Title: A Temptation of AngelsAuthor: Michelle Zink
Publisher: Dial
Genre: Paranormal Young Adult
Release Date: 03/20/12
Reviewed by: Sara
Buy the Book:
Summary:
Even angels make mistakes in this page-turning epic romance.
When her parents are murdered before her eyes, sixteen-year-old Helen Cartwright finds herself launched into an underground London where a mysterious organization called the Dictata controls the balance of good and evil. Helen learns that she is one of three remaining angelic descendants charged with protecting the world's past, present, and future. Unbeknownst to her, she has been trained her whole life to accept this responsibility. Now, as she finds herself torn between the angelic brothers protecting her and the devastatingly handsome childhood friend who wants to destroy her, she must prepare to be brave, to be hunted, and above all to be strong, because temptation will be hard to resist, even for an angel.
Michelle Zink masterfully weaves historical fantasy with paranormal romance to create a gripping tale of love and betrayal.
Plot: 4 Stars
This novel left me wondering slightly about the time period and if it was an alternate universe. I got Victorian and Steampunk vibes, but never really got a definitive answer. Normally things like this would bother me, but the worldbuilding was great and didn't need to be defined. It was the world Helen knew, and I enjoyed being along for the ride. The idea of the Keepers was a fresh addition to the long list of paranormal elements that are a part of YA right now, and I really enjoyed their powers and how they were tied to light.
Pace: 3.5 Stars
This novel started out with a bang. Although the events at the beginning of the novel were devastating, Helen kept her head and followed her mother's directions right to the Channing Brothers' doorstep. There were a few slower parts in which Helen learned all about the brothers and the Keepers, but the action was never far behind. This novel was a great balance of Helen learning things through explaination and through action. There were many twists and turns as the world unfolded and I was excited to learn more.
Characters: 4 Stars
Helen was a strong character that I look forward to reading more about in the future. I really enjoyed how she toed the line between ladylike and tough girl. Griffin was the good cop to Darius' bad cop when Helen first showed up, and it was interesting to watch them all get to know each other. Griffin was very sweet and likeable, while still being a bit of a badass. I liked how thoroughly he taught Helen the skills of the Keepers. I really enjoyed how different Darius was around Anna, and hope to see more about the two of them in the future. I'm also interested to see what happens with Raum. He was a bit of a wild card, and I'm a bit unsure how I feel about him at the moment.
Cover: 4 Stars
I really enjoyed the darkness of this cover. It was a great indicator of the mood and feel of the novel. The smoke also lends a great touch and keeps with the atmosphere of the story. Although the cover seems to blend in with a lot of other YA covers at first glance, the hood and broach that the cover model is wearing really intrigued me. I was also drawn in by the emotion on the cover model's face. I wanted to know what she was thinking. The font choice is simple but works well with the rest of the cover.
Overall: 4 Stars
Disclosure: I received an ARC of this novel for review from the author.
I wasn't sure if I should pick this one, only because I was a little disappointed with Prophecy of the Sisters' later book. But I think I might pick it up for the characters and the world-building!
ReplyDeleteGreat review!