Swords & Stilettos (Enlighten Series Book 1)

I received this story, this is my voluntary review.

Swords & Stilettos is a fast-paced and well-written read. It is action-packed with vivid imagery. It also offers drama, humor, intrigue, and romance that grabbed and held my attention throughout. I appreciated the twists and turns of the story that kept me entertained. I enjoyed the friendship between Zoe and Kieran, as well as between Zoe and Sidelle. I also adored the connection between Zoe and Shay; their banter kept a smile on my face.

What a wonderful YA story. Rather cleansing that for the first time in a long time, someone actually wrote YA that I agree is YA. So often YA I feel borders Erotica, or just paranormal. Not so with this one.
I did feel that beginning was a little too jumbled, but it all starts coming together within a few chapters. I actually found myself really interested in many of the secondary characters without being over whelmed with who the main character(s) was(were). I do think the whole love at first site was a little premature at the age they are at, but hey we can dream right? I am excited to read more form this author in the future, and felt this to be a breath of fresh air.

I really enjoyed Kieran and wanted more of him. I didn't really like the insta-love between Zoe & Shay, but did like how Shay was really sweet. I am definitely intrigued by Zoe and what her role will be in saving the world. I also liked Sidelle and can't wait to find out more about her. I felt as though the writing was a little off to me; for some reason I wasn't completely drawn in to the pace of the book, which is why it wasn't a higher rating. Still, I would recommend this book to those who like fantasy and supernatural books. And, I will definitely read the next in the series; I have to know what happens next.

*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*

Swords & Stilettos started in with no back story so I was a little lost for a while. I liked the story line and the variety of characters. I also liked the fact that werewolves were written in a better light. However, it did have its silly moments, too much attention to teenage stuff (clothes, boys, etc.) and not enough attention to het supernatural. This said, I enjoyed the books and will be reading the next in series.

Original review posted on: acrossthebookiverse.blogspot.com

3.5 rounded to 4

**I was given a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review**

Zoe Jabril's life completely changes when she finds out her best friend is an angel. Things get even stranger when it turns out he was sent to be her guardian angel. Zoe is the supposed Redeemer, meant to keep the devil at bay, but meant to bring about Armageddon in the process. Only Zoe can stop the end of the world from happening. If she's the Redeemer, she will take on her true form when she turns 18, sprouting wings and taking on her angel form. It doesn't help that, along with the weight of the world, demons are trying to kill her at every turn and her feelings for the nephillim, Shay, are amplified beyond anything she's ever felt before. Can Zoe overcome her feelings and do what she needs to before the devil is released? Or is Armageddon hopeless to stop?

I found that this was a quaint, fast read. The story had a good flow and made me want to keep reading. I can't help but note, though, that every guy in this book is model-like and charming. I understand that 2/3 of the guys are of some angel form, but you have to draw a line at some point. While I love Shay, he's simply too open. I respect it, but even nephillim guys can't be that willing to be open about their feelings. Other than that, the relationship between Shay and Zoe is adorable and I ship them so hard. The music references threw me off a little. I was willing to let it by with Glad You Came by The Wanted, but I draw a line at One Direction. Guys aren't usually open about stuff like that, especially to the point where they admit to having their emotions take over when listening to a certain song, it just threw me off. I liked this book, but it focused more on relationships and talking about Armageddon rather that actually trying to stop it. If there's a whole new world opened up to a completely ordinary person, I want the action behind that, there was more time for talking before, now we need action! I'll place an assumption that there's more action in the next book. Overall, it was a lovely book and I can't wait for the story to continue on to the next book!

Fantastic read. As Zoe learns about her friends. And finds a new love. This story lays out about friends that have special talents and believe Zoe is the special one they have been looking for. Can they keep her safe. As this group is in school. I can hardly wait for the second book this is a fantastic read. I highly recommend. I loved twilight and this feels better than that. This book was given to me.
Shauna Joesten

It was alright and I could see this becoming better in future books. For now I think it needs more depth and less cliche with the characters. I was getting a Twilight vibe and while I definitely enjoy that series up until the 4th book, I would love to see this author do something different and not expected!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

This was a totally fun and imaginative story with intriguing characters and an interestingly world built by the author. The plot was well done and kept me engaged. My only criticism is that it's ended with much too much left open. I've a fear that this series will have cliffhanger (or cliffhangerish) endings thriughout. It loses points with me for that, but everything else was good enough that it's still 4 stars. Add 1 star if this sort of thing doesn't bother you. Subtract a star if it does.

Good start to the series but have read several other authors work on a similar track. However wish Zoe was a bit more normal, a bit more like the other female characters. She was just "off". The male characters were great as were the rest of the female ones. Is Zoe the One? Although this is YA - don't be put off. Enjoy. Hopefully the next book has a more normal Zoe. Be interesting to find out. I got this through a giveaway.

What is the most important thing in an ordinary teenager’s life? Her relationships. Then it turns out that Zoe’s childhood buddy, Kieran, is not just her best friend but also her guardian angel, and her destiny lies in the realms that she never dreamt existed. Of course, she’s still a seventeen-year-old, and no matter how complicated her life becomes, what matters the most is her relationships.

I received this book from net galley in exchange for an honest review and all I have to say is wow.. I loved it.. It was fun and exciting.. If you liked the mortal instrument series you will love this book.. I wanna know when is the next book coming out.

Really very pissed... This along with others was released in a Marked set. All great starters of story lines. Only to find NONE have a continuation kindle version not One ! I can buy a paperback... But will it pick up where this one dropped me flat on the floor ?? What good is a paperback book to someone that due to ME and Optical Neurotic had to start reading e books 10 yrs ago ?! Loved the cost taste turned to ashes when there is no continuation for me.. Highly recommend the series to those THAT CAN READ IT... OTHERWISE HUGE FLOP.

Narration in this book is very rich and mystified. There are many moments when you just can't wait to discover next line. Dialogs are intense but at the same time pleasant for readers. If you want to enter this Fairyland you will need no protocol like Sidelle. Kristin D. Van Risseghem is an author with rare brilliance in making this story intriguing not just for teenagers but for all who feel young and ready for an magic adventure. Looking forward to read more Kristin D. Van Risseghem books.

Very creative writing for first time author. A delightful (little bit scary) read and would also be perfect for teen readers. I really enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the next (and the next in this trilogy).

Original review posted on: acrossthebookiverse.blogspot.com

3.5 rounded to 4

**I was given a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review**

Zoe Jabril's life completely changes when she finds out her best friend is an angel. Things get even stranger when it turns out he was sent to be her guardian angel. Zoe is the supposed Redeemer, meant to keep the devil at bay, but meant to bring about Armageddon in the process. Only Zoe can stop the end of the world from happening. If she's the Redeemer, she will take on her true form when she turns 18, sprouting wings and taking on her angel form. It doesn't help that, along with the weight of the world, demons are trying to kill her at every turn and her feelings for the nephillim, Shay, are amplified beyond anything she's ever felt before. Can Zoe overcome her feelings and do what she needs to before the devil is released? Or is Armageddon hopeless to stop?

I found that this was a quaint, fast read. The story had a good flow and made me want to keep reading. I can't help but note, though, that every guy in this book is model-like and charming. I understand that 2/3 of the guys are of some angel form, but you have to draw a line at some point. While I love Shay, he's simply too open. I respect it, but even nephillim guys can't be that willing to be open about their feelings. Other than that, the relationship between Shay and Zoe is adorable and I ship them so hard. The music references threw me off a little. I was willing to let it by with Glad You Came by The Wanted, but I draw a line at One Direction. Guys aren't usually open about stuff like that, especially to the point where they admit to having their emotions take over when listening to a certain song, it just threw me off. I liked this book, but it focused more on relationships and talking about Armageddon rather that actually trying to stop it. If there's a whole new world opened up to a completely ordinary person, I want the action behind that, there was more time for talking before, now we need action! I'll place an assumption that there's more action in the next book. Overall, it was a lovely book and I can't wait for the story to continue on to the next book!

Holy crap this book was incredible! I LOVED Zoe and Shay. Shay was freaking amazing, where can I find one? Sidelle and Vash were amazing friends that Zoe desperately needed! And Kieran? I just want him happy and protected! I cannot wait for the next book in this series!

I was given an ARC, so I am writing my honest voluntary review.

This book has left me slightly confused. It started really well but once Zoe discovered that her life was not what she thought it was the story seemed to change into something fluffy and irrelevant. So God, angels, werewolves and all things supernatural are real .. and I'm one of them .. great so what! Party, shoes, romance are much more important for a great section of this book. Zoe is shallow and weak and totally unprepared and doesn't care. Having said that the story changes back towards the end and finishes strongly with a surprise and an obvious lead towards future books. I am hoping that the next book in this series continues as strongly as this one ends as the series has the potential to be brilliant. I just wanted Zoe to step up and be the strong, independent girl she can be rather than the annoying, shallow girl in this book. This is only my opinion, I recommend you read this book for yourself and make up your own mind.

***I Received a copy from Netgalley for an honest review***

I gave this book 2.5 stars. It was okay, not an amazing read, and I’ll probably forget what happens by tomorrow, but I don’t hate it.

I’m pretty underwhelmed by this book. It was full of tropes and there was nothing original about it.

The love triangle was annoying and sudden, the instalove made me want to stop reading, and the chosen one trope seemed like it was just thrown in for just for fun.

I didn’t hate the protagonist, but there also wasn’t anything I really loved about her, she was just sort of there, telling us what was happening.

I was drawn in my a pretty cover and a cool synopsis, but I really don’t think this book was really worth a read. I don’t have enough thoughts on this book to really have a long review for it.

I liked this book. It was quite interesting and almost educational about the mystical world around me that I am, sadly, not a part of. Yet anyway. This book was all about paranormal creatures like angels, nephilim, fairies, and werewolves. I find all that stuff very interesting. Which made this a good book to me. The only thing I don't like about this book is how the girl still wants to live a normal life even though her life is pretty normal. She goes to school, shopping, hangs out with friends, and has trouble with the 'mean kids' at school. How much more of a cliche high school life can you get? It seems unnecessary for her to want that if she mostly already has it. I compare this book a little bit to Shadowhunters, by Cassandra Clare. That book also has most of the paranormal creatures found here as well. I try not to compare, but its hard when those are the only two books that I know to have nephilim in them. While this book seems fantasy with its nature, it is as much a romance. There is a lot of kissing and lovey dovey stuff with the main character and her boyfriend. I am ok with that. I don't always like the romance, but this amount was well balanced with the action and fights that occasionally took place. I hope to have more action in the next books of this series. I am not too exited about reading them and I know if I start to not like the series I will abandon it. However, it is defiantly worth giving a shot. While I might not like it too much, you might love it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review... this book was very adventurous and it had a lot of fun moments in it... The storyline and all the characters was spectacular... It had a lot of details to the book... And I'd recommend it to anybody...

Swords & Stilettos started in with no back story so I was a little lost for a while. I liked the story line and the variety of characters. I also liked the fact that werewolves were written in a better light. However, it did have its silly moments, too much attention to teenage stuff (clothes, boys, etc.) and not enough attention to het supernatural. This said, I enjoyed the books and will be reading the next in series.

Good start to the series but have read several other authors work on a similar track. However wish Zoe was a bit more normal, a bit more like the other female characters. She was just "off". The male characters were great as were the rest of the female ones. Is Zoe the One? Although this is YA - don't be put off. Enjoy. Hopefully the next book has a more normal Zoe. Be interesting to find out. I got this through a giveaway.

Holy moly this book was outstanding for me. The characters were really interesting and Powerful in my opinion. The storyline had me at the get-go the more I read the more I couldn't help but try to finish it in one night definitely surprised me at every twist and turn. Can't wait to read the next one.

Zoe was a normal teenager, or do she thought. Unbeknownst to her, she was actually the world's only hope when Hell tries to take over her world. Full of action with a great plot and characters.
I received a complimentary copy and freely give my honest review.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review... this book was very adventurous and it had a lot of fun moments in it... The storyline and all the characters was spectacular... It had a lot of details to the book... And I'd recommend it to anybody...

So many emotions run through you while reading this book. This is a great book and with such beautiful characters written into this action pack book. The is amazing with so much passion that leaps off the page

Absolutely enjoyed reading this story. What's not to love? There's angels, half angels, fairies and werewolves and demons. And not to mention a love story going on too despite a war coming against good versus evil. I look forward to reading the next part.