6. ožu 2014.

Reviving Izabel by J.A Redmerski

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My rating: 4 stars

Book summary:

"Determined to live a dark life in the company of the assassin who freed her from bondage, Sarai sets out on her own to settle a score with an evil sadist. Unskilled and untrained in the art of killing, the events that unfold leave her hanging precariously on the edge of death when nothing goes as planned.

Sarai’s reckless choices send her on a path she knows she can never turn back from and so she presents Victor with an ultimatum: help her become more like him and give her a fighting chance, or she’ll do it alone no matter the consequences. Knowing that Sarai cannot become what she wants to be overnight, Victor begins to train her and inevitably their complicated relationship heats up.

As Arthur Hamburg’s right-hand man, Willem Stephens, closes in on his crusade to destroy Sarai, she is left with the crushing realization that she may have bitten off more than she can chew. But Sarai, taking on the new and improved role of Izabel Seyfried, still has a set of deadly skills of her own that will prove to be all she needs to secure her place beside Victor.

But there is one test that Izabel must face that has the potential to destroy everything she is working so hard to achieve. One final test that will not only make her question her decision to want this dangerous life, but will make her question everything she has come to trust about Victor Faust."
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18105102-reviving-izabel

      I liked first novel more, but it is still worth reading. Reviving Izabel continues the story about Victor and Sarai, but we meet our anti-heroes eight months after the final scene from the Killing Sarai. No matter how much she tries to lead a normal life, Sarai is far from what is socially accepted as normal and still deeply marked by the last nine years of her life. She takes the matters in her own hands and decides to confront the monsters. (Spoiler alert.)

      More hotness, more action and, unfortunately, more drama. Everyone who wanted to see more sensitive side of Victor, sizzling scenes and what would Sarai do next will be happy with what author did in the sequel. For the most part I am among those too, but at the times it looked like J.A. Redmerski forgot few details in her original character concepts. Victor, but Sarai too, were more like teenagers in love. Why was that problem for me? Well, it is different from the way they were represented in the first novel and also, Reviving Izabel has most of the standard new adult drama issues. Plot was inconsistent and not convincing, I felt lost several times. Last third of the book was written in the completely different manner - too many witty comebacks and cliche set-ups.
No matter all of the above, I still enjoyed reading this book - it has even more Nikita atmoshere than the Killing Sarai, it's fast-paced and interesting, but far from perfect. I agree with other readers when it comes to Fredrik, he is interesting character but I hope he will not be new Soren (character from The Original Sinners series  by Tiffany Reisz).


Happy reading,

23 komentara:

  1. Boo on the more drama and that you didn't like it as much as the first but I am glad that you were still able to enjoy it.

    OdgovoriIzbriši
    Odgovori
    1. It was fun book to read, but after the way first novel ended, I expected different story in the sequel.

      Izbriši
  2. Glad you enjoyed this even if it wasn't as good as the first one. I hate when characters and the plot are inconsistent. Sounds like this could have been much better if it had been edited a little more tightly. Lovely honest review!

    OdgovoriIzbriši
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    1. That is my biggest problem with the series, you have a feeling that the characters in the third or fourth book are not the same as in the first book. I'm not talking about character development - of course that due to circumstances people change - what I mean is that some of the authors tend to forget certain details or their original vision. Suddenly in stead of strong woman you have 28 year old acting like spoiled teenager, or things like that.

      Thank you, Lauren.

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  3. I always have this fear that the second book in a series I love might not be as great as the first one and that's pretty sad. I'm still glad you enjoyed this book overall, Glass, although I wish it were that tad bit more better for you. Awesome review!

    Sarika @ The Readdicts

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    1. I've noticed that second book is usually the weakest - it's like the bridge toward everything that should happen later.

      Thank you, Sarika.

      Izbriši
  4. I've yet to read anything by J.A. Redmerski but I hear great things. I didn't even know this was a series! Some of the character development sounds positive but some doesn't. Plus, drama. But the rest sounds good!

    OdgovoriIzbriši
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    1. Alise, I think you would like this series. It is NA, but it's completely different from usual, cliche stories we associate with this genre.

      Izbriši
  5. "Reviving Izabel has most of the standard new adult drama issues."

    Shoot, Glass! I've had to take a step back from NA just because of those drama issues, I can only handle so much of them before I need to read about something else. It's too bad this sequel didn't quite live up to book one, but I'm glad you still ended up enjoying it overall!

    OdgovoriIzbriši
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    1. I was on a NA break for a while for the same reason, but I think that the main problem is that most of the readers (and authors) associate NA with romance with very specific storyline full of cliches and characters that are "created with formula". But those are not the only kind of NA novels out there, just like not every YA paranormal series is not like Vampire Academy.

      Izbriši
  6. I've not read any books by this author, but I've been wanting to for quite some time. I've been eyeing this series, but haven't really heard much about it to be honest :) I do want to check it out. Great review Glass!

    Janina @ Synchronized Reading

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    1. If you want to read a little bit different NA, my advice would be to start with this series. Thank you.

      Izbriši
  7. Oh I remember your review of the first one! I'm glad this one was good too. I really need to read this series!

    OdgovoriIzbriši
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    1. It was fun book, third sequel is out too. I can't wait to get my hands on it.

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  8. Nope not for me. I want to try this author but I am so tired of the NA drama that I can't do it right now.

    OdgovoriIzbriši
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    1. Don't give up just yet, Heidi. I promise that this series is completely different from what you'd expect.

      Izbriši
  9. Glad to hear that this one wasn't as disappointing as the other second book. I do love the sound of this series despite some of the issues, and the fact that you enjoyed it..humm, needs a shot.

    OdgovoriIzbriši
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    1. There is always something you won't like in any book you decide to read, but I hope you will give a chance to this one.

      Izbriši
  10. Woot for more hotness but sad that it wasnt as good as the first

    OdgovoriIzbriši
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    1. It was more that it went along a lines I didn't expect and that disappointed me a little bit, but overall, it is good.

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  11. Wonderful review, Glass. I'm still not sure I'll read this, although I did buy it. It's unfortunate that the characters don't really seem to be like the ones from the first book. :/

    OdgovoriIzbriši
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    1. You should at least read Killing Sarai, I think you might like it.
      Thank you.

      Izbriši
  12. Again, I love your review!! Loved this book!!

    OdgovoriIzbriši

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