**Warning: If you haven't read Endless yet, this may contain spoilers! You have been warned**
Ever since the way the heartbreaking Endless ended, it has left readers wanting a happily ever after for Violet and Lincoln. Including me. And when I saw that Jessica Shirvington was releasing Empower, I was super excited to see that there was more to Violet's tale.
However, being that I live in the States that means Empower doesn't come out May 2014. Boo, I know. Especially since I know that it's Australian release is Nov. 12th. So imagine my surprise when I saw that I could have Empower. First I needed a minute to process what my eyes were seeing, and then I need ten minutes of freaking out, flipping out, and fangirling over the fact I actually own a copy of Empower.
Synopsis: It has been two years since Violet Eden walked away from the city, her friends, her future and - most importantly - her soul mate Lincoln. Part angel, part human, Violet is determined to stand by the promises she made to save the one she loves.
Living in the perpetual coldness of a broken soul she survives day to day as a Rogue Grigori in London.
But when an unexpected visitor shows up at her door, the news he bears about someone she swore to protect leaves Violet with no choice.
Even worse, she fears that this might all lead back to the night she tries hardest to forget. And what was taken without her permission.
Violet is going back to New York ... and she knows exactly who is going to be there.
With Phoenix in her dreams and Lincoln in her heart she knows it is only a matter of time before the final choice must be made
Empower is the epic finale to an already epic series. I don't think Jessica Shirvington could have ended Violet's story any differently. It was beautifully written, with thoughts and feelings just bleeding from ever word written. So here are the FIVE things you need to know about this book.
Rating: 5 out of 5
1.) The change
After everything Violet Eden has done, has gone through, those things can change a person. And so can time. Khalil Gibran once said, "Time has been transformed, and we have changed; it has advanced and set us in motion; it has unveiled its face, inspiring us with bewilderment and exhilaration." And this is true for Violet, for Lincoln, for all their love ones.
You'll notice the change in some characters. Violet is hardened, almost cold to the world because of the coldness within her. These changes have made Violet more bad ass. Meanwhile, changes made Lincoln unforgiving. The first and every interaction between these two destined soul mates is explosive and so carnal. I just wanted to close my eyes and savor each time.
2.) The growth
From change, there is always growth. You always learn things from the things you witness. Violet grows in a beautiful, strong leader who knows the best for herself and for others. She is willing to challenge anyone who dares too. Lincoln, who use to be think things out, can be impulsive which is a blessing and a curse. He is willing to let nothing stand in his way which only aids in the...interesting interactions they go through.
3.) The clarity
There are so many questions that readers, and even Violet, have and have been wondered for a long time. About who Violet really is and what she can really be. What the name of her angel maker is and what her destiny is leading towards. And...exactly what it means it be truly in love. These are all answered by Violet.
Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.
~Lao Tzu
4.) The emotions
Can I just say, I don't know of many authors who can bring forth so many feelings like Jessica Shirvington can. Each time Violet was going through a heartbreaking scene, the reader feels the heartbreak too. Each time Lincoln goes after the true thing in both his and Violet's life, leaves readers panting in want and wondering if it's suddenly got hot in here.
And Phoenix, oh Phoenix. You can't talk about Violet without talking about Phoenix. I know many of you were wondering if I was ever going to mention him. As always, with Phoenix, there is always passion. And readers can feel that passion just coming off of him in waves. He sometimes is that force Violet needs to get something done. And he knows exactly, sadly, where he really stands in Violet's life.
5.) The finale
As any epic tale, there is always conflict. Both internally and externally. And the evil that Violet had to deal with in Endless is just a tad less evil than what darkness she has to face in Empower. The survival of millions are counting on her. No pressure right? Well, not for Violet. She has turned into this beautiful, strong and caring woman that will do anything for others.
And thus the grand arch of her story, her trails and of her life. When we first meet Violet, we meet this unsure girl who wants something she feels she can't have. We meet a girl who becomes angry and spiteful. We meet a girl who makes mistakes, who finds her way to who she really is. And then, we finally meet a woman, a fighter, a warrior, a leader. Of these are whom Violet is and she realizes it's what she's been choosing to be all along.
There are just two things that I feel that are left open by Jessica at the end of Empower. One of which is Magda. I know that she really isn't needed in Violet's story after her betrayal, but I feel that unknown of what happens to Magda just leaves one too many questions open. Maybe this might make it possible for Jessica Shirvington to write more Grigori books, just not staring Violet anymore. Which is something many readers will be hoping for, especially if readers feel exactly the same way I do about the second thing left open.
~*~
I can't wait for this book to be released so that readers can discuss it. It is a really great novel. I had to fight my own mother over who would be able to read it because the series was so damn awesome. And hopefully, I'll be able to meet Jessica Shirvington when she comes State side again. (Should forward her there might be some major fangirling by me and my mum.)
Many hugs! And happy reading!
~Nollie ♥
