A Soulless Christmas & Other Tales of Forsaken Stars


Slide left for the light off shot. First digital sketch in Procreate! I could really use a better stylus! Using one I found around the house. I hear the apple pen only works with the iPad pro. Okay gang, most of my local art friends got their holiday postcards hand delivered at the drink and draw last week, and I mailed off about twelve today. So this is pretty much your last chance if you want to receive some free Rob Lopez Forsaken Stars art and a personal thank you from me before Christmas. The deadline listed at the post office was December 19th.

Promise I won't send you junk mail. I just want to say thanks and happy holidays. If you would like to jump on my holiday mailing list, DM me your post office box or address! Ideally, I would love to get these out to you guys by mid-week. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! And what the heck happened to ??? Working on my Forsaken Stars Christmas Card. If you want to be on my holiday mailing list, DM me your address! US Residents only, sorry! It's one of my favorite pieces of her, and I may give it a few more passes before I'm satisfied with it.

When she wants to know something, one way or another she will find it out. Sebastian is also the same way. Very moody and stubborn when something doesn't go his way. Sebastian could be sweet but his real personality got the better of him most of the time. So putting these two together was just awesome because of their constant clashing. Already the plot of the story is unfolding and this is just in the beginning of the story. Ember was pretty much a great roller coaster ride. Up was down, down was up, good was bad, and bad was good. I mentioned Draven earlier so it's time to talk about him lol.

I definitely loved Draven. Candra first meets him at a party where we first see his sexy side. Sadly Draven wasn't in this book as often as a charcter should but the times he was had me loving him more. Draven is the cocky, arrogant, one who knows just how to push the right buttons at the right time and Candra was always left reeling and wowed after being around him. I was rooting more for him than Sebastian sorry but I still love you lol. Like I said this book was a ride and I was definitely on the edge of my seat.

Nothing in Ember was what I predicted or expected which is what I loved most about this book. The ending was definitely a wow factor, another part that I didn't see coming. It's left wrapped up but somewhat open ended so this could stay a stand alone novel or could be continued which I'm crossing my fingers that it will be. If not, that's fine because Ember was an amazing read that I highly recommend, especially if you love reading about angels. Jul 31, Penelope rated it really liked it. This doesn't have an effect my rating since I knew what I could potentially be getting into when I accepted this book for review, but I just wanted to include my thoughts on it here: This is the main reason why I don't usually read books with angels in them, because they tend to go against my beliefs at some point usually some form of: I'm not saying what it is that happened in this book because that would be a spoiler, but it didn't sit well with me.

Though to be fair, this particular thing I'm talking about was only ever mentioned two or three times in the book. This is a great paranormal romance, with great writing and, lots of tension and heartache, and two very sexy men--er, angels. The characterizations are spot-on, and I enjoyed the smart conversations between the characters. Even the arguments between characters were thoughtful and full of emotion. With only a few exceptions, these characters talked their problems out until they were resolved--or at least until the angry tension was replaced with understanding.

This is something I really admire about this book. Carol Oates made these characters into thinking people, instead of characters who make their own assumptions and wrong conclusions about everything. I can't say what the differences are without giving away too much, but this is definitely a different take on angels. They have the usual wings and abilities, but their way of life is refreshingly different.

The characters and the romance is what totally got me with this one. I liked the characters and I believed in their romance, too; it was subtle but passionate. Oh, and let's not forget the steamy parts! See the full review at The Reading Fever. I was provided with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Aug 04, Valerie rated it really liked it Shelves: Candra Ember has lived eighteen years without believing in angels. Then she meets a red-haired stranger in a parking garage. Nothing unusual there, right?

Well, unless you count that she fell from that parking garage and lived. Or what about the gorgeous boy she saw right afterwards that she was sure had wings. When she wakes up in the hospital she finds out it is right. Now that boy, Sebastian, is protecting her from My Summary: Now that boy, Sebastian, is protecting her from other angels, or is he the danger?

That complication is increased when Candra has to make a choice that could mean war or love. There are angels living among us that have been here for generations. Not all angels are the same and not all are good. It all seems to be a matter of perspective. I enjoyed Candra, the heroine. She was fiery and strong. Sometimes she flaked out a little and I wanted to smack her but she usually redeemed herself. I will admit I was confused about how her step mom treated her. Bri often acted like Candra was younger, sending her to her room. Seriously, she eighteen years old.

Now, let me tell you about Sebastian. He is gorgeous, of course. He is strong and wants very much to protect Candra. But he is far from perfect. He is stubborn and hard headed. He has anger issues, yeah that describes it well. Angel wings whipped out and trashing yet another shirt, attacking without thinking.

That would be Sebastian. Did I mention that he is gorgeous and very male? Yeah, I guess I did. The only real issue I had was the ending. Candra was asking what just happened and I was doing the same thing. Sep 06, Pam Green rated it really liked it Shelves: Originally posted on At Home Between the Pages Anyone who tries to get between me and an angel book better be careful. The characters drew me right in. So did all of the questions that are brought to light within the first few chapters.

I had to read more to figure out what was going on and what kind of situation Candra was stuck in. I got the feeling from the synopsis that there would be a love triangle, bu Originally posted on At Home Between the Pages Anyone who tries to get between me and an angel book better be careful. I got the feeling from the synopsis that there would be a love triangle, but not like the one I got.

And what goes on between Candra and Draven But Sebastian is my guy for sure. He knows he feels something more, but tries to deny it. It was so frustrating knowing that he cared about Candra, but was trying so hard to avoid his feelings. He was a jerk a lot of the time because of this. Sometimes it was so quick I felt like I was getting whiplash, and I know Candra felt the same way. He is a very complex character with lots of layers. It was really interesting seeing Candra slowly learn about who she is and who Sebastian, Lofi, and Brie are.

Eventually, these gaps were closed in later or by method of deduction on my part. So I feel like there were some continuity issues that could have been better handled. Ember is another great angel story to add to the list. Although it is comparable to some stories purely because of the angel lore, it definitely stands on its own as a strong story with great characters. Thanks to Omnific Publishing for the ebook review copy! Jul 13, Megan magan bagan rated it really liked it Shelves: Carol Oates has done another amazing job with this first book in her new series. I absolutely loved her debut novel Shades of Atlantis and was thrilled with the chance to read her next book.

In Ember we are introduced to Candra who, after a strange and intense encounter with a fearsome woman, wakes up in the hospital with a whole new reality. Everything she thought she'd known about herself and her father are completely turned upside down. And if that's not enough, her affections and loyalties are Carol Oates has done another amazing job with this first book in her new series. And if that's not enough, her affections and loyalties are being pulled in two different directions.

With Sebastian, a Watcher angel, stalking her every move and Draven, Sebastian's enemy, insisting on Candra becoming his.

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But will Candra be able to betray her heart in order to prevent disaster? Or will it all be for nothing? I was a part of the blog tour for this book and was so happy to be able to participate! Carol has such an amazing way of weaving a tale and leaving her readers longing for more, so when the opportunity to be able to read this new book of hers, I jumped at the chance. Candra was such an interesting character.

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She was strong and feisty, loving and selfless. I loved that she was a complex character without being whiny or irritating. She was who she was and made no apologies for that. And the same went for Sebastian and Draven. Although, Sebastian was brooding, but that isn't always a bad thing. The relationship between Candra and Sebastian was one that I really enjoyed.

There wasn't any love at first sight here. Nope, for a good while Candra and Sebastian annoyed each other and fought most of the time, it took a while for them to fall in love. And the build up for more between them only added to the heartbreak of what was to come and made the story even better.

I found my heart leaping into my throat quite a number of times. One of the best things about this story is that it seems like you know exactly where it's headed, but in the end Carol throws you for a big loop. Everything appeared clearly laid out at one point, but there was so much more going on than we as readers new, and even more of the story left to tell. I absolutely love Carol Oates' writing and can't wait for the sequel for not only this story, but for Shades of Atlantis which I believe is going to be called Shades of Avalon.

She is a wonderful story teller. Review copied from original post on my blog Overall, I found Ember to be a delightful story that blended angels and battles with modern life in a surprisingly realistic way. I felt her confusion as she learned about her past and tried to navigate a future that seemed to flash between beauty and darkness, between peace and war. Luckily, she had a few good girlfriends to help her on her way - Ivy and Lofi.

While I loved Ivy, I found myself wanting to spend time with Lofi so that I could Review copied from original post on my blog Overall, I found Ember to be a delightful story that blended angels and battles with modern life in a surprisingly realistic way. While I loved Ivy, I found myself wanting to spend time with Lofi so that I could get to know her better.

But the tension between Candra and Sebastian pulled me deeper into the story. Since this was one of the first books I read on my Kindle, I played with the Notes and Marks function. Of my 14 notes, 10 were about Sebastian! He seemed so hard, so tough at first, but then he gave in to his feelings for Candra. And he beat himself up for it. And he gave in again. I enjoyed the push and pull relationship between Candra and Sebastian, and the tension between them kept me wondering who and what was truly best for her.

Draven had the best line by far in the whole book. Innocent flirting between Candra and "Daniel" as he introduced himself to her at a party turned into much more as he took her hand in his, lifted it to his face, and gently sniffed across her wrist. In an exchange that begs to be read more than once, Candra melted from his touch as he said, "I think I will call you 'my Candra' from now on. He hastily left the party, but I hoped he would be back for more.

Luckily, I wasn't disappointed! The only issue I had with the book was the opening. Keep in mind, I was reading it on vacation at the beach, but I had to go back twice to re-read because I felt like I missed something. But I quickly moved past that and into the heart of the book where I fell into Carol's easy rhythm of smooth writing. And the ending - well, I think I've read and re-read it three times now! So keep writing, Carol.

I'd love to spend more time with Candra, Sebastian, and even Draven, someday soon. This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. It's been a long time since a book surprised me at every turn and Ember certainly did that. Candra's story is angst ridden with choices between what she wants and what is best for mankind. Quiet a responsibility to shoulder for a college student. At first there's Sebastian - gorgeous, arrogant Sebastian - who has been watching her for sometime and is abruptly inserted into her life.

At first he is nothing but a nuisance, constantly causing strife for Candra with his condescending demeanor and ha It's been a long time since a book surprised me at every turn and Ember certainly did that. At first he is nothing but a nuisance, constantly causing strife for Candra with his condescending demeanor and half truths as to why he's 'protecting' her.

I couldn't help but laugh along with Sebastian when he got under Candra's skin during their disagreements. It was endearing at times, reminding me how a boy would pick on a girl he likes in kindergarten. As their relationship developed Candra began to fall hard for her hottie Watcher, but what does Sebastian feel?

And what were his motives? I couldn't understand them because he seemed at odds with himself for most of the book until I was given a good look inside his head muddled head. All of his secrets come to light when his rival Draven, another Watcher, comes into the story.

#captainserabesh

He reveals the dark truths about the Watchers history, what Sebastian's role was in the war, and that he intended to have Candra with him to prevent history from repeating itself. This made me question who was the real bad guy was in this convoluted love triangle.

  • New to Comic Rocket?.
  • ;
  • The Length of the Leash?
  • Forbidden Love?
  • Scandalous Truth (Urban Christian).

For a time I began to think that neither Watcher was good enough for Candra to fall for, especially Sebastian who seemed more selfish then anything, but then I got to read about how torn he was. Candra represented everything that he stood against in the first war, and here he was willing to start another one to keep her with him. I loved how his character struggled and developed with the story.

Even Draven's character developed nicely which showed through at the end. And the ending - oh the ending! I was giddy with glee at the surprising twist! I honestly did not think either men had it in them. Ember was an incredible ride with many twists and an unnatural turns. A great addition to the Young Author scene. A note to the wise, if you are easily affected by emotional turmoil I suggest you have tissues in hand.

Oct 03, Michelle rated it it was amazing Shelves: Ok, so this review is going to be different than most of my other reviews. I am going to be reviewing both books 1 and 2 together. I will give my general thoughts on the series and then try and break down book 1 and book 2. It will be hard for me because I loved book 1 so much that I immediately had to start reading book two right after and as a result, I can't really separate the two books completely.

But the good news is, that I totally loved both of them! Normally, after I am done reading a b Ok, so this review is going to be different than most of my other reviews. Normally, after I am done reading a book, I take some time and jot some notes and impressions down for my review. I think I paused for all of 1 minute. Let's start with book 1.

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Ember throws you right into the action, and while I was a little confused for the first pages, I quickly got my bearings and I became engrossed in the story. I loved seeing the sparring and the back and forth between Candra and Sebastian. They were so cute! I also really liked the depiction of the angels in this book. They are not really super religious angels, but more like spiritual angels. This means that the books are not preachy AT. These are actually angels like I have never encountered before- they are very human.

But with wings of course. Ember had a big task. There were tons of questions that needed to be answered and Candra certainly wasn't going to stop until she got them. And even though the characters are sometimes pretty dense as to their feelings, there is actually a really great romance in Ember. Iridescent picks up relatively soon after Ember ended. This book focused more on Draven.

And as much as I wanted to hate him, but I didn't really. I found myself more mad at Sebastian. I knew what he was doing but I just wanted to slap him for being an idiot! There is a ton of action in these books as well. I loved the way Ember ended but I was kind of nervous about what would happen in this book. But a ton of stuff happened! Fans of angel books need to read Ember and Iridescent! Carol Oates is so great at creating tension between characters.

I love her writing- it's so descriptive. Ember is one of the best angel books I have ever read! Oct 31, Starr rated it really liked it. I can't tell you what I was expecting when I signed up to review Ember, but whatever it was, I can say that it wasn't this. This was an amazing, heartwrenching and heartlifting ride. A small part of me wanted it to be kind of corny, and I guess in another setting or environment it would be.

I mean it's aboiut angels and Nephilim and the war that has not completely ended. Ember was pushed into a whirlwind of discovery, learning who and what she truly was, who her father had been and a whole Whew! Ember was pushed into a whirlwind of discovery, learning who and what she truly was, who her father had been and a whole host of other secrets.. On top pf all that, she now has the burden of saving humanity on her shoulders. She must face this without really knowing who it is that she can trust. But in truth, we don't know who it is that's trustworthy either,a nd that makes it even better.

There is Sebastian who tries to hide from his bloody past. Then there's Draven who holds way too many secrets for me to fully trust him. The rivalry is thick and the sexiness factor is ramped up to dangerous heatstroke levels. Candra was the perfect characer to see this wold through, it was as new to her as it was to us. Maybe that's why her struggle seemed so real. I could almost feel every touch, every gasp, ever sigh.

I could go on and on about what I loved about this book, but to keep it short I think you should just go out and get your own copy. If I had to list any complaints, it would be that even with the ending the enemies are not clearly defined. IF what Draven says is true than, why did he go to the lengths he went through to get everyone together. But the cliffhanger at the end? I'm never a huge fan of cliffhangers, but I kind of liked this one. It definitely keeps you sitting on the edge of your seat while waiting for Book 1 Iridescent, due out in October.

Go get you a copy of Ember right now! If you don't read this, you will be disappointed. Ember was an awesome read. It was one of those books you can't put down til the end and once your finished you can't stop thinking about how it will continue on, kind of like a book high. Carol Oates descriptive details in the story came alive in your mind, you can see things as you were reading like I have never had before. I love her style of writing. This book is awesome, I would highly recommend it to anyone.

I think Carol did an amazing job with this book, it was unlike any of the "traditio Ember was an awesome read. I think Carol did an amazing job with this book, it was unlike any of the "traditional" stories you read about with angels. Ember was full of secrets, lies, and so much more. Cambra has just been told that she is not who she think she is and neither was her father. Cambra is just about to find out how confusing her life really is. Her father was a fallen angel, her mother, a human making her Nephilim. The only one of her kind.

She was hidden away from the angels, so that she would not been killed, because it was thought that the Nephilim were soulless and evil. Sebastian the leader of the angels that took the lives of the Nephilim, was searching for his partner who fell from Heaven years ago, however, he didnt expect to find Cambra, it was his mission to kill her kind, but once he saw her, he know she was unlike the rest.

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