Publisher: Compass Press

Born of Fire by Heather McCorkle

Born of Fire (Channeler #0.5) by Heather McCorkle

I read Born of Fire out of curiosity. It’s the prequel to The Secret of Spruce Knoll: A Channeler Novel. It’s the first time I have heard of this series, it’s about druids or channelers, and I’ve only heard of druids from TV shows.  I have no idea who Aidan is but this is the story of how he was born. I have no idea what significance it holds because I haven’t read The Secret of Spruce Knoll. It’s also the first time I read a prequel before reading the first book in the series. I gave it a 3 because I liked it, I am definitely intrigued and will most likely read this series when I get the chance. The cover is interesting, I wonder if it means something in the series. The writing was good too, it was easy to imagine that I was part of the story, experiencing what the characters are experiencing. I really hope to get a copy of this novel and find time to read it. I’m not purchasing online at the moment because I still have a pile to read.

Mea Culpa by Christine Fonseca

Mea Culpa (Requiem #1.5) by Christine Fonseca

When reading Lacrimosa, I wasn’t sure how I felt about Zane. He was Nesy’s friend and although she get annoyed by his concern, she knows he means well. But is there more it than just being friends? Mea Culpa depicts the events that happened after Nesayel was dying in Celestium and after Aydan was sent back to Earth to live his life as a mortal. It tells the story of what Zane did in hopes to save his best friends’ life. It’s a nice short story to get to know Zane a little better. And it gives a glimpse of what to expect in Libera Me, book 2 in the Requiem Series.

Dies Irae by Christine Fonseca

Dies Irae (Requiem #0.5) by Christine Fonseca

I wasn’t as engrossed with this as I was with Lacrimosa but it was still a good read. Although Azza already told Nesy this story, it’s still good to know what really happened and how it happened. I feel really bad for Mikayel for losing the love of his life just to fulfill his destiny. Did they really not have a different choice? Or was Azza very manipulative to send Demi to her death? His intentions were good but it was still evil. Such a sad fate for everyone involved.

Lacrimosa by Christine Fonseca

Lacrimosa (Requiem #1) by Christine Fonseca

SPOILER ALERT! This review has spoilers. Continue at your own risk. Where to begin? You know how something starts as intense and exciting, and after a while it gets dull and boring and you’d end up disappointed with it? Well, that’s not the case with Christine Fonseca’s Lacrimosa. I received my copy from the author herself when I read in a Goodreads group that she’s giving away digital copies in exchange for a review. I have never read any angel/fallen/goth themed novels but there are a few I’m interested in, and when I read Lacrimosa’s plot, I was intrigued with its story. Let’s start with the book cover. At first look, it didn’t really appeal to me. It’s simple, showing half the face of a girl with piercing blue eyes, gold lips, smooth skin, and blond hair. Behind her are grey feathers which comes across as angel wings, but the wings aren’t that obvious until you look closely. If I were to rate it, based on my rating system, I’d give it a 2.5. The story starts with Nesy adjusting to her human host as she gets ready to carry out her plans in sending the UnHoly to the Abyss. Her target is Aydan, disguised as a teen band vocalist, who seduces young women and eat their soul, the victims bodies then devoured by dark creatures. Aydan is the right-hand man of Azzaziel, the most powerful evil being there is. Nesy was prepared to take his life, until she looks into his eyes and memories long gone come rushing back. Memories from her other human past. I like Christine Fonseca’s writing style, her words are captivating. The moment I started reading, I was drawn to the story right away, I could feel the emotions her characters are experiencing. And after two chapters, I was already hooked. I immediately fell in love with the characters too and longed to read more about them. Fonseca also has this style, her signature maybe, where Nesy or Aydan contradicts his/her own thoughts, I don’t know how to explain it but I like how she does it. Another thing I liked is we get to see the views of both characters involved, it’s a refreshing change from the usual first-person POV that I read. I would often wish I knew what the other person is thinking and with Lacrimosa, we get to be inside both their heads.Of course, it’s not perfect. It has flaws but I looked past that and just enjoyed the rest of the story. There were times that I wanted to strangle Nesy and/or Aydan myself, wanted to bang their heads together or something. I also have questions about some parts of the book, but I’ll reserve those questions and ask Ms. Fonseca instead. The ending was heartbreaking. I didn’t see it coming, although while I was reading I kept wondering how it will end because it seemed like whatever happens, no one ends up happy. I cried so many times throughout Read more