Review: Angel Evolution by David Estes

• Format: eBook
• Publisher: David Estes, Smashwords
• Genre: Young Adult
• My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
• Buy it: Barnes and Noble, Smashwords, Amazon

Synopsis (from Goodreads):
Angel Evolution- the first book in the young adult fantasy trilogy: The Evolution Trilogy... When Taylor meets Gabriel at college, she is in awe of the subtle glow that surrounds him. No one else, not even her best friend, seems to notice. Something about him scares her. Is all as it appears? While Taylor struggles for answers, she finds herself in the middle of a century old war centered on one miraculous revelation: evolution. 

My review:
The beginning of this book actually starts at a good pace with Taylor our main character having this awful, scary dream that she has had all her life. Only now something has changed. There are new faces in this dream one seems to be good and the other seems evil.....

Taylor is looking for a four leaf clover on her college campus grounds when a mysterious guy names Gabrial approaches her and offers her (of all things)....a four leaf clover, and that isn't even the weirdest part, Taylor gets this funny feeling shes seen him somewhere. Could he be one of the figures from her dream? But which one is he the good or the evil? And how was he in her dream if she just met him?.....

This series promises to be very exciting. I liked Taylor right away, and her BFF Sam.  Gabrial keeps you guessing for a while, wondering if he is good or bad. The story takes off at a good pace but it seems a little hard to stay hooked to in the middle because for me it seemed that the wording or maybe the way the story is being told, doesn't quite flow smoothly. Never the less it doesn't really take away from the story because it is the story that hooked me. 

I liked the chemistry between a couple of the side characters but felt that there should have been a little more steamy scenes and just romance between Taylor and Gabriel. Its implied that the chemistry and romance are there but we really don't get a chance to see much of it. I am a big fan of the kissing scenes and would love to have seen (read) more tender moments between them. It seemed like the side characters had a much more passionate attraction between them then the main characters. 

That said, I still loved this book, and I could be way off, David Estes could just be hooking us in by withholding the steamy kissing scenes between Taylor and Gabrial just to keep us pining to see what happens, teasing us with the romance between the side characters (thats very sneaky of him,.... I like it). 


I love that this book is a new take on the Angel/Demon genre. I had never thought of it in terms of evolution. It definitely puts a whole new twist on things. And the good vs evil that is going on in this book is very intriguing to say the least. I won't say to much because I want this to be a spoiler free review but trust me if you are into the Angel books, this needs to be on your TBR list, like right now :P


Over all I totally fell for this book and think you guys will to because the story is so compelling. I give it 4 out of 5 stars :) I can't wait to read the second installment in the series which is already on ebook Demon Evolution, and book 3 also out on ebook Archangel Evolution. 


Thank you to David Estes for the chance to review such a wonderful book, I look forward to reading the rest of the series. You have a new fan in me. 

Book one Angel Evolution is only $0.99 on Barnes and Noble and Amazon. They are only available in ebook formats. What are you waiting for go get your copy, its only .99 cents!!!! Also a little birdie told me that David is working on a new YA Dystopian story!!! I am excited about this one because I am a HUGE Dystopian fan, and now a David Estes fan :)

I'm hooked!

 Comments,... I love comments,... just saying :)

Interview with Victoria Foyt Author of Revealing Eden !!!!!

I was lucky enough to get to interview Victoria Foyt Author of the Save The Pearls book one, Revealing Eden. She is a wonderful person and a great writer, I loved her answers to the questions. 

Also if you have been watching my blog this week I have my 5 star review of Revealing Eden up Here. And I am having a giveaway where you can win a signed copy of Revealing Eden Here  , Eeeeekk!! Im excited for you guys!!! It really is a great read by a wonderful author. 

 Book Addictions by Christina
Author Interview with Victoria Foyt


1. Christina: What or who has had the most influence on you becoming a writer?

Victoria: Happily, my mother provided the greatest influence, though I doubt she intended for me to be a writer. Forced to quit teaching when she became pregnant—really—she practiced teaching my three brothers and I. She taught us all to read before we started school, so well, in fact, that I was bumped up a grade. Twice a month, she took us to the local library, which for me, was like entering a pirate’s lair where I was allowed to borrow whatever gems I chose, for free! Even more, she taught me how to craft something from beginning to end, either embroidering a pair of jeans or sewing a dress, instilling in me patience and discipline, without which no one ever finishes a novel. My mother’s gentle nurturing of my artistic sensibilities and love of reading created a terrific foundation a writerly life. 
Christina: I totally understand that, I have 3 wonderful children myself and try to encourage creativity every chance I get :) After all its what mothers are for, (that and loving you to pieces) Great answer!

2. Christina: Where did the idea for the Save The Pearls books come from?

Victoria: Somewhere in the back of my mind there must be a special stove with different huge cauldrons in which my stories incubate. From time to time, I toss in random elements until the story is cooked. Several key elements in my life seasoned the creation Revealing Eden.

The post-apocalyptic scenario grew from my deep concern about the loss of our natural environment. I wondered what would happen if global warming turned today’s prevailing beauty standards upside down? In the story, because Caucasians have less melanin in their skin to protect them from the sun’s burning rays, they are branded as inferior Pearls. Dark-skinned people, or Coals, have more resistance to the Heat, and therefore, now rule society. Eden Newman, a lithe blue-eyed blonde, would be considered gorgeous in our day, while in the future she has to beg for a mate or suffer an early death. The direction in which my wonderings took me greatly surprised me, as it often does.

Lastly, I had come to a point in my life where I wasn’t sure I believed in true love anymore. I’d been burned and decided love was a hoax. When Eden unwittingly compromises her father’s secret biological experiment, perhaps the only hope for mankind, she is cast out into the last patch of rainforest and into the arms of a powerful beast-man she believes is her enemy, despite her overwhelming attraction to him. To survive, Eden must change, but only if she can redefine her ideas of beauty and of love. In writing her story, I also found a way to open my heart, and find love.  Christina: It is so great that a book can do so much for someone like that. I really was drawn to the love aspect of your book, I look forward to seeing how it develops further!


3. Christina: Did you have any fears about what readers would think of your book?

Victoria: Yikes, yes! I’m thrilled with the rave reviews that are pouring in. I was afraid the racial theme in the book would stir controversy, or worse, that the book would be ignored because I went with an edgy, small publisher, Sand Dollar Press, instead of a big house. After so many years as a writer, however, I have learned simply to trust the process and not worry too much about the end result. Christina: I think people now days are open enough to take the book for what it is and not twist it to become a racial thing. Its a beautiful love story and and exciting adventure into a post apocalyptic world that is very feasible. I loved it and commend you for a wonderfully written story that carried me away.

4. Christina: What do you hope readers will take away, from reading your book?

Victoria: Love! Eden Newman has a curious relationship with her adopted aunt Emily Dickinson who teaches her That love is all there is, Is all we know of Love. Is there really anything else to learn in life? Christina: Absolutely, if only everyone thought that way. Eden's feelings in the book are so strong and raw. And her love interest (I wont say who to keep from spoiling :) is such a different person that we thought he was at the beginning of the book. It is so amazing how she was so wrong about him. The love story in this book for me was the best part :)

5. Christina: What kind of research was involved in the planning for this book?

Victoria: The lush rainforest setting required tremendous research. I loved learning about the amazing diversity in wildlife, particularly the birds. I found a terrific website on which I spent a lot of time listening to recordings of bird calls and then imagining what feelings certain sounds might evoke in Eden at different parts of the story. I also studied the wildlife, and now know more about tapirs, which are pig-like creatures, than I ever wanted to know. I also studied Aztec myths related to the Jaguars and shamans, the Huaorani Indians, and herbal medicine. One of my most delightful tasks was to study the heartfelt poetry of Emily Dickinson, and figure out which poems to sprinkle throughout the novel. Christina: I think a lot of people don't understand just how much research and work go into writing a book. Its fascinating to see all the things you had to study. Also I absolutely adore the sprinklings of Emily Dickinson in the book. It fit so perfectly with what was going on.

6. Christina: Revealing Eden is so different from anything out there right now, (which is one of the things I loved about it) what do YOU feel makes it stand out among the rest?

Victoria: Thanks! Some fantasy stories seem far-fetched, but it is not hard to imagine that the dystopian future in Revealing Eden might one day happen. The changes in beauty and racial prejudice brought on by the harsh environment make Eden Newman’s plight all the more real. In today’s world, blond and blue-eyed Eden would be considered gorgeous. In her world, she’s considered ugly, and is doomed unless she soon finds a mate. Perhaps, the juxtaposition of her fantastical plight with the compelling romance that develops against all odds between her and a man she thinks of as her enemy explains why readers are embracing the novel. Christina: I know I embraced it. Thank you so much for the interview Victoria and for the signed copy that I will be giving away soon! It was so much fun getting to pick your brain a little :) I hope everyone else enjoyed the interview and enter to win the signed copy Here.

Victoria: By the way, I love to hear from readers! Please visit me at VictoriaFoyt.com or at Facebook.com/VictoriaFoyt. Or check out Eden Newman’s videos on the amazing interactive site: SaveThePearls.com.
Thanks so much!
Christina: Check this out guys its awesome!

Overview

Eden Newman must mate before her 18th birthday in six months or she'll be left outside to die in a burning world. But who will pick up her mate-option when she's cursed with white skin and a tragically low mate-rate of 15%? In a post-apocalyptic, totalitarian, underground world where class and beauty are defined by resistance to an overheated environment, Eden's coloring brands her as a member of the lowest class, a weak and ugly Pearl. If only she can mate with a dark-skinned Coal from the ruling class, she'll be safe. Just maybe one Coal sees the Real Eden and will be her salvation her co-worker Jamal has begun secretly dating her. But when Eden unwittingly compromises her father's secret biological experiment, she finds herself in the eye of a storm and thrown into the last area of rainforest, a strange and dangerous land. Eden must fight to save her father, who may be humanity's last hope, while standing up to a powerful beast-man she believes is her enemy, despite her overwhelming attraction. Eden must change to survive but only if she can redefine her ideas of beauty and of love, along with a little help from her "adopted aunt" Emily Dickinson.

 
Its out now!!! Go get it!!! 
Leave me some comments I would love to hear what you guys thought of the interview :)

Angels? Demons?.....Teaser Tuesday!!!

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should be Reading.

Today's teaser is from....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you haven't read this book DO IT....so far I am captivated by it.......    The quote...  "Taylor texted Gabriel: Tay: hi G, wanted 2 give u a head's up that sam is bringing a "friend" 2 lunch   Gabe: the more the merrier why did u think i needed 2 know?  Tay: he is NOT human  Gabe: ahh, ic  Tay: ru sure u should go?  Gabe: wouldn't miss it  Tay why r boys so frustrating?  Gabe: DNA  ".......................Awesome right? Love it :)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Happy Blogoversary to me....Giveaway!!!---CLOSED SORRY

Its my first Blogoversary !!!!!!

THIS GIVEAWAY IS OVER SORRY.

Soooooooo..........

I have a special suprise for you guys!

I am hosting a giveaway for ....... a copy........ no not just a copy ....... a SIGNED copy of Save The Pearls book one, Revealing Eden by Veronica Foyt!!!

This book is so awesome, if you haven't read my review go HERE. 
This book is really good, I cant stress that enough! You want this book! I gave it a 5 star review. Review is spoiler minimum almost free ;)

I am so thankful for Victoria and everyone at Sand Dollar Press Inc.  for providing the book for me to review and the signed copy I will be giving away.


Ok so down to the good stuff...here is how you enter the giveaway.



1. be a follower

2. leave a comment with your name and email

 3. in your comment also tell me your favorite dystopian, apocalyptic, or post apocalyptic book.

Contest ends 1/15/2012 at 12am EST. 

Thats it. Easy peasy.  

Thanks for being my followers and hanging in there with me :)

Forgot to add it is U.S. only (so sorry)

THIS GIVEAWAY IS OVER SORRY

Teaser Tuesday!!!

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should be Reading.

Todays teaser is from Paranormalcy by Kiersten White

'Eyes like streams of melting snow...."' I paused, trying to remember. "'Cold with the things she does not know'?"

His breath caught and he nodded. "Do you know the rest of it?" I shook my head. "Maybe you can help me figure it out. I'll --"




         I am so in love with this book. I love that it is different from the stuff I have been reading lately. 

How do you guys feel about this book? Or this series? 

Up coming blogoversary giveaway...

I am so excited to be giving away a signed copy of Revealing Eden by Victoria Foyt!........ My first blogoversary!  Also I am proud to be a part of the virtual blog tour for Revealing Eden..........including a author interview........I am Soooo excited because I looove this book:) So keep checking in cause all this great stuff is happening soon.