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You are here: Home / B Review / Review: Forged of Shadows by Jessa Slade

Review: Forged of Shadows by Jessa Slade

June 8, 2010 by Mandi 12 Comments

Forged Of Shadows by Jessa Slade (Marked Souls #2)
June 1, 2010
Paranormal Romance
Paperback, 400 Pages
Signet


Favorite Quote: “My world was always at stake. I just forgot I cared. Until I loved him.”


Reviewed by Tori

Liam Niall is the leader of the League, a band of immortal warriors who are possessed by repentant demons. They now must fight evil to repent for their transgressions.

Liam never wanted to be a leader. Having barely survived the Irish potato famine, he escaped to Chicago and lost his soul. Now he and his warriors are fighting a losing battle as evil is gaining the upper hand. But as Liam starts to lose faith, a weapon drops literally into his lap. Her name is Jilly Chan. Jilly is a community service worker who’s made it her main goal in life to save the street kids of Chicago. When one of her kids goes missing, Jilly takes to the streets to find him.

When Jilly finds herself trapped by “something” that means to kill her, Liam arrives and saves her life. Little does Jilly know that Liam has been searching for her. Jilly has a demon that’s about to posses her and the transformation can be deadly. Liam is there to help her with the transformation. Jilly is on her way to becoming the second female talya known in history.

A tayla is a human, usually male, who is possessed by a repentant demon. These demons posses humans to fight evil in order to return to a state of grace. Only a human who is trapped between a rock & a hard place surrounded by fire are up for possession. Once it happens, you are now part of the League.

Now, Jilly tries to deal with her new life status she is also drawn to Liam. But Liam has been fighting the battle for good for centuries and is not sure that Jilly is what he or the league needs. But as he and Jilly divulge deeper into the demons plaguing the city and into their own emotions it soon becomes clear that not all battles are fought in the streets of Chicago.

In the second book of The Marked Souls, Forged Of Shadows, we are once again drawn into the desperate lives of the league. And desperate is the only way I can think to describe them. They ride the edge of anger, fear, and loneliness. Their stories are dark and edgy. Seductive and sinister. I do feel that even though it can be read as a stand alone you would understand more by reading the first one in the series.

The premise hooked me from the start. Repentant demons trying to secure their place in grace by “shanghaiing” humans as vessels. Liam and Jilly are fantastic protagonists. Strong, stubborn, and loyal to their causes. Neither truly believes they deserve love. Liam is tired of the endless war and his losses. You can feel his weariness as you read. Jilly, even though she has to be in the league now, still has her own agendas and this causes some interesting conflicts between her and Liam. They both want what’s best for their “charges” but hide behind their responsibilities to avoid commitment.

The word play is riveting and the story line is fast and action packed. I enjoyed that you don’t know till the very end what the outcome would be. The supporting characters are intense and make for some humorous scenes. The villain is a study in contrasts and I was surprised by my feelings towards him. The beginning is a little slow because you are given a lot of technical information and explanations about the league and demons. Once you get past that it picks up speed and is hard to put down until the end.


Rating: 4/5

Recent Reviews:
Goodreads


Thanks Tori!!

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Filed Under: B Review, Four Stars, Jessa Slade, Paranormal Romance, Penguin

Comments

  1. Fiction Vixen says

    June 8, 2010 at 10:09 am

    I didn't realize this was a the second book in the series. I have this one but I think I'd rather read this series in order. I like a book that keeps me guessing until the end. Nice review TORI. lol

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  2. WickedLilPixie says

    June 8, 2010 at 10:19 am

    One of you must remind me, once I am through my TBR this month to pick this up! Loved the first one.

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  3. Mandi says

    June 8, 2010 at 10:20 am

    I like the premise of this book/series. And when both h/h don't think they deserve each other – love that :)

    Nice review!

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  4. Monroe Dawson says

    June 8, 2010 at 10:54 am

    I must pick this series up! Sounds intriguing! Nice review sweets!

    Favorite Quote: "My world was always at stake. I just forgot I cared. Until I loved him.”
    *sigh

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  5. tori aka ggs_closet says

    June 8, 2010 at 11:24 am

    FV-I would read them in order. It's easier to read tta way.

    WLP-I'll try to remind you but I have a heard time remembering to get dressed in the morning.

    Mandi-Emotionally damaged H/H's are the bestest. :)

    MD-Thanks. I know-that quote just made my heart sigh a happy sigh.

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  6. Smokinhotbooks says

    June 8, 2010 at 12:09 pm

    The demon possession angle is interesting as long as she doesn't spin her head around or spew on anyone I'm game.

    Nice review T.

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  7. tori aka ggs_closet says

    June 8, 2010 at 12:59 pm

    Smoking-No spewing from mouth, I promise. ;)

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  8. Jessa Slade says

    June 8, 2010 at 8:39 pm

    Tori, I just wanted to quietly sneak up behind you and shriek THANK YOU! for reviewing my book. I'm glad you liked it, and you perfectly captured the soul of the story. I think you made my Tuesday :)

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  9. tori aka ggs_closet says

    June 8, 2010 at 9:16 pm

    Thank you so much Jessa for coming and commenting. I am beyond thrilled.
    Srsly!
    Your series is FAB. I KNOW you just made my Tuesday. :)

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  10. Heather (DarklyReading) says

    June 8, 2010 at 10:50 pm

    I love the idea of being possessed by repentant demons – sounds like such a great and unique angle! Do they still have a bit of a naughty side though? ;)

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  11. Erotic Horizon says

    June 9, 2010 at 3:35 am

    Another wonderful round up Tori – glad to know the second book lived up to the series..

    E.H>

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  12. chicken pox virus says

    April 14, 2011 at 6:29 am

    The most difficult thing is to find a blog with unique and fresh content but your posts are not alike. Bravo.

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