Molly E. Lee

Hell is no trip to Disneyland, but even Harley isn't prepared for what she meets in each new circle. With Draven's twin brother at her side, she takes each new horror face on. Fear isn't new to her, but the things that slither in this darkness may just ruin her in the end. The clock is ticking as they try to locate the ancient artifact that will strengthen her powers and help her vanquish the Twelve Greater Demons now wreaking havoc on the world above. The ones she let free in order to save Draven's life. Now he's somewhere in this Hell, and if she doesn't find him or the artifact, she'll have succeeded in being the best Antichrist ever--and the world will pay for her choices. With each new obstacle, she and Raiden grow closer, her soul torn in two as they search for his brother. Each step gained feels like two steps back in this hell-hole, but the deeper they go, the more she feels her powers grow. The world above is at stake, but down here? Nothing is as it seems. With Raiden at her side, Draven in her heart, and an artifact that will decide her fate, Harley will have to face every dark piece of her soul in order to get them all out of there alive.

Shadow of Light

Aundreya Rich

Ember of Night left us hanging, but Shadow of Light picks up right where we left off. IN MISERY AND LEFT GASPING.

This book portrays so much more than a world of make believe, but shows that family is beyond blood, and you are the maker of your story and the holder of your strength.
 
Molly E Lee has joined the gang of must read YA authors. 
Love Jennifer L Armentrout YA? 
Classandra Clare and all the angels and demons? 
Then this series is right for you.

Read if you like:
-upper YA steam-tactic scenes
-angels, demons, and the one person who can destroy it all (or save them)
-diverse characters
-side characters to keep you wanting more
-found family
-magic, creatures, demons, and more
-an MC to cheer for

TW- child abuse/neglect, topics of self harm and suicide, trauma, alcohol abuse.

Why I knocked a star:
Honestly I think it's me..... I am a 30 year old woman who started with SJM and is slowly learning that 18 year old MC characters may not feel relatable for me anymore and at times I can find their decision making frustrating.
So.... I will stick with it's me, and I hope you give Molly E Lee a chance if you love YA/NA fantasy.

Rating:
story-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
characters-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
steam- 🥵 its getting hotter, but still within the YA playing field.

song: Monsters by Ruelle

I just saved the boy I’m falling for from a gruesome death by a demon. And what does he have to say? I’m the key to opening the gates of Hell. I mean, a thank-you would’ve been nice. Or another scorching-hot, forbidden kiss. Either way, destiny will have to find someone else to torment, because I’m so done. Or I was, until my little sister starts cackling exorcist-style and stares at me with eyes that aren’t hers. They’re Marid’s, the Greater Demon I just kicked back to the dark realm he came from. Possessing Ray whenever he wants is his ultimate revenge. The only way to break the tether between them includes a road trip through Hell, aka the Ather. I quickly discover nothing is as it seems in this place. Yeah, there are realms of terror, greed, and desire, but there’s also peace, and a beauty I never knew existed...and it’s eerily familiar. With each obstacle we encounter, I slip a little further into the chaotic energy of my growing dark powers. And when an unexpected betrayal hits me square in the chest, I freefall into them. Fate painted me as the monster of nightmares, and after this? Destiny is about to learn just how monstrous I can be. The Ember of Night series is best enjoyed in order. Reading Order: Book #1 Ember of Night Book #2 Shadow of Light

Paige Green

Disclaimer: I received this e-arc from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.

Book: Shadow of Light

Author: Molly E. Lee

Book Series: Ember of Night Book 2

Rating: 5/5

Recommended For...: young adult readers, fantasy, urban fantasy, angels, demons

Publication Date: November 30, 2021

Genre: YA Urban Fantasy

Recommended Age: 16+ (abuse, violence, gore, kidnapping, animal abuse, sexual content, religion, possession, and language)

Explanation of CWs: There is some abuse flashbacks shown. Violence and gore are frequent. Kidnapping is mentioned, not shown. Animal abuse to a dog is shown very briefly but it’s during a big fight by the villains of the novel and the dog limps away and is later fine. Sexual content is shown. Religion is brought up a few times and inspiration is taken from it. There are a couple of possession scenes. Curse words are frequent.

Publisher: Entangled Teen

Pages: 400

Synopsis: I just saved the boy I’m falling for from a gruesome death by a demon. And what does he have to say? I’m the key to opening the gates of Hell. I mean, a thank-you would’ve been nice. Or another scorching-hot, forbidden kiss. Either way, destiny will have to find someone else to torment, because I’m so done.

Or I was, until my little sister starts cackling exorcist-style and stares at me with eyes that aren’t hers. They’re Marid’s, the Greater Demon I just kicked back to the dark realm he came from. Possessing Ray whenever he wants is his ultimate revenge.

The only way to break the tether between them includes a road trip through Hell, aka the Ather. I quickly discover nothing is as it seems in this place. Yeah, there are realms of terror, greed, and desire, but there’s also peace, and a beauty I never knew existed...and it’s eerily familiar.

With each obstacle we encounter, I slip a little further into the chaotic energy of my growing dark powers. And when an unexpected betrayal hits me square in the chest, I freefall into them.

Fate painted me as the monster of nightmares, and after this? Destiny is about to learn just how monstrous I can be.

Review: Overall, I really loved this book as well! I thought it was a well done sequel and it held its own with its own story and issues separate from the first book but still connected. The character development was sound, I loved the new characters, I loved all the twists and turns, and I enjoyed the world building. The book also had a strong plot and I enjoyed the ride. I also highly enjoyed having the triggers in the front of the book.

However, I did think that some of the book was repetitive in the plot.  I felt like the same conflict resolution conflict resolution rhythm repeated a few times in the book and it was a bit dull in the middle and a little at the end. The book also kind of did the same thing with the romance aspects. The book’s pacing also slowed down in the center and a little towards the end. 

Verdict: It was great! Loved it!


danielle bush

I really loved this action packed sequel! (definitely read bk 1 first)
We pick up right from where the first book left off, and whats happening in the aftermath of Harley and Dravens efforts to keep Marid from getting to earth. When Harleys little sister Ray turns out to be possessed by Marid, Harley and her friends will do whatever it takes to break the connection between them.. Even if that means traveling to Hell, racking up a whole lot of favors, and hopefull tracking down some allies.. 
This story is a bit darker as our unlikely group of friends are traveling through Hell . A whole lot of beings in Hell have their own agendas but our unlikely group of friends are on a mission and wont let anything get in the way. The story is so action packed and full of witty/ sarcastic comments that bring some light to the seriousness of whats going on around them.. 

We get some more tidbits about Harleys origins, and while alot of questions are answered we are left with so many more.. and I can't wait to see how its all going to come together.. 
. and that ending!! How am I supposed to wait for the next book with that ending?? I need it yesterday!

Shadow of Light

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