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HIGHBORN by Yvonne Navarro
Reviews of Highborn"Top Pick! This exciting new series kicks off with a fallen angel taking her first steps toward redemption. Astarte/Brynna is an intriguing character and her attempts to adapt to modern human culture give her a sympathetic edge. Navarro's ability to tell a well-paced tale that is both hard-edged and emotional is impressive. Here's to the next chapter!" (4.5 stars) -- RT BOOK Reviews"5 STARS - A fantastic beginning to a new series! The author succeeded in making me view Brynna as a powerful being with zero compassion for the finite humans around her. Well, at least in the story's early stages. I am astounded at how easily I came to believe that Astarte's existence could be real (in Heaven, Hades, and then on Earth). My attention was caught after reading the very first sentence of the Prologue. My imagination quickly took over. Unable to pull myself away, I read the entire story in a single afternoon. I do not regret doing so in the least. It is as if Yvonne Navarro somehow penned Brynna's story with adrenaline-ink. An exciting, compelling, and highly addictive tale."--Huntress Reviews "Navarro brings a definite religious, bent to urban fantasy in this tale of a fallen angel seeking redemption. The demon Astarte is tired of Hell, and takes human form on Earth, with the name Brynna Malak, She speaks all languages, knows much of ancient history and things beyond human ken -- but she has almost no clue about modern-day life, and find herself in Chicago without money, ID, or a place to live. Then a nephelim (half-angel) gets shot right next to her, the latest victim of a serial killer. Brynna has no interest in stopping a murderer, but Police Detective Eran Redmond persists in asking difficult questions. and gradually Brynna begins to care and see that helping others may be part of her reformation. She's an interesting character, rather childlike and amoral in many ways, neither understanding nor caring about humans at first, despite having done her time as a sex goddess/succubus; her notion of a happy ending is a bit different, as well, helping make this a quirky, but highly entertaining, start to a new series."--LOCUS "Navarro's narrative concerns a female rogue demon seeking celestial redemption. This is an in vogue subgenre...What elevates Highborn to a winged victory is its writer's prose. She makes the conflicted romance burn with intensity; the action scenes sizzle; and the characters are illuminated with an inner fire....Having an intriguing protagonist, such as Brynna, is essential to a successful story. The supporting cast is also important. In Highborn, the author has peppered the tale with memorable peripheral personages. There is ample description to flesh out an ally or adversary....Highborn is [a] book which delves into deities; demonic and divine. Satanic spawn and spirituality synthesize, because "It stands to reason that if you have demons, you have angels as well." Author Yvonne Navarro leaps onto a popular theme, and rides it like a seasoned jockey on a thoroughbred.--Hellnotes I could not put this book down!...Highborn was so much fun, and I absolutely love Brynna! ...The action is just about nonstop and it was just all and all a great read! I can't wait for the next book!--My Bookish Ways I was surprised with Brynna's decision to learn about being human. It grounded the novel, and made her character much more believable. I was entertained by all the roadblocks thrown in her way--everything from being jailed to having to completely destroy a hunter's head before it will die. And I was fulfilled by the conclusion, even though there were some melancholy moments before a completely unexpected ending. Highborn is an explosive original that bites, scratches, kicks and shoots all the way to where you live... Navarro's smooth, easy reading prose seems to be perfectly designed for the "I want it now generation." She doesn't disappoint."--The Deepening "Yvonne Navarro does a terrific (and often funny) job of portraying a character who just doesn't "get" social norms and has a lot of acclimating to do...Highborn is an exciting, butt-kicking story featuring a complex heroine who changes and grows as the novel progresses...Navarro's prose is smooth and makes for a snag-free read." (4/5 stars)--Fantasy Literature Review "HIGHBORN was a pleasant surprise. The character of Brynna was a refreshing change from the typical UF heroine with her alien-like curiosity and controlled strength. Her story to Hell and back is one I can't wait to read more of." (4/5)--All Things Urban Fantasy "Here's the UF version of Angels and Demons. In this action-packed and well-written series, Astarte is a fallen angel (a demon, really), doomed to exist in Hell for all eternity. At the beginning of Highborn, she somehow escapes from Hell...and winds up in Chicago, of all places..."--Fang -tastic Fiction "I was delighted with the story I found in Highborn. I loved Brynna's character. She was ignorant about technology and human interaction which gave me a sense of vulnerability. However, she kicked ass, understood the way the world worked and in reality was a foreigner wearing the veil of humanity. It was like reading a book about an alien trying to integrate human society. Without trying, she was able to make friends out of good, hardworking people quickly becoming a protector to them.... If you are looking for an urban fantasy book which is light on the romance and heavy on the action pick up Highborn. Warning: You have no idea how this story is going to end. Sure you might get a little a piece of the ending right, but I bet you don't see where Navarro takes the plot."--Scooper Speaks "I loved Astarte/Brynna, although she's certainly not a warm, cuddly character. Her awkwardness in her initial encounters with humans was entertaining, and she's one of the most kick-ass female characters I've seen in a long time -- a gunshot wound is little more than a bee sting. (Think a female version of Castiel on Supernatural.) She fears virtually nothing in the mortal world, but her vulnerability shows in her fear of the Hunters and her tentative friendships with humans. She and Redmond make a great team. I liked how he gradually came to think outside his practical-cop box and managed to hold his own with this supernatural being. There's definitely sexual attraction between them (partly due to Brynna's triggering lust in people and partly due to plain old chemistry), but mostly they develop a strong partnership based on trust and respect, which is refreshing. This is an exciting new urban fantasy that will keep you on the edge of your seat and leave you wanting more."--Fresh Fiction
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