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| Gabriel's Redemption by Sylvain Reynard Published: December 2013 Age Group: Adult Series: Gabriel's Inferno #3 [end] PROUDLY CANADIAN |
Gabriel's Redemption was an installment of mix-matched answers to unanswered questions and well deserved karma laced into a loosely composed plot consisting of too many side characters with their own myriad of problems, goals and subplots, all while trying to tie up any loose ends for the fans resulting in a well written fan fiction that leaves me with new questions and a changed perspective on several characters.
It's been some time since I've read the Gabriel's Inferno series. In fact I'm certain that the series had ended with two installments, which was fine, so imagine my surprise when I saw that there was a SEQUEL being released! I finished Gabriel's Rapture feeling slightly less astounded then I was when I finished Gabriel's Inferno. It was really a means to an end. A way to end the series on a happily ever after.
To note, Gabriel's Redemption is first and foremost a story written for the fans because so many people were asking (demanding) Sylvain Reynard to go back to the story of Gabriel and Julia and tell more of their life after marriage. Well I don't see this as much of a spoiler considering the majority of romance novels follow this pattern but what are we expecting after a marriage? You can answer the question yourself. Anyway, what I'm trying to get is the storyline was predictable. I also found it somewhat repetitive. The newlyweds would follow this pattern of having a conflict, not dealing with this conflict by talking resulting in frustration, anger and a lot of huffing, puffing and foot stomping, only to make up within the next few pages and everything is hunky dory. Until the next few chapters when this all starts again. The first few times I was really engaged, I mean don't all newlyweds (scratch that, couples in general) have their arguments and disagreements? Yes, they do if you have any doubts and so it wasn't out of the norm but the continual use of arguments to reveal important and personal information about the characters soon became boring and I found myself disengaged from the story and uninterested. I understand that some couples argue a lot. I just said it myself earlier that ALL couples will have their disagreements but for a work of fiction, using the exact same method and the same procedure bores on me as a reader. I prefer variety or instant action. Dwelling on details and explanations always seems so mundane to me.
In addition, the book consists of many different characters making "cameo" appearances, telling their stories and what happened for them after Gabriel's Rapture. You have Paulina (Gabriel's ex), and Natalie and Simon (Julia's enemy), Paul (the poor guy who got friendzoned), and Christa (the whore). Some of these stories finish answering any unanswered questions, all of these have "happy endings" (depending on what side you see it from) and all those (who need to) atone for their sins. All I can say is karma is a bitch. These could have been released as short stories. There was very few ties that linked it to the main plot.
Although it is clear that this idea of "atoning for one's sins" is very prevalent in the story, I'm not sure if I agree with Sylvain Reynard's divine retribution towards all villains in the story. I've grown to sympathize with some of the characters. In fact one of them falls in love and oh the cold and heartless bitch known as karma comes and rips it away. I don't understand, why couldn't they be happy? In fact, all the evil characters of the story ended up with sad fates. I understand that this story is geared towards fans, but ruining their fictional lives seems too much for me.
I've also come to despise Julia in this book. I get it, she's Beatrice, Gabriel's Dante but I barely tolerated her in Gabriel's Redemption. I don't what happened to her or perhaps what happened to me but she just seemed very stubborn throughout the story always telling Gabriel what to do. I don't want to ruin the beautiful image people may have of her but she is (now) most definitely not one of my fav protagonists.
Overall I found the story ok. It's not one of those books I would necessary recommend to new readers. Although I would recommend it to already readers of this series since it does tie up any loose ends.
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GABRIEL'S REDEMPTION BLOG TOUR INFO!
Author: Sylvain
Reynard
Title: Gabriel’s Redemption (Gabriel’s Inferno Series #3)
Publisher:
Penguin Berkley
Summary:
From the author of the New York Times bestsellers Gabriel’s Rapture
and Gabriel’s
Inferno comes the epic conclusion to the captivating romantic trilogy.
Professor Gabriel Emerson has left his position at the
University of Toronto to embark on a new life with his beloved Julianne.
Together, he’s
confident that they can face any challenge. And he’s eager to
become a father.
But Julianne’s graduate program threatens Gabriel’s plans,
as the pressures of being a student become all consuming. When she is given the
honor of presenting an academic lecture at Oxford, Gabriel is forced to
confront Julianne about the subject of her presentation—research that conflicts with his own. And in Oxford,
several individuals from their past appear, including an old nemesis intent on
humiliating Julia and exposing one of Gabriel’s
darkest secrets.
In an effort to confront his remaining demons, Gabriel
begins a quest to discover more about his biological parents, beginning a chain
of events that has startling repercussions for himself, Julianne, and his hope
of having a family.
Bio: I'm
interested in the way literature can help us explore aspects of the human
condition - particularly suffering, sex, love, faith, and redemption. My
favourite stories are those in which a character takes a journey, either a
physical journey to a new and exciting place, or a personal journey in which he
or she learns something about himself/herself.
I'm also interested in how aesthetic elements such as art,
architecture, and music can be used to tell a story or to illuminate the traits
of a particular character. In my writing, I combine all of these elements with
the themes of redemption, forgiveness, and the transformative power of
goodness.
I try to use my platform as an author to raise awareness
about the following charities: Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Foundation, WorldVision,
Alex's Lemonade Stand, and Covenant House. For more information, see my Twitter
account.
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thank you for your review.I found it honest and right to the point.
ReplyDeleteThank you for taking the time to read my review :) And thank you for your comments. I try to write my honest opinions when I write reviews.
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