Haze (Rephaim, #2)

by Paula Weston

[Kelly]

http://www.divabooknerd.com/2015/08/double-shot-of-paula-weston-haze-and.html
Haze picks up within moments of where Shadows ended, with Gaby clinging to the idea of Jude being alive. Her relationship with Rafa is complicated, the two dancing around unresolved feelings while Rafa shelters her from the secrets of her former life. The memories of Jude she had clung to are all a ruse, someone having implanted a life that was neither true or her own. She's torn between wanting to find her brother and hesitant that he isn't the same Jude her memories paint him as, even if he is alive. But that's the least of her worries when they discover an iron room that is able to trap the Rephaim, losing any advantage against Zarael's army they may have had. Where Shadows introduces the reader to the world of the Rephaim, Haze is explosive. The intensity between Gaby and Rafa, the anticipation of finding Jude, hoping to discover who implanted their memories and allowed both to grieve for the other, the simmering tensions between the Outcasts and Sanctuary and the mystery that surrounds Mya and what she is keeping from her fellow Outcasts.

The Rephaim series is not only engaging, but beautifully written with a touch of Australian thrown in. From the scent of the eucalyptus to the surf coast of Pandanus Beach, there is something mesmerising about an urban fantasy set in your own backyard. Even being supernatural beings, Paula Weston has created the Rephaim as relatable rather than images of perfection we tend to see in most angel themed young adult. Characters are scarred, both physically and emotionally and the lines between good and evil are blurred within their own society. It's also sex positive, which is seemingly rare within young adult. An agitated character has no qualms about swearing when angry, and Paula Weston should be applauded for infusing much needed realism into what is generally a very demure genre.

The Rephaim series is brilliant, swoon worthy, incredibly captivating and goes from strength to strength with each installment. Paula Weston has crafted the perfect urban fantasy slash paranormal romance series, and I'm completely and utterly smitten.