Embrace PDF

laphenix

Despite my initial hesitation, the characters and story quickly drew me in. A better understanding of mountains and rock climbing would have made the book better, but I otherwise thoroughly enjoyed it, and enjoyed the less traditional main character.

sweet_serenity

This was an enjoyable book to read, but I had a few issues with it that nagged at me after reading it. I liked the main character Violet. She's strong-willed, stubborn, and creative. I didn't like some of her decisions, but just because she's part angel doesn't mean she isn't human. The plot was lovely. The idea of Grigori and exiled angels was interesting. The part about opposing forces (light & dark) complementing and necessitating eachother was intriguing and thoughtful- atleast in theory. However, when it was put into practice I was a little disappointed. There seemed to be a bit of generalising/stereotyping with the light and dark exiles, which started in the explanation of the light as like cult leaders, etc. And Onyx just seemed such a stereotypical villain. Further, the way the plot unravelled lacked subtlety and mystery for me. Two plot twists that had the potential to be completely shocking and amazing fell short. Phoenix's heritage seemed a little obvious to me after Onyx's story, as did his manipulation of her emotions after she embraced. It's understandable that Violet didn't notice- the first time she was worried for Lincoln's safety, and the second her mind was manipulated. But it was obvious to the reader- with a bit of subtlety, the reader could have been kept in the dark until Violet realised the truth. The romance also had potential. The best friend, the mysterious stranger... it's basically the recipe for a good love triangle. I couldn't put my finger on what felt wrong with the romance until I'd finished reading. It was missing alot of romantic build-up. Violet was already practically in love with Lincoln from the start, and things with Phoenix just sort of fell into place. Where was the gradual getting-to-know-eachother? The flirting(Phoenix's innuendo aside)? The wooing? I feel like there should have been more Violet-Lincoln time before they fought, and the flirting with Phoenix should have beend drawn out longer. In the end, without a better understanding of the relationships, it felt shallow. In the end, the book had an amazing foundation, but didn't develop the way I would have liked.

stephanie_ward_89

"Embrace" is the first book in a new YA paranormal series. It falls in nicely with the popular teen literature trend of angels and fallen angels, but goes a step above. It is a coming-of-age story that deals with important personal themes like family, friendship, love, trust, fate, and betrayal. Shirvington takes normal teenage problems and adds another layer of paranormal angst as icing on the cake. The characters, especially our heroine Violet, are all well-rounded and accessible. They are dealing with everyday problems that we all have or will have to face, and their reactions are believeable, which makes us identify with them even more. We almost automatically take Violet’s side and understand her confusion and pain at what is happening in her life. Throw in a couple of handsome guys fighting over her and a battle between exiled angels and humans – you have all the ingredients for a hit book. This book is very well written with a great narrative and easy flow to the storyline. The reader is drawn into the world that Shirvington has created and I was disappointed that the book had to end. Needless to say, I am now eagerly awaiting the coming novels, but I wish I didn’t have to wait so long to see what will happen next! I highly recommend that everyone who enjoys YA fiction read "Embrace" – don’t miss this one!Disclosure: I received my copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.