Gr 9 Up-Violet is now Grigori-an angel warrior, partnered with her would-be boyfriend, Lincoln. Alas, Grigori partners cannot be intimate; it weakens them-except when it strengthens them. Confused? Yeah, but that's okay. And Phoenix, Violet's former lover, tried to have her killed. But that's all in the past. Violet and Linc are kicking the butts of some exiles (fallen angels) as usual when big happenings stir up the angel world and Grigori leaders Nyla and Rudyard come to town with angels-in-training Zoe, Sal, and Spence. A love triangle between Violet, Spence, and Linc is quickly smothered-it was just Phoenix messing with Violet again. Other jealousies erupt when Linc spends time with Violet's nemesis, Magna. But then all is explained. Amid these romantic diversions and life-threatening upheavals, Violet and the gang must jet off to Jordan to try to find ancient scriptures before Phoenix as he will surely use them for evil purposes. But it seems that someone in the group is playing both sides. Despite the busy plot, the carefully constructed angel world actually works. Shirvington stands above the crowd of supernatural romance writers in her vivid descriptions of the Grigori fighting power. Readers familiar with Embrace (Sourcebooks, 2012) will most likely enjoy this book on a deeper level and understand the characters' motivations (particularly Violet's relationships with Phoenix and Lincoln), but it will appeal to new readers as well.-Tara Kehoe, Plainsboro Public Library, NJ (c) Copyright 2012. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Violet learns to navigate life as a half-angel Grigori, to negotiate her partnership with soul mate Lincoln, and to understand her connection to archnemesis Phoenix. As both the Grigori and the exiles race to find the lost scriptures, Violet may have to risk everything--and travel to the ends of the earth--to protect those she loves. Violet's wry, confiding voice draws readers through to the cliffhanger endings. (c) Copyright 2013. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Shirvington strikes again with the second in the Embrace series, picking up only a month after Embrace (2012) left off. Violet is still struggling to come to terms with her powers, her profound yet forbidden feelings for her partner, Lincoln, and the powerful connection that still ties her to the dark and dangerous exile, Phoenix. There's little time for her to reflect, however, as she and her Grigori brethren race to locate the Scriptures and protect the identity of all Grigori before the exiles use them to gain the upper hand in their bloody quest for supremacy. The brethren now includes members of "the God Squad," a fantastic new cast of characters from the Grigori training center in New York. Things are further complicated by the real possibility that a traitor lurks in their midst and by Violet and Lincoln's desperation to understand whether the love they feel for each other will save them or ultimately destroy them. Strong, compelling and wonderfully flawed, Violet is the kind of heroine that will keep readers enthralled and rooting for her until the final page is turned. They will even forgive the numerous skips of her heartbeat every time she sees Lincoln. This is one emotional thrill ride, filled with passion and suspense, ending with a cliffhanger that will leave readers panting for the next book. (Paranormal romance. 14 up)]] Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

In this sequel to Embrace (2012), 17-year-old half-human, half-angel Violet Eden is continuing her Grigori training in an effort to protect humankind from vengeful exiled angels and still dealing with romantic feelings for fellow Grigori Lincoln. Things heat up when Violet's exiled adversary and former lover, Phoenix, returns and long-missing Grigori and Exile scriptures are discovered. Violet remains an engaging, contemporary protagonist whose absorbing narrative interweaves intricate mythology, action-suspense, and romantic complexities. Vibrant returning and new characters including Violet's pal Steph, Grigori-in-training Spencer, and punk goth Zoe further enliven the narrative, and the tantalizing ending will leave series readers anticipating the follow-up.--Rosenfeld, Shelle Copyright 2010 Booklist