{Review} The Redemption of Ajax - The Mephisto Covenant book 1 by Trinity Faegen

Sasha is desperate to find out who murdered her father. When getting the answer means pledging her soul to Eryx, she unlocks a secret that puts her in grave danger—Sasha is Anabo, a daughter of Eve, and Eryx’s biggest threat.

A son of Hell, immortal, and bound to Earth forever, Jax looks for redemption in the Mephisto Covenant—God’s promise he will find peace in the love of an Anabo. After a thousand years, he’s finally found the girl he’s been searching for: Sasha.

With the threat of Eryx looming, Jax has to keep Sasha safe and win her over. But can he? Will Sasha love him and give up her mortal life?

Title: The Redemption of Ajax {The Mephisto Covenant, book 1}

Author: Trinity Faegen

Publication: 27st September 2011

Publisher: Egmont Usa

400 pages

This book is the first of a series.

My review

An original plot, a compelling atmosphere, enthralling characters, action and mysteries, here is what is waiting for you in the first book of The Mephisto Covenant series. I totally enjoyed this novel, it was a refreshing and awesome read even if there are a few minor weaknesses. It is nonetheless an excellent debut for Trinity Faegen and a promising start for The Mephisto Covenant series.

Let me start with what bothered me a bit, I like to keep the best for last. I had a little trouble getting used to the third person narration. Moreover, the transitions between the characters' points of view, that is Jax and Sasha, are not always very smooth. The universe and atmosphere are quite complex, complicated and intricate. I sometimes had difficulties to remember all the elements and all the ins and outs. The consequences of some actions were sometimes a bit blurry for me, and I needed a few seconds to remember them. In addition, the reactions of the characters, especially Sasha the heroine, are sometimes a bit young and immature, so it may get a little annoying for adult readers. And finally, there are a few repetitions and lengths, but fortunately they don't last.

A small detail that may be quite important for some of you. I think that The Redemption of Ajax is not entirely a young-adult novel. However, it's not an adult novel either since some aspects of the plot are quite young and especially Sasha. In fact, this book is halfway between the two genres. And you should know, if it's important for you or if you want to lend this book to young readers, that there are some rather explicit sex scenes. I didn't mind, but I know that some of you may. Moreover, there are a lot of references about Christian religion: God, Paradise, Hell, Angels.. All these subjects are really present all along the plot. It didn't bother me at all, but I'd rather mention it.

Now, on a more positive note, let me tell you everything I loved about this book. First of all, the ambiance and the mythology developed by the author are unique, compelling and original. I loved them and it's one of the strenghts of this book. The whole concept of angels and souls is really exciting. I also totally loved the atmosphere of this small Colorado's ski resort. The descriptions are accurate, but they were never boring, and everything feels vivid and alive. I almost wanted to be in winter and to get there.

The characters are endearing, whether it's Sasha or Jax. The story of the young girl is very touching, especially in the beginning of the book. As for Jax, the young guy does his best to make her happy, despite his difficult past and it's one of the compelling aspects of the book. The secondary characters are also well-developed and well-written. They're appealing, especially Jax's brothers who are often very funny.

Trinity Faegen's writing is totally pleasant, with some snarky and totally funny dialogues and situations. The plot is fast-faced, and there are quite a lot of twists. The Mephisto Covenant is packed with punches, twists, romance and mysteries. The mythology developed by the author is completely enthralling and it's one of the aspects that I really liked, I found it totally interesting and unique. It was easy for me to dive into the story and I read this book quite fast because I wanted to know how things would evolve.

To sum up,  I utterly enjoyed this book, despite a few weaknesses. It is a very promising debut for Trinity Faegen and I really can't wait for the next book. I was really sad to close this novel and to leave this world. The Mephisto Covenant ends on a small cliffhanger and I'm now totally looking forward to the second instalment, planned for fall 2012. The Redemption of Ajax is going to be released on the 27th September 2011. If you love Angels stories, impossible romance and book action-packed you should definitively check this one out.

A copy was provided by the publisher, via Net Galley, against my completely honest review. Thank you.