Tag Archives: Addison Moore

TOXIC (Part 1) Celestra Series #7 by Addison Moore-a review

Posted on by
6

TOXIC (Part 1) Celestra Series #7 by Addison Moore-a review

TOXIC Part One (Celestra Series #7) by Addison Moore

TOXIC is the next to last instalment (September 2012 release)  in Addison Moore’s young adult Celestra series. I am not sure where to begin. I have both enjoyed and been disheartened by this series. The premise is interesting-a young girl who would be the savior in a centuries old war between good and evil, but apparently no one is willing to tell her what she is to do or how to do it. So, along the way she comes up against impossible odds, and throws everyone into a war that the Celestra are quickly losing. Without guidance, Skyla flounders in what can only be described as ‘teens gone wild’ movie premise, as she tries to convince the others they have the wrong girl.

Skyla Messenger is back in the 7th storyline along with the entire cast of Counts, Fems, Celestra, mean girls and love starved teens and yet the storyline doesn’t really progress any further along than the previous book. Skyla is still in love with Gage, Logan and Marshall, and they too, are in love with her. The angst of this particular love nest is pushing my proverbial button. I am not sure how Addison will be able to justify the eventual pairing because throughout the series each love interest has either tried to kill, killed or hurt the object of their affection more than once. As the dueling cousins, Gage and Logan are at the top of the love food chain, but each has hurt Skyla with their twisted attempts to both save and guard the young woman who is destined to rule the Celestra kingdom. And Marshall, although appearing to be a pervy old man, comes across as her knight in shining armor albeit with an ulterior motive. And I am not sure whether his motives are necessarily altruistic or something else. And to complicate the entire love quad, Skyla is in love with all 3 men, but not necessarily on an equal par.

Most of the adult figures in the storyline are either evil or oblivious to everything going on. Skyla’s adopted parents are embroiled in their own little world where trying to make babies interferes with their parenting skills as well as their ability to get a grasp on reality. And on every page her step-father hurls accusations of sex orgies and illicit drug use all the while allowing the young men of the household to participate in said dalliances. I have never seen 2 parents more oblivious to the world around them unless under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Sadly I have no sympathy for many of the characters because the lack of respect accorded the children is equal to the lack of respect in return. The storyline is a study in bad family dynamics-all around. Even Skyla’s birth mother is a questionable parent when she is willing to let her daughter die for a greater cause. Skyla is the perpetual target for her step-father’s anger, and yet the household siblings seem to live in a glass dome as it pertains to the parental units. Regardless of events, it seems Skyla is on the receiving end of too many toxic relationships in her short life.

Back to Skyla’s love life. (sigh) This must be one amazing young woman to have so many boys and men professing their love and adoration for someone so inept and clumsy that she accidently kills or maims many of the so called friends and aquaintances she encounters on her daily rituals. Not only does she have the unending worship of Gage, Logan and Marshall but her awe-inspiring persona has trapped a few other young men in her world of inept seduction and teen angst. Even the evil counts want to get into Skyla’s pants. But Skyla remains a virgin, much to her chagrin, even though she is ready and more than willing to prove her love to both Gage and Logan, by sacrificing her virginity for the greater good.

Sadly, I will be happy to see this series come to fruition. The teenage love quad alone has forced my acceptance that sometimes all things must come to an end. Several hearts will be broken unless by some miracle we discover that there are 3 Skyla’s who have inadvertently time travelled and arrived at the same time period-it is possible –she has encountered herself on many occasions in the past and future. Perhaps this is the only way to have a true HEA. I was disappointed that the storyline did not progress beyond previous book as it seem to go around in circles, but this is part one of book seven and we hope that all of our questions and concerns will be addressed in the final instalment.

Reviewed by Sandy

Share

Addison Moore-Interview & Giveaway with the Author

Posted on by
Reply

Addison Moore-Interview with the Author

Addison Moore-Interview with the Author.

∞∞∞∞∞∞GIVEAWAY∞∞∞∞∞∞

Addison and The Reading Cafe are offering 3 e-copies of her first book in the Celestra series-ETHEREAL.

To qualify for ONE of 3 e-copies of ETHEREAL please read the following instructions.

 

1.  You must be a member of The Reading Cafe.  If you are not a member, please join today.

2.  The giveaway is open to ALL members of The Reading Cafe.

3.  Please leave a comment or ask a question.  Say hello to Addison!!

TRC: Hi Addison.  We would like to thank you very much for allowing us to interview you for our website The Reading Café.  It is always a pleasure to meet the authors behind the books we read. WE would like to start with some biographical information.

TRC: Would you tell us something about yourself?

Addison: Me? I’m perfectly boring. I have four wonderful kids, two of which are almost older than me, lol. Three boys and one precious little girl. I married my high school sweetheart and we’re just like anybody else, making ourselves crazy with driving schedules, softball games and girl scout meetings.

TRC: When did you first start to write?  Have you always wanted to write?

Addison: Yes, I have always wanted to write. I wrote my very first story in kindergarten about a girl lost in the woods who meets up with three bears. Lets just say I wasn’t aware of the plagiaristic implications of it all. By fifth grade I had a little series going and I look back at those days fondly. I wrote here and there in my teens but really picked up again once I graduated from college.

TRC: You are currently an indie publisher.  Your novels are available in eBook Kindle.  Would you tell us why you went the independent publishing route?

Addison: I wanted to get my work out there. I had just acquired a literary agent and she suggested I slow down my writing, that I was already ten years into my career and I found that depressing. So, I thought instead of letting the publishing industry make me sit on my hands I’d write my heart out and publish the books myself. 

TRC: Would you please tell us about the INDELIBLES?

Addison: The Indelibles is a group of mega talented writers whom I’m humbled to be acquainted with. The group was launched late last year and it’s been a great Indie support for me.

TRC: Do all of the authors involved with the INDELIBLES only write MG (Middle Grade) and YA book formats?

Addison: It’s a staple in all of our writing but there are other genres floating around in there as well.

TRC: Many of the MG and YA readers do not necessarily have access to ereaders. Is there any possibility that these storylines may one day, be available in paper format?

Addison: I’m working on that with Celestra. I’ve given them to my agent to see if she can land me better distributorship than I could on my own, but since I’m unwilling to relinquish my eBook rights it’s a tough market to put myself in. I’m writing a new series, The Countenance and that will be available for purchase in paper as soon as the eBook is out or shortly thereafter. I have several other series in the works as well and those too will be available in paper.

TRC: The Celestra Series is available for Kindle only.  Have you considered publishing in paper format?  If not, why?

Addison:The Celestra series is available for Kindle, Nook, iTunes, Smashwords, and I’m working to get it into paper as well.

TRC: The Celestra Series is a Young Adult series, but at The Reading Café we believe that Young Adult storylines are not just for kids.  How do you feel, knowing that the YA books are read by every age group?  Have you been able to track your readership age group?

Addison: It’s funny because there isn’t really a way I could track my sales data by age demographic but I’ve had so many moms reading my stories. I can’t tell you how much I love that. I think the real reason is that YA has a huge crossover into all kinds of demographics. It’s fun to see.

TRC: Would you please tell us about the Celestra Series?

Addison: The Celestra series follows Skyla Messenger who discovers she has Nephilim bloodlines of the coveted Celestra faction. The story itself takes place on fiction Paragon Island off the coast of Washington state. It’s a story that spans good and evil and have I mentioned hot guys?

TRC: Who or what was your inspiration for the Celestra Series?

Addison: Years ago I had written a series about a group of teenagers that lived on an island and another story in which a young girl starts seeing her guardian angel. Neither of those storylines where going anywhere but when I morphed the ideas together, it felt right. 

TRC: Skyla and Logan are the main protagonists, along with their “friends and frenemies” including Chloe.  Would you tell us what is your inspiration with the development of these particular characters?

Addison: I feel like I’ve known Skyla, Logan and Gage, and, yes, even Chloe, for years. I can see them so vividly and visiting them on Paragon has become the best escape for me. They each formed naturally on their own and in time their characters took on very strong personalities.

TRC: Your latest book in the Celestra series was VEX (book 5) . Would you tell us something about VEX?

Addison: Vex is the fifth book in the Celestra series. In Vex Skyla is forced to examine her relationship with Logan and decipher whether or not she believes he is a friend or an enemy. Chloe is still busy ravaging her relationship with Gage, and Skyla finally has enough and decides to do something about it. The resolution ends in a peculiar tragedy which opens book 6 nicely.

TRC:  Your next book in the Celestra series is EXPEL (book6) .  Would you please tell us something about this book?  Do you have an expected release date?

Addison: EXPEL is finally getting the love and attention it needs from my freelance editor and my betas. I would love to give a hard date of release but I have no idea when they’ll be able to get the book back to me. I’m still hopeful for mid March. EXPEL is full of plot twists in addition to the faction war beginning. EXPEL segues to the last leg of the Celestra storyline I’ll be penning in the very near future.

TRC: EXPEL was released March 22, 2012

TRC: As with any YA and MG series, the characters eventually grow up.  How many books have you planned for this particular series?

Addison: Since both VEX and EXPEL were unreasonably long I’ve decided to write shorter books for the rest of the series. I don’t know how many more of those books it will take but I’m thinking less than three, which would probably equal one book the length of EXPEL. Yes, EXPEL is that unreasonably big. 😉

TRC: Have you ever considered writing adult storylines?  Why or why not?

Addison: I have written books for adults in the past but I found I had enjoyed it less. I started out writing YA and I always seem to be most comfortable in YA. Honestly, young adult fiction feels like my sweet spot. I would love to try different genres again some day.

TRC: Who is your muse?

Addison: Lol! Oh, that is my forever guarded secret. I’ll give you a hint, he’s tall, dark, and handsome, and looks amazingly like my husband.

TRC: Many writers bounce idea and information around with family and friends. Who catches and returns your ideas?

Addison: My husband. He helps me nurture my ideas until they’re well outlined and developed. He’s the world’s best listener.

TRC: Would you like to add anything else?

Addison: I would love to pass on a piece of advice to anyone with a dream. If you believe in your heart’s desire and are willing to put in an amazing effort, no dream is too big to accomplish.

LIGHTNING ROUND

FAVORITE DESSERT – ice cream (chocolate preferably)

FAVORITE FOOD – sushi

FAVORITE AUTHOR – Silvia Plath

FAVORITE TV SHOW – Most reality TV. It’s far too embarrassing to admit to.

FAVORITE MOVIE – The Princess Bride *sigh*

LAST MOVIE YOU SAW – Judy Moody (at home with my daughter)

DARK OR MILK CHOCOLATE – Dark, dark, dark…

RED OR PINK ROSES – I’m a sucker for pink, but my husband can paint my world red anytime.

DO YOU HAVE ANY PETS? Two furry people grace my home a Pekinese and a Golden Retriever. 

TRC: Addison, we would like to thank you for taking the time to answer some of our questions. We look forwards to your next instalment in the Celestra series. Keep us up to date and let us know what is in store for Skyla, Gage and Logan.

LINK to Addison Moore’s Website: Addison Moore

To order Addison Moore’s Celestra series of books CLICK the title links below:

Ethereal-Book #1
Tremble-Book #2
Burn -Book #3
Wicked-Book #4
Vex-Book #5
Expel-Book #6

Share

EXPEL (Celestra Series #6 YA) by Addison Moore-A New Release Review

Posted on by
Reply

EXPEL (Celestra #6) YA (New Release) by Addison Moore

March 28, 2012-INTERVIEW and GIVEAWAY with Addison Moore

EXPEL is the 6th instalment in Addison Moore’s Young Adult Celestra series. Released this week, Expel continues the adventures of 17-year old Skyla Messenger and her triumphs and failures as a young teen trying to navigate a world of demons, angels, possessions and the love of 3 men. What we all wouldn’t give to have 3 beautiful men who adored and worship the ground on which we walk. And just to add more company to the misery already inflicted upon her young life, there are others standing in line, in the hopes of gaining access to the next Queen of the Celestra.

Skyla continues to be her own worst enemy. Although Chloe is still valiantly trying to destroy Skyla’s life, Skyla once again ignores the warnings from Marshall Dudley, Logan and Gage Oliver, and Candace her birth mother—all in the name of spunky independence and teenage melt-down. Facing a faction war with the Counts and the Fems, Skyla inadvertently tosses the coin that forces a loss for the Celestra changing their odds in the win/loss column. Untrained and without the knowledge she requires, Skyla is drawn into a war that she is not prepared. Lives are lost and those that are responsible seem possessed to otherwise stop. When Candace (Skyla’s birth mother and head of the Council of Celstras) warns Skyla that her actions could end the lives of many Sectors and Celestra, Skyla refuses to acknowledge that she will be the cause of so much sorrow and pain. Like most teens, she thinks the warnings are exaggerations and ploys to keep her under control.

At the end of VEX (book 5) both Gage and Logan are ‘killed’ when they are struck by Skyla’s Mustang, and it is Skyla who will sacrifice both her blood and her body to resurrect the loves of her life. And witness statements cannot account for a driver, but accusations and innuendo will cause much grief for their families. But warning Skyla that she is treading into dangerous territory only invokes another round of teenage petulance and enough attitude that her actions will cost her more than she is willing to give. Bargaining for the return of someone close, will force Skyla into a deal with Ezrina that she may never be able to repay.

Skyla’s ongoing defiance will once again, place everyone she loves in danger. And the Landon/Messenger household becomes a battleground between family members, when her sisters start growing up too fast. Drake and Brielle’s pending parenthood looms closer, but it is Holden’s spirit that will continue to invade every aspect of Skyla’s life. From brother to lover, to friend and foe, Holden’s presence continues to haunt Skyla. As the household grows, so does the mistrust and anxiety between child and parent. And having an ally in Ellis may not necessarily be all that she bargained for. As a young Count, his familial connections could help destroy both of their lives.

Marshall Dudley’s continued pursuit of Skyla grows stronger and his need for the young Celestra becomes increasingly obvious. His power and influence over Skyla, pushes the teen to rebel. And it is Marshall’s reluctance to back down that Skyla perceives as control. Skyla’s defiance and unwillingness to heed the warnings will risk the lives of everyone she loves. It is the glimpses into the future that have Skyla confused. Although each and every scene will come into fruition, it is the circumstances that will continue to allude. Not everything that Marshall shows, will follow a predictable series of events.

Demetri Edinger continues to prowl the Landon household hoping to re-capture someone from his past, but his motives may not be one of love or lust. And a mirror with the ability to grant all that one desires, shows Skyla more than she is willing to see. It is Demetri’s relationship with Chloe that will force Skyla to open her eyes and see the truth. But to open your heart and realize that your love has been manipulated, will force Skyla to make a decision that will cost more than her heart’s desire but quite possibly her life.

Once again, Addison writes a fast paced storyline with many twists and turns. The back and forth relationship between Skyla and Logan, as well as Skyla and Gage will be tested on many occasion, but like the scene from the movie Carrie, prom night will be one long disaster. It is Skyla’s defiance against authority that has risked everyone she loves and her meddling in the past will risk everyone in the future. All is NOT fair in love AND war!!

Reviewed by Sandy

Share

WICKED (Celestra Series #4 YA) by Addison Moore- A Review

Posted on by
Reply

WICKED (Celestra #4) by Addison Moore

 The Reading Cafe is featuring the books of Addison Moore.  Stay tuned for our Interview and Giveaway with Addison on Wednesday March 28, 2012

WICKED is the 4th instalment in Addison Moore’s Celestra series. Now that Skyla Messenger has meddled in the lives of every one including the recently deceased, the past continues to haunt her—every step of the way. On that note-the pace is fast: there is NO lull in the adventures: and my anxiety level is beyond my grasp.

Thanks to her own stupidity, Skyla must now face the ramifications of her actions. Thinking she was doing a ‘friend’ a favor, Skyla’s angel-blood has infused a resurrected Chloe from the dead, but now she must face the consequences. Chloe is beyond pissed. All the secrets that Skyla and Chloe have shared through the Light Travel have come back with a vengeance. Sklya is now targeted by a much stronger and newly-alive Chloe. Revenge is a bitch and her name is Chloe. Chloe will stop at nothing to rid the world of Skyla Messenger.

Logan Oliver continues to profess his love for Skyla, but trust is a major issue. Knowing that he was keeping secrets and only revealing on a ‘need to know basis’, Skyla withdraws deep into herself to hide her feelings for Logan Oliver. Now that Skyla is aware that most of the population (including her immediate family) of Paragon Island is somehow connected by blood to the Countenance, it is now necessary to be mindful of everyone. But Skyla refuses to heed the warning from both Logan and Gage, and continues to seek answers to her questions-without thinking ahead. Death and destruction follow Skyla wherever she goes. But it is the betrayal by the one who professes an enduring love-that will send Skyla over the edge.

Gage Oliver, who also professes his love for Skyla, has secrets as well. As the former ‘boyfriend’ of Chloe, Gage appears to be continuing where the couple left off, prior to Chloe’s murder. But Skyla is beyond exasperated and confronts Gage. His only response-is he has to do this-for Skyla. Gage and Skyla’s relationship was developing-one of mutual respect and love-but Chloe’s presence has Gage by the proverbial ‘hairs’ and he must do what he can to protect Skyla.

Marshall Dudley, once again, continues to seek out Skyla at every opportunity. Professing his love for the 17 year old, gives the word pervert another face. As a high school teacher, he is all over the female population, but his sights are set on Skyla-alone. His propensity for getting ‘caught’ in mind-altering situations, makes you wonder-just how powerful is Marshall the Sector. Still, we are not sure if Marshall is truly evil or good. He is battling his own demons-they are riding hard-but at what point, will we meet the ‘real’ Marshall Dudley. And to further complicate the issue, Skyla does have feelings for Marshall-although we are not sure if they are real or imagined. But Skyla needs Marshall almost as much as he needs her. His ability to ‘show’ Skyla glimpses into the future, propel Skyla into some situations that have been caught by those hoping to blackmail Skyla into silence.

Skyla’s Light-travel into the past offers a glimpse into life with her father. Skyla’s true heritage comes to light, when her father reveals that her ‘real’ mother is a ‘Caelestis’-a most powerful council Angel. But at this stage, nothing is revealed about the circumstances of how she became part of the Messenger/Landon family. Hopefully, Addison will expose the reality of the situation. We do see glimpses of what may have occurred-perhaps Tad Landon is well aware of Skyla’s true identity- but at this point, Tad is more of a comedic prop in the parenthood department. But it is her ‘sisters’ that seem to be the cause of much heartache for Skyla. Blackmail is hard, when it involves your own family, especially when it is by someone you thought you once loved.

Skyla’s group of frenemies continue to attack at random. Michelle’s spiral into demon-haunted nightmares results in a crazed young woman with a propensity to cut her hair at strange angles and intervals. Ellis, as a young Count, has yet to reach into his powerful heritage, but something tells me, he may be one of Skyla’s only hopes for rescue. Pierce and Nat’s relationship takes a stumble, when Skyla is attacked at every opportunity by Pierce, hoping for angel-infused blood and Brielle, her latent BFF, is now pregnant with her brother’s child-what better way to build up the next generation of the Countenance. And Holden’s disembodied spirit keeps Skyla on edge, because revenge is a nasty word, even by a ghost.

But it is the amount of blood shed, near death experiences, random attacks and the numerous killing rampages by these ‘teens’, that have me wondering…if not for the age of the characters…could you really call this series….Young Adult? I have said on many occasions-Young Adult fiction is not for the young any more- there are just as many adults reading YA fiction as there are teens. The content is violent and graphic. A high school teacher having sex with young teenage girls is unethical immorally and technically illegal-although he is a paranormal supernatural being-I am not sure where to draw the line. But this is NOT the first time that in Young Adult fiction, where a person in a position of authority, has been caught in a compromising position with a young female student.

Reviewed by Sandy

Share

VEX (Celestra Series #5 YA) by Addison Moore-A Review

Posted on by
Reply

VEX (Celestra #5) by Addison Moore

The Reading Cafe is featuring the books of Addison Moore.  Stay tuned for our Interview and Giveaway with Addison on Wednesday March 28, 2012

VEX is the fifth novel in Addison Moore’s Young Adult Celestra Series. Once again, we follow 17-year old Skyla Messenger, Logan and Gage Oliver and the crew of ever growing Countenance, Celestra, Fems and Sectors.

Vex begins as Skyla finds herself as the sacrificial lamb-on a stone altar- about to be served up as Logan’s promise to the Countenance, but her strength as one of the few remaining Celestra on earth is stronger. Knowing that Logan was willing to ‘use’ Skyla hurt deep, but his refusal to acknowledge or let her in on the secrets that could save her life, have cut even deeper. Logan and Gage withhold more information from the one young woman, both claim to love beyond the heavens, but it is Logan’s betrayal that hurts more.

Chloe continues her physical and emotional assault against everything Skyla, as well as maintaining a scheme of blackmail against Gage. Gage and Skyla’s growing relationship is constantly tested when Chloe demands that Gage be her boyfriend, much to Skyla and Gage’s dismay. The sorrow is heartbreaking, but blackmail is evil. But there is a pull between Logan and Skyla that cannot be denied, and betrayal is hard to forgive, even though, Logan has his reasons for protecting Skyla from ever knowing the truth. While Gage’s love for Skyla grows, it is the truth about his visions of the future that will be tested in the end.

Marshall Dudley’s constant play for Skyla is questionable. He claims that she will one day birth his children and they are destined to be together, but it is his ability to twist the ‘truth’ that is a concern. Skyla must never reveal the truth about Marshall’s powers, but when Chloe spills the truth, everyone involved will be punished. And it is the attack against Marshall that will set a string of events in motion that will tip the scales of love-choosing life or death for one.

Several fatalities once again surround Skyla and her attempts to defend and protect. An accidental beheading on a winter ski vacation, Holden finally finding a body – close to ‘home’ and several visits to the past reveal the evil that Chloe has inflicted on everyone on Paragon Island. Chloe is more than a victim of Countenance rage—she may even be the Grim Reaper and strychnine is her weapon of choice.

But it is the truth about Skyla’s true parentage that reveals more than anyone had previously known. Logan’s involvement with Skyla’s real father and Skyla’s meeting with her birth mother will reveal much needed information to help in the faction war against the Countenance and the Fems. And Skyla’s continuous Light Travel will reunite the woman she thought was her mother-with the man she knows to be her father. But a man from her adopted-mother’s past may be darker and more powerful than anyone she has yet to discover.

There are new revelations about the many families and people who live on Paragon Island. The history is steeped in death, power struggles and an on-going war between good and evil. The Celestra Council has rules that must be followed, and breaking those rules, can be punishable by death or worse. To live your life as an immortal would be better spent, in the guise of a human, rather surrounded by feathers and a cage. But it is the love between Skyla and the Oliver boys that will break your heart knowing only two will see it through—to the end.

One of my complaints, about this particular storyline, is the continuous attack by Skyla’s ‘family’ accusing her of becoming pregnant. Regardless of her attempts to persuade otherwise and the truth, no one is willing to listen. Everyone presumes she is sexually active and pregnant, without benefit of a physician’s appointment. Her parents, her siblings and many students refuse to believe Skyla, and that is a concern, especially with something so detrimental as a teen pregnancy. Although, in the end, the truth will reveal the real pregnant teen, it is the lies that perpetuate and grow into a firestorm of emotions, that ate away at my senses. When Skyla’s step-father lashes out and all but destroys her life because of this misinformation and then he remains fairly placid when the true ‘teen parents’ are revealed, leaves me shaken. Sexism still exists, and it takes TWO to make a baby. Skyla’s younger sisters are manipulative and controlling, using the potential pregnancy to gain an upper hand. Blackmail is a regular theme in Addison’s storylines. The constant name calling, accusations, mistrust and disrespect is humiliating, both for the characters and to me as a reader. To be honest-this particular storyline surrounding the issue of teen-pregnancy was difficult to read.

Like the previous 4 novels in the Celestra series, Vex is fast paced and rarely a moment to breath. New revelations are continuous and I highly recommend that the series be read in order. Missing or reading out of order, will leave the reader confused and lost. Ok…waiting for Expel-New Release March 22, 2012.

Reviewed by Sandy

Share

TREMBLE (Celestra Series #2 YA) by Addison Moore-A Review

Posted on by
Reply

TREMBLE (Book 2 Celestra series) by Addison Moore

For the next few days, The Reading Cafe will feature the books of Addison Moore.  Stay tuned for our Interview and Giveaway with Addison on Wednesday March 28, 2012

TREMBLE is the 2nd book in Addison Moore’s Young Adult Celestra series. Addison continues the fast-paced, misguided adventures of Skyla Messenger and her group of supernatural friends and frenemies. And like many 16 year old girls, Skyla Messenger refuses to back down or take no for an answer. And when all is said and done, she will risk the lives of everyone she knows and loves.

Skyla is a pure Celestra- a species of angel that is hunted for their blood. But as the new school year begins, she must face some hard realities. The Countenance wants her blood, the Fems are trying to kill her, a Sector hopes she chooses him, the cheerleading squad hates her, Ellis wants her, and Gage and Logan, are in love with her. The Countenance has targeted Skyla in the hopes to prevent her and Logan from mating. Logan is also a Celestra of pure blood, and the rarity of their mating would create a most powerful angel. So, much to Skyla’s dismay, Logan and Gage have devised a plan, hoping to keep Skyla safe- to dissuade the Countenance from trapping Skyla, Logan convinces Sklya that she would be safer ‘dating’ Gage. The plan is a ruse, one that slowly begins to backfire, when Sklya develops feelings for Gage even though she and Logan still secretly see each other each evening. I can see the three-way love triangle starting to raise my hackles. Nothing good will come from this scenario.

But there are others vying for Skyla’s attention and blood. Marshall Dudley is a Sector- a being of power-that can heal or kill with a touch. He sides with no one, yet he can be a powerful ally or an even greater enemy, and no one is safe from his charm including the female student population. Assuming the position of the math teacher, Marshall is a continuous source of information and agitation for Skyla, and another male vying for the rights to Skyla. But it is Marshall who shows Skyla just what evil lurks in the hall of the Paragon High School. And once again, refusing to heed the warnings of those who know, Skyla looses more than she could have imagined. Ezrina, a ghostly apparition (perhaps Fem or demon or Sector) has set her sights on Skyla Messenger and will stop at nothing to get her blood.

With Marshall’s assistance Skyla soon discovers there are many ‘students’ and friends, who will soon develop their own supernatural powers. But it is Skyla’s ability to time travel (Light travel) that will put everyone at risk, including herself. Hoping to save her father from the fiery car accident, Skyla travels back in time 2 years, in order to prevent her father from ever getting into his car-but Skyla cannot change the past. His death will occur over and over, no matter the cost to Skyla and her friends. And to complicate matters, Skyla’s nightly travels, have her visiting Chloe, the young Celestra who was murdered earlier in the year. It is with Chloe’s help, that Skyla learns to control her travel, but she soon recognizes that every time she goes back, she changes something, that could put everyone at risk. As her contact with Chloe continues, Skyla hopes that the power of her own blood with help bring the dead back to life. But it is Chloe’s diary, that portents a warning and is most prophetic, and a glimpse into the future that could once again destroy or save everyone.

Logan and Skyla’s love for one another is tested again and again, as Gage and Skyla grow closer with their ‘faux’ relationship. Skyla loves both young men, equally but different, and is torn when Logan must pretend to want someone else. Skyla is warned on several occasions not to go back in time, but a fatal error in judgment has someone she loves, lost in the past. And her interference will change history for her family and her friends.

TREMBLE continues the story and builds on the idea of angels and demons fighting a war on earth. The power struggle between good and evil is fought on different levels, but with one goal in mind-to save or acquire Skyla Messenger. The action is fast paced, with rarely a pause or perusal, which in itself is a blessing. But my anxiety levels rose every time Skyla refused to listen or ignored the warnings. She risked the lives of her family, her friends, the students and her own life, over and over. Her tunnel vision of traveling through time to save her father caused misery and set in motion a series of actions that will culminate in a greater loss than the one she is trying to prevent. But-without the storyline, there would be no story!!! And if a story is able to grab hold-anxiety wise-isn’t that a good sign that the author was able to catch your attention? And the stories are becoming darker. So now, on to book 3-BURN

Reviewed by Sandy

Share

BURN (Celestra series #3 YA) by Addison Moore -A Review

Posted on by
Reply

BURN (Book 3 Celestra Series) by Addison Moore

For the next few days, The Reading Cafe will feature the books of Addison Moore.  Stay tuned for our Interview and Giveaway with Addison on Wednesday March 28, 2012

BURN is the 3rd story in Addison Moore’s Young Adult Celestra series. Focusing on the life of 16 year old Skyla Messenger and her friends & family of Angels and Demons, Addison continues her series, delving deeper into the darkside of a YA paranormal adventure. Once again the cast of characters range from the angelic Celestra, the evil demon Fems, the Countenance (enemy) and Marshall Dudley-the all encompassing Sector.

BURN is a much darker novel than the previous 2 books, so much so that I was hoping it was all a dream-that the ‘heroine’ Skyla, would wake up and everything would be back to normal. But this particular storyline revolves around revenge and hatred. Skyla is seeking those who murdered her father 2 years prior, and like the previous 2 instalments, she is still refusing to listen to reason and continues her Light travel through time. Her headstrong and take no prisoners attitude, escalates into a killing spree around the world, where she is aided by Gage, with his need to protect her at all costs.

There are several murders and attempted murders throughout the storyline. Skyla is sexually attacked and in self-defense, murders the young man thinking he was one of the Countenance. But when it is revealed that he truly was an enemy of the Celestra, it is only the beginning of Skyla’s murderous rampage on those hoping to claim her blood. A near fatal throat slashing, a car accident where a ghostly apparition gains control of the vehicle, and several attacks by the demon Fems, would be enough to send any normal teenager into a headlong case of psychosis. But Skyla Messenger takes it all in stride, knowing that one day-she will make a difference (right or wrong) in everybody’s life. And to further add irony to her already crazed life, Skyla is occasionally possessed by one of her victims.

Skyla’s desire to ‘reanimate’ Chloe, pushes her further into the world of the past, but there is a price to pay, when one meddles with the creation or re-creation of life. Thinking Chloe has the answers to all of her questions, she inadvertently crosses a threshold of no return. Her weekly donation of ‘angel’ blood is so powerful, that the past will meet in the present much quicker than anyone had realized. But Chloe has other plans, and it is within the pages of Chloe’s diary, that Skyla’s looks at the future, that had already been written in the past.

Gage and Logan continue their ‘wooing’ of Skyla, knowing she loves both young men equally. But Logan’s altruism pushes Skyla deeper into the arms of Gage, even though she is well aware that her feelings for Logan will never change. Hoping to keep their relationship platonic, Logan and Skyla agree to disagree about the arrangements. But Gage’s declaration of love sends Logan spiraling slowly out of their lives.

Marshall Dudley, or Studley-Dudley, the resident math teacher, continues his seduction of the female population. But it is Skyla in whom his sights have been set. We are not sure at this point, whether Marshall the Sector is good or evil. He genuinely aids Skyla with her discovery of the many Counts living on Paragon Island, but every time he reveals the true nature of the population, Skyla must pay. Although his desires for Skyla seem genuine, what is not apparent are his reasons. And to complicate the scenario, Marshall has a propensity for having intercourse with many of the young female students and his fertility factor runs high.

Skyla’s mother Lizbeth and step-father Tad are continuously at odds about how to handle their teenage delinquent. As far as Tad is concerned, Skyla is a walking disaster, but her mother is hoping that this is only an awkward stage in her daughter’s young life. But there is something about Tad’s aggression towards his step-daughter, that at times you wonder, if he is truly human. And like many parents of rebellious teens, they appear to have lost control.

Skyla’s group of cheerleading frenemies continue to provoke and attack at every chance. She has become the target of not just the Fems and the Countenance, but also the ‘mean-girl’ pep squad and their family of gossip girls and neighbors.

Overall, BURN is an adventure worthy of a crime-story episode. There are enough murders, missing people, accidents and blood spillage that the local authorities should be a bit more concerned about the strange happenings occurring on the island of Paragon. But on the evening of Skyla’s 17th birthday party more surprises are revealed and Marshall Dudley may have shown Skyla more information than she had ever wanted to know. What would it be like to know-your entire family may just be your worst enemy?

Reviewed by Sandy

Share

ETHEREAL (Celestra Series #1 YA)- By Addison Moore-A Review

Posted on by
Reply

ETHEREAL (Book 1 Celestra YA series) by Addison Moore

For the next few days, The Reading Cafe will feature the books of Addison Moore.  Stay tuned for our Interview and Giveaway with Addison on Wednesday March 28, 2012

ETHEREAL is the first book in Addison Moore’s Celestra series of Young Adult paranormal fiction. The Celestra are the highest order of Nephilium on earth, and are therefore coveted or hunted to destruction by those hoping to eradicate their existence. Addison introduces several levels of angels and demons, all seemingly at war with one another, but our heroine Skyla Messenger is about to enter into a realm of existence she thought only found between the pages of a fairy tale.

Skyla Messenger is new in town. Her father was killed in a fire, and although she survived, her life has been changed forever. She once shared the ability to read people’s mind with her father through touch, but now she believes she is the only one left who knows her secret. But when her mother and step-father move the family to Paragon Island, she soon realizes there are more ‘people’ similar and dissimilar to her than she could have ever imagined.

Having met Brielle, the girl next door, Skyla soon learns that her new home was once the house of a young girl who was murdered. But it isn’t long before the ghosts from the past haunt the new residents, and whisk Skyla on a journey through time and space. And like any normal teenager, Skyla must suffer through the rankings of new-girl-in –town syndrome. Acceptance will be difficult especially now that she has the attention of virtually every available boy in town.

Logan and Gage are cousins, and play a major role in Skyla’s new life on Paragon Island. Both with their-own special powers of the Nephilium, Logan is able to communicate with Skyla through touching, and Gage has the strength and speed, as well as teleportation. Still learning about her powers, Skyla inadvertently travels through time and makes a connection with Chloe, the murdered girl, and alters the space-time continuum (channeling my inner Star-Trek). In doing so, Skyla has also alerted those who wish to see her gone. She soon learns she has a deeper affiliation with Chloe than just former living arrangements.

We read about the growing relationship between Logan and Skyla, but Gage has the power of forethought. And it is with this knowledge, that something isn’t quite right with the direction their paths will soon be heading. Skyla’s love for Logan is tested many times, but it is Logan’s love and affirmation for Skyla that will be called into question now and in the future.

Addison Moore writes an interesting storyline. She introduces several characters, as well as different species into the mix, without overwhelming our senses. The storyline is fast paced and rarely stutters, and she blends the reality of a teen-age girl with the paranormal of a supernatural being. The typical Young Adult 3-way love triangle is present, but there is a twist. I can only hope that Addison does not delve too deeply into the angst of the triangle, as that premise was lost to me with another long-suffering series. Ethereal is the first release in the Celestra series, and I look forward to reading the next.

Reviewed by Sandy

Share