Forgiven Review

Name: Forgiven ( The Demon Trappers #3)
Author: Jana Oliver
Publisher: St. Martins Griffin
Release Date: March 27th 2012
Source: Finished copy for review

Summary:

The days are growing darker for 17-year-old demon trapper Riley Blackthorne. With her father’s reanimated body back safely, Beck barely speaking to her because of a certain hunky Fallen angel, and a freshly-made deal with Lucifer, she has enough on her hands to last a normal teenage lifetime. Though she bargained with Heaven to save his life, her ex-boyfriend Simon has told the Vatican’s Demon Hunters that she’s working with Hell. So now she’s in hiding, at the top of everyone’s most-wanted list.

But it’s becoming clear that this is bigger than Riley, and rapidly getting out of control: something sinister is happening in Atlanta… or someone. The demons are working together for the first time ever and refusing to die, putting civilians in harm’s way. Riley thinks she might know who’s behind it all, but who’s going to believe her? Caught between her bargain with Heaven and her promise to Lucifer, Riley fears the final war is coming – and it may be closer than anyone thinks…

* This review will contain SPOILERS for the first two books, but not of Forgiven*

Review:

I have been a dedicated fan of this series since reading the first book, The Demon Trappers Daughter. So you can imagine my delight to opening a package that contained Forgiven. Although I really enjoyed Forgiven I have to say it's my least favourite in the series so far.

The plot of Forgiven is like the domino effect, Riley giving up her virginity to Ori at the end of Soul Thief is the event that caused everything to go to hell... quite literally. Beck is mad at her for sleeping with Ori, the demon trappers are out to get her, and there is a demonic threat much greater than those seen previously in the series. On top of this Riley now owes Lucifer a favour and she's supposed to prevent the end of the world for Heaven. As you can see a bunch of stuff goes down that insures that readers will not be bored. At sometimes I really questioned if Riley would be able to get out alive.

Beck is a main reason why I keep reading this series besides the fact that it has a kick-ass heroine, tons of supernatural beings, and a great story line. Sure he can't read or write and has his fair share of demons, but I love him all the same there's just something about that backwoods boys. Throughout the whole book I just wanted to slap him so that he would make a move on Riley. The romance is moving painfully slow now that Simon and Ori are out of the picture. Of course they will eventually end up together, but I really wish their relationship wasn't a roller coaster of emotions.

A lot of outstanding issues that were in the plot of the previous books are finally resolved, but at the same time Jana Oliver adds some new and in my opinion better ones. Just wait till you see what's in store for you in Forgiven it is seriously awesome. Being a huge angel fan I'm really enjoying the larger role that the Angels and The Fallen have in the story. Riley is a strong and very realistic character who at times can be immature, but that's what being a teenager means. I find her to be a very enjoyable character. The story starts off slow but for the most part it's non stop action. I can't wait to see what happens in the next book, especially since how it ended.

Forgiven is an action packed, suspensful and emotional read that fans of the previous books should get their hands on ASAP. Seriously guys, you might pee your pants when you see what happens in this installment. As always if you haven't picked up this series, please do so!