Book Review: Beyond by Mary Ting

Beyond
Crossroads Saga #3
Author: Mary Ting
Reading Level: YA
Genre: Paranormal/Angels
Release Date: September 12th 2012
Review Source: Author
Available: Amazon

Summary: (from goodreads) Torn between the past she can't remember and a future she isn’t ready for, Claudia feels at a loss. With unanswered questions, she is certain there is more to her past than just being a venator. Finding the missing pieces in her life won’t be easy because duty calls. When mysterious dark shadows get released, an apocalypse sets in motion. The venators and the alkins must work together once again. Knowing Claudia would be the key to destroying the demons that were released, a familiar stranger appears to protect her. Drawn to the beautiful angel, Claudia finds she must unravel the mysteries of her past in order to help save the world. Who is the angel assisting her and why does she feel a strong connection to him? Time is running out. Will she discover all the secrets before it’s too late?

"Reading the Crossroads Saga has always put me in a very ethereal place while turning its pages. Well in BEYOND Mary Ting takes its to another level and I embrace the new darkness with open wings just like Michael would with his heart-shaped wings!"

In the book market right now there are a few Angel stories, but Mary's has more to it then just Angels. Its makes you happy like a contemporary novel affects you when you read it. It has paranormal beings that usually don't exist in the Angels world. Its a thriller with all its action and what next's. Beyond just brings so much to the table, that a reader will feel satisfied after finishing the book. Crossroads Saga is one of my top favorite series. I haven't rated any of the books anything less than a 5. 

So Beyond is the third installment in Crossroads Saga. At the end of Between we were left with such a life changing event between Claudia and Michael. It was so heart wrenching but a perfect example of a major cliff-hanger. So Beyond continues where we left off. IF YOU HAVEN'T READ (might want to stop reading here) Between or Crossroads, I suggest you don't read what I writing next. It will contain spoilers from previous books. Claudia has no memory of Michael now and Michael is in pain from what he has had to do so Claudia could forget him. Will Claudia remember? Not if Austin can help it. Claudia knows she has a large blank in her mind but even knowing that she is determined to become the venator she was meant to be. Jumping in immediately to her duties as a venator, Claudia doesn't have time to try and dwell on the past she can't remember. She is given task for venators that have been doing their jobs for a long time. When Claudia and the rest of the venators and groups find out that these creepy demonic shadows have been released into the world, they must stop them before there is an apocalypse. Claudia takes note that a certain angel with heart shaped wings keeps appearing when she is in a jam, she can't see his face but she feels like she could trust him with her life. Will Claudia remember and if she does will that help or worsen the apocalypse that is set to come. Will those she trusted be now her enemies? (begin reading again)

Mary as I mentioned above took Beyond to another level. There is this darkness that just drags you in to the story that she conjured with new characters and beings. I am truly lucky that Mary let me read the manuscript even before editing was completed. Then I find out after I finished that there will be a book 4 and that made my day. If you are familiar with Crossroads Saga, you will be in for a serious treat and if you are new or unfamiliar with Mary's Crossroads Saga, I give this series my big stamp of approval. Not all great stories come from big authors or publishing houses. This is why I never turn my back on indie or self-published. You will always find the diamond in the rough. Beyond is just purely AMAZING!!!