Turned [Paperback]

Turned is the third book in the Blood Lily Chronicles. It is impossible to review this book without including spoilers for the previous two books. The plot summary will also make a lot more sense if the reader is familiar with the first two books.

At the opening of this book, Lily Carlyle has obtained the Oris Clef and now faces an agonizing decision about the coming convergence. Should she wield the Oris Clef and become the demon queen (and thereby attempt to avert the apocalypse even though giving herself over to evil) or should she sacrifice herself to an eternity of suffering by throwing herself into the portal to Hell when it opens, which according to the angel Gabriel will permanently seal the portal? Instead, in the days leading up to the portal opening, Lily and Deacon, a demon seeking redemption, search for another legendary key - one that can lock all nine of the portals to Hell.

Deacon saves Lily and Rose, who is now in Kiera's body, from Penemue, his former master, although he has to retake his demon form to do so. Lily is able to talk Deacon back to his human form, and together they go to Father Carleton's (he was a character in the first book) church to see if one of his colleagues has any knowledge of the key. Lily does get a lead from an old monk, and in the days that follow, Lily finds out some shocking information about both Alice's mother and her own father. In the end, she and Deacon face the opening of the portal and overcome the forces of Hell (that shouldn't qualify as a spoiler; it was kind of a given that they would succeed).

I like that facts and elements of the story that were included/revealed in earlier books were relevant to the overall story and were tied into the action in this one. It made for a nice overall cohesive story, that was clearly well-thought out and well-plotted.

I also liked that all three of the female characters - Lily, Rose, and Rachel - faced their personal issues and overcame them during the course of the books. I find strong female characters very appealing.

I did have a slight problem with the consequences of Lily's actions during the final battle; a very similar combination of action/consequence occurred on a popular TV show. While reading up to the final battle, I was really hoping that this book would not take the same route, and unfortunately it did.

I also wish that demon possession was better explained. How can they possess people? Is there any way to resist? There were times when having a demon possess one of the characters (if they could) would have been the smart thing for the demons to do, and yet they didn't do it. They possessed others instead.

Overall, though, I very much enjoyed this book and will definitely be looking for other books by Julie Kenner.

Turned is the third in the Blood Lily Chronicles (and hopefully not the last) I stayed up way past my bedtime last night so that I could finish this book and I was not disappointed. Lily, Rose and Deacon make a great demon butt-kicking team and the fight sequences were exhilarating, fast paced and well thought out. The still evolving relationship between Deacon and Lily reaches a tumultuous climax as the Ninth Gate opens over Zakim bridge with each finally trusting each other and Lily truly having faith in herself. You do need to read the first two books to have any idea what is going on in this book but they are all well worth it! I do hope the author continues on with these characters because they especially spunky Rose are favorites of mine.

Turned: Blood Lily Chronicles Book 3 by Julie Kenner
Amazon Product Description:
When Lily Carlyle died in an act of vengeance, she came back as an assassin for the light. But when she discovered her masters' true darkness, she decided to choose the right side for once... Her own.
With her cover as a double agent inside the forces of evil blown, Lily has no choice but to go underground. She takes along a cadre of warriors: humans, angels, demons, and other trusted creatures. Their only hope is to stop the forces who are attempting to use the Ninth gate as a wedge that will unleash the fury of Hell.

My Thoughts: I chose this book simply because I had read the first two books and I couldn't stand for the story to be over.
What I liked about it: My favorite thing about this book is that I get the answers to all the questions I have been sitting on for the last two books. In this book Lily is forced to look inside herself and search for the kind of person she wants to be. The stakes are huge - the world/Armageddon - sacrifice herself, rule the demon hoards, or find the key and use it. Each of the characters faces their own soul search and we the readers are brought along on their journey as the story continues. My favorite character is still Deacon, has been since book one. His connection with Lily, their struggle to believe in themselves and each other, and the paths they take make for an interesting twist in the story. Without this piece I think the story would feel incomplete. The connections between the characters and the ways that they grow and change are the keys to the storyline and the plot.
I like that the storyline is kept intact in this book as well, the intro makes sure you know what's been going on and you are reminded throughout the story about how things are connected, and then they are wrapped up in this book.
My other favorite things: I cannot share without having this be a spoiler - so you'll have to read them for yourself! I suggest you do.
What I didn't like: Once again - the only thing I didn't like about the book was the ending. This one doesn't end on cliffhanger - demanding the next piece of the story, but it ends in such a way that there is room for more later. I don't think there will be a book four - hopefully I am wrong.
An all-around good read. I read this in one day, so it is a fast read.

This book, like the two before it, is a grab you,
keep you read that you just don't want to put down.
I readily recommend all three of Julie Kenner's Blood Lily Chronicles!

› Go to Amazon.com to see all 10 reviews  3.9 out of 5 stars