City of Secrets

Saskia Trilogy #2

by Aoife Marie Sheridan

FROM USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR

Sarajane finds herself in the middle of a war… a war over her.
Step back into Saskia.

While in the City of Secrets, Sarajane must learn to use her powers,  to defeat a fallen angel, who wants nothing more than to walk on earth. 
But with a new world to explore and the danger rising Sarajane struggles with the choices she has to make.Everything seems to be spiraling out of control and as Sarajane goes up against the Queen of Saskia, the outcome is dire. 
With everything at stake will she be able to stop Lucian, the fallen angel in time… even with Tristan and Carew at her side?
If you like Graceling by Kristin Cashore or Fire Study by Maria V. Snyder, then the world of Saskia will entertain you for hours.


Buy City of Secrets to step into the world of Saskia today!

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Paranormal

264 pages, Paperback

First published December 5, 2013

About the author

USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR AOIFE MARIE SHERIDAN

USA Today Bestselling author, avid reader and coffee junkie. Lover of all things fantasy, paranormal & romance.

To find out more about Aoife Marie Sheridan you can visit her at:

Amazon Page:
http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00B5W8SK6

Newsletter:
https://goo.gl/forms/w9miesaD3qH7DBwv2

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Aoifemariesheri

Website: www.aoifemariesheridan.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/aoifesheri

Reviews

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

As good, if not better than the first <3

Kay First Warning: This is a second in a ...trilogy? (every time I assume something is a trilogy I am wrong, but I am fairly certain that I am right....right?) Anyways point is that I am not sure how this would effect you if you haven't read book one, so you have been warned, there might be spoilers from one but definitely not from two ;)

Second Warning: I did get this in exchange, because I am awesome. Just kidding, because I am awesome...oh wait I already said that ;) hehe anyways no its because Aoife is AHH-AMAZING and she gave me a copy in exchange for an honest review and that is what I do ;)

Song Choice: "All Our Endless Love" by The Bird and the Bee, "Murder in the City" The Avett Brothers

First Thoughts: If you enjoyed book one, even just a little, I promise you will enjoy this one. (though i am having a hard time trying to figure out how you only liked it a little...) We are starting out a new journey with the old cast, leaving where we left off. It's action packed, pace is killer, and prepare yourselves, you will be surprised.

Thoughts on Plot: There was a lot happening in this book, a lot that may at first "glance" may seem like oh just a small adventure - nope it will all come together in the end, BWHAHAHA BHWAHAHA - I feel like Aoife and I are allowed to just sit and laugh evilly because we know - well she knows more than I do, but I know what happens in this book so back to manically laughing BWHAHAHA BWHAHAHA. Alright moving on from my weirdness....I mentioned before that the pace in this book is killer, and it is. We move fast through the book, along with having moments of rest where we can "catch our breaths" and just get caught up with everything that has happened, but from page one to the acknowledgements its going to sweep you off your feet and keep you go, go, going XD. I really enjoyed the new twist and surprises that were introduced in this book. When you think you know the good from the bad, bad from the good you probably don't so just sit back and enjoy the ride ;)

Also prepare to feel the feels because Aoife isn't afraid to go there, war isn't pretty...its actually, gag worthy, picturing in your head with beautifully (albeit gross as well) written detail. haha but seriously get those tissues next to you :| <= serious face

Characters:

Sarajane: So I will admit its been a long time since I read book one and there were a lot of books inbetween so I am going to take from this book, I felt that she really grew in this one in general, so i could only imagine she grew from book one to book two. She has a lot that she has to accept, a lot that she has to deal with and she does it sort of beautifully, there were moments when it really did get to her, but i mean... I think she deserved a few moments of break downs, for reals. But she was strong and she is starting to learn what it really means to be a leader I think that she will continue to knock our socks off with her awesome-ness.

Tristan: Sexy as ever. I mean...yeah sexy as ever. He is stoic, dangerous, but one thing I never doubt about this man is his love for Sarajane. I think, and truly believe he would move heaven and hell to save her. <3

Carew: Iamallsortsofinlovewithhim....what? but seriously. There is a lot you have yet to learn about this man and I implore you to give him a chance he might just surprise you ;) hahaha but I don't want to say to much without giving away any spoilers.

The endings: Excuse me while I sit here thinking of ways I can get to Aoife's house and read over her shoulder as she writes......Does that answer your question ;)


Kay for more Becca-ness check me out here: http://theviolethourbookreviews.wordp...

[Camelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve waited for this book to come out for so long, and I tried to hide my excitement every time the author give me updates about the new book coming. The day that I read and finished Eden Forest makes me want to read more and I love the story of it, I just thought I will be disappointed reading City of Forest but then I didn’t. The cover and title of the book is mysterious and exciting. It made me want to read more. Just looking at it attracts me, like it was telling to read it.

City of forest is so much to take, so many twists in the story and so many heartaches. The war between the kingdoms are getting worse and other than that they have so many more enemies to face, one is Suraga the soul taker or whatever you call it, she takes the soul of the dead people, and the dead will still have a warm body yet the soul is not there anymore. There are so many villains to face and they keep fighting until the end, even that means losing someone you care or love most. On the other hand, the love story of Sarajane and Tristan are still intact no matter how many hindrances on their way they still love each other and fight for each other, though they already reveal their hidden relationship which as expected, Morrick disapproved.

You can read the full review in my blog Home of a Book Lover

[Valeria · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series! God! I’m very thankful I had the second book waiting for me after I read the first one, so I could jump straight back into the story. Which by the way, picks up just were we left it, so that was really great! But I don’t have the third book waiting for me and that’s killing me!

I really like Aoife's plotting! Seriously it's one thing after the other. You would think you were finally getting some peace, and something would knock you unexpectedly off your feet. I love not being able to predict what’s going to happen in a book, even though I can’t help to try. So I’m always happy when I don’t know where things are going. So pay attention, this series just keeps getting better and better, so I can’t wait to see how the epic conclusion will come to be. It will be epic, I know that.

I especially love that Sarajane feels so human. She is supposed to be the heroine, but is so flawed. She is trying her best, yet she makes mistakes. She feels disappointment, heartbreak, but she keeps on going. I was really glad to see her fend for herself this time. I expected big things from her and I'm glad she is living up to the expectations, but hasn't grown from ineptitude to master in a day. It's been a rocky road, and she is still learning. All those qualities make her appear as believable. I also liked to see more from other characters. They are all showing their true colours. This is an emotional ride guys, so you better be prepared. I love that the author didn’t hold back in this aspect.

The only complaint I have is that I don't know why the formatting of the book I received was really bad. It could really benefit from some serious editting. I don't know if this applies to purchased editions though. But if you don't mind, then you'll really enjoy it.

Overall, this was a wonderful sequel to an amazing series. I would definitely recommend it to any fantasy lovers out there.

*Disclosure, I got received a copy of this book for free for review purposes, though my opinion was not at all biased by this fact. It is my own.

[Amanda Shelley-Masters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow does Aoife Marie Sheridan know how to tell a story or what!!! Wow! just like in the the first book I could n't put this one down! Aoife is a masterful storyteller who lures you into a story and doesn't let you go, she capturers you in such a way as to intrigue your every sense and stimulate your every cell.

Sarajane was taken from the mortal world, the only world she had ever know and trust into this new and strange world when her mother was kidnapped. Learning she was from from a different dimension and that her father was someone else was shocking to say the lest, but now she is told she will be the one to save them?

Faced with gifts unlike anyone else before her Sarajane is special, not only the savour of the people but a princess too. She must train not only to use her powers but to hone her diplomatic skills as benefits a princess of the people.

As things spiral out of control and wars brake out Sarajane doesn't know who to trust anymore. If it wasn't for her beautiful and sexy warrior Tristan by her side she is sure she would have run home to the mortal world screaming by now. But amazingly as more time goes by and the more battles that are fought the more this world begins to feel like home.

I love this series!!! I can't wait for the third book! this one left off at a cliff hanger and I sooo can't wait to see what happens!!!! Carew and Mei were my favourites in this book! Mei because she is just too darn adorable!!! and Carew because come on!!! if you had read the book you would soooo know!...LOL....I wouldn't kick him out of my bed...LOL

If you haven't read this series yet you soooo have tooo! TBR it today!!!!

[Angelique · Rating 5 out of 5]

Were back on the adventure with Sarajane. The book opens up with Sarajane and her boyfriend (kind of), and her friends traveling to meet her father. Tristan is trying to train her and get her ready for what is ahead, but nothing can really prepare her for what is to come.

Join Sarajane and her friends on yet another fantastic adventure. Battles, subterfuge, hard core training and an amazing load of twists and turns come together in a fantastic second installment for this trilogy. The author created a brilliant setting once again – in a world that would amaze anyone with even the greatest imagination. Once again I find myself absolutely in love with the characters. I am astounded by what Sarajane can handle for someone who really wasn’t prepared for this life at all. I did however get a little ticked off with Tristan on more then one occasion.

I loved the book, I loved the cover and I continue loving the series.

[MELODY · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aoife brings us along on Sarajane's adventure. We start with Sarajane and friends going to meet her father. Tristan is training her for what struggles may lie ahead, but will it be enough?

This is not my normal read but after the first book I had to read the next and look forward to the continued journey (warning this one ends with a cliffhanger).

Come along on this adventure, twist and turns you don't see coming, battles, mystery and some serious training. Ms. Sheridan takes you away with her brilliant descriptive writing. I would highly recommend this book and series to any YA reader, as well as those who love a great adventure story. Become part of the adventure! Fall in love with her characters and hold your breath as they struggle to survive

[M.A.CHASE · Rating 4 out of 5]

THERE MIGHT BE SPOILERS FROM BOOK 1

Once again we're thrown back into the world of Saskia, though the war has gotten fiercer and battles are being waged.

In the previous book, we find that Sarajane is wanted by a fallen angel named Lucien. Lucien wants to destroy the world and to do so he needs to rise, which is killing the other three angels. Sarajane must defeat Lucien in order to save Saskia and the three angels.

The main characters make their lovely appearances as well as Jessica (Sarajane's sister), Suraga, Carew, and little Mei.

The rest of the review can be found on The Guide to Good Books !

[Chloe Walsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh dear god, I'm ruined for every other book bf. Tristan...I have no words. This book was one of the best I've read in a very long time. The plot, the characters...simply wonderful. I would give more stars if I could.

[Ramona Plant · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author continues Sarajanes journey in this new world filled with mysteries to her. The plot continues to be intriguing and keeps you reading on. There are quite a few twists and at one point I wondered are there too many? The pace is great though guiding you through her story. I did notice a few paragraph changes, throwing you into one of the other characters leaving you to figure out who you were following at that point.

Sarajane, oh Sarajane. I still can't related to her. She is still too impulsive and doesn't think things through. In addition she seems somewhat stuck in a love triangle with Carew and Tristan. I just really wish you would finally grow up and think I saw finally some hints of that at the end of this book.

Sadly this book does leave you on a cliffhanger which I am not a big fan of. There is a somewhat conclusion to the major plot in this story around exiles and Suraga.

I have received this book from the author for an honest review. (LoP, Lovers of Paranormal)

[Kurt Springs · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review was originally published through Invincible Love of Reading under Kurt's Frontier

Synopsis:
This is the second book of the Saskia series. Saskia is a world that is parallel to Earth, where four fallen angels were defeated and imprisoned. Three are sleeping and ready to return to heaven. One is awake and seeking to destroy Saskia. Sarajane Anderson seems a normal twenty-one year old living in Ireland. She has her mother and father and younger sister Jessica. In Eden Forest, Sarajane’s world is turned upside down when she is taken to Saskia. To make matters worse, she finds that she is actually the illegitimate daughter of King Morrick and her mother, Marta, making her father a step father and her sister a half sister. S he is also the only one who can save Saskia with her magic.

As City of Secrets opens, the shock has worn off. She is now learning to defend herself with blade and magic in preparation to fight Queen Bellona, Morrick’s wife, and Lucian, the angle that had not repented. While Sarajane still considers Morrick a stranger, not her father, she has made friends and fallen in love. However, Bellona and Lucian have no intention of letting her become more of a threat. In the city of secrets, Sarajane is under pressure to learn so she can protect those she cares about but also must learn the hard lessons of a leader about who lives and who dies.

Review:
Aiofe Maria Sheridan has created a special tale of love, magic, and action that draws the reader into her world. Sarajane is a charming character in that she has never wanted political power and is uncomfortable with the title “Princess.” She finds herself growing into that role as friends are threatened and killed around her. There are plot twists and people who are not what they seem. There are places where the plot is allowed to slow down, but not enough to detract from the readers overall experience.

[Lisa Hall · Rating 3 out of 5]

Raised in the mortal world by a mother escaping the wrath of the queen of Saskia, Princess Sarajane has a lot to learn about the world she truly belongs in. Protected by her biological father, King Morrick, Sarajane must learn to fight, to use her magical affinities, and to navigate the politics of a world she could never have imagined existed.

City of Secrets is part two of the series begun with Eden Forest. Saskia, a parallel dimension to Earth created to imprison four fallen angels, is a world in which magic and intrigue abound. Sarajane finds herself at the center of a struggle for power inside this world and as one of great power and royal lineage, will either save a people she doesn’t quite see as hers, or fall with them.

The world build this trilogy revolves around is very interesting and imaginative. It has roots in Christianity, but delves off into the fantastic very quickly, yielding an obvious fantasy world with a great deal of plausibility. There is constant action and adventure as Sarajane is targeted by the queen Bellona and Lucian, the unrepentant demon she serves.

The romance theme weaving through the story between Tristan and Sarajane falters for me. It feels hollow. I get the impression that for Sarajane the attraction is more about Tristan’s looks than his character, which we don’t see much of beyond that of the warrior. Sarajane on the other hand really takes up the mantle of spoiled princess. It doesn’t fit her like a glove, but the cape drapes just right over her shoulders.

Like the first book, it is written in strict present tense, which I am personally not crazy about. I think it lends an awkward feel to the story and creates distance. The execution of this story was choppy compared to the first book. Still a good read.

[Michelle's Paranormal Vault of Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

My post at the book tour has some excerpts from both books one and two, check it out. Just click the tour banner below.


I loved the first book in this series, and was a bit upset at the time that I had to wait so long for the 2nd, as I was impatient to wait, as I really needed to know what happened next. I just love Tristen, and still do in this book.

This book didn’t disappoint at all, I really loved it. There was some action and suspense too. It was a very entertaining fantasy with a gripping and unpredictable plot.
I loved all the surprising twist and turns. It kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish.

The biggest shock is the ending, which makes me really wish I had the 3rd book now.

I highly recommend to fantasy lovers out there. It’s a great series.

5 out of 5 stars for me.

I was provided a copy of this book from the author for my honest review.

[Rachel Mckeown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally I can write a review on this amazing book! Well hasn't sarajane come a long way! Where do I start with this book,so many great things to say! I am a big fan of fantasy and I have to say some of the ideas in this book are totally brilliant. When I finished the book I actually shouted "totally awesome ending!"I thought the idea about the gold dust was ingenious! The book so many times pulled me in certain directions and then totally went the opposite way,which I thought was great.
Most books are predictable, this was not predictable at all! I thought the relationship between sarajane and carew was intriguing. Even though Tristan is the perfect man I have a soft spot for carew.it's really mysterious and I think the author tried to capture this! I'm still hoping they get together! The author has left it wide open with Tristan, so I can't wait for the next book!
The character suraga was amazing, I loved the way Sara Jane wasn't afraid of her and wanted to save her sister's soul. The whole concept of the souls was brilliant. we got to see Sara Jane use her powers as well and I can't.wait to see What she does in the next book!As for the ending,amazing how Sara Jane did that with bastian,let's hope she can pull it off in the third book! Also I thought it was great how kiar and sarajane made up after the death of neve(i cried when he died!)It's great the author didn't forget about other characters and relationships. Cant wait to hear more about Lucian and Bellona!
I have so many great things to say about this book. It is definitely highly recommended! Can't wait for the last book! Come on Sara Jane,
Kick some more butt!

[Sharon Stevenson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book for honest review. 'City of Secrets' is the second book in the Saskia trilogy, continuing Sarajane's journey as she learns more about her home world and her powers.

This is a fast-paced read with plenty of shocks and surprises along the way. Sarajane is a strong character who fights for what she believes in and cares about the people around her. I very much enjoyed following her story.

As with the first book there was a hint of horror to the story, this time mainly involving the character of Suraga whose story I found very intriguing. There were also hints at an alternate love interest for Sarajane and a shocking revelation about the exiles.

The ending was perhaps the biggest shock and left me wishing the third part was already available. Besides the main character, my favourite thing about this book was all the surprising twists and turns. I was thoroughly entertained from start to finish, never knowing what might happen next.

Overall this is an entertaining fantasy novel with a gripping and unpredictable story-line. I would recommend to fans of fantasy and paranormal romance.

[Josephine McNabb · Rating 4 out of 5]

So after reading Edens Forest I was dying for the next installment. It was so worth it!

We followed Sarajane as she learned to defend herself physically with Tristan and also develop her control over her powers. It seemed like it didn't matter what she did, she got herself into trouble. I'm not surprised, its a new world for her, she doesn't know the dangers and she thinks that she is more than capable of taking care of herself.

Now what I really LOVED about this book was Carew. I'm not going to lie, I fell in love with him. The reason that its four stars instead of five is only because Tristan didn't seem to play a big roll in the majority of the book. He was mean to Sarajane, ignored her or growled at her but as soon as he was nice to her she forgave him. Up until these points she was angry at him too. I didn't feel the love or the attraction between them in this book.

However, the whole Carew story line was brilliant!!! (In my opinion I think Sarajane should dump Tristan and stick with Carew, but thats just my opinion) I loved the twist with Suraga, it gave the book another dimension.

I look forward to the next installment!

[Fee (Ebook Addicts) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one for some reason I could not get into, it took me ages to get going with it.
This takes place solely in Saskia, so no jumping about. Sarajane is still adapting to her new world and learning to defend herself as well as finding and controlling her powers. Trisitian annoyed me in this book as he was quite cold and mean towards her despite their supposed love, and personally she should have went with Carew ;)
This book gives you so many twists that Sarajane is left wondering who she can trust sometimes, and with the war raging there are casualties. By the time you come to the end you are left with a little bit of a cliffhanger which paves the way for the next installment.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have received this book at the goodreads lovers of paranormal group for free in exchange for a fair and honest review.

City of secrets started off right from were Eden forest left off which was great! I found myself not really loving Tristan at the start, I soon changed my mind. He really is a moon over worthy character, all manly and protective.

The plot moved smoothly between her weapons training, magic trading and all the twist I wasn't sure what was going to happen next. I don't want to give to much away but there's some pretty sad parts, and one heck of a cliff hanger. I really liked it and can't wait to dive into the third book!

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have just finished City of secrets and just loved it, I found it was fast paced and it ended way too quickly once again I have to wait for the next book. I loved how Morrick grew in the book and Sarajane really found her own. Suraga was by far my favourite surprise of all, and I can't wait to read the next one.

[Dorothy Dreyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This tale was full of adventure, magic, romance, dedication to family, and action on every page. Weave in a beautiful creature who captures souls, and you've got yourself a fantasy that keeps you on the edge. Sarajane was a spirited character who always stood up for what she believed was right. All in all a very entertaining read.

[Julissa Dantes-castillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredibly unexpected adventure

I loved this book, the reader can never know what's happens next, so real, so cruel, so original.
Suraga story was well developed, and this book was all about explaining what makes each character so unique. I can't wait to buy the next book.

[Megan (ReadingRover) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Coming soon

[Sian]

* I was asked to give a honest review
I 100% love this book... its a must read but it's better if you read the first book.
Action packed, love the main characters: Sarajane and Tristan.