Review: A Temptation of Angels by Michelle Zink

Title: A Temptation of Angels

Series: I hope so!!!!!

Author: Michelle Zink

Publisher: Dial Books for Young Readers

Publication Date: 20 March 2012

Source: NetGalley

Rating: 4/5

Synopsis from Goodreads

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.

REVIEW

There can be no doubt that I adore Michelle Zink's writing style, the words have a lovely lyrical feel to them almost taking on a life of their own to flow off the page. The reason for not giving 5/5 is: 

1) My copy from Netgalley cut out the f's in the sentences making reading a little hard going at times 

2) This really needs to be picked up in the UK

 3) I want a sequel [ : D ] 

An engrossing tale of romance and friendship with steampunkesque elements woven seamlessly together. The historical setting aided the world building and re-enforced the imagery.

As a general rule I loath love triangles, saying that this one simply worked. Torn between the super hot Griffin and the brooding Raum, Helen has to reconcile current events with the images of her childhood friend and unresolved emotions from this time. Although my heart belonged to Griffin I could understand the draw to Raum. Truly if events had been different and had not affected Raum so adversely then the relationship between Helen and Raum is easy to picture and understand.

The chemistry between Helen and Griffin was like an entity all by itself. The way in which Griffin softens as a character due to his relationship with Helen was beautifully depicted. Having built up barriers to protect himself emotionally following his parents murder, Griffin is unprepared when each one comes crashing down with Helen. It was truly heart warming to witness. Griffin's vulnerable side is depicted superbly with his care of a kitten. 

The plot twists were thrilling - the battle of good versus evil - angels protecting the Earth including the records of past, present and future provided stunning imagery. 

One thing I love about Michelle Zink's books is her ability to provide strong female characters, brilliant role models; intelligent, decisive, huge amounts of inner strength and not afraid to go against convention yet still compassionate, loving with a touch of vulnerability. They aren't your average damsels in distress, capable of looking after themselves and their loved ones. They are equals in their relationships.

Although the ending did tie up all of the details beautifully there is a lot of scope in which to progress the story. I can honestly imagine this as a TV series. I am really hoping that there will be more books featuring Griffin and Helen.

Spotlight: Books I would Like to See Published in the UK

Title:A Temptation of Angels

Author: Michelle Zink

Publisher: Dial Books

Publication Date: 20 March 2012

Synopsis from Goodreads

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.

I loved The Prophecy of The Sisters, and this one has ANGELS. I WANT.
Check out the gorgeous trailer <3

Title: The Savage Grace

Series: The Dark Divine #3

Author: Bree Despain

Publisher: Egmont USA

Publication Date: 13 March 2012

Synopsis from Goodreads

A troubled soul. An impossible choice. A final battle. 

Wrestling with the werewolf curse pulsing deep inside of her, Grace Divine was finally able to find her brother, but it nearly cost her everything.

With her boyfriend, Daniel, stuck in wolf form and Sirhan's death approaching, time is running out for Grace to stop Caleb Kalbi and his gang of demons. If she fails, her family and hometown will perish. Everything rests on Grace's shoulders.

The final installment in The Dark Divine trilogy brings Daniel and Grace's love story to a breathtaking conclusion

I love this series and cannot wait to see how it all ends.

Review: Circle of Fire by Michelle Zink

Title: Circle of Fire
Series: The Prophecy of the Sisters
Author: Michelle Zink
Publisher: Atom
Publication Date: 3 Aug 2011

Synopsis from Goodreads

With time dwindling but her will to end the Prophecy stronger than ever, Lia sets out on a journey to find the remaining keys, locate the missing pages of the Prophecy, and convince her sister Alice to help--or risk her life trying. Lia has her beloved Dimitri by her side, but Alice has James, the man who once loved her sister--and maybe still does. James doesn't know the truth about either sister, or the prophecy that divides them. And Alice intends to keep it that way.

There are some secrets sisters aren't meant to share. Because when they do, it destroys them. This stunning conclusion to Michelle Zink's Prophecy of the Sisters trilogy will make saying good-bye bittersweet for readers.

REVIEW

Believe me the synopsis does not lie when it says it is a bitter-sweet ending, but it really is a wonderfully rounded conclusion to the series, when I think deeply about it - which yes I have - there just could not have been any other possible ending. Apologies in advance but this is book 3 in the series and therefore this review may contain spoilers for the previous books The Prophecy of the Sisters (review here) and Guardian of the Gate (review here).

Lia is back in London with Dimitri *swoon* by her side to locate the rest of the prophecy and prevent Armageddon. No pressure at all on Lia, lol, she only has to prevent the world being overrun by demons by closing the gate between earth and the other plane.  No easy task when you have to battle your own twin sister to do it, I adore Lia and the way in which she pushes the rules of society that bind her at that time. Things we take for granted, like being able to wear trousers for example were considered scandalous, this made me giggle into the book. How silly some the conventions society placed on women through history really were in retrospect.

Outwardly it appeared as if Lia and Alice had changed personalities at the beginning of this book. Bringing to vivid life that not everything/everyone can be utterly good or bad there are shades of grey with all of us having the ability to be bad, it is how we choose to act that makes all the difference. The portrayal of free-will as the ultimate power is profound and brings to mind the whole debate of destiny versus autonomy. The whole philosophical arguement of how we live our lives rather than being dictated to. Whether this is under the demands of the prophecy or it could also be applied to the demands of society/parents/friends.

The way in which power itself can be viewed as a force and how it can ultimately consume brought wonderful imagery to mind.

I have to admit I think that Book 2 in the series Guardian of the Gate is my absolute favourite, why you ask, because of the ideal of Altus, that is my utopia *sigh*. Thank goodness there are references to it within the story and the way in which their society is different from conventional society, far more peaceful and open *sighs again*

The story just flows beautiful and I adore Michelle Zink's writing style, the way in which the relationships are portrayed adds to the realism of the plot. Obviously not all relationships run smoothly all the time, there are arguments  differences of opinion and betrayals. These really added a powerful dimension to the story. The use of sibling rivalry was shown in a heartfelt manner that I am sure anyone with a brother or sister will easily identify with. How we sometimes feel that the other sibling is the favourite to the detriment of ourselves. This is the only time I have felt sympathy toward Alice was during this book. I absolutely love, love, love the relationship between Lia and Dimitiri, not only do the sparks fly off the page it goes far deeper than that, a much deeper connection.

Anyone that has had children will completely relate to the way in which Lia feels without sleep. How it muddles your mind, decreases your will to do anything. Sleep can be a miracle cure. the way in which small pleasures bring such great comfort really stood out and made me appreciate the little things a lot more.

I am not going to go into details of the plot because it really will spoil the whole series. I will say that the ending was beautiful and so well developed, I loved it.

Although classed as a historical novel it has a timeless quality to the story. The battle of good versus evil woven through time and history. A wonderful end to the series. 

Trailer Tuesday: Circle of Fire by Michelle Zink

Title: Circle of Fire
Series: Prophecy of the Sisters #3
Author: Michelle Zink
Publisher: ATOM
Publication Date: 4 Aug 2011


Synopsis: From Goodreads
With time dwindling but her will to end the Prophecy stronger than ever, Lia sets out on a journey to find the remaining keys, locate the missing pages of the Prophecy, and convince her sister Alice to help--or risk her life trying. Lia has her beloved Dimitri by her side, but Alice has James, the man who once loved her sister--and maybe still does. James doesn't know the truth about either sister, or the prophecy that divides them. And Alice intends to keep it that way.

There are some secrets sisters aren't meant to share. Because when they do, it destroys them. This stunning conclusion to Michelle Zink's Prophecy of the Sisters trilogy will make saying good-bye bittersweet for readers.

I am serious when I say I NEED this book. I loved the first 2 books and desperately want to know how the story concludes. The world Michelle Zink has created within The Prophecy of the Sisters has been like another dimension created for me to escape to in my imagination. So you see I really do NEED this book.

Stunning isn't it. You want it know too don't you, I can tell [ ; D ]

Review: Guardian of the Gate by Michelle Zink

Title: Guardian of the Gate
Series: Prophecy of the Sisters
Author: Michelle Zink
Publisher: Atom (UK) Thank you for the review copy
Published: 5 Aug 2010

Synopsis: From Amazon
Sixteen-year-old Lia Milthorpe must journey to the uncharted isle of Altus to continue her search for the missing pages of the Book of Chaos - the pages that could tell her how to end the prophecy that has turned generations of sisters against each other. But the journey will test more than just her courage, it will also test her loyalty to her beloved boyfriend, James. Meanwhile, twin sister Alice will stop at nothing to reclaim Lia's role as the Gate. And that's not the only thing she wants from her sister: there's also Lia's true love. The outcome of their battle could have consequences of Biblical proportions and, in the end, only one sister will be left standing.

Review:
I cant tell you how much I looked forward to this sequel to Prophecy of the Sisters, the mix of realism, Gothic convention and historical setting, so richly depicted in Michelle Zink's writing provided an imaginary world in which I could totally immerse my imagination. The descriptions so sensory I could almost feel as if I was right there in the story with them.

Let me start by saying that I love how the title is a play on words of the plot, completely ingenious. I can only describe this book in terms of a roller-coaster ride; the start builds slowly as you are chugging along to the top of the ride, but as soon as you hit that peak you are sent flying along with fast paced action and drama. The gentle start lulls you into a false sense of security, before the plot takes off with adrenaline fuelled action. Dramatic and intense Gothic imagery combined with fast paced action create a compelling storyline. The gathering forces of darkness held at bay by a small band of light/hope.

The history of the prophecy and the genealogy revealed expand the plot drawing the reader further into the plot.

Lia is a wonderful protagonist; fiercely loyal, insecure in her power to begin with but as time passes her belief in herself grows. Her sense of duty over-shadows her own desire for peace and security. She gradually gains both power and inner strength as the plot progresses.

The introduction of a new love interest for Lia gives an extra dimension to the plot with the parallels to Lia's parent's relationship. Dimitiri has a high sizzle factor mixed with a truly lovable nature. You have a sense that Lia and Dimitiri are connected on a profound level. I am adding them to my favourite literary couples along with Bella and Edward plus Vance and Portia.

Alice continues to be absolutely terrifying in her calm assurance that she should rule with Samael (the devil). Her power and lack of respect for the rules instills a shudder of terror whenever she is mentioned in the narrative. Her manipulation of people and events is chilling in its premeditation and complete callousness.

Altus would be my kind of utopia; mix in a few supernatural powers and I would move there in a heartbeat. However, the treatment Lia receives on Altus show how people base their judgements on preconceived notions rather than letting peoples actions speak for themselves. Most people don't bother to get to know people for themselves, instead they trust in rumours and gossip like it is the right thing to do. This makes me both angry and sad. It was lovely to see how Lia was able to alter peoples preconceived ideas about her.

Back to the roller-coaster analogue: there are some amazing twists and turns that take the reader by surprise.

I cant wait to see where this story goes from here.

Review: Prophecy of the Sisters by Michelle Zink

Synopsis:
This is the story of sixteen-year-old Lia Milthorpe's quest to discover her role and her twin sister's in a powerful prophecy that has affected twin sisters for generations. But nothing can prepare her for what she discovers - about herself, about her family, and about the danger that goes from haunting her dreams to becoming her reality.







Review:
I promised myself I wouldn't start reading another series but here I am entwined in the mystery of the Prophecy of the Sisters.

Written in 1st person narrative from the point of view of the oldest twin Lia (Amelia). The story starts slowly but it is worth plowing through the first couple of chapters to get an understanding of the characters personalities and interactions.

After the first couple of chapters the plot picks up pace as the tensions and suspense builds. The apprehension was thrilling, it had me compulsively turning the pages to see what would happen next. It brought to mind Milton's Paradise Lost with the epic battle of Good and Evil.

Set in a bygone era where the means of transport was a horse and carriage and illumination was via candle light, really added to the feel of the book and the imagery. There is a wonderfully sensory description of 'The Book of Chaos' which really brought the story to technicolor life within my imagination. The book itself is visually ornate with calligraphy at the chapter headings and at the bottom of each page, where the calligraphy turns into a snake, one  the left one is hissing and on the right it is calm (we all know how much I dislike snakes so I had to put my bookmark over the images so as not to be distracted from the story).

The story also brought to mind the movie Constantine with Keanu Reeves where the Devils Son is trying to make his way back to earth again via the conduit of twins. In addition, the use of twins brings to mind scales where there has to be a balance, yin and yang, good and evil.

A great first book (a debut at that) in the series for anyone that loves an epic battle of good versus evil.