Thursday, March 31, 2011

Surrender the Dark by L. A. Banks

Surrender the DarkFrom Goodreads:
National bestselling author L.A. Banks’s electrifying new paranormal series is set in a sizzling world where Dark and Light are trapped in an eternal struggle for the fate of mankind. 
Celeste Jackson has fought all her life against a fog of hallucination and substance abuse, but it’s not until she meets her protector, Azrael, an angel who has left the safety of the Light, that she learns of the evil forces that have been trying to ruin her, and why. A fierce battle for control of the mortal realm is brewing, and only Celeste—with the help of the Remnant, her half-human, half-angel brethren—can stand in the way. Together, Celeste and Azrael must gather an army of sensitives to defeat the dark powers that have ruled humanity for centuries, but time is running out. If Azrael surrenders to his growing desire for Celeste, he risks being trapped among humanity forever. But the longer he stays, the harder she is to resist. To save the world, Celeste must draw on her own dark experiences with addiction to help Azrael overcome the one temptation that could possibly make him an eternal prisoner—his obsession with her.
 This is a book about the end of times. Azrael is an archangel who elected to come to earth to search out a remnant/nephilim who is part angel and part human. Celeste has been affected by the dark in such a way she is almost broken in spirit and body. However, because of the unfailing love of her aunt, she finds her way to Azrael and they begin to heal each other. Her due to the abuse she had endured and him due to the loss and effect the world has on a new to earth angel. As Celeste learns to trust again, we get glimpses into the philosophy this world inhabits. It is mostly Christian in nature, but it is not solely within that one religion. I believe that because Celeste was brought up Christian that is why we are more involved with that philosophy in this book. All religions are considered sacred to the angels and none discriminate because someone ascribes to another viewpoint. All that is important is how good the person is in spirit.

There is also discussion within the philosophy of this world about DNA structures. There is a postulation  that we have more strands than the double helix and this is put to good use within the story. I have heard about this theory, but personally know little about it. Still, I think Ms. Banks makes good use of this idea. We also find the Mayans prediction of 12/21/12 is entwined within the philosophies. In fact the reason Celeste is there on the earth has to do with this prophesy.

I give this book 4 stars. I really enjoyed the philosophy the author created within this book. I also enjoyed Celeste, Azrael and especially her feisty Aunt Niecey. I would have loved to have had a little more humor within the book, but it was also not devoid of humor. Several times I did catch myself laughing.

I received this book from the publisher and no compensation for my review was given.

16 comments:

  1. Seems like there's a lot going on, wow even brings in Mayan predictions!

    Celeste is such a cute name <3

    Thanks for the review xD

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  2. OH I love me some Mayan predictions in books! I am not sure how I had never heard of this book but I must get it in my hot little hands. I like when authors take the time to create a story around real world predictions and myths!

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  3. OMG Melissa! Did you read the first book in a series first? ;)
    Anyways, this sounds pretty great- I think I will have to check it out!

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  4. Oh interesting, I haven't heard much about this one and I'm getting more and more intrigued by angel stories! The philosophies you mentioned make me curious to pick this one up, especially the ideas on DNA and the 12.21.12 situation:) I always have fun reading your reviews, thanks for bringing this one to my attention!

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  5. I like the premise of the book. I haven't read many good angel books yet. I am also intrigued by the author's take on 12/21/12. Thanks for the review!

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  6. I've been wanting to read this ever since I saw the HOT cover! The history, the philosophy and the religion aspects all sound quite interesting and involved.

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  7. Falling angels are really not my piece of cake but this one sounds really different - I might be tempted!

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  8. I'm very interested in how the extra strands of DNA play into the story - quite a different hook.

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  9. @Samita... There is a lot. I enjoyed it tho. :)

    @Felicia.. There are quite a few and yet it didn't seemed closed off like some religions become. So, I enjoyed that.

    @Avery... *gets smelling salts* You okay?? ;)

    @Jenny... Thanks. I think this is the kind of story you think of when you consider angel stories. So, I think it makes more sense to me.

    @Misha... The prediction isn't over since this is supposed to be a series. Hopefully we will find out. *cue scary music*

    @Missie... Oh and Az makes a good book boyfriend too. *fans self* Yes, he does.

    @anachronist... hee hee.. *temps some more* I feel like poor put upon Eve (oh, and there is a bit about her in the book too... lol).

    @Stephanie... It is interesting. I may look it up when I have some time. It is interesting how the author plays it up.

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  10. This sounds like a completely unique and interesting take on angels. Definitely adding this to my wishlist. Great review Melissa :)

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  11. Sounds cool :) I have seen another review today so gonna hurry over and read that one. Hopefully a positive one cos I got my hopes up ;)

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  12. I haven't heard of this book either, but I am definitely interested in it! Good review!

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  13. Great review Hon!

    I really enjoyed this one as well! =D

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  14. Oooh a new series. Interesting concept on it. And I like my books with a serving of laughs as well!

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  15. Oh, I just got this one over the weekend. :) I'm really looking forward to reading it as it sounds like one I will really enjoy. :) Thanks!

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  16. I loved Aunt Niecey as well! The characters were a big part of my enjoyment of this story. Great review!

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