Review - Shadow Fall (Shadow #2) by Erin Kellison

Title: Shadow Fell

Author: Erin Kellison

Series: 2nd (Shadow Bound)

Pages: 332

Published:  July 27th 2010 by Leisure 

ISBN: 9780505528308

Source: Purchased

Description: Sacrifice: Custo Santovari accepted pain, blood, even death, to save his best friend. But a man with all his sins just isn't cut out to be an angel. Mystery: One moment he's fleeing Heaven; the next, he's waking up stark naked in Manhattan. In the middle of a war. Called there by a woman who's desperately afraid of the dark. Shadow: It gathers around Annabella as she performs, filled with fantastic images of another world, bringing both a golden hero and a nightmare lover.  Wolf: He pursues her relentlessly, twisting her desires even as she gives herself to the man she loves. Because each of us has a wild side, and Annabella is about to unleash the beast. 

I Give This ...

  

It's been a long time since I read the first book in this series, so I was a little concerned that I might not remember the details.    Interestingly enough, I don't think that really mattered since most of this book takes place in a slightly different time frame.

I honestly didn't remember Custo from the first book.  But, his death was horrible.  We're spared the graphic details, but you sure can imagine it.  I loved the he would not accept that he made it to heaven.  He was convinced there had been a mistake.  He was also determined to get back to earth to warn his friends that he was willing to trick death.  I also enjoyed his journey back to earth.  

But, really that is such a small part of the story.  When he gets back to earth, he has to prove who he is, get caught up on current events (turns out he was gone quite a bit longer than he though), plus protect a women who completely enchants him.  The world is on the brink of disaster, and he might be doing this on borrowed time.

I also really enjoyed Annabella.  I liked how ballet played a role in this whole story.  Her dedication and the heart she puts into her performances opens up a gate between realms.  Its what attracted the wolf to her and helped Custo cross.  But, this bridge between realms is not the only problem they are facing.  

I really have enjoyed both books in the series.  I need to get a hold of the next one sooner rather than later so I don't forget the details!

Shadow Bound (Shadow #1) by Erin Kellison

Title: Shadow Bound

Author: Erin Kellison

Series: 1st in Shadow series

Pages: 336

Published: July 2010 by Dorchester

ISBN: 9780505528292

Source: free kindle ebook

 

Description: Death - Some people will do anything to avoid it. Even trade their immortal souls for endless existence. Wraiths - Secretly, inexorably, they are infiltrating our world, sucking the essence out of unsuspecting victims with their hideous parody of a kiss.  Segue - Adam Thorne founded the Institute to study and destroy his monster of a brother, but the key to its success is held in the pale, slender hand of a woman on the run. There is something hauntingly different about Talia O’Brien, her unknowing sensuality, her uncanny way of slipping into Shadow. Twilight - This is the place between life and what comes after - a dark forest of fantasy, filled with beauty, peril, mystery. And Talia is about to open the door. 

I Give This ...

 

This was already on my to-read list when I saw it come up on the free kindle ebook list so I snatched it up!  I think it's a promising start to the series, I just found myself a little bored by it.

The idea behind it all is very interesting.  I liked Talia's connection with death.  I also enjoyed all the abilities when learn she has.  Some of them are even a surprise to her.  I had a hard time getting a feel for her character.  I think we're suppose to think she's some bad ass heroine that can escape the wraiths who are hunting her.  But, she comes across as helpless and needy at first.  And then we're suppose to believe the sudden transformation when she realizes who she is and what she's capable of doing.  But, I still liked her.  

I liked Adam quite a bit.  He comes across as a nice guy, but has a lot of buried rage.  His history is interesting and I enjoyed his interactions with his brother.  I wasn't sure who or what his brother was at first.  I liked how the author slowly uncovered the full implications of what he had done to become the way he is.  I also enjoyed the sexual tension that Adam and Talia have.  

I think my dissatisfaction comes from to many locations changes and a little bit of confusion.   A lot goes on in this story and it's really hard to keep up.  I've found that to by true in a lot of first books in a supernatural series.  The author has so many to build up in the first book that sometimes the actual story gets a little loss.  But, I will continue on with the next one (I already have it on my kindle waiting to read).