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

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

Lies, manipulation, and corruption are twisting the lives of the citizens in Acheron. The Arch is missing from Heaven, and a demon is intent on claiming the city. At a time they should be growing closer, grief and paranoia is driving Candra and Sebastian apart.

If the price of restoring the Watchers to Heaven is a human soul, who deserves to be saved?

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

Sebastian and Draven have an uneasy alliance. Not only because of  their past history, but because both share a love for Candra. She has chosen Sebastian, but there’s no doubt that she has feelings for Draven as well. She’s not alone in that. Although I was team Sebastian in Ember, I did have sympathy and attraction for Draven too. My feelings for him increased a great deal in the second book, and I have to be honest and say that it was a battle for me to decide which one I actually wanted her to be with. That surprised me.

Everyone seems to be keeping secrets, which ultimately have consequences for all, as secrets often do. There’s a new bad guy in Iridescent who happens to be a female. If I thought the character of Ananchal was bad news…Lilith is bad news squared. She’s a soul stealer, and she’s intent on getting Candra’s. Getting back to Ananchal for a few moments…even though I disliked her from the start I never imagined that she was capable of betrayal to Draven. It’s crushing when he finds out some devastating truths, and does what he must.

The big question is…can everybody work together to accomplish the seemingly impossible? What sacrifices need to be made and is this group willing to make them?

Iridescent has plenty of action going on and it will take your emotions on one heck of a ride. The ending was unpredictable, and surprising, yet gratifying.

My rating for Iridescent by Carol Oates:

A very solid 4 hearts

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Tamie Xo