nick (the infinite limits of love)'s Reviews > Haze

Every time I go into the second book of a series, I have a nagging doubt that I just won’t enjoy the book as much as I enjoyed the first. Paula Weston’s Haze, however, proves that there are exceptions to every case. This sequel to Shadows was just as remarkable of a book as its predecessor, or perhaps even stronger.

This book was all about Gaby’s conflicted feelings. At the end of the first book, she and Rafa realize that because her memories were altered, it might be possible that Jude’s were as well and that he is alive somewhere. Gaby has always been a strong girl, but it was interesting here to see more of her vulnerabilities. She clung to the manufactured memories that she had of Jude, and she was afraid of what she was going to find in Melbourne. So throughout Haze, she found ways to stall. This in reality should have frustrated me to no ends, but Gaby was a relatable character and it’s easy to see where she was coming from. Even when she was making decisions that had me feeling doubtful throughout the book, I understood her. To me, her ability to reach readers and make them understand her viewpoint were what made Gaby such a colorful protagonist.

Then, there was Rafa, who was just as infuriating, attractive and genuine as ever. This guy continues to impress me even as he frustrates me with his unwillingness to open up to Gaby about their past relationship and what caused their divide. Despite that though, there was no doubt in my mind that Rafa was good for Gaby. He continued to push her, making her stronger, more confident and comfortable in her role as a Rephaim. The romantic tension between Gaby and Rafa was the highlight of the previous book for me. I love Paula Weston’s handling of this romance. It’s not completely there yet, but it’s bubbling in the background and with every intimate scene and conversation between the two, the tension, the sexual chemistry and the emotional attachment the two share seem to amplify. Though part of me was dying for them to get together already, the other part was also secretly enjoyed how slow developing this romance was. I ship these two hard, guys, and I just can’t get enough of them.

Haze further explored the dynamics between the half-angels. There was some serious tension there as we learned in the previous book, and we get to see much more of their history in this installment, though we are still not privy as to what caused the rift. Paula Weston is amazing at characterizations and in Haze, she made me care for characters that I thought I was supposed to dislike. She helps you see why the characters are the way they are and it’s truly fabulous. The actual main plot in Haze of Gaby and Rafa going on a search for Jude didn’t actually set off until the last third of the book, but in no way does this mean the book was uneventful. In fact, we learn a ton about not only about the Rephaim, but also about Jason, Maggie and Gaby’s friend and Zarael and his demons. There were so many exciting and gasp-out-loud revelations made that had me flipping through the page of this book. Haze ends on one of the most painful cliffhangers that I have ever read, but it at the same time had me so excited to read the next book.

I just can’t stop raving about how amazing Aussie YA is. I know you guys are probably tired of hearing me say it, but seriously if you have never picked up an Australian author’s book, do yourself a favor and change that. They are life-changing. Haze was a brilliant sequel and if the fact that it’s a YA paranormal book with angels and demons is off-putting, then I insist that you give this series a try because it will blow your mind away with how addicting, vibrant and engaging it is.