Redemption (Redemption, #1)

Dec 13, 2012 Jodie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: bestest-ever, love-love-love

So I picked up this book for free on Amazon, but I wasn’t completely sure I knew what to expect. Once I started it, I still had no idea what it was about. What I did know was, that I instantly loved Dayton Blainey, the girl that still needed a nightlight as a teenager. A girl that even though life hadn’t been kind to her, was determined to remain true to her self and the future she imagined. A girl that was addicted to dumdums, was a total tv/movie buff, absolutely PETRIFIED of heights, a total...more

5 likes · like · see review

Nov 25, 2012 Christina Silcox rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This is one of those times that I am thrilled to have started a series late. Because that means I don't have to wait for the next installment! I love this book! I usually easily pick the bad boy in a love triangle, but this time I just don't know! Marcas is strong, hot, and hiding who knows what behind those eyes. Connor, there's just something about him, and I know he has so much more story to tell! Maybe with book two, I can pick one. Haha, not that there has actually been any triangle suggest...more

2 likes · like · see review

Nov 03, 2011 Elise Marion rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

When Dayton's parents die and leave her and her sister with no other family, they are sent to live with their aunt, a deeply religious Abbess and the head of a strange religious order. Their lives are strict and structured, and the only way that Dayton knows how to break the monotony is to get into trouble. With a foul mouth and a taste for recklessness, the teenaged Dayton consistently bucks the rules, along with her two best friends Connor and Monroe. When Monroe, a practicing Wiccan sees a vi...more When Dayton's parents die and leave her and her sister with no other family, they are sent to live with their aunt, a deeply religious Abbess and the head of a strange religious order. Their lives are strict and structured, and the only way that Dayton knows how to break the monotony is to get into trouble. With a foul mouth and a taste for recklessness, the teenaged Dayton consistently bucks the rules, along with her two best friends Connor and Monroe. When Monroe, a practicing Wiccan sees a vision outside of Dayton's window and begins to have dreams of Dayton in danger, they are at first disregarded by the devil-may-care teen. But when the deep, dark secret of the Abbey, which is really a cult, is revealed, Dayton's life will never be the same. She finds out that she is a Naphilim, the product of a union between an angel (her father) and a human (her mother). She becomes immersed in a world where the line is blurred between good and evil, and angels and demons are preparing for war. An evil demon, Damon has bound Dayton to his demon brother Marcas in hopes that they will create a child. The blood of this child, half demon and half Naphilim, will bring the demonic forces redemption (or so Damon hopes). On a quest to unbind themselves from each other, Dayton and Marcas set out along with her friends on a thrilling ride. Dayton will learn to use her angelic powers and finds that demons may all not be as evil as we first thought.

What I liked about this book: This type of story has been told before but never with the precision and thought that R.K. put into Redemption. It felt new and fresh, and that is something that is hard to do in the overdone Paranormal genre.

What I didn't like about this book: I felt like it took a bit of time for it to get to the point of explaining what was going on. You are almost halfway through the book before the hidden secret finally comes out. This was such a small thing for me, though, because once I stopped shaking my Kindle and screaming "What's the secret???!!!" long enough to get to it, I was NOT disappointed.

Let's talk about love scenes: This is YA (young adult), so there are no love scenes. However, there are some very heated moments and some very sweet ones as well (see review below or details).

The Review: I don't read alot of Paranormal because the whole "Twilight/Vampire/Werewolf" thing has been done and done so much that I've grown a bit sick of it. When I read the description of this book I thought, hmmm this sounds interesting. I decided to take a chance and I'm glad I did.

At first the love story in this book seems pretty basic and typical. Dayton's friend Connor has developed feelings for her and is not shy in expressing them. Dayton is unsure about her own feelings, even though she loves Connor as a friend. There are alot of covert gazes, a little bit of touching and one very sweet kiss. But just when you start to think that Connor may eventually wear Dayton down, there's a bump in the road and its name is Marcas.

When you first read that Marcas is a demon, you could never guess that he would become the third corner of a very complicated triangle placing Dayton between him and golden-boy Connor. Dark and brooding, as all good romantic heroes are, Marcas is not as evil as he first lets on. Sure he's got fangs, a surly disposition, and a taste for human blood (eek!), but R.K. developed this character so well that by the end you actually find yourself liking and feeling sorry for him. Having loved and lost a woman (an angel), Marcas' heart is hard as stone. He doesn't soften up much by the end, he is a demon after all, but the writing allows you to see alot of subtle hints at what lies beneath. The fact that he is bound to Dayton also allows them to feel each other's emotions and pain, and through Dayton's eyes you are able to see more deeply in to Marcas' abrasive personality. I found myself actually hoping that Dayton ended up with Marcas! And that is one of the things I loved most about this book. R.K. Ryals caused me to have sympathy for the devil.

To sum it all up: The book ends in an epic battle between a religious order called the SOS and the demons, who want Dayton dead. By the end, Marcas and Dayton are off to find a special ring that they hope has the power to unbind them from each other. (less)

3 likes · like · see review

Dec 30, 2012 Valerie Mcqueen rated it 5 of 5 stars

Redemption by R.K. Ryals

Rating 5*****

After tragedy struck her family Dayton and her sister are carted off to live at an Abbey with an aunt she barely knows. What's worse, it seems that her aunt has it in for her. In fact, could very well be trying to sell Dayton's soul for her own personal gain.....and everyone is ok with this?????

I had licked up this novel as a freebie some time ago, and never really paid it much attention. Then I pulled it out and was really shocked. I so slept on this autho...more

like · see review

May 30, 2013 Linda rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I rated this book 4 stars vs. 5 for one reason, and that is it was a little slow for me the first half of the book. I'm guessing the author was building up to all of the excitement that comes later after Marcas and Dayton meet, but all of the secrecy at the beginning in a slow build up was driving me crazy. However, I'll admit that at the end, I loved the story line and raced to get book 2.

And although I'm sure some won't agree with this, my absolute favorite character is Dayton. The girl is a r...more I rated this book 4 stars vs. 5 for one reason, and that is it was a little slow for me the first half of the book. I'm guessing the author was building up to all of the excitement that comes later after Marcas and Dayton meet, but all of the secrecy at the beginning in a slow build up was driving me crazy. However, I'll admit that at the end, I loved the story line and raced to get book 2.

And although I'm sure some won't agree with this, my absolute favorite character is Dayton. The girl is a riot. She has issues, make no mistake about that, but damn she had me laughing too. I loved that she swore. Who the hell doesn't when you're angry or startled or just plain messing around with friends? I learned to curb my tongue after having kids, but occasionally I still swear like a sailor when the mood strikes me. She marched to her own tune and I had to respect that. I will say that when she didn't listen to Conor and Monroe's warnings to get away from the Abbey that did make me want to hit her over the head and scream GO, but then we wouldn't be where we are with her and Marcas. That isn't to say that I don't like the rest of the gang either. Con, Monroe, Luther, Luke, and Marcas are either very likeable or they grow on you. The airplane scene where Day and Marcas are "married" shows how wacky the 3 friends could be, and is one of my favorite scenes in the book.

A little history....after losing her parents at the age of 10, Day and her sister Amber get sent to live with their and Kyra at the Abbey. Her sister and she eventually grow apart and by the time she is 17, Day will be bound to Marcas, a demon. That first half of the story that tells about the loss of their parents in an "accident" and their subsequent move to the Abbey, then the leap to present day was interesting, but just read slow to me because I couldn't figure out where it was going or why. You get lots of background on her not fitting in at the Abbey, how there are secrets there, the fact that her group of friends are "special", but you don't know what any of it means yet (I didn't at least) and I was chomping at the bit to understand where it was going. Once she gets bound to Marcas, things pick up and she finds herself being chased by demons, seeking allies and a way to unbound herself from Marcas.

If you're looking for an interesting story, this is a good one and I highly recommend you read it. You may be like me and think the beginning is slow, or you may love all of the background information, but I'd be surprised if you don't get hooked and want to see what happens next. (less)

like · see review

Mar 09, 2013 Kate Wilson rated it 5 of 5 stars

R. K. Ryals led me to believe that the place she has wrote about actually exists. To my amazement after looking it up, there is no such place. I have been sucked up into today through the eyes of Dayton (Day) who was told by her babysitter her parents had passed. Placed through Social Services to live with their Aunt in an Abbey. Daytons friends are as interesting as the walls in the Abbey.

I fell in love with this book from the beginning with Daytons relationship with her sister Amber. There is...more R. K. Ryals led me to believe that the place she has wrote about actually exists. To my amazement after looking it up, there is no such place. I have been sucked up into today through the eyes of Dayton (Day) who was told by her babysitter her parents had passed. Placed through Social Services to live with their Aunt in an Abbey. Daytons friends are as interesting as the walls in the Abbey.

I fell in love with this book from the beginning with Daytons relationship with her sister Amber. There is nothing I wanted more than to be close to my brother. She is caring, honest and her character is believable. She goes through certain situations that we have all gone through and feel her pain as if it were our own. There is a lot more to Dayton that meets the eye.

Monroe (Roe) is Daytons best friend and her character is set in the 50's. Her clothes and car and I can just imagine having her as a friend, always there and sticking up for Day. Their friendship will have you turning pages because I know we all have a friend like Roe.

Daytons sister Amber seems to fit in well at the Abbey and Day tries to rekindle their bond. While Day hangs out with her school colleagues Amber seems to be with the clergy. Amber is kind to her and tries not to bite back.

Redemption is filled with many characters you can keep track of and you get a sense and adventure with them. Each person has their own personality but still all together united. My most hated character would be Day and Ambers Aunt, never have I felt so angry towards a character in a book in all my life. I feel I am falling in love all over again with Marcus, dark and secretive yet.... hmm I can't put my finger on it.

Whilst Day is the main character in the book my interest is with a character called Jessie Gray, the gum chewing girl who isn't popular but isn't hated either who says something to Day in the rest room at school which has Day thinking even more about what is going on around her.

This book had me in tears before the first chapter ended. I especially liked the description of social services room you couldn't of got anymore spot on. The Abbey is pictured in my head as a very old building with symmetrical bushes and nothing out of place. This has been a 'don't put me down book'. I am looking forward to reading the next book.

A couple of my favourite quotes from the book are these:

"The thin coverlet was a blank canvas, the stories were the paint, and my mind was the paint brush".

AND

"I cringed as she moved toward me, her robes slapping softly against her legs. I felt tempted to hum the Darth Vader theme music from Star Wars."(less)

like · see review

Jan 01, 2013 Jess rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: utopya-2013

4.5 Stars

I was warned going into this that it would be a little slow in the start then around 40-50%, it would just be amazing...

And even though this is somewhat true, I found that it needed that 40% to really establish the story for me.

I was frustrated! (in a good way) the build up was perfect! I just wanted everyone to stop be so vague! I wanted to know what the hell was going on!

On Dayton's 17th Birthday she is thrust into a world she never knew existed. You have Demons, Angels, Witches an...more

like · see review

Dec 14, 2012 Heather Alexander rated it 4 of 5 stars

I was given this book in return for an honest review. A tragedy leads to Riley and sister Amber being sent to live in the Abbey with their aunt, Lady Ky. She is a cold, distant, and judgmental woman. The Abbey, where they live is a world unto itself, although Riley attends school, she is otherwise kind of secluded and protected inside of the Abbey. Riley is a very spirited character in the beginning. Cursing and breaking rules. Riley has close friends, thankfully, because she needs them desperat...more

like · see review

Dec 05, 2012 HK Savage rated it 4 of 5 stars

Okay, this series was fantastic. The concept of a bond between creatures not normally compatible is a fascinating one for me, I love to read about it and write about it. These characters aren't easily pigeon holed either- I liked the fact that the author didn't rely on simple tropes in her story. The love, loss, and defense mechanisms of Dayton (heroine) are believable and easy to empathize with. She isn't a "super" character either, even though this plot allows for it since she's not entirely h...more

1 like · like · see review

Oct 03, 2012 Anita rated it 5 of 5 stars

I am rating this book a 5 based more on the trilogy as a whole. I thought this book got off to a slow start especially compared to the next two in the series. That being said, I came to appreciate the build-up because the result is very well developed characters that you love to follow through the entire series. Also, I really like the author's take on girl-meets-bad-boy or good v. evil type story. It's certainly not a new type but in this story it is far from overdone. The description of the sc...more

like · see review

Sep 20, 2012 Ellen rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: blog-tours

When I first started this book, I had a hard time figuring out exactly what was going on, but when I did, boy was I hooked. Dayton and her sister Amber lost their parents when she was 10 years old. Forced to live with their emotionally distant aunt at the Abbey (which is sort of like a religious convent) Dayton's only support has been her best friends, Monroe and Conor, who are more like family to her. As she approaches her 17th birthday, she finds things changing. Her aunt and the evil Damon ha...more When I first started this book, I had a hard time figuring out exactly what was going on, but when I did, boy was I hooked. Dayton and her sister Amber lost their parents when she was 10 years old. Forced to live with their emotionally distant aunt at the Abbey (which is sort of like a religious convent) Dayton's only support has been her best friends, Monroe and Conor, who are more like family to her. As she approaches her 17th birthday, she finds things changing. Her aunt and the evil Damon have plans for her that she wants no part of. As their plans are put in motion, Dayton Blainey finds herself bound to Marcas Craig and caught up in a world she really wasn't even sure she believed in. As she faces the fact of who and what she is and who and what Marcas is, they find themselves inducted into something that could change the order of the supernatural world in a way never seen before. Everyone wants her dead, and she finds herself having to trust the one person she wants to hate.

Let me just say Dayton rocked. She is funny, tough, snarky, and outspoken, and she is not afraid to stand up to anyone. I really liked her character. Marcas was dark and mysterious, but sexy, even though he could be a real pain. There is chemistry between these two, really hot chemistry, even though neither of them will admit it. I really liked Conor and Monroe also, and they each have their own unique stories. Each chapter in the book begins with a quote from Bezaliel, and when you find out who he is, things begin to come together in the book and really start to click. As I said above I was hooked and literally didn't want to put the book down once I got into it. There is action, drama, mystery, all kinds of paranormal and spiritual beings, demons, angels, gargoyles, witches, and a Naphil. There is the perfect amount of humor inserted into the intense drama throughout the story, and you can't help but fall in love with the characters in the book. The plot is great. It was refreshing and entertaining, and this is a great beginning to an awesome series. I am so glad I was able to have access to the whole series at one time. I would have been pulling out my have if I had to wait for the next book. If you love paranormal romance with action, adventure, drama, angels, demons, and all kinds of supernatural things going on, this is one series you will most definitely want to read.

(Short excerpt from book 1) - The attendant walked by and I asked for a pillow. "Can I get you anything else?" she asked pleasantly. I hooked y thumb in Marcas' direction. "A new husband. You can have this one." "Ma'am?' The attendant asked. I waved my hand. "Sorry, Lover's quarrel. Give us some time. You know what they say about makeup sex."

"Like you know anything about that." Marcas muttered. "Are you always this aggravating?"
"Pretty much." Marcas moaned. "This is going to be one helluva long flight," I heard him whisper.(less)

1 like · like · see review

Sep 18, 2012 Tee loves Kyle Jacobson rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-must-reads, arc-books, atomr-book-tours, sep-2012

A HUGE thank you to ATOMR Blog Tours for allowing my to be on this tour and allowing me to read and review this ARC. I have to say that anyone who knows me knows I love my angel books. I love the good the bad and the ugly and when the dust settles either the angels have won or the demons have won the battle.This is one of those unique stories that grabs you right from the beginning and keeps you plastered right to the very end.

In Redemption we meet Dayton Blainey. She is an angry teen reeling f...more

like · see review

May 30, 2012 Nadège Richards rated it 5 of 5 stars

Angels and Demons have become something of a new phenomenon this year and I find that when an author is daring enough to take similar concepts and twist them into their own tales, they really have to know where they want to go with the story in order to execute it well. There will come a time when they will tire out like vampires, but Ryals, with this amazing new series, has managed to create something different, spicy, and new, all while building on the same idea. I was horrifically disappointe...more

3 likes · like · see review

Mar 14, 2012 Mikila Marshall rated it 5 of 5 stars

I really don't know what to say. If it weren't for the fact that I had been given the second book I would be going out of my mind right now. Argh! What an Epic book! I couldn't put it down. The more I was getting into it the more distractions came my way from real life. (Damn you reality). But low and behold I have finished it. Sneaked away to finish the final beautiful chapters. And WOW what an ending.
When Dayton's parents die at the age of ten, she and her sister is forced to live with her rel...more

5 likes · like · see review

Feb 25, 2012 Melissa rated it 5 of 5 stars

Ahhh, you can never have too many books about Angels. Especially when the lead character is a feisty, sarcastic redhead who's mouth tends to get away from her. Dayton, the main character of the story, has had a rough few years and the chip on her shoulder has only gotten bigger. Unfortunately her future isn't looking like it's going to get any easier.

Dayton and her sister Amber lost their parents at a young age. With no real family to care for them they are sent to the Abbey to live with their...more Ahhh, you can never have too many books about Angels. Especially when the lead character is a feisty, sarcastic redhead who's mouth tends to get away from her. Dayton, the main character of the story, has had a rough few years and the chip on her shoulder has only gotten bigger. Unfortunately her future isn't looking like it's going to get any easier.

Dayton and her sister Amber lost their parents at a young age. With no real family to care for them they are sent to the Abbey to live with their cold, uncaring Aunt, who also happens to be the Abbess. Thankfully for Dayton, or Day as she's frequently called, she has a true friend, Monroe. Day just does not fit in at the Abbey. She's always swearing, eating Dum Dums, talking back and just plain causing trouble. Everyone avoids her, even her sister, and she just doesn't know why. Well, she soon going to find out.

Monroe comes from a Wiccan background and has always had visions. She's been having a recurrent dream involving Day and it's leaving her, and their group of friends, with a bad feeling. They want Day to leave the Abbey as soon as she can. Where would she go? She has no other family and she's still in high school, so living on her own at this time just isn't an option. And even though there's distance between her and Amber she just isn't ready to leave her. So she stays.....which is why her future just took a change for the worse.

It seems that Day is half Angel, thanks to her father. She quickly finds out that Angels and Demons do exist. Just her luck, now she's bonded with a Demon and numerous other Demons want her dead! Luckily for her, she's bonded with one of the strongest Demons and has some magical friends to help her out. Unluckily for her, the bond she now shares means they feel each others pain and can both die.

Will Day get out of this alive? Can she ever recover from the deep deception she experiences at the hand of her own family? Will she choose the good or bad side in the age old love triangle? Guess you'll have to pick up Redemption to find out! With a cast of magical characters, a witty, sarcastic dialogue and a little bit of romance (but enough to keep it PG) you won't be sorry. Perfect for any teen or YA lover.

I was not paid for this review. The opinions expressed here were my own and in no way swayed. The book was a gift, and a true pleasure to read! Thank you for taking the time to read my review. -Melissa(less)

1 like · like · see review

Oct 14, 2012 Pyxi rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-i-devour, must-have, amazing-indie-read

I won the entire trilogy from the wonderful girls at Young Adult and Teen Readers on Facebook. I can’t tell you how frigging glad I am that I won them! If you haven’t read them yet, go get them now.

Sisters, Dayton and Amber Blaineys’ world comes crashing down around them when they lose both of their parents in a tragic car accident.
Still deep in grief, they are forced to live with their mother’s sister, an unaffectionate woman who lives in a creepy old Abbey, run by an equally creepy religious...more I won the entire trilogy from the wonderful girls at Young Adult and Teen Readers on Facebook. I can’t tell you how frigging glad I am that I won them! If you haven’t read them yet, go get them now.

Sisters, Dayton and Amber Blaineys’ world comes crashing down around them when they lose both of their parents in a tragic car accident.
Still deep in grief, they are forced to live with their mother’s sister, an unaffectionate woman who lives in a creepy old Abbey, run by an equally creepy religious Order who thrives on secrecy and moral high ground.

If growing up in this cold and detached place wasn’t bad enough, Dayton had to deal with being the outcast amongst the group because of her rebellious attitude, potty mouth and her unwillingness to conform into someone that she is not.

Her older sister, Amber quickly accepts the lifestyle and was embraced by the Order while Dayton becomes increasingly suspicious of them.
And as her 17th birthday approaches, her aunt and followers start acting really strange, enough for her to worry about her safety in her own home.
With her two best friends, Conner and Monroe agreeing that she needs to leave the Abbey, Dayton is tore from being worried about her own wellbeing and getting the answers she so desperately needs.

Unfortunately, she wasn’t given the chance to choose before she is thrust into a bond with an ancient being that neither wants it or the responsibility of protecting them both.

With her whole life becoming one big lie, she and her friends must find a way out of this bond before all hell breaks loose.

R.K. Ryals is a master storyteller with an uncanny talent of completely drawing her readers in and never letting go. I devoured this book and I enjoyed every minute of it! With swoon-worthy demons and snarky heroines, what’s not to love? Ms. Ryals takes a very popular genre and makes it her own. Redemption is unlike anything I have ever read and I am officially a fan for life!

Now go away…I am reading Ransom. :)

(less)

2 likes · like · see review

Sep 02, 2012 Katherina rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Aside from the major cursing through the entire book, it was OMGOODNESS fantastic!!!!! It was so worth the $0.00 I 'paid' for. This is the 2nd book that I've read containing the Biblical Nephilim (one of them was Melissa de la Cruz's Misguided Angel, and the first, obviously, was the Bible). Though some of the more major details (especially pertaining to what a Nephilim is, why Dayton is so 'special' and why neither Demons nor Angels wants them alive) are a little hard to follow along (and compl...more

like · see review

Jul 10, 2012 Lynn Worton rated it 5 of 5 stars

Review 7*******

I was given this book by the author for an honest review.

I fell in love with this story and I struggled to put it down! This paranormal YA book will take you on a fantastic, magical journey!

Dayton Blainey is your stereo-typical teenager. However, behind all the foul language and the “couldn’t care less” attitude, she is a very lost soul. I love her character. She is a feisty, take charge kind of woman, who refuses to show her weaknesses. The rebelliousness she shows is a bone of c...more

like · see review

Aug 23, 2012 Nereid rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: demons

How would you feel if you woke up one day to find out that your whole life had been one big lie? Well Dayton just turned 17 and nothing will ever be the same again. Growing up was hard when her parents were killed in a car crash when she was 10 and both her and her sister Amber went to live with their Aunt at the Abbey. Their aunt was an austere and fanatical woman who had her own agenda and that did not include being kind to Dayton. Amber her sister seemed to adjust to the lonely and rigid rout...more How would you feel if you woke up one day to find out that your whole life had been one big lie? Well Dayton just turned 17 and nothing will ever be the same again. Growing up was hard when her parents were killed in a car crash when she was 10 and both her and her sister Amber went to live with their Aunt at the Abbey. Their aunt was an austere and fanatical woman who had her own agenda and that did not include being kind to Dayton. Amber her sister seemed to adjust to the lonely and rigid routine better but Dayton just couldn't succumb. The only real family Dayton had were her two best friends who seemed to understand her and save her from the harshness of her life at home. Conor was her childhood bestie and he was like a big brother to her and Monroe well she had visions and her own uniqueness but was more like a sister to her now that Amber had abandoned her. Sure Day was snarky and smart mouthed and her irreverence for God drove the nuns crazy but she had a good heart. She fought for her independence at every turn and even goaded her aunt at times until the unthinkable happened. She was unwillingly bound to a demon - yes that's right not only was her Aunt up to no good with forging an alliance with a powerful demon but she also used Dayton as the sacrificial lamb so to speak. The only person who had not lied to her so far was Marcas and although he was obviously not really thrilled about the binding he was doing his utmost to protect Day and release them both from the bond. Dayton was thrust into a world she never knew existed. Not only were demons real and walking around on the earth but she was part-angel as well. So many lies and so many secrets and Dayton already had trust issues so these revelations did not help matters. Being half angel and bound to a demon made her unique and Heaven and Hell were worried about who side she would choose in the upcoming war. Lilith, Marcas's mother was on the warpath and wanted her dead and also angels were worried about her power falling into the wrong hands. For a girl who never asked for any of it, her inner strength and the ability to adapt made Dayton one strong adversary and she was not going to be anybody's victim any more. If she was going to go down, then she would go down fighting. So much action and I loved that there was no instant romance and things sizzled along nicely between Marcas and Dayton. For all their differences they had a lot in common, loneliness and the inability to trust due to being betrayed before only brought them closer together. Sometimes the best things in life are worth fighting for regardless of the consequences. (less)

like · see review

Oct 20, 2012 S.L. Wallace rated it 5 of 5 stars

The Redemption series was amazing! I didn't want to stop reading, and when I had no choice but to put the books down, the characters and descriptions stayed with me until I could return. R.K. Ryals has a talent with writing detailed and descriptive settings and in writing three-dimensional characters with quirks.

In the first book, Redemption, we are introduced to Dayton Blainey. Dayton has a sad past. Her parents were killed in a car accident when she was very young. Ever since, she and her sist...more

like · see review

Sep 22, 2012 Sara Bree High rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-yatr, review-complete, awesome-fabulous

Redemption book 1
RK Ryals
Reviewed by S. B. High

Let me start this by saying, this book was recommended. Thank goodness I listened. I loved it! Dayton and Amber, sisters suffer a tragic loss. They are left alone and sent to live with their Aunt, they don't know in a strange and haunting place. The Abbey. Wow this place alone could be a story. But back to Dayton Blainey. When Dayton turns 17 and her whole life turns upside down. Nobody is who they seem, and her life has been decided for her. Her be...more

1 like · like · see review

Apr 09, 2012 Krishna rated it 5 of 5 stars

This review is originally posted in my blog
Journey with Books

Redemption had been a big surprise to me! Ms. R.K. Ryals wrote a book that has a perfect mix of everything you would want in a YA read.

I will absolutely not give out anything more than what was written on the book blurb. I figured out that the blurb was written that way for a reason. Sometimes, it frustrates us that the blurb doesn't give out much, but what we didn't know is that it is written that way to make the reading of the book...more This review is originally posted in my blog
Journey with Books

Redemption had been a big surprise to me! Ms. R.K. Ryals wrote a book that has a perfect mix of everything you would want in a YA read.

I will absolutely not give out anything more than what was written on the book blurb. I figured out that the blurb was written that way for a reason. Sometimes, it frustrates us that the blurb doesn't give out much, but what we didn't know is that it is written that way to make the reading of the book much more pleasurable. The mystery is what gets us going. The craving to want more gives that much needed push to make us read more and it doesn't spoil us, doesn't it? I absolutely love that the blurb was written as vague as it could be. The intensity of the read would be much affected if I outed anything more and that's why I've decided to leave you guys in the dark, I'm sure you'll find the light once you've read this book! This is the only hint you'll get from me, nothing more and nothing less!

Redemption has been a revelation to me. There are certain perceptions about self publishing going around the net, and I think most of you knows this, but Ms. R.K Ryals has proven them all wrong!If you read this then you'll see that there are treasures hidden in the Self Publishing World.

Redemption is one of the most exciting reads I had the pleasure of reading this year. It's full of action and mystery that would make your head swirl! It has a bit of romance. Note that there is a love triangle here but not the kind that would make you irritated and throw the book out. It's done in a way that you could probably relate to it. It's done in a way that you'll know who to root for and it's pretty fantastic!

The characters in this book are simply amazing! The story actually revolves around Dayton (Day) but what I liked about this is, we get to see this girl around the people she interacts with and in turn we get to see those people around her and as a reader we try to complete the puzzle of their personalities. The complexities around them are what makes this book so much enjoyable to read. You'd want to know what pushes them to do what they did! The mystery of what Dayton is and the mystery of what the people around her are, makes you go on reading this book no matter what the time is. I think it's one of the signs if an author is effective. You'd just continue on reading until that very last period.

I also liked the pacing of the story. It was just right. The build up was getting intense page by page and I absolutely loved it! There are some little typos along the way but it's barely there. I don't think you'd really notice it if you didn't look for it. I'm just wired differently that's why I noticed those few little typos.

Overall, I absolutely loved this book! There's nothing I didn't like about it actually, which makes this book so amazing. There were no dull moments when you'd want to skip a page to get to the point. As I said the build up of the story was getting intense page by page and that's why you wouldn't want to miss one. If you're looking for a book that would make you think and feel intensely then, this book is for you! It would be a colossal mistake to miss reading this book!

This review is originally posted in my blog
Journey with Books
(less)

1 like · like · see review

Oct 21, 2012 Jessica Carroll rated it 5 of 5 stars

WOW!! This book is really well written and has many unexpected twists and turns! Having said that I had this on my Kindle for a few months and read the first few pages and put it down because it really did not grab my interest! I eventually decided to keep reading a little more and I am super glad I did......it is such a great story that I could not put it down!!

After their parents were killed Dayton and her sister Abby are forced to live with their emotionless Aunt Kyra who just happens to live...more

like · see review

Dec 14, 2012 Kami rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: supernatural, young-adult, demons, angels

Dayton and her sister Amber go to live with their aunt, the Abbess of Blackstone Abbey. Dayton starts having a recoccuring dream and in her dream her father repeats “Look for the light”. Dayton's best friend, Monroe has visions. Monroe is a Wiccan, first she sees a man outside Dayton's second floor window, then during a scrying she sees figures, blood and a chain. Monroe thinks Dayton should leave the Abbey that it is dangerous. Amber tells Dayton that “they had you chosen years ago” and “You we...more Dayton and her sister Amber go to live with their aunt, the Abbess of Blackstone Abbey. Dayton starts having a recoccuring dream and in her dream her father repeats “Look for the light”. Dayton's best friend, Monroe has visions. Monroe is a Wiccan, first she sees a man outside Dayton's second floor window, then during a scrying she sees figures, blood and a chain. Monroe thinks Dayton should leave the Abbey that it is dangerous. Amber tells Dayton that “they had you chosen years ago” and “You weren't meant to be brought into the fold.” Another one of Dayton's friends says that her aunt's aura is black. Dayton is really tough. I think it is really ballsy to swear at nuns. She acts recklessly and though there are several warnings to leave the Abbey, she ignores them. Dayton is not afraid of her aunt or the other nuns. A recruiter shows up to talk to Dayton. He says he has a job that she would be perfect for. Dayton is totally creeped out by him, but not once asks him what the job is. Amber says to Dayton: “When you turn seventeen, things change for you here. It's like a rite of passage. And for you and me, it's more than that. It's life altering.”

Since this was the beginning of the series it takes a while to set up the story. I started really getting into the story about half way through once Marcas was there and things started getting exciting. The secondary characters were well fleshed out and I liked them: Monroe and Conor.
“You didn't watch the next seven years of her life lived in a prison with no affection and only condemnation. You can't even recognize the fact that her strength comes now from betrayal. What must it feel like to find out you were raised to be sacrificed to a Demon?”

I liked the writing. I think my only critique would be that the supernatural parts were very complicated and the explanations were at times stilted and took a way from the flow of the story by slowing everything down. Dayton was very unwilling to believe in the fantastical parts that her life was thrust into in the beginning. But then towards the middle she accepted everything quickly. In the beginning she was stubbornly acting like an ostrich burying its head in the sand or an obstinate child putting her hands on her ears singing: “la, la, la.” And then all of a sudden she is just over it.

I think since this is the beginning of a series, it takes some time to set up the storyline which can sometimes be jarring for the pacing. I think that I might like the next book in the series better because of this fact. I was really getting drawn into the action and the characterization of Marcas towards the second half of the book. I found Marcas' complexities very intriguing. He is not a very “good” demon. “Marcas' failure is his mercy.” The battle with the demons was exciting and I was drawn into Marcas' and Dayton's quest to find a magic ring. I am excited to start the next book.(less)

like · see review

Mar 02, 2013 Alexis rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: angels-demons, free

Got this for free on Amazon. Wasn't expecting anything spectacular and OH MY GOSH! It is fantastic. Nothing like anything I've ever read before. I stayed up until 1:30 in the morning reading and FORCED myself to go to bed. I usually never end up buying the next one in a series when they are free on Amazon. Well I just brought book 2, Ransom. Everyone should get it.
The main character Dayton, is so fun and refreshing. I mean I just love all the characters and the plot is so new. I'm pretty sure I...more

like · see review

Oct 09, 2012 Nanette Bradford rated it 5 of 5 stars

what a great story of angels and demons. marcas is this stoic demon whos all powerful and then youve got dayton whos this brash foul mouthed teenager who just found out shes more than she thought she was. these two are bound together by marcas' brother in hopes to change a curse brought upon cain and his descendants by God as his punishment for killing his brother. by being bound together marcas and dayton have to fight off both angels and demons afraid of what the power of their pairing might d...more

1 like · like · see review

Jul 01, 2012 Anne (Angel Anne Reviews) Nelson rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-reads

I received “Redemption” from its author R.K. Ryals herself, to read, give my fair honest and unbiased opinion review on my thoughts of her novel. Below are my thoughts.

I’d love to thank Author R.K. Ryals for her giving me the wonderful chance to read for review this spectacular novel, REDEMPTION, is book one of the Redemption Series, and I can tell you that there are a couple of words (I‘m sure writers could come up with more) to describe Redemption and then the wonderful beautiful creative mind...more

like · see review

Apr 03, 2012 Rachel Marks rated it 4 of 5 stars

I found about this book from R.K. Ryals contacting me directly and asking me to review it on www.yanovelreader.com. I have to say I am so happy she did, because this book is amazing. From the beginning she draws you into the story and you are taken on a wild ride with Dayton trying to figure out what exactly is happening to her. I honestly sped through this book because I could not put it down.

The story itself is very unique. It is not your normal paranormal romance where a dark being is somehow...more

1 like · like · see review

Oct 25, 2012 Rebecca rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance, paranormal

This book was miserable. I cannot understand all the positive reviews! The main character Dayton was so obnoxious I found myself mocking her at every turn. It's a miracle I managed to finish the accursed thing. The plot was contrived and I couldn't get over the fact that her friends were constantly trailing her and always refused to leave her be. Also, excessive cursing gets repetitive and irritating. I understand that it's a personality trait, but really it shouldn't be. It is unattractive for...more

like · see review

Jul 17, 2012 Anushka rated it 5 of 5 stars

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOW!
Oh Sweet Lord, why did it end? I want to read more! Yes, I'd move on to the sequel ASAP!
A craving for Redemption lead to the bonding of a demon and an angel - Oh. My. God.
This book is a cracker! Honestly - I mean the story is sooooooo good! I love how Bezaliel, the angel, has one quote under each chapter. This makes his character justified even after all the mystery. I really wonder what's going on in Marcas's mind all the time! I mean I somehow wonder he's a lot more...more

1 like · like · see review

title link	preview: Redemption
avg rating	preview: Redemption Goodreads rating: 4.30 (379 ratings)
small image	preview: click here [close]
med image	preview: click here [close]
BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12970812-redemption?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1340930267l/12970812.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12970812-redemption?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]Redemption by R.K. Ryals[/url]

Redemption (Redemption #1)

Friend Reviews

Lists with This Book

Community Reviews

new topic
Discuss This Book

combine
Other Editions (2)

Videos About This Book

Genres

Readers also enjoyed similar books

About R.K. Ryals

Books by R.K. Ryals

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website

Trivia About Redemption