Embrace
Jessica Shirvington
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire
Release Date: March 1, 2012
Pages: 367
Challenges: 2012 Debut Author Challenge, 2012 YA/MG Reading Challenge

Rating: 4.5 stars

I slowly opened my eyes. The sun speared its first bright rays of golden orange into the sky and I leapt from the cliff, with the sorrowful knowledge that no matter what the outcome, at least part of me would die that day…

Violet Eden is dreading her seventeenth birthday dinner. After all, it’s hard to get too excited about the day that marks the anniversary of your mother’s death. The one bright spot is that Lincoln will be there. Sexy, mature and aloof, he is Violet’s idea of perfection. But why does he seem so reluctant to be anything more than a friend?

After he gives her the world’s most incredible kiss – and then abandons her on her front doorstep – Violet is determined to get some answers. But nothing could have prepared her for Lincoln’s explanation: he is Grigori – part angel and part human – and Violet is his eternal partner.

Without warning, Violet’s world is turned upside down. She never believed in God, let alone angels. But there’s no denying the strange changes in her body … and her feelings for Lincoln. Suddenly, she can’t stand to be around him. Luckily, Phoenix, an exiled angel, has come into her life. He’s intense and enigmatic, but at least he never lied to her.

As Violet gets caught up in an ancient battle between dark and light, she must choose her path. The wrong choice could cost not only her life, but her eternity…

Embrace by Jessica Shirvington was a really intriguing look at angels and really packs a punch with the story it has to tell. It was a great start to a series, and I loved following Violet through her adventure that Jessica Shirvington takes her on through Embrace.

I loved the storyline.  Books that take a new spin on popular mythology are always great since I never know what to expect. I loved discovering the world of Embrace simultaneously with Violet. There was such a good mix of scenes, between action and the more heartfelt moments.

Some of the world building in Embrace did take a bit of time. This wasn’t bad, it just did make some elements not quite as clear. I am confident though, that book 2, Enticed, it going to be beyond brilliant, since everything is built and set, and all that is left is for the story to just take off.  In the second half of Embrace, the story really picked up. It was more getting to that point that was a bit slower.

I loved the characters – they were all really well done. I loved Steph, Violet’s best friend – she was too funny. You really couldn’t ask for a better or more supportive friend, and I loved that about her. She was probably my favorite character of the book. I had very mixed feelings on Violet herself – some of the times I loved her as a character, and others she got a bit on my nerves. Phoenix was kind of a slimy git – I wasn’t too much of a fan of him. Can I also just say, where can I get me a Lincoln? He seriously is about the perfect guy and is so understanding. I adored him!

The build up to the end of this book was awesome. My first thought when I finished was, “How rude! I need more story!” I had become so involved in the story, and when I turned the page and there was no more I was awfully bummed. That being said, I am SO excited for book 2, Enticed.

Embrace is a book I would whole-heartedly recommend. I was a stellar read. I really just loved it, and while I had a few minor issues with it, they were entirely overcome by the awesomeness the rest of the book contains. This series is the next big thing, and I cannot wait to see where it goes.

Now I have a super exciting giveaway – one person will win a copy of Embrace! Open to US/Canada only and ends March 19.

a Rafflecopter giveaway