A Temptation of Angels by Michelle Zink

Release Date: Out now!

Publisher: Dial Books

Pages: 435pgs

The Story

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.

The Review

Ever since I read Michelle Zink's bestselling YA series, Prophecy of the Sisters, I was super keen to read more books written by her since her last series had recently ended last year and Ii wanted to see where else she could possibly takes us because Zink is such a fabulous writer in her own right as offers well-thought out storylines that could - and will - go in all sorts of directions. But along with that, she always writes about lovely romances, thought-provoking tales, and the best element that she writes above everything else . . . she can write mysteries where you will find yourself not knowing who to trust and forever questioning where your true loyalties lie, and thankfully for her new YA series, I really enjoyed this book as well.

A TEMPTATION OF ANGELS is a book that will please many readers of Cassandra Clare and despite that awesome factor, this book can also stand on its own and separate itself from the rest of the paranormal romances that are out there today, partly due to the setting of a Victorian London which will always, always be a favourite setting of mine. Now from the very first page I was hooked immediately by this storyline and it opens with the main character, Helen, whom was awoken by her mother and forced into a secret passageway in the middle of the night, with little knowing about what was really, really going on. But when her parents are murdered by merciless strangers and when they begin to look for her, Helen disappears in the streets and follows the directions her mother had given her on a piece of paper, which then leads her to the household owned by two brothers, Griffin and Darius, who are the key to open up her newfound destiny and whom can possibly help stop an enraging war from occuring and destroying the world that they hold dear.

While the storyline was a little bit like Gone with the Wind, but for me the strongest element of the book was its characters and it was quite possibly the main reason why I enjoyed this book as much as I did. Both wonderfully fleshed out and distinctive with each and every character presented in the book, it's no wonder why Zink has become a favourite author of mine because her characters are so innocent and so very interesting too! The highlight for me was the main character, Helen Cartwright, because she was a wonderful character. Zink portrayed her brave, scared and grieving side all too well, and while other readers may not have been a fan of her, but as the chapters flew by she'd eventually became a heroine I admired as she stayed true to herself and built up on her own strength that was there all along which I loved.

The same happened with the Channing brothers, Griffin and Darius, whom were such a delight to read about. Darius was the rude and sarcastic brother (gotta love him for his dark wit), whereas Griffin was the total sweetheart and the bright, shining star that also had a dark side to him (he was pretty cool too). I mean, talk about hot boys! There was another boy too, one you will soon come to meet during the book, whom I loved also. However with that said, I still firmly believe there was an unnecessary love triangle in this book. And personally . . . that was its only true downfall. But if this is the case - if there's in fact a love triangle coming up in this series - then I'll prepare myself for this love triangle and see how it plays out. I mean who knows, it might turn out to be perfect since I love all of the boys involved!

The bottom line is A TEMPTATION OF ANGELS maybe predictable at times, but it was still a great introduction to another YA series. With a heart-wrenching story about angels, demons, secrets, love and friendship, and most of all, a classic tale about good and evil, you will most definitely be guaranteed one of the most refreshing and captivating series I've read this year, and I know many of my readers will enjoy this one too! If you love books by Cassandra Clare or anything else with a new-ish twist to the angel and demon worlds (since it's not exactly all about angels), then this book is a must read for all and one you will need to add onto your list as soon as possible!

The Rating

4 1/2 / 5 stars