White Heart of Justice: reseña y sorteo / review, interview and giveaway

LA SERIE DE NOON ONYX

de Jill Archer

Queridos arrebatadores, quizás recordéis que os presenté las dos primeras novelas de esta trilogía de fantasía new adult y os dije que me había hecho fan de la autora, Jill Archer. Por fin he leído la tercera novela, WHITE HEART OF JUSTICE, y estoy dividida entre lo maravillosa que ha sido y lo frustrada que me ha dejado. Ay, sí, esa ausencia importantísima de Ari me ha dolido. Y ese final... es esperanzador, pero devastador también.

Aún así, ha sido una aventura impresionante, en la que el arco de la historia se ha completado con primoroso detalle, con la salvedad de la relación personal de Noon con Ari. Sin embargo, ha explorado multitud de aspectos que me han dejado muy satisfecha y asombrada. La autora ha vuelto a someter a Noon a pruebas físicas y emocionales que la han transido de dolor, la han llevado al límite, le han hecho comprender muchas cosas sobre sí misma así como sobre su familia, amigos, enemigos y amantes. 

Noon, la aprendiz de magistrado mágico que debe juzgar y ejecutar demonios díscolos en un futuro tras el apocalipsis en el que Lucifer pereció tras ganar la batalla contra los ángeles, se embarca en una gesta para hallar una reliquia perdida. En el camino, luchará contra monstruos, el frío gélido, su atracción por el ángel Rafe, sus sentimientos oscuros por Ari, los enemigos que tratan de matarla, los secretos legendarios del pasado y contra su propia naturaleza.

La evolución de este personaje es absoluta. El uso de la magia está muy enraizado en la historia demoníaca y legal del mundo de Halja, del que descubrimos muchas cosas más. Aunque echo de menos un mapa, la descripción es muy gráfica y vívida por lo que es fácil imaginar los recorridos, las culturas, las idiosincrasias de ángeles, demonios y magistrados. Todo ello está magistralmente hilado con la fabulosa protagonista que es toda una heroína y con el romance sensual, profundo y emotivo que convierte esta fantasía en algo único que voy a recordar siempre. 

Os recomiendo esta trilogía encarecidamente si os gustan la aventura, las heroínas que no saben que lo son hasta que aprenden a serlo a base de lecciones durísimas, los romances llenos de secretos y drama y sensualidad, y una magia demoníaca muy original.

¡Un mensaje de la autora para los lectores españoles!

Sólo hablo y leo un idioma. Así que me abruma y estoy agradecida de que lectores cuyo idioma natal no sea el inglés se animen a leer mis libros. Quizás algún día se traduzcan a otros idiomas. Todavía recuerdo el día en que mi blog recibió visitas desde más de cien países. Fue una sensación maravillosa. El mundo es un lugar muy grande pero compartir historias puede darnos la impresión de que es pequeño e íntimo.

Muchas gracias, Babel, por esta fantástica entrevista y por ser una gran campeona de la serie. Si alguien quiere saber más sobre El Corazón Blanco de la Justicia, este vínculo dirige a la página en español de Amazon.

Los mejores deseos y feliz lectura para todos los lectores en Torre de Babel.

My opinion of White Heart of Justice

It's a pleasure to return to the world of Halja. I fell in love with Noon and her tumultuous life in the first book, Dark Light of Day. I was heart-stricken by her odyssey in the second novel, Fiery Edge of Steel. Now, I'm in awe of White Heart of Justice. In awe, I tell you!

This is why I read books.

Noon is being tested again, and the tests are pitiless. It's all in the name of competing in the Laurel Crown Race. If she wins, she'll be able to choose her next assignment on her own terms which could be permanent and safe. Not an easy feat in Halja. However, this final test is so full of pits that it's going to prove an insurmountable challenge. In the meantime, Ari still haunts her heart and Rafe harbours more shocking secrets.

Again, I loved the first books. And the third one is a hell of a ride. Literally. It reincarnates the traditional journey of the hero who seeks a relic that will beknight and redeem him in his search of himself.

Noon's quest is the highest bet possible. It's everything or nothing. And nothing means her life. The horrors she faces, the sacrifices she endures, are as intense and harrowing as the discoveries she makes along the way.

From the very beginning, I've felt very invested in Noon's story. Regardless for a moment how appealing it is to follow her adventures and evolution as a character, I also find myself deeply intrigued and attracted to the world she inhabits. I think it would be extremely easy, and tempting, to read other plots and spin-offs deviating from the one we know and cherish. How cool would it be to read about demons as main characters? To explore this land of wondrous dangers? To disclose more of its hidden powers and treasures? That'd be something worthy of dreaming about. On another note, I still miss some maps that illustrate the geography of this hell on earth. Still, in this book we get to know more about the land and its people's origins. I love all the legends and stories that continually spring up.

Personal Anecdote:
There is a popular quote from Shakespeare that's repeatedly used to belittle women in all kinds of situations, and I was so happy to see the tables turned for once.
Cheers, Jill!

There is a beautiful balance between plot, world building, magic and character growth. Everything is equally important, and deserves detailed and loving attention. Not only the main characters get their spotlight. I was very fond of the brief, albeit emotional interaction Noon and her mother share. Though Peter is also becoming quite surprising.

Angel Raphal Sinclair is an amazing character. As a love interest for Noon, he's over the top. Though I missed the dynamics between Ari and Noon so much. I've never been too much of a fan of love triangles in novels because I usually pick up a favourite, and they prove to be a distraction from the plot or the real romance. In this case, though, just thinking of choosing between Ari and Rafe has my heart divided and painfully pumping.

While Noon's motives were understandable (who can blame her for being drawn to that charming beacon of light?), it still felt odd and a little bit disappointing that Ari was put aside. Yes, he did what he did, but his love for Noon was authentic, as was hers for him. Doesn't that account for some loyalty? Ah, my heart betrays me...

Despite my hunger for Ari's presence, I must admit this book is a homage to Noon's independence. She's always been evolving and learning things about herself and her power, but in this last adventure she travels far in her revelations about not only her powers, but also her sense of self. I think the author had a wonderful time discovering Noon's true potential.

Another asset of this novel is how satisfyingly it develops the arc of the story. It touches on all aspects, all details and relationships, powers and legends, to convey meaning and significance to everything that has been building up. As with waning magic, no matter how destructive it is in essence, in the right hands, Noon's hands, it becomes almost life-creating and hopeful.

The novel never slacks. It's well-plotted and punctuated with shocking surprises as ever. With a quirky sense of humour and a fantastical worldbuilding, White Heart of Justice delves deep into a quest of magic, freedom, redemption and love.

Alas, it never forgets that Noon is a true heroine. No doubt, she has help along the way, real allies, but she is the one who ultimately faces the big challenges, she who wields her growing abilities to defeat her enemies, and saves the day, the hot guys in distress and changes the world as History knows it.

One cannot simply stop reading after book two, and starting book one was an eye-opening, thoroughly exciting experience for me. So this trilogy is a must and I recommend it whole-heartedly to everyone who loves the best things in a reader's life: creativity, emotional intensity, adventure, a new look into a genre and fun, lots of fun.

Now, please, tell me there is a fourth book to follow after that wise, emotionally-overcharged, heart-fluttering ending. Dear Jill, you can't, just can't, leave Noon, Ari, Rafe and ME like this. We need closure!

Tnterview

- Noon is a complicated character in a far more complicated world. How and why did you choose the challenges she has to face in order to come to terms with who she is?

I’ll admit, Dark Light of Day has a lot of subplots. Throughout the story, I tried to choose situations and conflicts that would be a plot nexus, bringing together two or more subplots. Everything was set up to support the ending, where all of the plots converged and merged Noon’s struggles with academics, romance, magic, and her own self-identity.

In Fiery Edge of Steel, many of the challenges Noon faces have to do with her becoming more comfortable with her destructive waning magic while remaining true to herself and coming to grips with the path she’s chosen and what she’s expected to do.

In White Heart of Justice, I wanted the challenges to be even bigger and the consequences for screwing up to be more extreme. Noon faces competition from her peers, but this time their competitive arena is more deadly than ever. And it’s not just one person or one outpost at risk; it’s all of Halja. Noon faces numerous demon adversaries, as well as “other miscellaneous atrocities made of blood, bone, metal, and/or magic.” Nearly everything in the book is broadened, deepened, or intensified: the magic, Noon’s relationships, her choices, and their effects.

- I get the impression that some mythology or ancient folklore was incorporated into Noon's world. If that is the case, how much and what kind?

The short answers are “lots” and “all sorts.” I often use real world myths, legends, and folklore as inspiration.

Lamia, Nergal, and Kalisto are all characters that were inspired by real world deities. Lamia was a Greek demon with shark, sea monster, and vampire associations. Nergal was a Mesopotamian solar deity who was also referred to as a god of war, plague, and pestilence. Callisto was the Greek goddess who was turned into a bear by Hera and set among the stars as Ursa Major.

In writing parts of Fiery Edge of Steel, I was inspired by two children’s songs and a fairy tale. The songs were “Duérmete, Mi Niño” and “Señor Don Gato” and the fairy tale was Charles Perrault’s “Little Thumb,” all of which were modified for purposes of the story.

I use research as a jumping off point for my imagination so my final fictional creation may or may not resemble its real world inspiration.

- How did it occur to you to tackle such an obscure albeit intriguing concept as demon law in a fantasy book?

Noon was very loosely inspired by the Egyptologist Evelyn “Evie” Carnahan from the movie The Mummy. I was having lunch with a bunch of writers during the time when I was seeking inspiration for a new project. I was still practicing law and I sat next to a librarian. We each shared with the other that we felt our day jobs were fairly pedestrian and not necessarily something that could be tapped into to create a dynamic, otherworldly character. I then mentioned Evie as an example of a wonderful librarian character, who found love while battling the undead, despite her bookish ways. So that conversation got me thinking… If Evie could do it, maybe another similarly bookish lawyer character could do it too.

- Are you a pioneer in New Adult Fantasy? Is there more of its kind?

I am flattered that you would ask this question, but I don’t think I am. Others are writing it, and were likely writing it, before I was. And I’m not even sure that Fiery Edge of Steel or White Heart of Justice can be considered New Adult. In Fiery Edge of Steel, Noon is still coming to terms with who and what she is and her place in the world and, in White Heart of Justice, one of her biggest motivators is wanting to win the right to control her own professional destiny. And the books have significant romantic elements.

But, after reading a handful of other NA books (albeit all contemporary), I’m not convinced that my books fall squarely within the New Adult umbrella. Instead, what I try to do is present the series as an option for NA readers who like fantasy. I consider myself a fantasy writer first and foremost.

If anyone wants to read more of my thoughts on whether or not the Noon Onyx series is New Adult, as well as hear from other SF/F NA authors, a great place to start is the guest blog series I did back in April (http://wp.me/p1G39m-1Lu). I interviewed six other NA SF/F authors and we discussed all sorts of good stuff, including:

Is the term “New Adult fiction” synonymous with “college romance”?

http://jillarcherauthor.wordpress.com/2014/04/01/is-the-term-new-adult-fiction-synonymous-with-college-romance/

Is there a market for New Adult Fantasy?

http://jillarcherauthor.wordpress.com/2014/04/02/is-there-a-market-for-newadult-fantasy/

Is Multi-Genre NA a Fantasy?

http://jillarcherauthor.wordpress.com/2014/04/03/is-multi-genre-na-a-fantasy/

- Is it a worthy risk to add steamy romance to a fantasy plot?

Romance and fantasy are two of my favorite genres. So adding them together just makes a book that much better in my mind. I’m aware that some fantasy fans prefer to keep the bedroom door shut. And I’m aware that some romance fans are impatient with too much worldbuilding. The Noon Onyx books are not their best choice.

The readers who love these stories adore dark worlds, dangerous doings, and deeply felt relationships.

- I fell in love with Empyr, a restaurant and private club in the world of Halja with a wonderfully magical wine menu. Was it loosely based on or inspired by a real experience you've had?

I think it’s wonderful that you fell in love with Empyr. It’s nice to know that a particular aspect of the world appeals because I spend lots of time tinkering with the people, places, and things in Halja to get them the way I want them to be, which is entertaining and purposeful.

I’ve dined in private clubs at the top of tall buildings but I didn’t base Empyr on any one place. The wine menu was inspired by various antique apples. I never realized how boring the types of apples are that I eat. Red delicious, Macintosh, gala, even the pink ladies seem positively prosaic compared to the vintage varieties. I spent a lot of time at this site, studying names and descriptions: 

http://www.foodhistory.com/foodnotes/leftovers/antiqueapples.htm

- Did you plan all three books in advance or did you encounter some surprises as you wrote along?

I loosely plotted out a total of seven books in the series, but none of the books have ended the way I originally envisioned them so the series probably won’t either. I generally work off my outline for at least the first half of the manuscript. Throughout the writing process I allow myself to go “off script.” In Dark Light of Day, for example, the “petites fleurs” scene (chapter 2), Serafina, and Vigilia were not part of my original outline.

(AMAZING! SEVEN!!!!)

- Are you going to write more Noon Onyx stories?

I’m actually in the process of deciding that now. I feel that White Heart of Justice ends in a place where those who have loved the character and the world can walk away satisfied. But it’s hard to say goodbye. Halja’s a fascinating place and Noon is an interesting, strong character to write about. Part of me would like to see where she goes next.

But if I move forward with a fourth book, I’d likely be self-publishing it. It’s a big commitment. So I’m asking readers to weigh in. After you finish WHOJ, let me know whether you want more Noon Onyx stories! :-D

(NO, NO, not satisfied, I NEED more!)

- What’s next?

The next story of mine that will likely be available for purchase is a short story called:

 “Dream, Interrupted” in the Mammoth Book of Southern Gothic Romance 

http://www.amazon.es/Mammoth-Book-Southern-Gothic-Romance/dp/0762454725/  

It features a new heroine, Corelei Neverest, who’s just as interesting as Noon. Her world is different, of course, but it’s also dark, creepy, romantic, and deadly.

- Any message for Spanish readers?

I can only speak and read one language. So I’m humbled, awed, and grateful that someone whose first language isn’t English would even read my books. Maybe someday my books will be translated into other languages. I’d be thrilled. I still remember the day I realized my blog had gotten hits from over a hundred different countries. It was the most amazing feeling. The world is a big place but sharing stories can make it seem small and intimate.

(such a beautiful, endearing feeling, one of the reasons I love reading)

Thank you, Babel, for this fantastic interview and for being such a great champion of the series! If anyone wants to read more about White Heart of Justice, here’s a link to its Amazon page in Spain:

http://www.amazon.es/White-Heart-Justice-Noon-Onyx/dp/0425257177/

Best wishes and happy reading to everyone here at Tower of Babel!

**

White Heart of Justice

Noon Onyx

Book 3

Jill Archer

Genre: Fantasy

Publisher: Ace

Date of Publication: May 27, 2014

Number of pages: 304

Cover Artist: Jason Chan

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Since Lucifer claimed victory at Armageddon, demons, angels, and humans have coexisted in uneasy harmony. Those with waning magic are trained to maintain peace and order. But hostilities are never far from erupting…
 After years of denying her abilities, Noon Onyx, the first woman in history to wield waning magic, has embraced her power. She’s won the right to compete in the prestigious Laurel Crown Race—an event that will not only earn her the respect of her peers but also, if she wins, the right to control her future. However, Noon’s task is nearly impossible: retrieve the White Heart of Justice, a mythical sword that disappeared hundreds of years ago. The sword is rumored to be hidden in a dangerous region of Halja that she is unlikely to return from. But Noon’s life isn’t the only thing hanging in the balance. The sword holds an awesome power that, in the wrong hands, could reboot the apocalypse—and Noon is the only one who can prevent Armageddon from starting again…

Tour giveaway details

$50 Amazon eGift Certificate (or bookseller of winner’s choice)
(international)

5 copies of White Heart of Justice

 (or an earlier book in the series, winner’s choice)

(international so long as Book Depository ships to your address)

Dark Light of Day themed SWAG pack

(incudes signed copy of book and other awesome goodies)

 (US only)

Fiery Edge of Steel themed SWAG pack

(incudes signed copy of book and other awesome goodies)

(US only)

White Heart of Justice themed SWAG pack

(incudes signed copy of book and other awesome goodies)

(US only)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Estoy tremendamente feliz de haber descubierto a esta autora y sus libros, y de haber podido disfrutar de una lectura maravillosa y un breve, pero emocionante interludio de amor de fan. La autora ha sido majísima con su disponibilidad para la entrevista y dejando un mensaje para los lectores españoles :o)

Babel fantásticamente adicta.

El día que me hice fan de una escritora que desconocía + extras

La autora Jill Archer era una desconocida para mí hasta hace poco. Su trilogía no existía en mi radar. Cuando vi las portadas y leí las sinopsis, sentí cierta atracción pues la fantasía y la magia son importantes en mi carrera lectora. Aún así, no hubo ningún terremoto, no se produjo ninguna comunión cósmica. Nada vaticinaba lo que iba a pasar.

¿Recordáis esa sensación de leer un libro que conecta contigo a todos los niveles y sientes la necesidad de buscar todo lo que ha escrito ese autor? Exacto. Automáticamente, el escritor pasa a tu lista de VIPs. Se graba tu nombre en la memoria, lees su página web en busca de noticias, sus próximos libros tienen un sitio preferente en la cesta de la compra.

¡Soy fan de Jill Archer!

¿Pero por qué? 

Porque me ha dado lo que todo lector quiere

aunque no sepa expresarlo.

 ¿Tenéis alguna debilidad a la hora de elegir tema de lectura? Una de mis (muchas) debilidades es la figura de los demonios. Siempre me ha atraído, ya sea en formato malvado (lo más usual) o algo más humanizado.

En DARK LIGHT OF DAY y FIERY EDGE OF STEEL me he encontrado con una historia muy original que mezcla fantasía, demonología, magia y romance new adult, algo que no me esperaba y me ha conquistado completamente. Lo que ha hecho volar mi imaginación de las dos novelas que he leído hasta el momento es:

- una protagonista voluntariosa, sensible e inteligente

Noon procede de una familia poderosa, pero ha heredado el poder equivocado. Su magia destructora pertenece a los hombres, ella es la única mujer en poseerlo así que el secreto le acompaña a la escuela de Derecho de San Lucifer. Debe declararlo antes de su vigésimo primer cumpleaños o será una fugitiva.

- el mundo inventado por la autora está lleno de detalles creativos

La guerra entre ángeles y demonios ocurrió hace milenios, el resultado: los demonios ganaron. Sus descendientes tiene poderes mágicos y conviven junto a humanos bajo el gobierno tiránico pero disciplinado de los demonios.

- el uso de la ley como parte integral de la trama

Nunca había visto que las leyes, su estudio y su aplicación fueran un elemento tan importante en una novela de fantasía. Me ha dejado maravillada la escuela de Derecho, donde Noon y otros abogados y magistrados estudian asignaturas alucinantes como Pecado y Castigo, Manipulación, o Actos Oscuros. En las aulas, los profesores proponen casos legales para su desarrollo y aprendizaje de forma práctica por los estudiantes. Deben entrenar su poder mágico en el caso de los magistrados, pues son los únicos capaces de someter a los salvajes demonios cuando pierden el control (como los rogare o renegados, o si cometen infracciones). En cuanto a los abogados, se encargan de defender a los demonios en los litigios.

- mitología demoniaca

Los demonios son adorados como deidades que representan los ríos, la lujuria, la mentira o la naturaleza. Me parece fascinante cómo la autora ha insertado la figura de estos monstruos bíblicos en el folklore primitivo. Sus personalidades psicópatas, instintivas pero también ciegamente devotas de la ley y las normas son tan protagonistas como Noon y Ari.

- romance más allá de los besos

Noon y Ari: atracción, cautela, pero al final se compenetran, y el resultado es un romance peligroso, sensual y conmovedor. Otra sorpresa en una novela de fantasía. Todos los poseen poderes emiten un aura que es como una firma que los identifica. Informa de su fuerza, pero entre Noon y Ari sirve para que conecten emocionalmente. Es maravilloso.

- una trama enrevesada de misterio, magia, amor, ambición y buen humor

Lo tiene todo. Hay un bellísimo romance con escenas íntimas mientras Noon intenta integrarse en la escuela, aprender a controlar un poder que odia, olvidar que su contacto mata lo que está vivo como las plantas o fresco como las verduras, y elegir entre conservar su naturaleza desviada o hallar un hechizo que la libere de él. Hay muchísimos detalles que me tenían totalmente prendida de la lectura. La relación de Noon con su familia, la historia de la guerra entre demonios y ángeles, las costumbres de los territorios, la obsesión de los demonios por la ley. Hay una auténtica evolución en Noon, en su comprensión de sí misma y de lo que tiene que afrontar. Todos los personajes aportan más riqueza a la trama y a las interacciones y diálogos.

- una prosa de calidad

Esta mujer sabe lo que se hace. Se notan la inteligencia y la desbordante imaginación en cada frase. Además, ha invertido en la caracterización de sus personajes que, a estas alturas, son grandes amigos míos.

Las dos novelas están llenas de aventura, magia, sorpresas, reflexión y romance. Estoy deseando clavar mis garras en el tercer tomo: WHITE HEART OF JUSTICE. ¡Tengo que esperar un poco, pero valdrá la pena!

***

My thoughts

I was very excited to read about a world ruled by demons. Think about it. What happens after the Apocalypse? Nothing? A new everything? I always wondered what the world would be like. If civilization would cease to exist or if any remnants would be left behind. How would humanity face desolation by demons?

Jill Archer has crafted a world in the Noon Onyx series that is not only surviving biblical Apocalypse, but thriving in the aftermath, though in a very peculiar way.

Noon is an aberration in her society. She has waning magic, destructive powers that are male-born only. Forced to declare what she is capable of, Noon is sent by her aloof mother to a school where she must become a law-enforcer to serve demons. In the way to know herself or die in the process, she encounters blood-thirsty creatures, exhausting cramming for law classes, secretive family issues, emotional crossroads, and a dangerous liaison.

Wow, it's the first time I read a fantasy book that is also sexy as hell. It's half gripping plot, half alluring romance, and the blend is electrifying.

This post-apocalyptic, demon-oriented society comes across as compelling and full of possibilities. I was really attracted to the idea of demons wanting to be adored and willing to listen to people's pleas to gain their favour.

Knowing Halja was full of demons was one thing.

Seeing one's brutal handiwork was quite another. (pg. 37)

This quote helps define some of the most striking features of this world.  On the one hand, it's common knowledge that demons rule over everything and everyone. On the other hand, it's still a gruesome and dangerous place to live where demons rule but also prey.

Great assets: world-building, demon law and all its complex, subtle, clever ramifications. It's a unique stance to state law cases to the students at St. Lucifer's school for them to learn and practice how to cope with demons and Hyrkes' (ordinary people) transgressions.

The element of "signatures" is wonderful.  People's signatures are described akin to fire, a marble pillar or a rotten stench. I love the idea of people giving off aspects of their strength, power and personality through a kind of aura. The effect is really interesting.

Action is strategically placed, the tension of one kind or another is everywhere, and the romance is overwhelmingly addictive. There are so many things going on at the same time. No room for boredom or indifference here! Rogue demons wreaking havoc, mysterious disappearances, magic learning, social boundaries, love and betrayal and secrets... everything is masterfully merged into a rich, catchy, and emotional plot.

This book is good, good, good. I should be used to it by now. After all, I like reading and I've been doing so for most of my life, but whenever I get hooked on a book I also have this feeling of surprise. It surprises me how much I like it. It's weird. Does this happen to anyone else?

Afterthought:

Dealing with demons, I imagined this novel would picture them as bloodthirsty beasts. Though there is enough of that to my heart's content, there's also a strong element of religious devotion built around the cults to demons. It intrigues me how territorial demons are. They symbolise a river or pregnancy, and have festivals celebrated in their honour. That infuses an ancient, earthy, primitive and very human flavour to their role in the community and in people's psyche.  I enjoyed that very much.

7 rules to enjoy Dark Light of Day

1 it's New Adult Fantasy - Don't you just feel your mind tingling with the possibilities to explore?

2 superb world-building and story telling

3 a strong, realistic evolution of the main character

4 gripping take on magic

5 (utterly) original use of law as a fantasy element

6 (unexpectedly) sexy romance

7 fascinating portrait of demons

I think this first book is a delightful, thrilling view on magic, demonology in a fantasy setting and highly arousing romance.

Conclusion: New Adult Fantasy? Gimme more!

And then came the second part... thank the writing gods! I can't believe it but this story is getting better and better.

Noon is assigned a case in the field. This time, she will have to deal with the real possibility of judging and executing a demon if found at fault. For that daunting purpose, she takes to the road so to speak in the company of a very interesting threesome.

- companion number one: Ari, attractive and powerful Magister-in-Training

- companion number two: Delgato, a sea captain that will help with Noon's training

- companion number three: a Guardian Angel

Oh, Ari, you know I love you and all, but you have a good/bad/impossible-to-beat rival in that bad-ass Angel Raphael.

Yes, there is a number four in that thrilling gang but this funny character and its adorable pet work on a different level.

The very first chapter is impressive. It sets the foreboding tone for the rest of the plot. Noon has to face her worst challenge. Kill or renounce the obligation and risk it all? The ceremony in which she has to choose an Angel as protector is magnificently solemn and astoundingly funny.

I still love Noon's wonderfully sardonic sense of humour. She's sensitive, cautious, smart, but then she goes boom with sudden bursts of power and frustrated self-restrain and imposed rules. She's always struggling with her inner morals that clash against the world she lives in. And she's so exotic but humane and relatable at the same time. I have to love her.

So Noon embarks on this journey that will be her baptism of fire, literally. Even though the journey takes a lot of space in the story, it's far from static in terms of plot. Actually, it's choke full of action, magic, hellish adventure and character development. And some heart-wrenching moments. And then the party gets to its final destination and all the mystery and questions come together in an ending that feels like fireworks. OMG, the things that happen. They're huge and mind-blowing and I'm trembling with anticipation for the third book.

***

Dark Light of Day 

Noon Onyx

Book 1

Jill Archer

Genre: Fantasy

Publisher: Ace

Date of Publication: September 25, 2012

Cover Artist: David Palumbo

  

Noon Onyx has been accepted into the prestigious St. Lucifer’s Law School where her mother hopes she’ll be trained as a Maegester. But Noon doesn’t want to control demons, set fires, or destroy things. She wants to become a Mederi so she can grow gardens and heal people.

Noon's best friend, Peter Aster, is an Angel spellcaster who thinks he has the answer to Noon's predicament - an ancient, mysterious, lost spell that can turn Noon into the Mederi she always wanted to be. Only one person stands in the way of Noon's dream - Ari Carmine, a fellow classmate who seems fascinated by Noon's fiery side. 

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Fiery Edge of Steel
Noon Onyx
Book 2
Jill Archer
Genre: Fantasy
Publisher: Ace
Date of Publication: May 28, 2013
Cover Artist: Jason Chan

Noon Onyx is the first woman in memory to wield waning magic. Her unique abilities, paired with a lack of control and reluctance to kill, have branded her as an outsider from her peers. Only her powerful lover, Ari Carmine, and a roguish and mysterious Angel, Rafe Sinclair, support her unconventional ways.When Noon is shipped off to a remote outpost to investigate several unusual disappearances, it seems Luck is not on her side. But when the outpost settlers claim that an ancient and evil foe has stepped out of legend to commit the crimes, Noon realizes that she could be facing something much worse than she ever imagined…

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About Jill Archer

Jill Archer writes dark, genre-bending fantasy from rural Maryland. Her novels include Dark Light of Day, Fiery Edge of Steel, and White Heart of Justice. She loves cats, coffee, books, movies, day tripping, and outdoor adventuring. 

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Babel contando los días para leer el tercer libro.