Book Review: Embrace

Title: Embrace.
Author: Stacey Rourke.
Pages: 184.
Series: Yes, #2.
Source: Author, Review Copy.
Publisher: Anchor Group.
Published Date: 3/20/12.
Links:
Goodreads.
Barnes and Noble.

Summary:

"Whether she likes it or not, eighteen year old Celeste Garrett has come to terms with being the Chosen One. She knew having a "normal life" would be tricky, between intense training sessions and epic demonic battles, but she didn't know at what cost it would come. That is, until a dear friend is harmed by the malicious forces hunting her. Now, she'd like nothing more than to retreat into a hermit lifestyle to prevent anyone else from getting hurt. But startling revelations, amazing new abilities, and mortifying moments in front of insanely hot guys won't allow time for that. Soon, Celeste finds herself surrounded by darkness and wondering who she can trust-if anyone."

Cover:

All of the books in Gryphon series have amazing cover. My favorite part? All of the different elements incorporated in the covers that play large roles within the story!

My Thoughts:

Embrace is the second installment in the Gryphon series and continues to follow the trio's battle against the demonic world. I absolutely loved the first book, and couldn't wait to get started on this one! (So happy I already had it sitting on my shelf!) The first installment in the series, The Conduit, left the reader off with an explosive ending, which made me crave Embrace!

In Embrace Celeste is learning to become the Conduit, Gabe is embracing his furry cat side as the protector, and Kendall is lovin' her fab angelic wings as the shield! The three are back and ready to kick demon butt!

Slaving away at a coffee shop, Celeste is learning to balance work and being the Conduit. Having absolutely no social life...whatsoEVER...Celeste's co-worker and friend decides to become her matchmaker. Her first task is to talk to the cute Irish boy (DROOL) who just wandered into the shop.

With Gabe now dating Alaina (which Celeste accidentally walks in on earlier in the story...opps!), and Kendall dating a cute shy boy, Celeste feels left out and lonely. Until she becomes close to the guy she was forced to talk to by her matchmaker; Caleb. But nothing is ever normal for Celeste anymore, and she quickly comes to find out that Caleb isn't normal either, he's a demon.

Besides fighting the entire demonic world, Celeste is now dating one of the army's members and believes he is nothing like the rest. But is he? Or is he even worse?

In Embrace we are re-introduced to Celeste, her older brother Gabe and her younger sister Kendall. The most annoying thing about a book who has a "chosen one" in it, is that, that chosen one is usually very whiny and doesn't enjoy their super powers, and are always just trying to fit. That doesn't happen in The Conduit, and thank goodness it doesn't happen in Embrace. All three seem to really have taken these powers well, and don't mind being the Conduit, a lion or having angel wings...which is awesome!!

Celeste is still that awkward, and sarcastic girl I came to know and love in The Conduit. I was happy to see that aspect of her throughout the entire second story as well. Gabe is still that BIG and tough, but also loving brother, who is willing to do anything to take care of his baby sisters and new girlfriend Alaina. Throughout all this fighting and battling, Kendall is the little ray of sunshine, who adds a little bit of girlishness and reality to the story.

We are introduced to a few new characters like Caleb and his roommate Rowan. Awwwh! Caleb is the new  Irish guy that Celeste is dating; can he been any sweeter? Rowan is also a cutie, who I grew to love throughout Embrace, but unlike Caleb, Rowan is more of the bad boy type...which I do not mind..nope.

Just like in the first book, Embrace leaves off with a mind blowing cliffhanger, so that I couldn't help but start the third book as soon as I had finished this one!

Overall Embrace satisfied me completely. I was happy to see that the three main characters remained their same corky selfs, that I was introduced to some hot boys, and that the ending was something I wouldn't have expected! My favorite part would have to be that you never really know who the bad guy is. You always have your suspicions but you never TRULY know!

Stacey Rourke was hilarious, mysterious and truly butt kicking in Embrace!