{Review} "Warrior" by Kristina Douglas

Title:  Warrior (The Fallen #3)
Author:  Kristina Douglas
Publisher:  Pocket Star  
Publication Date:  April 24, 2012
Genre:  Paranormal Romance / Angels
Format:  Kindle, 915 KB

Buy this book on Amazon:  Paperback  Kindle Edition
Author's Website:   http://www.kristinadouglas.com/


Synopsis from Amazon 

A born warrior, archangel Michael is dedicated to the Fallen’s survival. But only one woman understands the seductive hunger that he cannot forsake.

There comes a time in every angel’s life . . . 

Every little girl imagines, now and then, that she’s a princess held captive in a tower. But Victoria Bellona is almost twenty-five. And that whole fairy-tale scenario? That’s her real life. The drop-dead gorgeous man who rescues her is no Prince Charming. He’s the gruff archangel Michael, and he insists that Tory is the Fallen’s only hope for ending Uriel’s vicious rule. She insists he’s crazy.

. . . to show his brethren what he’s made of.

According to the prophecy, Michael must marry this frustrating, fascinating creature, bed her, and drink her blood. But their fate is a double-edged sword. If they give in to their urgently growing desires, Tory will die in battle. If they refuse, she will die anyway, and with her, all of mankind. Michael is determined to find another solution when a traitorous kidnapper forces him into a deadly confrontation. Even if he can save Tory from Uriel’s ruthless clutches, will they ever really be together? Or is her fatal destiny—and the world’s—written in stone?

Diving In...
**This review contains minor spoilers.**

 I fell in love with this series last year when I first saw the cover art for Raziel.  I have not been disappointed in any of these books.  This is one series that gets better with each book.  There was a lot of world building in the previous 2 books and I feel like this one was more focused on the story of Michael and Tory.

This is such an original take on a fallen angel series and the world that Kristina Douglas has built is very involved and highly imaginative.  I am not going to detail it at all because if you have read the previous two books you will not need that information.  I hope that if you haven't read them that you will do so, you won't be disappointed.  I will say that the fallen angels are similar to vampires in that they survive on blood, but that's where the similarities end.  They were cursed when they fell and they are now referred to as "blood-eaters" and most definitely not vampires.  It's a bit annoying that the female leads always seem to think that they are vampires though!

Michael and Tory are brought together through circumstances beyond their control.  There is a widow in Sheol who has visions that are looked at as prophecy to the Fallen Warriors.  She has a vision that Tory is  Michael's mate and that she is detrimental to the future of not only the fallen but of all mankind.  Michael doesn't want a mate, but he has no choice in the matter when it's something that concerns those he considers his family.

From the beginning Michael and Tory are like water and oil, but they are inexplicably drawn to each other as well.  He takes her to Sheol, consents to the mating, but refuses to consummate the marriage or take her blood.  It's revealed in the story that he did have a mate once upon a time, but he never took her blood and she died soon after they married.

Tory was bred to be a fighter.  She is this generations Goddess of War.  Her mother gives birth to and trains the Goddess of War each generation so that she will be ready if she is ever called upon to serve.  If she reaches her 25th birthday without being called she is executed.  Tory is just 1 month away from her 25th birthday when Michael comes for her.

As the story progresses Tory helps train those who will be fighting in the battle that they know is coming.  They also know that it's going to be soon thanks to another vision.  She and Michael try to keep their distance, but circumstances keep bringing them closer together.  Tory is kidnapped by a traitor in Sheol and taken to the Dark City.  Michael knows that he is going to do whatever he can to rescue her.  He already in love with her and she with him, but neither of them are admitting that to anyone else.  They have to face what is coming as well as how they feel about each other as they try to make their way back to Sheol.  Time is moving faster in Sheol than it is for Tory and Michael so they have less time together than they should and they need to make the most of it.

While all this is going on there is a little side story line going on with Raziel and Allie that will continue throughout the next few books at least.  I always say that each new Warrior is my favorite and that it certainly the case with this book as well.  Who can resist Michael the Archangel?  Not this girl!

There is a little profanity in this book as with the previous two books in the series.  There are some pretty steamy love scenes as well.

I definitely recommend this book as long as you start with the first one, otherwise you will be a little lost!  I am anxiously waiting for the next installment.

Rating 7/10


Other books in this series:  Raziel, Demon