Reviving IzabelAuthor: J.A. Redmerski
Series: In the Company of Killers #2
Published by: Self-Pub
Publication Date: December 4, 2013
Format: eBook
Source: Purchased
Determined to live a dark life in the company of the assassin who freed her from bondage, Sarai sets out on her own to settle a score with an evil sadist. Unskilled and untrained in the art of killing, the events that unfold leave her hanging precariously on the edge of death when nothing goes as planned.
Sarai’s reckless choices send her on a path she knows she can never turn back from and so she presents Victor with an ultimatum: help her become more like him and give her a fighting chance, or she’ll do it alone no matter the consequences. Knowing that Sarai cannot become what she wants to be overnight, Victor begins to train her and inevitably their complicated relationship heats up.
As Arthur Hamburg’s right-hand man, Willem Stephens, closes in on his crusade to destroy Sarai, she is left with the crushing realization that she may have bitten off more than she can chew. But Sarai, taking on the new and improved role of Izabel Seyfried, still has a set of deadly skills of her own that will prove to be all she needs to secure her place beside Victor.
But there is one test that Izabel must face that has the potential to destroy everything she is working so hard to achieve. One final test that will not only make her question her decision to want this dangerous life, but will make her question everything she has come to trust about Victor Faust.
Oh, hell yes! I loved Reviving Izabel! I read Killing Sarai not too long ago and was totally blown away by how frigging great it was. So heck yeah I was looking forward to this book. I did like the first book slightly more, but damn, Reviving Izabel was still fan-freaking-tastic!
This book picks up eight months later, and you didn’t think our Sarai was just going to adjust back into a boring life, did you? She has vengeance in her mind, and she intends to do something about it. Trained killer she is not, so her plan for vengeance becomes a total cluster fuck. It does, however, bring her back together with Victor.
I love how the story unfolds. Redmerski, you clever lady, you did good. There are some very nice twists that I got great pleasure from (not in a dirty way, pervs). Though, there was a little of that *wink*. But Sarai’s road to becoming Izabel, the assassin, is not an easy one. If she even makes it, that is. I’ll never tell!
Sarai and Victor still rock my world! One thing I really like is the age difference. Victor is 37 and has been trained at what he does since he was a child, so it’s more believable. It’s not like he is this total badass overnight. And the fact that Sarai doesn’t all of a sudden become just as skilled as Victor and the others is refreshing. Oh, she has skills and potential, but they are realistic with it.
I also enjoyed the progression of Sarai and Victor’s relationship tremendously. These two aren’t into the mushy lovely-dovey crap, but the affection they feel for each other is obvious. It’s sweet in its own way, and I loved it!
And … Fredrik is back! He had a very small part in the first book, but I still fell in love with him. So I was positively giddy to find out he is very much present throughout this book. I enjoyed his and Sarai’s dynamic so much. Also, we get a flashback from him, which I’m sure is to help setup the next book. I’m beyond ecstatic to read that one.
There really is a lot to love about Reviving Izabel, so you should read it. READ IT. But read Killing Sarai first, of course.
In the Company of Killers Series
Oh yes I heard great things about this one but as I always disappointed in the Edge of Always I haven’t tried any other. It looks like I should at last try this one! thanks for the review!
I haven’t read that series, but I pretty sure it’s way different.
This series sounds soooo good! I love Redmerski\’s writing in her The Edge of Never series, but this sounds so much different and a lot darker! I cannot believe I miss these ones! Fab review Christy!!
Naomi @ Nomi’s Paranormal Palace
It’s REALLY good, Naomi. You should read it. But I don’t feel that it’s too dark, ya know?
I loved this series. I didn’t care for the narrator for Victor but the third book has a new one and it is so much better.
That’s one reason I’m hesitant about audiobooks, the narrator might suck. lol
I went and added book 1 to my last 😛 I think it’s time though because I have been eyeing this series for a while.
I am so glad to see you enjoyed the sequel! 🙂 And YAY for no mushy crap .-. I am practically allergic to cheese in romance 😛
Fantastic review, Christy!
I hope you love it! Yeah, I can’t even tell you how much I enjoyed their relationship.
I had to skim since I haven’t read the first book but, DAMN YOU. You always read the books I want to read but just don’t have the time. I can’t wait to start this series.
You need to get on this series, pronto! Make time! They’re pretty quick reads.
You’re reviving me ? That’s so very kind of you lol 😉 I’ve got all the books of this series, just need some time to read them, but they look great.
lol. I hope you find some time because they’re really good.
Oh I remember hearing good things about the first one, I might need to grab this series!
You should, Candace!
Awesome cover!
I don’t know why, but I keep assuming this series is out of my comfort zone. Your review, though, has me interested. A friend who occasionally reviews for me loved the first book, but I haven’t seen what she thinks of the others.
I’ll keep In The Company of Killers in mind!
I promise that it’s not. I’m pretty sure you’ve read darker stuff than this. I don’t even think this is all that dark. It’s REALLY good. I hope you try it!
I love how excited you are about this one Christy! I know this is one I will need to pick up and read as well. Quit adding to my summer TBR pile would ya?
No! I will not quit! You just need to read faster. 😛
Oh you have me adding both books to my wishlist. These characters sound amazing. Yep… onto the wishlist.
Oh, Melissa, you need to read these!
You just inspired to write a review about the audiobooks, I totally love them! I recently finished the last book, The Swam and the Jackal, and it rocked just as the others. I couldn’t put these books down from the moment I picked them up!
Great review 🙂
I can’t wait to read the last one. It’s why I started this series to begin with. My cold heart belongs to Fredrik!
You’re going to need it to read his book.. 😉 All I can say is, I couldn’t pause for a minute. I can’t wait to hear your thoughts.
Ahhh that sounds good! I love he’s an “older” hero. And some nice twists added in? Perfect!
Anna, I’m telling you, you need to read this series!!
That’s great you loved this one, despite loving the first one a BIT more (that happens quite often). Thanks for sharing.
Mmmm-hmmm … It still gets major love from me.
These look great. I haven’t tried anything by this author yet, but looks promising and they are available on audio, which is a plus in my book.
Yeah, a couple of bloggers really liked the audio of theses. Hope you give them a try!
This series sounds freakin awesome! I am off to see if I can get it now and add it to my mountain of books that I want to read… 🙂 Wonderful review!
Yes! You must read them!
Can’t wait to read how their relationship evolves!! I really loved the no-touchy-feely kind of vibe of Killing Sarai, and I’m looking forward to this one. Sounds awesome, glad you enjoyed, hehe.
Redmerski did such a fantastic job with these characters. I’m sure you’ll enjoy this one too. 🙂
I MUST read this series Christy! It sounds dark and gritty, but I love that the relationship between Victor and Sarai is woven through and gives just a little bit of light. I love too that Sarai doesn’t suddenly become a badass overnight, gives me hope that maybe, if I needed to, I could train to become a badass too. Not an assassin, obviously, just badass:)
LOL – Aw, Jenny, you’re totally a badass. Seriously, you should read these. They aren’t THAT dark.
Oh I read JA Redermski’s other series (The edge of Always & Never) a few months back and lOVED those books and her writing so i’ll definetly be taking a closure look at this one. Great review Christy! This one sounds like a pretty dark read! I can’t wait 🙂
I have read any of her other stuff, but will definitely check it out after I finish this series. You should read these for sure!
I love this series! I am so glad that a lot of people have been reading this one. It was like reading and seeing a movie in your head. I loved the pacing, and I like how the ending played out. Redmerski’s writing in this series was fabulous!
I know, right? I want to make everyone read them! 😀
So, I know that I already told you I have Killing Sarai, but guess what? I already have this one too, LOL. Friggin’ one-click button. I can’t help it. I find an author I like, and then I start tracking them, and EVERYTHING new goes on a wishlist, so when it goes on sale . . . But that’s good, right? If Killing Sarai is as awesome as you say (and I’m sure it is), then I’m going to immediately want this one too. Keep up the poking and prodding. I don’t want to forget about this one. Great review!
LOVE your first sentence to your thoughts “Oh Hell yes!” I love it when I feel that way about a book. This sounds great!
*confession time*againI was vehemently against reading Killing Sarai and my life was fine…
THEN I saw the cover of The Swan & the Jackal then it was like (this is book 3)
and I was like WHAT?!
THEN I saw the cover of book #2 Reviving Izabel and OMG GAWJESS!! It was<3insta so now I feel like just throwing caution to the wind, rolling the dice and see where they land!!!
anywhoo…Yea I want to read this series pretty hard now…Loved your review
oh yes, I must get on board with this series….. This post is a good reminder. Great review!