Central (Daughters Of Saraqael, #2)

Mar 20, 2012 Jen (Dream Reads) rated it 5 of 5 stars

It's really hard to put into words how fabulous this book is, it really is. Central which is book two in the Daughters of Saraqael series is a rather perfect sequel in more ways than one. It is well-written, intelligent, imaginative, and it has just the right touch of romance. In Central we have a book that centers itself on it's characters overcoming their fears and learning how to trust not only themselves but those around them and I really loved every minute of it.

In Central we continue to le...more It's really hard to put into words how fabulous this book is, it really is. Central which is book two in the Daughters of Saraqael series is a rather perfect sequel in more ways than one. It is well-written, intelligent, imaginative, and it has just the right touch of romance. In Central we have a book that centers itself on it's characters overcoming their fears and learning how to trust not only themselves but those around them and I really loved every minute of it.

In Central we continue to learn more about the Estilorians which are beings that used to share the world with humans but had to leave because of their powers and the complexities those created in the human world. And in Central we have the daughters of Saraqael who are half human/half estilorian showing the Estilorians what human emotions are all about and it is rather interesting because through them Thomas gets to show the reader how the lack or excess of emotions can affect a person/being. Which leads me to our protagonists in Central: Olivia and James.

Olivia and James are such lovely main characters and so well developed. Which is, by the way, another talent of Raine Thomas. She knows how to make incredibly three dimensional and well rounded characters. Both primary and secondary characters in this book are complex and interesting. Doesn't matter if they are villains or heroes, everyone has a story to them which is given to the reader in small increments through clever plot twists and storylines. Olivia, the female lead in this book, is what you would say a more studious type of girl. She is intelligent and has a very good sense of what is right, and is of a very calm and sweet nature. In this book we get to follow her journey as she learns to become more assertive and confident in her abilities and judgement. James, the male lead in this book, is an amazing character as well. He is everything you would want in a male protagonist. He is strong, protective, respectful and always willing to learn and grow as a person. There is no pride with him, just a strong and quiet confidence and his main struggle in this book is about learning how to understand human emotion (as he is an estilorian) and it is rather interesting to read about.

The romance in this book is just perfection. Like in Becoming there is no instantaneous love. There is no love triangles in this book and both Olivia and James are respectful of each other. James gives Olivia her space to grow and viceversa. There are no impositions here and it's just a breath of fresh air to read about the development of such a healthy love story.

What shined for me in this book above everything else has to be the the fantasy elements included in the story. The Estilorians themselves as beings are so uniquely created and their world is so rich, vivid, intricate and colorful that when you read about them it's as if a picture is painted in your mind and you feel that they are real. I would also say that animals, creatures and places of myth and legend make an astonishing appearance in the Estilorian world and I loved every minute of it. Fans of fantasy definitely have a winning book in Central. This book is fantasy at it's best. So creative and for me a definite must read for fans of Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings who might be dying to read a fantasy book with a newly and uniquely created world.

My Rating: 5/5 (less)

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Mar 23, 2013 Bayan Basri rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites, heros-or-heroins-i-adored, magic, multiple-pov, my-book-boyfriends, never-wanted-to-end, no-love-triangle-thank-god, strong-heroin, trilogy, ya-paranormal

I just have to say: I loved this one even more than the first. It had the things I liked from the first book, but it also had other things that made it it's own.

I absolutely adored Olivia. Although I relate to Amber a lot, I discovered that I relate to Olivia just as much. Olivia is really clever and thoughtful. She thinks things through and knows how to react and what to do in certain situations. Plus, she acknowledged her strengths and weaknesses alike.

James!!! I fell in love with him, every t...more I just have to say: I loved this one even more than the first. It had the things I liked from the first book, but it also had other things that made it it's own.

I absolutely adored Olivia. Although I relate to Amber a lot, I discovered that I relate to Olivia just as much. Olivia is really clever and thoughtful. She thinks things through and knows how to react and what to do in certain situations. Plus, she acknowledged her strengths and weaknesses alike.

James!!! I fell in love with him, every time he showed signs of emotions and acted more humanely I fangirled (is that even a word) so hard, I thought my heart was going to explode! In the beginning he was all Elistorian. Seriousness, no smiling and all. But then he and Olivia got closer to each other he began to show *gasp* emotions! While transitioning from emotionless Estilorian to dreamy dude, he was so oblivious. It was really cute. He had to admit that her description of the beverage was intriguing, though why one would willingly want to drink something that popped and bubbled in your mouth and caused gaseous emissions in your gut was lost to him. He's completely honest, which makes everything he does and says more meaningful.

Amber really started to pen up in this book, fully assuming the eldest sister role. She also started to loosen up. It was great seeing her develop!

Gabriel! It was soooo good to see more of him! He's such a good husband to Amber and brother to Olivia, Skye, James and Caleb. Personally, I'd take him in either way. ;D

It was so much fun seeing the Sisters train together, and interact with other Estilorians and getting to see more of the Estilorian plane.
The thing is, I was led to believe that the Estilorians aren't capable of human emotions easily. I was wrong. If they had a good example-like the Sisters and Gabriel-they are easily capable of feeling. It feels foreign and weird at first, maybe frightening, but they do feel. And they like it.
Estilorians don't just feel the good emotions though, they can feel love and hate, friendliness and jealousy, etc. That makes it more realistic.

So, in answer to the question in my previous review: How do you teach someone how to feel?
The answer is: You don't.
Take James and Olivia for example. She smiles when she's happy, laughes when she finds something funny, cries when she's upset and he follows her example. Until he learned how to feel.

Skye and Caleb are the most puzzling couple. Their story is next! I can't wait to read it!

Full review on The Booklicker (less)

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Apr 30, 2012 Becca Walters rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-i-ve-reviewed-on-my-blog

*Taken from my blog, OtherRealmReviews.blogspot.com, not edited for any other site*
First off, I want it known that this was already written a week ago, my loving fiance however, took the laptop and didn't know to NOT CLOSE THE TAB, so now.. (huge pout), I am re-writing my review, which isn't all bad, since I won't be in utter shock and writing, like the first time, BUT, I am doing it under protest. Protest, because Raine's new book, Defy, the first in the trilogy that follows the ones I am revie...more *Taken from my blog, OtherRealmReviews.blogspot.com, not edited for any other site*
First off, I want it known that this was already written a week ago, my loving fiance however, took the laptop and didn't know to NOT CLOSE THE TAB, so now.. (huge pout), I am re-writing my review, which isn't all bad, since I won't be in utter shock and writing, like the first time, BUT, I am doing it under protest. Protest, because Raine's new book, Defy, the first in the trilogy that follows the ones I am reviewing, was released today, and I haven't gotten to read it yet!
Alas, I knew I needed to write this, (and get it posted, the fiance WILL be home sometime tonight!) before reading the new one, as to not inadvertently review the new one, in this same group. For those to whom that sentence made sense, thank you for following my somewhat twisted thought processes, and for those to whom it did not make sense, my apologies.
Daughters of Saraquel.... omg. I don't have words, even a week, two weeks, and I suspect even six months from now, later. I just don't. Raine Thomas has proven I am NOT the only person in the world that thinks the way I do, lol, poor Raine, but her ability to make it clear to others, well, I envy it. She tells a story so rich, so intricate, and yet, still manages to NOT lose her reader. Something I am still working on.
The main characters exhibit the best humanity has to offer in terms of a desire to do right. Yes, I did intentionally word it that way, because that is pretty much how I view it. We can do right or wrong, and the girls constantly watch themselves to make sure which path they are traveling, a concept I think reaches far more than just myself and my son, judging by the other reviews. What I truly enjoy and what sets these apart from other fantasy novels based on good and evil, is that Raine allows the characters to ALL have both aspects, even those inherently evil ones, and allows you to see the struggles that we all endure as we walk our individual paths. I connected with some aspect of every single character, and I've never, in over 3000 books, and 38 years, encountered that. I empathized (read my first post, I am an empath) with every single character, including Aurora, the feline counterpart to Olivia.
I challenge anyone to read these books and NOT connect to the characters. I cannot imagine someone not finding at least ONE character that was so deeply like themselves, and yet, I can tell you, I saw aspects in ALL of them. Raine has such a clear understanding of humanity, our emotions, and how those emotions can lead the best of us, to do the worst of things, and vice-versa, that you cannot help but connect with her books, and her.
I have been so blessed, the night I was reading the first one, was a very hard night for me. I won't go into details, but I was seeking a distraction from reality, and even my favorite books (Marina's Tales, reviewed first in my blog) were not providing it. My eyes lit on Raine's books, and I decided to trust my instincts. I cannot tell you how glad I am that I did. I also wrote her a letter that night, going into more detail as to what I was trying to evade, and somehow, between her book, and my letter, I made the most valuable thing in the world... a new friendship. However, that didn't happen till I was done with the books, so nope, it's not because I care about Raine that I will crow about her books. That would have happened no matter her response to my letter. :)
There is no simple way to put it that will accurately reflect the quality of the writing. She has no typos, which I find in the big box books anyway, no grammatical issues, nothing of the technical problems that plague so many books.. but she DOES have everything that truly matters. There is a depth of passion, love, and sheer soul that she puts into her work that I see glimpses of in most writing, but rarely is it thrown out there for the world to judge. She puts 110% of herself into what she is writing, and I hope that I have accurately conveyed that.
On that note, as much as I LOVE talking about her books, I am dying to read one.. and mean it is actually starting to make me batty, so, I suggest, when you are done reading the Daughters of Saraquel's trilogy, that you go find "Defy", the story beyond it, and somehow, I already know, it's going to be on my kindle's favorites shelf along with it's predecessors. GO READ! :) (less)

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Apr 12, 2012 Heather rated it 4 of 5 stars

Central the sequel to Becoming is told from Olivia and James point of views as it picks up the story of Saraqael’s daughters. Olivia thirsts for knowledge of her Estilorian half and her new plane of existence. She’s overwhelmed with the training to defend herself but bravely wants to fulfill the part of a prophecy to teach all Estilorians about human emotions. As if learning all of this at age 18 isn’t enough, some Estilorians wish Olivia and her sisters dead.

Olivia trusts and relies on James t...more

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Mar 25, 2012 OpenBookSociety.com rated it 3 of 5 stars

Brought to you by OBS reviewer Annabell

Central
Author: Raine Thomas

Synopsis: For avid student Olivia Murdoch, life on the Estilorian plane is filled with wondrous adventure. Every lesson about her new existence is both exciting and challenging. Along with her sisters, she embraces this non-human half of herself.

Helping with her lessons is her Gloresti, James. Teacher, scholar and distractingly attractive, James takes on his roles of Olivia’s guide and protector with equal dedication. As he learns...more

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Sep 02, 2011 BookHookup rated it 4 of 5 stars

**4.5 stars**

Don’t you love it when a series gets progressively better? Ya, me too!

Of all the sisters, Olivia is my favorite. Her logical, inquisitive, quietly intelligent manner makes her a perfect hero. She’s like the Clark Kent of the sisters…mild mannered, physically weaker…but, with training and her keen mind, she turns into Superman (well, maybe Wonder Woman). The story picks up where we left off in the Estilorian plane as the sisters begin to learn more about who they are and what their...more

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Apr 14, 2012 Aydrea rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: recommended

I enjoyed this book just as much as the firs one! Poor Olivia, she sure has some trying times in this book. I was so glad to see her build her confidence and become a pretty awesome fighter. The Mercesti are so creepy and I am nervous for what they have planned for the next book. I liked learning more about the Estilorians, they are fascinating and they have cool powers. As with the first book this one had some interesting twists and turns in it and I found myself racing through the story. Also...more

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Jan 07, 2013 Mel rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: kindled-it, sci-fi, favorite-couples-and-otps, re-read-worthy

I really liked this book. I thought it was a lot better than the first book because the stakes were raised and we get to learn more about the girls and their new lives on the Estorilian Plane.

I really liked that the story was mostly from the POVs of Olivia and her Gloresti, James. Olivia was a character that I was interested in from the first book and I liked getting to know her better. She was very sweet and sensitive but she wasn't a push-over, she was definitely able to hold her own when she...more

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Sep 16, 2011 Amanda rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011, a-new-adult, g-fantasy-paranormal

This is actually a 2.5.

I really liked the first book and though there was a lot of promise, so I was left feeling slightly confused by book 2. The book itself is good. The story pulled me in, the love story (no love triangles in this series) was great. All in all, if you have read the first book, I recommend you continue reading.

Here are my issues. This book was just not as strong as the first (or 3rd for that matter). The author did say in the comments to the readers (cause I'm a dweeb and re...more

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Aug 20, 2012 Henrietta rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Central is book two of the Daughters of Saraqael trilogy. This book continues to show us how the three daughters of Saraqael learn to adapt themselves into the world of the Estilorians, with an emphasis focusing on what’s happening with Olivia, the second daughter of Saraqael.

Olivia enjoys spending time in nature. Although she is physically the weakest among the sisters, she is diligent and she always rises up to the challenges that she has to face. What I love about Olivia is her graceful and q...more Central is book two of the Daughters of Saraqael trilogy. This book continues to show us how the three daughters of Saraqael learn to adapt themselves into the world of the Estilorians, with an emphasis focusing on what’s happening with Olivia, the second daughter of Saraqael.

Olivia enjoys spending time in nature. Although she is physically the weakest among the sisters, she is diligent and she always rises up to the challenges that she has to face. What I love about Olivia is her graceful and quiet nature. She is never loud and she often looks for ways to help her improve on what she sees as her weaknesses.

Because the daughters are half-humans, each of them is being paired with a Gloresti, a defender that helps to serve as a protector and guide. James is the assigned protector for Olivia. He is humble and patient, and he understands that he can learn a lot from watching and listening to the daughters. Although he doesn’t understand most human emotions, he is not afraid to ask questions and he is perceptive to observe and learn. James is a very likable character. I find him strong and swoon-worthy. How can you not like a guy who is unafraid to learn how to love, to feel emotional vulnerability, and to openly express truth in pure honesty and humility?

I really enjoy the demonstration of virtues and bravery from these amazing characters.

With the dark, evil class of Estilorians (the Mercesti) trying to do life-threatening things to the daughters, the peace of the Estilorian world is disrupted. Although it is awfully sad to watch a few Estilorians struggle and fail to uphold their virtues, I like how the daughters help to unite most classes of the Estilorians. It is very satisfying to see the Estilorians come to work together to temporarily disarm and eliminate the threats from the Mercesti.

I personally enjoy reading this book more than book one.

Central helps me see how the lack of emotional understanding can ruin a society and why it is healthy for sentient beings to feel the full spectrum of emotions. I’m glad I picked up on reading this series and I am curious to find out how the trilogy may conclude in the next book.

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This post was originally published in my blog.(less)

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May 05, 2012 Anastasia & Demitra rated it 4 of 5 stars

Everyone's had that feeling, where you feel like you can't measure up to other people's standards. Maybe to the point, where you totally loose all hope, and stop trying. But some people — some people don't give up. Some people surpass, the expectations of others, just to prove that they are different, that they care, and that they can do whatever they put their mind to. Clearly, Olivia in Central shows these characteristics. And for what it counts, those characteristics really helped us relate t

...more

Everyone's had that feeling, where you feel like you can't measure up to other people's standards. Maybe to the point, where you totally loose all hope, and stop trying. But some people — some people don't give up. Some people surpass, the expectations of others, just to prove that they are different, that they care, and that they can do whatever they put their mind to. Clearly, Olivia in Central shows these characteristics. And for what it counts, those characteristics really helped us relate to her more.

In Central the perspective switches. The second sister, Olivia, is spotlighted. Olivia is supposed to be the weakest sister, due to her limited physical activity on the human plane. But,in the end, this weakness, and her sense of vulnerability, is what drives her to become better. Olivia is known for her quick thinking, quick learning, and overall ability to process, analyze, and react to unexpected events quicker than the rest of her sisters. This helps during her offense, and defense training, but besides being vulnerable, there's something else bothering her —her, and James' ever-developing relationship. Whenever she's with him, she feels this undeniable connection. She tries to push it off, with the fact that he IS her guardian, but Olivia knows the truth, (and it doesn't have
anything to do with the fact that he's protecting her.)

We thought the ending of Central was a little predictable. We felt like Thomas tried to find someway to fit all the events together, but instead, ended up making a too-good-to-be-true-ending. But overall,that was the only thing we saw wrong with the novel. That and that alone. However, having a predictable novel is never a good thing, so we though we'd note that in our review.

In the Daughter of Saraquel series, Raine Thomas makes Amber, Olivia, and Skye, (the 3 daughters)so different, but so alike at the same time. She takes us on the journey of their new lives on the Estilorian plane, (this amazing, old, and exciting dimension, from which the sisters are originally from). On this journey, all three girls discover new things about themselves, their sisters, the people around them, and other Esitilorians. As they bring change to the Estilorian plane, others are getting angrier. The ones who believe that their existence, itself, is an abomination. The sisters don't let this hold them back, but they are still very aware of the threats against them. Even more so, the desires of others to see them dead.

As all of Raine Thomas' novels are starting to prove, Central was also another addition to her line of perfection. A few things that could have been changed here, and there, but overall it was an enticing novel, that I would read over, and over again —if I could. This was writing at its finest, and we must say; we're SO not waiting to read Foretold.

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Oct 01, 2011 Annette M Guerriero Nishimoto rated it 4 of 5 stars

Today's review is on Central by Raine Thomas

Central is the second installment in Thomas' Daughters of Saraqael series and focuses primarily on Olivia and her growing relationship with James. Thomas's descriptive writing of the Estilorian world is fantastic, making you feel that you are sitting in the background watching everything that is happening around you.

In Central, the sisters, along with their Gloresti's begin to become a family in and of themselves. This bond becomes even stronger when...more

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May 07, 2012 Jedidiah Behe rated it 5 of 5 stars

After reading Becoming; the first book in The Daughters of Saraqael trilogy, and getting to know the three sisters, Amber, Olivia and Skye, I was so excited to read Central and learn more about the second daughter, Olivia, and her budding romance with James along with the suspense of knowing that something was coming for her.

As a huge fan of action and brutal fight scenes, I was surprised how this book, which has a little less than what I am used to in a fantasy, kept me locked in, to the point...more After reading Becoming; the first book in The Daughters of Saraqael trilogy, and getting to know the three sisters, Amber, Olivia and Skye, I was so excited to read Central and learn more about the second daughter, Olivia, and her budding romance with James along with the suspense of knowing that something was coming for her.

As a huge fan of action and brutal fight scenes, I was surprised how this book, which has a little less than what I am used to in a fantasy, kept me locked in, to the point where I gave up several hours of much needed sleep two days in a row just to finish it. I think that is a testament as to how good of a story teller Raine Thomas truly is.

The romantic side of me just ate this book up. I loved being there as these girls, Olivia especially, learned more about this new world that they are in and are able to impart their emotions onto an otherwise emotionless society to the point where everyone is falling in love with them, myself included…

The dynamics between the characters, mostly Olivia and James in this book, is just so real. It’s kind of like the fantasy of love, meeting that One person that was meant for you, that everybody dreams about and only few of us have. It was just a joy to read.

Each of the main characters have such strong and admirable qualities and the ability to shore up each others weaknesses.

But don’t let me fool you into thinking this is just a romantic fantasy. There is some really good action and I think it is intertwined perfectly into the plot. A shadow of suspense lingers throughout the book so you will find yourself not only giddy with the joy of following the budding relationships forming between Olivia and James, but also wondering when the bad stuff is going to happen and really hoping that it doesn’t because you just want everyone to live happily ever after without interruption.

Your going to find it hard to stop smiling throughout this book, it’s that good. I strongly recommend it and I cant’ wait to read the next one. I think Skye is going to be my favorite girl!
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Jul 27, 2011 Mel rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Anyone with a pulse :)

Shelves: favorites, cover-love, makes-my-heart-swell, books-i-own, paranormal, nook, young-adult

How is it possible that this series keeps getting better and better? I am in awe and I cannot seem to wipe the grin off of my face. My mind has been off wondering the Estilorian plane since I started reading about the Daughters of Saraqael. I would gladly lose myself in this world. Sleeping and eating have become afterthoughts because I am so engrossed in it.

Olivia is the type of person that anyone would automatically feel the need to protect. She has a brilliant mind and a loving heart, but he...more

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Aug 09, 2011 Future Slayer Girl (aka: kitten) rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, favorite, romance, young-adult, raine-thomas

Central is the second book in a Trilogy called the Daughters of Saraquael Series. Book one had a lot of world building, and it had enough romance tossed in for it to not be over whelming and overbearing for me, as a young adult series. As I started in on Central I noticed that is was even better. I think because Raine was too great at building the Estilorian plain and the mythos behind it, that I could settle in and it all just seemed like magic exploding in my brain. I’m going to just explain t...more Central is the second book in a Trilogy called the Daughters of Saraquael Series. Book one had a lot of world building, and it had enough romance tossed in for it to not be over whelming and overbearing for me, as a young adult series. As I started in on Central I noticed that is was even better. I think because Raine was too great at building the Estilorian plain and the mythos behind it, that I could settle in and it all just seemed like magic exploding in my brain. I’m going to just explain the things that I really liked and some things that frustrated me as far as the story was concerned but it is a natural frustration.

First off, I’m a big fan of a good villain. For me villains have to intrigue me to the point where I almost want to meet them and go toe to toe with them, and they are demented enough to be willing to cross any line to get what they want. The villain in this story is very much all those things, and of course to top it all off, he’s pretty much a hunk, a demented hunk, but still a hunk. I don’t know if I was there if I would throw myself on him or kill him. He has that effect on you. You have to rationalize that you know once you have outlived your use, he is just going to stab you through the heart and kill you. Or rape you and kill you. There is no graphic detail in these books which sort of adds to the whole mystery of just how evil he is.

Secondly, each sister I like. If I had to pick one that I didn’t totally connect with at first it would have been Olivia, the lead in this book. However, once the story went on, I realized that her insecurities made me connect with her very much. I mean I am athletic like Amber and I am flighty and disorganized like Skye, but the idea that Olivia is just not sure, she had to think things out, and then she feels sort of like the odd one out and the plain one out of the sister is where I fall into place. I think she was the perfect addition to the series and I’m very glad her book came second or I think by the time book three rolled around I wouldn’t have found that connection I did with her.

The storyline as a whole is in depth; it pulls you in and doesn’t let you go, even at the end where you are going. “Ok, next book please!” The characters are so developed, I feel their pain, their thoughts, and how they cope with what they really are. If I had to pick one thing that I didn’t totally like, was the lead male in this story. He worked so well with Olivia, but he wasn’t ‘Alpha’ enough for me. But Caleb and Gabriel are well Alpha enough for the whole Estilorian plain so I was ok with that. There needs to be just one that isn’t growling in that dominant voice MINE! And James was that one for me. I mean he was protective, he was smart, he was great at combat, but he is not my favorite male. It does not diminish from the story, because once you know Olivia, you realize that he is her perfect match.

I have to say, I’m very worried about the jealousy that these woman have brought out in this race. I mean it is very real, it is believable, and I worry that it could possibly cause something chaotic, more so then it has before. And now that our villain Grolkinei has discovered the girls can get pregnant, he has a whole new plan of action “YIKES!” And as a side note, I like Angius for some reason. (He is a villain of course, what can I saw, I see raw Alpha power and I turn to goo!)
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Dec 15, 2011 Michelle Cornwell-Jordan rated it 5 of 5 stars

This was an awesome book,I was able to get to know the characters more in this book. The book follows Olivia ;she is the second sister in the Daughters of Saraqael;the more studious sister,Olivia is not as much into the physical training as her other sisters. In fact, she feels somewhat less than... in respect to her sisters ability and overall characters. But Olivia blossoms into her own, she discovers her affinity for the bow and arrow, she goes through rigorous training and in the end, shows...more

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Aug 08, 2011 Sarah rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites

CENTRAL - Daughters of Saraqael Book Two

My Rating: 5 stars

FROM THE BOOK:
Excerpts from the Great Foretelling:

“She will come to us ignorant of the ways of her father’s kind, but with an unparalleled desire to learn all that she can of them.”

“He will have to overcome our many centuries of distorted knowledge to understand human emotion, and he will find in her the best teacher to do so.”

My thoughts:

While each book features all three sisters, they each seem to focus on one of Daughters of Saraqael’...more CENTRAL - Daughters of Saraqael Book Two

My Rating: 5 stars

FROM THE BOOK:
Excerpts from the Great Foretelling:

“She will come to us ignorant of the ways of her father’s kind, but with an unparalleled desire to learn all that she can of them.”

“He will have to overcome our many centuries of distorted knowledge to understand human emotion, and he will find in her the best teacher to do so.”

My thoughts:

While each book features all three sisters, they each seem to focus on one of Daughters of Saraqael’s story. Central picks up where Becoming left off with the Amber, Olivia, and Skye training to improve their ability to defend themselves but also to harness the individual gifts they had when they transitioned on the Estilorian Plane. This is the second book, so it makes sense that this book spends time exploring Olivia’s personality and journey as she becomes use to her new life.

I loved this book even more than the first because I can relate to Olivia’s love of learning and willingness to try new things. Watching Olivia grows into her abilities and her relationship with James was so much fun, at heart-stopping at times. This describes how Amber, Olivia, and Skye’s relationships grow and how their relationship with their paired Gloresti grows to that of a family. Between Amber’s good news, Olivia’s trials, and the ever emotional and vibrant Skye, this book grabs you from the beginning and pushes you to see what happens next.

It’s refreshing to see a love story that isn’t a triangle and one that is HOT without crossing the line. I guess I need to explain that part. As an intermediate teacher, I read not only for my enjoyment but also for books that I can recommend to my students. The love story in this book, as with all in the series, is one that I would GLADLY place on my bookshelf in my classroom and wouldn’t feel nervous about a student reading it.

Central is a captivating and exciting journey from start to finish and leaves you happy and wanting more all at the same time. Never underestimate the quiet learner, as strength comes from knowledge and desire as well as from the physical side.

If you haven’t looked into The Daughters of Saraqael Trilogy and enjoy stories with action, love, and some happy endings, then you MUST add this to you e-reader!! (less)

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Jan 23, 2012 Tiffany rated it 4 of 5 stars

I really didn't care for Olivia in book one, but am extremely happy to say I love her now! What a great book! And I love how even though this is Olivia's book, the Characters we met in Becoming didn't take a back seat! We got to see everyone we loved on a regular basis! Loved it!

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Oct 08, 2011 D.B. Graves rated it 5 of 5 stars

Okay... So I finished reading Becoming in just a couple days and immediately bought Central because I HAD to find out what happened! Central was the perfect continuation to Becoming. Once again Miss Raine takes us into the Estilorian world where we learn more about the sisters. We learn more about Gabriel and his fellow Gloresti (haawwwwwwwt) warriors and the other Estilorians.

Central was predominantly through the perspective of the middle sister, Olivia, which was nice. I relate to her most be...more

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Sep 02, 2011 Ana rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

**4.5 stars**

Don’t you love it when a series gets progressively better? Ya, me too!

Of all the sisters, Olivia is my favorite. Her logical, inquisitive, quietly intelligent manner makes her a perfect hero. She’s like the Clark Kent of the sisters…mild mannered, physically weaker…but, with training and her keen mind, she turns into Superman (well, maybe Wonder Woman). The story picks up where we left off in the Estilorian plane as the sisters begin to learn more about who they are and what their...more

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Nov 07, 2011 My Book Friend rated it 5 of 5 stars

Olivia didn’t believe them when they told her the truth. It just wasn’t possible. Yet, there she was. On a different plane of existence.

After she crossed into the other plane, she already missed home. No one really felt anything on the Estilorian plane- and Olivia and her sisters were all looked at as outsiders. James, Olivia’s ‘guardian’ is the same way. He just doesn’t understand- happiness, love, hope- but he tries. He tries for Olivia.

While people begin to warm up to everyone else, they all...more

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Sep 21, 2011 Kate Fuentes rated it 5 of 5 stars

I thoroughly enjoyed the continuation of The Daughters of Saraqael series by completing Central, book two. Thomas subtly describes the main character Olivia as being timid, non-athletic and a little insecure. It was refreshing as a reader to champion for her knowing she was a bit of an underdog compared to the first heroine Amber in Becoming (book one). I felt myself cheering for Olivia as she grew not only in her mental characteristics but as she learned to push herself through difficult situat...more

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Sep 15, 2011 Judy Hubbard rated it 4 of 5 stars

Here’s my no-spoiler review of Central, the 2nd book in the Daughters of Saraqael Trilogy. Central picks up in the sister’s lives where Becoming left off. It is mainly focused on and Olivia and her love interest, James (both of whom I really enjoyed reading about); however, the other sisters, Amber and Skye also have good roles in the book, along with Gabriel and Caleb. I loved James—nothing is more romantic than not knowing you’re romantic and Olivia was an excellent teacher helping him learn a...more

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Jan 10, 2013 Meghan rated it 4 of 5 stars

this was my favorite in the series. not too many chapters from the bad guy pov's- which always ticks me off- so that was good. i mean really- who gives a poo what the bad guy's thoughts are. we want him dead anyway. some cheesy parts, i am not going to lie. some super sappy dialogue that is almost gag worthy, but still, i liked it. and there were more than a couple laugh out loud moments.

tween friendly but with some intenese scenes with bad guys. maybe pre-read and warn them ahead of time what i...more

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Aug 08, 2012 Annabell rated it 3 of 5 stars

In the second book to Thomas’s Daughters of Saraqael Trilogy, Central the story is more focused on the second sister, Olivia. It was a nice change to be able to still maintain the connection with the same characters from the first book as well as the same world, but be able to explore a different sister more intimately. The author did a good job of keeping the Estilorian world as vivid and descriptive as the first one as well as the romance between various characters.

Central starts off where the...more In the second book to Thomas’s Daughters of Saraqael Trilogy, Central the story is more focused on the second sister, Olivia. It was a nice change to be able to still maintain the connection with the same characters from the first book as well as the same world, but be able to explore a different sister more intimately. The author did a good job of keeping the Estilorian world as vivid and descriptive as the first one as well as the romance between various characters.

Central starts off where the first book left off. Amber and Gabriel have returned from their honeymoon and the girls are thrown into learning more about the Estilorian plane and their powers. Much of the book deals with Olivia and James, her guardian or Gloresti.

Olivia is the more logical and inquisitive ones of the three sisters. She is quiet in manner and not as physically powerful as Amber but when push comes to shove she will stand her ground. I liked Olivia. I thought she was very sweet and very wise. She likes to think things through and take her time to make decisions. There is a quiet strength about Olivia and I felt connected to her because of that. James is kind, as avid a learner as Olivia, and unyielding loyal.

I liked the way James and Olivia’s relationship developed. They took their time, getting to know each other and developing trust. James was always seeking ways to understand Olivia on a more personal and intimate level while Olivia patiently explained the human plane to him and found security in James willingness to learn and appreciate her. I also loved that James didn’t feel he can be with Olivia because he is not worthy of her. It was such a sweet gesture.

But there were a few things I had a problem with. The biggest problem is that the plot from Central seems to closely follow the plot from the first one in many ways. There always seems to be a way for the sisters to magically save the day. They always just happen to have the answer or the cure come right at the exact moment when they needed it even though they neither had the answer or the power in the first place. There were just moments I couldn’t help but sigh because everything was too convenient. Also, at times the book, like the first one, felt too weighed down by details that were of no real consequence to understanding the characters or story.

I did enjoy reading Central for the most part. I liked the scene where the sisters are trained to learn how to fly. What Ini-herit did to get Amber to fly was just so crazy and at the same time funny. The big news with Amber and Gabriel was beautiful and I liked the scene where Dacian gets caught by Gabriel making fun of Amber. That scene made me laugh along with James and Caleb. The characters were also better developed.

Overall, Central turned out to be better than the first book and a fairly good read.(less)

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May 09, 2012 Ellen rated it 5 of 5 stars

Central picks up where Becoming leaves off. This book centers on Amber's sister Oliva. Oliva, Amber, and Skye are triplets, the daughters of Saraquel, who transitioned from the human plane to the Estilorian plane when they turned 18. I really love Oliva, and the relationship she develops with James, her Gloresti protector, is so romantic. Central delves more into the realm of the Estilorians, and you learn more about the different classes and the history of the world Raine Thomas has created. Th...more

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Dec 09, 2012 Fafiliebe ♥ Warner ♥ Prince Maxon ♥ rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Everyone!!

Shelves: enjoyed, fancy-the-cover, fantastic-a-must, cool-loved, loved-loved-loved, sweet, swoon-worthy

I LOVED IT <3 <3 Soooooooooooooo sWeeT love story...
swoon worthy !!!! i loved every moment of the romance ..
i missed this kind of love stories..

adorable!
cute!
warm!
& totally lovable!!!!!

The paranormal is another thing, it is well built and colorfully constructed.. it is a light hearted read that i loved every bit of it...
the book is written for young readers it is a clean book that u will enjoy, it shifts POVs btw characters but the biggest part of that is given to the 2 main characte...more

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Sep 03, 2012 Marilyn Almodóvar rated it 5 of 5 stars

After having read Becoming, I was extremely intrigued by what would happen, now that all three sisters were together. I was also looking forward to learning a bit more about the Estilorian plane.

I have to say that Central doesn’t disappoint. Even if it moves focus from Amber and Gabriel *swoons* we get to know a lot more about Olivia and James.
One of the things that I liked the most, was reading about the sisters coming to term with the expansion of their family. The way they grow closer and e...more

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Mar 18, 2012 Ashley (The Bibliophile's Corner) rated it 5 of 5 stars

I literally just finished this book ten minutes ago and I still feel like I haven't come back to Earth yet. Or rather, I haven't come back to the human plane yet.

Central is told from Olivia's point of view and I must say, I think she is my favorite. Amber is bad-ass, but I felt more of a connection with Olivia. She is a student at heart, always willing to learn something new and has curiosity that can never be satisfied. I felt like Raine somehow knew me and decided to base this character off o...more

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Jul 18, 2012 Julz rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favourites, paranormal, ya, action, romance-ok-for-teens

Rating Clarifivation: 4.5
I loved all of the books in this series and consumed all 3 in about 3 days. The world built by the author was unique and the characters were charming. The only reason I didn't give this a 5 star rating is because there was no concepts that lingered with me after they were finished. That being said, they are a fun, easy read and I will be snatching the 5th book by this author as soon as it is published.

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TeAmNeRd ReViEwS: Central (Daughters of Saraqael Trilogy #2)	1	1	Jul 23, 2012 06:13pm
I loved this book:)	1	3	Dec 15, 2011 09:33pm

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Central (Daughters of Saraqael #2)

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