Seraphs (Thorn St. Croix) Mass Market Paperback – December 2, 2008

Note: This review covers all three books in the Rogue Mage series.World/universe:I've read many thousands of books and I'll tell you it's been a long, long, time since I read a truly new take on anything. Faith Hunter has done a fantastic job blending post-apocalypse, urban fantasy, romance, science fiction, a bit of the Spanish Inquisition, a dose of theology, and a dash of "something" I can't quite put my finger on, into a what is truly a unique universe.Some authors go so deep into trying to present how their universe works that the details drown the characters and story line. Others just throw a bunch of things together in such a way that nothing really seems to fit, there isn't any logic, and 'willing suspension of disbelief' become impossible. Ms. Hunter has mastered a superb balance between the two.As the story and characters develop, enough is revealed about the universe that the reader is able to grasp a good sense of the underlying logic and reality, enough that it all carries a certain kind of sense. This makes some of the more imaginative scenes actually work well, because you have this feeling that if you (or if Thorn) just knew a little more, it would all become understandable. It's actually very tantalizing without ever being so revealing that the mystery is lost. An excellent job!Characters:Ms. Hunter has done a good job here as well. While not perfect, she did a good job of fleshing out side and supporting characters enough that you become invested in more than just the fate of the prime protagonist. She also manages to keep pulling you in a constant love/hate relationship with several characters, where some times you really wish Thorn could do a little slice-n-dice on them, and other times you are really rooting for them to pull it together!While there is a clear antagonist in this series, the focus is dispersed somewhat across multiple characters, some whom turn out to not be quite what they appear - both good and bad.Plot Devices:I don't have a lot to say because I don't want to give a lot away. Ms. Hunter did an excellent job working various plot twists in subtle and unexpected ways, with twists you see coming -- just like the movies you find yourself yelling "NO, DON'T GO IN TH.... oh you IDIOT!". And then as you continue to read and suddenly you're thinking, "wait...WHAT JUST HAPPENED?" (Much like Thorn).Overall:All in all, while not 100% perfect, I was left sincerely hoping Ms. Hunter will continue the series for at least another trilogy. There is a lot of novel thought here left to explore.

As with the other Rogue Hunter novels, I based my choice on the fact that I first read Hunter's Jane Yellowrock series and very much enjoyed them. Simply reading the description I wasn't sure I would like these but I did. That said I will state I do enjoy a butt kicking heroine and I do like action so the battle scenes did not bother me.There is in fact ALOT of religious reference in this series, but if you can get past that and just get lost in the fantasy of living in this post apocalyptic dystopian world itsel,f you can enjoy it. Hunter does borrow from the idea of uncontrolled lust (ie this species can't help but be attracted to species X) but it doesn't culminate in page after page of sex, which I for one appreciate.I also appreciate the fact that the good guys aren't all what the general populous would necessarily deem, "good".

In this second installment to the Rogue Mage series, the adventure and magic continues to build. It is a post-apocalyptic world where mysterious angels rule without question, humans huddle where they can find warmth and mages live in enclaves- or hide in plain sight.Our heroine has been exposed and must face prejudice as well as evil. As she tries to gain and keep her feet, we as readers continue to be enthralled by her and the world she lives in.It's cold as hell, but bright lights of magic and hope abound. The warmth generated by the relationships that continue to develop melts the ice on each page. Ms. Hunter has created a truly impressive universe with some of the most vivid characters and intricate conflicts and plotlines.It is a joy to read each page. At the end, while you are still dusting off the debris from the most recent, and most spectacular of confrontations, we get a glimpse that things may yet get even more complicated... or perhaps they always have been!

This is the third book review I've written of the Rogue Mage books and Faith Hunter as the author. I've sung her praise and will continue to do so. I don't like book reviews that tell you the story and what is right and wrong with a book. I can read the book and judge myself. What I want to know is why I should buy the book or not. So, buy Faith Hunter's books. Buy this book! They make you think. They make you feel. They can bring tears to your eyes. They take you out of your daily life and plunge you into another. They make you happy you're problems are smaller and more managable the the ones the poor Mage has to overcome. In this book she has you thinking about Seraphs, their relationship to God, their relationship to mankind. That they even exist. Entertaining thoughtful reading is what her books are and I do recommend you read them.

It pains me to leave a negative review for one of my favorite authors. I've read all the Jane Yellowrock and Soulwood series books and LOVE them. So I was excited to see this series...but it just didn't do it for me. I kept waiting for some sort of payoff and pushed through all 3 books only to be left hanging. I thought it was an interesting premise but the storyline was actually kind of boring.(Spoiler Alert)It feels like there was more story left to tell. None of the romantic relationships go anywhere. And I was left with too many unanswered questions. If this had been my first introduction to the author's work I probably would have skipped the Jane Yellowrock series, which would have been a huge mistake!

Faith Hunter continues to deliver on the promise of a good story.

I loved this story. The characters were engaging and interesting. The storyline was captivating and enthralling. This is a series I want to read more of. The twists and turns in the storyline was fantastic. Faith Hunter has written a fantastic book.

What more can I say? I love fantasy and I'm always looking for something new. I loved Bloodring which you have to read too- not least because it sets the stage for this one. It's a battle between good and evil in a world decimated by the apocalypse but nothing is quite what it seems- the humans are imperfect- the good capable of doing the wrong thing, the bad capable of good. The seraphs are equally ambiguous. Only the Darkness is certain. The prose is tight, the decriptions evocative and imaginative. I love the characters and the fact that nothing is telegraphed in advance. Some of the events are shocking, the violence is heart racingly frantic and gory.One of the most satisfying reads of the year.

I liked this book but I must admit to being fairly confused. If you are looking for a supernat romance then this aint it! More Lord of the Rings than Twilight!In a strange way I found it easier to follow than the first installment, Bloodring, but there was so much in it - I had to just keep ploughing through. Although I came out the end wanting to know what happens next (which is what I look for in a book) I am still not completely sure of what has just happened (got the general picture but got lost on the who does what, how and sometimes why!!)I think its worth a read but you definitely have to like the "full-on" fantasy fiction type books to like this.Recommend you check out her Jane Yellow Rock novels first as this was a good way to lead in to this series as gave me a feel for how the writer guides you through the stories and the type of characters she builds - although I think they very different in content (which is a good thing).Give it a go as worth a punt. I shall plough through the series but at this stage I am not sure that I will make it to the end and feel pleased that I bothered... Could go either way, but outlook at this stage is bright.

Good story. I could not put the book down. I loved the series and would encourage others to read it, if you like supernatural or shifters, fairies and other supernatural beings.