{REVIEW AND GIVEAWAY} EVE OF CHAOS (MARKED #3) by SYLVIA DAY

Series: Marked #3
Genre: Adult Urban Fantasy
Publisher: Tor Books
Publication Date: 2/26/13
Format: Paperback
Pages: 384
Source: Received from publisher for review

How do you tell Satan that you ran over his hellhound? Evangeline Hollis has no idea and she doesn't want to find out. Living with the Mark of Cain -- and the two sexy brothers who come with it -- is trouble enough. She doesn't need to borrow more. Too bad Satan is too pissed to oblige her. Incensed at the loss of his pet, Satan has put a bounty on Eve's head, and Hell's denizens are converging en masse. The proliferation of Infernals is complicating Eve's hunts and creating chaos in her once orderly life. They've also brought her to the attention of an overzealous reverend who is certain she's Jezebel reincarnate.
How can a Mark drafted by God strike a bargain with the Devil? Eve's about to find out...

Wow. At this point, it is so hard to review this series without spoilers for those who either haven't started or aren't caught up in the Marked series. But let me just say, I freaking love these books!

In the Marked series, Sylvia Day has basically taken the story of Adam and Eve, Cain and Abel... and has created this insanely imaginative and intense series. I love that I have a basic knowledge to reference these characters and their backgrounds on. I love that Day has forced me to stop, take a step back, and look at the oldest story ever through new eyes.  And maybe I'm over thinking things, but I love that I am seeing these characters and their stories, their pains and frustrations, and their choices, through a whole new perspective. 

Now for the characters. Eve is a badass. I love how pragmatic she is. I know that it would be completely realistic and understandable if she was a character who hated her life and whined about it all the time; I know I would. But I love how she has mostly accepted that the insanity is her life, for now, and she has gotten busy with getting the job done. Of course, the insanity is an easier pill to swallow when you have both Cain and Abel willing to lend a hand...

And seriously, these two are just about the sexiest heroes I've ever read. For all of Eve of Darkness and most of Eve of Destruction, I was firmly on Team Cain. He and Eve have a long sexy history and I love them together. The way they "interact" both in and out of the bedroom is steamy and fun. But something BIG came between them in Eve of Destruction, and it pushed her and Abel closer together. Now, don't get me wrong, I wouldn't kick Abel out of my bed (or stairwell) but he's not Cain! He's aloof, well-polished, and doesn't seem to care about Eve... until this book. And now that Eve has gotten to know him better, I'm torn. Both brothers are gorgeous, seductive, protective, smart and dangerous. Both hold a piece of Eve's heart, but only one can win. Who. Will. It. Be?!?

Eve of Chaos was a great addition to the series. There were so many crazy intense scenes, twist and turns in the plot, and insane revelations in the story. This is the ultimate story of Good vs. Evil, with some brilliant shades of grey thrown in. I can't wait to continue this brilliant series.


Favorite Quote:

  "....I should be listening to your body language and not the crap coming out of your mouth. I should toss your ass over the arm of the couch and nail you. Then you'd know this brush-off sh*t doesn't work with me."
  "I wouldn't f*#k you if you were the last man on earth."
  Reed held a hand to his ear. "Did you hear that? That was the sound of the gloves coming off."
  ~pg 80


  He was spurred by the knowledge that this was Eve, the woman he wanted for reasons unrelated to sex. Now she was right where he wanted her--spread and willing, mewling with helpless pleasure. They were in the moment together, connected body and mind. He hadn't known he was alone--an angel who stood apart--until he wasn't alone any longer.  ~pg 135

The Marked Series

(click on cover for GoodReads page)

My Reviews of Eve of Darkness & Eve of Destruction

 

 

Purchase the books at:

Amazon  |  Barnes & Noble  |  Book Depository

 

 

About the author

Sylvia Day (aka S. J. Day and Livia Dare) is the #1 New York Times and #1 international bestselling author of more than a dozen award-winning novels translated into over three dozen languages. She has been nominated for the Goodreads Choice Award for Best Author and her work has been honored as Amazon's Best of the Year in Romance. She has won the RT Book Reviews Reviewers’ Choice Award and been nominated for Romance Writers of America's prestigious RITA® award twice.

Connect with Sylvia at her website

 

 

 

GIVEAWAY

 

I have a giveaway for you, courtesy of Tor Books. One winner will win their choice of Eve of  Darkness, Eve of Destruction, or Eve of Chaos.

Open US Only

Must be 17+ years of age to enter.

 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 

{REVIEWS} EVE OF DARKNESS and EVE OF DESTRUCTION (MARKED #1,2) by SYLVIA DAY

Series: Marked #1
Genre: Adult Urban Fantasy
Publisher: Tor Books
Publication Date: 1/8/13
Format: Paperback (reissued)
Pages: 348
Source: Received from publisher for review

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Bared to You

Years ago, Evangeline Hollis spent a blistering night with a darkly seductive man she can’t forget. But that evening of addictive pleasure has become a disaster of biblical proportions: She’s been branded with the Mark of Cain.

Thrust into a world where sinners are marked and drafted to kill demons, Eve’s former one-night stand, Cain, is now her mentor—and his equally sexy brother Abel is her new boss.

Now Eve has become the latest point of contention in the oldest case of sibling rivalry in history...

Cursed by God, hunted by demons, desired by Cain and Abel... All in a day's work.

 

Having heard tons of praise for author Sylvia Day, but not having read any of her books for myself, I had somewhat good expectations for Eve of Darkness. I enjoy a lot of the adult urban fantasy books that I read. I loved Eve of Darkness.

The story places the reader immediately into the Marked world. It was definitely attention-grabbing, but it did take me a bit to gain my bearings. I actually even double-checked to make sure I didn't pick up the second book in the series. Once I realized that the story was going to go back and fill in the details, I was okay. The Marked world was pretty cool and definitely fascinating. There is a good amount of religious aspects to the story, but I wouldn't let that put you off if you are afraid to read books with religion. I found my background with religion to be helpful to me with the world-building, but I admit that I'm afraid my grandmother would be devastated! Nevertheless, though there are angels, I wouldn't shy away from Eve of Darkness if you don't like angel books. This read to me as more of a demon hunter story. And it rocked.

Eve is a badass. Minding her own business, she gets dragged into this insane world where she must fight demons and grapple with a world in which she is a pawn. Eve just sort of accepted the situation, which may be a tad unrealistic, but I was just happy that I didn't have to read about her denial of reality for pages on end. It should also be noted that Eve is biracial, Japanese/American. I loved her ethnicity and wanted to point that out for those looking for more diversity in their books.

As for the men in Eve's life, Cain and Abel. Yes, that Cain and Abel. These two have been fighting since the beginning of the world, and the battle for Eve is no exception. The man are seriously sexy, seriously aggravating and seriously dangerous. I kind of loved them. They both have been involved with Eve, both seem to care for her. I'm not sure whose team I'm on, but I'm definitely leaning towards Cain. AND...this book is suuuuper steamy. Like, steamy enough that I was blushing and trying to hide my book as I was reading on a plane. YUM.

Overall, I would say Eve of Darkness was pretty fantastic. Despite my initial confusion, I quickly fell in love and read the book in a matter of a couple hours. I will say that if you read it, definitely have book two, Eve of Destruction on hand because you will need that book immediately.



Favorite Quote:

  Reed ran the bitten side of the apple from the hollow of her throat down to her cleavage. Shivering, Eve reached behind her and gripped the edge of the counter. He lowered his head slowly, watching her, giving her time to pull away. His tongue touched her skin and slid up the trail he'd made in a long, slow glide. His teeth nipped at her chin, then he moved to take her mouth.  ~pg. 69




Series: Marked #2
Genre: Adult Urban Fantasy
Publisher: Tor Books
Publication Date: 1/29/13
Format: Paperback (reissued)
Pages: 432
Source: Received from publisher for review

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Bared to You

Class is in, but Evangeline Hollis is struggling to get through the requisite training to be a full-fledged Mark. When her class goes on a field trip to an abandoned military base, passing the course isn’t just a matter of pride…it’s a matter of life and death. There’s a demon hidden among them, killing off Eve’s classmates one by one. As the body count mounts, a ragtag team of cable TV ghost hunters unwittingly stumbles into the carnage. Now keeping the Mark system secret competes with the need to keep the “paranormal researchers” alive. With Cain on assignment and Abel on an investigation, Eve must fly solo on her hunt to stop a killer before he strikes again.

 

*** This review will be spoiler-free for Eve of Destruction*** 

 

 

 

This book. THIS BOOK. I thought Eve of Destruction was going to kill me. The story picks up soon after Eve of Darkness ends, and did not quit surprising me and holding me on the edge until the very end.

 

I was a little worried at the beginning of Eve of Destruction. Second books in a series, particularly Urban Fantasy, sometimes feel a bit lacking to me. The world has been established. The characters have been formed. It's time to get to business. I did not feel let down at all in this installment of the Marked series. Eve has survived her first few weeks of being a Mark; now she must train. Her training sends her off to a "boot camp", where she is under the guidance of her Archangel. Training doesn't go as planned, at all. In fact, things are going to hell, in the literal sense. Marks are dying, in a supposedly safe environment, and Eve needs to figure out who is behind the carnage, or she will be next. What's worse is that her guys, Cain and Abel, aren't there to save her now.

 

Cain and Abel. These two... man, I can't even believe how much I like these guys. They have been at odds since the beginning, and I love the way the antagonize one another. In the last book, I couldn't decide which guy I liked the best, but I think I'm totally Team Alec Cain. He is so sexy and fun and I honestly believe he is so in love with Eve. As for Reed Abel, I do like him, too. I think there's a lot more going on with him than I originally thought, though we don't get much from his point of view. Despite being the "good" brother, he is definitely a little rough(er) around the edges when it comes to Eve. And though she wants to be with Cain, she is without a doubt drawn to Abel and his wicked ways. The chemistry between Eve and the brothers is intense. And deliciously complicated. She loves one, but is drawn to both. I was a little sad that Eve of Destruction had fewer steamy moments (no judging me), but I did love what few moments I got.

 

Eve of Destruction had a HUGE plot twist that I did not think would come until further down the road. I was completely blindsided, and I felt majorly distraught. But, I have to say, that it was well played by Day, because I am dying, DYING for Eve of Chaos. That book will be a drop everything and read for me.

 

Favorite Quote:

  He loved who Eve was and that wasn't going to change, but he also missed the eighteen-year-old girl who'd given her innocence to him. That was one of the penalties for his sin, the same penalty his parents had paid when they gave in to temptation -- you can take what you shouldn't, but in the end you still won't get what you wanted.  ~ pg 82


  "Right now, I could tell you to cool off with a shower and an ice pack. I could tell you to find the blonde who has issues with you and knock out some stress that way. I could suggest that you slip away and get yourself off without me. But I'm not going to do any of those things, Eve, because I need to be your go-to guy." He paused, then, "And I need Abel to not be that guy."  ~pg 225

The Marked Series

(click on cover for GoodReads page)

TEASER TUESDAY ~ EVE OF DARKNESS

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along, just do as following:

·Grab your current read
·Open to a random page
·Share two (2) "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page
·Be careful not to include any spoilers so as not to ruin the book for others.

Make sure to share the title and the author so other TT participants can add the book to their TBR piles.

Series: Marked #1
Genre: Adult Urban Fantasy
Publisher: Tor Books
Publication Date: 1/8/13

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Bared to You

Years ago, Evangeline Hollis spent a blistering night with a darkly seductive man she can’t forget. But that evening of addictive pleasure has become a disaster of biblical proportions: She’s been branded with the Mark of Cain.

Thrust into a world where sinners are marked and drafted to kill demons, Eve’s former one-night stand, Cain, is now her mentor—and his equally sexy brother Abel is her new boss.

Now Eve has become the latest point of contention in the oldest case of sibling rivalry in history...

Cursed by God, hunted by demons, desired by Cain and Abel... All in a day's work.

My Teaser ~

  Her voice came as no more than a whisper. "I haven't done anything wrong."
  "You're right, angel. You haven't." His lips pressed hard to her damp forehead.
  "Then wny?"
  He exhaled harshly. "Becuase of me. Because I couldn't resist you."  ~pg 39

What do you think? Have a teaser? Be sure and leave a comment so I can check it out!