[Archive] LITERAL ADDICTION's Review of The Given

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Vicki Pettersson is a Las Vegas native who has always loved to read and write. Whether working in the paranormal or straight thriller genre, a hallmark of a Pettersson novel is a strong female protagonist, and today Vicki continues to write about the women who defy the odds, women who refuse to be written off. In short …

Women Who Thrill.

Keep up with Vicki online at her Website, on Facebook, on Twitter, and on GoodReads.

The Given

CELESTIAL BLUES Book #3

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After learning his wife survived the attack that killed him fifty years earlier, angel/PI Griffin Shaw is determined to find Evelyn Shaw, no matter the cost. Yet his obsession comes at a price. Grif has had to give up his burgeoning love for reporter Katherine "Kit" Craig, the woman who made life worth living again, and dedicate himself to finding one he no longer knows.

Yet when Grif is attacked again, it becomes clear that there are forces in both the mortal and heavenly realm who'd rather see him dead than unearth the well-buried secrets of his past. If he's to survive his second go-round on the Surface, Grif will have to convince Kit to reunite with him professionally, and help uncover decades of police corruption, risking both their lives... and testing the limits to what one angel is really willing to give for love.

Our Review, by LITERAL ADDICTION's Pack Alpha - Chelle:
*Copy gifted by the author in exchange for an honest review

I truly don't believe that this brilliant piece of storytelling genius can be properly summed up and done justice by yours truly, but I shall endeavor to try...

I have enjoyed this series since book #1, but this installment had so much wonder, so much intrigue, so much surprise (OMGoodness the twists!!), heart, and action that it was all I could do not to be overwhelmed by all that it made me *feel*. And that, is the most honest telling of a truly remarkable piece of literature there is.

The Given picks up where book #2 left off with both Grif and Kit trying to find a way to live their lives without the other and still get the answers that they both so desperately seek. When a mysterious murder brings them back together, they have no choice but to confront their feelings while working together to solve the crime, and possibly, find out once and for all who actually killed Griffin Shaw. Unbeknownst to them, however, there are some heavy hitters in play, about 50 years of subterfuge, a whole lot of manipulation, and some crazy, dark secrets.

The CELESTIAL BLUES characters are ones for the ages. They're so well thought out and defined that they are hard to shake for days after the completion of a book, and will always remain in a special place of your memory even months afterwards. They're also timeless, and in 20 years, this book will still seem current. I am really going to miss them.

This world is unique and complex in its simplicity. What I mean, is that there aren't tons of different supernatural creatures, there isn't a crazy 'rule' system, it's just the Centurions, the Pure, and... life, as you and I know it. Sure there are some prophecies and things that are uniquely fantastical, but it's just so well developed, it feels like you could actually live it.

I am in love with this series and I can see myself reading it again. The noir elements were a draw for me from the start and I couldn't have hoped for more personally with Vicki's mesh of all that I love - dark urban fantasy, mystery/thriller, and paranormal romance. Add in the stellar way that this series was ended, and I will recommend this book far and wide. I do, however, suggest that the trilogy be read in order. This book wouldn't mean nearly as much, or be quite as touching, without the backstory and arc developed in the first two books.

So, so good! :)

The Given