After turning the last page of Illumine, I knew without a doubt that I'd be back for more. Despite a slightly rocky start between Essallie and I, by the ending all I wanted was to know what would happen next. I fell in love with the action, with the characters, and with the delicious tension that Alivia Anders builds up. I couldn't wait to get my hands on a copy of Obumbrate and dive right in.

What immediately struck me was how much Essallie shines in this book. I already knew she was a strong character who doesn't-need-your-help-thank-you-very-much. I love a strong female protagonist, and she fills that role! However in Obumbrate I was really able to see how deep her inner strength goes. After suffering a loss she should, by all rights, be completely down. I know I'd be in bed with cookies and pajamas. Essallie won't have it though, and instead she musters her courage and sets off to protect what's hers. I love this girl!

I also love the plot this time around. Essallie sets off on a quest for answers, and her journey to get them is wholly immersing. I read through this so quickly that I hadn't even realized I was getting close to the end. When I flipped the last page I almost cried. I won't lie. The fact that Essallie is so much more vivid in this book really made me want to keep reading more. I felt for her, I wanted her to succeed, and I won't deny that I shared some of her rage and anguish.

Then of course, there was more Kayden. Okay, yes, he's the bad boy. I can't help but feel a smug satisfaction every time he makes a sarcastic comment to Essallie. He's good at what he does! In Obumbrate though we start to see a different side of him. Honestly? I love him even more now. Plus there is a new character to pit against him. Ari, ah Ari. Such a wonderful guy. No spoilers here, but yum. Ahem.

Obumbrate gets a shiny four stars from this bookworm! There were a few minor grammatical errors, but nothing huge. I definitely enjoyed being allowed to dive deeper into the madness that is Essallie's life. There is nothing I want more than to get to the next book. Cliffhanger warning, because you'll want it too. More Kayden, more action, more Alivia Anders.
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I was given this review in exchange for a honest review. ~WaAr~

I really don't know where to start. The first book Illumine was amazing and now Obumbrate comes along and it starts and ends with a BANG! I'm truly almost speechless. I didn't foresee the twists and turns that took place in this fast paced read. We find out more about what makes the characters tick and how the events shaped them. We even have another love triangle!! I just love those!!

This second story practically starts where Illumine left off. Essie is trying to cope with the death of her friend. She is mad at being deceived by her friends and enemies. This action packed journey we find out more about Essie, Kayden, and Ari. How long will Essie live? Who will she choose the half angel or the demon? How and Why is someone trying to kill her? Is her family safe? You have to read this to find out!! I am truly dying to read the next book Riven!!! I give this a 5 star squealing review!! The author has so much passion in her writing that you will get immerse within the story after reading the first page! ( )

Spoilers for the First Book Illumine, so if you hadn't read it, stop now, and just know, I loved this book too, as much if not more than book one.

Wow, this book was even better than the first, but you still need to read the first, as it’s a continuing story. I really love the uniqueness to this story. I really started to connect with Essallie even more, and really felt for her and the loss she suffered in the first book when Leo died. We loose Leo, but gain the wonderful Ari. She and Ari grow closer as the story moves along, but to my dismay she also grows closer to Kayden, I am sorry, I still have a vivid visual of how he tore apart Chase and ate his insides, that there is enough for me, but also, he is a demon, and his demon form is disgusting!! Ewwww how can she even think to see him as the gorgeous human he portrays, as it’s not his real form. Anyway, I love Ari, and sure hope things progress with the two of them.

This book is non-stop action and suspense. It’s really exciting to read, I was not able to put it down. I was not too happy with that huge cliffhanger, but am so glad I read these 2 book now, only a few days before Riven the next one is out. Makes the wait more bearable, lol.

I think anyone who has enjoyed books like Harry Potter, and The Mortal Instruments will really like this series. It has only some similarities to it, just enough to really make it great.

5 out of 5 big stars for me.

I was provided a copy of this book for my honest review for the book tour the author has going on.

Visit the book tour at my blog Michelle’s Paranormal Vault of Books for more on this series, the book tour is going now, and there is a giveaway. http://concisebookreviewsbymichelle.blogspot.com ( )