Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

Iridescent (Ember #2)

by Carol Oates (Goodreads Author)

4.36 of 5 stars 4.36 · rating details · 53 ratings · 25 reviews

Candra Ember used to dream of saving the world one person at a time. She never expected to become an angelic weapon and the last hope in the battle against ultimate darkness.

Falling for a Nephilim wasn’t part of Sebastian’s plan. Distraction is something he can’t afford when his rival, Draven, wants what Sebastian has.

Lies, manipulation, and corruption are twisting the li...more

Paperback, 330 pages

Published October 16th 2012 by Omnific Publishing

more details... edit details

Get a copy:

More…

Friend Reviews

To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up.

Lists with This Book

Angels & Demons

74th out of 242 books — 312 voters

Amazing YA/New Adult Books You're Probably Not Reading, BUT SHOULD BE!

77th out of 286 books — 359 voters

More lists with this book...

Community Reviews

(showing 1-30 of 734)

filter | sort: default (?) | rating details

Oct 16, 2012 Andrea rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: young-adult-paranormal

It's a battle between Heaven and Hell, Good and Evil...and one girl will be the most dangerous weapon of all.

My. Heart. Iridescent almost killed me! This books was so intense, emotionally and physically, that I could hardly keep up. There was just so much going on in Iridescent: Candra and Sebastian's relationship, Draven's feelings for Candra, Ananchel (HATE HER!), the battle for control between good and evil... Because I enjoyed Ember so much, I was really excited to have the opportunity to r...more

2 likes · like · see review

Oct 18, 2012 YA Novelties rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: reviewed

Check out our review of both Ember by Carol Oates and Iridescent by Carol Oates on our blog!

****WARNING**** This is a review of both Ember by Carol Oates and Iridescent by Carol Oates

3.5 Stars

Angels seem to be the next big thing in YA paranormal. Much of the latest YA paranormals have been Nephilim based. Whether or not this emerging trend is a blessing or a curse is not a concern, but I have to say that this trend allows me to be thankful that a series like this one has come out. Ember and Iri...more

like · see review

Oct 10, 2012 Tee loves Kyle Jacobson rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-must-reads, atomr-book-tours, oct-2012

In this sequel to Ember we get to see so much more. I want to Thank AToMR Tours for allowing me to be a part of this EPIC Tour! Iridescent picks up right where Ember leaves off. All Candra wants to do is save the world. She wants a world where there is peace and everyone gets along and no one has to suffer. Well that is not Candra's reality because she is smack dab in the middle of a war between good and evil. She is the angelic weapon the angels intend on using. She is the last hope for mankind...more

like · see review

Oct 08, 2012 Jessica rated it 4 of 5 stars

Iridescent by Carol Oates is the continuation of the story that began in Ember. The gang is faced with a new foe: the soul stealing Lilith, who possess a powerful weapon and is bent on taking over the earth as her own.

After finishing the first book in the series, I couldn't wait to jump right into this one. There was no lull in the action - it began as soon as the story opened. I felt a little more trusting this time around, like I knew the characters better and could easily predict which direct...more

1 like · like · see review

Oct 18, 2012 Marissa rated it 5 of 5 stars

After reading Ember, I just remember, looking forward to reading this next story, to continue Candra and Sebastian's story, and let me say first, this was pretty Awesome! It just was! I feel there is so much story that leads you to a few twists and turns. There are misunderstandings, possible betrayal, love, and and evil desire for power. I really liked how we read more into Candra and Sebastian's relationship and you will read some swooning like scenes and angst moments. There are some other un...more

like · see review

Oct 20, 2012 Valerie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-reads

4 stars - A twisting turning ride with a kick-butt ending!

This one picks up right were Ember left off and we are right back in the action. And if anyone thought that Draven had given up on Candra, they thought wrong.

I love the characters in this book. Candra is strong and ready to face that she's the weapon in this war between good and evil. She doesn't shy away. She doesn't look for anyones protection. She loves Sebastian and he loves her. But will that be enough for either of them to survive....more

like · see review

Oct 17, 2012 Starr Griggs rated it 4 of 5 stars

I received a digital galley, free, in exchange for my honest opinion.
Synopsis from Amazon: Candra dreamed of saving the world one person at a time. She never expected to become an angelic weapon and the last hope in a battle against ultimate darkness. Falling for a Nephilim wasn't part of Sebastian's plan. Distraction is something he can't afford when his rival, Draven, wants what Sebastian has. Lies, manipulation, and corruption are twisting the lives of the citizens of Acheron. The Arch is mi...more I received a digital galley, free, in exchange for my honest opinion.
Synopsis from Amazon: Candra dreamed of saving the world one person at a time. She never expected to become an angelic weapon and the last hope in a battle against ultimate darkness. Falling for a Nephilim wasn't part of Sebastian's plan. Distraction is something he can't afford when his rival, Draven, wants what Sebastian has. Lies, manipulation, and corruption are twisting the lives of the citizens of Acheron. The Arch is missing from heaven, and a demon is intent on claiming the city. At a time they should be growing closer, grief and paranoia are driving Candra and Sebastian apart. Soon, Candra must face a terrible choice. If the price of restoring heaven is a human soul, who deserves to be saved?

My Thoughts: I really liked Ember, I thought that it was a very original take on angels and their history and interactions with humans. I haven't read very much fiction about the nephilim, and the research that I have started for my own WIP has portrayed them as dark creatures. But, I did't get that feeling of darkness while reading Iridescent. In fact I would say that this was a bright read. I was glad to be back into the world of Ember and Sebastian. Now that they are "officially: together. There were some steamy moments, that were heart-melting.
Of course, nothing is ever easy. As Ember tries to figure out what exactly she is and what her role in the upcoming war will be, there is the constant flux of not truly knowing. Sebastian and Draven are now working together to fight the impending evil, but the tension between them has not completely lifted. Lillith, a new character on board, has her own agenda and does what she can to manipulate Ember to her side so she can lay claim to the city she believes is rightfully hers. In the midst of this, Ember is still adjusting to Ivy's death. But there is a confidence in Ember that is growing, it's a confidence that I don't remember seeing a lot of in the first book. (But I definitely like!)
When you put all of these ingredients together you get one heck of a edge-sitting, heart-gripping story. And I loved every minute of it! If you have not read Ember, then I definitely think you should do so now. You'll have to because Iridescent is definitely worth picking up as well.

4 stars ****
(less)

like · see review

Oct 17, 2012 Sarah (Head Stuck In A Book) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: young-adult, review-copy, paranormal, e-book, blog-tour, arc, owned-and-read

Just like the first book this one has a gorgeous cover as well although I do think that this one is definitely better, it's sooo pretty!
Iridescent continues on from where Ember left off, Candra and Sebastian are together, and Candra is still dealing with her grief after the tragedy in Ember (those who've read it will know exactly what I'm talking about), and also the knowledge that she is some kind of weapon who will save mankind, though no one really knows what she can/will do.
There is a new ba...more

like · see review

Oct 12, 2012 Stephanie Ward rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: for-review

'Iridescent' is the second book in the Ember series, which continues to follow Candra - a teenage girl who had her entire world turned upside down when she learned that she's a Nephilim, the offspring of an angel and a human. After breaking all the rules and falling for Sebastian, an angel, Candra must now also face an unknown threat that's coming to kill her and start a supernatural war. She has also learned that she is a secret weapon of some kind and she is their only hope.

There are plenty of...more

like · see review

Oct 16, 2012 Nickle [NightOwlReads] Love rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-paranormal-fantasy, 2012-reading-challenge

Originally published in Night Owl Reads.

I received an eARC copy of this book from the publisher as part of the tour. I enjoyed and loved reading the first book, Ember, and jumped to reading this one right away. The story picks up right where the first book left off, Candra and Sebastian are finally together but there's still a threat to everyone's existence. It was established that Candra is a weapon that no one has any idea what for, and dealing with the loss of her best friend isn't exactly he...more

like · see review

Dec 19, 2012 Jessica rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: blog-review

Iridescent is the second book in the Ember series and is not a standalone book. Carol Oates touches upon history featured in Ember, and all of the characters return in Iridescent. I tried to imagine coming into Iridescent without having read Ember; and honestly, I don’t believe it can be done. You, dear reader, would be scrambling trying to make sense of the world created by Oates and everyone’s relationship; therefore, I highly suggest reading Ember first for the back story.

Iridescent picks up...more Iridescent is the second book in the Ember series and is not a standalone book. Carol Oates touches upon history featured in Ember, and all of the characters return in Iridescent. I tried to imagine coming into Iridescent without having read Ember; and honestly, I don’t believe it can be done. You, dear reader, would be scrambling trying to make sense of the world created by Oates and everyone’s relationship; therefore, I highly suggest reading Ember first for the back story.

Iridescent picks up right where Ember left off; Candra is still recovering from the death of her best friend, Ivy, while having to deal with saving the world. Late one night, she comes face to face with Lilith, a soul carrier. Lilith tricks Candra into thinking she’s Ivy, and it’s Sebastian who comes to her rescue to set things straight. As always, Sebastian is keeping secrets mainly regarding Lilith’s identity and what she has to with Ivy. Of course, that’s the question everyone is asking: Who is Lilith, and what does she have to do with restoring the Arch?

At the heart of the novel is Candra’s relationship with Sebastian, as well as his relationship with Ananchal, Draven’s twin, and very much Draven’s second in command. If you recall from book one, Candra picks Sebastian in the end, or I suppose it was Draven who gave her up and presented her to Sebastian. Ananchal, it seems, is hiding a deep, dark secret and hopes that by giving Candra back to Draven all will be okay; however, there’s no going back. Candra is still attracted to Draven and fights her attraction. Lilith wants Candra for her own nefarious activities, while Sebastian has to devise a plan to keep Candra safe, but with Ananchal involved, we all know things won’t go quite as smooth. The question then lies regarding Lilith and her involvement. I won’t say much because I do believe you have to read to understand, but Lilith has with her a creation blade. This object is folklore among the fallen/watchers. Some believe the blade can help restore everyone back to the way things were with the Arch and go home while others believe it’s a lost cause.

Oates does make you question your beliefs. For example, Sebastian, Draven, and even Ananchal all want to go home, but is it worth still believing in the Arch? The Arch, in case you’re wondering, is God. Oates does a beautiful job portraying the feelings of those who continue to believe compared to those who have stopped believing. There are a few heartbreaking scenes when belief is brought up, but the scene between Ananchal and Draven left me broken. Here is a perfect example of someone who has stopped believing all the while the believer must deal with the consequences. In the end who is right and who is wrong, and do they both have the right to judge each other’s actions?

Our climatic showdown between Candra and Lilith is not as action packed as I had hoped nor really drawn out; however, Oates delivers a satisfying ending. Hoping to fix the mistakes of the past, Sebastian keeps Draven and Gabriel in the dark regarding his plans. It’s not until everyone has sought the safety of shelter that we find out Sebastian’s plans. The culminating scene is heartbreaking as we see Sebastian return, triumphant with the creation blade, only to fall victim to his wounds sustained by fighting Lilith’s army. Up until Sebastian’s death I had no idea where Oates was going with the story. I kept wondering if we’d have a third book in the series because I had so many unanswered questions. Alas, those questions remain unanswered, but Candra’s purpose and destiny is fulfilled; and we know the fate of the world and everyone in it.

My only complaint has to do with the missing information. At times I felt Oates was giving us all this information; and yet, I felt completely lost thinking I had missed something. A back story with the holes filled in would have been nice. I know some people do enjoy a dark brooding hero (hey, I admit I do); Sebastian, though at times, was a little too moody. I found myself asking who was the teenager, him or Candra? But I realize that his feelings for Candra were very much new to him, and he didn’t quite know how to handle them. I can forgive him for that.

Now Candra…oh, dear Candra, what can I say about you? I know she had her reasons for keeping her plans quiet; but at times, I wanted to shake some sense into her and urge her to go talk to someone about her plans and feelings. If the fate of everyone on Earth was left to me, I’d have everyone locked in a room demanding answers. Everything was bottled up, and I don’t know if the author did this to add a sense of mystery or if it was planned that way. Other than that, Iridescent was an interesting read.(less)

like · see review

Nov 01, 2012 Giselle at Book Nerd Canada rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: blog-tour, e-pub

We’re back with Candra and her love triangle between Sebastian and Draven. Her love for both of them confused me just because it felt so fast. Insta-love at its best? I’m not sure if it was their angelic powers of persuasion, but she is still as lusty as ever. (It’s only normal.)

This time around there is a plot developing, and when it finally gets unleashed, I got real excited. There’s a clear cut villain in the form of the demon Lilith and her minions and as creepy as it may sound, she was defi...more

1 like · like · see review

Oct 08, 2012 Amber rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc, ebook, review

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

like · see review

Oct 14, 2012 Candace (Lovey Dovey Books) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Carol Oates sends readers back to the world of Acheron. War is on the horizon and Candra still struggles with her special status as a Nephilim with a soul. While the angels behind Draven and Sebastian are under an uneasy alliance, the incoming threat is unknown and getting closer. Iridescent is a startling novel following the events of Ember. The novel begins within the same time frame as Candra describes the aftermath of her best friend’s death and the unity of the Tenebras and Nuhra angels.

Can...more Carol Oates sends readers back to the world of Acheron. War is on the horizon and Candra still struggles with her special status as a Nephilim with a soul. While the angels behind Draven and Sebastian are under an uneasy alliance, the incoming threat is unknown and getting closer. Iridescent is a startling novel following the events of Ember. The novel begins within the same time frame as Candra describes the aftermath of her best friend’s death and the unity of the Tenebras and Nuhra angels.

Candra is a force of nature in Iridescent. Her presence fills the story so that it’s almost possible to forget about the impending danger and focus on her strength, resolve to fight for the Watchers, and take charge attitude. Candra is more aggressive when it comes to getting the answers she needs, whether it’s from Sebastian or Draven or the enemy. It’s a wonder that Oates gives Candra more courage, more spunk, and more understanding, yet she embodies the same personality we met in Ember. If it is a heroine of flesh and blood made passionate and brave from circumstances that you’re looking for, look no further because Candra is all of the above and then some.

Sebastian, with his quick-temper and fierce protective streak, steals the show in flashing moments of selflessness. He’s even more of an asset to this story, even when it seems as though he’s heading in the wrong direction. Sebastian and Candra’s relationship is so crucial that it feels as though they’re the real center of the plot, because they’re either working for each other or against each other’s wishes. The attraction that drew them together in Ember intensifies through tests and heartache in Iridescent.

Oates’ style is familiar and as detailed as ever. As action-packed as Iridescent is, her ability to write what readers are able to envision is helpful and keeps the story engaging. Every page read is more captivating than the last as the story pulls you in deeper and deeper. I can only count about two scenes that were just a touch too drawn out for any dramatic effect to truly be successful. Otherwise, Oates hit the nail on the head when it comes to making you feel something in any tough situation throughout the novel.

Iridescent is a wonderful sequel to Ember, and if possible, better. The ending is one you can almost say is expected, but Oates throws just enough of a twist in to conclude Iridescent with a bang. Whether readers should expect more novels in this series is irrelevant, because the next novel Carol Oates graces us with will no doubt entertain and endear to us in the same manner as the Ember series!

Also posted on Lovey Dovey Books
*eARC provided in exchange for an honest review and blog tour purposes*(less)

1 like · like · see review

Oct 28, 2012 Bookish Temptations rated it 4 of 5 stars

Carol Oates is one of my favorite authors. Her writing is visual and breathtaking. Ember is the first novel in this series, and it was the first thing I read by Carol. I was captivated by the story, the characters, and the premise. (I have a fondness for angels). Iridescent picks up where Ember left us. Candra wants to help save the world. She’s a weapon, but nobody is quite sure how to use her, including herself.
You can read the rest of my review here: http://bookishtemptations.com/2012/10...

like · see review

Oct 20, 2012 Lisa (Bookworm Lisa) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, arc, paranormal, received-to-review

Carol Oates is an author that I look forward to reading her latest work. She has a way with words that I find very appealing. She definitely knows how to catch and keep my interest in her story. This book was no different.

The book picks up where "Ember" left off. Candra is suffering emotional trauma with the passing of her best friend. She doesn't get to rest from her role as a Nephilim. Immediately a new threat comes to town. Lilith throws her into another emotional spin.

Then of course, there...more

like · see review

Nov 22, 2012 P.A. rated it 2 of 5 stars

I hope it's just because I didn't read the first book in the series but I just couldn't get into this book. I struggled to make it 40 pages before I gave up. Eventually I'll read the first book in the series and maybe after that I will be able to grasp this one.

like · see review

Dec 09, 2012 Beckie Treble rated it 5 of 5 stars

Now, I love Carol, and I got the chance to help her with this book, back when it was Lilith. I need to read the new version but either way, its gotta be better then back when I read lilith. It was fabulous then, its fabulous now. ♥

like · see review

Oct 17, 2012 Gabby (What's Beyond Forks?) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: reviewed

Full Review at: What's Beyond Forks?

I was undecided after reading Ember, but I can now say that I am officially Team Draven. While this book had some moments that seemed to drag to me, it more than made up for it in other moments. There were so many things that I didn't see coming, I was literally on the edge of my seat while I read.

like · see review

Oct 11, 2012 Jenna Christy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc-to-review, atomtr-tours, arc, blog-tour

didn’t disappoint!

full review here: http://coffeebooksandme.blogspot.com/...

like · see review

Jan 12, 2013 Joan rated it 3 of 5 stars

enjoyable, slightly far fetched but overall a good story about love, friendship and bravery.

like · see review

Oct 16, 2012 Christina Wilder marked it as not-sure-about-this-one

This might be good, but I'm so tired of hearing about Nephilim.

1 like · like · see review

Oct 15, 2012 Sara marked it as to-read

Shelves: dustbuster-challenge-books-i-own, angels-and-demons, paranormal-fantasy, nook

Loved Ember! So glad to find there is a sequel!

like · see review

Oct 22, 2012 Jennie rated it 5 of 5 stars

I love this book so much. I may have wanted to do some not nice things to Sebastian for about half of the book, but I fell in love with him all over again. the characters are so awesome and the story was wonderfully fast paced and fresh.

like · see review

Jan 08, 2013 Emily Mcnew rated it 5 of 5 stars

"Maybe heaven isn't back there. Maybe my heaven is right here, with her." *sigh* Love, love, LOVE it!

like · see review

May 22, 2013 Sarah marked it as to-read

May 22, 2013 Becca marked it as to-read

Shelves: im-thinking-about-it

May 22, 2013 Charlotte marked it as to-read

May 19, 2013 doodlekat marked it as to-read

May 18, 2013 Marion marked it as to-read

« previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 … 24 25 next »

new topic
Discuss This Book

There are no discussion topics on this book yet. Be the first to start one »

Recommend it | Stats | Recent status updates

combine
Other Editions (1)

Videos About This Book

Add a comment

Genres

Fantasy > Paranormal

4 users

Young Adult

4 users

Fantasy

3 users

Romance > Paranormal Romance

2 users

Paranormal > Angels

2 users

See top shelves...

Readers also enjoyed similar books

Water
by Shauna Granger
The Doorknob Society
by M.J. Fletcher
The Life and Death of Lily Drake
by T. Michelle Nelson
Reckoning
by Molly M. Hall
Circle of Light
by Jennifer DeLucy

About Carol Oates

Carol Oates has never been one to remain still for long. After her mother’s mad dash to the hospital through the empty city streets of Dublin, Ireland, Carol made her debut into the world in the early hours of Christmas morning. Since then her pace has not slowed down in the least.
Carol was introduced to the world of supernatural books when, as a child, her family moved to a coastal suburb of nort...more

More about Carol Oates...

Books by Carol Oates

More…

Share This Book

Facebook Twitter Your website

Trivia About Iridescent

No trivia or quizzes yet. Add some now »

Quotes from Iridescent

“A broken heart is something even I can’t protect you from. I’ve been alone for so long, and believe me, all that does is provide a false sense of security. Being alone doesn’t erase the deep yearning that exists in all of us. We are not solitary creatures. You have to love and open your heart. If not, what is it we are trying to save? When it swallows you whole, remember it means you’ve lived.” — 10 people liked it

“Love is just like the flower; it has hidden depths that we rarely ever explore. Beneath the surface lies a network of roots. You can admire the flower for what it is, or you can dig deeper. The more you dig, the more you will find. The real reasons we love a person sometimes exist in the darkest and deepest part of us, the part that knows no logic…or rationale.” — 5 people liked it

More quotes…

title link	preview: Iridescent
avg rating	preview: Iridescent Goodreads rating: 4.36 (53 ratings)
small image	preview: click here [close]
med image	preview: click here [close]
BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13614229-iridescent?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1344849772l/13614229.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13614229-iridescent?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]Iridescent by Carol Oates[/url]

Iridescent (Ember #2)

Friend Reviews

Community Reviews

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website