Series: Hellsbane #1
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Published by: Entangled Publishing on December 6, 2011
Format: eBook
Pages: 352
Source: Purchased
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Emma Jane Hellsbane always knew she was different, but she had no idea she wasn’t even human. Well, at least she’s half-human. She’s half-fallen angel, too, and now dear ol’ dad wants her dead. All the Fallen angels want all their troublesome offspring removed from the mortal coil so she’s trying not to take it personally. Besides, she wants him dead just as much. Her father’s death is the only way she’ll be forgiven for his sin, stop those pesky demons from trying to hack off her head, and have any hope at all of getting back to a normal life as a wicked slick Intuitive Consciousness Explorer.
Of course, first she’ll have to figure out which fallen angel is her father, avoid accidentally seducing her angelic mentor, help an old friend conquer his own fallen sperm donor, and basically save the world from a cataclysmic divine smack down.
No problem. With a last name like Hellsbane, Emma Jane was definitely born for the job.
Emma Jane Hellsbane could easily be Buffy the Vampire Slayer’s counterpart minus the vampires!
Never truly fitting in has always been part of Emma’s life. As an intuitive, she makes her living as a psychic and tries to keep to herself. Her world is turned upside down when her old high school crush, Tommy St. James, shows up at her doorstep seeking refuge from a demon. Emma doesn’t know what to think but gets all the proof she needs when she witnesses the battle between Tommy and the demon in her very home. Trying to save Tommy’s life she reaches for his weapon, a sword that sparks a life altering change in Emma.
It seems that Emma is part Nephilim, half-human half-angel. Now that her true origin is revealed, she faces the wrath of demons. With the help of her high school crush and his protector, Eli, the very sexy angel she feels an immense attraction to, Emma will begin her journey to fulfill her destiny as an Illorum, a warrior in charge of vanquishing the Fallen…if she manages to stay alive for her training!
“I stretched my neck to see the long scars, bubbled pink flesh, running from my shoulder to my back. They looked the same way Tommy’s had, like cauliflower had gotten trapped under the skin. It wasn’t pretty. Bathing suit season was going to suck.”
HELLSBANE is a fantastic, lighter urban fantasy that incorporates the supernatural with humor! The story pulls you in within the first few pages with the heroine’s witty voice and keeps you glued to the pages with action at every turn. Emma Jane Hellsbane is a smart and sassy heroine, you can’t blame the girl for questioning the powers and world she’s been introduced to. She’s courageous but not a born fighter and I love her transformation throughout the book.
Emma is thrown into a world of angels and demons, in a battle of good and evil and I must say despite her she handles it all very well. Her two love interests (yes, there’s somewhat of a love triangle) are total opposites, Tommy is the young spirited romantic and then there’s Eli, the dark and seductive forbidden angel. I’m a huge lover of forbidden romance and Ms. Cuccaro won me over when she added this element to the story. The sexual tension between Emma and Eli is outstanding, I couldn’t get enough of their chemistry.
“You’re safe in my arms, Emma Jane. Always,” he said, his lips brushing my ear. A shudder traveled straight down to my center with the sweet sound of his words. The man had an orgasmic voice. What a waste.”
Angels and demons are quite popular supernatural beings among books, but Paige Cuccaro effortlessly delivers a solid and original story line with a great blend of the paranormal, all while making it her own. HELLSBANE is a fast paced, action filled paranormal adventure with a little sprinkle of humor and romance that will undoubtedly entertain. Emma Jane Hellsbane will leave her mark on you and have you eagerly anticipating her next thrilling adventure!
Buffy the Vampire Slayer without vampires, I am sold. This sounds very cool and is definitely the kind of story I grab instantly. Great review hon, adding to Goodreads. Thank you.