Review: Emblaze by Jessica Shirvington

Title: Emblaze
Author: Jessica Shirvington
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire
Age Group: Young Adult
Category: Paranormal, Romance
Release date: March 5th, 2013
Pages: 464 (eGalley)
Rating: 3.5 out of 5
Source: Publisher
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Violet has come to terms with the fact that being part angel, part human, means her life will never be as it was. 

Now Violet has something Phoenix - the exiled angel who betrayed her - will do anything for, and she has no intention of letting it fall into his hands. The only problem is that he has something she needs too. 

Not afraid to raise the stakes, Phoenix seemingly holds all the power, always one step ahead. And when he puts the final pieces of the prophecy together, it doesn't take him long to realize exactly who he needs in order to open the gates of Hell. 

With the help of surprising new allies, ancient prophecies are deciphered, a destination set and, after a shattering confrontation with her father, Violet leaves for the islands of Greece without knowing if she will have a home to return to...

Emblaze is the third book of a gripping series about a girl who was born of angel and human.  In the first book, Violet learns the truth about her mother and what she was meant to become.  In the second, she conquers her first big battle.  In Emblaze, Violet must resist temptation and fight against evil, stopping her nemesis from releasing Hell on earth.  Will Violet be able to overcome the urge to give in or will she fight until the end?

I really enjoyed the previous books in the series, especially the second book, Entice.  It seemed as though the story was getting better and better with each book. Unfortunately, Emblaze didn't quite live up to my expectations.  While I still enjoyed the characters and the adventure, I couldn't help but feel as though the story was dragging on.  Even though there was a lot going on, it didn't feel like there was much happening, if that makes sense.

There were a few things I really loved about this book that we haven't seen in the others, and one of those things was the fact that Violet's dad became more involved in her life.  He actually began to notice when she'd come and go, and that's one thing that really bothered me with the previous books.  Another thing I loved was that this time, Violet and her friends had to travel to Greece.  One thing that I didn't enjoy, and possibly ruined the book for me, was Violet and Lincoln's hot and cold relationship.  I understand the need for distance, but I found it to be infuriating when the story focused mainly on their feelings for each other.

Overall, I liked Emblaze, but it isn't my favorite of the series by far.  There are many great things about this book and many fans of The Violet Eden Chapters will love this addition to the story.  Filled with enough action, emotion, struggles and surprises, Emblaze will be a story that you will fly through without realizing.