Review: THE SECRET (Irin Chronicles #3) by Elizabeth Hunter

THE SECRET
Irin Chronicles #3
Elizabeth Hunter
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Release Date: March 19, 2015

Only when the darkness falls can you see the light of the stars.

For thousands of years, the scribes and singers of the Irin race have existed to protect humanity and guard the gifts of the Forgiven. They have lived in the shadows. They have kept their secrets.

But the Irin aren’t the only race with secrets.

Ava and Malachi have found each other, but wounds as deep as theirs don’t heal overnight. While the Irin world struggles to correct the power imbalance left by the Rending of the Irina, Malachi and Ava struggle to connect their past with their present.

The Fallen may scheme, but Ava has found her power and refuses to be an angel’s pawn. And while Malachi may have forgotten his history, the scribe’s relentless search for answers leads both him and his mate to the heart of the Irin power structure in Vienna, where knowledge is guarded more closely than gold and those with power will do anything to keep it.

Malachi and Ava have survived the darkness, but will they ever discover its secrets? A powerful cabal of the Fallen may hold the answers, but to surrender them, it wants the Irin race to finally face their enemies. Both those coming from the outside, and those raging within.

THE SECRET is the third book in the contemporary fantasy series, the Irin Chronicles, and the conclusion of Ava and Malachi’s journey.

You can purchase your copy at the retailers listed below!

Amazon    iBooks   Barnes&Noble   Smashwords 

How do you even begin to describe a book that you have longed to read for so long and then you do and it exceeds all your hoped it would be? Well, let’s see if I can describe what I loved and how much I loved everything about this book! THE SECRET is the perfect ending to my one of my all time favorite series! Elizabeth Hunter has brought all the mysterious loose ends together in an incredible, adrenaline laced story of passion, truth, and new beginnings. Ava and Mal are so brilliantly written that they leap off the page, causing you to connect with them in a real way and want to fight along side the cause.

Watching Ava develop throughout the series has been one of my favorite things to watch. She is a beautiful soul and to watch her embrace her destiny and become a vibrant beacon of hope- that is one of my favorite themes. She is full of life and her growing confidence is something that is inspiring. Ava has always been strong to live with the voices and pressure of who she was without even knowing what that is. When she starts to find answers, her world is forever changed. In this book, we see a woman with still so many questions but a determination to protect those she loves and the life she wants. As she learns the stunning truth, she embraces her destiny and fights for what needs to be.

The relationship between Mal and Ava is intense and passionate. At the end of THE SINGER, the old Mal is starting to come back but there are so many gaps from his past and his time with Ava that is was a bit disheartening. Their relationship is so well developed in their undeniable connection and support of each other. I loved watching them fight for what they wanted and the love that continued to grow. They are reshon (soul mates) but that original connection is the foundation that keeps them going and a falling in love on an even deeper level, When the defining moment of their relationship happens and the mating ritual is completed, it is absolutely perfect and emotional. I loved their commitment to each other and the lengths they will go to be together and provide for one another. Their reshon relationship is the perfect give and take, which makes them stronger together than they would ever be apart.

In THE SCRIBE and THE SINGER, we see small glimpses of The Fallen Angels and in THE SECRET their plans are brought to light as they interact more with Ava, Mal, and the Irin. This books takes everything we know of the Irin race and the Grigori race, turning it on it’s head and setting the reader on an unforeseen adventure. I loved how the reader is on the same level as the Irin. The reader learns the truth and experiences new revelations in what the Irin know at the same moment of truth, which adds more mystery and excitement to the story. All I knew was that I wanted answers but I never expected what Elizabeth Hunter had in store. This story is full of twists and turns, taking everything we knew about this world and turning it on it’s head, while blowing up with new information in order to tie up all the loose ends and answer all our questions. It was never what I expected to happen but made perfect sense in the end.

THE SECRET is the best possible ending to the Irin Chronicles. As much as I loved Giovanni, Beatrice, Murphy, Tenzin, and the gang from the Elemental Series, the Irin Chronicles is by far my favorite from Elizabeth Hunter. She takes us on an adventure that draws the reader into a world of mystery, passion, ancient history, and excitement. I loved being able to explore the world of Irin while being whisked away to some of my favorite physical places in the world. The rich historical culture of the world around them coupled with the Irin race created a world that you will never want to leave.

Want to see more of where Malachi and Ava met? More about the Irin race? See incredible places and detailed histories? Then make sure to check out THE SCRIBE and THE SINGER. Check out the series on GOODREADS! This is one series you will not want to miss!

Elizabeth Hunter is a contemporary fantasy, paranormal romance, and contemporary romance writer. She is a graduate of the University of Houston Honors College and a former English teacher. She once substitute taught a kindergarten class, but decided that middle school was far less frightening. Thankfully, people now pay her to write books and eighth-graders everywhere rejoice.

She currently lives in Central California with her son, two dogs, many plants, and a sadly dwindling fish tank. She is the author of the Elemental Mysteries and Elemental World series, the Cambio Springs series, the Irin Chronicles, and other works of fiction.

Want to know more about Elizabeth Hunter and what she is up to? Check out her social media links listed below!

Website   Goodreads   Facebook   Twitter

REVIEW (audio): The Scribe (Irin Chronicles #1) by Elizabeth Hunter

The Scribe
Irin Chronicles #1
Elizabeth Hunter
Genre: Contemporary fantasy, Paranormal romance

Hidden at the crossroads of the world, an ancient race battles to protect humanity, even as it dies from within.

Ava Matheson came to Istanbul looking for answers, but others came looking for her. A reckless warrior guards her steps, but will Malachi’s own past blind him to the truth of who Ava might be? While ancient forces gather around them, both Ava and Malachi search for answers.

Whispering voices. Deadly touch. Their passion should be impossible… or it could be the only thing that will keep them alive.

You can purchase your copy of The Scribe at the retailers listed below!

Amazon | Audible Audio Book | Kobo | Book Depositry | Barnes&Noble

The Scribe is the beginning to the Irin Chronicles by Elizabeth Hunter and it is probably going to go on record as my favorite series from her. Everything I have read by Elizabeth has been devoured. She has an incredible quality and intriguing writing style that draws you into a world that is fantastic and genuine. The Scribe is a book that takes you on a whirlwind adventure filled with passion, life, intrigue, the supernatural, and epic storytelling. This book focuses on Malachi, a Scribe, and Ava, a woman he encounters while she is traveling in Turkey. Ava is no ordinary woman; she hears whispering voices in her head and has her whole life. She has been shipped to doctors and specialist but no answers were ever presented to her family. She learned to deal with the voices and live her life as unaffected as possible. Malachi is part of ancient race of men who preserve the history of the world and protect humanity from the evil that lurks. Ava is a miracle and Malachi will do whatever it takes to keep her safe.

There are so many things that I love about this story. First, I loved the settings and exotic places our hero and heroine travel to. There are so many different and fascinating places they go to. Elizabeth does an incredible job of describing the cities and places they visit, giving the reader a vivid picture of where things are happening. Each location is filled with so much history and culture! That creates a rich backdrop for this story.

Another favorite part about this story is the culture of the Scribe world that Elizabeth created. There is mystery and a lure into such a beautiful supernatural world. The community and history of the Scribes is so interwoven with religious and cultural stories that it makes something fantastic so realistic and plausible. The world of the Scribes is developed so that the reader is gleaning information from every page. We see Malachi’s interactions with his brothers at the Scribe house. We watch Ava learn about who they are and what her role in their world is. We see their connection click and the road that they both must take for more answers. Through each personable interaction, the reader learns more of the this new world, the Scribe’s enemies, and what that danger means for Ava.

The story is woven together deeply by the theme of community. The Scribes live in such deep brotherhood. One’s struggle is uplifted and shared by all the others. The way that they welcome Ava into the fold is beautiful. Watching Ava and Malachi’s romance unfold was perfect. Their connection is deep and their hearts are melded together. Their partnership is strong and benefits the community greatly.

As for the audiobook portion of the review, this story is read wonderfully. The narrator has a rich voice that brings the story to life in such a way that you are captivated. The different accents and personalities shine through in this narration. The pace is well done, never too slow and dull. The emotion from Ava and the Scribes bleeds into the narrator’s voice, creating a gripping encounter that you will not forget! I listened to this audio book when I would be at work and in the car. More often than not, when I arrived at my destination I would sit in my car listening for a little while longer. The story has a way of drawing you in, and listening to the audiobook allows you to enter into the story at a different level, sparking your imagination and engaging you completely you in the story being read!

Waiting on Wednesday: The Singer (Irin Chronicles #2) by Elizabeth Hunter

“Waiting on” Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill from Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.

This week we are counting down the minutes till we can get our hands on The Singer by Elizabeth Hunter!

I am obsessed with Elizabeth Hunter’s writing (I have read them all!) and I am absolutely in love with this series. The Scribe was fabulous and when it ended, I was shocked and wanted the second book immediately. It was full of passion, intrigue and an epic battle of good versus evil, with fabulous locations and culture to add depth and flair. I cannot wait to see what happens with Ava, Malachai and the Scribes in The Singer. I am sure that this second book is going to blow my mind.You will not want to miss it. Check out the synopsis below and the purchase links for both The Scribe and The Singer of the Irin Chronicles Series.  Look for your copy on May 6th!

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When you’ve lost everything you love, how do you fight the darkness?

Ava left Istanbul with a new identity, new name, and new magic she could barely control. Laid low by Malachi’s sacrifice, she searches for help from the fabled Irina. But will the secretive women of the Irin race welcome or shun her? Ava’s origins are still a mystery, and her powers are darker than any they’ve encountered before.

The Irin world hangs in the balance. And as the children of angels battle their own demons, ancient rivalries among the Fallen threaten to wreak havoc on earth.

Thousand of miles away, a warrior wakes with no memory of his identity or his people. Stumbling though the dark and twisted schemes of fallen angels, ravenous Grigori, and even his own leaders, he must find a way back to the one thing he remembers. A single voice calls him. Malachi has one mission.

“Come back to me.”

THE SINGER is the second book in the Irin Chronicles, a contemporary fantasy series from Elizabeth Hunter, author of the Elemental Mysteries. 

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Oh my gosh. I have goosebumps. I can be patient right?! Only 13 more days.
Preorder your copy on Amazon today!

Here are some links for The Scribe…

Goodreads Synopsis

Amazon Order Link

Barnes & Noble Order Link

Friday Favorites: The Scribe (Irin Chronicles #1) by Elizabeth Hunter

Tressa at Tressa’s Wishful Endings hosts Friday Favorites and we thrilled to join her.  You can check out her Friday Favorite here.

Today our favorite is The Scribe (Irin Chronicles #1) by Elizabeth Hunter.

I enjoy Elizabeth’s writing immensely. I have read every book she has written and loved them all. Today I am going to highlight The Scribe, the first book in her newest series. There is something about the ancient races and good versus evil that draws me in and transports me far away. There are so many things to love about this book. The locations are wonderful. I was ready to jump on a plane to Istanbul and explore the culture rich in  history. Ava is a woman who hears the whispering “voices” of every person around her, a state of being that she has functioned in her entire life. She is a woman on the move who travels from place to place, learning the culture and language and photographing the world as she sees it, hoping to one day have relief and answers to what has plagued her life. Enter in Malachi, the mysterious protector, bringing up more questions than answers, till they can no longer survive without each other. They are thrust into a world of ancient battles and prophecies. They must learn to trust each other and realize the hope that is found within the each other. This book develops a landscape that will draw you in and create a world that the reader can get lost in. I cannot wait for the next book , The Singer (Irin Chronicles #2). If you haven’t read this book, go buy a copy today and enjoy this story this weekend. You will not be disappointed!

Look below for the Goodreads Synopsis and a littler teaser for you! 

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Hidden at the crossroads of the world, an ancient race battles to protect humanity, even as it dies from within.

Ava Matheson came to Istanbul looking for answers, but others came looking for her. A reckless warrior guards her steps, but will Malachi’s own past blind him to the truth of who Ava might be? While ancient forces gather around them, both Ava and Malachi search for answers.

Whispering voices. Deadly touch. Their passion should be impossible… or it could be the only thing that will keep them alive.

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“Ava!”

She stopped. Turned. And pointed a gun at his chest.

“Why don’t you stop lying now, Malachi?” she asked softly, her voice chilling him to the bone. “And start telling me the truth about your ‘organization’ and who really hired you?”

Slowly, he brought his hands together in front of his body, subtly tracing the talesm prim on his wrist. The old spells took hold, covering him with magic. “I can explain.”

“Good. Start talking.”

“Please put the gun down.” He was more concerned about her injuring herself or some random hiker than he was himself. “Ava, please put the gun-“

“You are not ordering me around, Malachi.” her hands didn’t tremble on the weapon. She stood in a ready stance, obviously well acquainted with the weapon. “You’re not being honest with me. I can tell when you’re lying.”

“Really?” he stepped closer. “And how to you know that, Ava?”

“I just do.” Her eyes were cold. Nothing remained of the teasing, friendly woman he’d come to know.

“Ava, please,” he repeated her name softly. “Put the gun down. Do you really think I would hurt you?”

For the first time all day, he saw her expression crack. “I don’t know what to think.”

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So much more I want to share but I don’t want to give too much away! Go out and get this book today! You can purchase it from Amazon here.