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Grigori Legacy #3
Sins of the Lost
From the author of Sins of the Angels and Sins of the Son comes the newest novel in the “electric, thrilling and extremely intelligent” (Ex Libris) Grigori Legacy series.
Heaven and Hell are on the brink of war as Lucifer builds his Nephilim army and waits for his new agenda to become a reality — that of having a Nephilimchild of his own bloodline to lead his forces to cataclysmic victory.
With rumors of the pending war rampant on Earth, Alex fights to save humanity from its own panic – leaving little time for her fledgling
relationship with Seth, the man with heavenly origins who has captured her heart. But when Nephilim children begin to disappear, along with Alex’s own vulnerable niece, the inevitable war between Heaven and Hell becomes as personal as sin.
Heaven has its own plans to fight the coming apocalypse, but first it needs Seth back. Asked to betray the man she loves, Alex must turn for help to the soulmate she thought she’d given up — the Archangel Aramael, who may be her last chance to save her family and humanity from the ashes of Lucifer’s Armageddon.
Heaven and Hell are on the brink of war as Lucifer builds his Nephilim army and waits for his new agenda to become a reality — that of having a Nephilimchild of his own bloodline to lead his forces to cataclysmic victory.
With rumors of the pending war rampant on Earth, Alex fights to save humanity from its own panic – leaving little time for her fledgling
relationship with Seth, the man with heavenly origins who has captured her heart. But when Nephilim children begin to disappear, along with Alex’s own vulnerable niece, the inevitable war between Heaven and Hell becomes as personal as sin.
Heaven has its own plans to fight the coming apocalypse, but first it needs Seth back. Asked to betray the man she loves, Alex must turn for help to the soulmate she thought she’d given up — the Archangel Aramael, who may be her last chance to save her family and humanity from the ashes of Lucifer’s Armageddon.
358 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 15, 2013
43 people are currently reading
737 people want to read
About the author
Linda Poitevin
12 books754 followersLydia M. Hawke is the author of bold urban fantasy for women who know their power. When worlds collide or apocalyptic disaster strikes, Lydia’s mature, magical heroines are more than capable of saving themselves–and the world. Her paranormal women’s fiction novel Becoming Crone has won multiple awards and was featured on Felicia Day’s Felicitations! Book Club Show.
Lydia makes her home in Canada where she spends her free time drinking what some would argue is too much coffee, thoroughly enjoying the grandparenting stage of life, caring for her collection of pets, and tending to her ever-evolving garden.
Her self-appointed mission in life is to reclaim the title of “crone” as a positive thing on behalf of all women of a certain age.
Lydia makes her home in Canada where she spends her free time drinking what some would argue is too much coffee, thoroughly enjoying the grandparenting stage of life, caring for her collection of pets, and tending to her ever-evolving garden.
Her self-appointed mission in life is to reclaim the title of “crone” as a positive thing on behalf of all women of a certain age.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
October 19, 2013
***Find this and other reviews @ The Demon Librarian***
Phenomenal!
Oh. Em. Gee. THIS BOOK.
The Grigori Legacy has been a rollercoaster ride for me from the moment I started it. At first (before I knew better), I thought it would follow the usual formula. Yeah, there would be twists and turns unique to the series, but it couldn't be that different than other urban fantasy books I'd read, right?
WRONG.
I know what you're thinking. You're reading the book's blurb and saying to yourself, this girl is nuts, it sounds like standard UF to me! And you'd be right....to a point. There are certain required elements that every good UF must contain, and the Grigori Legacy has them all. Supernatural race? Check. Kickass hero and/or heroine? Check. Good and bad forces duking it out, with the fate of the world hanging in the balance? Double check. A romantic subplot that is teeming with unresolved tension and complications? Yep, got that too. So yes, if you want to call the Grigori Legacy "just another urban fantasy", you could totally do that.
Only...it isn't, and I didn't fully appreciate that until I read Sins of the Lost.
Nothing in this book happened the way I expected it to. Nothing! Linda Poitevin ripped the rug out from under my feet in the very first chapter - the first chapter, people! - and she kept on doing it, over and over, all the way to the end. At no time did I experience a quiet, comfortable, cozy moment - because there weren't any! Everything was topsy-turvy, everything was on the line, and it seemed like every darn thing that could go wrong for the characters (and the world they were trying to save), did. It was CRAZY. I haven't been so off kilter while reading a book since I don't know when. Never, maybe? Yep, that sounds about right!
Don't believe me? Here are some gifs documenting the state of my emotions as I read Sins of the Lost:
And yet, despite all the craziness packed within Sins of the Lost's pages, it all made sense. Linda Poitevin didn't just toss random plot developments into a pot and hope it turned into a nice story stew. No, what she did was force me to take a looong step back so I could finally see the forest for the trees. Because that's what I'd been doing for the past two books - focusing on individual trees. I had tunnel vision in the worst way, so caught up in the action or the romance I was rooting for, I wasn't grasping the full picture. I didn't understand just how big the consequences for certain choices were. Well, I get it now. Oh boy, do I ever.
Alex. Poor, poor Alex. I honestly don't know how she was still functioning by the book's end, because if I'd been put through the hell she was, I'd be a whimpering ball of misery on the floor. But that's not who Alex is. She's a survivor, and I have enormous respect for her as a character - and respect for her author, too, for being brave enough to throw Alex into the fiery pit in the first place.
As for the romance and sorta-love triangle that was going on....yeah, I can't talk about it. Seriously, don't even ask. Just thinking about it has me rocking back and forth and looking for a corner.
If I had to pick the biggest surprise of the story - and there are many to choose from - it would have to be the character of Mika'el, or Michael as he's called in the human world. Holy freaking crap, where did he come from?! He intrigued me in book two (Sins of the Son), but in this book, he completely stole the show - or at least he did for me. I love him. LOVE HIM.
To wrap this review up, no, the Grigori Legacy is not your typical urban fantasy series. It doesn't play it safe. You can try to predict and pin it down, but trust me, it's not going to work. And that, my friends, is the sign of a series well done. Linda Poitevin is a freaking genius, and if you don't have her books on your reading list, you are missing out on some truly brilliant writing.
Sins of the Lost destroyed me. It ripped my guts out, crushed my heart, and turned me into a weeping, wailing, teeth-gnashing monster. I have no idea what will happen next, but I do know this: I CAN'T WAIT TO FIND OUT.
5 Stars ★★★★★
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Phenomenal!
Oh. Em. Gee. THIS BOOK.
The Grigori Legacy has been a rollercoaster ride for me from the moment I started it. At first (before I knew better), I thought it would follow the usual formula. Yeah, there would be twists and turns unique to the series, but it couldn't be that different than other urban fantasy books I'd read, right?
WRONG.
I know what you're thinking. You're reading the book's blurb and saying to yourself, this girl is nuts, it sounds like standard UF to me! And you'd be right....to a point. There are certain required elements that every good UF must contain, and the Grigori Legacy has them all. Supernatural race? Check. Kickass hero and/or heroine? Check. Good and bad forces duking it out, with the fate of the world hanging in the balance? Double check. A romantic subplot that is teeming with unresolved tension and complications? Yep, got that too. So yes, if you want to call the Grigori Legacy "just another urban fantasy", you could totally do that.
Only...it isn't, and I didn't fully appreciate that until I read Sins of the Lost.
Nothing in this book happened the way I expected it to. Nothing! Linda Poitevin ripped the rug out from under my feet in the very first chapter - the first chapter, people! - and she kept on doing it, over and over, all the way to the end. At no time did I experience a quiet, comfortable, cozy moment - because there weren't any! Everything was topsy-turvy, everything was on the line, and it seemed like every darn thing that could go wrong for the characters (and the world they were trying to save), did. It was CRAZY. I haven't been so off kilter while reading a book since I don't know when. Never, maybe? Yep, that sounds about right!
Don't believe me? Here are some gifs documenting the state of my emotions as I read Sins of the Lost:
And yet, despite all the craziness packed within Sins of the Lost's pages, it all made sense. Linda Poitevin didn't just toss random plot developments into a pot and hope it turned into a nice story stew. No, what she did was force me to take a looong step back so I could finally see the forest for the trees. Because that's what I'd been doing for the past two books - focusing on individual trees. I had tunnel vision in the worst way, so caught up in the action or the romance I was rooting for, I wasn't grasping the full picture. I didn't understand just how big the consequences for certain choices were. Well, I get it now. Oh boy, do I ever.
Alex. Poor, poor Alex. I honestly don't know how she was still functioning by the book's end, because if I'd been put through the hell she was, I'd be a whimpering ball of misery on the floor. But that's not who Alex is. She's a survivor, and I have enormous respect for her as a character - and respect for her author, too, for being brave enough to throw Alex into the fiery pit in the first place.
As for the romance and sorta-love triangle that was going on....yeah, I can't talk about it. Seriously, don't even ask. Just thinking about it has me rocking back and forth and looking for a corner.
If I had to pick the biggest surprise of the story - and there are many to choose from - it would have to be the character of Mika'el, or Michael as he's called in the human world. Holy freaking crap, where did he come from?! He intrigued me in book two (Sins of the Son), but in this book, he completely stole the show - or at least he did for me. I love him. LOVE HIM.
To wrap this review up, no, the Grigori Legacy is not your typical urban fantasy series. It doesn't play it safe. You can try to predict and pin it down, but trust me, it's not going to work. And that, my friends, is the sign of a series well done. Linda Poitevin is a freaking genius, and if you don't have her books on your reading list, you are missing out on some truly brilliant writing.
Sins of the Lost destroyed me. It ripped my guts out, crushed my heart, and turned me into a weeping, wailing, teeth-gnashing monster. I have no idea what will happen next, but I do know this: I CAN'T WAIT TO FIND OUT.
5 Stars ★★★★★
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
November 11, 2013
3.5 stars
Since Alex started living with Seth things haven’t been easy. She is called back into work on a homicide where a baby was torn out of the mother’s belly. She knows this was the work of the Nephilim army that Lucifer is building. Her staff sergeant also informs her that she has her old partner back, who happens to be Archangel Aramael (no one knows this but her) and her soul mate. Having chosen Seth over him, she isn’t happy about it, and Seth isn’t happy about it either. Events keep adding up, humanity is in crisis and the end of the world is at hand. Heaven shortly makes it clear they want Alex to convince Seth to take his powers back.
Sins of the Lost is the third book in the Grigori Legacy series. A dark Urban Fantasy that takes place at what seems the first stages of Armageddon. While that sounds very religious in nature, it isn’t. While there are demons and angels, this isn’t about preaching anything. It’s a story away from all that. I started the series in the second book, and said I’d go back to the first, but never found the time, and when the third book came up, I jumped right in. There may be spoilers ahead.
Alex is in a relationship with Seth, only they haven’t even really started their relationship. Events from the last book have strained the intimacy between them. Alex wants to help humanity, something Seth can’t understand, since he only cares for one person, Alex. Everything else is just distraction to him. Alex is blinded by what he gave up for her, and here is my issue with Alex—her own guilt makes her blind to this. There is so much going on at once there isn’t a moment for her to stop and think. In the last book I loved both Seth and Alex who damned the system and did what they wanted. In Sins of the Lost the outcome of those choices are made whole.
The book also cuts to Lucifer and ‘The One’ aka God. The One is having issues holding onto the power Seth let go, and Lucifer is almost ready to let his Nephilim army kill all humans. If humans are gone ‘The One’ will have time for him. Yea, that reasoning didn’t make sense to me either. I guess Lucifer is a nutcase, but he isn’t the only nutcase since their relationship is used as a parallel for another one. Anyway, I’m getting way off topic. ‘The One’ is fading and decides on the only way to stop Lucifer. This is a little sad and sweet. These interactions felt more distraction from the world ending and all.
The Archangel Michael is also a main character here. After all, he sent Aramael to Alex again. He, like Alex, is under his own pressure. He is losing The One, the hellfire wall of doom! (Actually just the hellfire wall, but it might as well be of doom) is about to come down, and he knows he’ll have to lead his angels to battle soon. A great deal of time is spent in his head. When the Highest Seraph floats an idea of who they need to look for, I think I got an idea of where the story might be going.
There isn’t a lot of detail to the novel, but it does keep a strong pace. Most of the events, choices and the emotional downfall are all cause and effect. The details are more or less glossed over in contrast to Alex’s emotional state of mind. While the pace is strong it feels (overall) kind of rushed. It didn’t have the same kind of emotional impact the pervious book in this series did, but it’s still a fun read.
Sins of the Lost isn’t full of cute and romantic anything. It’s more like a build up to a great big explosion of pure madness, in a good way. I said in my review of the second book, Sins of the Son, this was a darker Urban Fantasy, Poitevin keeps that going in Sins of the Lost. If an edgy UF series is what you’re in the mood for, then this might be what you’ve been looking for.
- Elizabeth
Since Alex started living with Seth things haven’t been easy. She is called back into work on a homicide where a baby was torn out of the mother’s belly. She knows this was the work of the Nephilim army that Lucifer is building. Her staff sergeant also informs her that she has her old partner back, who happens to be Archangel Aramael (no one knows this but her) and her soul mate. Having chosen Seth over him, she isn’t happy about it, and Seth isn’t happy about it either. Events keep adding up, humanity is in crisis and the end of the world is at hand. Heaven shortly makes it clear they want Alex to convince Seth to take his powers back.
Sins of the Lost is the third book in the Grigori Legacy series. A dark Urban Fantasy that takes place at what seems the first stages of Armageddon. While that sounds very religious in nature, it isn’t. While there are demons and angels, this isn’t about preaching anything. It’s a story away from all that. I started the series in the second book, and said I’d go back to the first, but never found the time, and when the third book came up, I jumped right in. There may be spoilers ahead.
Alex is in a relationship with Seth, only they haven’t even really started their relationship. Events from the last book have strained the intimacy between them. Alex wants to help humanity, something Seth can’t understand, since he only cares for one person, Alex. Everything else is just distraction to him. Alex is blinded by what he gave up for her, and here is my issue with Alex—her own guilt makes her blind to this. There is so much going on at once there isn’t a moment for her to stop and think. In the last book I loved both Seth and Alex who damned the system and did what they wanted. In Sins of the Lost the outcome of those choices are made whole.
The book also cuts to Lucifer and ‘The One’ aka God. The One is having issues holding onto the power Seth let go, and Lucifer is almost ready to let his Nephilim army kill all humans. If humans are gone ‘The One’ will have time for him. Yea, that reasoning didn’t make sense to me either. I guess Lucifer is a nutcase, but he isn’t the only nutcase since their relationship is used as a parallel for another one. Anyway, I’m getting way off topic. ‘The One’ is fading and decides on the only way to stop Lucifer. This is a little sad and sweet. These interactions felt more distraction from the world ending and all.
The Archangel Michael is also a main character here. After all, he sent Aramael to Alex again. He, like Alex, is under his own pressure. He is losing The One, the hellfire wall of doom! (Actually just the hellfire wall, but it might as well be of doom) is about to come down, and he knows he’ll have to lead his angels to battle soon. A great deal of time is spent in his head. When the Highest Seraph floats an idea of who they need to look for, I think I got an idea of where the story might be going.
There isn’t a lot of detail to the novel, but it does keep a strong pace. Most of the events, choices and the emotional downfall are all cause and effect. The details are more or less glossed over in contrast to Alex’s emotional state of mind. While the pace is strong it feels (overall) kind of rushed. It didn’t have the same kind of emotional impact the pervious book in this series did, but it’s still a fun read.
Sins of the Lost isn’t full of cute and romantic anything. It’s more like a build up to a great big explosion of pure madness, in a good way. I said in my review of the second book, Sins of the Son, this was a darker Urban Fantasy, Poitevin keeps that going in Sins of the Lost. If an edgy UF series is what you’re in the mood for, then this might be what you’ve been looking for.
- Elizabeth
October 21, 2013
Reviewed by: Rabid Reads
Poitevin’s Grigori Legacy series has really hit its stride with this latest installment, Sins of the Lost. The storm that’s been brewing between Heaven and Hell has finally reached its breaking point and, with a cast of characters that includes Archangels, The One and the Devil himself; this book can accurately be summed up by one word and that word is EPIC. Sins of the Lost is a compelling read that’s difficult to put down and even harder to forget with its apocalypse inspired action, out-of-this-world love triangle and jaw dropping plot line; reading 360 pages has never felt so satisfying.
The author doesn’t waste any time on things like gently easing readers back into her universe; this story roars to life in the first chapter and reaches full speed a mere handful of pages later. The focus of this book is on the impact that the war between Heaven and Hell has had on humanity rather than on the divine aspect and I really enjoyed this approach. I found man’s reaction to this new threat to be as fascinating as it was appalling. I had a good chuckle over Ottawa’s “alien theory” but couldn’t hold back my disgust when Alex gets called to a crime scene where the victims were stoned to death. The world leaders’ proposed solutions to this new danger are just as extreme and range from enacting martial law, to placing all pregnant women under quarantine to replicating drastic measures similar to the SARS crisis of 2003. Humanity is not equipped to deal with the apocalypse, that much is clear; this book does a great job of illustrating the best and the worst of mankind.
The Seth / Aramael / Alex love triangle is put through the wringer in this installment; my nails are going to take a few weeks to recover from all that biting! I hadn’t fully made up my mind about which team I was rooting for until 3/4 of the way through book 3 only to have Poitevin yank the rug right out from under me. I’m so heartbroken! There’s only one novel left (I asked!) and I don’t see how Alex can possibly ever get the happily-ever-after ending that I had envisioned for her. That being said, the clashes between Aramael and Seth are legendary! And I can’t believe how much the latter’s views on relationships differ from Alex’s; yes, he’s not human, but still! Choosing the one you love over the fate of the human race isn’t romantic it’s… selfish.
Sins of the Lost is a wild ride that lifts you up, makes you believe in the impossible, and then kicks you in the (in my case) metaphorical nuts. Encore! Encore!
Poitevin’s Grigori Legacy series has really hit its stride with this latest installment, Sins of the Lost. The storm that’s been brewing between Heaven and Hell has finally reached its breaking point and, with a cast of characters that includes Archangels, The One and the Devil himself; this book can accurately be summed up by one word and that word is EPIC. Sins of the Lost is a compelling read that’s difficult to put down and even harder to forget with its apocalypse inspired action, out-of-this-world love triangle and jaw dropping plot line; reading 360 pages has never felt so satisfying.
The author doesn’t waste any time on things like gently easing readers back into her universe; this story roars to life in the first chapter and reaches full speed a mere handful of pages later. The focus of this book is on the impact that the war between Heaven and Hell has had on humanity rather than on the divine aspect and I really enjoyed this approach. I found man’s reaction to this new threat to be as fascinating as it was appalling. I had a good chuckle over Ottawa’s “alien theory” but couldn’t hold back my disgust when Alex gets called to a crime scene where the victims were stoned to death. The world leaders’ proposed solutions to this new danger are just as extreme and range from enacting martial law, to placing all pregnant women under quarantine to replicating drastic measures similar to the SARS crisis of 2003. Humanity is not equipped to deal with the apocalypse, that much is clear; this book does a great job of illustrating the best and the worst of mankind.
The Seth / Aramael / Alex love triangle is put through the wringer in this installment; my nails are going to take a few weeks to recover from all that biting! I hadn’t fully made up my mind about which team I was rooting for until 3/4 of the way through book 3 only to have Poitevin yank the rug right out from under me. I’m so heartbroken! There’s only one novel left (I asked!) and I don’t see how Alex can possibly ever get the happily-ever-after ending that I had envisioned for her. That being said, the clashes between Aramael and Seth are legendary! And I can’t believe how much the latter’s views on relationships differ from Alex’s; yes, he’s not human, but still! Choosing the one you love over the fate of the human race isn’t romantic it’s… selfish.
Sins of the Lost is a wild ride that lifts you up, makes you believe in the impossible, and then kicks you in the (in my case) metaphorical nuts. Encore! Encore!
April 25, 2015
You know, I was giving this series a chance. I really was. And it's not terrible. But it does make me feel disappointed. After two books of being a Nephilim, the main character has exerted only one power that really isn't exciting, is being more of a bitch than usual, and making mistakes that cost her way too much. Everyone in this series has been so damn stubborn that it's no wonder everything goes so damn wrong. The ending was of course dramatic and I find it hard to believe it ended with the death of such a vital character. There's supposedly a fourth book coming out in the fall, but I can't find the motivation to read it. Yes, the writing is solidly put together. Yes, the story is complicated and can be exciting. But I'm just not as thrilled as I want to be about it.
December 11, 2013
What to say... I've always enjoyed Urban Fantasy for its larger and longer story arc that really gives an author room to build their plot and their characters. I might have to rethink that after this one- just kidding. This is what I call the 'trust me' book of the series. It is the third story of a 'must read in order' series and it will be the one that will shake loose any lightweight fans or have those in for the long haul really girding up their loins when its through. I let this review sit to give me time, but no, I'm still pretty torn up about where things are left in the end. Oh please, oh please, I am begging for the next installation to come out in a reasonable amount of time- or faster, unreasonable works for me too.
What can I say to keep from giving it all up and ruining the experience for everyone? Hmmm.
Alex and Seth have returned to Toronto to pick up the pieces after what happened with Lucifer and Mikael's plan involving Aramael. Alex has recovered physically, but she is not dealing well with being attacked and raped, but she pushes her personal stuff aside because of the whole Armageddon thing coming really soon. Unfortunately, her not dealing with stuff has effects on Seth because she pushes any intimacy away.
Seth too is coming to terms with his big decision when he gave everything up to be human and be with Alex. He could care less about the end of the world and saving humans. Both parents betrayed him and tried to kill him. He's done with their issues; he just wants Alex, but she wants to save the world first. It doesn't help that Alex gets called back from leave early because pregnant women are being murdered and attacked from both the fallen ones and paranoid humans. Everyone is needed. Seth now has to compete with her job too. He's hurt by her choices, angry and scared that he gave it all up for- well hopefully not nothing.
Alex gets to add trouble with her sister who confronts her angrily, but really doesn't want to listen or know what is really going on with the spiritual realm stuff. Then there are the troubles with the work psychologist who deems her unfit for regular duty and she gets blindsided with Elizabeth the shrink from Vancouver. Everyone wants her to deal with her stuff, but she can't talk about it because of the big secrets about the angels, fallen ones, and the nephalim army that's out there readying to be unleashed on humans. She's barely holding on by a thread and just wants to do her job and repair her relationship with Seth so they can be together in peace for whatever time they are left.
Meanwhile in the other realm, things are going down that force Mikael to have to break his word to Alex and involve her in the spiritual stuff again. The One is weakening because of Seth's choice and has a plan to deal with Lucifer leaving Mikael to deal with the rest. But first, Seth must be convinced to take his powers back and they have determined that Alex is the only one who can get him to listen. Lucifer is still plotting the end of humankind, but his lieutenant starts making his own plans. Both of their plans intersect with Alex's sister and niece and Seth now in their sights Plots galore!
Aramael returns to the spotlight when Mikael sees enough facts to think that Alex is back in Lucifer's crosshairs. The soul mate bond between Aramael and Alex is as strong as ever even if she made her choice to be with Seth. Aramael is her new guardian and it is hard on both of them. It is also a further strain on her relationship with Seth who is jealous even though she has given him no reason to be. Aramael is back to being tortured every moment of his day by what he cannot have and having to watch Alex with Seth.
It all comes down to such heartbreaking tragedy in the end. I truly hope this series is at its darkest point because I don't know how much more I can take even as I don't want to miss what comes next.
This may seem odd since this was a dark part in the series, but I think this one far surpasses book two in my mind. The plot was hard pounding and strong right on through even if a lot happens in a little time. The focus on Alex's ability to keep coming back time and again, coping (or not coping as the case may be) with all on her plate and making some serious sacrifices just keeps bringing me back for more when it comes to her. She's got her flaws and they're big ones, but even her bad decisions make perfect sense under the circumstances. Truthfully, I found what hit her in this one was too much. There is not an aspect of her life that is not in serious crisis. Alex wasn't showing much softness and light in this one, but yet I still admired her because she's a hard woman doing what she has to. She feels deeply, but she has a deep-seated commitment to do the right thing even if it means that she must sacrifice.
But as to the biggest part that was better? I saw that my misgivings in book two came to fruition. This is not me gloating; this is me feeling validated by my impression that the direction that book two went just felt way off for me and I just couldn't accept what seemed to be happening. I'm referring to the relationship. I like Seth and I like Alex, but I wasn't sold on them together. This only has a little to do with Aramael and Alex together in the first book and a whole lot to do with Seth and Alex feeling forced.
Now after this one finished, I don't know what to think. I cried for Alex, I cried for Aramael, but I really cried for Seth. I just hurt over what happened. This is a sign that I'm so vested in this series. I've got to say that more and more I'm loving the curmudgeonly and yet dangerously capable Mikael. I really want to see him shine.
So in the end, those this one ripped me apart, I loved it. This series gives a unique take on Angels, Demons, God and everyone in between. It's raw, gritty, dark and between the action, the character development and the heart-breaking romantic entanglements it can offer a lot to a Urban Fantasy lover.
My thanks to Net Galley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
What can I say to keep from giving it all up and ruining the experience for everyone? Hmmm.
Alex and Seth have returned to Toronto to pick up the pieces after what happened with Lucifer and Mikael's plan involving Aramael. Alex has recovered physically, but she is not dealing well with being attacked and raped, but she pushes her personal stuff aside because of the whole Armageddon thing coming really soon. Unfortunately, her not dealing with stuff has effects on Seth because she pushes any intimacy away.
Seth too is coming to terms with his big decision when he gave everything up to be human and be with Alex. He could care less about the end of the world and saving humans. Both parents betrayed him and tried to kill him. He's done with their issues; he just wants Alex, but she wants to save the world first. It doesn't help that Alex gets called back from leave early because pregnant women are being murdered and attacked from both the fallen ones and paranoid humans. Everyone is needed. Seth now has to compete with her job too. He's hurt by her choices, angry and scared that he gave it all up for- well hopefully not nothing.
Alex gets to add trouble with her sister who confronts her angrily, but really doesn't want to listen or know what is really going on with the spiritual realm stuff. Then there are the troubles with the work psychologist who deems her unfit for regular duty and she gets blindsided with Elizabeth the shrink from Vancouver. Everyone wants her to deal with her stuff, but she can't talk about it because of the big secrets about the angels, fallen ones, and the nephalim army that's out there readying to be unleashed on humans. She's barely holding on by a thread and just wants to do her job and repair her relationship with Seth so they can be together in peace for whatever time they are left.
Meanwhile in the other realm, things are going down that force Mikael to have to break his word to Alex and involve her in the spiritual stuff again. The One is weakening because of Seth's choice and has a plan to deal with Lucifer leaving Mikael to deal with the rest. But first, Seth must be convinced to take his powers back and they have determined that Alex is the only one who can get him to listen. Lucifer is still plotting the end of humankind, but his lieutenant starts making his own plans. Both of their plans intersect with Alex's sister and niece and Seth now in their sights Plots galore!
Aramael returns to the spotlight when Mikael sees enough facts to think that Alex is back in Lucifer's crosshairs. The soul mate bond between Aramael and Alex is as strong as ever even if she made her choice to be with Seth. Aramael is her new guardian and it is hard on both of them. It is also a further strain on her relationship with Seth who is jealous even though she has given him no reason to be. Aramael is back to being tortured every moment of his day by what he cannot have and having to watch Alex with Seth.
It all comes down to such heartbreaking tragedy in the end. I truly hope this series is at its darkest point because I don't know how much more I can take even as I don't want to miss what comes next.
This may seem odd since this was a dark part in the series, but I think this one far surpasses book two in my mind. The plot was hard pounding and strong right on through even if a lot happens in a little time. The focus on Alex's ability to keep coming back time and again, coping (or not coping as the case may be) with all on her plate and making some serious sacrifices just keeps bringing me back for more when it comes to her. She's got her flaws and they're big ones, but even her bad decisions make perfect sense under the circumstances. Truthfully, I found what hit her in this one was too much. There is not an aspect of her life that is not in serious crisis. Alex wasn't showing much softness and light in this one, but yet I still admired her because she's a hard woman doing what she has to. She feels deeply, but she has a deep-seated commitment to do the right thing even if it means that she must sacrifice.
But as to the biggest part that was better? I saw that my misgivings in book two came to fruition. This is not me gloating; this is me feeling validated by my impression that the direction that book two went just felt way off for me and I just couldn't accept what seemed to be happening. I'm referring to the relationship. I like Seth and I like Alex, but I wasn't sold on them together. This only has a little to do with Aramael and Alex together in the first book and a whole lot to do with Seth and Alex feeling forced.
Now after this one finished, I don't know what to think. I cried for Alex, I cried for Aramael, but I really cried for Seth. I just hurt over what happened. This is a sign that I'm so vested in this series. I've got to say that more and more I'm loving the curmudgeonly and yet dangerously capable Mikael. I really want to see him shine.
So in the end, those this one ripped me apart, I loved it. This series gives a unique take on Angels, Demons, God and everyone in between. It's raw, gritty, dark and between the action, the character development and the heart-breaking romantic entanglements it can offer a lot to a Urban Fantasy lover.
My thanks to Net Galley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
January 20, 2014
Review courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales
Quick & Dirty: Armageddon is ramping up, and both Heaven and Hell are wanting Seth to fight on their side. This is not going to end well…
Opening Sentence: “You want me to what?”
The Review:
This series is proof of my belief that when starting a series, you need to read at least the first two books before deciding if you’re going to continue or not. I gave the first book in this series 3 stars, but it was a low 3 if that makes sense. Then I read the second book, and it was a definite 5 stars, and I started this next book right away. This one is 4 stars, mainly because little things that have irked me in the series continued to irk me this time around, and I didn’t find it quite as fast-paced as book 2.
It’s only been a few weeks since the events of book 2. Alex is trying to carve out a life with Seth, but this is proving to be more difficult than either of them anticipated. Seth is having trouble identifying with any human other than Alex, and any time Seth tries to touch her, Alex can’t help but remember Lucifer disguising himself as Seth and raping her. Her work life isn’t much better, with random acts of violence escalating against pregnant women due to the “virus,” aka Fallen Ones going around impregnating human women, who then give birth and die all within a three week period. The stress is building up, and Alex has nowhere and no one to turn to.
Aramael has been made an Archangel and is struggling to ignore his remaining soulmate connection to Alex. This becomes difficult when Michael orders him to watch over her after realizing that Samael is following her. Thus, he’s forced to watch Alex as she lives her life with the man she chose over him.
In Heaven, the One is struggling and failing to contain the aftereffects of Seth’s giving up his powers. She tells Michael that they need to have Alex convince Seth to take them back and return to Heaven, a task that is easier said than done. Meanwhile, in Hell, Lucifer is continuing to look for Alex’s sister and niece to fulfill his plan to create an extremely powerful Nephilim. What more could go wrong?
Something that alternately pleases and vexes me about these books is that the characters are flawed. I love Alex. I can’t imagine how strong she must be to deal with everything she’s learned in the span of a month, but at the same time, she drives me crazy with her inability to talk to anyone about what she’s feeling. Instead, she bottles everything up, and it ends up making the situation that much worse. I heaved many a frustrated sigh at some of her actions during the course of the story.
In the same way, I love Seth. I liked him more than Aramael in both books 1 and 2. He just seems to have more personality than Aramael, who often comes off a little flat to me. In this book though, Seth drove me up a wall. I had such a hard time seeing him as the same character I’ve loved for the past two books. I like that Linda Poitevin can surprise me like that, but at the same time, it was truly heartbreaking to see his actions at times in this book.
My feelings about Aramael remain the same. I like him, but mainly just because I can tell that he’s a good guy. Other than that, I don’t feel much one way or the other toward him. I’ve always had a hard time feeling a connection between him and Alex, which makes it hard for me to deal with the whole “soulmate” thing.
While the events of previous books are discussed, I still think it’s best to read the series in order, if for anything else, to get a sense of who each of the characters are, which would make certain events much more meaningful. Point of view changes constantly, so if you’re a fan of just one or two narrators, this probably isn’t the series for you. If multiple points of view don’t bother you, and the idea of a different take on Armageddon intrigues you, then you definitely need to give this series a try! After these last two books, it’s definitely made it on my list of must-read series!
Notable Scene:
“Something’s not right.”
His wings instantly unfurled part way, brushing against a parliamentary page who glanced around, saw nothing, and gave a puzzled shrug. Scowling, Aramael folded the wings close again.
“What?” he asked. “I feel no Fallen-”
“No.” Alex shot him a warning look. “That stroller down there.” She nodded her head toward the lawn. “I don’t see anyone with it. I want to have a look.”
“I’m coming with you.”
Striding across the driveway, she headed down the stairs, Aramael at her back. One of the plainclothes RCMP officers beside the podium looked toward her, eyes hidden behind sunglasses. Alex turned the lapel of her coat over to expose her badge and gave a jerk of her head to the right. The woman frowned and leaned forward to murmur something to her burly colleague, who also looked toward Alex. With a nod, he returned to his crowd surveillance. The female officer stepped away from her position and crossed the grass, intercepting Alex halfway between the podium and the stroller. “You are-?”
“Alexandra Jarvis, Toronto Homicide. This is my partner, Jacob Trent.”
Barely glancing at Aramael, the woman responded, “Julia Greer, RCMP. What’s up?”
“That stroller.” Alex nodded past her. “No one’s with it.”
Greer swiveled and did a quick reconnaissance. “You’re right.”
Alex fell into step beside her. Greer lifted her left hand to her face. “We have what appears to be an unattended stroller on the west side of the podium,” she murmured into the microphone clipped inside her sleeve. “I’m taking a look.”
A half dozen pairs of sunglasses swiveled in their direction, tracking their progress. Fifteen feet, ten. At the center of the group clustered nearby, a man raised a cell phone as if to take a photo. Alex’s steps slowed. She frowned at the words on the sign he held aloft in his other hand. Luke 21:23.
Luke, chapter twenty-one, verse twenty-three. A biblical reference.
Son of a-
The man moved his thumb.
FTC Advisory: InterMix/Penguin provided me with a copy of Sins of the Lost. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
Quick & Dirty: Armageddon is ramping up, and both Heaven and Hell are wanting Seth to fight on their side. This is not going to end well…
Opening Sentence: “You want me to what?”
The Review:
This series is proof of my belief that when starting a series, you need to read at least the first two books before deciding if you’re going to continue or not. I gave the first book in this series 3 stars, but it was a low 3 if that makes sense. Then I read the second book, and it was a definite 5 stars, and I started this next book right away. This one is 4 stars, mainly because little things that have irked me in the series continued to irk me this time around, and I didn’t find it quite as fast-paced as book 2.
It’s only been a few weeks since the events of book 2. Alex is trying to carve out a life with Seth, but this is proving to be more difficult than either of them anticipated. Seth is having trouble identifying with any human other than Alex, and any time Seth tries to touch her, Alex can’t help but remember Lucifer disguising himself as Seth and raping her. Her work life isn’t much better, with random acts of violence escalating against pregnant women due to the “virus,” aka Fallen Ones going around impregnating human women, who then give birth and die all within a three week period. The stress is building up, and Alex has nowhere and no one to turn to.
Aramael has been made an Archangel and is struggling to ignore his remaining soulmate connection to Alex. This becomes difficult when Michael orders him to watch over her after realizing that Samael is following her. Thus, he’s forced to watch Alex as she lives her life with the man she chose over him.
In Heaven, the One is struggling and failing to contain the aftereffects of Seth’s giving up his powers. She tells Michael that they need to have Alex convince Seth to take them back and return to Heaven, a task that is easier said than done. Meanwhile, in Hell, Lucifer is continuing to look for Alex’s sister and niece to fulfill his plan to create an extremely powerful Nephilim. What more could go wrong?
Something that alternately pleases and vexes me about these books is that the characters are flawed. I love Alex. I can’t imagine how strong she must be to deal with everything she’s learned in the span of a month, but at the same time, she drives me crazy with her inability to talk to anyone about what she’s feeling. Instead, she bottles everything up, and it ends up making the situation that much worse. I heaved many a frustrated sigh at some of her actions during the course of the story.
In the same way, I love Seth. I liked him more than Aramael in both books 1 and 2. He just seems to have more personality than Aramael, who often comes off a little flat to me. In this book though, Seth drove me up a wall. I had such a hard time seeing him as the same character I’ve loved for the past two books. I like that Linda Poitevin can surprise me like that, but at the same time, it was truly heartbreaking to see his actions at times in this book.
My feelings about Aramael remain the same. I like him, but mainly just because I can tell that he’s a good guy. Other than that, I don’t feel much one way or the other toward him. I’ve always had a hard time feeling a connection between him and Alex, which makes it hard for me to deal with the whole “soulmate” thing.
While the events of previous books are discussed, I still think it’s best to read the series in order, if for anything else, to get a sense of who each of the characters are, which would make certain events much more meaningful. Point of view changes constantly, so if you’re a fan of just one or two narrators, this probably isn’t the series for you. If multiple points of view don’t bother you, and the idea of a different take on Armageddon intrigues you, then you definitely need to give this series a try! After these last two books, it’s definitely made it on my list of must-read series!
Notable Scene:
“Something’s not right.”
His wings instantly unfurled part way, brushing against a parliamentary page who glanced around, saw nothing, and gave a puzzled shrug. Scowling, Aramael folded the wings close again.
“What?” he asked. “I feel no Fallen-”
“No.” Alex shot him a warning look. “That stroller down there.” She nodded her head toward the lawn. “I don’t see anyone with it. I want to have a look.”
“I’m coming with you.”
Striding across the driveway, she headed down the stairs, Aramael at her back. One of the plainclothes RCMP officers beside the podium looked toward her, eyes hidden behind sunglasses. Alex turned the lapel of her coat over to expose her badge and gave a jerk of her head to the right. The woman frowned and leaned forward to murmur something to her burly colleague, who also looked toward Alex. With a nod, he returned to his crowd surveillance. The female officer stepped away from her position and crossed the grass, intercepting Alex halfway between the podium and the stroller. “You are-?”
“Alexandra Jarvis, Toronto Homicide. This is my partner, Jacob Trent.”
Barely glancing at Aramael, the woman responded, “Julia Greer, RCMP. What’s up?”
“That stroller.” Alex nodded past her. “No one’s with it.”
Greer swiveled and did a quick reconnaissance. “You’re right.”
Alex fell into step beside her. Greer lifted her left hand to her face. “We have what appears to be an unattended stroller on the west side of the podium,” she murmured into the microphone clipped inside her sleeve. “I’m taking a look.”
A half dozen pairs of sunglasses swiveled in their direction, tracking their progress. Fifteen feet, ten. At the center of the group clustered nearby, a man raised a cell phone as if to take a photo. Alex’s steps slowed. She frowned at the words on the sign he held aloft in his other hand. Luke 21:23.
Luke, chapter twenty-one, verse twenty-three. A biblical reference.
Son of a-
The man moved his thumb.
FTC Advisory: InterMix/Penguin provided me with a copy of Sins of the Lost. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
September 7, 2013
What a roller coaster ride! And at the end I was cursing her name (again!).
Alex is happy with Seth..or is she? She still deals with the trauma from book 2, and of course then there is the whole Son of Lucifer and God thing going on. Seth did after all give up everything to be with her. Also hiding in the shadows is her former soul mate (well he still is but he must stay away). Lots of possible romantic drama in play and Poitevin shakes the foundations of what I want yet again.
Then we have the THE END IS NEAR thing. Yes you can't really skip that part as lots of halfhuman/angel babies are popping up soon and will lead the Fallen to Armageddon. The end is certainly near and cos of who she chose Alex is in the middle of it all. There was action, blood, and unexplained murders for her to solve and heart ache.
Then we have the end, oh she is so good at those... not a cliffie, but yes still such a cliffie endings. Things are "normal" *coughs* for now, but we all know lots more are to come the next minute or so. The ending is also truly evil and I do not even know what to think any more. What to I want? How will she possible fix everything? I NEED to know!
More please.
Alex is happy with Seth..or is she? She still deals with the trauma from book 2, and of course then there is the whole Son of Lucifer and God thing going on. Seth did after all give up everything to be with her. Also hiding in the shadows is her former soul mate (well he still is but he must stay away). Lots of possible romantic drama in play and Poitevin shakes the foundations of what I want yet again.
Then we have the THE END IS NEAR thing. Yes you can't really skip that part as lots of halfhuman/angel babies are popping up soon and will lead the Fallen to Armageddon. The end is certainly near and cos of who she chose Alex is in the middle of it all. There was action, blood, and unexplained murders for her to solve and heart ache.
Then we have the end, oh she is so good at those... not a cliffie, but yes still such a cliffie endings. Things are "normal" *coughs* for now, but we all know lots more are to come the next minute or so. The ending is also truly evil and I do not even know what to think any more. What to I want? How will she possible fix everything? I NEED to know!
More please.
July 19, 2019
This is a great third book, a rollercoaster of emotions, love and betrayal. Well written I was hooked from book one and love the strong characters and storyline. Fast paced, suspense and twists and turns makes this a gripping series!
January 14, 2015
Originally Posted On Book Mood Reviews
At the end of Sins of the Son, I thought I had a pretty good idea on where the plot was going to head. Alex was going to try to save the women who were pregnant with ne Nephilims; the war between Heaven and Hell would Continue without Seth and Alex; Michael, with the help of Aramael would be trying to hold back Lucifer and his army and it would all cumulate with a bit old slug fest at the end with Seth and Alex back within the fold….. HA! Potiven, in a stroke of brilliant and sneaky sleight of hand took all these pre-conceptions, threw them in the blender and then scattered them to the wind.
As I said, the Queen of misdirection takes us down a pretty standard plot. I was safe in comfortable in my naivety that this would follow the pattern that the previous two books had taken. It quickly became apparent that this would not be the case. If the previous two books could be compared to anything, then it would be comparing it to the TV series Firefly. This book is like the movie Serenity. All bets were off, no one was safe and like a crafty magician Poitevin masters the misdirection again and again.
From the very first chapter to the very end, the book was sucker punch after sucker punch, as Poitevin crafts multiple plot lines with such ease. It could have been easy to drop the ball, but each one is given its own time to shine. As an outsider you can see that the situation with The Nephilims, Lucifers urge to seek vengeance on The One’s rejection and the impending Armageddon are all heading for a collision course that cannot be good. You are powerless to stop it, but you keep hoping that Mikael, Alex and Aramael will somehow pull something out of the bag to save the day.
So to watch as their best laid plans start to crumble and it looks as though Lucifer and his followers will be victorious in their end game, was disheartening. Yet, Poitevin again does a quick switcheroo which completely changes both the game and the players. Pivotal figures from the very first book meet their demise and for once I didn’t see it coming. Closing the book I was still left shell-shocked, unsure what is coming next.
As was the case in the previous books, a seemingly secondary plotline became the most important of them all. The plotline I am talking about is that of Seth and Alex’s relationship. The events that occurred at the end of the previous book have left a lasting mark on Alex and if you have read that book, you can understand why being intimate with Seth is such a challenge. Coupled with the guilt she feels over the fact that Seth has given up his destiny and birth right, the odds are already against them. The last thing either needs is the reappearance of Aramael, the Angel that was Alex’s soul mate. All these factors cause a strain on their relationship and I couldn’t help but hope that somehow they would manage to work through this.
It is not to be and if anything we see Seth begin walking the same path that his father did. He begins to resent Alex’s dedication and commitment to the mortals, just as Lucifer resented The One’s affection for them. Watching History seemingly repeat itself, only adds to the foreshadowing and as Seth becomes more and more resentful, the hope within me died. It isn’t helped by the fact that one of Lucifer’s minions, is poisoning him against Alex. By the end of the book, Seth is now on the path that Anakin Skywalker walked down to become the villain of the Star Wars series.
By the end of the book I was left emotionally drained, much like Alex. Everything I thought was going to happen didn’t and those characters I was sure were going to be major players in the end game, were brutally taken out. One of the characters I had started off not liking much at all, but by two thirds of the way though the book, I had grown so fond of them that I became their cheerleader. Their death hit me much like the death of Walsh in Serenity. My heart had been ripped out and put through the meat grinder, yet I was given no chance to grieve as the next body blow was struck.
VERDICT
This is a series that keeps building on the previous one. You become so heavily invested in the main characters plight, that their pain becomes your pain, their victories become yours. The Grigori Legacy series has become the benchmark that other Urban Fantasies are compared to for me. The next book is going to bittersweet for I do want to see how this all plays out, but it is also the conclusion of the series. No matter what, I am sure that it is going to be a rollercoaster of a ride
At the end of Sins of the Son, I thought I had a pretty good idea on where the plot was going to head. Alex was going to try to save the women who were pregnant with ne Nephilims; the war between Heaven and Hell would Continue without Seth and Alex; Michael, with the help of Aramael would be trying to hold back Lucifer and his army and it would all cumulate with a bit old slug fest at the end with Seth and Alex back within the fold….. HA! Potiven, in a stroke of brilliant and sneaky sleight of hand took all these pre-conceptions, threw them in the blender and then scattered them to the wind.
As I said, the Queen of misdirection takes us down a pretty standard plot. I was safe in comfortable in my naivety that this would follow the pattern that the previous two books had taken. It quickly became apparent that this would not be the case. If the previous two books could be compared to anything, then it would be comparing it to the TV series Firefly. This book is like the movie Serenity. All bets were off, no one was safe and like a crafty magician Poitevin masters the misdirection again and again.
From the very first chapter to the very end, the book was sucker punch after sucker punch, as Poitevin crafts multiple plot lines with such ease. It could have been easy to drop the ball, but each one is given its own time to shine. As an outsider you can see that the situation with The Nephilims, Lucifers urge to seek vengeance on The One’s rejection and the impending Armageddon are all heading for a collision course that cannot be good. You are powerless to stop it, but you keep hoping that Mikael, Alex and Aramael will somehow pull something out of the bag to save the day.
So to watch as their best laid plans start to crumble and it looks as though Lucifer and his followers will be victorious in their end game, was disheartening. Yet, Poitevin again does a quick switcheroo which completely changes both the game and the players. Pivotal figures from the very first book meet their demise and for once I didn’t see it coming. Closing the book I was still left shell-shocked, unsure what is coming next.
As was the case in the previous books, a seemingly secondary plotline became the most important of them all. The plotline I am talking about is that of Seth and Alex’s relationship. The events that occurred at the end of the previous book have left a lasting mark on Alex and if you have read that book, you can understand why being intimate with Seth is such a challenge. Coupled with the guilt she feels over the fact that Seth has given up his destiny and birth right, the odds are already against them. The last thing either needs is the reappearance of Aramael, the Angel that was Alex’s soul mate. All these factors cause a strain on their relationship and I couldn’t help but hope that somehow they would manage to work through this.
It is not to be and if anything we see Seth begin walking the same path that his father did. He begins to resent Alex’s dedication and commitment to the mortals, just as Lucifer resented The One’s affection for them. Watching History seemingly repeat itself, only adds to the foreshadowing and as Seth becomes more and more resentful, the hope within me died. It isn’t helped by the fact that one of Lucifer’s minions, is poisoning him against Alex. By the end of the book, Seth is now on the path that Anakin Skywalker walked down to become the villain of the Star Wars series.
By the end of the book I was left emotionally drained, much like Alex. Everything I thought was going to happen didn’t and those characters I was sure were going to be major players in the end game, were brutally taken out. One of the characters I had started off not liking much at all, but by two thirds of the way though the book, I had grown so fond of them that I became their cheerleader. Their death hit me much like the death of Walsh in Serenity. My heart had been ripped out and put through the meat grinder, yet I was given no chance to grieve as the next body blow was struck.
VERDICT
This is a series that keeps building on the previous one. You become so heavily invested in the main characters plight, that their pain becomes your pain, their victories become yours. The Grigori Legacy series has become the benchmark that other Urban Fantasies are compared to for me. The next book is going to bittersweet for I do want to see how this all plays out, but it is also the conclusion of the series. No matter what, I am sure that it is going to be a rollercoaster of a ride
August 1, 2019
82 points/100 (4 ¼ stars/5)
Warning: themes of rape
Warning: Cliffhanger (status: 😭😭😭 noooooooo. You can't do that!)
Seth has given up his powers to be with Alex because he loves her so much. Only that release of power has turned out to be a problem. Lucifer is continuing to build his army of Nephilim babies. Alex now once again has to work with the soulmate she turned away from as she is asked to betray the man she loves.
Holy One alive. I'm torn in two right now. I am hurting in ways I really didn't want to be hurting. In the introduction, Poitevin says "Sins of the Lost is by far the darkest of the three novels, and if I've done my job as well as I hope, the most heart-wrenching." She did her job, because I'm in pain.
In a continuance of one of the more fucked up plot lines I've read, the issue with Lucifer raising a Nephilim army has grown. It isn't a few hundred this time, though. It is 80,000 babies. 80,000 dead women. There is absolutely no way to keep this contained. This is a turning point, because you know that the world has absolutely changed because of the events of this book. Everyone will end up knowing something, the only question is if it is going to be the correct something. Someone brings up that it might be aliens, for example. Someone need to control the information.
This series just has such a high level of stakes. This isn't just about a police detective solving a crime and getting wrapped up in mystical things. No, this is the fight between heaven and hell. God, known as The One or One, is planning on doing whatever she can to stop Lucifer. This is a religion changing moment - and the people of Earth don't even know it. The level this series plays at is much higher than I am used to seeing and I absolutely love it. I actually like Lucifer and the One's "relationship". It is unconventional, but it is good. I like how these two play together.
Lucifer doesn't have it all good, though. Samael, his second in command, is actively trying to devise a plan to subvert Lucifer's power because Samael believes he knows better. This is also on top of the whole Nephilim thing. We don't see Lucifer actually leading hell in any meaningful matter. However, we do see a lot of planning going on, to try and win. Also, there is Lucifer trying to influence his son, Seth.
See, Sins of the Lost is all about getting Seth to do what others want. Sins of the Son was about trying to remove him from the game entirely. This wants to use him as their pawn. Everyone needs him to do something to further their plans. Yet, he has taken himself as far out of the game as possible. Only, they need him back in. The only one that seems to care about Seth for Seth, well she has her own problems. And she needs him for her own things too. What a horrible situation for anyone to be in. No wonder Seth has gone crazy - since this is an obsession, a stalking, not a love. This romance is so unhealthy, oh my One.
Yet none of this means that Alex is out of the game. All of this falls on Alex's shoulders. All their plans seem to hinge on her. Further, after Alex took away Lucifer's plans for her in Sins of the Lost, once again her family is in danger. Everyone wants Alex to play some part in their games. They want to protect her because they want to use her. They want to hurt her so they can use her. Alex is under an insane amount of stress this book. She is close to the breaking point.
There is so much I cannot touch on. There is so much wrapped up in the spoilers. This book broke my fucking heart and stomped on the pieces. It took out all of my hope and crushed it in its hands. I never expected this out of this series, but holy hell am I glad I started reading it.
To read more reviews in this series and others, check out keikii eats books!
Warning: themes of rape
Warning: Cliffhanger (status: 😭😭😭 noooooooo. You can't do that!)
Seth has given up his powers to be with Alex because he loves her so much. Only that release of power has turned out to be a problem. Lucifer is continuing to build his army of Nephilim babies. Alex now once again has to work with the soulmate she turned away from as she is asked to betray the man she loves.
Holy One alive. I'm torn in two right now. I am hurting in ways I really didn't want to be hurting. In the introduction, Poitevin says "Sins of the Lost is by far the darkest of the three novels, and if I've done my job as well as I hope, the most heart-wrenching." She did her job, because I'm in pain.
In a continuance of one of the more fucked up plot lines I've read, the issue with Lucifer raising a Nephilim army has grown. It isn't a few hundred this time, though. It is 80,000 babies. 80,000 dead women. There is absolutely no way to keep this contained. This is a turning point, because you know that the world has absolutely changed because of the events of this book. Everyone will end up knowing something, the only question is if it is going to be the correct something. Someone brings up that it might be aliens, for example. Someone need to control the information.
This series just has such a high level of stakes. This isn't just about a police detective solving a crime and getting wrapped up in mystical things. No, this is the fight between heaven and hell. God, known as The One or One, is planning on doing whatever she can to stop Lucifer. This is a religion changing moment - and the people of Earth don't even know it. The level this series plays at is much higher than I am used to seeing and I absolutely love it. I actually like Lucifer and the One's "relationship". It is unconventional, but it is good. I like how these two play together.
Lucifer doesn't have it all good, though. Samael, his second in command, is actively trying to devise a plan to subvert Lucifer's power because Samael believes he knows better. This is also on top of the whole Nephilim thing. We don't see Lucifer actually leading hell in any meaningful matter. However, we do see a lot of planning going on, to try and win. Also, there is Lucifer trying to influence his son, Seth.
See, Sins of the Lost is all about getting Seth to do what others want. Sins of the Son was about trying to remove him from the game entirely. This wants to use him as their pawn. Everyone needs him to do something to further their plans. Yet, he has taken himself as far out of the game as possible. Only, they need him back in. The only one that seems to care about Seth for Seth, well she has her own problems. And she needs him for her own things too. What a horrible situation for anyone to be in. No wonder Seth has gone crazy - since this is an obsession, a stalking, not a love. This romance is so unhealthy, oh my One.
Yet none of this means that Alex is out of the game. All of this falls on Alex's shoulders. All their plans seem to hinge on her. Further, after Alex took away Lucifer's plans for her in Sins of the Lost, once again her family is in danger. Everyone wants Alex to play some part in their games. They want to protect her because they want to use her. They want to hurt her so they can use her. Alex is under an insane amount of stress this book. She is close to the breaking point.
There is so much I cannot touch on. There is so much wrapped up in the spoilers. This book broke my fucking heart and stomped on the pieces. It took out all of my hope and crushed it in its hands. I never expected this out of this series, but holy hell am I glad I started reading it.
To read more reviews in this series and others, check out keikii eats books!
February 19, 2014
This has nothing to do with the rating I've given the book, but allow me to whine for just a moment: this is the first book in Poitevin's wonderful series not to be released in print, and that makes me sad. Not that ebook formats are any less real than print, just that I have the first two in print and would love to see the whole series in paperback. Also, I can't say I'm a huge fan of the new cover art as compared to the covers that put Alex front and center. Just my two cents.
Now, as for the story itself: in a series that's been fast-paced from the start, you would think it would be hard to get the action to move any faster ... and yet Poitevin does exactly that. The relationship drama that was a major part of the first two books is still here, but rather than providing a breather from the action the relationship scenes pile more tension and plot-forwarding moments onto the action. The series has reached a critical point with this book, and Poitevin does not allow the requisite Aramael-Alex-Seth drama to bog the story down; every encounter between Alex and either of the Heavenly men in her life advances the plot in some way.
The characterizations of the core three characters all remain strong and equal. Alex is still struggling with her knowledge of the workings of Heaven and Hell, the consequences of being raped by Lucifer and aborting the pregnancy rather violently in book two, and this latter character point drives most of her decisions. Seth struggles with his new-found humanity, putting a strain on his relationship with Alex, the woman he gave up Heaven for, in ways that only feed off of Alex's own insecurities. Poitevin provides a really solid look at the stresses of a relationship that happened too fast for all involved, a relationship in which each partner has secrets they cannot share with the other until it's too late. Aramael struggles with his new position as an Archangel who has supposedly given up his soulmate connection to Alex ... except that it proved impossible to sever. All three are called upon to make impossible decisions regarding the fate of humanity and none of them handle the stress well -- which I found very realistic.
The supporting cast characterizations are largely strong as well: we get better looks at the archangels Michael and Raphael, fallen archangel Samael, Heaven's administrator Verchiel, we learn what happened to Mittron after he was cast out, and we get major insight into the relationship between The One and Lucifer: how it came to be, how it went sour, and where it stands now. All of these dynamics are played out against each other and against the big love triangle and it's all well-paced and balanced throughout. Unfortunately, this means that most of the human supporting characters (Alex's sister and niece, boss, psychologist and her fellow officer from Vancouver) get short-shrift with very little character advancement. They come across more as chess pieces (sister and niece) or Greek choruses (everyone else) rather than the real characters we know they are from previous books.
Throughout the book more hints are dropped that Alex is more than she seems. For the most part, these hints are subtle, woven into the fabric of what's going on around her and very easily misconstrued as being the result of the being around her ... but there's one slap-the-reader-in-the-face moment that raises questions not answered in this book but which I hope will be a major part of the next one. Because there will be a next one: the book ends on too many cliffhangers for Poitevin to just say "this is it, we're done."
Now, as for the story itself: in a series that's been fast-paced from the start, you would think it would be hard to get the action to move any faster ... and yet Poitevin does exactly that. The relationship drama that was a major part of the first two books is still here, but rather than providing a breather from the action the relationship scenes pile more tension and plot-forwarding moments onto the action. The series has reached a critical point with this book, and Poitevin does not allow the requisite Aramael-Alex-Seth drama to bog the story down; every encounter between Alex and either of the Heavenly men in her life advances the plot in some way.
The characterizations of the core three characters all remain strong and equal. Alex is still struggling with her knowledge of the workings of Heaven and Hell, the consequences of being raped by Lucifer and aborting the pregnancy rather violently in book two, and this latter character point drives most of her decisions. Seth struggles with his new-found humanity, putting a strain on his relationship with Alex, the woman he gave up Heaven for, in ways that only feed off of Alex's own insecurities. Poitevin provides a really solid look at the stresses of a relationship that happened too fast for all involved, a relationship in which each partner has secrets they cannot share with the other until it's too late. Aramael struggles with his new position as an Archangel who has supposedly given up his soulmate connection to Alex ... except that it proved impossible to sever. All three are called upon to make impossible decisions regarding the fate of humanity and none of them handle the stress well -- which I found very realistic.
The supporting cast characterizations are largely strong as well: we get better looks at the archangels Michael and Raphael, fallen archangel Samael, Heaven's administrator Verchiel, we learn what happened to Mittron after he was cast out, and we get major insight into the relationship between The One and Lucifer: how it came to be, how it went sour, and where it stands now. All of these dynamics are played out against each other and against the big love triangle and it's all well-paced and balanced throughout. Unfortunately, this means that most of the human supporting characters (Alex's sister and niece, boss, psychologist and her fellow officer from Vancouver) get short-shrift with very little character advancement. They come across more as chess pieces (sister and niece) or Greek choruses (everyone else) rather than the real characters we know they are from previous books.
Throughout the book more hints are dropped that Alex is more than she seems. For the most part, these hints are subtle, woven into the fabric of what's going on around her and very easily misconstrued as being the result of the being around her ... but there's one slap-the-reader-in-the-face moment that raises questions not answered in this book but which I hope will be a major part of the next one. Because there will be a next one: the book ends on too many cliffhangers for Poitevin to just say "this is it, we're done."
October 21, 2013
What a rollercoaster ride!
It had been a while since I read the last book in this series, so I had to remind myself of events and relationships as I read this one. Because of that, I probably did not feel as much of the emotional impact of some of the interactions and events in this story.
The war between heaven and hell is nearing. Lucifer has set things into motion for his army of Nephilim. The fallout from Seth giving up his immortality is affecting both heaven and earth. Alex remains torn between her feelings for Seth, who has given up everything for her, and for Aramael, her soul-mate.
Then Poitevin mixes everything up and things get far worse. Relationships become more clear--and more heartbreaking. Friends and loved ones are harmed or possibly killed. Alliances shift. Life as Alex knows it quite literally changes forever.
I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next and hope that not only will I remember events better between books but that Alex might find a little happiness in the next book as well.
It had been a while since I read the last book in this series, so I had to remind myself of events and relationships as I read this one. Because of that, I probably did not feel as much of the emotional impact of some of the interactions and events in this story.
The war between heaven and hell is nearing. Lucifer has set things into motion for his army of Nephilim. The fallout from Seth giving up his immortality is affecting both heaven and earth. Alex remains torn between her feelings for Seth, who has given up everything for her, and for Aramael, her soul-mate.
Then Poitevin mixes everything up and things get far worse. Relationships become more clear--and more heartbreaking. Friends and loved ones are harmed or possibly killed. Alliances shift. Life as Alex knows it quite literally changes forever.
I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next and hope that not only will I remember events better between books but that Alex might find a little happiness in the next book as well.
October 2, 2013
SPOILER FREE
There are all sorts of urban fantasy to choose from. I love the snarky heroine who is kicks the bad guy’s butt, gets the hot hero (eventually) all within a unique and multi-faceted world. But I also love the drama of dark urban fantasy. Poitevin’s Grigori Legacy series is that kind of story. In a fight between heaven and hell there can be no real winners, only degrees of losing. Sometimes you can’t have what you desire and must make hard sacrifices for little reward, and sometimes love doesn't heal, it destroys. Poitevin’s series is a passionate and emotionally powerful written story combined with a gritty urban fantasy detective mystery.
Sins of the Lost is the third book in the series and my favorite so far. Of course I gave the first two books 5 sheep too. To fully appreciate the emotional impact of the characters I suggest you start with book one, Sins of the Angels. There is also a spoiler issue if read out of order.
Another reason this series works so well for me is the subject matter and style of writing are in perfect harmony. You have brutal and beautiful parts pulled together with poetic prose. I really don’t want to go into any details about the plot because of spoilers for the first two books. If you are looking for a series with high emotional drama, intelligent and exceptional world building based on the classic heaven vs hell theme, and strong story arcs then give this one a try.
You make me cry, you get the five… sheep that is.
http://www.ismellsheep.com/2013/10/bo...
There are all sorts of urban fantasy to choose from. I love the snarky heroine who is kicks the bad guy’s butt, gets the hot hero (eventually) all within a unique and multi-faceted world. But I also love the drama of dark urban fantasy. Poitevin’s Grigori Legacy series is that kind of story. In a fight between heaven and hell there can be no real winners, only degrees of losing. Sometimes you can’t have what you desire and must make hard sacrifices for little reward, and sometimes love doesn't heal, it destroys. Poitevin’s series is a passionate and emotionally powerful written story combined with a gritty urban fantasy detective mystery.
Sins of the Lost is the third book in the series and my favorite so far. Of course I gave the first two books 5 sheep too. To fully appreciate the emotional impact of the characters I suggest you start with book one, Sins of the Angels. There is also a spoiler issue if read out of order.
Another reason this series works so well for me is the subject matter and style of writing are in perfect harmony. You have brutal and beautiful parts pulled together with poetic prose. I really don’t want to go into any details about the plot because of spoilers for the first two books. If you are looking for a series with high emotional drama, intelligent and exceptional world building based on the classic heaven vs hell theme, and strong story arcs then give this one a try.
You make me cry, you get the five… sheep that is.
http://www.ismellsheep.com/2013/10/bo...
November 17, 2014
Just like the rest of the series so far... loved it!
The character development is amazing and there is always a tension in the background. You just know that something bad is about to happen and that you will be left stunned. But you still cannot stop the characters make choices true to their personalities and bring us all closer to the impending devastation.
Once again, I loved it.
I shouldn't have real life let me pause this book for three months. This was just worth the wait though.
The character development is amazing and there is always a tension in the background. You just know that something bad is about to happen and that you will be left stunned. But you still cannot stop the characters make choices true to their personalities and bring us all closer to the impending devastation.
Once again, I loved it.
I shouldn't have real life let me pause this book for three months. This was just worth the wait though.
November 9, 2013
I just...I can't even...
1. Sort of cliffhanger ending
2. Not happy (me)
3. Riveting, but frustrating
4. Infuriating
5. Tragic
Okay. Must ponder rating after collecting myself and wiping away tears.
Possible full review to come. Maybe.
1. Sort of cliffhanger ending
2. Not happy (me)
3. Riveting, but frustrating
4. Infuriating
5. Tragic
Okay. Must ponder rating after collecting myself and wiping away tears.
Possible full review to come. Maybe.
October 15, 2013
Whoa... Just, whoa. Review to follow.
July 15, 2019
4 Lost Stars
The world is falling apart and the only way homicide detective Alexandra Jarvis can save it is to convince the man she loves to give her up. Seth Benjamin abdicated his role as Heaven’s son and the now the world is suffering cataclysmic results but Seth sees no point in relinquishing Alex only to delay the inevitable. Just when Alex thinks she making headway with Seth, an agent of Hell gets involved offering Seth another option.
Once again the ‘Grigori Legacy’ series stuns readers with an emotionally gripping story that turns everything upside down. The strong, captivating characters continue to engage readers in their world but they still remain quite stubborn and unaccepting and moving forward in this ongoing war between heaven and hell and they continue to make mistakes huge mistakes that results in some dire consequences because of that.
The plot is steady to fast paced and full of suspense, thrills and jaw dropping twists that keep readers hanging onto the edge of their seats. While exciting, it all also keeps things a bit on the depressing side when readers are faced with just how destructive humans can be. However, there is no denying that the story pulls readers and refuses to let go and ensures that they want to know just how this war will end.
The world is falling apart and the only way homicide detective Alexandra Jarvis can save it is to convince the man she loves to give her up. Seth Benjamin abdicated his role as Heaven’s son and the now the world is suffering cataclysmic results but Seth sees no point in relinquishing Alex only to delay the inevitable. Just when Alex thinks she making headway with Seth, an agent of Hell gets involved offering Seth another option.
Once again the ‘Grigori Legacy’ series stuns readers with an emotionally gripping story that turns everything upside down. The strong, captivating characters continue to engage readers in their world but they still remain quite stubborn and unaccepting and moving forward in this ongoing war between heaven and hell and they continue to make mistakes huge mistakes that results in some dire consequences because of that.
The plot is steady to fast paced and full of suspense, thrills and jaw dropping twists that keep readers hanging onto the edge of their seats. While exciting, it all also keeps things a bit on the depressing side when readers are faced with just how destructive humans can be. However, there is no denying that the story pulls readers and refuses to let go and ensures that they want to know just how this war will end.
April 5, 2019
Now this is the type of book I was hoping to get from this series!
It was so much more well written and thought out compared to the last book and it had you enthralled.
I knew I couldn't stand Seth and this just showed why.
We finally saw more kick ass Alex and it was so great. Her strength and determination and character growth has gotten so well even if the other books were a little sloppy.
The whole second book probably could've been avoided and just had things explained in this one when it came to Lucifer and the One.
The soul mate situation is again irritating me. It's like she dangled the possibly again but then took it away, seemingly for good, yet again and I hope she can somehow fix it.
I'm actually excited to read the last book and see how Alex finds her niece and how she's able to do so much more than a mere mortal should be able to. I also hope she's the one to end Seth completely.
It was so much more well written and thought out compared to the last book and it had you enthralled.
I knew I couldn't stand Seth and this just showed why.
We finally saw more kick ass Alex and it was so great. Her strength and determination and character growth has gotten so well even if the other books were a little sloppy.
The whole second book probably could've been avoided and just had things explained in this one when it came to Lucifer and the One.
The soul mate situation is again irritating me. It's like she dangled the possibly again but then took it away, seemingly for good, yet again and I hope she can somehow fix it.
I'm actually excited to read the last book and see how Alex finds her niece and how she's able to do so much more than a mere mortal should be able to. I also hope she's the one to end Seth completely.
July 27, 2019
Sins of the Lost by Lydia M. Hawke is the third book in the Grigori Legacy. At the beginning of this book, Seth the son of the One and Lucifer and Alex a homicide detective he loves are finally together. However, some things are and some things are just not meant to be. The suspense throughout this story builds as to who will rule heaven and hell as well as what will happen to the humans on Earth. This book is full of intrigue, suspense, and mystery. I couldn’t put it down. These characters are so unusual and the plot so different that I was entranced from the first page to the very last. If you are looking for a book with substance and an intriguing plot that involves the possible end of the world as we know it than you will love this book like I do. Sins of the Lost is an amazing tale involving the end of days, love, heaven, and hell.
July 27, 2019
Sins of the Lost by Lydia M. Hawke is the third book in the Grigori Legacy. At the beginning of this book, Seth the son of the One and Lucifer and Alex a homicide detective he loves are finally together. However, some things are and some things are just not meant to be. The suspense throughout this story builds as to who will rule heaven and hell as well as what will happen to the humans on Earth. This book is full of intrigue, suspense, and mystery. I couldn’t put it down. These characters are so unusual and the plot so different that I was entranced from the first page to the very last. If you are looking for a book with substance and an intriguing plot that involves the possible end of the world as we know it than you will love this book like I do. Sins of the Lost is an amazing tale involving the end of days, love, heaven, and hell.
July 6, 2019
What does it feel like to be caught between Heaven and Hell? How about being the one person who is both catalyst and pivot in that particular ongoing conflict? Alex is in precisely that position and on top of that, she is also caught between two very different, very possessive, very obsessed alpha males. She just cannot seem to get a break. The author spins an amazingly detailed, intricate and intimate story that puts the reader on Alex's shoulder as she tries to survive these conflicts, macro and micro, while trying to protect everyone she can. The situation does not make it easy for her to serve and protect.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 15, 2020
I really tried to like this series. The majority of the story was great but I never bought the relationship between Alex and Seth or between Alex and Aramael. The whole soulmate thing seemed more like forced slavery than love with maybe a little lust thrown in. Alex fought with both Seth and Aramael constantly and never showed any affection for them. It's like the author forgot to include the part where the characters who are falling in love actually get to know one another. They had nothing in common, they never discussed their feelings on anything let alone each other.
However, I pressed on because the premise of the book was good. The whole Heaven verses Hell with humanity in the middle kept me reading through 2 3/4 books but when the "love" became such an important part of buying the story I had to give up. DNF
However, I pressed on because the premise of the book was good. The whole Heaven verses Hell with humanity in the middle kept me reading through 2 3/4 books but when the "love" became such an important part of buying the story I had to give up. DNF
April 2, 2019
Wow....... that's the only thing I can think of to sum up this whole book. It's absolutely heartbreaking, but yet you just can't look away, you just HAVE to find out what happens next. It's a breathless ride from start to finish, and plays on every emotion you have! This was one of the most memorable books I've ever read, and it will stay with me for a while! Thank you for the opportunity to review this jewel!
March 15, 2019
This was a great book, with lots of action and so well-written! It is book 3 in the Grigori Legacy series, and I could not believe what happened in this story. Alex has been through so much so far in the series, and it's still not over! This is an amazing book and I definitely recommend the series as well as the author.
March 15, 2019
This was a great book, with lots of action and so well-written! It is book 3 in the Grigori Legacy series, and I could not believe what happened in this story. Alex has been through so much so far in the series, and it's still not over! This is an amazing book and I definitely recommend the series as well as the author.
August 5, 2019
This is the 3rd book in the series and while every one of the books so far has been so emotional and compelling, this one is really heart-wrenching! I love the story, the characters, the action, the everything!!! Can hardly wait for the next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 7, 2019
Thrilling and amazing! A great continuation of the series with really interesting characters and an exciting story-line. I absolutely love the way that the author manages to always draw you in from the very first page!
March 28, 2020
Devastatingly awesome!
Archangels, Fallen Ones and Nephilium babies... This book has a lot of twist and turns you'll never see coming! Read it, you won't be disappointed. Now, on to book four!
Archangels, Fallen Ones and Nephilium babies... This book has a lot of twist and turns you'll never see coming! Read it, you won't be disappointed. Now, on to book four!
January 21, 2021
Wow! So much... I don’t give out 5 stars Willy-nilly but this book deserves the rating. Emotional rollercoaster from start to finish. I couldn’t stop reading. I feel like I have to read it again because I was rushing through and might have missed something. Highly recommended.
May 19, 2017
Extra 1/2 star
A trip to Ottawa! Hee!
Also, oh noooooo!!
A trip to Ottawa! Hee!
Also, oh noooooo!!
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