Angels' Blood

I have been looking forward to beginning this series for quite some time, and when I finally picked it up, I hunkered in, turned off my phone, made a cuppa, and prepared myself to fall head over heels...
So, what happened?? I did not enjoy this novel at all, I found the characters to be two dimensional, and not at all even likable. I quickly tired of the female leads constant repeating of how she wanted to kill him, but how hot she was for him, which made her want to kill him more, which of course just made her hotter...yawn
Although I did finish it, I have to say, by about the mid-way point I was beginning to skim the pages, hoping something would take a turn and I would become engaged...it didn't, and I wasn't.
Sadly, I will not be continuing with this series, and although it has gotten consistently good reviews, I won't be recommending it.

(In the event the Chapters/Indigo website deletes my rating, I mention here that I gave this book 4 out of 5 stars/leaves.)

I really enjoyed this one. The world building was well done, the characters were generally enjoyable, and the plot moved along quite well. In general, taken for what it is (i.e. a relatively 'fluffy' read within the urban fantasy genre) this one is definitely among the top few of the pack.

I particularly enjoyed the fact that the angels were not angelic in the traditional sense (i.e. icons of good). In fact, they turned out to be quite scary/creepy, which was one original element within this universe. The actual world building in general was very well done and, while it did use themes which have been used before (e.g. vampires and vampire 'hunters'), these were worked into a highly original universe.

The main character was likeable. I liked the fact that, unlike some other romance and urban fantasy novels, she was able to be friends with other women. In other words, other women were not just 'competition' for all the male attention in the world, which is a common (and highly annoying) theme and flaw in various novels of this genre.

The romantic interest of the main character (i.e. the archangel Raphael) took me a lot longer to warm up to, I will admit. Also, the main character did act rather impulsively on several occasions, which was a teensy bit jarring.

The elements I mention did not, however, prevent this from being a very fun read overall, which I would situate in the top 10% of the urban fantasy genre. Definitely recommended.

Other novels I recommend:
-Dragon Bound, by Thea Harrison
-Stormwalker, by Allyson James
-Daughter of the Blood, by Anne Bishop
-Grimspace, by Ann Aguirre
-On Basilisk Station, by David Weber
-The Demon In Me, by Michelle Rowen
-The Shadow Reader, by Sandy Williams
-Cry Wolf, by Patricia Briggs (see also the prequel story in the short story collection titled, 'On the Prowl')

This book was quite entertaining, and I have to say, Raphael is now on my list of "fictional men I wish I could date". I loved the way the author described the angels. It was in such beautiful detail that I could easily visualize all these beautiful scenes with them. Also, any time there was an injury to a wing, it literally pained me. So... PROS: beautiful imagery with angels, entertaining plot, very sexy main characters, sexual tension to die for. CONS: No character development -if you are looking for a book with some substance, this one probably isn't it. OVERALL: Perfect for a fun and sexy read!

I already know that was a cheezy title but come on this book was great so it deserves the flamboyant title. So anyway this was the first book I ever read by this author and I thought it was great, I loved the story and the characters, Elena and Raphael were really great together and I'm happy I found this book. All I have to say is if your into the hole angel thing definitley check this book out, it was great it's in my tops. :0)