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kathydavie's review against another edition
3.0
Fourth in the Strange Angels urban fantasy series for young adults revolving around Dru Anderson, a svetocha—a rare female djamphir.
The Story
Now that Anna has been revealed, Dru is settling in at the Schola Prima, getting comfortable. Well, as comfortable as she'll ever be with Graves still missing and probably being tortured by Sergej. Day after day, Dru asks Christophe for news on the hunt for Graves. Day after day, the answer is the same—still looking.
Dru continues her training and Christophe continues to want. He wants Dru and his slow seduction is working until Leon reveals his "truth". The truth of Graves' kidnapping.
The Characters
Dru Anderson is a svetochoa. A rare female djamphir whose talents are coveted by both sides. Still young, not having passed through her "blooming", Dru must be guarded and taught about her heritage and how to defend herself at the Schola Prima for young djamphirs and werewulfs in New York City.
Graves has been kidnapped. The only teen who has been with her from the beginning of her fatal adventures. Dru can't decide whom she loves as she is attracted to both Graves and Christophe.
Christophe is djamphir and the son of her worst enemy, Sergej. The vampire, the nosferat, who killed her mother, destroyed her father, and has been hunting her since he knew of her existence.
Dibs and Shanks are Dru's werewulf friends while Ash is the Broken whom Dru is attempting to fix—I do like his new word! Nathalie "Nat" Williams of the Skyrunner clan is one of Dru's werewulf guard, a custom that had been phased out by Anna, the traitorous svetocha from Jealousy. Nat has been introducing Dru to other svetocha customs such as escaping her guards and the schola during the day to play hooky.
The Council plays a small part in this installment although it does include Augustine (a djamphir and good friend of Dru's father and a fellow hunter) and Christophe as the new members who replaced Kir and Marcus.
Anna is svetocha and she was the head of the Council until she revealed her true self in Jealousy to everyone. Her guard includes Blaine, Kip, Hans, and Charles.
My Take
Well, Dru still drives me nuts. WHAT is she thinking??? I can understand her initial anger but she's still not thinking. She's simply reacting. And even after the truth comes out, does Dru think...noooooo. What would be the fun in that…?!?!? I was actually starting to think Dru was maturing. Silly me.
Then there's the huge fight between Dru and Sergej. She's wounded him severely. He can't move. Does she finish him while she has the chance? Noooo, what would be the fun in that?
Reading Strange Angels is like a car crash...just too fascinating to see how stupid people can be.
The Cover
It is a defiant Dru on the cover. Wearing a blank tank, her hair loosely pulled back in a fighting braid, Dru is staring up to the sky. The title is perfect as Dru is so very Defiant about her place in the supernatural society.
The Story
Now that Anna has been revealed, Dru is settling in at the Schola Prima, getting comfortable. Well, as comfortable as she'll ever be with Graves still missing and probably being tortured by Sergej. Day after day, Dru asks Christophe for news on the hunt for Graves. Day after day, the answer is the same—still looking.
Dru continues her training and Christophe continues to want. He wants Dru and his slow seduction is working until Leon reveals his "truth". The truth of Graves' kidnapping.
The Characters
Dru Anderson is a svetochoa. A rare female djamphir whose talents are coveted by both sides. Still young, not having passed through her "blooming", Dru must be guarded and taught about her heritage and how to defend herself at the Schola Prima for young djamphirs and werewulfs in New York City.
Graves has been kidnapped. The only teen who has been with her from the beginning of her fatal adventures. Dru can't decide whom she loves as she is attracted to both Graves and Christophe.
Christophe is djamphir and the son of her worst enemy, Sergej. The vampire, the nosferat, who killed her mother, destroyed her father, and has been hunting her since he knew of her existence.
Dibs and Shanks are Dru's werewulf friends while Ash is the Broken whom Dru is attempting to fix—I do like his new word! Nathalie "Nat" Williams of the Skyrunner clan is one of Dru's werewulf guard, a custom that had been phased out by Anna, the traitorous svetocha from Jealousy. Nat has been introducing Dru to other svetocha customs such as escaping her guards and the schola during the day to play hooky.
The Council plays a small part in this installment although it does include Augustine (a djamphir and good friend of Dru's father and a fellow hunter) and Christophe as the new members who replaced Kir and Marcus.
Anna is svetocha and she was the head of the Council until she revealed her true self in Jealousy to everyone. Her guard includes Blaine, Kip, Hans, and Charles.
My Take
Well, Dru still drives me nuts. WHAT is she thinking??? I can understand her initial anger but she's still not thinking. She's simply reacting. And even after the truth comes out, does Dru think...noooooo. What would be the fun in that…?!?!? I was actually starting to think Dru was maturing. Silly me.
Then there's the huge fight between Dru and Sergej. She's wounded him severely. He can't move. Does she finish him while she has the chance? Noooo, what would be the fun in that?
Reading Strange Angels is like a car crash...just too fascinating to see how stupid people can be.
The Cover
It is a defiant Dru on the cover. Wearing a blank tank, her hair loosely pulled back in a fighting braid, Dru is staring up to the sky. The title is perfect as Dru is so very Defiant about her place in the supernatural society.
ec_newman's review against another edition
4.0
I do very much enjoy this series. There are times that the explanations of all the different species (and how they work, etc.) puts me off, but this fourth book didn't have much of that. I like Dru and even though she complains from time to time, she has reason. She kicks ass and is terrified and is snarky, and very real. And despite usually hating a love triangle, I cannot decide which guy I like better. They both have their flaws and merits. So all in all, one of the better paranormal YA series out there.
sazana28's review against another edition
5.0
Just wow. That is the first thing that pops into my mind. This book is sooo much better than the other ones. More drama, more sarcasm, more action, just more everything!!!! I just want to read it over and over again. *holds book in arms and just looks at how awesome it is* Yeah, I seriously cannot wait till Reckoning comes out in the fall. Oh yeah, I think I might be the first one at the book store. Lol. =)
Spoiler Alert:
I wonder what Dru is going to do now that she, Graves, and Ash are on the loose. I hope that she actually stops being stubborn and actually talks to Graves about what happens at the warehouse. I hope that she doesn't try to distance herself because of what she THINKS that Graves thinks of her. Anyway, I just loved this book, and I can't wait till the next one comes out. =D
Spoiler Alert:
I wonder what Dru is going to do now that she, Graves, and Ash are on the loose. I hope that she actually stops being stubborn and actually talks to Graves about what happens at the warehouse. I hope that she doesn't try to distance herself because of what she THINKS that Graves thinks of her. Anyway, I just loved this book, and I can't wait till the next one comes out. =D
steph01924's review against another edition
2.0
I'm sort of ambivalent about this book. I had some problems with it, and I'm kind of glad there is only one more coming, because I don't know how much more I can take of certain things.
The Good Stuff:
Ash. Loved his transformation, finally.
Anna got some layers added to her character. It wasn't much, and it was a bit cliche, but I enjoyed the scenes with her much more than the other book.
Dru finally taking action in the last third of the book (and hopefully no more weird, constant references to her 'blooming' now that has happened).
The cliffhanger with just Dru, Graves, and Ash on their own. Where will this go? Can the relationship between the two be revived?
The Bad Stuff:
Dru just training and going on mini-missions in the opening. We are led to believe it's been at LEAST a month since Graves' disappearance. We're told she did a bit of scrying for Graves, and constantly pesters the groups that are supposed to be on the lookout for him. That's IT? She's afraid he is going to be psychologically and physically tortured around the clock, yet she is OK with shopping sprees with her new werewulf companion and going to raves to kill baby vamps. What a shit friend. I don't care how much 'training' Christophe thinks you need. Get a little reckless and go out there and LOOK for your BFF! Then we also find out she's periodically kissing Christophe, like she is unable to stop herself. Looks like she's gotten over Graves being her only friend pretty quick. At this point, Dru should just settle for Chris. Graves deserves way better.
Am I the only one who felt a teensy bit of pleasure at thinking that Christophe betrayed Dru by giving Graves to Sergej? But, no, it turns out he's just as loyal as ever. Eh.
It's only been a few days since I read it, but I can't remember much about the first two thirds of the book. Obviously, as evidenced above, I'm a bit bitter about the lack of action. But the only things standing out to me as I try to remember the storyline are from when Leon comes back with the news about Graves. That's kinda sad, because I remember quite clearly what happened throughout the entire first book.
The Good Stuff:
Ash. Loved his transformation, finally.
Anna got some layers added to her character. It wasn't much, and it was a bit cliche, but I enjoyed the scenes with her much more than the other book.
Dru finally taking action in the last third of the book (and hopefully no more weird, constant references to her 'blooming' now that has happened).
The cliffhanger with just Dru, Graves, and Ash on their own. Where will this go? Can the relationship between the two be revived?
The Bad Stuff:
Dru just training and going on mini-missions in the opening. We are led to believe it's been at LEAST a month since Graves' disappearance. We're told she did a bit of scrying for Graves, and constantly pesters the groups that are supposed to be on the lookout for him. That's IT? She's afraid he is going to be psychologically and physically tortured around the clock, yet she is OK with shopping sprees with her new werewulf companion and going to raves to kill baby vamps. What a shit friend. I don't care how much 'training' Christophe thinks you need. Get a little reckless and go out there and LOOK for your BFF! Then we also find out she's periodically kissing Christophe, like she is unable to stop herself. Looks like she's gotten over Graves being her only friend pretty quick. At this point, Dru should just settle for Chris. Graves deserves way better.
Am I the only one who felt a teensy bit of pleasure at thinking that Christophe betrayed Dru by giving Graves to Sergej? But, no, it turns out he's just as loyal as ever. Eh.
It's only been a few days since I read it, but I can't remember much about the first two thirds of the book. Obviously, as evidenced above, I'm a bit bitter about the lack of action. But the only things standing out to me as I try to remember the storyline are from when Leon comes back with the news about Graves. That's kinda sad, because I remember quite clearly what happened throughout the entire first book.
redentrapy's review against another edition
5.0
I love how Dru finally gets a backbone in this one. I also love that she kicks total ass and that she finally bloomed. Graves is back and raring to go yet again and we have a little bit more info on Anna, Sergej, and Christophe. Also the plotline thickens when one of her own "council" members is found out to be on the wrong side. Very good. Read it in one day. Couldn't put it down. Can't wait for the next.
shirleymak's review against another edition
5.0
LOL oops forgot to update it so my review for the book before this one is actually for this book....
BUT I NEED THE LAST BOOK NOW AGGGGGH
BUT I NEED THE LAST BOOK NOW AGGGGGH
loverofsleepyreads's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
katetj's review against another edition
5.0
YAY it finally got here!! Sadly I wont be able to start reading it till Friday :( but at least that shall be a nice birthday present to myself.. On Friday one strawberry bubble bath and Defiance shall be waiting for me on my birthday when I get home from uni! Now that's good motivation to get all my work done!
Its really small compared to the others! I was really shocked and a bit disappointed with its size! lets just hope that it wont disappoint and that Graves will be okay!
~
Yesterday was my birthday.. Im older now >_< but the best part of my day after a long suffering day at university i came home, and cracked this baby open, with a bottle of champagne and a nice strawberry bubble bath!
Now other than my glasses occasionally fogging up because of all the steamy bits in the book I stayed in the bath for hours and finally got out only when the champagne lead to a headache, therefore painkillers were needed.
now about Defiance - spoilers shall proceed from here on out so BEWARE!
The best think I've enjoyed about this series is her writing style, give me an author who can write about the heroines need to pee and make it sound quirky and hilarious over anything any day! and the fact that I've never really been able to tell who exactly Dru will end up with.
I had no doubt that it would be Graves, because he exceeds awesomeness, but then Christophe came along and made me hate and love him all in one go.. In Defiance it was all topsy turvy, Graves wasn't around to reassure me and Chris took the lead and after the AMAZING ending!
Dru gets her backbone back on, and her fuck you all attitude, never really gone but ghosted by the shit im so helpless fights back and leaving me with this horrible suspicious feeling that Dru is going to end up with Christophe and maybe Graves with the new werewulf Nat, Dru's good friend.
Why do i get this strange sneaking suspicion? not because of all the fireworks that was going on in Dru's lady pants, but because Graves is although amazing and I would jump his bones any day, he's loyal amazing but still looks up to Dru to lead the way, and if He doesn't man up and do the protecting to make her feel safe instead of the other way around I'm afraid he's going to loose her to Christophe :(
Not that Dru needs a man to make her feel safe, cause shes a kick-ass svetocha, its just how things are seeming to roll, Chris to her in this book is described as feeling like 'home' and safe etc, but also because she knows that with him around she doesn't always have to be the one doing the protecting she can step back and have a break.
And well in books, movies, TV etc girls always go for the most screwed up guy, who needs her, and well lets face it, Graves is pretty screwed up at the moment, but I think Christophe's second name is 'screwed-up' and frankly who knows what will happen if Crazy Chris doesn't have Dru there to keep him going apeshit on everyone.
I hope my little theory is wrong.. and Graves wins in this little area but since I like them both, It shall depend on Ms Saintcrow, and how she ends this little love triangle and if the end will make it one of my favourite series, or demote it to the hate pile :)
Thank god that I only have to wait till November for the conclusion!
Its really small compared to the others! I was really shocked and a bit disappointed with its size! lets just hope that it wont disappoint and that Graves will be okay!
~
Yesterday was my birthday.. Im older now >_< but the best part of my day after a long suffering day at university i came home, and cracked this baby open, with a bottle of champagne and a nice strawberry bubble bath!
Now other than my glasses occasionally fogging up because of all the steamy bits in the book I stayed in the bath for hours and finally got out only when the champagne lead to a headache, therefore painkillers were needed.
now about Defiance - spoilers shall proceed from here on out so BEWARE!
The best think I've enjoyed about this series is her writing style, give me an author who can write about the heroines need to pee and make it sound quirky and hilarious over anything any day! and the fact that I've never really been able to tell who exactly Dru will end up with.
I had no doubt that it would be Graves, because he exceeds awesomeness, but then Christophe came along and made me hate and love him all in one go.. In Defiance it was all topsy turvy, Graves wasn't around to reassure me and Chris took the lead and after the AMAZING ending!
Dru gets her backbone back on, and her fuck you all attitude, never really gone but ghosted by the shit im so helpless fights back and leaving me with this horrible suspicious feeling that Dru is going to end up with Christophe and maybe Graves with the new werewulf Nat, Dru's good friend.
Why do i get this strange sneaking suspicion? not because of all the fireworks that was going on in Dru's lady pants, but because Graves is although amazing and I would jump his bones any day, he's loyal amazing but still looks up to Dru to lead the way, and if He doesn't man up and do the protecting to make her feel safe instead of the other way around I'm afraid he's going to loose her to Christophe :(
Not that Dru needs a man to make her feel safe, cause shes a kick-ass svetocha, its just how things are seeming to roll, Chris to her in this book is described as feeling like 'home' and safe etc, but also because she knows that with him around she doesn't always have to be the one doing the protecting she can step back and have a break.
And well in books, movies, TV etc girls always go for the most screwed up guy, who needs her, and well lets face it, Graves is pretty screwed up at the moment, but I think Christophe's second name is 'screwed-up' and frankly who knows what will happen if Crazy Chris doesn't have Dru there to keep him going apeshit on everyone.
I hope my little theory is wrong.. and Graves wins in this little area but since I like them both, It shall depend on Ms Saintcrow, and how she ends this little love triangle and if the end will make it one of my favourite series, or demote it to the hate pile :)
Thank god that I only have to wait till November for the conclusion!
friendlyghosty's review against another edition
4.0
If anything, I think this was more of a segueay book to bridge the story from the bomb-dropping third novel to the fifth novel. This was a quick, fast paced read--FINALLY Dru stands up for herself, and lives up to the tough girl personna she so strongly claims to be. My only problem with this series, now that I've read four of them, is that the author keeps recycling the SAME similes and the SAME metaphors: "rotten waxen oranges/citrus" was however traded (thank goodness) sometimes with "danger candy"....different but by the end of the book, it was over used....again. Overall, despite the repetitive content of the writing, the story itself is so compelling. Can't put it down, no matter how much it grates on my nerves. Oh! And no to spoil anything, so I won't tell who the traitor is, but thought I should brag on myself and tell y'all that I totally figured it out WAAY before he or she was revealed!!!! That part was well concealed AND subtly hinted it. Wonderful. The ending was satisfying, even if it was an insanely steep cliffhanger. I HAVE to get the next book.
Read the series! It's good!
Read the series! It's good!
amibunk's review against another edition
3.0
I am pleased to report that the fourth installment of the Strange Angels series is a great improvement over the disappointing third book. While I did not like it as much as book one or two, I enjoyed watching Dru kick vampiric butt all throughout the novel. Sadly, I must now wait until November to read the next book in the series. When will I ever learn to start a series only after all installments are published? Probably never.