satisfied, but leaves the overall plot begging you to pick up the next book. I suppose that's part of the point in writing/reading a series. I am definitely looking forward to picking up Turned.
January 7, 2010
This one picked up right where the last one left off. Lily ends up not being able to give up her sister who is further tormented by Lucas. Only this time instead of raping and beating her on the outside he has managed to possess part of her doing his damage from the inside. Lily fights with Deacon to keep Rose with her as they learn some information Lucas, neither sure if they can trust it.
Lily, still reeling from learning that the side she thought she was working for (good) wasn't correct. Deciding to turn the tables on Clarence, Lily takes things into her own hands and pull a double cross. Things get difficult as Clarence throws a partner at her and she deals with her real sister and her "new" sister. In the end Lily has to trust those she has has doubts about, do things she doesn't want to, and hope that the decisions she has made won't cause armageddon.
Lily, still reeling from learning that the side she thought she was working for (good) wasn't correct. Deciding to turn the tables on Clarence, Lily takes things into her own hands and pull a double cross. Things get difficult as Clarence throws a partner at her and she deals with her real sister and her "new" sister. In the end Lily has to trust those she has has doubts about, do things she doesn't want to, and hope that the decisions she has made won't cause armageddon.
May 10, 2011
Book two in the Blood Lily Chronicles was out of this world. Very rarely am I ever surprised at a plot twist but I never saw this one coming!Our girl is for sure in dangerous game and the odds are stacked impossibly high against her.
Deacon starts heating up the night with his sexy mysterious presence and all become much more clear about who he is and what side he is on.
I love how Kenner keeps this story fast paced and does not take three or four books to deliver the answers to the must know or parish soon questions the reader is curious about. Kenner's writing style is intriguing and very unique in the paranormal market and she has the ability to get the most bang for her buck out of the characters she introduces. Kudos for keeping the plot continously moving onward and making the second book better than the first.
Deacon starts heating up the night with his sexy mysterious presence and all become much more clear about who he is and what side he is on.
I love how Kenner keeps this story fast paced and does not take three or four books to deliver the answers to the must know or parish soon questions the reader is curious about. Kenner's writing style is intriguing and very unique in the paranormal market and she has the ability to get the most bang for her buck out of the characters she introduces. Kudos for keeping the plot continously moving onward and making the second book better than the first.
March 17, 2010
This series isn't working for me as well as her "demon-hunting soccer mom" series. It's good... I'll keep reading it, but it's not knocking my socks off. You know how in a book you like to get enough information to make a few assumptions as to what's going on and what will happen? And then when the author throws you a twist, proving your supposition wrong, it's a good thing? Like, "Wow, I didn't see that coming!" My problem is when there is so much conflicting, confusing information that you can't even bother to try to form any ideas about what's coming up, so you never get that "Oh, wow" moment. After a while you almost wonder why you're reading it, since you can't sort out the facts enough... you just keep plowing through to find out what happens in the end.
September 18, 2010
This was a fast paced and adventurous book that I could not put down.
Lily is in trouble of the deepest kind. Having been tricked by the forces of evil , now she knows better. Having help from her temptation, Deacon Camphire, she must try to take the dark forces by becoming a double agent.
From the first book I loved how Lily was compassionate and determained to protect her and those she cares about at all costs. Now I have to say Deacon is my new favorite good/bad demon.
I would recommend reading this book along with the first book in the series, Tainted.
Now I'm off to finding out what new adventures Lily is up to in the last book, Turned.
Lily is in trouble of the deepest kind. Having been tricked by the forces of evil , now she knows better. Having help from her temptation, Deacon Camphire, she must try to take the dark forces by becoming a double agent.
From the first book I loved how Lily was compassionate and determained to protect her and those she cares about at all costs. Now I have to say Deacon is my new favorite good/bad demon.
I would recommend reading this book along with the first book in the series, Tainted.
Now I'm off to finding out what new adventures Lily is up to in the last book, Turned.
September 9, 2010
I enjoyed the second book in the Blood Lily Chronicles even more than the first. Although the overall plotline mostly encompassed Lily's struggle to save her sister, it was a fast paced, action packed book. It was definitely a middle book, no conclusion to the series and the end leaves you hanging. But it did wrap up the side story about Rose nicely. I love the dark humor and sarcasm in this series. It's refreshing to have a main character that's not all warm and fuzzy. She's in a constant battle with herself to be the good heroin and not the evil she's fighting. This is turning into a great series.
August 8, 2011
After reading "Tainted" this book did not disappoint. Kenner is an artist, using eher words to paint a world that you fall into. Writing in the first person, she is skillful with her dialect. Her writing truly puts you inside the main character's head, written as thoughts--not just changing "she" to "I." And her descriptive prose is beautiful. She knows how to use a thesaurus without going overboard.
I am captivated by the main male character. He is intriguing, being both dark and light, good and bad. A man who would have any woman at his beck & call.
Though I didn't really have time to read, I read this book in three days. Amazing as the first, I can't wait to read the next.
I am captivated by the main male character. He is intriguing, being both dark and light, good and bad. A man who would have any woman at his beck & call.
Though I didn't really have time to read, I read this book in three days. Amazing as the first, I can't wait to read the next.
January 22, 2010
If you enjoyed Tainted you will find Torn to be fun and asatisfying. This series is nothing especially unique but it is entertaining. The characters are interesting and you want to see how she's going to end it. The cliffhangers at the end of books 1 & 2 are rather frustrating to me, but I think its intentionally done. Some very satisfying action and resolutions in this one. Looking forward to the final book, though I'm not rushing out to get it either.
August 11, 2016
More intense and complex than the first one in the series, but still a quick recreational book. The heroine has more depth this time and her boyfriend has more redeeming qualities; sometimes, you like him considerably more than you like her. There were fewer plot holes in this one, with one glaring exception: if you want to be a "good guy" and you meet an actual angel, it seems logical to consider cooperating at some point. Overall, if you made it through the first book, you'll probably enjoy this one.
September 1, 2010
Really good and interesting. Very unique. Can't wait to read the next and last book.
The only thing that annoys my about these books is that there called The Blood Lily Chronicles. Why is it called that? There's only three books. Shouldn't it be called The Blood Lily Trilogy? It makes more sense that way. And as far as I know Julie Kenner isn't going to write anymore, so what the hell?
The only thing that annoys my about these books is that there called The Blood Lily Chronicles. Why is it called that? There's only three books. Shouldn't it be called The Blood Lily Trilogy? It makes more sense that way. And as far as I know Julie Kenner isn't going to write anymore, so what the hell?
August 30, 2010
This book was a good read, with an ending that satisfied, but it didn't truly envelop me the way it should. Maybe its because all the characters have their hidden agendas, and no one is quite honest, or maybe its because Lily wants Deacon but doesn't love him, or maybe its because many of the peripheral characters are either pathetic or apathetic. It was a good continuation, but not great.
August 18, 2011
I'm still not sure how I feel about these books. The writing is sub-par, but the concepts are fascinating to me. I'll go ahead and read the third book (since I have it) but I still am stuck firmly on the fence.
January 20, 2010
An entertaining enough sequel to the demon slayer who is infatuated with a demon (who may be attempting redemption) book.
January 22, 2010
I am looking forward to the next book. This one was good, but she kept worrying about what to do and saving her sister. At points, it distracted me from the story.
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