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The Dark #1
Surrender the Dark
Celeste Jackson has fought all her life against a fog of hallucination and substance abuse, but it’s not until she meets her protector, Azrael, an angel who has left the safety of the Light, that she learns of the evil forces that have been trying to ruin her, and why. A fierce battle for control of the mortal realm is brewing, and only Celeste—with the help of the Remnant, her half-human, half-angel brethren—can stand in the way. Together, Celeste and Azrael must gather an army of sensitives to defeat the dark powers that have ruled humanity for centuries, but time is running out. If Azrael surrenders to his growing desire for Celeste, he risks being trapped among humanity forever. But the longer he stays, the harder she is to resist. To save the world, Celeste must draw on her own dark experiences with addiction to help Azrael overcome the one temptation that could possibly make him an eternal prisoner—his obsession with her.
373 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published March 29, 2011
33 people are currently reading
1116 people want to read
About the author
L.A. Banks
59 books1,263 followersA pseudonym used by Leslie Esdaile Banks, she also wrote under the names:
Leslie E. Banks
Leslie Esdaile
Leslie Esdaile Banks
Leslie Banks
Alexis Grant
L.A. Banks, a native Philadelphian, was a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania Wharton undergraduate program. With many awards to her credit, Banks also held a masters of fine arts degree in film and media arts from Temple University. She lived in Philadelphia with her family until she passed away on the morning of August 2, 2011.
Visit L.A. Banks' page on the Macmillan website: http://us.macmillan.com/author/labanks
Leslie E. Banks
Leslie Esdaile
Leslie Esdaile Banks
Leslie Banks
Alexis Grant
L.A. Banks, a native Philadelphian, was a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania Wharton undergraduate program. With many awards to her credit, Banks also held a masters of fine arts degree in film and media arts from Temple University. She lived in Philadelphia with her family until she passed away on the morning of August 2, 2011.
Visit L.A. Banks' page on the Macmillan website: http://us.macmillan.com/author/labanks
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
March 2, 2012
This is a weak four stars for me, because there were some things I think detracted away from the book, but also things I really like. This has to be a short review, so I can't get into all of that in great detail (if you really want to know, check Bitten by Books for the full review). On the whole, enjoyable. I loved the angel parts, but some of the theology was a bit muddled with bit too much of everything thrown in. Probably won't bother some readers, but it didn't sit well with me. I definitely recommend this to angel fiction fans, and for readers who want to see some cultural diversity in their urban fantasy. Ms. Banks gets an A+ for that.
Rest in Peace, Ms. Banks. The fiction world is poor for your passing.
Reviewed for Bitten by Books. http://bittenbybooks.com.
Rest in Peace, Ms. Banks. The fiction world is poor for your passing.
Reviewed for Bitten by Books. http://bittenbybooks.com.
April 9, 2011
This book was so very slow, I could only read 50 pages before switching off to a different book for awhile. I also felt like I was getting preached at while reading this book. When books are about Angels I expect that to some extent, but in this case I also felt preached about eating vegan and organic (I love meat, not going to give it up), drinking (there is nothing like a good glass of wine sometimes), drugs (ok, this one I agree with), and swearing (I don't swear a lot, but sometimes you are in a situation where a good curse word will only do).
When we first met Celeste there isn't a whole lot to like about her, she is a drunk, does drugs, lives with a guy who's main entertainment is beating on her. Really, her life just couldn't get any worse. Things go from bad to worst and Celeste finds herself hitting rock bottom sitting at a bar when Azrael comes in and changes her life. It takes a while for Celeste to believe Azrael and then they are off on their mission, good against evil.
Some of the best scenes of the book were when Celeste and Azrael weren't with a lot of others around. The discovery of food in Whole Foods was one of the light fun scenes in the book. I also loved it when the couple found their way to Aunt Nicey's house. She is such a card and her way of thinking had me laughing. I also thought the scenes with Queen Aziza were interesting. It definitely gave Celeste somethings to think about.
When we first met Celeste there isn't a whole lot to like about her, she is a drunk, does drugs, lives with a guy who's main entertainment is beating on her. Really, her life just couldn't get any worse. Things go from bad to worst and Celeste finds herself hitting rock bottom sitting at a bar when Azrael comes in and changes her life. It takes a while for Celeste to believe Azrael and then they are off on their mission, good against evil.
Some of the best scenes of the book were when Celeste and Azrael weren't with a lot of others around. The discovery of food in Whole Foods was one of the light fun scenes in the book. I also loved it when the couple found their way to Aunt Nicey's house. She is such a card and her way of thinking had me laughing. I also thought the scenes with Queen Aziza were interesting. It definitely gave Celeste somethings to think about.
March 25, 2011
Oh man, I'm not gonna lie, I'm so very glad I'm done with this book. I mean, wow. I'd never read L.A. Banks before, and quite unlike my last introductory experience with a well-established author, I don't think I ever will again. I mean that book, that book was damn near unreadable.
It's a damn shame too, because the concept was pretty solid, and the heroine completely different from any other I've read. I mean seriously, I've never seen a recovering addict and victim of physical abuse as the protagonist of one of these paranormal romance/urban fantasy series, and seeing this damaged character transform into a tough-as-nails ass-kicking heroine should have been awesome. And yet.
Surrender the Dark has a number of issues that probably would have kept me from enjoying or recommending it on their own, but the primary, vital flaw that almost kept me from finishing it had to do with the writing. Namely, it being terrible. Not, like, Once in a Full Moon terrible, but Christ almighty, half the content could have been cut and we would have missed absolutely nothing.
I don't know if it's an issue Banks always has or if it's just with this particular book, but she overexplained EVERYTHING. I'm not being cute, either, when I emphasize the everything, because honest-to-God, you could not go two pages in that book without encountering an extremely simple concept to which way, way too many words were devoted to explaining. Way. WAY.
For instance, immediately following the revelation that her aunt had given her twin children to her married sister to raise back in the 60's, Celeste says this:
"All these years, she'd thought Aunt Niecey just claimed her sister's children as her own, the way people often do when they dote on a close freind's child that they love. They'd say, 'Oh, you know that's really my baby,' all in jest and as a show of true devotion to the cherished child. That's what she thought had gone on between her two aunts; she'd always thought Aunt Niecey had verbally claimed her sister's grown children as her own out of deep devotion, never realizing that they were actually, biologically hers.
Claming other people's children was like adhering a stamp of love on a child. It was the village approach, something folks did in the community; a collective part of the old Southern way that lines of kin got verbally blurred when there was no line of demarcation due to love. To be claimed by many aunts and neighborhood church ladies was to be well loved. As a child in that embrace, you didn't think about it; most times people couldn't fully remember how the so-called cousins were really related, whether by blood or not. You were just in the tribe, a part of the family equation. But in her family if was obviously deeper than that."
Any one of those sentences could have accurately summed up a concept we probably didn't need explained to us anyway, yet Banks goes on and on for two whole paragraphs, reiterating, repeating, reinciting, the same idea. And she does that over and over again. I swear to God, it was like reading a book written by Mojo Jojo...
But worse than that, perhaps, was the totally alienating religious world mythology...
Read more at You're Killing.Us.
It's a damn shame too, because the concept was pretty solid, and the heroine completely different from any other I've read. I mean seriously, I've never seen a recovering addict and victim of physical abuse as the protagonist of one of these paranormal romance/urban fantasy series, and seeing this damaged character transform into a tough-as-nails ass-kicking heroine should have been awesome. And yet.
Surrender the Dark has a number of issues that probably would have kept me from enjoying or recommending it on their own, but the primary, vital flaw that almost kept me from finishing it had to do with the writing. Namely, it being terrible. Not, like, Once in a Full Moon terrible, but Christ almighty, half the content could have been cut and we would have missed absolutely nothing.
I don't know if it's an issue Banks always has or if it's just with this particular book, but she overexplained EVERYTHING. I'm not being cute, either, when I emphasize the everything, because honest-to-God, you could not go two pages in that book without encountering an extremely simple concept to which way, way too many words were devoted to explaining. Way. WAY.
For instance, immediately following the revelation that her aunt had given her twin children to her married sister to raise back in the 60's, Celeste says this:
"All these years, she'd thought Aunt Niecey just claimed her sister's children as her own, the way people often do when they dote on a close freind's child that they love. They'd say, 'Oh, you know that's really my baby,' all in jest and as a show of true devotion to the cherished child. That's what she thought had gone on between her two aunts; she'd always thought Aunt Niecey had verbally claimed her sister's grown children as her own out of deep devotion, never realizing that they were actually, biologically hers.
Claming other people's children was like adhering a stamp of love on a child. It was the village approach, something folks did in the community; a collective part of the old Southern way that lines of kin got verbally blurred when there was no line of demarcation due to love. To be claimed by many aunts and neighborhood church ladies was to be well loved. As a child in that embrace, you didn't think about it; most times people couldn't fully remember how the so-called cousins were really related, whether by blood or not. You were just in the tribe, a part of the family equation. But in her family if was obviously deeper than that."
Any one of those sentences could have accurately summed up a concept we probably didn't need explained to us anyway, yet Banks goes on and on for two whole paragraphs, reiterating, repeating, reinciting, the same idea. And she does that over and over again. I swear to God, it was like reading a book written by Mojo Jojo...
But worse than that, perhaps, was the totally alienating religious world mythology...
Read more at You're Killing.Us.
April 3, 2011
I’ve had L.A. Banks on my radar for a while but haven’t had the chance to read any of her work until now. Surrender the Dark really captivated me; it was a moving tale of Good vs. Evil and the Light battling the Dark for human kind.
Celeste lives with an abusive boyfriend, sees demons and has been diagnosed as mentally insane. Though her bible-toting Aunt raised her she is on the brink, contemplating the great sin of suicide just to make it all end. When Celeste is at her lowest a tall, dark and sexy man approaches her, claiming to be an angel sent to protect her.
Banks really brings the darker side of addiction and poverty to light here from the streets of Philly and NYC, capturing the essence of her character’s surroundings perfectly. I’ve never been to the northeast but I could clearly picture it with Bank’s seamless writing.
Azrael, the Angel of Death, was chosen for and accepted a great mission; to fall to the Earth, find one of the Remnant and save humanity. Little did he know, she was the key to all.
When Azrael is brought into human form it is a painful and frightening experience, and he despairs. But once he finds Celeste, she teaches him about the world around them, about clothing, food, money and even today’s politics. She also opens him up to new, unknown feelings that lead him down a dangerous path.
As he starts to explain to Celeste his mission and her destiny the story slowed down immensely and the religious beliefs, which is a main focal point of the plot, got deep but it is an essential part to the story. Though some of the discussions about energy, light and double helixes went over my head I still found it interesting.
Trust starts to develop between Celeste and Azrael but so does their attraction, and for an angel in a new, human body, desire can be a scary thing. And for us readers, it can be pretty funny.
Each of these characters is complex and I was drawn to their struggles and development immediately. Individual they are strong, but together they are a force to be reckon with. Once they become a team the action starts but the romantic tension is a continuous undercurrent throughout the story.
The secondary characters were a fun part of the novel as well, each with their own issues to cope with, you yearn to know more about them and how they can help, or hinder, the main characters quest.
Though it is not have a fast-paced, the plot remains steady and Surrender the Dark was a great read. Both heart-warming and thought provoking. With love, faith, and hope being a bright message throughout you will not want to miss this enlightening reading experience. And I for one am looking forward to it's sequel, Conquer the Dark, set to be released in October.
Celeste lives with an abusive boyfriend, sees demons and has been diagnosed as mentally insane. Though her bible-toting Aunt raised her she is on the brink, contemplating the great sin of suicide just to make it all end. When Celeste is at her lowest a tall, dark and sexy man approaches her, claiming to be an angel sent to protect her.
Banks really brings the darker side of addiction and poverty to light here from the streets of Philly and NYC, capturing the essence of her character’s surroundings perfectly. I’ve never been to the northeast but I could clearly picture it with Bank’s seamless writing.
Azrael, the Angel of Death, was chosen for and accepted a great mission; to fall to the Earth, find one of the Remnant and save humanity. Little did he know, she was the key to all.
When Azrael is brought into human form it is a painful and frightening experience, and he despairs. But once he finds Celeste, she teaches him about the world around them, about clothing, food, money and even today’s politics. She also opens him up to new, unknown feelings that lead him down a dangerous path.
As he starts to explain to Celeste his mission and her destiny the story slowed down immensely and the religious beliefs, which is a main focal point of the plot, got deep but it is an essential part to the story. Though some of the discussions about energy, light and double helixes went over my head I still found it interesting.
Trust starts to develop between Celeste and Azrael but so does their attraction, and for an angel in a new, human body, desire can be a scary thing. And for us readers, it can be pretty funny.
Each of these characters is complex and I was drawn to their struggles and development immediately. Individual they are strong, but together they are a force to be reckon with. Once they become a team the action starts but the romantic tension is a continuous undercurrent throughout the story.
The secondary characters were a fun part of the novel as well, each with their own issues to cope with, you yearn to know more about them and how they can help, or hinder, the main characters quest.
Though it is not have a fast-paced, the plot remains steady and Surrender the Dark was a great read. Both heart-warming and thought provoking. With love, faith, and hope being a bright message throughout you will not want to miss this enlightening reading experience. And I for one am looking forward to it's sequel, Conquer the Dark, set to be released in October.
April 3, 2011
I'm addicted to the good-versus-evil books where the main character is a bad girl with a big heart. With an in-depth plot, likable characters and a unique writing style, reading SURRENDER THE DARK was a great way to spend a day. Paranormal and Urban Fantasy fans get ready for this great new series!
April 25, 2011
This is my first book L.A. Banks book. I enjoyed the story as well as the characters. I took my time in reading it instead of rushing through it. I love the complex of AZ and the strength of Celeste.
I could do without the slang but still a nice read. Looking forward to Conquer the Dark - October 2011.
I could do without the slang but still a nice read. Looking forward to Conquer the Dark - October 2011.
July 10, 2013
I have always loved books on the struggle between good and evil! The detail in the characters of the Angels and demons is amazing!! The story line pulls you in and on so many levels I could relate to the main character. AMAZING and well written book!! Makes me miss Ms. Banks all the more!
May 1, 2014
this is a wonderful new series from ms banks. i am a huge fan of the vampire huntress books and it seems this new series may be right up there.i love the good vs evil and spiritual aspect of this book.it just drew me right in from page 1.kudos to ms banks another hit
April 18, 2011
The angel Azrael has been sent to earth in a human body, with a very important mission. He must find Celeste Jackson, a woman who is one of the Remnant, the last remaining descendants of angel/human couplings in ages past. The Remnant must be gathered so they can lead the human race when all hell breaks loose in 2012.
When we first meet Celeste, she’s an unlikely leader. Labeled “crazy” all her life because she sees demons, she has fallen into an abusive relationship and heavy drinking. One night she’s sure it’s over — that her boyfriend is finally going to kill her — but instead he is killed by the demon that has been inhabiting him. Celeste escapes the demon but finds herself lost and hopeless, until she meets a drop-dead gorgeous man who claims to be an angel.
The interactions between Azrael and Celeste are, for the most part, terrific. Celeste doesn’t believe the angel story at first, Azrael is baffled by much of what he finds in the human world, and the trust that develops between the two characters is sweet and uplifting. The relationship between Celeste and her beloved Aunt Niecey is also endearing, as is the camaraderie that develops between Azrael and Niecey. L.A. Banks gives each character a distinctive voice and creates several adorable scenes — most notably a grocery shopping trip in which Azrael discovers the sensual joys of earthly food, and the scene where the two go to Niecey’s house and banter affectionately — that will give you the warm fuzzies.
The relationship between Azrael and Celeste progresses at improbable speed, though, as does Celeste’s transformation from mess to dispenser of wisdom. It might have been easier to swallow if Surrender the Dark took place over a period of weeks rather than a day or two.
The larger problem in Surrender the Dark is the lecturing. Several times, the plot comes to a halt so that one character (usually Azrael) can expound about something to another (usually Celeste). I also had this issue when reading Banks’s Minion several years ago. The subject matter is a little different this time; Minion had a lot of religious preaching, while Surrender the Dark has some of that but is largely focused on the benefits of an organic vegan diet. I can’t complain too much, since it does lead to the grocery store scene — but the copious filibustering wears thin (even during that scene, which I otherwise liked).
The latter half of the novel features more action, as the forces of darkness scheme to gain control of Celeste. I’m not sure how much the larger plot of the series is advanced, as Banks could go several different directions from here. I’m curious whether she will continue to follow Celeste and show how she fulfills her destiny, or if she will backtrack and tell the stories of the other Remnant characters first. This series opener is a promising start… especially if Banks dials back the lecturing.
When we first meet Celeste, she’s an unlikely leader. Labeled “crazy” all her life because she sees demons, she has fallen into an abusive relationship and heavy drinking. One night she’s sure it’s over — that her boyfriend is finally going to kill her — but instead he is killed by the demon that has been inhabiting him. Celeste escapes the demon but finds herself lost and hopeless, until she meets a drop-dead gorgeous man who claims to be an angel.
The interactions between Azrael and Celeste are, for the most part, terrific. Celeste doesn’t believe the angel story at first, Azrael is baffled by much of what he finds in the human world, and the trust that develops between the two characters is sweet and uplifting. The relationship between Celeste and her beloved Aunt Niecey is also endearing, as is the camaraderie that develops between Azrael and Niecey. L.A. Banks gives each character a distinctive voice and creates several adorable scenes — most notably a grocery shopping trip in which Azrael discovers the sensual joys of earthly food, and the scene where the two go to Niecey’s house and banter affectionately — that will give you the warm fuzzies.
The relationship between Azrael and Celeste progresses at improbable speed, though, as does Celeste’s transformation from mess to dispenser of wisdom. It might have been easier to swallow if Surrender the Dark took place over a period of weeks rather than a day or two.
The larger problem in Surrender the Dark is the lecturing. Several times, the plot comes to a halt so that one character (usually Azrael) can expound about something to another (usually Celeste). I also had this issue when reading Banks’s Minion several years ago. The subject matter is a little different this time; Minion had a lot of religious preaching, while Surrender the Dark has some of that but is largely focused on the benefits of an organic vegan diet. I can’t complain too much, since it does lead to the grocery store scene — but the copious filibustering wears thin (even during that scene, which I otherwise liked).
The latter half of the novel features more action, as the forces of darkness scheme to gain control of Celeste. I’m not sure how much the larger plot of the series is advanced, as Banks could go several different directions from here. I’m curious whether she will continue to follow Celeste and show how she fulfills her destiny, or if she will backtrack and tell the stories of the other Remnant characters first. This series opener is a promising start… especially if Banks dials back the lecturing.
March 31, 2011
This is a book about the end of times. Azrael is an archangel who elected to come to earth to search out a remnant/nephilim who is part angel and part human. Celeste has been affected by the dark in such a way she is almost broken in spirit and body. However, because of the unfailing love of her aunt, she finds her way to Azrael and they begin to heal each other. Her due to the abuse she had endured and him due to the loss and effect the world has on a new to earth angel. As Celeste learns to trust again, we get glimpses into the philosophy this world inhabits. It is mostly Christian in nature, but it is not solely within that one religion. I believe that because Celeste was brought up Christian that is why we are more involved with that philosophy in this book. All religions are considered sacred to the angels and none discriminate because someone ascribes to another viewpoint. All that is important is how good the person is in spirit.
There is also discussion within the philosophy of this world about DNA structures. There is a postulation that we have more strands than the double helix and this is put to good use within the story. I have heard about this theory, but personally know little about it. Still, I think Ms. Banks makes good use of this idea. We also find the Mayans prediction of 12/21/12 is entwined within the philosophies. In fact the reason Celeste is there on the earth has to do with this prophesy.
I give this book 4 stars. I really enjoyed the philosophy the author created within this book. I also enjoyed Celeste, Azrael and especially her feisty Aunt Niecey. I would have loved to have had a little more humor within the book, but it was also not devoid of humor. Several times I did catch myself laughing.
There is also discussion within the philosophy of this world about DNA structures. There is a postulation that we have more strands than the double helix and this is put to good use within the story. I have heard about this theory, but personally know little about it. Still, I think Ms. Banks makes good use of this idea. We also find the Mayans prediction of 12/21/12 is entwined within the philosophies. In fact the reason Celeste is there on the earth has to do with this prophesy.
I give this book 4 stars. I really enjoyed the philosophy the author created within this book. I also enjoyed Celeste, Azrael and especially her feisty Aunt Niecey. I would have loved to have had a little more humor within the book, but it was also not devoid of humor. Several times I did catch myself laughing.
March 24, 2011
Review provided by Black Lagoon Reviews:
Best selling author L.A. Banks' newest novel Surrender the Dark is the enthralling beginning to an angelic series with great themes focusing on good vs. evil and light versus dark. With characters that must rally themselves through blind faith, hope and selflessness this novel was both heart warming and thought evoking with never ending action and a smoldering romance that had me captivated late into the night.
The characters of this story are unique and amazingly well developed complete with flaws and regrets that are easily relatable to readers. Dealing with things such as substance abuse, physical abuse, plight and self worth issues the main character Celeste is the epitome of hopelessness. And yet, despite her situation and in large part due to the appearance of a sexy warrior angel named Azrael, she manages to pull herself from the brink of suicide to accept her frightening and impossible destiny. Suffering from a potential mental illness, she often questions her own sanity about the situation she comes to find herself in and instead finds it necessary to rely on her belief in the Light and her heart, feeling the truth behind the insane story of Azrael's claim to be an Angel. Azreal himself is no less complex as his fall from the Light causes him to question his own faith as well as his convictions that conquering the Darkness is worth the potential of collateral damage. After becoming attached to Celeste, he comes to feel human emotions and realizes that the loss of even a single human life is tragic. Growing from an almost naive mindset, he comes to become a true warrior of the Light, his hope and faith tethered to Celeste's unflinching acceptance of her role as a Remnant, someone who will help influence the battle in favor of the Light. Yet, while the individually they are interesting and complex with an amazingly deep evolution arising from their journey, it is the growing romance between them that was the clincher for me.
From the beginning the potential for their romance is a simmering background noise, subtle yet the tension is unbelievably alluring. The almost instantaneous trust that grows between them, despite the impossibility of the truth, was instantly endearing. As the story progress the tension grows and the questioning nature of the characters makes for an interesting and intense build up as Azreal accepts the cost of falling to be with Celeste. Yet, Celeste's guilt over such an action was marvelously written, tinting every action and thought with unthinkable love and tenderness. As the pace becomes more immediate, so too does the connection between these two characters and the journey they take together is one that is impossible not to be drawn into.
And I also feel the need to mention the secondary characters within the novel. All have a nicely developed history with individual histories full of pain, loss, regrets and flaws. Each of them serves to play a part in the on going war between the Light and the Darkness and yet they all suffer from flagging faith and a severe lack of faith making most of these rogue angels a hairs breadth from being Fallen. The amazing stories that these characters have make you crave to get to know them better, and even in their brief stints, I came to care quite a bit for them and look forward to seeing what happens to them in future novels.
The world this novel takes place in was also quite enthralling. Nicely developed with lush details and vivid atmospheres, Banks' has an unprecedented knack of drawing you into the story making you see the world through the eyes of her intuitive characters. With a great sense of spirituality that is practical and touching, the thought evoking messages within the novel definitely make one consider the benefits of simple random acts of kindness and their effect on those around us. Putting a lot of her own heart felt beliefs about Light and Darkness and their effects on economical and sociological issues, Banks' definitely creates a novel that speaks to its readers encouraging love, faith and hope within one's life.
Like other novels written by Banks' the writing is superb, perfectly catching the pitch and slang of the regions in which she sets the novel. Flowing writing makes it easily accessible and highly engaging creating an amazing emotional and spiritual quality that makes reading this novel not only a journey but an experience.
In fact, the only thing that I found 'wrong' in this novel was the climax. Wonderfully written and masterful, the epic battle lives up to everything readers have come to expect from an L.A. Banks novel. However, in this particular case it felt a bit rushed with chaos erupting all over the place. Subsequently, we are propelled from one scene to the next with a mind boggling lack of transition and fluidity. It was like seeing a highlight reel of the battle that after the amazing journey felt completely at odds with the rest of the novel, but it was only a slight disappointment considering the rest of this wonderful book.
In the end, this novel was touching, heart warming, deep, thought evoking and awe inspiring with a great romance and journey that draws you into the world and the characters that reside within it. This is definitely one novel that I highly recommend to fans of Paranormal Romance and Urban Fantasy. I can't wait for the next wonderful installment!
Best selling author L.A. Banks' newest novel Surrender the Dark is the enthralling beginning to an angelic series with great themes focusing on good vs. evil and light versus dark. With characters that must rally themselves through blind faith, hope and selflessness this novel was both heart warming and thought evoking with never ending action and a smoldering romance that had me captivated late into the night.
The characters of this story are unique and amazingly well developed complete with flaws and regrets that are easily relatable to readers. Dealing with things such as substance abuse, physical abuse, plight and self worth issues the main character Celeste is the epitome of hopelessness. And yet, despite her situation and in large part due to the appearance of a sexy warrior angel named Azrael, she manages to pull herself from the brink of suicide to accept her frightening and impossible destiny. Suffering from a potential mental illness, she often questions her own sanity about the situation she comes to find herself in and instead finds it necessary to rely on her belief in the Light and her heart, feeling the truth behind the insane story of Azrael's claim to be an Angel. Azreal himself is no less complex as his fall from the Light causes him to question his own faith as well as his convictions that conquering the Darkness is worth the potential of collateral damage. After becoming attached to Celeste, he comes to feel human emotions and realizes that the loss of even a single human life is tragic. Growing from an almost naive mindset, he comes to become a true warrior of the Light, his hope and faith tethered to Celeste's unflinching acceptance of her role as a Remnant, someone who will help influence the battle in favor of the Light. Yet, while the individually they are interesting and complex with an amazingly deep evolution arising from their journey, it is the growing romance between them that was the clincher for me.
From the beginning the potential for their romance is a simmering background noise, subtle yet the tension is unbelievably alluring. The almost instantaneous trust that grows between them, despite the impossibility of the truth, was instantly endearing. As the story progress the tension grows and the questioning nature of the characters makes for an interesting and intense build up as Azreal accepts the cost of falling to be with Celeste. Yet, Celeste's guilt over such an action was marvelously written, tinting every action and thought with unthinkable love and tenderness. As the pace becomes more immediate, so too does the connection between these two characters and the journey they take together is one that is impossible not to be drawn into.
And I also feel the need to mention the secondary characters within the novel. All have a nicely developed history with individual histories full of pain, loss, regrets and flaws. Each of them serves to play a part in the on going war between the Light and the Darkness and yet they all suffer from flagging faith and a severe lack of faith making most of these rogue angels a hairs breadth from being Fallen. The amazing stories that these characters have make you crave to get to know them better, and even in their brief stints, I came to care quite a bit for them and look forward to seeing what happens to them in future novels.
The world this novel takes place in was also quite enthralling. Nicely developed with lush details and vivid atmospheres, Banks' has an unprecedented knack of drawing you into the story making you see the world through the eyes of her intuitive characters. With a great sense of spirituality that is practical and touching, the thought evoking messages within the novel definitely make one consider the benefits of simple random acts of kindness and their effect on those around us. Putting a lot of her own heart felt beliefs about Light and Darkness and their effects on economical and sociological issues, Banks' definitely creates a novel that speaks to its readers encouraging love, faith and hope within one's life.
Like other novels written by Banks' the writing is superb, perfectly catching the pitch and slang of the regions in which she sets the novel. Flowing writing makes it easily accessible and highly engaging creating an amazing emotional and spiritual quality that makes reading this novel not only a journey but an experience.
In fact, the only thing that I found 'wrong' in this novel was the climax. Wonderfully written and masterful, the epic battle lives up to everything readers have come to expect from an L.A. Banks novel. However, in this particular case it felt a bit rushed with chaos erupting all over the place. Subsequently, we are propelled from one scene to the next with a mind boggling lack of transition and fluidity. It was like seeing a highlight reel of the battle that after the amazing journey felt completely at odds with the rest of the novel, but it was only a slight disappointment considering the rest of this wonderful book.
In the end, this novel was touching, heart warming, deep, thought evoking and awe inspiring with a great romance and journey that draws you into the world and the characters that reside within it. This is definitely one novel that I highly recommend to fans of Paranormal Romance and Urban Fantasy. I can't wait for the next wonderful installment!
March 8, 2011
My Rating: 4.5/5 stars
I’m a big fan of L.A. Banks. I loved her Vampire Huntress Legend series and I did start her Crimson Moon series which is pretty good so far. I was excited when I found out she was starting another project – this time featuring angels. Her books are full of spirituality; light vs. dark, evil vs. good kind of thing. It’s not exactly something I look for (or even want) in a book but I’ve grown quite accustomed to her writing and really enjoy it. Banks creates really down-to-earth characters and puts them in a modernized setting that is recognizable and comfortably familiar. Surrender the Dark is a really great opening to a series that I believe will be just as successful as her Vampire Huntress Legend series.
The great thing about Celeste is that she’s someone who is very down on her luck and far from perfect. She’s had a really hard childhood (and adulthood for that matter). She currently lives in a poverty- stricken neighborhood with a boyfriend that never hesitates to tell her how worthless she is. He even smacks her around every now and then for good measure. She’s hooked on drugs and is known to see things that aren’t really there. Basically she’s on the brink of suicide. She feels like she’s going crazy and her life is seriously a living hell. So you may be wondering why I said these were great things about her. All of these things make Celeste a vulnerable and imperfect character from page one. Some may empathize with her while others may frown upon the fixer-upper character before them. Either way Celeste is definitely not ideal. But as she learns who she is and what her destiny entails, the reader gets to watch her transformation and see that she has always been a strong woman. It’s easy to fall in love with her character as the book progresses and the story unfolds.
Azrael’s character was a very nice match for Celeste. Like a newborn baby, he is bombarded by so many new feelings and sensations when he falls. And even though Celeste has no reason in the world to trust him or anything he says, she still finds it in her heart to help him. They are both equally helpless but in totally different aspects. The connection between the two is evident from the very beginning and it only grows stronger as the story progresses. I did kind of feel like their relationship wasn’t developed enough at certain points. I get that Azrael is this beautiful, kind, savior-type guy but I felt the “I love yous” came a little too prematurely for my taste. But once I accepted the fact that the two of them were going to come together really hard and fast, whether I liked it or not, it was easier for me to enjoy their relationship.
The supporting characters, like in Banks’ other novels, are pretty great. Banks always leaves you wanting more about each character you meet. I always feel like each character should get individual novels or stories. Celeste is part of the Remnant, a group of females that will someday inspire the world to “surrender the dark” in themselves and tip the scale in favor of the light. And the other Remnants are talked about and actually named (with their respective protector) in the epilogue of Surrender the Dark. So I’m sure we’ll be seeing more of them and their stories.
As I mentioned before, there is a lot of spirituality in the book. It may take some getting used to if you’re not familiar with Banks’ style of writing. But it’s both inspirational and uplifting in a way that doesn’t have strong religious undertones. I appreciate the fact that Banks isn’t preaching at me but rather giving me a different perspective on life while making me want to be a better person. Cheesy I know, but that’s how it is for me. I think the blend of paranormal fiction with her dose of spirituality can be easily enjoyed by many different readers. So if you haven’t tried a book by Banks before I definitely say give this one a go. If vamps are more your thing, I definitely recommend her Vampire Huntress Legend series. And although I haven’t really gotten into her Crimson Moon series yet, it’s about werewolves if that’s what you’re craving.
I’m a big fan of L.A. Banks. I loved her Vampire Huntress Legend series and I did start her Crimson Moon series which is pretty good so far. I was excited when I found out she was starting another project – this time featuring angels. Her books are full of spirituality; light vs. dark, evil vs. good kind of thing. It’s not exactly something I look for (or even want) in a book but I’ve grown quite accustomed to her writing and really enjoy it. Banks creates really down-to-earth characters and puts them in a modernized setting that is recognizable and comfortably familiar. Surrender the Dark is a really great opening to a series that I believe will be just as successful as her Vampire Huntress Legend series.
The great thing about Celeste is that she’s someone who is very down on her luck and far from perfect. She’s had a really hard childhood (and adulthood for that matter). She currently lives in a poverty- stricken neighborhood with a boyfriend that never hesitates to tell her how worthless she is. He even smacks her around every now and then for good measure. She’s hooked on drugs and is known to see things that aren’t really there. Basically she’s on the brink of suicide. She feels like she’s going crazy and her life is seriously a living hell. So you may be wondering why I said these were great things about her. All of these things make Celeste a vulnerable and imperfect character from page one. Some may empathize with her while others may frown upon the fixer-upper character before them. Either way Celeste is definitely not ideal. But as she learns who she is and what her destiny entails, the reader gets to watch her transformation and see that she has always been a strong woman. It’s easy to fall in love with her character as the book progresses and the story unfolds.
Azrael’s character was a very nice match for Celeste. Like a newborn baby, he is bombarded by so many new feelings and sensations when he falls. And even though Celeste has no reason in the world to trust him or anything he says, she still finds it in her heart to help him. They are both equally helpless but in totally different aspects. The connection between the two is evident from the very beginning and it only grows stronger as the story progresses. I did kind of feel like their relationship wasn’t developed enough at certain points. I get that Azrael is this beautiful, kind, savior-type guy but I felt the “I love yous” came a little too prematurely for my taste. But once I accepted the fact that the two of them were going to come together really hard and fast, whether I liked it or not, it was easier for me to enjoy their relationship.
The supporting characters, like in Banks’ other novels, are pretty great. Banks always leaves you wanting more about each character you meet. I always feel like each character should get individual novels or stories. Celeste is part of the Remnant, a group of females that will someday inspire the world to “surrender the dark” in themselves and tip the scale in favor of the light. And the other Remnants are talked about and actually named (with their respective protector) in the epilogue of Surrender the Dark. So I’m sure we’ll be seeing more of them and their stories.
As I mentioned before, there is a lot of spirituality in the book. It may take some getting used to if you’re not familiar with Banks’ style of writing. But it’s both inspirational and uplifting in a way that doesn’t have strong religious undertones. I appreciate the fact that Banks isn’t preaching at me but rather giving me a different perspective on life while making me want to be a better person. Cheesy I know, but that’s how it is for me. I think the blend of paranormal fiction with her dose of spirituality can be easily enjoyed by many different readers. So if you haven’t tried a book by Banks before I definitely say give this one a go. If vamps are more your thing, I definitely recommend her Vampire Huntress Legend series. And although I haven’t really gotten into her Crimson Moon series yet, it’s about werewolves if that’s what you’re craving.
March 9, 2011
Reviewed by Mishel at RexRobotReviews.com
I’m a big fan of L.A. Banks. I loved her Vampire Huntress Legend series and I did start her Crimson Moon series which is pretty good so far. I was excited when I found out she was starting another project – this time featuring angels. Her books are full of spirituality; light vs. dark, evil vs. good kind of thing. It’s not exactly something I look for (or even want) in a book but I’ve grown quite accustomed to her writing and really enjoy it. Banks creates really down-to-earth characters and puts them in a modernized setting that is recognizable and comfortably familiar. Surrender the Dark is a really great opening to a series that I believe will be just as successful as her Vampire Huntress Legend series.
The great thing about Celeste is that she’s someone who is very down on her luck and far from perfect. She’s had a really hard childhood (and adulthood for that matter). She currently lives in a poverty- stricken neighborhood with a boyfriend that never hesitates to tell her how worthless she is. He even smacks her around every now and then for good measure. She’s hooked on drugs and is known to see things that aren’t really there. Basically she’s on the brink of suicide. She feels like she’s going crazy and her life is seriously a living hell. So you may be wondering why I said these were great things about her. All of these things make Celeste a vulnerable and imperfect character from page one. Some may empathize with her while others may frown upon the fixer-upper character before them. Either way Celeste is definitely not ideal. But as she learns who she is and what her destiny entails, the reader gets to watch her transformation and see that she has always been a strong woman. It’s easy to fall in love with her character as the book progresses and the story unfolds.
Azrael’s character was a very nice match for Celeste. Like a newborn baby, he is bombarded by so many new feelings and sensations when he falls. And even though Celeste has no reason in the world to trust him or anything he says, she still finds it in her heart to help him. They are both equally helpless but in totally different aspects. The connection between the two is evident from the very beginning and it only grows stronger as the story progresses. I did kind of feel like their relationship wasn’t developed enough at certain points. I get that Azrael is this beautiful, kind, savior-type guy but I felt the “I love yous” came a little too prematurely for my taste. But once I accepted the fact that the two of them were going to come together really hard and fast, whether I liked it or not, it was easier for me to enjoy their relationship.
The supporting characters, like in Banks’ other novels, are pretty great. Banks always leaves you wanting more about each character you meet. I always feel like each character should get individual novels or stories. Celeste is part of the Remnant, a group of females that will someday inspire the world to “surrender the dark” in themselves and tip the scale in favor of the light. And the other Remnants are talked about and actually named (with their respective protector) in the epilogue of Surrender the Dark. So I’m sure we’ll be seeing more of them and their stories.
As I mentioned before, there is a lot of spirituality in the book. It may take some getting used to if you’re not familiar with Banks’ style of writing. But it’s both inspirational and uplifting in a way that doesn’t have strong religious undertones. I appreciate the fact that Banks isn’t preaching at me but rather giving me a different perspective on life while making me want to be a better person. Cheesy I know, but that’s how it is for me. I think the blend of paranormal fiction with her dose of spirituality can be easily enjoyed by many different readers. So if you haven’t tried a book by Banks before I definitely say give this one a go. If vamps are more your thing, I definitely recommend her Vampire Huntress Legend series. And although I haven’t really gotten into her Crimson Moon series yet, it’s about werewolves if that’s what you’re craving.
I’m a big fan of L.A. Banks. I loved her Vampire Huntress Legend series and I did start her Crimson Moon series which is pretty good so far. I was excited when I found out she was starting another project – this time featuring angels. Her books are full of spirituality; light vs. dark, evil vs. good kind of thing. It’s not exactly something I look for (or even want) in a book but I’ve grown quite accustomed to her writing and really enjoy it. Banks creates really down-to-earth characters and puts them in a modernized setting that is recognizable and comfortably familiar. Surrender the Dark is a really great opening to a series that I believe will be just as successful as her Vampire Huntress Legend series.
The great thing about Celeste is that she’s someone who is very down on her luck and far from perfect. She’s had a really hard childhood (and adulthood for that matter). She currently lives in a poverty- stricken neighborhood with a boyfriend that never hesitates to tell her how worthless she is. He even smacks her around every now and then for good measure. She’s hooked on drugs and is known to see things that aren’t really there. Basically she’s on the brink of suicide. She feels like she’s going crazy and her life is seriously a living hell. So you may be wondering why I said these were great things about her. All of these things make Celeste a vulnerable and imperfect character from page one. Some may empathize with her while others may frown upon the fixer-upper character before them. Either way Celeste is definitely not ideal. But as she learns who she is and what her destiny entails, the reader gets to watch her transformation and see that she has always been a strong woman. It’s easy to fall in love with her character as the book progresses and the story unfolds.
Azrael’s character was a very nice match for Celeste. Like a newborn baby, he is bombarded by so many new feelings and sensations when he falls. And even though Celeste has no reason in the world to trust him or anything he says, she still finds it in her heart to help him. They are both equally helpless but in totally different aspects. The connection between the two is evident from the very beginning and it only grows stronger as the story progresses. I did kind of feel like their relationship wasn’t developed enough at certain points. I get that Azrael is this beautiful, kind, savior-type guy but I felt the “I love yous” came a little too prematurely for my taste. But once I accepted the fact that the two of them were going to come together really hard and fast, whether I liked it or not, it was easier for me to enjoy their relationship.
The supporting characters, like in Banks’ other novels, are pretty great. Banks always leaves you wanting more about each character you meet. I always feel like each character should get individual novels or stories. Celeste is part of the Remnant, a group of females that will someday inspire the world to “surrender the dark” in themselves and tip the scale in favor of the light. And the other Remnants are talked about and actually named (with their respective protector) in the epilogue of Surrender the Dark. So I’m sure we’ll be seeing more of them and their stories.
As I mentioned before, there is a lot of spirituality in the book. It may take some getting used to if you’re not familiar with Banks’ style of writing. But it’s both inspirational and uplifting in a way that doesn’t have strong religious undertones. I appreciate the fact that Banks isn’t preaching at me but rather giving me a different perspective on life while making me want to be a better person. Cheesy I know, but that’s how it is for me. I think the blend of paranormal fiction with her dose of spirituality can be easily enjoyed by many different readers. So if you haven’t tried a book by Banks before I definitely say give this one a go. If vamps are more your thing, I definitely recommend her Vampire Huntress Legend series. And although I haven’t really gotten into her Crimson Moon series yet, it’s about werewolves if that’s what you’re craving.
March 21, 2011
Surrender the Dark by L.A. Banks
Paranormal Romance- March 29th 2011
4 stars
Surrender the Dark is a surprisingly spiritual fantasy involving angels from heaven who come to earth. They are torn from their heavenly bodies and transformed into humans. And with humanity they also inherit human frailties such as lust and greed to tempt them from their path. Their mission, to find one of the few Remnants left. These Remnants are important people because they can galvanize the masses and are humanity’s last hope toward the light. However, an army of fallen angels and their minions have joined to prevent the Remnants from reaching their potential. Slowly they have insidiously worked to break the Remnants minds from an early age. They have made their lives as miserable as possible and many have committed suicide. (It is against the law for the fallen angels to directly kill a Remnant.)
Azrael is the angel of Death, a fierce warrior who has been chosen to find a save the last Remnant in America. She (Celeste) is the strongest one left and if he can find and help her, there is still hope. Azrael faces many obstacles to find Celeste. Celeste has been abused and is drugged out and at first thinks he is crazy. But Azrael slowly shows her how she can change and gives her confidence in herself. Azrael and Celeste find their short time together intense and are attracted to each other but the problem is if Azrael joins with Celeste he will become a fallen angel without hope of returning to heaven. Can they fight the forces of evil or is their cause hopeless?
This paranormal romance is one of the deepest urban fantasies I have ever read. The author clearly borrows from various religious beliefs and adds her own ecological and organic viewpoints into the storyline. She has also clearly put a lot of her own thoughts about life and the divine into this novel and is a work of the heart.
I liked how Azrael and Celeste transformed. One became more down to earth and the other more spiritual. They soon became a strong team which was remarkable since almost the entire book occurs in one day. Celeste represents that humanity can change with divine guidance and even saves Azreal! However, there were some holes in this story. I kept wondering why heaven waited so long to save the Remnants. Then there wouldn’t be so few left. Celeste was thirty-three before Azrael comes to help her! While I think it adds tension to the novel it seemed a little impractical. Were the light forces that weak? I also thought it was a little surreal how all the action occurs in one day and the relationship and trust between Celeste and Azrael occur so rapidly.
However, some readers might find this story a bit preachy. Its message of spiritual enlightenment, eco responsibility, and healthy/organic might be a bit overwhelming for readers just looking for a fun, non-serious read.
This book is an ambitious book with mythical characters and a highly spiritual leaning. Those who enjoy books which are deep and thoughtful will especially enjoy this paranormal romance.
Reviewed by Steph Bookaholics Romance Book Club
Paranormal Romance- March 29th 2011
4 stars
Surrender the Dark is a surprisingly spiritual fantasy involving angels from heaven who come to earth. They are torn from their heavenly bodies and transformed into humans. And with humanity they also inherit human frailties such as lust and greed to tempt them from their path. Their mission, to find one of the few Remnants left. These Remnants are important people because they can galvanize the masses and are humanity’s last hope toward the light. However, an army of fallen angels and their minions have joined to prevent the Remnants from reaching their potential. Slowly they have insidiously worked to break the Remnants minds from an early age. They have made their lives as miserable as possible and many have committed suicide. (It is against the law for the fallen angels to directly kill a Remnant.)
Azrael is the angel of Death, a fierce warrior who has been chosen to find a save the last Remnant in America. She (Celeste) is the strongest one left and if he can find and help her, there is still hope. Azrael faces many obstacles to find Celeste. Celeste has been abused and is drugged out and at first thinks he is crazy. But Azrael slowly shows her how she can change and gives her confidence in herself. Azrael and Celeste find their short time together intense and are attracted to each other but the problem is if Azrael joins with Celeste he will become a fallen angel without hope of returning to heaven. Can they fight the forces of evil or is their cause hopeless?
This paranormal romance is one of the deepest urban fantasies I have ever read. The author clearly borrows from various religious beliefs and adds her own ecological and organic viewpoints into the storyline. She has also clearly put a lot of her own thoughts about life and the divine into this novel and is a work of the heart.
I liked how Azrael and Celeste transformed. One became more down to earth and the other more spiritual. They soon became a strong team which was remarkable since almost the entire book occurs in one day. Celeste represents that humanity can change with divine guidance and even saves Azreal! However, there were some holes in this story. I kept wondering why heaven waited so long to save the Remnants. Then there wouldn’t be so few left. Celeste was thirty-three before Azrael comes to help her! While I think it adds tension to the novel it seemed a little impractical. Were the light forces that weak? I also thought it was a little surreal how all the action occurs in one day and the relationship and trust between Celeste and Azrael occur so rapidly.
However, some readers might find this story a bit preachy. Its message of spiritual enlightenment, eco responsibility, and healthy/organic might be a bit overwhelming for readers just looking for a fun, non-serious read.
This book is an ambitious book with mythical characters and a highly spiritual leaning. Those who enjoy books which are deep and thoughtful will especially enjoy this paranormal romance.
Reviewed by Steph Bookaholics Romance Book Club
March 17, 2011
Previously Published on my blog: Welcome to Larissa's Bookish Life
Rating: 4.5 Stars!
*SPOILER FREE
I am a huge fan of L.A. Banks’ Crimson Moon series and I was really sad when i found out that the series was canceled. However, I was super excited about Banks’ newest Urban Fantasy venture, starting with Surrender The Dark and was extremely happy when I had a chance of getting the ARC for this new novel.I am happy to say that I was NOT disappointed.
I am usually not a fan of the Angels as supernatural beings, but L.A. Banks has created such an amazing world and characters that I couldn’t help but get lost in this incredible and compelling world of her creation.
Celeste has had a hell of a life, literally! All her life Celeste has been hounded and hurt by demons disguising of people around her and telling her that what she has been seeing her whole life is all part of he being schizophrenic, causing Celeste’s life go down on in a unstoppable spiral decent. Little does she know that is more between Heaven and Hell than she could ever know and that Heaven is looking out for her.
In the battle between Angels and Demons, for the Free-Will area that is Earth, time is running out and both sides are going against the clock to gather their last weapons for the final showdown. Celeste is one of those weapons and when Azriel, the Angel of Death, is sent to find and protect her, the scale finally has a chance to tilt to the side of good.
Surrender The Dark is an amazing novel about Faith, Hope and the ultimate battle between Good and Evil. This story has been told a thousand times, but L.A. Banks makes this her own and creates such a amazing characters and stories that you will fall in love all over again. An amazing addition to the Urban Fantasy Genre, Surrender The Dark is the beginning of an awesome new series that I recommend to any and all UF lovers out there. I can’t wait for more!
Rating: 4.5 Stars!
*SPOILER FREE
I am a huge fan of L.A. Banks’ Crimson Moon series and I was really sad when i found out that the series was canceled. However, I was super excited about Banks’ newest Urban Fantasy venture, starting with Surrender The Dark and was extremely happy when I had a chance of getting the ARC for this new novel.I am happy to say that I was NOT disappointed.
I am usually not a fan of the Angels as supernatural beings, but L.A. Banks has created such an amazing world and characters that I couldn’t help but get lost in this incredible and compelling world of her creation.
Celeste has had a hell of a life, literally! All her life Celeste has been hounded and hurt by demons disguising of people around her and telling her that what she has been seeing her whole life is all part of he being schizophrenic, causing Celeste’s life go down on in a unstoppable spiral decent. Little does she know that is more between Heaven and Hell than she could ever know and that Heaven is looking out for her.
In the battle between Angels and Demons, for the Free-Will area that is Earth, time is running out and both sides are going against the clock to gather their last weapons for the final showdown. Celeste is one of those weapons and when Azriel, the Angel of Death, is sent to find and protect her, the scale finally has a chance to tilt to the side of good.
Surrender The Dark is an amazing novel about Faith, Hope and the ultimate battle between Good and Evil. This story has been told a thousand times, but L.A. Banks makes this her own and creates such a amazing characters and stories that you will fall in love all over again. An amazing addition to the Urban Fantasy Genre, Surrender The Dark is the beginning of an awesome new series that I recommend to any and all UF lovers out there. I can’t wait for more!
March 7, 2011
This is the first book in a brand new series by L. A. Banks. I am woefully late to the wonderful urban, supernatural books by this author. But I'm all in now!
This new series will focus on fallen angels and there quest to help humans save themselves and Earth. Celeste Jackson has had a hard life made more complicated by the hallucinations and bad dreams that have plagued her. The drugs and alcohol that she uses as self-medication seem to stop the visions that others have diagnosed as schizophrenia. But forces greater than her know that while others think she is crazy, the things she sees are real and she is more powerful than she realizes. The angel Azrael is sent to help her unlock those powers and use them to defeat the darkness that threatens to overcome the planet permanently.
What I love soooooo much about these series by Banks, are that these events don't take place in some far off land or some suburb that happens to be located on top of a "hellmouth" (no shade to Buffy fans), but in areas and neighborhoods that I would be familiar in, surrounded by people I know speaking the way I do. Urban settings like Philadelphia and Brooklyn feature prominently. Also, there are quite a few humorous scenes as well. Azrael coming to Earth and going to Whole Foods especially stands out.
I know that this is not considered literary fiction and may not win a bunch of awards, but I am certainly putting it on my list of favorites for 2011!
This new series will focus on fallen angels and there quest to help humans save themselves and Earth. Celeste Jackson has had a hard life made more complicated by the hallucinations and bad dreams that have plagued her. The drugs and alcohol that she uses as self-medication seem to stop the visions that others have diagnosed as schizophrenia. But forces greater than her know that while others think she is crazy, the things she sees are real and she is more powerful than she realizes. The angel Azrael is sent to help her unlock those powers and use them to defeat the darkness that threatens to overcome the planet permanently.
What I love soooooo much about these series by Banks, are that these events don't take place in some far off land or some suburb that happens to be located on top of a "hellmouth" (no shade to Buffy fans), but in areas and neighborhoods that I would be familiar in, surrounded by people I know speaking the way I do. Urban settings like Philadelphia and Brooklyn feature prominently. Also, there are quite a few humorous scenes as well. Azrael coming to Earth and going to Whole Foods especially stands out.
I know that this is not considered literary fiction and may not win a bunch of awards, but I am certainly putting it on my list of favorites for 2011!
October 18, 2011
I enjoyed this book, just want to get that out there first. This is a book about the end of days ... coming to us on Dec 21, 2012, just like the Mayan calendar says.
The reason for my disclaimer at the top is that this book is full of scripture quotes and goodliness. It isn't preaching any one religion as all are mentioned and it is assumed by the author that we, the reader, will take it to mean all religions even though most of the stuff quoted is christian.
So Angels are real and a few have been waging a war against fallen angels and demons for the past 26,000 years, ever since the last big war, when the veil to heaven was closed.
We meet our heroine, Celeste Jackson, as she is being abused by her boyfriend, yet again and then witnesses his death at the hands of a demon. She runs and is tempted to off herself, as she is an alcholic, drug user and is now seeing things she doesn't want to accept.
Our Angelic hero, Azrael, who has been sent down here to protect her is busy trying to get it together and find her.
If I say too much more I'll be in spoiler territory, so just suffice it to say there was plenty of action, preaching of the environmental kind as well as how to live right, and I will be reading the next book.
Sad to note that L.A. Banks died just before #2 Conquer the Dark was published
The reason for my disclaimer at the top is that this book is full of scripture quotes and goodliness. It isn't preaching any one religion as all are mentioned and it is assumed by the author that we, the reader, will take it to mean all religions even though most of the stuff quoted is christian.
So Angels are real and a few have been waging a war against fallen angels and demons for the past 26,000 years, ever since the last big war, when the veil to heaven was closed.
We meet our heroine, Celeste Jackson, as she is being abused by her boyfriend, yet again and then witnesses his death at the hands of a demon. She runs and is tempted to off herself, as she is an alcholic, drug user and is now seeing things she doesn't want to accept.
Our Angelic hero, Azrael, who has been sent down here to protect her is busy trying to get it together and find her.
If I say too much more I'll be in spoiler territory, so just suffice it to say there was plenty of action, preaching of the environmental kind as well as how to live right, and I will be reading the next book.
Sad to note that L.A. Banks died just before #2 Conquer the Dark was published
March 31, 2011
Reviewed by http://urbanfantasyinvestigations.blo...
I'm going to hide now before you start reading this to dodge the rotten tomatoes you are going to throw at my head for going against the grain. I just could not get into this book as a whole. I have said many times before I dont enjoy books that are heavy on the religious/spiritual side and I have to say SURRENDER THE DARK has been the heaviest with religion I have picked up. If there was a category labeled Paranormal religion this would be at the top of the stacks. It wasn't just the heavy religion stuff that threw me off but the over explaining of things as well. There was seriously pages of inner dialogue from both Celeste and Azrael that could have been cut with no complaint on my end and the book would not have suffered at all for it. Sure there was some great action, characters, and supporting characters but I just could not get into the story as there was just so much religious talk attached to everything. Now to be fair YES this is a fallen angel book so I do expect there to be some sort of religious mythology and talk in the book but there was just way to much of it for me personally to enjoy the rest of the story. I will not continue reading the series, it just isn't my cup of tea.
I'm going to hide now before you start reading this to dodge the rotten tomatoes you are going to throw at my head for going against the grain. I just could not get into this book as a whole. I have said many times before I dont enjoy books that are heavy on the religious/spiritual side and I have to say SURRENDER THE DARK has been the heaviest with religion I have picked up. If there was a category labeled Paranormal religion this would be at the top of the stacks. It wasn't just the heavy religion stuff that threw me off but the over explaining of things as well. There was seriously pages of inner dialogue from both Celeste and Azrael that could have been cut with no complaint on my end and the book would not have suffered at all for it. Sure there was some great action, characters, and supporting characters but I just could not get into the story as there was just so much religious talk attached to everything. Now to be fair YES this is a fallen angel book so I do expect there to be some sort of religious mythology and talk in the book but there was just way to much of it for me personally to enjoy the rest of the story. I will not continue reading the series, it just isn't my cup of tea.
May 12, 2011
I was motivated to read Surrender the Dark in quite a different way. While playing around on amazon.com, I came across the book almost a month ago. I found the cover and the premise of the novel very appealing. At that time, there were only about two reviews and both were very negative. I think one was a 2 star rating while the other was only a 1 star rating. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion so I am not trying to be disrespectful but after reading the book, I am having a hard time finding the validity of their complaints. One reviewer complained that the author's writing is bad, do to the "over explaining of simple concepts" and too much religious lecturing/preaching. Well, I don't think you need to be a rocket scientist to realize that a) the book is the 1st in a new series so of course the author is going to introduce the reader to this new world/mythology she is writing about and b) DUH! The book is about ANGELS and the possibility of the end of the world! I am...
Read the rest of my review on my blog! http://themusescircle.blogspot.com/20...
Read the rest of my review on my blog! http://themusescircle.blogspot.com/20...
June 2, 2011
I picked this up as a last attempt to like this author after quitting the Vampire Huntress series. I was disappointed once again. I really want to like L. A. Banks. I like most of her ideas and the concepts she writes about BUT the writing just isn't that great. It seems like she's trying too hard and it becomes a bit absurd at some points. The dialogue gets cheesy, the slang is dated and random, and I found myself thinking "who talks like this?". I wish she would just bring it back a notch. I'm all for colorful characters but an alcoholic, break-dancing, biker angel...come on! At the beginning of one chapter I felt like I was reading driving directions. If I'm ever in Philly, I now know how to get from the waterfront to Ellsworth Ave. if need be.
There's a good story here underneath the mess (that's the only thing that kept this book from a 1 star rating). I don't know, maybe I'm expecting too much but I won't be reading the next book for this series.
There's a good story here underneath the mess (that's the only thing that kept this book from a 1 star rating). I don't know, maybe I'm expecting too much but I won't be reading the next book for this series.
July 10, 2011
Usually I'm able to plow through a book, no matter how bad. I just "have to" know how it ends. Usually. But this is the 2nd book I'm giving up on.
The author is too wordy, explaining too much of the things that I don't care about, and much too preachy. If I wanted a theology lesson, I'd pick up an appropriate book. I have my own view on religion, and I refuse to have someone else's shoved down my throat.
I like paranormal angel books. Something that's a bit different than your "normal" paranormal books. But when the angel book gets bible-centric and preachy; forget it. I'm out.
I'm sure there is a story somewhere in the book - but when I've read 6 chapters without finding it, I just really don't care enough about the book to continue reading it just in case it *is* there. It took me 2 days to manage those very few chapters. And that's bad.
So, to sum up: Too long-winded explanations that make me zone out, and too bible-centric - and I'm running in the other direction.
The author is too wordy, explaining too much of the things that I don't care about, and much too preachy. If I wanted a theology lesson, I'd pick up an appropriate book. I have my own view on religion, and I refuse to have someone else's shoved down my throat.
I like paranormal angel books. Something that's a bit different than your "normal" paranormal books. But when the angel book gets bible-centric and preachy; forget it. I'm out.
I'm sure there is a story somewhere in the book - but when I've read 6 chapters without finding it, I just really don't care enough about the book to continue reading it just in case it *is* there. It took me 2 days to manage those very few chapters. And that's bad.
So, to sum up: Too long-winded explanations that make me zone out, and too bible-centric - and I'm running in the other direction.
January 7, 2012
One thing I learned a long time ago was to read between the lines of a book. You can usually tell what's going on in an author's life by the subtle hints: pacing, word choice, themes, etc.
Ms. Banks either found out about her cancer or was given the hard prognosis while undergoing treatment while writing this story. This is the last of her books published before she passed from this plane.
The beginning is hard, raw and very street, typical of her paranormal. The ending was a bit rushed and had some head-hopping: two flaws I have never seen in any of her stories. You can tell this was supposed to be a five-book series at the very least. But overall, the story is so positive, so reflective of Ms. Banks personal beliefs, that you can't help believing there is a greater good in this world.
Ms. Banks either found out about her cancer or was given the hard prognosis while undergoing treatment while writing this story. This is the last of her books published before she passed from this plane.
The beginning is hard, raw and very street, typical of her paranormal. The ending was a bit rushed and had some head-hopping: two flaws I have never seen in any of her stories. You can tell this was supposed to be a five-book series at the very least. But overall, the story is so positive, so reflective of Ms. Banks personal beliefs, that you can't help believing there is a greater good in this world.
June 14, 2011
I was first introduced to L.A. Banks via the Vampire Huntress series and became a huge fan. I followed her into the Crimson Moon novels as a result and loved those too. She has a unique perspective on the spiritual world that is thoroughly enjoyable, if not a little wordy at times. However, this book I regrettably have to say is pretty so so. The plot is solid and the characters well developed, but the story is so slow moving that halfway through I found myself struggling to keep reading, wondering where it was going and when it was going to pick up. Regardless, I have given it 3 stars simply because it is good, solid writing when you get down to it, but it lacks the usual spunk Banks usually gives her stories and ends up falling a little flat.
June 10, 2011
Author, L.A. Banks, blew me away with her Vampire Huntress Series. Her insane knowledge of historical and religious facts totally sucked me in to her world of heaven & hell, vampires & demons, and the war being waged between good & evil. Well, she absolutely did it again! This time focusing on angels and their part in ensuring that good prevails in the coming "end of days." Ms. Banks has such a beautiful way with words and of bringing her characters to life. I can't wait for the next release in this stunning new series!
July 29, 2011
Wow! Given the cover I thought this was going to be a light bit of angel/human smut! Not at all!!!!! In fact, the angel (although hot, hey angels are perfect) was quite chaste. He was a fish out of water being guided by his flawed human. Funny scene is him sitting on the floor of Whole Foods eating So Delicious Coconut Ice cream as it dribbles down his perfect chin. Too cute! If you want smut, don't read this. If you are amused by the awkwardness of angel vesseling humans, it's a fun little read.
April 13, 2011
I'm an L.A Banks fan after reading the Vampire Huntress Legends & Crimson Moon series, so I sort of knew what to expect going in here...
What I didn't expect was the depth! It's a very philosophical novel and really gets you thinking about Good vs. Bad, Right vs. Wrong, valid & incorrect interpretations of Creation, Faith, Hope, Love, etc, etc.
I enjoyed it! I don't think it's for everyone, but I personally can't wait for Conquer the Dark
What I didn't expect was the depth! It's a very philosophical novel and really gets you thinking about Good vs. Bad, Right vs. Wrong, valid & incorrect interpretations of Creation, Faith, Hope, Love, etc, etc.
I enjoyed it! I don't think it's for everyone, but I personally can't wait for Conquer the Dark
September 3, 2011
This was a cool spin on the 2012 end of the world explanation. The fight between Angels and demons will change the world forever. With the help of special humans of course. I have to admit I was growing tired of the healthy eating lesson early on in the book. (I got it L.A. Banks I got it. Will try to do better.) Once we got past that it was fun and it ain’t over. This book is Sexy, Scary and Spiritual. Send me an Angel….PLEASE! Enjoy!
October 30, 2012
I really really liked this book. This is the first one that I have read by Banks. I loved the fact that the main characters were black. I really enjoyed her descriptions of the characters. The only problem was that it was too short. Before I knew it, the book was over. I really wanted to spend more time with Celeste and Azreal
December 3, 2023
Best selling author L.A. Banks' newest novel Surrender the Dark is the enthralling beginning to an angelic series with great themes focusing on good vs. evil and light versus dark. With characters that must rally themselves through blind faith, hope and selflessness this novel was both heart warming and thought evoking with never ending action and a smoldering romance that had me captivated late into the night.
The characters of this story are unique and amazingly well developed complete with flaws and regrets that are easily relatable to readers. Dealing with things such as substance abuse, physical abuse, plight and self worth issues the main character Celeste is the epitome of hopelessness. And yet, despite her situation and in large part due to the appearance of a sexy warrior angel named Azrael, she manages to pull herself from the brink of suicide to accept her frightening and impossible destiny. Suffering from a potential mental illness, she often questions her own sanity about the situation she comes to find herself in and instead finds it necessary to rely on her belief in the Light and her heart, feeling the truth behind the insane story of Azrael's claim to be an Angel. Azreal himself is no less complex as his fall from the Light causes him to question his own faith as well as his convictions that conquering the Darkness is worth the potential of collateral damage. After becoming attached to Celeste, he comes to feel human emotions and realizes that the loss of even a single human life is tragic. Growing from an almost naive mindset, he comes to become a true warrior of the Light, his hope and faith tethered to Celeste's unflinching acceptance of her role as a Remnant, someone who will help influence the battle in favor of the Light. Yet, while the individually they are interesting and complex with an amazingly deep evolution arising from their journey, it is the growing romance between them that was the clincher for me.
From the beginning the potential for their romance is a simmering background noise, subtle yet the tension is unbelievably alluring. The almost instantaneous trust that grows between them, despite the impossibility of the truth, was instantly endearing. As the story progress the tension grows and the questioning nature of the characters makes for an interesting and intense build up as Azreal accepts the cost of falling to be with Celeste. Yet, Celeste's guilt over such an action was marvelously written, tinting every action and thought with unthinkable love and tenderness. As the pace becomes more immediate, so too does the connection between these two characters and the journey they take together is one that is impossible not to be drawn into.
And I also feel the need to mention the secondary characters within the novel. All have a nicely developed history with individual histories full of pain, loss, regrets and flaws. Each of them serves to play a part in the on going war between the Light and the Darkness and yet they all suffer from flagging faith and a severe lack of faith making most of these rogue angels a hairs breadth from being Fallen. The amazing stories that these characters have make you crave to get to know them better, and even in their brief stints, I came to care quite a bit for them and look forward to seeing what happens to them in future novels.
The world this novel takes place in was also quite enthralling. Nicely developed with lush details and vivid atmospheres, Banks' has an unprecedented knack of drawing you into the story making you see the world through the eyes of her intuitive characters. With a great sense of spirituality that is practical and touching, the thought evoking messages within the novel definitely make one consider the benefits of simple random acts of kindness and their effect on those around us. Putting a lot of her own heart felt beliefs about Light and Darkness and their effects on economical and sociological issues, Banks' definitely creates a novel that speaks to its readers encouraging love, faith and hope within one's life.
Like other novels written by Banks' the writing is superb, perfectly catching the pitch and slang of the regions in which she sets the novel. Flowing writing makes it easily accessible and highly engaging creating an amazing emotional and spiritual quality that makes reading this novel not only a journey but an experience.
In fact, the only thing that I found 'wrong' in this novel was the climax. Wonderfully written and masterful, the epic battle lives up to everything readers have come to expect from an L.A. Banks novel. However, in this particular case it felt a bit rushed with chaos erupting all over the place. Subsequently, we are propelled from one scene to the next with a mind boggling lack of transition and fluidity. It was like seeing a highlight reel of the battle that after the amazing journey felt completely at odds with the rest of the novel, but it was only a slight disappointment considering the rest of this wonderful book.
In the end, this novel was touching, heart warming, deep, thought evoking and awe inspiring with a great romance and journey that draws you into the world and the characters that reside within it. This is definitely one novel that I highly recommend to fans of Paranormal Romance and Urban Fantasy. I can't wait for the next wonderful installment!
The characters of this story are unique and amazingly well developed complete with flaws and regrets that are easily relatable to readers. Dealing with things such as substance abuse, physical abuse, plight and self worth issues the main character Celeste is the epitome of hopelessness. And yet, despite her situation and in large part due to the appearance of a sexy warrior angel named Azrael, she manages to pull herself from the brink of suicide to accept her frightening and impossible destiny. Suffering from a potential mental illness, she often questions her own sanity about the situation she comes to find herself in and instead finds it necessary to rely on her belief in the Light and her heart, feeling the truth behind the insane story of Azrael's claim to be an Angel. Azreal himself is no less complex as his fall from the Light causes him to question his own faith as well as his convictions that conquering the Darkness is worth the potential of collateral damage. After becoming attached to Celeste, he comes to feel human emotions and realizes that the loss of even a single human life is tragic. Growing from an almost naive mindset, he comes to become a true warrior of the Light, his hope and faith tethered to Celeste's unflinching acceptance of her role as a Remnant, someone who will help influence the battle in favor of the Light. Yet, while the individually they are interesting and complex with an amazingly deep evolution arising from their journey, it is the growing romance between them that was the clincher for me.
From the beginning the potential for their romance is a simmering background noise, subtle yet the tension is unbelievably alluring. The almost instantaneous trust that grows between them, despite the impossibility of the truth, was instantly endearing. As the story progress the tension grows and the questioning nature of the characters makes for an interesting and intense build up as Azreal accepts the cost of falling to be with Celeste. Yet, Celeste's guilt over such an action was marvelously written, tinting every action and thought with unthinkable love and tenderness. As the pace becomes more immediate, so too does the connection between these two characters and the journey they take together is one that is impossible not to be drawn into.
And I also feel the need to mention the secondary characters within the novel. All have a nicely developed history with individual histories full of pain, loss, regrets and flaws. Each of them serves to play a part in the on going war between the Light and the Darkness and yet they all suffer from flagging faith and a severe lack of faith making most of these rogue angels a hairs breadth from being Fallen. The amazing stories that these characters have make you crave to get to know them better, and even in their brief stints, I came to care quite a bit for them and look forward to seeing what happens to them in future novels.
The world this novel takes place in was also quite enthralling. Nicely developed with lush details and vivid atmospheres, Banks' has an unprecedented knack of drawing you into the story making you see the world through the eyes of her intuitive characters. With a great sense of spirituality that is practical and touching, the thought evoking messages within the novel definitely make one consider the benefits of simple random acts of kindness and their effect on those around us. Putting a lot of her own heart felt beliefs about Light and Darkness and their effects on economical and sociological issues, Banks' definitely creates a novel that speaks to its readers encouraging love, faith and hope within one's life.
Like other novels written by Banks' the writing is superb, perfectly catching the pitch and slang of the regions in which she sets the novel. Flowing writing makes it easily accessible and highly engaging creating an amazing emotional and spiritual quality that makes reading this novel not only a journey but an experience.
In fact, the only thing that I found 'wrong' in this novel was the climax. Wonderfully written and masterful, the epic battle lives up to everything readers have come to expect from an L.A. Banks novel. However, in this particular case it felt a bit rushed with chaos erupting all over the place. Subsequently, we are propelled from one scene to the next with a mind boggling lack of transition and fluidity. It was like seeing a highlight reel of the battle that after the amazing journey felt completely at odds with the rest of the novel, but it was only a slight disappointment considering the rest of this wonderful book.
In the end, this novel was touching, heart warming, deep, thought evoking and awe inspiring with a great romance and journey that draws you into the world and the characters that reside within it. This is definitely one novel that I highly recommend to fans of Paranormal Romance and Urban Fantasy. I can't wait for the next wonderful installment!
July 18, 2011
It was a good fast paced read. I like the Vampire Huntress series better so far but as this is the first book of a new series, it is just an introduction.
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