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Angel of Death Series #2
Demonic Pact
Riley, a seventeen-year-old Halfling Angel of Death, is on a dangerous mission.
To save her friend’s life, she must make a pact with the man who just tried to kill her and break him out of the Celestial Prison, guarded by Angels of War—fearsome warriors who can squash her like a fly. Even worse, if she's caught, she’ll be sentenced to eternity in that impenetrable prison.
Riley will be forced to make deals with demons and her number one enemy, turn her back on her friends, and risk losing her family forever.
Worst of all, her very existence depends on her devious new allies.
To save her friend’s life, she must make a pact with the man who just tried to kill her and break him out of the Celestial Prison, guarded by Angels of War—fearsome warriors who can squash her like a fly. Even worse, if she's caught, she’ll be sentenced to eternity in that impenetrable prison.
Riley will be forced to make deals with demons and her number one enemy, turn her back on her friends, and risk losing her family forever.
Worst of all, her very existence depends on her devious new allies.
- GenresYoung Adult
Published January 26, 2021
About the author
Majanka Verstraete
53 books409 followersAuthor Majanka Verstraete has written more than twenty unique works of fiction. A native of Belgium, Majanka’s novels explore the true nature of monsters: the good, the bad, and just about every species in between. Her young adult books include the acclaimed Mirrorland (YA Dark Fantasy) and Angel of Death (YA Paranormal) series of novels.
Majanka is currently developing a new YA shifter series with a fresh take on fierce female detectives called THE ADVENTURES OF MARISOL HOLMES which will be published by Monster House Books in October 2018.
Her NA paranormal romance series, Ghost Slayer, has been picked up by Fire Quill Publishing. The first volume will be released in 2017.
When she’s not writing, Majanka is probably playing World of Warcraft or catching up with the dozens of TV series she’s addicted to.
You can find more about my books on http://majankaverstraete.com
Majanka is currently developing a new YA shifter series with a fresh take on fierce female detectives called THE ADVENTURES OF MARISOL HOLMES which will be published by Monster House Books in October 2018.
Her NA paranormal romance series, Ghost Slayer, has been picked up by Fire Quill Publishing. The first volume will be released in 2017.
When she’s not writing, Majanka is probably playing World of Warcraft or catching up with the dozens of TV series she’s addicted to.
You can find more about my books on http://majankaverstraete.com
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
March 22, 2016
DNF at 35%. Will try again when not reading as part of a challenge.
I received this eGalley in exchange for a review; thank you to the publisher and author.
I did not read the first book in this series, so I do not know these characters or their histories; honestly, I don't think it makes much of a difference, as the author does a good job of filling in the blanks and subtly catching readers up on what happened in the first installment.
The story concept is good, but the style isn't for me. I don't care for the protagonist's constant self-deprecation; given the scenario in which she finds herself, the constant trips down Guilty Memories Lane are useless and self-indulgent. When she does act, it's brashly and not too smartly , with frenetic, panicked energy, and that frustrates me -- you can't have a heroine who doesn't have a clue.
I also realize that fantasy is largely about suspending disbelief, but when you create a situation in which straight-up insanity is going to take place , the reader needs to believe it was at least a little bit difficult.
The heroine's supposedly undying hatred of the villain (?) is unconvincing; there's a lot of ink spent discussing how vile he is, and how much she wants to make him pay for what he did, but then she'll switch tracks and self-flagellate because apparently the entire, horrible, my-friend-is-in-a-coma thing is all her fault, and we're led to believe that that's because she was born what she is, which is a half-breed.
Speaking of that detail, there's a thinly-veiled discussion of racial issues in that Riley (protagonist) is half angel, half human, and apparently this is a big issue for the Death Angel bigwigs, resulting in all kinds of unfair treatment and prejudices, which Riley simply endures with a bad attitude.
Didn't read far enough to find out for sure yet, but I'm pretty sure the romance is a predictable one.
The supporting characters are bland.
The plot is disjointed and oddly-paced.
Where there is descriptive narrative, it's awkward and cumbersome.
This review is harsh, but I think a lot could be addressed with a little editing and cleaning, and I look for the finished version to be much more readable, and quite engaging for those who like Riley's character.
I received this eGalley in exchange for a review; thank you to the publisher and author.
I did not read the first book in this series, so I do not know these characters or their histories; honestly, I don't think it makes much of a difference, as the author does a good job of filling in the blanks and subtly catching readers up on what happened in the first installment.
The story concept is good, but the style isn't for me. I don't care for the protagonist's constant self-deprecation; given the scenario in which she finds herself, the constant trips down Guilty Memories Lane are useless and self-indulgent. When she does act, it's brashly and not too smartly , with frenetic, panicked energy, and that frustrates me -- you can't have a heroine who doesn't have a clue.
I also realize that fantasy is largely about suspending disbelief, but when you create a situation in which straight-up insanity is going to take place , the reader needs to believe it was at least a little bit difficult.
The heroine's supposedly undying hatred of the villain (?) is unconvincing; there's a lot of ink spent discussing how vile he is, and how much she wants to make him pay for what he did, but then she'll switch tracks and self-flagellate because apparently the entire, horrible, my-friend-is-in-a-coma thing is all her fault, and we're led to believe that that's because she was born what she is, which is a half-breed.
Speaking of that detail, there's a thinly-veiled discussion of racial issues in that Riley (protagonist) is half angel, half human, and apparently this is a big issue for the Death Angel bigwigs, resulting in all kinds of unfair treatment and prejudices, which Riley simply endures with a bad attitude.
Didn't read far enough to find out for sure yet, but I'm pretty sure the romance is a predictable one.
The supporting characters are bland.
The plot is disjointed and oddly-paced.
Where there is descriptive narrative, it's awkward and cumbersome.
This review is harsh, but I think a lot could be addressed with a little editing and cleaning, and I look for the finished version to be much more readable, and quite engaging for those who like Riley's character.
February 28, 2016
4.5*
I received a free copy from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Demonic Pact, the sequel to The Soul Thief, picks up pretty much where the first book left off - it gives a little run down on what happened in the first book, which actually came in pretty handy as I had a proof of the first book as well and it had therefore been a while since I read this. Obviously I can't go into plot details since this is a sequel, but it continued to be an amazing story that kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time - it is a fast read, all the characters are very likeable and fleshed out, and some twists and turns were added to this book that complicated the goings-on even further, but in a good way. The new characters we were introduced to were very interesting and I was very invested in the story. But THAT ENDING. Cliffhangers like that should be forbidden. I'm really looking forward to the next installment in this series!
I received a free copy from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Demonic Pact, the sequel to The Soul Thief, picks up pretty much where the first book left off - it gives a little run down on what happened in the first book, which actually came in pretty handy as I had a proof of the first book as well and it had therefore been a while since I read this. Obviously I can't go into plot details since this is a sequel, but it continued to be an amazing story that kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time - it is a fast read, all the characters are very likeable and fleshed out, and some twists and turns were added to this book that complicated the goings-on even further, but in a good way. The new characters we were introduced to were very interesting and I was very invested in the story. But THAT ENDING. Cliffhangers like that should be forbidden. I'm really looking forward to the next installment in this series!
April 12, 2021
Riley needs to retrieve the missing part of her friend Stacy's soul, so she can wake her up from her coma. To do that she needs to break Myron out of the Celestial Prison. She and her witchy Gran come up with an elaborate plan, but you know what they say about best-laid plans... And in this case, it leads to partnering with enemies and dealing with demons!
The sequel expands the mythology of the series, and we learn more about the supernatural and its creatures, especially angels, halflings and demons.
The figurative speech is vivid and many times smile-worthy in its originality (I mean there is even a comparison to a smelly sock!). I enjoy how the environment is described, so you feel like you're there, with details I believe anyone would certainly notice. I love how honest and emotionally grounded the protagonist's POV is. And as always full of her adorable sass.
Minor issues I had with the story, was stuff repeated unnecessarily and some events seemed to be left incomplete like they were forgotten, only to be picked up later.
Verstraete is just so readable. Heart-pounding action, an engrossing plot that unfolds with such high and unexpected stakes for the characters, making you gasp multiple times. I also wanted to scream at the book a few times cause yes, the author makes you care so much. Especially with that cliffhanger!! Need the next one pronto!
The sequel expands the mythology of the series, and we learn more about the supernatural and its creatures, especially angels, halflings and demons.
The figurative speech is vivid and many times smile-worthy in its originality (I mean there is even a comparison to a smelly sock!). I enjoy how the environment is described, so you feel like you're there, with details I believe anyone would certainly notice. I love how honest and emotionally grounded the protagonist's POV is. And as always full of her adorable sass.
Minor issues I had with the story, was stuff repeated unnecessarily and some events seemed to be left incomplete like they were forgotten, only to be picked up later.
Verstraete is just so readable. Heart-pounding action, an engrossing plot that unfolds with such high and unexpected stakes for the characters, making you gasp multiple times. I also wanted to scream at the book a few times cause yes, the author makes you care so much. Especially with that cliffhanger!! Need the next one pronto!
March 10, 2018
Prison breaks, murderous prophecies and catastrophic curses.
Angels, Witches and Demons, OH MY.
The Demonic Pact is the second book in The Angel of Death series, a YA urban fantasy/paranormal series following the life of Halfling Angel of Death, Riley Scott.
The 1st chapter gives a good sum up/refresher of the key points from the first book. The information is delivered quite well and doesn’t feel like an info dump, more like you’re having a conversation with Riley. It created a strong start to the book and got me amped up to continue on. I read the first book back in 2015, so I really appreciated the refresher. I actually think it might have been detailed enough that you could enjoy this book without reading the first one.
Riley Scott is an easily likeable character. She’s still only relatively new to the whole angels and demons are real thing. And she is still pissed off no one let on about her Angel of Death daddy (whose identity has yet to be revealed, maybe in book three?)
The supporting characters from the first book are back along with some intriguing new ones. The cursed Damien being a favourite for me. Here’s to seeing more of him in the next book *raises coffee cup in salute*.
The Council of Angels still seem to be out to get Riley, one member in particular. I disliked most of the Angels in the first book and this book has done nothing much to change that. The parts of this book I enjoyed the most didn’t involve the other angels, but rather Riley’s dealings with witches and demons.
Throughout the two books Riley is unreasonably hated on for being a halfling – Because you know it’s her fault and she can totally control the way she was born – I’m not sure if it was the author’s intention, but it totally feels like a representation of mixed race hate-ism and I love it for that. I think I just made up the word Hate-ism but I’m sticking to it.
The book finishes on a major cliffhanger. Ah Majanka why. Damn good ending though.
Angels, Witches and Demons, OH MY.
The Demonic Pact is the second book in The Angel of Death series, a YA urban fantasy/paranormal series following the life of Halfling Angel of Death, Riley Scott.
The 1st chapter gives a good sum up/refresher of the key points from the first book. The information is delivered quite well and doesn’t feel like an info dump, more like you’re having a conversation with Riley. It created a strong start to the book and got me amped up to continue on. I read the first book back in 2015, so I really appreciated the refresher. I actually think it might have been detailed enough that you could enjoy this book without reading the first one.
Riley Scott is an easily likeable character. She’s still only relatively new to the whole angels and demons are real thing. And she is still pissed off no one let on about her Angel of Death daddy (whose identity has yet to be revealed, maybe in book three?)
The supporting characters from the first book are back along with some intriguing new ones. The cursed Damien being a favourite for me. Here’s to seeing more of him in the next book *raises coffee cup in salute*.
The Council of Angels still seem to be out to get Riley, one member in particular. I disliked most of the Angels in the first book and this book has done nothing much to change that. The parts of this book I enjoyed the most didn’t involve the other angels, but rather Riley’s dealings with witches and demons.
Throughout the two books Riley is unreasonably hated on for being a halfling – Because you know it’s her fault and she can totally control the way she was born – I’m not sure if it was the author’s intention, but it totally feels like a representation of mixed race hate-ism and I love it for that. I think I just made up the word Hate-ism but I’m sticking to it.
The book finishes on a major cliffhanger. Ah Majanka why. Damn good ending though.
March 13, 2016
I received an ARC of this book via Netgalley in return for an honest review.
This is the second in the series about a Halfling angel and starts off where book one finished.
It was a great read with lots of action, good cast of characters and the introduction of new characters with a few twists and turns. The style of writing is quick and light and keeps the reader focused and engaged with the story. It also keeps one guessing as not everyone is as good or evil as they seem and I am definitely looking forward to book 3.
A book I would definitely recommend.
This is the second in the series about a Halfling angel and starts off where book one finished.
It was a great read with lots of action, good cast of characters and the introduction of new characters with a few twists and turns. The style of writing is quick and light and keeps the reader focused and engaged with the story. It also keeps one guessing as not everyone is as good or evil as they seem and I am definitely looking forward to book 3.
A book I would definitely recommend.
July 11, 2016
I received a free e-book copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Demonic Pact is book 2 in the Angel of Death series.
This book follows on from book 1 and Riley attempts to get back her friends soul and go behind her friends. And she makes a new friend!
I really did enjoy reading this book and Riley's adventures, although I was expecting a bit more to happen. Not to mention that the cliffhanger made me want more!
Demonic Pact is book 2 in the Angel of Death series.
This book follows on from book 1 and Riley attempts to get back her friends soul and go behind her friends. And she makes a new friend!
I really did enjoy reading this book and Riley's adventures, although I was expecting a bit more to happen. Not to mention that the cliffhanger made me want more!
August 4, 2016
I start with the worst ting for me…..THE CLIFFHANGER in the end. That should be on the list of forbidden things to do to the readers. I have to know what happens next NOW.
So that said, Demonic Pact was an amazing read with a great plot a lot of action and enough twist and turns to keep me on edge throughout the book. The characters a very believable and the new ones introduced are very interesting. I definitely want to read book 3 in the series.
So that said, Demonic Pact was an amazing read with a great plot a lot of action and enough twist and turns to keep me on edge throughout the book. The characters a very believable and the new ones introduced are very interesting. I definitely want to read book 3 in the series.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews