October 30, 2013

BLOG TOUR & GIVEAWAY: Sentinel (Covenant #5)


It is a bittersweet thing, participating in the Sentinel tour. The Covenant series is one of my all-time favorites, and I’m so sorry that it’s finally ending. On the other hand, I can’t wait to get my hand on that book so I can find out what happens to Alex, Aiden and Seth!

Today, I’m all about Deity, though – the third book in the series, and the one that I feel was the turning point for a lot of characters. Aiden finally admitted his true feelings for Alex. Alex faced her inevitable future. Leon revealed his true self. Marcus stepped up and became a father figure.

Below is my original review, which I posted on Krista’s Dust Jacket on September 21, 2012. Make sure you keep reading, because in addition to the amazing tour-wide giveaway sponsored by Spencer Hill Press (international), I’m giving away a SIGNED COPY OF SENTINEL to one lucky winner (US only). Don’t forget to check out all the other tour stops. And, a big thanks to Val from Stuck in Books for organizing the Sentinel tour!

Deity (Covenant #3), by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Published November 6, 2012
Publisher:
Spencer Hill Press
Format:
ARC, borrowed from a friend
Genre:
YA fantasy/paranormal romance
To Buy: 
Amazon * Barnes & Noble

Rating:  5 STARS

(From Goodreads) "History is on repeat, and things didn't go so well the last time. "

Alexandria isn't sure she's going to make it to her eighteenth birthday--to her Awakening. A long-forgotten, fanatical order is out to kill her, and if the Council ever discovers what she did in the Catskills, she's a goner... and so is Aiden.

If that's not freaky enough, whenever Alex and Seth spend time "training"--which really is just Seth's code word for some up-close and personal one-on-one time--she ends up with another mark of the Apollyon, which brings her one step closer to Awakening ahead of schedule. Awesome.

But as her birthday draws near, her entire world shatters with a startling revelation and she's caught between love and Fate. One will do anything to protect her. One has been lying to her since the beginning. Once the gods have revealed themselves, unleashing their wrath, lives will be irrevocably changed... and destroyed.

Those left standing will discover if love is truly greater than Fate...


It's been a little over a week since I finished Deity, and I'm still wallowing in my post-amazing-book funk, so forgive me if this review makes no sense. Jennifer Armentrout has, once again, reduced me to a pile of ooze from the epicness that was this book.

The best thing about Deity is that it didn't succumb to "middle book boredom." In fact, nothing could be farther from the truth. You know how the first book in a series is exciting because you meet all the players and the world they live in and the problems they're facing? And, the last book is exciting, because it's the final battle and the wrap-up of all the loose ends. And, sometimes (ok, many times) the middle book (or books if it's longer than a trilogy) is just kinda "meh." It's only the bridge to carry you from the first book to the last.

Yeeeeaaaahh. That's SO not Deity.

The action and epic revelations start a dozen or so pages in, and from there, it builds and builds until, in classic JLA fashion, you're left hanging with a big WTH???? at the end. So many questions and so many problems were resolved that, as a fan, I was unbelievably satisfied and happy. And, yet, so many new questions and problems were created as the situations unfolded that I'm left bereft and wondering how on Earth I can ever wait until next spring to find out what happens next.

All the characters, who all had so much life even before Deity, are so much more vibrant and colorful now. Even the supporting characters like Lea, Luke, Deacon and Marcus elicited strong reactions and emotions from me. And, the main three - Alex, Seth and Aiden - I just can't say enough about how incredible they are. Alex is as strong, kick-ass, and vulnerable as ever. Seth makes me feel more stabby than any other character I've ever read about. And Aiden. Well, he is so yummy, I could eat him with a spoon. 

No - Deity was anything BUT boring. Even though it is technically a "filler" book, it is integral to the overall story arc and really amazing all on its own. I just don't even see how Deity could be topped. Best book of the year for me.

My Favorite Quotes From DEITY
“I can’t keep pretending that I don’t want this – that I don’t want you. I can’t. Not after what happened to you. It thought… I thought I’d lost you, Alex, forever. And I would’ve lost everything. You are my everything.” – Aiden
“Because I love you, we share each other’s problems. When we fight, we fight together. I’m going to be by your side no matter what, whether you like it or not. That’s what love is, Alex. You never have to face anything alone again. And I get what you’re saying. I don’t agree with it, but I will support you in any way I can.” – Aiden 
"I've been... terrified of this Awakening, of losing myself. But... but I'm not anymore. I won't lose myself, because...well, how I feel about you, it would never let me forget who I am." – Alex 

About the Author

# 1 New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Jennifer L. Armentrout Lives in West Virginia.

All the rumors you heard about her state aren’t true.

Well, mostly. When she's not hard at work writing, she spends her time, reading, working out, watching zombie movies, and pretending to write.

She is the author of the Covenant Series (Spencer Hill Press), the Lux Series (Entangled Teen), Don't Look Back (Disney/Hyperion) and a yet untitled novel (Disney/Hyperion), and new YA paranormal series with Harlequin Teen.

Jennifer also writes New Adult and Adult romance under the pen name J. Lynn. The Gamble Brothers Series (Tempting the Best Man/Tempting the Player) and Wait for You. Under her pen name, she is published with Entangled Brazen and HarperCollins.

Learn more about Jennifer L. Armentrout --> Website / Facebook / Twitter

Giveaways

I am giving away one signed copy of SENTINEL and Jennifer L. Armentrout swag (US only). Giveaway ends November 6, 2013.

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Spencer Hill Press is giving away a $200 gift card to Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Book Depository or any indie bookstore of the winner's choice to not only stock up on amazing books, but to perhaps buy a Nook HD or Kindle Fire. (International)

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