Continuing on from The Path Keeper, I did enjoy Son of Secrets more than the first book in the series. I really enjoyed the flashback scenes where you see all the main characters previous incarnations. And I really enjoyed the introduction of Luci and the spin on a well known character. But I still didn’t gel with Ella - I also found her on again and off again romance with Josh and Zac a bit tedious. Simmonds has done a great job developing the Indigo Chronicles world.

* Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. *

3.5 stars.

Son of Secrets is a continuation of The Indigo Chronicles, picking up 3 years after the conclusion of The Path Keeper. I am enjoying the series and its quick reading nature. It has sufficient movement in the plot to keep me interested and I enjoy the dark underpinnings of the narrative. It's intriguing to see where the series is going to go.

Though listed as Goodreads as YA, I categorized The Path Keeper as New Adult due to some mature content. That classification still holds true for Son of Secrets, though this sequel is a bit more adult than the first installation in the series. There are several explicit sex scenes throughout that really didn't help the plot, but for me instead made things more cringy.

The writing style continues in the same vein as the first, fairly informal with some immaturity. This kept the reading easy and fun, but also presented some awkward moments that warranted an eye roll. I like how the plot feels bouncy and light, but there are definitely some moments that feel unreal, farcical, or just uncomfortable. Regardless, I still enjoy her prose and it is comfortable to read.

The story continues to be interesting and the novel did not fall into the trap of being a humdrum follow-up. It reminds me of something like a less formal DaVinci Code in some ways. Demons and angels and mysticism tied up in a contemporary setting with some flashback pieces based on the concept of reincarnation. There is good action and tension throughout. I am invested in the characters for the most part and definitely developed some feelings and opinions of them through this installment. There are characters I don't like, characters with morally gray personalities, and characters I root for.

Though there are certainly some moments in the narrative that are awkward and overly immature, I still enjoyed my read and found interest in the story. I am looking forward to reading more as I like the theme of the plot enough to turn a cheek to the uncomfortable bits.

A fallen angel destined to die and be born again over and over hoping to find his one true love every time. All the while, Lucifer (Luci), the fallen angels mother is seeking her long lost son and destroying everything and everyone who tries to get in her way.

It was an entertaining book, however, I found it slightly lacking in a complex plot.

I think it's a good move to stop promoting the series as Young Adult. I only read the first half of the book and will refrain from reviewing this on my site or rating it because it's not fair to the author or the book. It's not the kind of book I would've picked up if I had known it differed so much from the first book.

I knew the Path Keeper had more adult themes already, but I never expected this book to open with a sex scene, with even more explicit scenes later. While I don't mind if it's a necessary part of the story, but some scenes didn't feel that way. If I knew this I probably wouldn't have picked this up as it's not something I enjoy reading about.

There are also two 'miracle cures' (of what I read). One is fixing a scar, one is healing a crippled girl's hand. As a disabled person this feels awkward. The first girl literally says "you gave me my life back" as soon as she sees it's gone. Isn't it possible to have a life with the scar? Healing a crippled hand even more so. I understand that your life as a disabled person in the past would've made you worthless, but still. Couldn't he have made his point differently? I think he could have.

I also feel as if the main theme of the book isn't reflected in the other character arcs besides Ella and Zac, which makes the book seem a little... off. It's clear that the ending will bring all the characters together, but will the themes line up? I'm not enjoying the book enough to find out.

Fantastic second book in the series. We catch up with favourite characters from the first book along with some new ones.
It was good to learn a bit about Zac’s past and to see how Ella was coping without him.
A must read for anyone who enjoyed the first book.

In my opinion, I loved the path keeper more, which I gave 5/5 stars. For me this is a 4/5 stars read. it wasn't bad or anything like that. I loved it a lot too, but it wasn't the same level of good as the path keeper. I read every second I got, every second I could I was reading this. ignoring everything and everyone around me so I could read on and on and on.

TITLE: Son of Secrets (The Indigo Chronicles, #2)

AUTHOR: N.J. Simmonds

RELEASE DATE: 28 May 2020

RATING: 1,25/5 stars

I only requested this book from Netgalley because of that cover. I mean, look at it! I love it so much…and that was my mistake.

Judging a book by its cover. How silly of me.

I probably should have read the blurb and I should have scanned the cover better so that I could have known this was the second book in a series. I have no time to read the first book, so I jumped straight into the second.

I adjusted quickly, to be honest. It took a while for some things to make sense, but everything was relatively easy to understand. The only downside was that I didn’t know these characters prior to this book.

You’d think this would be an enjoyable read: destiny, fate, fallen angels, and soulmates who have searched for each other for thousands of years.

The writing was strangely formal for some reason and the book was filled with insta-love (which I hate). There is no chemistry between the characters and some parts even felt unnecessary.


REALISTIC CHARACTERS AND GROWTH:

Ella was alright as a main character.

She irritated me a bit at the start, pining after Zac, but once she got past him and moved on to Josh, her happier side was fun to read. Obviously it bothers me just a little bit too much that she wants to marry Josh a few days after reuniting with him.

Josh was probably the only relatively normal character in this book. I liked him the most out of everyone.

Zac was completely useless in this book. I have no idea why he was there or what part he played in this. His scenes could definitely have been shorter or just completely cut out. I would much rather have followed Luci or Ella as they try to take down Mikhael.

Sebastian was also pretty useless. I guess the author only kept him alive for revenge?

0,25 stars for this category (for Josh).


INTERESTING STORY:

The concept of regenerating is interesting, if done right. (Looking at you, Doctor Who!)

The author takes this concept to create four characters who are all connected to each other in one way or another. They are bound to find each other and repeat the vicious cycle each time.

However, I felt like there was very little happening. Zac just keeps on talking to random people, Luci at least has a clear goal, and Ella’s story revolves around Josh.

As I said, not much happening.

Zac could have been cut out of the whole book and we wouldn’t have missed anything. I would rather have read more from Luci and Ella.

Once again, 0.25 stars for this category.


FANTASTIC WORLD-BUILDING:

I’m glad we find out a little more about the angels and what’s been happening with them. It’s quite interesting to see how the story got twisted over the years. It reinforces the idea that history get written by the victors.

Beyond that, we don’t find much else.

Half a star for this category.


GOOD UNDERLYING THEMES/MESSAGES:

This one was a little bit complicated for me. There is the constant idea of feminism surrounding this book, but my issue with it was that it was way too aggressive. People don’t respond well to an idea being forced on them. Luci repeats how a woman doesn’t need a man and can be successful on her own. I would have liked it, if only it wasn’t repeated so much. The author’s note was heartfelt and I understood where she came from, but I feel like it could have been handled better.

Another thing that grated against my nerves: characters saying how they have to follow their path ‘destiny’ lays out for them and that there can’t be any deviation from it. It makes it seem like there is no choice.

0,25 stars for this category.


EMOTION::

I felt nothing other than irritation and longing for this book to be over. It sounds horrible, but there…I said it. It’s been a while since I disliked a book like I do now.

I felt slightly happy for Ella when she decided she wanted to get married but that’s it.

No stars for this category.


THAT'S IT!

I think by the way I’ve written this review that I didn’t like this book very much. A pity, since that cover is beautiful and it’s my first read this year that is getting less than 3 stars.

Have you read this book? Do you agree with my (negative) views?

Till we meet again!

Xx Alexia

Son of Secrets is the second instalment it the Indigo Chronicles and I was really excited to get back to the story and see what was in store for Ella and Zac after ‘that’ ending in The Path Keeper.
Son of Secrets does not disappoint. The series has been re-branded as adult instead of YA and I see, and appreciate, why this was perhaps necessary, not just because our characters have gotten older, but because it deals with some pretty heavy themes and while you sometimes get sex and violence in YA, this does not hold back. Some may feel it’s not necessary, but it’s all relevant to the story and where it takes us, and where its leading us.
When we left Ella at the end of The Path Keeper, Zac had taken his own wings, essentially killing himself, as far as we knew, on some hope that he would come back.
3 years later, Ella is drinking and sleeping her way through a series of one night stands in an attempt to numb the pain of his loss, when who should walk into her hotel but Josh de Silva, her destiny.
She finally decides that she should see what her path holds for her. Zac is gone, Josh is here, and when she is with him, she doesn’t hurt quite so much.
I am trying very hard to figure out what to say and not give too much away, which is hard. But what I can say is that obviously things are not straight forward.
I really loved Josh in this instalment, and I have to say that I actually really feel for him in this book. I feel that he is finally being honest, and genuine, for the first time and I am genuinely worried that he is going to end up hurt…I am hoping that just maybe he and Ella get some happiness before we jump forward a little in book three.
My feeling was a little bit mixed with Luci. She’s not an amazing being…she’s actually a bit of an asshole. But I fully appreciated all that she went through, and that millennia of being overlooked, used, abused, and portrayed as the bad guy would make her the way she is. She had a singular goal and she is not above doing what is necessary to achieve it. She, Zac, Ella, and Sebastian were so intricately linked that they needed to all be present. Shit had to go down the way it went down and I am not mad that a certain someone ended up the way they did, it was almost too good for them.
I really, really love the twists on religion and mythology in these books, which is explored a lot more in this one, with our story jumping between past and present, and I am looking forward to seeing where it’s all going in number 3.
A definite recommendation, it’s destiny 😊

Long awaited sequel to The Path Keeper didn't disappoint and was definitely worth the wait. There is something about this story or authors writing style that sucks me right in as it isn't my usual choice of genre. Now to wait for another and wonder where will their life take them again.

*sigh* This is a review I honestly didn't want to write. I love saying why I DNF or dislike a book usually, but I wanted so much to love Son of Secrets because I adored The Path Keeper. N.J. Simmonds is a wonderful author. I love her writing. It's captivating and different.
Recently I saw her talking on Twitter, about how they were rebranding the Indigo Chronicles as Adult instead of YA. I think in this case, it's what hurt the magic of the series for me. When it was YA, it had a different feel. The characters felt different. These weren't the same ones I fell in love with. Sure, characters grow up and mature but they still need to be 'in character'. I had the same issue with the Jessica Darling series once it became Adult. It's hard to rebrand series in the middle. Publishers have to do what they think will bring in more readers/money and I get that. Honestly. In this case and in my opinion, I just don't love it anymore. The series went in a direction I didn't think it needed to go and I'm not sure I will be picking up the conclusion to Ella's story. Actually, I'm lying. I probably will just out of curiosity of how it all ends. I do hope others will enjoy Son of Secrets more than I did.
As a side note, I adore the gorgeous covers of this series. I would rate them 10 stars if I could.
I will be keeping an eye out for N.J. Simmonds's future work because I do like her as an author.

Thank you so much to BHC Press for allowing me the opportunity to read and review early editions of both The Path Keeper and Son of Secrets. 💫

If your looking for an excellent writer that can make you feel what the characters are feeling - this is that book. This is a perfect follow up to book 1.
Reading this it felt poetic at times, devastating, hilarious and moving for everyone. I can't wait to see where they all go in the next book.

This book was really amazing. I was wondering what would happen after the wonderful ending of the first book Author wrote an amazing story .I really enjoyed reading new characters. Especially Luci was the star of this book. When i first read the synopsis i thought Luci's story was going to be different but i loved her fierce character. I loved reading flashback scenes and couldn't put the book down. I can't wait to read final book. Thank you for this early copy.

Just wow! This is an amazing book. The imagery and creativeness in this book is amazing. I was on the edge of my seat wondering what would happen next. Zac and Arabella have known each other many times in the last 2000 years. They are soul mates, but not destined to be together. Its is amazing how their lives have crossed paths in t past lives. This book is simply a must read.

This is the second book in the series called The Indigo Chronicles.

I fell in love with this series in the first book and have patiently waited to read the second installment to find out where the story of Ella and Zac takes us and boy did she take us in an amazing ride!

Simmonds creativity in this story line are brilliant and her beautiful writing style and detail that she uses makes you feel like you are watching a film in your head while devouring this novel.

The storyline of Ella and Zac is captivating from the first paragraph and the twists and turns this books takes while Simmonds weaves this tale are perfection.

Oh my goodness what a brilliant, exciting read! Not my usual genre, yet it still managed to absolutely capture my imagination from the very first page. I had adored reading the first book in the series,The Path Keeper, Zac became a bit of an obsession for me , the strong connection between him and Ella was so intense and emotional that I was desperate to find out their fates in this book.
Luci is such a wonderful character, so strong and intimidating and yet so captivating and compelling, all at the same time! I was drawn to her straight away and am now pondering what she has planned in the next book.
It was fascinating going back in time to experience Zac and Ella’s previous encounters and to learn more about the back story of his creation and family history.
I found this story so addictive to read, I couldn’t stop thinking about the story, whenever I was dragged away from reading it.
This series would make an amazing film, it’s so entertaining and I can easily visualise the characters from the book in my mind. It would be a spectacular epic movie 🍿
Just one problem , I need book three now! 😳

Waiting for the next book in a series can be a killer and this was no exception. But this was totally worth the wait!!

It has been 3 years since Ella last saw Zac but still holds on to the hope that he will once again return to her. But when Josh suddenly reappears in her life, she starts to question if waiting for Zac is still the right thing to do.

Just like the first book, I was hooked! I really enjoyed learning more about Zac and his past. We also meet Luci who I thought was a great character. I liked her instantly and loved her personality.

This series is so addictive and I am desperate to read the next!!

<I>*Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review *</i>

<b> 3.75 stars - rounded up </b>

Can we change our fate? Ella is struggling to choose whether to follow her pre-destined path, picking up where The Path Keeper left off, Son of Secrets was quite an enjoyable read, concerning an epic romance spanning millenia!

The character development was rather intriguing, especially Ella's coming to terms with her past and Zac's facing his moral dilemmas. I also enjoyed the rather unusual, gender-vent, evil-but-not-evil take on Lucifer!

Enjoyed this more than The Path Keeper, there was more world-building (although still not nearly enough), and it was a little less juvenile.

However, I feel like the whole narrative wasn't really fair on poor Josh!

I received this book from NetGalley in exchange of an honest review.

Sons of secrets is the second book of the Indigo Chronicles and starts with Ella, who has been waiting for Zac for three years, hoping he will come back to her, while distracting herself with one night stands and her job. But then Josh came back in her life and Luci decided to look for Zack too, Ella finds herself involved into a big plot.

I liked reading this book. The story is interesting and full of plot twists and revelations. Ella's, Zac's, Luci's and Sebastian's lives are strongly connected to each others. I liked a lot the first book, so I was excited for this sequel and it didn't disappoint me. I liked the writing style and the characters, I found Luci really cool and engaging. 4 stars

I feel so lucky to have gotten an ARC to read. I loved The Path Keeper, and Son of Secrets definitely follows its footsteps well.

Luci has absolutely stolen the show in this entry. I both heavily relate to her, and cannot understand her at all. She encompasses duality in a way that I am absolutely blown away by.

My only small, minor complaint about this book is that, compared to The Path Keeper's very deliberate pace, Son of Secrets feels like it's hurtling from plot point to plot point faster than Luci on a motorcycle.

Either way, I did enjoy this book a lot, and look forward to the next entry!

This is the second book in The Indigo Chronicles trilogy and, having read and loved book one, The Path Keeper, I was keen to get my hands on this one. I wasn't disappointed.

The story opens three years after the events of The Path Keeper and we initially switch perspectives between two of the main characters as we discover how they've rebuilt (or not) following the shocking climax of book one. Further perspectives are then established as Son of Secrets reintroduces the reader to a number of existing characters - both ones we love and ones we love to hate - and also brings us some new characters, new past life timelines and new information which provides the reader with a better understanding of the relationship we saw between Zac and Ella in book one and of the world which Simmonds has built for her characters.

New character Luci is one for readers to watch out for. She plays an important part in Son of Secrets and, although she acts in some questionable ways, she is a character you just can't help but like. Her fingerprints are all over the events in this novel and, judging on what happens at the end of the narrative, she is going to be important in the final instalment, too. A returning character also found my loyalties torn but I won't say too much about that for fear of spoilers!

There are some major hints dropped for how characters might plan to move forward in the next book and I for one will be on tenterhooks waiting to see how it all pans out. If Son of Secrets is anything to go by, book three will be an absolute cracker.