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Marked #3.2

Eve of Warfare

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Lycans, vampires, and cherubs... oh my.

All Evangeline Hollis wants is to stay out of trouble long enough to lose the Mark of Cain, which drafted her into hunting demons for God. A former agnostic, she’s still recovering from being the latest point of contention between the two men in her life--Cain and Abel. Now she’s working for a cherub who thinks putting her undercover as a housewife is the best way to ferret out a rogue vampire hiding in an idyllic Orange County, California residential community.

Eve knows when she’s being used as a pawn in the celestial political game. Now, she just has to figure out who’s the greater the vampire she’s hunting, the cherub yanking her chain, or the two brothers vying to play the role of her spouse--‘til death do them part. Which in her line of work, could happen any minute...

("Eve of Warfare" is a stand-alone novella, which falls after EVE OF CHAOS in the Marked series chronology.)

REVIEWS

"Exhilarating adventure in an edgy world of angels and demons... Dynamic and vibrant, Eve is an impressive protagonist, and her fierce spirit and determination to make the best of her circumstances will keep readers enthralled." -- Publishers Weekly

"Day, aka multitalented author Sylvia Day, explodes onto the urban fantasy scene with a new twist on the Cain and Abel story. It’s dark, gritty and sexy to the max..."--RT BOOKreviews

"Great characters and terrific storytelling in a hot-blooded adrenaline ride. A keep-you-up-all-night read." -- Patricia Briggs, #1 New York Times bestselling author (on EVE OF DARKNESS)

"EVE OF DARKNESS is a sizzling, heart-pounding urban fantasy that thrilled and fascinated me from beginning to end. Eve is a smart, spirited heroine I won’t soon forget!" -- Jeri Smith-Ready, award-winning author of WICKED GAME and SHADE

61 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 2010

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About the author

Sylvia Day

116 books123k followers
Acclaimed for her signature emotionally charged storytelling and the psychological complexity of her characters, Sylvia Day is a number one bestselling author in twenty-nine countries, with translations in forty-one languages and over twenty million copies of her books in print. Day is the #1 New York Times, #1 USA Today, #1 Sunday Times, #1 Globe and Mail, #1 Der Spiegel, and #1 international bestselling author of over twenty award-winning novels, including six Sunday Times, ten New York Times and thirteen USA Today bestsellers. Visit the author at sylviaday.com

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5 stars
482 (40%)
4 stars
404 (33%)
3 stars
241 (20%)
2 stars
53 (4%)
1 star
18 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
Profile Image for Marianne.
1,315 reviews153 followers
May 24, 2013
Sylvia's third book ended on a cliffhanger, and as of today it doesn't seems like we will get anymore full sized book. (She now works for Penguin books, not Tor) This novella is meant to give us fans some closure, and it does, in regards to her sort of HEA marriage proposal;-)
(But lets face it, I could never be satisfied with anything less than a menage a trois in that department, I love both Cain and Abel!;-))
And oh man, I loved how the rejected brother still kept his hope up.(Very romantic, *Swoon*)

It also explains the difference between the vampires in the Marked series and the Renegade Angels series, something that had been bugging me for a while. Plus, we get our first glimpse of one of the main characters from Renegade Angels; Adrian Mitchell.

But Sylvia; please don't give up on the Marked series. I have read your facebook page for some time now, and aside from the Crossfire books, this series seems to be your most requested. I am sure you can persuade Penguin to publish one more book at some point, right?
Profile Image for Melindeeloo.
3,286 reviews158 followers
October 11, 2011
(edited to add...) I reread Eve of Warfare after reading Day's new A Touch of Crimson and this story makes sooooo much more sense now. EoW actually has the transition from the Infernals part of the Marked universe to the heavenly part of the universe in the new Renegade Angels novels and a cameo by the leading angel in the new series, Adrian, and this story is set just at the beginning of the new series as well. For readers who are interested in the new series another prequel short Dark Kiss of Rapture is available for free on Smashwords (original review -coincidentally from exactly a year ago - follows)

"Eve of Warfare" by S.J. Day aka Sylvia Day is the 'Marked' series finale that Day promised since she won't be continuing the series, bummer. Since this story falls after the third book in the series, newcomers unfamiliar with Eve, Reed, Alec and the Marked souls are not likely to enjoy this as much as series fans.

Eve again is the pawn used to put the powerful now-archangel Alec Cain into play when it's time to hunt a heavenly vampire. The final book of the Marked series left us wondering (Alec) Cain or (Reed) Able? Who would Eve end up with? Eve of Warfare does wrap up the series, and answer that question but I even though I am glad Day managed this short in order to give us fans closure, I really wish this could have been a full length book -but then again I would have loved to have had three or four more full length Eve books and was sad to see this series ending at all.

Ultimately I enjoyed the short. While the short format of this story doesn't really allow Eve's genius to shine through and I've always liked the dilemma of choosing between the two legendary and adversarial brothers, so I would have liked a bit more struggle with the decision, I was happy that a loop hole does get Eve what she's always wanted.

(This review is a reincarnation from my review of the Mammoth Book of Paranormal Romance 2 in which this short was first published and This story was 44 print pages long.)

Profile Image for Natasha.
289 reviews99 followers
April 2, 2012
Boy, do I ever love this series. Each instalment, short or long is always jam packed with drama, destruction and suspense. I wish I read this one before Eve of Sin City(3.5), but it really didn't matter that I read these two out of order. This can be skipped, but I wouldn't want to if you're a fan of the series. Bits and pieces may pop up again that you'll miss the meanings behind.

I can honestly say this one was nerve wrecking. It had some action and blood like always, but it was mostly based around the love triangle, with a bit of Heaven and Hell politics. The tension in this story was great towards the end. I know Eve is meant to be with Cain for many reasons, but I still feel Abel is hiding something. He cares of Eve more than he puts on.

That being said, this was a short, fun read. I loved spending some time with Eve, Cain, Abel and the other Archangels. I really hope S.J Day puts out another instalment soon!
30 reviews
March 14, 2011
I'm very disappointed this series is not going to continue on. I'm grateful that the author put the effort to wrap up the series for us, but I wish it could have been done in a full length novel. It felt rushed. That's why only 3 stars.
Profile Image for Jessica.
462 reviews28 followers
February 28, 2013
This is a short novella that comes after Eve of Chaos that answers some unanswered questions in Eve of Chaos. It literally picks up where Eve of Chaos left off. The 1 major question which is the cliffie at the end of book 3 is answered. I feel like a lot more can be done with the characters and I really hope this series is continued. The author did leave it open for more books so here's to hoping! ahem....I want more of Reed Abel! *crosses fingers*
242 reviews2 followers
October 12, 2011
It's so disappointing to see a series that started out so well sputter out in such a disappointing fashion. This is like waiting to be with the man of your dreams and then the climactic moment comes it turns out he's missing all the vital parts to get the job done.
Profile Image for Jeanny.
2,093 reviews174 followers
April 19, 2014
If you're not a fan of the Marked series don't start here.
The length of this novella was under 50 pages & that's an unworthy amount for the final installment.
Profile Image for Julia Gutenberg.
294 reviews14 followers
September 13, 2015
Cover:

Die Triquetra symbolisiert die Verbindung von Alec, Reed und Eve. Betrachtet man das Symbol, lassen sich einerseits drei ovale Bestandteile erkenne, dennoch sind diese als eine Einheit miteinander verbunden, genau so, wie die Protagonisten im Buch. Im Vergleich zum ersten Band, entwickelt sich das Symbol stetig weiter und wächst mit der Entwicklung der Protagonisten. Zu dem Kreis aus Schlangen, vervollständigt sich das Mal nun, mit dem Auge inmitten des Ganzen. Trotz der Schlichtheit des Symbols, lässt sich doch viel der Geschichte in ihm wiedererkennen. Eine schon rein optisch wunderschöne Buchreihe =3



Meinung:

Eve ist eine geborene Kämpferin und versetzt sowohl Erzengel, Gezeichnete als auch Reed und Abel immer wieder in Erstaunen. Seit ihrer Kennzeichnung arbeitet sie darauf hin, wieder ihrem normalen Leben nach zu gehen. Doch wäre das wirklich möglich, nach alldem was sie erlebt hat, wieder einen Blick auf die Welt zu werfen und nicht mehr erkennen zu können wen oder was sie vor sich hat? Ihren Wunsch nach Normalität kann ich nachvollziehen, dennoch birgt dieser auch Gefahren und das ist etwas, was Eve bei ihrem Wunsch nicht bedenkt.

Was ist bedeutungsvoller? [...] Wenn dich jemand begehrt, weil er nicht anders kann? Weil seine Hormone oder irgendeine chemische Reaktion in seinem Gehirn ihn zu dir treibt? Oder wenn er dich will, weil er sich dazu entscheidet? Weil er die bewusste Entscheidung trifft, dich zu begehren?

Die Verbindung zwischen Cain, Abel und Eve ist zu etwas Besonderem erwachsen und auch, wenn die drei schon in den ersten Bänden mit Eifersucht zu kämpfen hatten, so ist dies kein Vergleich zu dem Gefühlschaos dem das Trio nun gegenübersteht. Cain liebt Eve, doch die Veränderung die er vollzogen hat, birgt eine dunkle Seite die keiner richtig einzuschätzen vermag. Neue Wesenszüge an ihm drängen den liebevollen Alec in den Hintergrund und zeigen ein neues und furchterregendes Ich. Liebe heißt denjenigen zu schützen, für den man alles geben würde und genau das macht Alec, mit dem Wissen, dass er Eve direkt in Reeds Arme treibt.
Reed hegt ebenfalls aufrichtige Gefühle für die Gezeichnete, dennoch weiß er um den Hintergrund von Alecs verletzendem Verhalten Eve gegenüber. Trotz ihrer immer währenden Auseinandersetzungen, fällt es Abel nicht leicht seinen Gefühlen nachzugeben.
Eve liebt Alec, erkennt diesen jedoch kaum wieder, sie gibt ihre Liebe nicht auf und kämpft, doch in der schwierigen Zeit ist Reed ihr eine große Stütze und so erkennt sie die Wesenszüge in ihm wieder, die sie bei Alec so sehr vermisst.

Sie nahm an, dass sie lieber einem Erzengel glaubte als Satan. Andererseits war sie noch nie der Typ gewesen, anderen blind zu vertrauen. Ohne Beweise glaubte sie nichts.

Satan hat etwas, was die Engelswelt wieder haben möchte, doch der Preis ist hoch. Er weiß genau, welche Strippen er ziehen muss um das zu bekommen was er will. Satan vermittelt einerseits ein vertrautes väterliches Gefühl, dennoch weiß man um seine Listigkeit. Von ihm geht Gefahr aus, dennoch bietet er scheinbar wertvolle Hilfe an. Er wirkt vertraut und trotzdem unberechenbar. Einen Deal mit ihm einzugehen ist aufgrund seiner Vorarbeit unausweichlich und er hat jeden Schachzug geplant, sodass ihm seine Hilfe gleichzeitig in die Hände spielt. Kann man jemanden aufhalten, der einem immer ein paar Schritte voraus ist?

>>[...] Manchmal knackt ein winziges Detail einen Fall.<<

Es kann nur sieben Erzengel geben und Alec stellt eine Anomalie dar, da er der Erste ist, der nicht als solcher geboren, sondern zu einem gemacht wurde. Cain ist eine unbekannte Größe, seine Aussetzer könnten daher rühren, dass sein ehemals sterblicher Körper unfähig ist, die Kraft eines Erzengels zu beherrschen. Oder beherrscht ihn etwas ganz anderes? Ima, die Mutter von Cain und Abel, hütet ein Geheimnis, welches nach und nach an die Oberfläche gelangt.

>>Ich bin reif für Stabilität.<< >>Ist dir nicht aufgefallen, dass ich mit Normalität Schwierigkeiten habe? Chaos regiert mein Leben. Wenn ich das Beste bin, was du dir an Stabilität vorstellen kannst, hast du ein Problem.<< Er grinste. >>Als würde ich das nicht wissen.<<

Kann das Dunkel in Alec besiegt werden? Eve steht im Zwiespalt ihrer Gefühle, obwohl die Brüder beide Gefühle für sie hegen, liegt die Entscheidung letztendlich bei ihr, für wen, oder ob sie sich überhaupt für einen der beiden entscheidet.



Charaktere:

Eve gerät immer wieder ins Kreuzfeuer der Seiten, dennoch ist sie die letzte, um die sie sich Sorgen macht. Wo andere mit ihrem Latein am Ende sind, findet sie immer einen Weg. Ebenso sehr glaubt sie an das gute in dem Menschen und schenkt Vertrauen, dass andere erst erarbeitet sehen wollen.

Alec [Cain] ist seit seiner Wandlung aggressiver und ungeduldiger. Eher wie der biblische Kain. Eine dunkle Seite überschattet den Cain, den wir in den Bänden zuvor kennen gelernt haben. Wird er es schaffen, sich selbst wiederzufinden, dass Erzengel-Dasein aufzugeben und für Eve zu kämpfen, die ihm bereits vor zehn Jahren sein Herz gestohlen hat?

Reed [Abel] sein teuflisches Grinsen steht im krassen Gegenteil zu den Flügeln und dem Heiligenschein, die er bisweilen um des Schockeffekts willen zeigt. An Reed ist wenig engelhaftes aufgrund seiner rauen Ecken und Kanten. Eve hat niemals versucht diese auszubügeln, wollte sie lediglich verstehen und sie weiß aus eigener Erfahrung, dass er eine Frau einzig mit einem Blick zur Sünde verführen kann. Charme braucht er dafür keinen einzusetzen.


Schreibstil:

*Seufz* So ein spannendes Ende =3 Viele Fragen wurden beantwortet, manche sind offen geblieben und wiederum neue haben sich aufgetan. Die Autorin wirft uns von einem spannenden Ereignis ins nächste und macht es wirklich unmöglich, dass Buch aus der Hand zu legen, ohne das es einen in den Fingern kribbelt, weiterzulesen.
Auch im dritten Band überzeugt Sylvia Day von einer Menge Ideenreichtum, neue Wesen und Hindernisse treten auf den Plan, sodass es nie eintönig oder vorhersehbar wird.
Auch wen Alec eine dunkle Seite an sich gezeigt hat, so habe ich ihn als Leser in den Vorgängerbänden doch so lieb gewonnen, dass ich ihn wie Eve einfach nicht aufgeben konnte. Vielleicht auch eine Message der Autorin, dass man niemanden einfach fallen lässt, nur weil es schwer wird.
Ebenfalls gut gefallen hat mir, dass das Geschehen noch häufiger in die Hölle verlagert wurde und uns dadurch noch ein größerer Einblick gewährt wurde, um das drumherum besser nachvollziehen zu können.

Ich hoffe so sehr, dass wir nicht all zu lange auf die Fortsetzung warten müssen =D



Zusatz im Buch:

Anhang, mit Informationen zu den sieben Erzengeln, die christliche Engelshierarchie, sowie eine gekürzte Playlist.
Profile Image for Kristine.
3,699 reviews57 followers
February 13, 2021
I've already mentioned the fact that I was sad that SD changed publishers and therefore basically ended this series (if that is really what happened) So, I thought that these last two novellas were written with the intent of trying to have some type of ending. Well.....after reading the last two novellas, I'm more confused than ever.

This VERY short story probably SHOULD have been the last story - and maybe it was supposed to be, but it is labeled as 3.25 and the next novella is 3.5 - so there is that. This story has Eve and Alec making some fairly permanent decisions and talking about a future. These are all things I would have been happy for, but this was the first book (novella) that didn't feel right. Everything is rushed. The plot - or case, as it were- was so quick, it shouldn't have even been included. The way these new decisions affected Reed - totally not a realistic portrayal.

So I guess I'm basically saying that this story did not wow me...even a little.
Profile Image for Payne’s Bookworm Reviews (Samantha Payne).
596 reviews16 followers
March 20, 2018
Oh My God!!! This Novella to S.J Day’s Marked Series would have to be one of the best things i have read. FYI there may be spoilers in this review, I want to apologise in advance but I’m just so happy about this book that I am not able to think clearly about being cryptic.

I love that Eve and Cain are able to have a chance at a ‘mortal’ relationship.

The proposal on the white satin with rose petals 😍

The only one thing I was upset about was that it wasn’t long enough. I know it’s a Novella but it’s taken us 3 books plus this one to finally have Eve & Cain....
Profile Image for Marilyn.
104 reviews
May 26, 2019
Enjoyed the series except this book was so short it wasn't really worth reading. Left without knowing if a wedding took place, did she get pregnant and have the baby, so many unanswered questions. I am sure there was a reason for it but really hate when you purchase a book and then ends so abruptly but then see excerpts of the books, could have used that space to end the book properly with info that would leave the reader content with reading the series.
Profile Image for Lisa Saurs.
Author 1 book15 followers
May 12, 2017
Cheap to give the resolution to this story in the novella, and short change it for time at that. Reed deserves better and Sylvia can make it up to me by giving him a spin off series. He was a foil and he is so much more interesting than that. Glad to have this nice wrapping and bow, but it was odd.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
38 reviews1 follower
January 30, 2020
Loved the Marked series and was gutted when I read that it was not going to continue, especially since it ended on such a cliff hanger. This novella, certainly ties a few things up but it felt rushed and flat. 2.5 stars.
Profile Image for TinaMarie.
3,519 reviews40 followers
May 4, 2018
Cain-demon slayer, who reports directly to the almighty is in love, goes undercover for a job with his love and tries to convince her to marry him
Profile Image for Louise Bailey.
118 reviews5 followers
April 4, 2015
do I ever love this series. Each instalment, short or long is always jam packed with drama, destruction and suspense. I wish I read this one before Eve of Sin City(3.5), but it really didn't matter that I read these two out of order. This can be skipped, but I wouldn't want to if you're a fan of the series. Bits and pieces may pop up again that you'll miss the meanings behind.

I can honestly say this one was nerve wrecking. It had some action and blood like always, but it was mostly based around the love triangle, with a bit of Heaven and Hell politics. The tension in this story was great towards the end. I know Eve is meant to be with Cain for many reasons, but I still feel Abel is hiding something. He cares of Eve more than he puts on.

That being said, this was a short, fun read. I loved spending some time with Eve, Cain, Abel and the other Archangels. I really hope S.J Day puts out another instalment soon!
Profile Image for Darcy.
14.8k reviews547 followers
August 1, 2011
This was a great little short story. It really pulled together all the other books and gave me an ending that, for the most part I am satisfied with. It gives me hope that Eve and Alec can be happy and have just what they want most in life.
Profile Image for Lisa - (Aussie Girl).
1,497 reviews221 followers
January 4, 2012
I read this short as an introduction to Sylvia Day's next series, Renegade Angels. Apparently it is the final instalment in her Marked Series.

I actually liked it a lot despite not knowing the back story and will probably go back and read the series in the proper order.
Profile Image for Kelli.
791 reviews1 follower
April 1, 2013
Loved this little novella. It picks up immediately after Eve of Chaos and doesn't leave you hanging like that ending does. *spoiler* I was completely smittened by Cain's proposal and I think their situation is perfect for them. I can't wait until book 4!
Profile Image for Sissy Johnson.
450 reviews7 followers
June 12, 2015
Finally, closure to the end of the third book! I love this series!! A little sad that the next book is the last one. I really wish Ms. Day would continue with the series; however, I understand the reason of why she can not at the time.
Profile Image for Tammy Kenney.
236 reviews9 followers
December 19, 2014
Enjoyable series with a disappointing rushed ending. Nice to have some sort of closure but the author could have done so much more with this. I see that the Renegade Angels series is a spinoff of this but I don't think I will read them.
Profile Image for Farrell.
258 reviews1 follower
April 25, 2011
I think this was a sad representation of the series. I do, however, like the fact that she left it open for a possible resumption of the series.
Profile Image for Melissa.
130 reviews2 followers
March 17, 2013
Good, at least it gave me some type of closure or not of Alec and Eve
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews