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The Fallen #3
Angel in Chains
Mortal Sin
As a fallen Angel of Death, Azrael is cursed to walk the earth alone in search of redemption. One night, as he wanders the streets of New Orleans, he discovers a woman surrounded by panther shifters. No longer able to contain the anger simmering within, Az summons his dark powers and attacks, determined to protect this innocent human from certain death.
Only Jade Pierce is no delicate flower. She's spent years learning to survive and fight the evil forces sent by her ex-lover who refuses to let her go. But after seeing Az in action, she figures she could use a little supernatural help. And so she plans a course of seduction guaranteed to arouse his interest and his angelic passions. . .
As a fallen Angel of Death, Azrael is cursed to walk the earth alone in search of redemption. One night, as he wanders the streets of New Orleans, he discovers a woman surrounded by panther shifters. No longer able to contain the anger simmering within, Az summons his dark powers and attacks, determined to protect this innocent human from certain death.
Only Jade Pierce is no delicate flower. She's spent years learning to survive and fight the evil forces sent by her ex-lover who refuses to let her go. But after seeing Az in action, she figures she could use a little supernatural help. And so she plans a course of seduction guaranteed to arouse his interest and his angelic passions. . .
352 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
92 people are currently reading
1965 people want to read
About the author
Cynthia Eden
310 books6,802 followersAward-winning author Cynthia Eden writes sexy tales of contemporary romance, romantic suspense, and paranormal romance. She is a New York Times, USA Today, Digital Book World, and IndieReader best-seller. Since she began writing full-time in 2005, Cynthia has written over one hundred novels and novellas.
Cynthia lives along the Alabama Gulf Coast. She loves romance novels, horror movies, and chocolate. Her favorite hobbies including hiking in the mountains (searching for waterfalls) and spelunking.
Cynthia lives along the Alabama Gulf Coast. She loves romance novels, horror movies, and chocolate. Her favorite hobbies including hiking in the mountains (searching for waterfalls) and spelunking.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 137 reviews
January 13, 2013
I enjoyed Cynthia Eden’s Night Watch and Midnight series, was excited she came out with a new Angel series. For me though I was not feeling Angel In Chains. The cover is something anyone could lust over and the blurb was more interesting then the first two novels in this series. I already have book one but took the chance and dove into Book 3. I was looking for a more intense read with a fallen Angel of Death Hero, Azrael is cursed to walk the earth alone in search of redemption and a kick butt heroine, Jade plans a course of seduction guaranteed to arouse his interest and his angelic passions. Had a hard time trying to finish, as it was so easy to put down and pick back up and then again could only read so much before I had to put it down again.
For me the writing was very flat, as I could not get into Az and Jade. There was no sexual tension at all. The sex scenes did nothing for me. I wanted to feel his pain since all he wanted was to get back into heaven, but was not feeling it. He was possessive, protective and had a Alpha male attitude, just the way I like my heroes. But it not did get my heart pumping or stomach all tingly.
Even though Jade character was kick butt and love that even more in my heroines, she tended to also be flat and boring. Scenes with them together I felt she was kicking more of the bad guys butt then he was. The scenes seem to focus more on her and really I had no idea what he was doing.
The only scenes I enjoyed are the ones with Brandt. A panther shifter who thinks she is his mate. Even though he is the villain, Cynthia Eden did a amazing job as making his character creepy and he felt more real that he jumped off the pages for me. Because of him I was able to finish the novel and gave 2 stars-Ok, then 1 star-DNF or Not Good.
Cynthia Eden is an amazing author, great storyteller and was a little bummed I could not get into Angel In Chains. I will someday read Angel In Darkness (Fallen #1).
Rating: 2 Stars-Ok
ARC provided by NetGalley for an honest review
Originally posted at Wickedly Delicious Book Blog
For me the writing was very flat, as I could not get into Az and Jade. There was no sexual tension at all. The sex scenes did nothing for me. I wanted to feel his pain since all he wanted was to get back into heaven, but was not feeling it. He was possessive, protective and had a Alpha male attitude, just the way I like my heroes. But it not did get my heart pumping or stomach all tingly.
Even though Jade character was kick butt and love that even more in my heroines, she tended to also be flat and boring. Scenes with them together I felt she was kicking more of the bad guys butt then he was. The scenes seem to focus more on her and really I had no idea what he was doing.
The only scenes I enjoyed are the ones with Brandt. A panther shifter who thinks she is his mate. Even though he is the villain, Cynthia Eden did a amazing job as making his character creepy and he felt more real that he jumped off the pages for me. Because of him I was able to finish the novel and gave 2 stars-Ok, then 1 star-DNF or Not Good.
Cynthia Eden is an amazing author, great storyteller and was a little bummed I could not get into Angel In Chains. I will someday read Angel In Darkness (Fallen #1).
Rating: 2 Stars-Ok
ARC provided by NetGalley for an honest review
Originally posted at Wickedly Delicious Book Blog
October 13, 2019
Review posted at Got Fiction? book blog
***I would suggest reading the first 2 books. While you can read this as a stand-alone, Az's previous status as the enemy doesn't come across in this, so you might not get why he was so bad.
In the books Angel of Darkness and Angel Betrayed Azrael was the angel in Heaven who was in charge of all the Death Angels. He had the book, the one with the list of names of those who would die. He kept the balance, the order. And he made sure that when one of his angels screwed up and didn't take the soul he was meant to...well, Az made sure the Punishment Angels were sent out.
This is from Angel of Darkness and it tells a bit about Az:
Keenan jumped out of the truck. He raced for his old mentor. "Stay away from her!" He yelled.
Az didn't move. Not much had ever moved Asrael. Not pity. Not fear.
No emotion. Ever. He was the perfect Death Angel.
And then Az...fell. He didn't fall for a woman, or for a noble cause. Az fell because he was...bad.
In Angel Betrayed Az was newly fallen, confused, and still trying to get back into Heaven, to earn redemption, to figure out why he was no longer favored. And he did something noble. And he realized that maybe the angels didn't know everything.
In this book, he is just angry. And when he sees a woman being assaulted by some shifters, he's ready to kick ass. Not because it's the right thing to do, or because he is instantly in love, oh no, it's because he has rage and these jerks need to be taught that they aren't the scariest thing in the night. He is.
Once Az actually meets the woman, Jade, he realizes that she could be his ticket back into Heaven. Redemption and pearly gates here he comes! But he also finds out that saving this little human isn't going to be easy, and her enemy is just as strong as he is.
Jade is on the run from her psycho ex. He's a shifter and he wants Jade back. He is the alpha of the local panther pack, and he has killed anyone Jade dared to love. Her family, anyone who helped her, her boyfriends. Because Jade is his. It's time she accepted that.
"Brandt had acted as if he owned her. Az...acted as if he'd die without her."
Jade and Az aren't just fighting Brandt, though, they're fighting for Jade's life. Az already screwed up the balance he used to care so much for, by keeping Jade alive after Brandt's claws sliced through her. Now he has to make sure no other death angels come for her.
Az will have to use his brother Sam and any help Sam can give (which isn't much since Sam is still pissed at Az for centuries of trying to kill him).
Az find out that maybe his fallen brethren didn't fall because they were being punished, but just maybe, it's because they were favored.
Once, Sam had told him that angels weren't always pushed out of heaven because they'd done something wrong. Sometimes, they lost heaven as a reward. Because they were offered something...more. He saw that more in Jade's eyes.
This is a dark, sexy, suspenseful series, and no one does paranormal suspense better than Cynthia Eden.
***ARC courtesy of Kensington Books
***I would suggest reading the first 2 books. While you can read this as a stand-alone, Az's previous status as the enemy doesn't come across in this, so you might not get why he was so bad.
In the books Angel of Darkness and Angel Betrayed Azrael was the angel in Heaven who was in charge of all the Death Angels. He had the book, the one with the list of names of those who would die. He kept the balance, the order. And he made sure that when one of his angels screwed up and didn't take the soul he was meant to...well, Az made sure the Punishment Angels were sent out.
This is from Angel of Darkness and it tells a bit about Az:
Keenan jumped out of the truck. He raced for his old mentor. "Stay away from her!" He yelled.
Az didn't move. Not much had ever moved Asrael. Not pity. Not fear.
No emotion. Ever. He was the perfect Death Angel.
And then Az...fell. He didn't fall for a woman, or for a noble cause. Az fell because he was...bad.
In Angel Betrayed Az was newly fallen, confused, and still trying to get back into Heaven, to earn redemption, to figure out why he was no longer favored. And he did something noble. And he realized that maybe the angels didn't know everything.
In this book, he is just angry. And when he sees a woman being assaulted by some shifters, he's ready to kick ass. Not because it's the right thing to do, or because he is instantly in love, oh no, it's because he has rage and these jerks need to be taught that they aren't the scariest thing in the night. He is.
Once Az actually meets the woman, Jade, he realizes that she could be his ticket back into Heaven. Redemption and pearly gates here he comes! But he also finds out that saving this little human isn't going to be easy, and her enemy is just as strong as he is.
Jade is on the run from her psycho ex. He's a shifter and he wants Jade back. He is the alpha of the local panther pack, and he has killed anyone Jade dared to love. Her family, anyone who helped her, her boyfriends. Because Jade is his. It's time she accepted that.
"Brandt had acted as if he owned her. Az...acted as if he'd die without her."
Jade and Az aren't just fighting Brandt, though, they're fighting for Jade's life. Az already screwed up the balance he used to care so much for, by keeping Jade alive after Brandt's claws sliced through her. Now he has to make sure no other death angels come for her.
Az will have to use his brother Sam and any help Sam can give (which isn't much since Sam is still pissed at Az for centuries of trying to kill him).
Az find out that maybe his fallen brethren didn't fall because they were being punished, but just maybe, it's because they were favored.
Once, Sam had told him that angels weren't always pushed out of heaven because they'd done something wrong. Sometimes, they lost heaven as a reward. Because they were offered something...more. He saw that more in Jade's eyes.
This is a dark, sexy, suspenseful series, and no one does paranormal suspense better than Cynthia Eden.
***ARC courtesy of Kensington Books
December 6, 2012
I have realized that all PNR books by Cynthia Eden are similar which is not all bad but can be a bit anti-climatic. Her heroines will always be in trouble, have an agenda and secret and the hero will always come to her rescue. There will be loads of running around, near dying and drama and this book is pretty much the same. The hero Az used to be an Angel of Death and fell but wants to go back because the human world offers a lot of temptation. The heroine has been on the run for a long time and is being hunted by a jaguar alpha who is also half angel. I just didn't connect with the story as much because it felt like it was a book I had read before.
August 1, 2024
If you’ve read the previous books in this series you’re going to love watching Az get his just rewards. If this is your first book in the series, you’re going to love watching this fallen angel fall again.
As with the previous books, this book took me on a ride that had my heart racing from one page to the next. I never knew what was coming and found myself rocked by the twists and turns this author gave me. Every word gave me the most intense reading experience to be had. This is paranormal romance on a level I’m not accustomed to.
Az is a hero I, initially, wasn’t sure I could ever get behind. Finding Jade brought to light for him everything he had been missing and it was thrilling to watch him fall in love. I appreciated that Ms. Eden did not make him a cliche by changing his personality but rather added to his appeal by keeping so much of him the same as he had always been except with a deeper understanding of his emotions.
I know that we have one other book in this series and I’m anxious to get to it. However, there are so many other characters and threads that I could see spinning off of this. Fingers crossed.
Multi POV
Safe
Triggers
Steam
As with the previous books, this book took me on a ride that had my heart racing from one page to the next. I never knew what was coming and found myself rocked by the twists and turns this author gave me. Every word gave me the most intense reading experience to be had. This is paranormal romance on a level I’m not accustomed to.
Az is a hero I, initially, wasn’t sure I could ever get behind. Finding Jade brought to light for him everything he had been missing and it was thrilling to watch him fall in love. I appreciated that Ms. Eden did not make him a cliche by changing his personality but rather added to his appeal by keeping so much of him the same as he had always been except with a deeper understanding of his emotions.
I know that we have one other book in this series and I’m anxious to get to it. However, there are so many other characters and threads that I could see spinning off of this. Fingers crossed.
Multi POV
Safe
Triggers
Steam
October 9, 2016
This is book three in The Fallen Series and my first entry into reading this series. It did not cause me any issues having not read the first two, however I definitely plan to go back and catch up. This series is about angel’s who have fallen from heaven and Az is a fallen Angel of Death. In an attempt to make things right and redeem himself, as well as quench his thirst for violence, he helps a young woman who is in danger. However what he never thought was that he might find a stronger reason to stay here on Earth. This was one massive adventure and I loved the action, the tension as well as the twists and turns of who you could trust. The ending was perfect and a must read for Eden fans.
November 16, 2015
Great!
November 8, 2012
Angel in Chains is hands down the most intense book in The Fallen series. It seemed that at every turn something completely unexpected blindsided me. My jaw stayed on the floor. I devoured Azrael and Jade’s book in one sitting. I could not put the book down. The action is nonstop. There is an abundant amount of insane fight scenes.
It has been six months since Azrael fell. He is still struggling with his newly found emotions. He has some big objectives though. The most prominent is get redemption, thus get back into Heaven. Az has become an opportunistic Fallen. He knows opportunity when he sees it and witnessing a woman being pursued and assaulted by a group of shifters. He sees helping Jade as his fast pass to get his wings back.
Jade has a psycho stalker shifter for an ex. He just won’t give up. She has been running from the sociopath for ten years. He finds her and terrorizes her over and over again. Jade has become a resourceful gal though. She always has a backup plan and has managed to evade him for some time. The smart girl that she is knows when a perfect opportunity falls into her lap. Jade immediately notices that Az is perhaps powerful enough to make her ex stay down.
Az and Jade are all around explosive. They throw sparks as soon as they are together. Jade soon moves from redemption to temptation. Az wants and desires for the first time in his very long life. Jade is beginning to get a taste of freedom. Their passions run high constantly. I loved these two together. They are so well matched. Jade tempers some of the errant emotions that Az is experiencing and not knowing how to deal with. Jade also rouses some of his newly found emotions. She keeps him on his toes. I just loved their interactions.
As with the other books in The Fallen series Angel in Chains can work as a stand-alone. I do think that readers would get more out of this installment in the series by reading the others beforehand though. Azrael has a more than minor, but not a major role in the previous two books. I think that reading him in those books would give a bit of insight into him prior to reading his book. He begins the series as an almost villain and not a nice guy. None the less, anyone could jump into this series with this book though and not be lost or confused.
It has been six months since Azrael fell. He is still struggling with his newly found emotions. He has some big objectives though. The most prominent is get redemption, thus get back into Heaven. Az has become an opportunistic Fallen. He knows opportunity when he sees it and witnessing a woman being pursued and assaulted by a group of shifters. He sees helping Jade as his fast pass to get his wings back.
Jade has a psycho stalker shifter for an ex. He just won’t give up. She has been running from the sociopath for ten years. He finds her and terrorizes her over and over again. Jade has become a resourceful gal though. She always has a backup plan and has managed to evade him for some time. The smart girl that she is knows when a perfect opportunity falls into her lap. Jade immediately notices that Az is perhaps powerful enough to make her ex stay down.
Az and Jade are all around explosive. They throw sparks as soon as they are together. Jade soon moves from redemption to temptation. Az wants and desires for the first time in his very long life. Jade is beginning to get a taste of freedom. Their passions run high constantly. I loved these two together. They are so well matched. Jade tempers some of the errant emotions that Az is experiencing and not knowing how to deal with. Jade also rouses some of his newly found emotions. She keeps him on his toes. I just loved their interactions.
As with the other books in The Fallen series Angel in Chains can work as a stand-alone. I do think that readers would get more out of this installment in the series by reading the others beforehand though. Azrael has a more than minor, but not a major role in the previous two books. I think that reading him in those books would give a bit of insight into him prior to reading his book. He begins the series as an almost villain and not a nice guy. None the less, anyone could jump into this series with this book though and not be lost or confused.
December 11, 2012
Cynthia Eden has the magical ability to pull you into the world she has created from the first page and Angel in Chains is no exception. This series (The Fallen) gets better and better with each book, which seems impossible because Angel of Darkness and Angel Betrayed where both superb reads but Angel in Chains totally blew me away! Az and Jade captured my heart, their chemistry together gave me hot flashes and the suspense of the story kept me glued to the pages holding my breath for what was to come next! I would recommend reading this series in order. Cynthia Eden is the master at paranormal romantic suspense and you do not want to miss a second of the world and characters that she has created here!
Check out Crystal L's full review of this title at Reading Between the Wines
Check out Crystal L's full review of this title at Reading Between the Wines
June 5, 2014
5 AWESOME stars!!!
Indonesian review posted here:
It's a shame that Cynthia Eden do not get recognition that she deserved because she damn well can write a great PNR books and not fallin into the same old same old theme. Okay, Angel in Chains sure have some PNR cliches but Ms Eden is the best writer when it comes to write action and fast packed books. You will hold your breath to follow Azrael and Jade's journey to earn their happines.
Love virgin hero? Well, you must read Angel in Chains too. And even Azrael is virgin, it didn't make him less alpha.
The Fallen is a series that can't be missed. Especially if you love PNR with angel (and virgin) hero and ass kick heroine! :D
Indonesian review posted here:
It's a shame that Cynthia Eden do not get recognition that she deserved because she damn well can write a great PNR books and not fallin into the same old same old theme. Okay, Angel in Chains sure have some PNR cliches but Ms Eden is the best writer when it comes to write action and fast packed books. You will hold your breath to follow Azrael and Jade's journey to earn their happines.
Love virgin hero? Well, you must read Angel in Chains too. And even Azrael is virgin, it didn't make him less alpha.
The Fallen is a series that can't be missed. Especially if you love PNR with angel (and virgin) hero and ass kick heroine! :D
October 3, 2014
i liked the ending...i def liked the 1st two fallen books better though.
November 17, 2012
Rating: 5 out of 5.
While this is my first book in the Fallen series, starting on the third book did not deter me from understanding what was happening.
In this book, Azrael, the ex-head-angel of Death has fallen. Why he has fallen, I would have to read Angel Betrayed to understand, but the reason for his fall wasn’t too important. At least I don’t think it was. Anyway, so the book starts off with Azrael being present in an alleyway where Jade Pierce was being corned by a couple of shifters. He steps in to save her because he thinks if he does good, he’ll be one step closer to going back to heaven. Jade, on the other hand, stays with him because she thinks he might finally be the one person (Angel) strong enough to stand against her ex-shifter boyfriend who is obsessively crazy about her. But she doesn’t know that he is an Angel straightaway.
There were many things I loved about this book. First it was Azrael and Jade. Paranormal Romances have this clichéd character setting: the alpha and the girl next door. But this book had original characters. Azrael for starters was not an overbearing, possessive alpha (that role was reserved for the ex), but he had other alpha like characteristics, in that he had the strength of an alpha, but also a surprisingly sweet innocent side that came out when he interacted with Jade. He wasn’t used to the feelings and emotions that attacked him once he fell, especially the feelings Jade arose in him. And ladies and gentlemen, he was a virgin. I have a weakness for virgin heroes. I thought it made his devotion to Jade more rich.
Jade on the other hand is a strong female character. She has had a very dark past, and a continuing nightmare, both of which are the product of her ex’s ingenuity. Nevertheless, she doesn’t curl up and wish the world away, but she keeps on fighting. There is strength in her character that is enviable. She finds it hard to trust, given her history, but she finds it in herself to open up her heart to Azrael.
Finally, I loved how the villain/ex – Brandt - wasn’t entirely evil, well maybe he was, but he was also pretty devoted to Jade in a sick, twisted way. He was obsessively in love with her. And there are several instances in this story where I wished that things had been different for him, before Az came, so that he could have lived a happy life with Jade. If his father wasn’t the sick man that he was, whose treatment had affected Brandt to the point where Brandt almost became like him. I say almost because his father never loved anyone, but Brandt loved Jade and would have given her everything, but he asked too much of her and he didn’t care for anyone else other than Jade.
This book was a beautiful surprise. I didn’t expect to become so invested with the characters. Now I am off to read Angel Betrayed. Sammael’s and Selina’s story has me intrigued.
ARC courtesy of NetGalley and Kensington Books.
While this is my first book in the Fallen series, starting on the third book did not deter me from understanding what was happening.
In this book, Azrael, the ex-head-angel of Death has fallen. Why he has fallen, I would have to read Angel Betrayed to understand, but the reason for his fall wasn’t too important. At least I don’t think it was. Anyway, so the book starts off with Azrael being present in an alleyway where Jade Pierce was being corned by a couple of shifters. He steps in to save her because he thinks if he does good, he’ll be one step closer to going back to heaven. Jade, on the other hand, stays with him because she thinks he might finally be the one person (Angel) strong enough to stand against her ex-shifter boyfriend who is obsessively crazy about her. But she doesn’t know that he is an Angel straightaway.
There were many things I loved about this book. First it was Azrael and Jade. Paranormal Romances have this clichéd character setting: the alpha and the girl next door. But this book had original characters. Azrael for starters was not an overbearing, possessive alpha (that role was reserved for the ex), but he had other alpha like characteristics, in that he had the strength of an alpha, but also a surprisingly sweet innocent side that came out when he interacted with Jade. He wasn’t used to the feelings and emotions that attacked him once he fell, especially the feelings Jade arose in him. And ladies and gentlemen, he was a virgin. I have a weakness for virgin heroes. I thought it made his devotion to Jade more rich.
Jade on the other hand is a strong female character. She has had a very dark past, and a continuing nightmare, both of which are the product of her ex’s ingenuity. Nevertheless, she doesn’t curl up and wish the world away, but she keeps on fighting. There is strength in her character that is enviable. She finds it hard to trust, given her history, but she finds it in herself to open up her heart to Azrael.
Finally, I loved how the villain/ex – Brandt - wasn’t entirely evil, well maybe he was, but he was also pretty devoted to Jade in a sick, twisted way. He was obsessively in love with her. And there are several instances in this story where I wished that things had been different for him, before Az came, so that he could have lived a happy life with Jade. If his father wasn’t the sick man that he was, whose treatment had affected Brandt to the point where Brandt almost became like him. I say almost because his father never loved anyone, but Brandt loved Jade and would have given her everything, but he asked too much of her and he didn’t care for anyone else other than Jade.
This book was a beautiful surprise. I didn’t expect to become so invested with the characters. Now I am off to read Angel Betrayed. Sammael’s and Selina’s story has me intrigued.
ARC courtesy of NetGalley and Kensington Books.
January 18, 2013
Azrael had been the head honcho of the Angels of Death until he Fell. Now, he wants redemption so he can go back to the Heavens and not deal with all the pesky emotions that come with being a Fallen. When he comes across a human woman in a dark alley being surrounded by panther shifters he thinks he might have found his ticket home. Save her and be redeemed. However, things aren’t going the way Az expected.
Jade Pierce has been running from her psycho ex-boyfriend for years. He’s a panther shifter and he always ends up finding her. Staying ahead of him is wearing her down and she needs to find a way to kill him or she’ll never have peace. When the stranger steps into the alley and kicks the crap out of the panthers who wanted to take her back to Brandt, she thinks she might have finally found someone who could help her rid the Earth of Brandt forever. She decides to do whatever it takes to persuade the hot powerful stranger to help her, but with both using the other, attraction burning out of control and a prophecy foretelling of Az’s destruction of the world will they survive what is coming?
Another home run from Cynthia Eden. I loved Az’s story. I wasn’t sure how Az, who was a bit of a villain in the other two books, would make a great hero, but I shouldn’t have worried. How do you keep the most powerful Fallen from bringing about the world’s destruction? With an unlikely hero. I will say no more, but one character that I found intriguing, but didn’t particularly like, might just have changed my opinion of him. Maybe. Possibly. We’ll just have to see.
Well-written, fast action, great plot, twists & turns, excellent characters, nasty psychotic villain, steamy sex and an ending I didn’t see coming made for an awesome read. I’m in for the next book 'Avenging Angel' due out May 28th.
*Many thanks to Kensington for providing me with a review copy. Please see disclaimer page on my blog.
Jade Pierce has been running from her psycho ex-boyfriend for years. He’s a panther shifter and he always ends up finding her. Staying ahead of him is wearing her down and she needs to find a way to kill him or she’ll never have peace. When the stranger steps into the alley and kicks the crap out of the panthers who wanted to take her back to Brandt, she thinks she might have finally found someone who could help her rid the Earth of Brandt forever. She decides to do whatever it takes to persuade the hot powerful stranger to help her, but with both using the other, attraction burning out of control and a prophecy foretelling of Az’s destruction of the world will they survive what is coming?
Another home run from Cynthia Eden. I loved Az’s story. I wasn’t sure how Az, who was a bit of a villain in the other two books, would make a great hero, but I shouldn’t have worried. How do you keep the most powerful Fallen from bringing about the world’s destruction? With an unlikely hero. I will say no more, but one character that I found intriguing, but didn’t particularly like, might just have changed my opinion of him. Maybe. Possibly. We’ll just have to see.
Well-written, fast action, great plot, twists & turns, excellent characters, nasty psychotic villain, steamy sex and an ending I didn’t see coming made for an awesome read. I’m in for the next book 'Avenging Angel' due out May 28th.
*Many thanks to Kensington for providing me with a review copy. Please see disclaimer page on my blog.
November 27, 2012
I've been anxiously awaiting ANGEL IN CHAINS ever since I read ANGEL BETRAYED. My expectations were high going in and I am so happy to say Jade and Az exceeded those expectations. Jade is a fantastically flawed heroine. She's made massive mistakes in her life that led to lives lost. Now all she wants is a chance to live her life free of her psycho ex and she's willing to use Az to get that. But from the beginning, she can't fight her attraction to him.
Az has never understood why other Fallens give in to temptations of the flesh until he meets Jade. She awakens feelings he's never experienced and this virgin hero wastes no time in making up for those lost centuries. He's hot, badass, protective, and surprisingly sweet. Both of my favorite quotes are from Az.
And...
This was such a fantastic romance! Suspenseful and over the top with an ending that made me cry, ANGEL IN CHAINS was one of the best paranormal romances I've read this year. I can't recommend it enough!
Az has never understood why other Fallens give in to temptations of the flesh until he meets Jade. She awakens feelings he's never experienced and this virgin hero wastes no time in making up for those lost centuries. He's hot, badass, protective, and surprisingly sweet. Both of my favorite quotes are from Az.
"His hands, though lethally strong, were lighter on her flesh.
Gentleness. She's only expected heat and hunger.
"I won't break," Jade told him.
"I'll never let you." A vow.
And...
Az never wanted her to know the truth about him. He wanted her to keep looking at him like he was a hero. Like he was a protector. A man she could count on. A man she wanted.
Not a monster she feared.
This was such a fantastic romance! Suspenseful and over the top with an ending that made me cry, ANGEL IN CHAINS was one of the best paranormal romances I've read this year. I can't recommend it enough!
July 28, 2018
2.5*
After the last book, I really was looking forward to Az's story. Was disappointed in this one. In the first book of the series, Az is the angel in charge, with power and in the second he fell and was confused (confusion happens when an angel falls). In this one, with his memory restored, he is pissed and all about what he can do to get his wings back.
Brandt was the typical alpha-hole of many a paranormal; except in this one he wasn't the "hero," but the villain (and he's is considerably more violent. I was mainly referring to the "it doesn't matter what you want, you're MINE!" phenomena of some other paranormal books). Don't worry, he gets what's coming to him. At first, Az and Jade's relationship is about using the other. It develops into something more.
I can't put my finger on what my issue was with this book, except I just wasn't feeling it. I did enjoy the first 2 books. Something that came out of this one: maybe falling isn't a punishment, but a new opportunity.
After the last book, I really was looking forward to Az's story. Was disappointed in this one. In the first book of the series, Az is the angel in charge, with power and in the second he fell and was confused (confusion happens when an angel falls). In this one, with his memory restored, he is pissed and all about what he can do to get his wings back.
Brandt was the typical alpha-hole of many a paranormal; except in this one he wasn't the "hero," but the villain (and he's is considerably more violent. I was mainly referring to the "it doesn't matter what you want, you're MINE!" phenomena of some other paranormal books). Don't worry, he gets what's coming to him. At first, Az and Jade's relationship is about using the other. It develops into something more.
I can't put my finger on what my issue was with this book, except I just wasn't feeling it. I did enjoy the first 2 books. Something that came out of this one: maybe falling isn't a punishment, but a new opportunity.
December 1, 2012
Review to follow!!!!!
March 10, 2020
5 Stars
December 13, 2012
4 - 4.5 Stars
Cynthia Eden sure knows how to write paranormal romance. Az was a great character to read about with his story of redemption
Cynthia Eden sure knows how to write paranormal romance. Az was a great character to read about with his story of redemption
February 15, 2015
I love the main characters in these books, and there is always tons of action. Really looking forward to the next one.
undecided-maybe-read
January 29, 2017On sale for $1.99
December 8, 2021
❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌
Didn’t like h at all, she used seduction to get what she wants, I mean good for her but in my eyes she just was a sleazy woman who was ready to spread her legs to get what she wants
Didn’t like h at all, she used seduction to get what she wants, I mean good for her but in my eyes she just was a sleazy woman who was ready to spread her legs to get what she wants
August 8, 2025
Angel in Chains is the third book in Cynthia Eden’s Fallen series, and this installment tells Azrael’s story. For me, the book was just okay.
Azrael—Az—is a fallen angel and the brother of Samuel (from book two). He’s searching for redemption and a way back to heaven. While roaming the streets of New Orleans, he stumbles upon an attack in progress and decides to save the woman being assaulted, hoping the act will earn him the redemption he seeks. The woman in question is Jade, who’s cornered by jaguar-shifter goons sent by her ex-boyfriend, Brandt. Az defeats her attackers, and what follows is an action-packed chase and battle between Az and Jade on one side, and supervillain Brandt on the other.
The book started off rough for me. I didn’t particularly like Jade’s character at first. I’m sure the intention was to portray her as a take-no-prisoners, kick-ass heroine, but she came across as abrasive, arrogant, and promiscuous. She had a habit of sleeping with men to manipulate them, and that’s not something I want to see in a romance heroine. I’ve noticed this trend throughout the series: the FMC in book one was okay-ish from what I recall, the one in book two was a succubus who seduced men, and now this one… Anyway, Jade was too tough for a human fighting supernatural beings, which wasn’t believable. She also had her TSTL moments, as these things go. That said, Jade improved as the story progressed. I still didn’t like her tendency to use Az as the “muscle,” but overall, she got better.
Az, for me, felt robotic for most of the book. Despite all his powers, he allowed Jade to take the lead—from the action scenes to the bedroom. I don’t know, maybe the virgin hero trope just doesn’t work for me, but I preferred Sam and his experience in the previous book. The sex scenes were formulaic, with each one starting and ending the same way. Also, the reason Az was kicked out of heaven was never revealed. Maybe it was mentioned in a previous book, but since this story is Az’s, I would have expected it to be clarified here.
There were some editing issues, and the word pleasure was used excessively—after the twentieth time, it became distracting. Although the book wasn’t an easy read, it did improve after the halfway mark. Interestingly, the main villain, Brandt, was more fleshed out than our protagonists. There was plenty of action, though the gore became a bit much. I won’t be continuing with the next book in the series.
Azrael—Az—is a fallen angel and the brother of Samuel (from book two). He’s searching for redemption and a way back to heaven. While roaming the streets of New Orleans, he stumbles upon an attack in progress and decides to save the woman being assaulted, hoping the act will earn him the redemption he seeks. The woman in question is Jade, who’s cornered by jaguar-shifter goons sent by her ex-boyfriend, Brandt. Az defeats her attackers, and what follows is an action-packed chase and battle between Az and Jade on one side, and supervillain Brandt on the other.
The book started off rough for me. I didn’t particularly like Jade’s character at first. I’m sure the intention was to portray her as a take-no-prisoners, kick-ass heroine, but she came across as abrasive, arrogant, and promiscuous. She had a habit of sleeping with men to manipulate them, and that’s not something I want to see in a romance heroine. I’ve noticed this trend throughout the series: the FMC in book one was okay-ish from what I recall, the one in book two was a succubus who seduced men, and now this one… Anyway, Jade was too tough for a human fighting supernatural beings, which wasn’t believable. She also had her TSTL moments, as these things go. That said, Jade improved as the story progressed. I still didn’t like her tendency to use Az as the “muscle,” but overall, she got better.
Az, for me, felt robotic for most of the book. Despite all his powers, he allowed Jade to take the lead—from the action scenes to the bedroom. I don’t know, maybe the virgin hero trope just doesn’t work for me, but I preferred Sam and his experience in the previous book. The sex scenes were formulaic, with each one starting and ending the same way. Also, the reason Az was kicked out of heaven was never revealed. Maybe it was mentioned in a previous book, but since this story is Az’s, I would have expected it to be clarified here.
There were some editing issues, and the word pleasure was used excessively—after the twentieth time, it became distracting. Although the book wasn’t an easy read, it did improve after the halfway mark. Interestingly, the main villain, Brandt, was more fleshed out than our protagonists. There was plenty of action, though the gore became a bit much. I won’t be continuing with the next book in the series.
September 26, 2018
OKAY, FIRST OFF IT WASN'T BECAUSE THE STORY WAS BAD. I WAS JUST DISAPPOINTED THAT THE CHEMISTRY BETWEEN AZ AND JADE WASN'T WHAT I EXPECTED. IN FACT, I THOUGHT THE HEROINE WOULD BE WAY BAD ASS AND COOL. JADE WAS JUST...NOT AS EXCITING AS WANTED HER TO BE.
OUR HERO is the bane of Sam's existence previously and Az can be an rigid asshole in the beginning with his strict belief to "FOLLOW THE RULES". He's the kind of guy most people would love to hate because he's a fun sucker. So it was super exciting when he got a taste of his own medicine and fell to Earth. I guess I understand that the author wanted to pair him with the most vulnerable species of all - A Human, to teach and show him that being almighty isn't the answer the everything. Being strong means being able to love, care and protect the lesser ones, which Az didn't give a damn about when he was an angel. In this story, Az stumbles around his new emotions although it wasn't terribly profound....but some moments were funny enough. Despite all the passion...I still found his character to be a little clinical.
OUR HEROINE is a human on the run from an ex-lover, a brutal and psychotic slash obsessive shifter who wants her back. I'm not really into Jade's character. I wished she had been painted more innocent...I don't know, maybe the author is trying to portray her as kick ass at least for a human, but when first introduced to her...I just didn't connect with her at all. She's like the least attractive heroine in terms of personality compared to Seline and Nicole.
OVERALL this story made me feel like I soaring and then just rudely smacked my face into the wall. It was a bit of a letdown and somehow a bit repetitive with the plot.
OUR HERO is the bane of Sam's existence previously and Az can be an rigid asshole in the beginning with his strict belief to "FOLLOW THE RULES". He's the kind of guy most people would love to hate because he's a fun sucker. So it was super exciting when he got a taste of his own medicine and fell to Earth. I guess I understand that the author wanted to pair him with the most vulnerable species of all - A Human, to teach and show him that being almighty isn't the answer the everything. Being strong means being able to love, care and protect the lesser ones, which Az didn't give a damn about when he was an angel. In this story, Az stumbles around his new emotions although it wasn't terribly profound....but some moments were funny enough. Despite all the passion...I still found his character to be a little clinical.
OUR HEROINE is a human on the run from an ex-lover, a brutal and psychotic slash obsessive shifter who wants her back. I'm not really into Jade's character. I wished she had been painted more innocent...I don't know, maybe the author is trying to portray her as kick ass at least for a human, but when first introduced to her...I just didn't connect with her at all. She's like the least attractive heroine in terms of personality compared to Seline and Nicole.
OVERALL this story made me feel like I soaring and then just rudely smacked my face into the wall. It was a bit of a letdown and somehow a bit repetitive with the plot.
April 13, 2019
I really enjoyed this one. from the moment I first read about Az I really wanted to know more about him. the other characters hated him so much but he kept doing nice stuff and helping them out. he really was very selfish at the beginning of the story because he just wanted his wings back and to go to heaven but then he meets Jade and really starts to know her. when he starts to know her and really feel the emotions, even though he can't identify them he realises that there can be things more important than power. Brandt is a twisted psycho with angel blood that's chasing Jade but you kinda end up feeling sorry for him. because of the abuse from his father it kinda drove him crazy and warped his sense of love. he could have been a totally different person with a different upbringing. anyways I hope there's more in this series because I want to see what happens to Marna.
July 23, 2024
Azrael is the angel of death and he is now a Fallen. While walking the streets of New Orleans, he comes upon a woman surrounded by shifters. Az rescues her and believes he has found a way to get back into heaven. Jade is running from a psycho ex who is a panther shifter. She has been running for ten years and thinks that Az could help her get rid of her ex. Both are using each other but the chemistry between them is so hot it might burn them both. Will Az find his redemption and get back to heaven or is his heart already lost to a human woman?
Oh my goodness I don’t know what to say! This is my favorite so far! Action. Shifters. Angels. Sex. This is an edge of your seat, OMG, need a cold shower story.
* Voluntarily read and reviewed this for the author *
Oh my goodness I don’t know what to say! This is my favorite so far! Action. Shifters. Angels. Sex. This is an edge of your seat, OMG, need a cold shower story.
* Voluntarily read and reviewed this for the author *
November 26, 2012
Review originally posted here: http://thebookpushers.com/2012/11/23/...
Publisher: Brava
Publish Date: Nov 27th
How I got this book: ARC from the publisher
As a fallen Angel of Death, Azrael is cursed to walk the earth alone in search of redemption. One night, as he wanders the streets of New Orleans, he discovers a woman surrounded by panther shifters. No longer able to contain the anger simmering within, Az summons his dark powers and attacks, determined to protect this innocent human from certain death.
Only Jade Pierce is no delicate flower. She’s spent years learning to survive and fight the evil forces sent by her ex-lover who refuses to let her go. But after seeing Az in action, she figures she could use a little supernatural help. And so she plans a course of seduction guaranteed to arouse his interest and his angelic passions…
This blurb came from the author’s website here.
Angel in Chains is the third book in Eden’s The Fallen series. Like not only her previous Fallen books but several others in Eden’s backlist it is set in her paranormal earth with Others – vampires, shape-shifters, witches, demons, and fallen angels. Things have been heating up with The Fallen making it dangerous to be around them. Evil shape-shifters and a few others have discovered that they are indeed vulnerable and the greatest weapon against them actually is part of them. Grudges and disagreements from their time as angels tend to spill over after falling. When you have one who has Fallen and the other hasn’t, yet things tend to get a bit tricky especially when the second one falls. Add in the possibility that angels are compatible AND viable with other species potentially passing on some of their paranormal strengths and weaknesses. Stir with a prophecy/vision of the end of the world based on the actions of two angels both now Fallen and you have a very exciting story.
Az has not had a very enjoyable time since he fell. First he lost some of his memories along with his wings during the fall. Then he was almost killed by a witch before he was able to regain complete control of himself, his powers and his situation. His brother Sammael the hero of Angel Betrayed wouldn’t mind killing him because of what Az did while Sam was struggling with his life as a Fallen. As this story opens all Az really wants is to return to Heaven. This means he has to do something as a form of redemption to earn his wings back before he becomes corrupted by the mortal world. When he sees Jade in danger he decides that maybe rescuing her would solve all of his problems. Except that she can’t seem to stay rescued. The panther shifters are a rather determined bunch and far more scared of their Alpha than of Az despite his ability to grant death with a simple touch. Az had to do some serious work towards his redemption because it required more than just actions but a mental shift as well. I loved seeing Az realize that he had feelings, that feelings were OK, and in fact feelings are a good thing. I also liked how his feelings showed as he tried to protect Jade from experiencing physical harm in their dealings with witches and Others. Az also had to make some tough choices about his future.
Jade was interesting. She escaped from an abusive situation by killing her primary abuser but she still wasn’t completely free. The very nicely evil villain was still after her and he made a point to painfully kill anyone who helped her. Jade decided that she was going to have to enlist paranormal help to kill the villain but as the same time she wasn’t callused enough to want to put someone in danger and leave them there. I liked how even though she needed help she was going to sit back and play damsel in distress. She was going to play a significant role in not just surviving but winning her complete freedom from the panther pack. She also had to learn to trust people again and realize that some people don’t help others out of the sheer goodness of their hearts or a simple need for revenge.
Watching Az and Jade deal with each other, their respective personal sh*t and everything else that was thrown at them was very entertaining and enthralling. Their personalities were so different from the previous heroes and heroines yet they all fit together nicely once they started cooperating with each other. I liked how it took several of the good guys to ultimately bring down the villain. Eden did throw in an incredible twist that had me gaping and wishing I could read faster so I could figure out how I was going to get my HEA. Sneaky author… I ended up really enjoying that because it solved a few things yet left the door open for others.
I continued to learn new things about this world even after reading at least three different series set in this world, which I thought was wonderful. The setting has not become stagnant for the reader or for the characters. The unfallen Angels of Death tend to be something else. Some but not all of them lack compassion and instead seem to feel almost a hatred towards the Fallen. While other Angels of Death play by the rules and suffer for it because they are dealing with a world whose original rules have been broken but no one gave them the updated version. I have a sneaky suspicion for the next couple as well as the next Fallen angel and I don’t think they will be the same. Once again Eden provided an entertaining, engrossing, action filled story. I continue to look forward to each new release with the same sense of anticipation.
I giveAngel in Chains a A-
Publisher: Brava
Publish Date: Nov 27th
How I got this book: ARC from the publisher
As a fallen Angel of Death, Azrael is cursed to walk the earth alone in search of redemption. One night, as he wanders the streets of New Orleans, he discovers a woman surrounded by panther shifters. No longer able to contain the anger simmering within, Az summons his dark powers and attacks, determined to protect this innocent human from certain death.
Only Jade Pierce is no delicate flower. She’s spent years learning to survive and fight the evil forces sent by her ex-lover who refuses to let her go. But after seeing Az in action, she figures she could use a little supernatural help. And so she plans a course of seduction guaranteed to arouse his interest and his angelic passions…
This blurb came from the author’s website here.
Angel in Chains is the third book in Eden’s The Fallen series. Like not only her previous Fallen books but several others in Eden’s backlist it is set in her paranormal earth with Others – vampires, shape-shifters, witches, demons, and fallen angels. Things have been heating up with The Fallen making it dangerous to be around them. Evil shape-shifters and a few others have discovered that they are indeed vulnerable and the greatest weapon against them actually is part of them. Grudges and disagreements from their time as angels tend to spill over after falling. When you have one who has Fallen and the other hasn’t, yet things tend to get a bit tricky especially when the second one falls. Add in the possibility that angels are compatible AND viable with other species potentially passing on some of their paranormal strengths and weaknesses. Stir with a prophecy/vision of the end of the world based on the actions of two angels both now Fallen and you have a very exciting story.
Az has not had a very enjoyable time since he fell. First he lost some of his memories along with his wings during the fall. Then he was almost killed by a witch before he was able to regain complete control of himself, his powers and his situation. His brother Sammael the hero of Angel Betrayed wouldn’t mind killing him because of what Az did while Sam was struggling with his life as a Fallen. As this story opens all Az really wants is to return to Heaven. This means he has to do something as a form of redemption to earn his wings back before he becomes corrupted by the mortal world. When he sees Jade in danger he decides that maybe rescuing her would solve all of his problems. Except that she can’t seem to stay rescued. The panther shifters are a rather determined bunch and far more scared of their Alpha than of Az despite his ability to grant death with a simple touch. Az had to do some serious work towards his redemption because it required more than just actions but a mental shift as well. I loved seeing Az realize that he had feelings, that feelings were OK, and in fact feelings are a good thing. I also liked how his feelings showed as he tried to protect Jade from experiencing physical harm in their dealings with witches and Others. Az also had to make some tough choices about his future.
Jade was interesting. She escaped from an abusive situation by killing her primary abuser but she still wasn’t completely free. The very nicely evil villain was still after her and he made a point to painfully kill anyone who helped her. Jade decided that she was going to have to enlist paranormal help to kill the villain but as the same time she wasn’t callused enough to want to put someone in danger and leave them there. I liked how even though she needed help she was going to sit back and play damsel in distress. She was going to play a significant role in not just surviving but winning her complete freedom from the panther pack. She also had to learn to trust people again and realize that some people don’t help others out of the sheer goodness of their hearts or a simple need for revenge.
Watching Az and Jade deal with each other, their respective personal sh*t and everything else that was thrown at them was very entertaining and enthralling. Their personalities were so different from the previous heroes and heroines yet they all fit together nicely once they started cooperating with each other. I liked how it took several of the good guys to ultimately bring down the villain. Eden did throw in an incredible twist that had me gaping and wishing I could read faster so I could figure out how I was going to get my HEA. Sneaky author… I ended up really enjoying that because it solved a few things yet left the door open for others.
I continued to learn new things about this world even after reading at least three different series set in this world, which I thought was wonderful. The setting has not become stagnant for the reader or for the characters. The unfallen Angels of Death tend to be something else. Some but not all of them lack compassion and instead seem to feel almost a hatred towards the Fallen. While other Angels of Death play by the rules and suffer for it because they are dealing with a world whose original rules have been broken but no one gave them the updated version. I have a sneaky suspicion for the next couple as well as the next Fallen angel and I don’t think they will be the same. Once again Eden provided an entertaining, engrossing, action filled story. I continue to look forward to each new release with the same sense of anticipation.
I giveAngel in Chains a A-
November 2, 2018
Bueno tengo que decir que me sigue gustando la trama de esta serie, sus personajes son muy interesantes y la historia tiene un poco de todo, romance, risas (no muchas pero si hay escenas a veces graciosas) acción, los malos son realmente malos y su buena dosis de sensualidad y erotismo, no mucho pero la que tiene es perfecta jejejeje
Mi calificación 4 ESTRELLAS
Mi calificación 4 ESTRELLAS
November 14, 2018
I loved this book and couldn’t stop reading, it’s so good. Azrael (Az) is a fallen angel. He thinks he can use Jade so he can return to Heaven. But is she “ his temptation?” What exactly is Brandt? He’s so hard to kill and is obsessed wit Jade. Can fate be changed? What an amazing book and kept me on edge until the end. I had some happy tears in the end. I highly recommend this book.
October 25, 2025
"Angel In Chains" is Book Three in this series and gives us Azrael's and Jade's story. Az is the Fallen angel from the previous story and a bit of a self-righteous and self-centered ass. His character arc is great to witness. Jade is human, a survivor, and a straight-up badass. What begins as mutual using becomes such a romance with an engrossing backdrop of murder, mayhem, and madness. Loved it!
December 30, 2019
Repetitive dross. The story got completely bogged down in constantly telling/reminding the reader who and what the MCs are.This inability to trust the reader to remember the premise of the story makes for some dull reading.
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