Forsaken is an apt title for the book, since it's about an Earth that has been cut off from heaven, and the dormant evil forces of the world have come out to play. To make matters worse, Satan (who is not Lucifer Morningstar) is determined to lead these beings in a bid to take over the world now that Heaven's influence has been stemmed. There are only a handful of Nephilim left to stand against him, and Aaron and Vilma have to pick and choose their battles carefully, condemning some people to die so they save others. it's a dark, harrowing book, and although I really liked it, I am looking forward to the concluding volume with the hope that it will bring some much-needed lightness into Aaron's world.

I was surprised to find how tolerant Aaron is throughout this novel. He's tamer now, preferring to talk things through rather than intimidate or bully someone into seeing things his way, and he chooses not to punish his Nephilim followers like he would have in the past. It makes Aaron more believable as a leader as he is no longer conducting himself like an impulsive teenager. The shining aspect of the book are its two female protagonists, Melissa and Vilma. They kick some serious butt throughout the book, and it's great to get to know them better as previous books have tended to focus on the male characters.

The other notable character is Roger, a baby boy who Jeremy and his mother rescue, who soon proves to be anything but an ordinary baby. He reminds me strongly of Stewie from Family Guy - he's snarky and alarmingly violent, and believes himself to be superior to everyone around him. It'll be really interesting to see what role he plays in the final book.

I have said before that I feel a disconnect between Aaron and Vilma as a couple - readers never really see them interact one-on-one unless they're fighting some for in tandem, and it's hard to see how they connect on a personal level. In the past I've been under the impression that they were initially attracted to each other in a high school setting, and have stayed together since because there hasn't been any time for either of them evaluate the relationship. Vilma's weird and confusing connection to Jeremy further confuses the issue. But in Forsaken we get to see them go out on a date, which is very cute, and I've started to believe in the depth of their partnership again.

The plot is compelling and refreshingly original, and I especially love that the villain is Satan but not Lucifer. Splitting the mythology into two people is darned clever. The Nephilim must find ancient devices called Fear Engines to stem the darkness and evil encroaching upon the Earth, and work together with Verchiel, their once enemy who has unexpectedly returned from Heaven to help them as punishment for his evil deeds. We are also told a little bit more about the Architects, powerful angels who control the destiny of our world, who seem to be driving it to its own destruction. It's intricate and well thought out, and Sniegoski is obviously setting us up for an explosive conclusion.

Fans of this series won't want to miss the latest adventure of the Nephilim, but be warned that there is a cliff-hanger ending that may kill you as you wait for the final book, Armageddon, due for release August 2013. I also encourage those interested in a darker, edgier incarnation of ANgel-themed YA to pick this series up. I can't wait for the final adventure!

A copy of this book was provided by the publisher for review.
You can read more of my reviews at Speculating on SpecFic. ( )