Review: Dark Angel by Eden Maguire

Title: Dark Angel
Series: Dark Angel #1
Author: Eden Maguire
Publisher: Hodder Children's Books
Publication Date: 4 Aug 2011


Synopsis: From Goodreads


Tania's heart belongs to Orlando. Nothing can rip them apart. Until the seduction begins in a flurry of glamour and magic, music and parties all orchestrated by the mysterious and mesmerising Zoran, an iconic rock star who has retired to a remote ranch in the nearby mountains. And there Tania meets the dark side. Can she resist temptation?

Review:

I have been anxiously awaiting the publication of this book since it came onto my radar some months ago. I adored Eden Maguire's Beautiful Dead series and when I found out that this book had a Rock Star as a central character, you should have heard me squee. 

Written in first person narrative from Tania's perspective. From the very beginning you can tell that there is a lot going on under the surface with Tania, although she seems very laid-back and a bit of a daydreamer, there is far more to her than that. She has a wonderful family unit even though her parents at absent for a large part of the time due to their jobs. She has grown up independent and level headed, she knows exactly who she is OR does she? She is a wonderfully supportive and loyal friend, and has a fantastic mutually caring two-way relationship with her boyfriend Orlando. At first I was unsure if he really cared for her deeply or if she was some sort of trophy girlfriend; but as the plot unfolded the depth of their relationship really shines through the narrative.

I really loved how an English language 101 lesson was incorporated into the narrative comparing and contrasting with Tania's Fathers use of language and his Eastern European heritage ( my quest for education via osmosis achieved [ : D ] ). The use of different religions and philosophies within the story was a stroke of genius, adding depth to the plot. I am a sucker for the giant battle of good versus evil and the way in which this one was portrayed was ingenious. Although the use of snake imagery really does make me *shudder*.

The writing style is sensory encompassing and so beautifully descriptive, making it very easy to conjure up Tania's world within the imagination. The comparisons of the fire descriptions and their use within the story brought to mind images of Hell on Earth. The use of the Pheonix rising from the ashes brought thoughts of re-incarnation, both a good thing and a bad thing when looked at via this storyline. The action and pacing of the plot were very smoothly controlled. Background details, interesting realistic elements and random fascinating facts were all woven together to give a dynamic storyline. Amazing use of analogues to fairytales within the book expand the plot further, a piece of writing brilliance.

As I have already stated one of the main characters in this book is a Rock Star so I can’t do this review without mentioning the awesome use of music references and original song lyrics within the book, not only did they re-enforce the plot but they developed it further. I am sure we can all relate to the mesmerising effect that some music has. Alongside the wild abandon of a live concert, incredibly portrayed in the narrative.

This book really is a brilliant start to a new series for Eden Maguire. I cannot wait for the second book to see just what happens next. Although there wasn’t a cliff-hanger of an ending exactly I just feel as if I have to know what happens to Tania next, where the characters themselves are heading.

So if like me you love an epic battle of good versus evil this book is the one for you.