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TITLE: Demon's Gate SERIES: Protectors Saga #4 AUTHOR: P.M. Dooling PUB DATE: 9/22/12 FORMAT: eARC SOURCE: from author in exchange for honest review
It's been three months since the Protectors defeated the Emperor, and they're still no closer to finding the evil entity the Emperor warned them about. Only intensifying matters is the arrival of the mysterious Five, who somehow seem to share the Protectors powers, and a dangerous woman from Draven's past, who threatens to open a gateway to the Underworld and release a Demon even more dangerous than the Emperor. Meanwhile, as Avery struggles to control her feelings for Draven, Jade and Eryk continue on with their not so secret affair, until Eryk makes a shocking confession that could tear them apart forever.
THREE-ish WORDS:A New Chapter Begins
MY
REVIEW:Last year, P.M.
Dooling's The Protectors
Saga was
one of my absolute favorite series and I'm so thrilled that Dooling
has decided to continue her epic saga! Demon's
Gate,
book four, is another fantastic, kick-butt installment in this
awesome saga.
After
the final showdown with the Emperor in book three, the five
Protectors, Avery; Jade; Sasha; Bunny; and Skylar, continue to fight
fuglies on their home planet of Orcatia, but the girls have become
restless. The Emperor warned that another evil is out there and
Avery wants to go in search of this foe, but Gumptin and the other
girls disagree. And when five new girls show up with the same powers
and agenda as the five Protectors, things get complicated. Throw in
some seriously angsty romance woes between Jade and Eryk, and Avery
and Draven, and a dangerous woman from Draven's past, and our five
heroines have a lot to handle.
The
ending of book three felt like the closing of one chapter in the
Protectors Saga, while Demon's Gate feels
like an exciting and fresh new chapter in this ever captivating
series. A new chapter that moves seamlessly from book three to book
four. Dooling returns with heart-stopping action, swoon-worthy
romance, superb world-building, and five fabulously developed
heroines.
Like
its predecessors, Demon's Gate paces
fast enough to never be boring, but with a great build-up of suspense
and twists and turns. The world of Orcatia continues to be a wondrous
mix of fantastical and sci-fi, whimsical and dark, enchanting and
chilling, and Dooling's brilliant storytelling and world-building
continue to impress and awe. Full of imagination and innovation, the
creatures; magic; and people of this world and story provide an
endless amount of fun and thrills.
While
there's a great amount of action and fighting in Demon's
Gate,
I love that the plot is very character and emotion driven. After the
events in the last three books, Dooling does an excellent job of
exploring where her five main characters are emotionally and
mentally, and showing just how much they've grown and continue to
grow. Yet, she does this while still moving the story along and
keeping it engaging and interesting.
And
the five main characters- Avery, Jade, Sasha, Bunny, and Skylar-
continue to be some of my favorite YA heroines. I love that these
girls are
such phenomenal and powerful heroines, yet they still feel
accessible, authentic, and very real, and I love that each girl is so
unique and likable in her own way, and, of course, I love the dynamic
between all five girls. Even after many months, every time I read one
of these books these five girls still feel like old friends to me.
Like I said above, we find each girl in their own very emotional
place and mindset in this book, and whether these emotions are driven
by heartache, grief, loneliness, pain, love, fear, etc, they are all
palpable and believable.
I
was instantly intrigued by the storyline in this book, especially by
the five mysterious, powerful girls that show up and all the twists
and turns they throw into the story. But the romantic elements also
continue to enthrall and delight. I was so glad that the relationship
between Jade and Eryk is further explored and developed, while the
romance between Avery and Draven continues to be electric, intense,
and deliciously frustrating. The butt kicking and badassery are in no short supply in this book and the whole plot builds up to a very action packed, climactic cliffhanger ending that left me desperate for more!
MY
FINAL THOUGHTS:The action is plentiful, the romance is swoon-worthy, and the characters are delightful. Demon's Gate proves to be another stellar new installment in an already awesome and affordable series that I can't recommend enough!
TITLE: Beginning's End SERIES: The Protectors Saga, Book 3 AUTHOR: P.M. Dooling PUB. DATE: Sept. 4, 2011 FORMAT: eBook SOURCE: from author in exchange for honest review
MY “I JUST FINISHED THIS BOOK” REACTION: More! More! More! I want morrreeee! Please *bats eyelashes*
MY REVIEW: This series just keeps getting better and better with each book! And Book 3, Beginning’s End, may just be my favorite book of the series so far. Dooling continues to expand her fantastical world and captivate readers with her thrilling story, compelling characters, and superb writing.
SUMMARY
Beginning’s End picks up right where Book 2 left off, as we find the impending battle against the Emperor getting closer and closer. The 5 Protectors attend a royal ball, contend with complicated romances; heartache; fears; and each other, and continue to protect their new home. As the final battle with the Emperor draws closer, the 5 girls must learn to harness their powers and understand what it truly means to be a protector.
Beginning’s End has a nice balance of action, romance, humor, and heart. Dooling’s original and imaginative story continues to impress and enthrall me, while her characters continue to become, almost, like bosom friends that I genuinely miss when each book ends. Book 3 had me laughing, crying, itching for my own fight, and completely engrossed in the world of Orcatia and the Protectors.
THE STORY
The story in Beginning’s End moves quickly, but encompasses so much. I really love how the royal ball and romantic aspects offer a nice reprieve from all the action, fighting, and training. Book 3 felt like the most emotional book so far in the series and I love how character driven this book is.
The first part of the book is all about the ball… and can I say just how much I loved reading about this ball?! I totally love that Dooling doesn’t just jump directly to the ball, instead she really allows readers to savor the experience and live out this fairtytale girly experience through the 5 Protectors. The whole ball is described so vividly and reading about it just felt so magical and enchanting. I for one, appreciated the fact that, not only were the girls’ emotions, nerves, and excitement over the ball described, but so were their fabulous dresses! I’m not terribly girly, but I enjoyed being able to squee over the ball gowns.
The rest of the book, especially the ending, is fast paced and action packed. I love the way Dooling writes her fight scenes with such a gritty, explosive realism. I could almost feel every punch or smell every rancid fugly. And I doubly love how kick-ass our 5 female Protectors continue to be!
There are quite a few unexpected twists and turns that left me breathless. The final battle at the end is electrifyingly intense and heart stopping! The ending really closed one chapter in the series, while setting up a whole new chapter for the rest of the series.
CHARACTERS
The characters, especially the 5 Protectors, really grew emotionally throughout this book and I really felt like I got to know them on such a deep, intimate level.
Avery really goes through an emotional journey and transformation in Book 3. She really becomes the strong, capable leader that she was always meant to be, but getting there proves to be a heart-aching struggle. Her personal growth, realizations and acceptance was something I found very compelling and easy to connect with.
Jade is such a multi-layered character, and we really get to see that in this book. She has to step out of her comfort zone and in doing so she really allows her vulnerability and softer side to shine through. Jade also continues to provide some of the most humorous moments in this series with her sharp wit and sarcasm.
The other three Protectors have their shining moments as well, and I loved getting to know them a bit better as well. What I was really captivated by was the ever growing and changing dynamic between all five girls.
ROMANCE
Aww, romance! The romance in this book is deliciously complicated. Avery and King Draven continue to get close, but when a secret is revealed, Avery is left heartbroken and angry. I love the moments between these two because their chemistry is so palpable and the heartache they both experience just jumps off the page.
The romance between Jade and Prince Eryk continues to intrigue and frustrate me, simply because we don’t get to see enough of what goes on between the two. But you can just feel the way that this relationship is building up to something big…whether this something big is going to be good or bad, I’m not sure. But I do know it’s going to be awesome!
MY FINAL THOUGHTS: I can’t express how much I LOVE this series and this book. Beginning’s End is a phenomenal addition to a wonderfully written, fantastically fascinating series. This is another MUST read by P.M. Dooling!
MY RATING
5/5 CUPCAKES
You can connect with and learn more about P.M. Dooling here:
Awesome, awesome, and more awesome. Haha, I'm half joking. I don't know, I'm a lot of things! Go ask Avery, I'm sure she's got some pretty choice words she could use to describe me...and how awesome I am!
Q. If you had a theme song, what would it be?
Now this question I like! We can talk about music all day! The hard part is gonna be picking just one theme song. I'll tell you what, I'll narrow it down to two and that's as good as it's gonna get. Hurt by Johnny Cash, well it's actually by Nine Inch Nails, but I'm going with the Cash cover, and then Uprising by Muse. Those two songs are a pretty good representation of my personality and life right now...and then tomorrow I'll pick two completely different songs. Life and theme songs are all about change.
Q. Pretend your life’s story has been turned into a movie, what is it called?
I think we could get away with just calling it "Jade". I'm sure people would go see it if they knew what was good for them.
Q. What’s the one thing you miss most about Earth? The one thing you love best about Orcatia?
Tacos! I miss tacos! You can't find a damn taco anywhere on Orcatia, it should be a crime! I would literally kill an entire army of trolls for just one really good taco. Actually, it doesn't even have to be that good. This also goes along with what I love best about Orcatia...I get to kill trolls, enough said.
Q. What’s your deepest fear and your most precious wish/dream?
No, offense, but we really don't know each other well enough for me to be pouring my heart out about my most deepest fears and precious dreams. Hell, I don't even really talk to Avery about that stuff, unless, you know, she keeps nagging and nagging me about it...which she does...a lot! Look, all joking aside, my life has it's fill of pretty incredible moments and pretty crappy moments and if I stayed too long dwelling on one I wouldn't be prepared for the other one, so I don't talk about things like fears and dreams, but I give you points for trying.
Title: The Protectors Series: The Protectors Saga, Book 1 Author: P.M. Dooling Pub. Date: Sept. 4, 2011 Format: kindle ebook Source: author for honest review
The Protectors
Every 16-year old thinks they have the weight of the world on their shoulders. For Avery Kimball this was actually true…she just didn’t know it yet. Life for Avery was completely normal, attending school, hanging out with friends, and spending time with her family. Until the day she finds out that she and her four closest friends have a destiny that will take them far away from their comfortable and safe lives on Earth. Avery learns that she and her friends are actually a group of powerful warriors known as the Protectors, who were charged with protecting the planet of Orcatia, but were killed by the evil Emperor. To save their lives, their magical mentor sent them to Earth to be re-born. It is now their duty to return to the planet and life they have no memory of, and once again serve as its Protectors, fighting the very Emperor responsible for their deaths. Along the way, Avery must contend with battling malevolent creatures, her sometimes fragile relationships with her friends and fellow Protectors, her attraction to the mysterious King of Nightfell, and her own doubts and fears about who she truly is and who she can become.
I had no idea what to expect when I was asked to review this book, but I was immediately drawn to its synopsis. Past lives? Warriors from another planet? Complicated romances? Umm, yes, yes, and yes please! This book did not disappoint; it pulled me in with its synopsis and took me on a delightful, fantastical ride.
Avery Kimball and her four best friends are just normal, average girls…or are they? The arrival of Gumptin, the short, bossy Wizard changes the lives of the girls forever. He informs them that they are actually from another planet, Oractia, where they were once Protector Warriors who were killed 16 years ago by the evil Emperor. The powerful Elementals placed their departed souls back within their mothers’ wombs and sent them to Earth to be reborn and live until they were ready to return to their home planet and protect it once again…flash forward to 16 years later when Gumptin appears and lays the truth on the girls. The five girls, having no memory of their past lives, must leave Earth and return to Orcatia where they retrain as Warriors and fight unimaginable creatures, while dealing with the drama that is teenagedom.
This book pulls you in immediately in the first few pages, plopping you right in the middle of the action. There’s nothing slow about this book; the story moves quickly with action packed scenes. I found it to be a real page turner, finishing in it in almost one (late night to wee hours in the morning) sitting. There are quite a few things about this book that I really love: the characters, the fantasy elements, and the creative twists on the well used “past lives/reborn” story line.
The five main characters are pretty awesome. They’re relatable, funny, and feel very real and organic in the way they talk; act; react. These are five girls that I can easily imagine living and breathing in the world somewhere…and would totally love to hang out with. I really love the way that, not only are the five girls individually unique and different from one another, they are also not simply carbon copies of their past selves. Dooling has created these five girls in such a way that there’s a refreshing distinction between who they once were and who they were allowed to become on Earth. I found each girl to be well developed and interesting, and I think no matter a reader’s personality, they will be able to connect and relate to at least one of the girls. I developed a genuine affection for all five girls by the end of the book and I was really invested in their characters, stories, and personal journeys.
The fantasy elements in this book- from Gumptin’s Wizard powers to the Protector’s connection to the elements to all the different creatures and beings to the planet Orcatia itself- are really delightful. The description of Havyn, the village where the girls live, and of Orcatia creates an image in my mind that reflects what I always pictured as the classic magical, fantasy world- with its vast and dense forests, castles, quaint villages that are reminiscent of the middle ages, charming and whimsical homes (they live in homes built inside trees, like the Berenstein Bears, which is beyond awesome to me!). The whole world Dooling has created just feels so enchanting.
But, I also like how the story isn’t all fantasy and whimsy. There are many really intense, violent action scenes as well. Dooling definitely doesn’t scrimp on the action packed, realistic, sometimes bloody fight scenes. And can I say just how awesome it is to read about not one, but FIVE butt kicking, female warriors. Talk about your girl power! But it’s not all fighting all the time. There’s definitely some budding romance blooming, and deliciously complicated, frustrating romance to boot.
There’s a lot of information explained in the earlier chapters, usually back story that is very much needed, which is given quick and mostly through dialogue. While I didn’t find these passages so, some readers may find them a bit overwhelming, so I recommend reading these sections slowly…and you’ll just "know" what parts I’m referring to once who begin reading.
The ending sets up the next book nicely and I’m hooked. I really look forward to seeing where this series goes and I’ve really enjoyed being swept away into Dooling’s world. I love this book and definitely recommend reading it!
My Rating
5 Cupcakes
You can contact and learn more about P.M. Dooling here:
I was born and raised in Arizona, where besides a healthy love for writing, I also developed an obsession with Chuck Taylors, Jim Henson, and classic rock. In what little free time I have I enjoy writing fantasy, visiting observatories, and spending far too much time reading travel narratives.
If you were to describe The Protectors in a tweet, using only 140 characters, how would you describe it?
Oh no, I always have problems condensing my tweets. Alright, here it goes, "The Protectors is a story about five girls who learn they have a destiny that takes them into a world of fantasy, magic, and danger." That was so much harder than it should have been!
A most superb tweet that describes your book well!
Where did the idea or inspiration for the Protectors Saga come from?
It's actually kind of a funny story. My best friend and I were both home sick one day, really sick, like sweaty gross sick. So, of course, after taking copious amounts of NyQuil we called each other. After a few minutes we both fell asleep while still on the phone. In my fevered NyQuil induced sleep I had a dream about certain parts of The Protectors story. When I woke up, three hours later, I started talking into the phone again, waking my friend up. I told her about my dream and we spent another three hours giving flesh to the whole story. I think we actually thought the whole thing was real...I blame the drugs. Anyway, a few months later I decided to write it all down...and that's how it all got started.
NyQuil dreams are the best!
In Book 1, we are introduced to the five Protectors- Avery, Jade, Skylar, Bunny, Sasha- who have very distinct personalities. Were these five characters modeled after real people in your life? Did you put a little bit of yourself into any of them. Do you have a favorite?
They are kind of loosely based on girls I knew from high school, but once you start writing characters they take on a life of their own, or at least that's what I tell my friends when a character based off of them does something offensive. I love them all, so it's hard to pick a favorite, but I do have a soft spot for Avery and Jade, especially Jade.
I love how feisty Jade is! But I think my fave girl is either Avery or Skylar.
There are so many enchanting and whimsical fantastical elements in the village of Havyn, where the five Protectors live, and one of my favorite aspects are the houses built inside the trees. I just love the thought of living inside a tree! When I read about the tree houses, my mind went directly to the Berenstein Bears, one of my favorite book series has a child, so I have to ask, where did this particular idea come from?
It was actually in my dream. When I started writing the story, the tree houses were actually one of the elements I was thinking about changing, but then I thought 'no way!'. If I was living in a fantasy world I would definitely want my house in a giant tree...so they stayed.
So glad you didn't change it! I love the tree houses and want one of my own for sure!
You’ve incorporated many fantasy creatures and beings in Book 1, and in the entire series I’m sure. There are wizards, gnomes, elves, trolls, demons, dwarves, the Elementals, and I’m super excited about meeting the faeries in Book 2. Do you have a favorite being or creature that you’ve used or created? Are there any fantasy beings that you wanted to incorporate in your series but just couldn’t find a place for?
My favorite are probably the Elementals. I really like that they're incredibly powerful, this big presence, but at the same time they stay in the background. I would have loved to be able to incorporate dragons. I've been a dragon freak since practically birth, but there was just no way to fit them into the story without it feeling forced.
The Elementals are really cool and mysterious. Ooo dragons are awesome! I'm a total dragon freak too and even have the tattoo to prove it.
As a fantasy lover, I am in awe of the imaginary worlds writers create in their stories- I’ll forever be waiting for my Hogwarts letter, I’ve knocked my head against the back of a few wardrobes looking for Narnia, and I’d love to live in my very own tree house in Havyn. What fantasy world would you love to be real and to be a part of?
I love this question! I would have to say Hogwarts! Hogwarts! Hogwarts! There will forever be a longing in my heart to fly around on a broom, drink butterbeer, and point a wand at the the annoying person sitting in front of my at a movie theater who won't shut up and have slugs just come spewing out of their mouths...not too much of an abuse of power ;)
Yes, yes, yes! Wanna be my roomie at Hogwarts?! We can be like the female versions of Fred and George: awesome troublemakers :) Mischief Managed!
I just love a well crafted villain; I’m fascinated and intrigued by your evil Emperor. Who is your favorite literary villain? Who do you just love to hate or hate to love?
The very first villain that came into my mind was Captain Hook. I know he's old school, but I have loved his character since before I can remember. I was read Peter Pan to as a child, and really understand why the story is such a classic. Captain Hook is just cool. A hook as a hand, a giant hat, a crocodile nemesis, you just can't beat that.
I've always felt Captain Hook was such a misunderstood man...I mean the man has a crocodile nemesis, that would be enough to make anybody cranky! :D
I’m a self-proclaimed TV junkie, so I gotta ask- what are your favorite shows? What book or series would you love see be adapted into a TV show?
My DVR player is my best friend! I'm a total Whovian (that's a Dr. Who fan to anyone who doesn't recognize the wonderfully geeky title). I never miss an episode of Supernatural, and I'm addicted to Big Bang Theory, Glee, and Merlin. Plus, like a dozen more. My Sunday's are devoted to catching up on all the shows I missed throughout the week, eating junk food, and yelling at anyone who tries to disturb me.
I thank God everyday for my poor, overused DVR. Eeek! A fellow Supernatural fangirl?! Can we be BFF's please? Wanna drive around the country in a badass car and hunt evil baddies with me?! Do ya, do ya, do yaaaa?
If you could sit down with one author (alive or dead), who would it be? What would you ask them or tell them?
For me, it would have to be Khalil Gibran. My dad had me read The Prophet when I was about thirteen, and the book really affected me in a positive way. I would like to tell him that there have been so many times in my life where I've used his writing and poetry as almost a touchstone to keep me focused on what's important to me and how I want to live my life.
There are so many authors I'd love to sit down with and just thank them for their words.
What are you working on now? What kinds of books or stories can we expect from you in the future?
Well, I'm working on a 4th book in the Protectors Saga, and also a sort of re-telling of Beauty and the Beast, it's a little dark, but I'm liking where it's going...because dark is good :)
A fourth book? Yes please!
I want to give a big THANK YOU to Miss Dooling for taking the time to answer my questions and giving us all the opportunity to get to know her and her work a little better. And she has offered one lucky winner an ebook copy of Book 2 and 3 in The Protectors Saga...remember you can download book one for FREE on Smashwords.
For a chance to win Book 2 and 3 just fill out the Rafflecopter form below. One random winner will be chosen next Friday (Sept. 30)
