Book Tour Review: Eyes of Ember by Rebecca Ethington

Blurb:
Joclyn is in hiding, hunted by the man she still desperately loves. Ryland is gone, his mind erased; no memory of Joclyn remains, but Joclyn’s heart desperately begs her to hold out hope. Meanwhile the black-eyed monster that possesses him attempts to kill her over and over again.

If it wasn’t for Ilyan, Joclyn would be dead by now.

Ilyan, the man who once stalked her, is now Joclyn’s protector, the only person she has left. He protects Joclyn from the men who seek to end her life, and all the while, she is haunted by dreams where Ryland begs her to break the bond between them.

Ilyan is there. Always there.

Ilyan trains and prepares her, teaching her everything she needs to know in the hope that one day she can avenge Ryland, if not protect herself from him.

And then, there is her father.

The man who has never been there is suddenly responsible for everything. And who he is has made Joclyn into something she never wanted to be:

The Silnỳ.



EYES OF EMBER continues the story started in KISS OF FIRE. The book itself isn't a high-octane romp from one action adventure to another, as many YA books tend to be with a paranormal element. Rather, it explores much of the inner feelings and changes that the primary female character (and narrator) Joclyn has had to, and is still dealing with, after the events in the first book. This was actually a plus for me, when I was reading. The plot isn't slow, but it does build on the premise that Joclyn is now separated from Ryland, her initial love interest. She must spend time in hiding and close proximity to another young man, Ilyan.

One of the best aspects of EYES OF EMBER was the sometimes conflicting feelings and actions of Joclyn. Not only did it bring in some of the aspects of being a teenager in a contemporary world, but it also felt like a timeless story that all ages could enjoy and relate to. Joclyn is a well-developed character, who I could see as a flesh and blood girl, not just a flat paper representation.

There was a tinge of isolation and loneliness to the tone of EYES OF EMBER. Not that this was off-putting. In fact, it was the right tone to strike, given the plot. Joclyn and Ilyan spend much of the book with only each other for company, and Joclyn's forays into her dreams to visit the Ryland she loves and misses, is heart-wrenching. Ethington is adept at building an emotional story, in EYES OF EMBER, one that carries the reader along on the same journey her characters are experiencing.

Book Rating:
11.5/15
3.5 star
B+

About The Author:
Rebecca Ethington has been telling stories since she was small. First, with writing crude scripts, and then in stage with years of theatrical performances. The Imdalind Series is her first stint into the world of literary writing. Rebecca is a mother to two, and wife to her best friend of 14 years. She was born and raised in the mountains of Salt Lake City, and hasn’t found the desire to leave yet. Her days are spent writing, running, and enjoying life with her amazing family.

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This book was provided by the author via GCR Promotions, with no other compensation except for the expectation of an honest review