Title: Forgiven
Author: Jana Oliver
Publisher: Macmillan Children's Books
Published: March 01, 2012
Buy: The Book Depository
It felt good to be reunited with Beck and Riley after the chaos in the last book. To say Riley made a few reckless choices in Forbidden is a bit of an understatement, but she redeems herself well enough in this installment. The plot is as layered and action-packed as ever as both Heaven and Hell have their eyes set on Riley, our young demon trapper. She has a lot more on her plate than she bargained for, and it doesn’t help that her feelings are in turmoil after her encounter with the dark-haired Ori. Despite it all, she doesn’t give up. If anything, Riley is much stronger in this book than any of the others.
Beck, or Backwoods Boy as Riley likes to call him, is a central character I cannot get enough of. He is one of my favourite male characters of all time, with his southern drawl and no-nonsense attitude. I loved the complexity of his past and ached for him endlessly. Credit is due to the author here for crafting such a wonderful character, one that you cannot help but invest in emotionally. The relationship between him and Riley is an intricate one and much more mature than these things tend to be in young adult books. I was on the edge of my seat just waiting to see how things would unravel between them.
As always, the details of the demon-ridden world and the standing between hunters and trappers were entertaining to read about. There was never a dull moment. The balance of action, suspense and good old normalcy was crafted well, leaving just enough room for some witty humour. The progress in this series is quite commendable, both in terms of plot and character growth. That, if anything, is reason enough to look forward to the final book. I imagine Jana Oliver has some remaining tricks up her sleeve; as to what they are, I can only guess.
The only major aspect of this book I cannot find myself warming to is the ending. I wonder if I’m being too extreme in calling it a sort-of cliffhanger, but it did feel rather cruel to me. Hopefully things will be quickly rectified in the next installment. (They better be). Other than that, it’s safe to say I thoroughly enjoyed the story. It was an entertaining ride to the finish line and I’m already eager for more.
Rating: 4 stars
Rating: 4 stars
Wonderful review, Sam! This is my favorite of the series so far. I can't resist Beck either: the combination of his strenght, southern drawl, dyslexia and vulnerability gets to me every time. I resented the cliffhanger too, I feel that it's not necessary right before the last book.
ReplyDeleteBook 4 is coming soon and I'm very excited about it. <3
*sigh* I still have to read the first book, but your review of FORGIVEN makes it sound awesome! Too bad about the ending, though--I hate it when books leave me hangin', but I guess that's what the authors want to do, so that we'll buy the next book. :/
ReplyDeleteGreat review!
Meg
The Book Galaxy
Fabulous review, Sam! So glad you enjoyed this one, it sounds awesome! I have the 3 books sitting here saying 'PICK ME' every-time I'm starting a new book, so maybe I will get to them soon. :)
ReplyDeleteI saw this book over at Maja's blog and I realized that it's one series that I've never read. I really need to fix that soon since you mentioned that it's one of your favorites ! :)
ReplyDeleteDon't you just love when books are action-packed ? It seems that this book is very fast paced !
Can't wait to give it a shot!
Great review, Sam. :)
Fab review, Sam! Glad you enjoyed this book. Really love this series.
ReplyDeleteI haven't heard of this series, Sam! But it does sound very interesting. Glad to know you enjoyed it. Gotta check this out soon. Great review. :)
ReplyDelete"The only major aspect of this book I cannot find myself warming to is the ending. I wonder if I’m being too extreme in calling it a sort-of cliffhanger, but it did feel rather cruel to me."
ReplyDeleteThis does not make me happy Sam. Not even a little. Why must there be a cliffhanger? Now I'm all nervous because I have book 2 and this one on my list for next week. *bites nails* Glad Riley is stronger in this book than she has been previously, that gives me something to look forward too! Beautiful review:):):)
I need to get back to this series soon. I adore Beck and I am dying to see how things play out. I enjoy the demons and the action as well. You will be able to get your hands on book 4 much sooner than i can.
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh, there's a FOURTH one?? Wow.
ReplyDeleteI know, Beck and Riley have a good relationship. I must admit I was quite frustrated in the second book, with all their arguments and misunderstandings. But I do like him. :) I'm glad Riley is so much stronger now. Brilliant review, Sam! :)
I still haven't read this third book yet and you're already making me want to read the fourth after this one! x) I was a little mad at Riley at the end of book two, and yet I still know what you mean about Jana Oliver crafting a really awesome cast because I still care enough to want to find out what happens to her :') And BECK! I'm totally on his team, and I'm jumping for joy with the implication that they maybe (hopefully!) get together in this one? :D
ReplyDeleteAmazing review, Sam! :) <3
Great review, Sam! I haven't read the first two books, but I've heard so many great things about it, I have to check them out soon :D
ReplyDeleteBeatriz
This is a series I want to read but can't seem to get around to. I got the first two books from the library a while ago but had to bring them back without ever getting to read them. At this stage, the next book will probably be out before I get to them :) Great review.
ReplyDeleteNice review, Sam. I am looking for a new series to try and I just may add this one to my list.
ReplyDeleteAlex
Breakfast At Bookland
Nice review as always, Sam! Such a pity I still haven't read this series, as they seem like a great read. Sad to hear that you didn't like the ending, but I really can't say anything because I'm usually very picky when it comes to endings LOL
ReplyDeleteSam, I have The Demon Trapper's Daughter sitting on my bookshelf staring at me but I haven't read it yet :( I've heard good things about it though and if it's one of your favourites, I should at least try to get to it soon. Beck sounds like such an awesome character.
ReplyDeleteOh man, I totally forgot that I have the 1st book in this series. Well, it's good to know that it's a good one to start :)
ReplyDeleteI've never heard of this book but it being on your favourites is highly promising! Beck sounds like a wonderful character, complex and one that resonates with you. Eugh about the cliffhanger-y bit though, hopefully the next installment will clear it all up. Fantastic review!
ReplyDeleteOk, I think you've convinced me! I read Maja's thoughts on this series and now you too! I like that it's a good mix of mystery and action with a dash of humour as well!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the awesome review.
ReplyDeleteSorry about the cliffhanger, folks. I'm known for those and even I was shocked at the way the third book ended. I said "You sure guys?" and both Riley and Beck nodded (at least in my head). There will be NO cliffhanger in #4. All will be resolved one way or another.
That's good to hear! I can't wait to get my hands on book 4. Thanks for stopping by! :)
DeleteWonderful review, Sam! I haven't read this series yet, but I LOVE that you're still loving it three books in! And Eeee! Lovely comment from Jana! ♥
ReplyDeleteSam. You do realise you've raised an awful lot of expectations here when you throw around words like, 'favourites shelf' and one of your 'favourite male characters of all time.' THE HYPE, SAM. THE HYPE! I CANNOT IGNORE IT *grabby hands at book*
ReplyDeleteI read only a little of the first book FOREVER ago, but I couldn't help it, Beck's slang annoyed me. Nothing against the story whatsoever, I just always have issues with this in books. I'm fine HEARING it, but reading it grates my nerves. HOWEVER, I am so willing to give these books another try because everyone gushes hardcore about them! And your praise is just making me so excited to dig in and uncover the story. AWESOME REVIEW!
lovely review Sam! I saw Maja mentioning this series as her wow post the other day too, I admit I never paid attention to this series in the slightest before, but your review makes it sound like so much fun! And I definitely got to check Beck out! :)
ReplyDeleteI haven't read any of this series but it sounds interesting! I hate it when endings aren't satisfying, hopefully you get a resolution in the next book.
ReplyDeleteAmazing review, Sam! :) I passed this series when it comes out but it seems like a wrong decision. I'm so intrigued about the title, demon's trappers! I'm always in for demon books, mainly because they don't have as much attention as angel books! :D I think I'm going to adore the heroine!
ReplyDeleteUh oh, hopefully things get resolved in the next book! <3
Okay, I feel bad now because I was given a copy of Forsaken by a friend and have yet to read it because I thought it didn't look good! There's a hot Southern boy??? I wish this didn't change things, but it totally does, hehe. Thanks for the awesome review; I'm glad you read it and liked it, and I'm definitely going to give it a chance now! Sounds like a fun read. :)
ReplyDeleteGosh, I was so happy to love this one, and, by the end, NEED the sequel. I think you remember me saying how I couldn't get into Soul Thief at all. That I was just so frustrated with the series at that point. BUT THIS ONE. Totally made up for everything. I love Riley's lack of wimpiness and how Beck and Riley are being pushed closer together. If the summary for book four isn't a tease, I DON'T KNOW WHAT IS! xD
ReplyDeleteLoved the review! I think you just about nailed everything flickering thought in my head when I was reading this. :-D