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Return to Eden (The Soulkeepers #3)

by G.P. Ching (Goodreads Author)

4.16 of 5 stars 4.16 · rating details · 781 ratings · 77 reviews

Dr. Abigail Silva has waited over 10,000 years for redemption and a chance at a real relationship with the angel she loves. But when you're made from evil itself, it's hard to remember if salvation is worth the wait. With Lucifer's plan coming to fruition, she must decide if God's offer of humanity is all it's cracked up to be, or if a deal with the devil is the more promi...more

Kindle Edition, 228 pages

Published February 29th 2012 by Carpe Luna, Ltd.

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Aug 28, 2012 Paula Sealey rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: sci-fi-and-fantasy

I devoured this book in just a couple of sittings, desperate to discover what would become of my favourite characters from the previous books in the series.

While Jacob, Malini, Gideon and Dr. Silva search for the few remaining Soulkeepers to join them in their battle against Lucifer. Lucifer himself is busy hunting them down and planning their extinction. He is also hatching a larger plan, that the Soulkeepers must discover and put a stop to.

'Return to Eden' broadens our understanding of the rel...more

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Aug 15, 2012 Syndey rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: own, ebook

Amazing! I have been super pleased with this entire series. Gen Ching has a wonderful imagination and she does amazing things with it. In Return To Eden we get to know the characters much better. I really like how we get the POV from each couple.

This book is based on making the right decisions, believing in yourself, each other and in your faith. In this book most of all I think you get the message to heart. It was interesting to see how each of them felt about certain situations or how they wo...more

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Mar 29, 2012 Jeanne Dunn rated it 3 of 5 stars

I really want to give all the books in this series a 3.5 rating. They aren't quite a 4, but definitely more than a 3. As noted in my reviews of the first two books in this series, I always enjoy when a book springs a new idea/unique twist, particularly when it's an old plot (good vs. evil). The author did a stellar job in this regard.

I wish I could've cared about the characters more, and I still can't put my finger on why I didn't. It may have been the physical perfection of the main characters...more

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May 03, 2012 Misty Rayburn rated it 5 of 5 stars

Lucifer’s plan is unfolding and time is short. Dr. Abigail Silva has waited over 10,000 years for a shot at redemption and a chance to touch the angel she loves. With the situation so dire, she finds herself doubting God’s word. Now she must decide whether making a deal with the devil will be more worthwhile than waiting for God’s plan.

I liken this book to an eccentric slow dance. It’s beautiful and well put together but the pace never stays the same throughout. It speeds up and slows down, but...more

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Apr 12, 2012 Larry Kollar rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: 14+

Shelves: ya, urban-fantasy

To me, the book seemed to get off to a bumpy start — the beginning felt a little rushed or abrupt. But past the first chapter or two, it took off. Each book in this series focuses on a different person: Jacob in The Soulkeepers, Malini in Weaving Destiny, and now the rebellious Watcher Abigail Silva and the angel who loves her.

As with The Soulkeepers, I had to stop reading at times because the peril was just too much (especially when the characters were about to make a really bone-headed move)....more

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Jul 24, 2012 Marsha rated it 3 of 5 stars Recommends it for: YA

(2.5 stars) "Return to Eden" really is Abagail and Gideon's story although supporting characters have a major role to play as well. If I am to be totally honest with myself, this book was my least favorite in the series and probably represents the end of the road for me. At this point, I am not totally sure why I did not enjoy it as well as the other two books; however, to some degree I believe that the plot suffered from way too many mediocre twists and turns.

Abagail and Gideon are at odds with...more (2.5 stars) "Return to Eden" really is Abagail and Gideon's story although supporting characters have a major role to play as well. If I am to be totally honest with myself, this book was my least favorite in the series and probably represents the end of the road for me. At this point, I am not totally sure why I did not enjoy it as well as the other two books; however, to some degree I believe that the plot suffered from way too many mediocre twists and turns.

Abagail and Gideon are at odds with each other. They are both struggling with impatience as to when God will grant his promise to make them mortal and they each have a different view as to how to resolve it. Since danger from the Watcher seems to be around every corner, Gideon accompanies Katrina back to college in an effort to protect her.

Back in Paris, Malini, Jacob, Abagail and Lillian are forced to round up all the remaining Soulkeepers and take them to Eden for schooling and protection. Meanwhile, Mara and Henry are in the In Between where she discovers that she is neither alive or dead. Henry did not have the heart to send her on to Heaven because of his strong attraction to her. He realizes there will be consequences to pay for his actions; yet, they decide they will enjoy their time together while they can. This was one of my first problems with this book. In book two, Mara comes across as inconsiderate of other's feelings and out for self alone. However, in this edition, she seems to have a personality make over and she is pure and kind.

Next, Malini looks into the future and is concerned at what she sees. She knows she cannot tell Jacob what will happen because she may risk altering the future. Lucifer seems to be stalking her at every turn. However, she and Jacob have manage to rescue many of the Soulkeepers. Both Malini parents and Jacob's Aunt and Uncle are away on a cruise making it easier for everyone to run around getting things in order. Poor Dane is in hell with Lucifer and realizes that the devil is just playing with the Soulkeepers and he motivations are not what they think.

Lucifer is contacting Abagail in an attempt to win her over to his side. Everyone begins to wonder whose side is she really on when she goes missing. In the end, they will get their answer in a way that no one expected. This is a short read but it felt like it took forever for me because I just was not as invested in the plot as I was in the previous books. The story was just too convoluted for me. If there are anymore books in the series, I will not be going on to read them.
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Mar 18, 2012 Cyndi Stauff rated it 5 of 5 stars

Wow! In this third book there is so much going on, but each story intersects with everything so smoothly, you don't notice. It grabs you from the very beginning and doesn't let go. I started this book yesterday, went to bed reading it, and woke up, turned my kindle back on, re-adjusted my glasses, and kept reading. I read every chance I got and just finished it.

It's an exciting ride, filled with adventure, thrills, twists and turns, and so much more. I can't wait until the next book. I have read...more

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Apr 02, 2013 Cameron Mascari rated it 3 of 5 stars

Hmmm not sure what to think on this book. Definitely not as good as the first two but it was good enough. Kind of slow though, made the book seem a lot longer than it was.

SPOILER BELOW:

One problem I had and SPOILERS so there is the heads up: Malini said someone was going to die in the battle with Lucifer (I was guessing Lilian, Gideon or Dr. Silva), she was really shaken up about it, she told Jacob it wasn't him but it still seemed very important, and at the end of the book no one dies? Did I mi...more

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Oct 25, 2012 Rose rated it 4 of 5 stars

Awesome! Return to Eden is the third book of the Soulkeepers Series. I had look forward reading this novel...wanting to read the revelation Dr. Silva & Gideon. To my disappointment there was not much of them instead the were more of Mara & Henry(aka Death). Nonetheless, it was still a page turner. In this novel the Soulkeepers had come together to put an end on Luciper & Army of Watchers plan on humanity. God fulfilled Gideon & Abigail's prophecy. The book ended with the possibil...more

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May 18, 2012 Emmy rated it 5 of 5 stars

It says publish- 2011. And it's 2012. What's up with that??

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Sep 30, 2012 Alicia rated it 3 of 5 stars

This book has a few twists that I enjoyed, and I liked it overall. In this book we get a little deeper in the romantic relationships of the characters. I like how Ching paints a very sexy picture but doesn't go overboard or too graphic. I think we can let our imaginations take it where we want and that makes things even hotter. I like the way she made everything work out, but at the same time it does feel a bit TOO perfect how everything works out (esp. in the final battle). Interesting read, bu...more

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Dec 05, 2012 Alex Chubokas rated it 5 of 5 stars

i started reading this series because the first book was free. about halfway through the first book i was a little iffy about it being that im not too much on the religion side. i finished the first book and bought the second and read straight through it. i recently bought the third in the series and read it in two days. there were a lot of twists that i was not expecting. there were times where i was sure one thing would happen, but something completely different happened. it draws you in and m...more

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Jun 13, 2012 Eric rated it 3 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Apr 25, 2012 Andrea added it

Shelves: blog-tour, young-adult-paranormal, ebook

What an intense journey! After THE SOULKEEPERS established the backdrop for this intense series, and WEAVING DESTINY kept the momentum going, RETURN TO EDEN is the dynamic showdown between Good and Evil.

WEAVING DESTINY is a busy book. God's Army on Earth is preparing for battle, gathering up their forces, making their plans to defeat Lucifer. This book centers more on Abigail Silva, fallen angel who is now a Watcher. She is on the edge, and no one truly knows which side she'll fall on. Abigail...more

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Apr 14, 2012 Erin rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: angels-demons, ya-paranormal, ya-fantasy, paranormal-romance

Originally posted at Riffs and Reviews

Return to Eden is the final chapter in G.P. Ching’s Soulkeepers trilogy, and everything is on the line in this battle to prevent Lucifer from bringing about the End of Days.

This trilogy is told in the third person, which turned out to be a good thing because there are so many threads and character perspectives throughout this story that if we were constantly moving from one person’s head to another we would quickly become confused. Even secondary characters...more Originally posted at Riffs and Reviews

Return to Eden is the final chapter in G.P. Ching’s Soulkeepers trilogy, and everything is on the line in this battle to prevent Lucifer from bringing about the End of Days.

This trilogy is told in the third person, which turned out to be a good thing because there are so many threads and character perspectives throughout this story that if we were constantly moving from one person’s head to another we would quickly become confused. Even secondary characters such as Dane and Jacob’s cousin Katrina have chapters which focus on them. While the summary above seems to indicate we will primarily be getting Watcher (fallen angel) Abigail’s story here, it is actually far more complicated.

As Return to Eden begins, Healer Malini has determined that it is imperative that all the Soulkeepers (Horsemen and Helpers alike) who were on the list that Abigail put together and Lucifer stole should be brought to the school in Eden for their safety. Jacob and Malini take half the list, while Abigail takes the other. Angel Gideon, the love of Abigail’s life, is left behind to keep an eye on Katrina to make sure she does not become possessed by a Watcher again (which happened in book 2, Weaving Destiny). When Malini and Abigail are both summoned by Lucifer against their will, they discover he is holding Jacob’s and Malini’s friend, Dane, as a hostage and will kill him in 12 days if Abigail does not translate the list of Soulkeeper names which she encoded. While Abigail and Malini don’t want to condemn Dane to Lucifer’s torture, they also know they can’t give up the remaining Soulkeepers. Their only hope is to bring all the Soulkeepers to safety before Dane’s time runs out. But Lucifer’s Watchers are close on everyone’s trail as each Soulkeeper is discovered – and not everyone makes it to safety. Will Abigail make a deal with Lucifer to protect the rest of the Soulkeepers and rescue Dane?

While everyone is scrambling to prevent Lucifer from finding the remaining Horsemen and their Helpers, Death/Henry has brought Soulkeeper Mara to the Between after she gave her life at the end of book 2 to save Malini. Henry and Mara’s romance is the second major thread in the book, and may be my favorite. I have always loved stories where Death falls in love with a human, and this was no exception. As their story unfolds, we learn Henry’s back story and how he became Death. We also learn how the entities in the Between – Death, Fate and Time – have assisted God in maintaining the balance with Lucifer through the ages. But when God and Lucifer learn Mara is living with Henry, an ultimatum regarding her soul is made. Death may lose the one he loves most.

With the Soulkeepers trilogy, Ching has managed to create an incredibly complex, yet easily accessible, paranormal world. Each character is unique and memorable, and their stories compelling. Jacob, Malini and Abigail have been at the center throughout, but while the relationship between Jacob and Malini is stronger than ever, Abigail’s relationship with Gideon is beginning to show the strain of the years of waiting to be together. Abigail’s faith is starting to waver, and Gideon is afraid he may lose her to Lucifer’s sway. When Malini’s visions confirm this is a distinct possibility, she advises Gideon that only by letting Abigail go will the Soulkeepers prevail. The choices made by Abigail and Gideon will determine the fate of the world.

This was the first book where God made an actual appearance, and I thought it was very well-done to have God appear to each person as themselves – God simply Is, and appears to everyone differently. I did find it interesting, however, that apparently God has a rotten sense of timing. Both story lines are brought together in an explosive battle between Good and Evil when God finally fulfills a promise made eons ago at the worst possible moment, triggering the event the Soulkeepers have been trying to prevent. I guess even God can make a mistake.

While Return to Eden seemed to have a few more editing errors than the previous two books, they still weren’t enough to ruin the story. The multiple story lines and characters are far too interesting to be brought down by the errors I saw and, frankly, I’ve seen a LOT worse.

Filled with interesting characters (who happen to have some really cool abilities), twists and turns, romance and action, the entire Soulkeepers trilogy is an exceptional entry in the young adult paranormal genre and Return to Eden is its thrilling conclusion. Questions are answered, threads are tied up, and relationships are brought to satisfying resolutions. I’m sorry to see the end of this series, but I look forward to seeing what other worlds author G.P. Ching creates in the future.(less)

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Apr 22, 2012 Aeicha rated it 5 of 5 stars

I’m a huge fan of G.P. Ching’s The Soulkeepers Series (check out my review of The Soulkeepers and Weaving Destiny) and I’m glad to report that book three, Return to Eden definitely does not disappoint.

In Return to Eden we find Jacob, Malini, Gideon and Dr. Silva searching for fellow Soulkeepers as Lucifer hunts them down, while Mara is caught in the In Between with Death himself. As the newly found Soulkeepers train in Eden and Lucifer rallies his army, each character finds themselves facing the...more I’m a huge fan of G.P. Ching’s The Soulkeepers Series (check out my review of The Soulkeepers and Weaving Destiny) and I’m glad to report that book three, Return to Eden definitely does not disappoint.

In Return to Eden we find Jacob, Malini, Gideon and Dr. Silva searching for fellow Soulkeepers as Lucifer hunts them down, while Mara is caught in the In Between with Death himself. As the newly found Soulkeepers train in Eden and Lucifer rallies his army, each character finds themselves facing their own personal struggles with doubt, insecurity, fear, duty and love. And in the end everyone must choose a side as an epic battle between good and evil, Heaven and Hell, Lucifer’s army and God’s warriors takes place.

Return to Eden is a thrilling and captivating closing chapter on what’s been a grand and exciting journey. I continue to be greatly impressed with Ching’s ability to weave an intricate and fascinating story that is both original and highly entertaining.

There is quite a bit going on in book three and several character storylines are focused on, but despite an abundance of story and character focus, the book paces nicely and never feels rushed and nothing feels glossed over. The story also takes place in several settings and Ching continues to create very vivid and intriguing worlds- Hell, Eden, the In Between.

Since book one, I’ve been simply fascinated with the ultimate Good vs Evil story that Ching has crafted, but Ching’s world in this series is anything but simple. Smartly and sharply written, the story of war between fallen angels and the Soulkeepers is a compelling and multifaceted one. Rich in actual facts and myths, the story Ching offers readers is as layered as it is entertaining. Although the series as a whole deals with religious themes and stories, I appreciate the fact that it’s never preachy or too in your face. I think religious people can enjoy the series for its religious symbolism, while non-religious readers (like me) can simply enjoy the series for what it is- an absorbing, well written and electrifying example of great storytelling.

One of the things I love most about this series, and about Return to Eden especially, is how complex Ching’s characters are. Although there is an overall Good vs Evil theme throughout the series, not everything or everyone is simply “good” or “evil”, black or white. Dr. Abigail Silva is an incredibly complex and riveting character that is constantly straddling that thin line between redemption and being lost forever, and I’m so in awe of the way Ching has developed and characterized her.

One of my absolute favorite characters in Return to Eden is Lucifer! As weird as it sounds, I find Lucifer/Satan/The Devil to be one of the most fascinating characters throughout history and I’ve always been completely intrigued by him. I’m always impressed when an author can create an engaging, layered, witty Lucifer who is almsot likable in all his entertaining smugness, and Ching has done just that. So, kudos to Ms. Ching for an awesome Luci!

Romance. Love. Kissing. Return to Eden definitely has these things! Ching doesn’t skimp on the romance and the relationships between Jacob/Malini, Abigail/Gideon, and Mara/Henry(Death) are as enthralling and addicting as ever. My only complaint when it comes to the romance department is that the lovey-dovey dialogue is often a bit cheesy, especially during the Mara/Henry scenes. But this never distracted me from enjoying (and totally swooning over) the romance.

The story leads up to a breathtaking and surprising battle between the main characters and Lucifer and the Watchers. But the story doesn’t end there; there is a very satisfying epilogue and conclusion that I really loved…although, I’m super excited that there will be a book four because there are quite a few characters and stories that I don’t think are quite finished (i.e Dane and Ethan!!!).

MY FINAL THOUGHTS: Return to Eden, with its intriguing story; compelling characters and heart-racing action, is an exciting third book in what has turned out to be an epically awesome series!
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Mar 04, 2012 H. rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: young-adult

Every once and awhile, I find an author that I can pick up his or her books (or open my e-reader as the case may be) and read them until the pages fall apart—literally and figuratively. It’s fortunate that the Soulkeepers Series by G.P. Ching is in digital format, or I would have burned through several copies of the series already. The latest book, “Return to Eden,” left me with a lot to think about.

Throughout the series, there has been subtle elements of faith—a taboo in most mainstream writing...more

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Nov 02, 2012 Amy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc, own

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Apr 23, 2012 Chris rated it 4 of 5 stars

I am really enjoying this series by G.P. Ching. This is the third installment of the series and the characters are strong and the story still as engaging as the first book. In this book, we find the soulkeepers trying to thwart Lucifer's attempt to take over the Earthly realm for him and his fallen angels, aka, the Watchers.

Also in this book, we finally meet God and get some insight on what the fight is all about.

This is a good series and the pace is quick and fresh. A good thought provoking se...more

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Oct 06, 2012 Kelly rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-books-read

This may be one of the best "cheap" trilogies I've read for my kindle. It's very much young adult content, but the premise is new and unique, and the writing is actually pretty good...and it gets better from book 1 to book 3. I love to watch an author grow!!
Highly recommend this to all ages - the whole trilogy is a take on good versus evil; God versus Satan, but through the use of special humans called Soulkeepers, and through evil minions called Watchers.

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Mar 22, 2013 Steph rated it 3 of 5 stars

I wasnt going to read anymore of this series, but then thought I'd give it another go. A little more mature in this one and it touched on a contraversial issue in religion/lifestyle that I was surprised about (although I wish more was said). I still think this is a good YA series. I know I have said it before, but I am not sure I will keep reading.

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Feb 02, 2013 Melissa rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal

I have read the three books in this series in four days. It's a story that kept me up into the wee hours of the night with my kindle. Not sure why but this book was a little difficult to stay tied to compared to the other two, I can't exactly put my finger on the reason why. Despite that, the ending is beautifully done and such a happy way to tie things up. Looking forward to the fourth book coming soon!

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Jul 13, 2012 Carolyn rated it 4 of 5 stars

Good versus evil is the thread which holds this series together. I enjoyed books two and three. The first book was very choppy. The author tied all the threads together which made the series satisfying. It is a series written for a younger/ teen audience but it held my interest throughout.

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Apr 10, 2013 Lorane Mitchell rated it 5 of 5 stars

I loved this more than the others, I think the love story between Mara and Henry was one the highlights in the book, and funny enough when she first came on the scene I hated her but she turned out a be of strong character. I loved that there was some happy stories amongst all the chaos.

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Mar 18, 2012 Alix rated it 3 of 5 stars

Pretty good series. As often is the case with the very cheap or free Kindle books, the lack of decent editing/seeming lack of knowledge regarding spelling can be annoying & distracting at times; using peal for peel, flees for fleas...

Otherwise, story idea itself a 4, execution 2-3

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Apr 10, 2013 Imogen rated it 3 of 5 stars

I would have loved for the Maya/Henry storyline to have been more developed. Also my attention was drifting in the build up to and duration of the climax. But again nothing inherently wrong and I'll probably read the next instalment.

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Nov 14, 2012 Peter rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is a great series from a great writer. The reason I did not give this book 5 stars is because of an elemental omission. In a series the author usually includes some background information which would have been helpful as I have read countless books between and need a brief refresher. It would have enhanced the book and ade it a necessary few pages longer. You need a better editor.

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Oct 19, 2012 Leisa rated it 4 of 5 stars

This book was fantastic and it measured up to the other two. What a fantastic author with great imagery and story line! I especially love the romance between Mara and Henry ( Death and Time). I enjoyed how the characters all come together to defeat the bad and free each other from bondage. Great book! Hope there is another one!

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Jan 25, 2012 Magan Vernon rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: indelibles-on-fire

A thrilling follow up to the best selling Weaving Destiny.

I don't want to give away any spoilers, but lets just say that you find out alot more about Dr. Silva and Gideon as well as a few other lingering questions about the other characters in the book.

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Dec 15, 2012 Jodie Weyland rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: have, amazinag

Just started reading this for a book report, because I read the first off of my Kindle Fire and I liked it soooo much I just had to buy the second witch lead to the last and best book of them all!!!!

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About G.P. Ching

G.P Ching is the author of The Soulkeepers Series and variety of short fiction. She specializes in cross-genre paranormal stories, loves old cemeteries, and enjoys a good ghost tour. She lives in central Illinois with her husband, two children, and one very demanding guinea pig.

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Return to Eden (The Soulkeepers #3)

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