Emblaze (Violet Eden #3) by Jessica Shirvington

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Once again Violet Eden faces an impossible choice ... and the consequences are unimaginable.

Violet has come to terms with the fact that being part angel, part human, means her life will never be as it was.

Now Violet has something Phoenix - the exiled angel who betrayed her - will do anything for, and she has no intention of letting it fall into his hands. The only problem is that he has something she needs too.

Not afraid to raise the stakes, Phoenix seemingly holds all the power, always one step ahead. And when he puts the final pieces of the prophecy together, it doesn't take him long to realise exactly who he needs in order to open the gates of Hell.

With the help of surprising new allies, ancient prophecies are deciphered, a destination set and, after a shattering confrontation with her father, Violet leaves for the islands of Greece without knowing if she will have a home to return to...

This is the third installment in the excellent Violet Eden series. People I was so excited to get my hands on this that I may or may done have done a little jig in celebration. The appeal of Emblaze for me is simply Violet. She was empowered from an early age even if she wasn’t aware of it. Her friendship with Lincoln has been the key to her survival and as a result we’re not stuck with a simpering, sniveling helpless young woman. Instead, we have someone who has had all the training and resources at her disposal to prepare her for her calling. It’s refreshing and in order words, Violet is kick ass. Her skills are continually developing and she is beginning to trust her instincts.She doesn't forget who she is even when she's making tough decisions. Everything she does, she does with purpose. Violet is impressive in this one, especially when it comes to her fierce loyalty to her best friend, Steph.

Emblaze also finds this peculiar motley crew of Grigori and Exiles become a more cohesive unit. Other than Violet herself, only Lincoln and Griffin are aware of her true nature and they’re determined that it remain a secret, especially from Josephine, the second in command at the Academy who comes to supervise and observe this group. With the devastating deaths from the previous expedition still casting its ugly shadow over them, Violet and Lincoln know that they cannot be together and work very hard at keeping their distance. It’s maddening and unfair and every moment between them is charged. Violet’s reaction or attraction rather to Phoenix makes things all the more perplexing for her. Stuck in the middle between two hotties – oh what’s a girl to do?

Same as in Entice, the gang is off to another exotic location – Greece –  this time to stop Phoenix from unleashing all hell. There are some dubious alliances and questionable motives all of which had me reeling through some pretty suspenseful moments. With so much at stake, it's great to see what everyone's special powers and gifts are and how they come together to stave off this crisis. And by the time it all comes to a head, Violet receives the shock of a lifetime that unsettles her completely. These new revelations mean unknown ramifications for her and her family. I honestly have no idea where it can go from here but I tell you what. I'll be glued to every single page when the next book comes out!

~ Bel

Click here to read the Jessica Shirvington interview and contest!

Interview With Jessica Shirvington and Contest

So I'm certain you have all gathered by now from my review of Emblaze, I’m a bit of a fan. Okay, a lot! It's a fun series with a kick-ass heroine, how can it not be anything but? With that I am now extremely thrilled to have Jessica Shirvington join us today to talk about Emblaze, Violet and the rest of the gang. (And don't forget to check out the giveaway at the end of the interview too!)

Jessica, thank you so much for taking the time to do this interview.  

You are welcome. Thanks for having me as a guest! 

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the Embrace books and am excited that we are part of your blog tour! By the way, every time I use honey now, I think of Lincoln. That is in no way a complaint!

Haha!

Congratulations on getting picked up by CW! How did you celebrate the news?

There could possibly have been some awkward happy dancing. But to be honest, there are so many stages to a production getting off the ground, right now I am just in a holding pattern waiting to see what happens.

Do you remember the moment that sparked the idea for Embrace?

It was never one perfect moment when the entire story came into my mind. I clearly remember the day I opened my laptop and typed the names Violet and Lincoln at the top. I remember that day because it was the beginning of a major shift in my life. From there it was research and building blocks.

Violet really develops into her own in Emblaze. I’m sure you’ve had a lot of fun watching her grow up. What’s your proudest moment of her?

Yes, she has. My intention has always been for her to grow on the page in every way. And I guess it sounds kind of geeky, but I am proud of her character. She is strong and determined, but she is heartfelt and fallible too. She makes big mistakes but she can admit to them too. In EMBLAZE she puts everything on the line for her friendship with Steph. When others want to put her safety first she has none of it. I think in many ways, those scenes bring her into her own.

Violet and Lincoln have a very clear sense of what’s right and wrong.  Phoenix and Onyx on the other hand are wild cards being Exiles. Do you feel you have a wider berth with their characters because they’re much more unpredictable?

Definitely. And at the same time, I feel that because of their innate darkness I have to be always aware and true to it. No one just flips a switch and makes someone who has only ever known darkness suddenly only choose light. It was very important to me that that never be the case. Especially with Phoenix. He struggles against who he is, but he is who he is at the same time (does that make sense...?)

We’re going to have a bit of fun now. Our motto here at BiblioJunkies is “books, boys and pie”. So … what book had the biggest impact on you as a teenager?

When I was a teenager, I was reading a lot of Patricia Cornwell. The Kay Scarpetta books were one of the few series that really held my interest.

If you could put together your dream cast, who would you have as Violet, Lincoln and Phoenix?

I really don't know. I get asked this a lot and I have given answers before like - a Jensen Ackles or Chace Crawford for Lincoln, or Sebastian Stan for Phoenix. But the truth is I love the idea of unknown actors playing the roles. It seems weird having actors step into their characters when they are already famous for playing someone else. 

Finally, if Lincoln were to make you a sweet treat, what would that be?

He'd probably make something relatively healthy, but also divine. Maybe a perfect apple tart tatin with gooey vanilla ice cream. :-)

Thank you Jessica for spending some time with us today. It's been fun! And also a big thanks to Sourcebooks Fire for helping to arrange this interview. To learn more about Jessica, check out her website http://www.jessicashirvington.com

And as a special treat for stopping by, BiblioJunkies is giving away one autographed copy of Entice. To enter, simply answer this question: Which side would you be on - Grigori (light) or Exile (dark)? This contest will run through Sunday, March 17. One winner will be chosen and contacted. This contest is open to US residents only. 

Good luck and happy reading!

~ Bel

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