Book Review ~ Unraveling by Sara Ella

Publisher's Description

"A sequel that outshines its already brilliant predecessor." —Nadine Brandes, award-winning author of the Out of Time trilogy

What happens when happily ever after starts to unravel?

Eliyana Ember doesn’t believe in true love. Not anymore. After defeating her grandfather and saving the Second Reflection, El only trusts what’s right in front of her. The tangible. The real. Not some unexplained Kiss of Infinity she once shared with the ghost of a boy she’s trying to forget. She has more important things to worry about—like becoming queen of the Second Reflection, a role she is so not prepared to fill.
Now that the Verity is intertwined with her soul and Joshua’s finally by her side, El is ready to learn more about her mysterious birth land, the land she now rules. So why does she feel like something—or someone—is missing?
When the thresholds begin to drain and the Callings, those powerful magical gifts, begin to fail, El wonders if her link to Ky Rhyen may have something to do with it. For light and darkness cannot coexist. She needs answers before the Callings disappear altogether. Can El find a way to sever her connection to Ky and save the Reflections—and keep herself from falling for him in the process?

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O. My. Word.  What a book!  For any of you who don't know, this is the second book in the Unblemished trilogy by Sara Ella.  And boy, oh boy, was it good (I'm still having a book hang over wishing the third book, Unbreakable was out).

It took me a little bit to try to remember who was who with some of the characters.  Cause there are quite a few to remember.  I also wish that there was a family tree or something so that it is easier to make connections with who is related to who.

The characters were great.  Of course, if you read my review for Unblemished, you know how much I loved Ky (And I still do.  So, so, MUCH).  But this time, I loved El as well.  She is unsure of herself and yet is stronger in this book.  I like the change in her.  She was a great character in this book.  And Joshua...well you just have to read the book to find out about him. 

The different worlds are cool.  Nice to see some other reflections.  It was honestly an awesome book.  I love the scenes with Ky and El.  They are just so...ah...I just love them together. <3  I also liked that this one was different from the first book.  In the first one they are trying to stop Crowe and save Eliyana's mom.  But in this one, well, you'll see. ;) 

I was so happy when Ky finally entered the picture.  He is only really in the book the second half.  The first half...well, you'll have to read it to find out (sorry, don't want to spoil anything :)).

I am loving the Unblemished trilogy and I cannot wait for the third and final one.  I can't believe I have to wait till May of 2018!  This book left quite the cliff hanger (well the first one, too, but this one maybe even more).  A bit of a suggestion, don't read this book without reading the first one, you will be VERY confused.

Overall, this book is another dive into the Reflections and visiting other worlds.  It's about friendship, courage, and love.  Well done Sara Ella!

5 out of 5 stars

*I received this book from BookLook Bloggers in exchange for my honest review.

Book Review ~ High as the Heavens

Publisher's Description

Page-Turning Intrigue and Romance from an Up-and-Coming Historical Romance Talent
In 1917, Evelyn Marche is just one of many women who has been widowed by the war. A British nurse trapped in German-occupied Brussels, she spends her days working at a hospital and her nights as a waitress in her aunt and uncle's café. Eve also has a carefully guarded secret keeping her in constant danger: She's a spy working for a Belgian resistance group in league with the British Secret Service.

When a British plane crashes in Brussels Park, Eve is the first to reach the downed plane and is shocked to discover she recognizes the badly injured pilot. British RFC Captain Simon Forrester is now a prisoner of war, and Eve knows he could be shot as a spy at any time. She risks her own life to hide him from the Germans, but as the danger mounts and the secrets between them grow, their chance of survival looks grim. And even if they do make it out alive, the truth of what lies between them may be more than any love can overcome.

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High as the Heavens is set during WWI.  It was an interesting enough read with some twists and turns in it.  Some of it was a bit boring and slow.  I didn't care for at the beginning of the book that the chapters went from present to past to present and so forth.  Simon was sweet, kind, and very patient. Eve was brave, smart, and courageous. Also, Eve went through some very horrible things that may be disturbing for some readers.

However, I cannot say that I was super attached to the characters. I did find it interesting that she worked for the British Secret Service as a spy.  Like I said, there are some twists and turns, but the book for the most part was a bit slow for my taste, but at the same time wasn't dull.  There is a scene towards the end that was more fast paced that I enjoyed.

The book also has quite a bit of kissing and descriptions of feelings, flutters and so forth (though I do understand why).  And quite honestly, I didn't care for the ending.  The war was still going on and things didn't quite "tie up nicely" so to speak.  

Overall, it's a story of love, forgiveness, and mercy. Also, I found it cool that she based Eve after three real life women of WWI. If you enjoy romance set during WWI, you will like this book.

*best for more mature readers

3 out of 5 stars

*I received this book from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.

P.S. HAPPY JULY!!! *fireworks**