Monday, January 24, 2011

Raziel by Kristina Douglas

Raziel (Fallen)TBP: Jan, 25, 2011
From Goodreads:
Kristina Douglas’s sexy new series introduces a realm of fallen angels and ruthless demons, where an eternal rebellion is brewing . . . and one unsuspecting woman can change the fate of the Fallen forever.
She was just an ordinary mortal . . .
“You’re dead” is so not what Allie Watson wants to hear. Unfortunately, it explains a lot. Like the dark, angelically handsome man who ferried her to this strange, hidden land. The last thing she remembers is stepping off a curb in front of a crosstown bus. Now she’s surrounded by gorgeous fallen angels with an unsettling taste for blood—and they really don’t want her around. Not exactly how she pictured heaven.
. . . until death catapulted her into a seductive world she never imagined.
Raziel is unsure why he rescued Allie from hellfire against Uriel’s orders, but she stirs in him a longing he hasn't felt in centuries. Now the Fallen are bracing for the divine wrath brought by his disobedience, and they blame Allie for the ferocious Nephilim clawing at the kingdom’s shrouded gates. Facing impossible odds at every turn, the two must work together to survive. Raziel will do anything to defend his spirited lover against the forces of darkness—because Allie may be the Fallen’s only salvation.
 I'm going to start right off and say that I am not going to star rate this book. I'll explain in a minute. The story is very interesting. The world is built mostly around what most people think about the old testament but with a few changes. The fallen are the archangels with the exception of Uriel. They have been cursed to fear the nephilim who were created to wipe the fallen and their mates from existence. They also fear Uriel who seems to enjoy making them miserable and actually seems like the devil himself. I really enjoyed this alternate world to what we usually hear and I found it very imaginative. I also enjoyed Raziel. Even though he was brooding and taciturn most of the time, it fit with his character and when he lightened up, it was fun to see. I also enjoyed Allie most of the time. Once in a while she did seem whiny, but hey, if I was put in a situation where I had very little if no say at all, I'd probably be whiny too (I hang my head in that confession).

Okay, I'm sure you are still curious why I won't rate this one. It is because of one scene that I cannot stop thinking about. It is one scene that really has me not totally liking this book. Since it is a spoiler, I will type this in white and you will have to highlight it to see. So, it's up to you if you want to know...
There is a scene in which Raziel must determine if Allie is evil. One way is to have sex with her. So, he uses his powers on her to make her strip. She says no and don't in this instance. She knew what he had in mind, but not why. She is frightened and he has sex with her. She enjoys it because she really wanted to have sex with Raziel. So, I feel this is a rape scene with the excuse that she really wanted it. Sorry, but I just can't see it any other way. Without this scene, or it changed, I would have really enjoyed the whole book. My only other criticism is that the last chapter could have been left off this book and put at the beginning of the next.

Ah, so there is my dilemma. One scene upset me, but I enjoyed the creativity of reinventing this world.  I just don't feel right dismissing that scene, nor do I feel right in judging a book solely on one part I didn't like. So, how do I rate it? I decided not to and let you decide for yourself. *sigh* Will I read the next in the series? Yes, I will. I just don't think the author saw that scene in the same way that I did.

I was given this ebook by the publisher with no compensation for my review.

13 comments:

  1. I've seen this book and have had it on my TBR since the cover art was released (What? :P) I am going to have to say that what bothers you bothers me and I am no longer interested. Thanks for taking one for the team!

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  2. Wow, I can see why you wouldn't rate this. I am so glad I read your review. I would have thought the same thing. I can also see why it had potential to be a great book.

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  3. Very clever to highlight this in white, I wouldn't have thought of this.

    I can totally understand what you mean - and now even more so after the comment you left on my book review yesterday - and agree with you 100% as this would have put me right off as well.

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  4. I had to read the spoiler and I understand you. I have closed books cos of things like that. Sometimes one scene can spoil the rest of a book, even if the rest is good

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  5. The world in this book sounds amazing, and it's too bad that scene is in there because, frankly, that makes me not want to read the book :/

    Great honest review, Melissa!

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  6. I'm actually really excited for this book though it's taking all of my restraint not to highlight the spoiler and find out what bothered you. I'm going to pick this one up this week and then I will be back here when I'm done, highlighting that section like a crazy person!

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  7. Okay, I couldn't resist - I read the spoiler and I agree with you. A similar kind of scene got me incensed in a book I really liked overall. No matter how much I enjoy a book, however, I had to disclose my issue in the review. So, thank you for being fair and balanced.
    On another note, I recently got excited about another book which features the Book of Raziel as well. My rabid enthusiasm petered out when I finally got into it. But this one still sounds exciting…but for that one scene.

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  8. I read the spoiler. Couldn't help myself. And that is quite disturbing.

    The mythology and world building sound fascinating so I definitely be giving this one a try, but I'm glad to know what to expect. Thanks Melissa, for handling your review with true tact and honesty.

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  9. @Pam... I know... I loved the cover art too!
    @Cleverly Inked... Thanks. It just made it impossible to rate for me.
    @...Petty... Thanks. I thought it was the easiest way to provide a spoiler so you don't accidentally see it.
    @Blodeuedd... I admit, I almost did close the book.
    @Melissa... Thanks. :)
    @Jenny... lol.. no need to be crazy. I'm insane enough for the both of us. ;D
    @Stephanie... Thanks. Curious now as to the other book?
    @Missie... perhaps by knowing it may not take you by surprise like it did me. :) Maybe you'll enjoy it even more than I did! :)

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  10. That stinks when there is that one scene that kind of lets the book down for you. I've been curious about this book as it sounds interesting and potentially good. Thank you for the review and yes I read that scene. :) So I will have to remember it if I get the book. Thanks!

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  11. I've seen this book around the blogsphere and am ubber curious to see if I would like it.

    PS I'm such a spoiler hoe I couldn't resist highlighting ;)

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  12. @Melissa... just didn't know how to rate it. *sigh*
    @KC... lol Just don't become a rake.. *bada dum dum crash*

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  13. I no longer wish to read the series, thanks for your honesty in pointing out the spoiler scene Melissa, it changes the whole dynamics of what really sounds like it could be a good read... My greatest fear as a female is being "forced" and will not read about it no matter what context an author writes it in, it makes me ill...

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