Review: A Temptation of Angels by Michelle Zink

A Temptation of Angels by Michelle Zink

Published: March 20th 2012
Publisher: Dial
Page Count: Hardcover, 435
Source: ARC
Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal, Romance
Find the Author: Website, Good Reads, Twitter, Blog
Buy This Book: Amazon, Book Depository
Add It To Your Good Reads Shelf

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. - Good Reads

I hate to do this review, because it isn't going to be glowing. And I hate that, because I love Michelle Zink. She is very sweet, has an amazing blog and I loved her Prophecy of the Sisters trilogy, which is what made me so eager to read A Temptation of Angels. 


A Temptation of Angels began with a really amazing opening scene that had me unable to put it down. Like, I was up at 3 am trying to nurse my newborn son back to sleep and I was beyond exhausted and I actually lingered and read after he'd gone back down. It was that intriguing. I really found the world building to be interesting. What was the problem for me then? Instaluuuuv. I can do instaluv, but it has to be believable and it just wasn't believable for me. I also felt that Helen was a little bit of a pushover on one hand and then on the other, she could be ridiculously defiant and do whatever she pleased, even if it wasn't a very clever mood. I just couldn't identify with her or sympathize with her. I felt that her character wasn't as fleshed out as I would have liked. There were also a few phrases or words that I felt were a little over-used as well. 


I'm not sure how to rate this book. I can't tell if it's really just a stand alone book or if there is potential for a series. If there is potential for a series, I'd be much more forgiving. The reason being is that I felt the character growth didn't satisfy me completely and neither did the blossoming of the romances - I think they should be stretched out a little more and given more room to grow. Plus the ending didn't feel final at all! 

                                              4 out of 5 Hello Kitties!

Review: A Great And Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray

A Great And Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray

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Release Date: December 9th 2003

Publisher: Simon and Schuster

Page Count: Hardcover, 403 pages

Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal, Historical

A Victorian boarding school story, a Gothic mansion mystery, a gossipy romp about a clique of girlfriends, and a dark other-worldly fantasy--jumble them all together and you have this complicated and unusual first novel.  Sixteen-year-old Gemma has had an unconventional upbringing in India, until the day she foresees her mother's death in a black, swirling vision that turns out to be true. Sent back to England, she is enrolled at Spence, a girls' academy with a mysterious burned-out East Wing. There Gemma is snubbed by powerful Felicity, beautiful Pippa, and even her own dumpy roommate Ann, until she blackmails herself and Ann into the treacherous clique. Gemma is distressed to find that she has been followed from India by Kartik, a beautiful young man who warns her to fight off the visions. Nevertheless, they continue, and one night she is led by a child-spirit to find a diary that reveals the secrets of a mystical Order. The clique soon finds a way to accompany Gemma to the other-world realms of her visions "for a bit of fun" and to taste the power they will never have as Victorian wives, but they discover that the delights of the realms are overwhelmed by a menace they cannot control. Gemma is left with the knowledge that her role as the link between worlds leaves her with a mission to seek out the "others" and rebuild the Order. A Great and Terrible Beauty is an impressive first book in what should prove to be a fascinating trilogy. - Good Reads 

This was an interesting read. Libba Bray has a magical way of weaving words. I felt tuned in with the era it was written and really enjoyed her writing. It was spot on.

Gemma, the heroine of the story was a complete brat in the beginning and I did see some growth by the end of the book, but the friendship and trust between Gemma and her friends didn't feel legitimate to me. They were interesting girls, but I found myself feeling Gemma was a little dumb for being friends with such mean spirited girls. Felicity in particular showed her true colours numerous times throughout the book, yet Gemma seemed not to mind.

I think what I loved the most in this book was the moments between Gemma and Kartik. They were definitely swoon worthy! I think that storyline and the general underlying creepiness of the story were the only things that swayed my emotions. In parts where I would normally cry or get upset I didn't really feel anything. I read long into the night and every little creak in our place had me feeling jumpy, so the creep factor was definitely there.

Overall, it was an interesting read. It wasn't amazing, but it was good. I mostly want to keep reading just to see what happens between Gemma and Kartik...

Guardian of the Gate (Prophecy of the Sisters, #2) by Michelle Zink

Guardian of the Gate (Prophecy of the Sisters, #2) by Michelle Zink

Published: August 1'st 2010
Publisher: Little Brown Books for Young Readers
Page Count: Hardcover, 240
Genre: Young Adult, Historical, Paranormal
Find the Author: Website, Good Reads, Twitter, Blog
Buy This Book: Amazon, Book Depository
Add It To Your Good Reads Shelf

The ultimate battle between sisters is nearing, and its outcome could have catastrophic consequences. As sixteen year-old Lia Milthorpe searches for a way to end the prophecy, her twin sister Alice hones the skills she'll need to defeat Lia. Alice will stop at nothing to reclaim her sister's role in the prophecy, and that's not the only thing she wants: There's also Lia's boyfriend James.
Lia and Alice always knew the Prophecy would turn those closest to them against them. But they didn't know what betrayal could lead them to do. In the end, only one sister will be left standing. - Good Reads

I really loved the first book in this series and of course had to continue as soon as possible and find out what happened to Lia and Alice. And Guardian of the Gate did not disappoint! The beginning started out a little slow, but soon I was completely sucked in.

I don't like to give any spoilers away in my reviews, just because that's no fun, but I will say that this book was full of surprise and adventure. There were quite a few new surprises thrown in that I did not expect at all and I can't wait to see how they play out in the final book Circle of Fire, which just came out luckily enough!

This book had much more romance than the Prophecy of the Sisters. I like romance and look for it in the novels I read usually, so of course I welcomed it with open arms. The romance had a few minor faults, but I found I was personally able to look past them and enjoy the obvious love and support Lia needs. I think that having a shoulder to rest your head on that you trust is vital to get you through tough times and this romance definitely accomplished that.

This installment in the trilogy is really about Lia becoming more comfortable with herself in the prophecy and we see her grow much stronger throughout this book, especially her spirit. I think a lot of her strength comes from the people surrounding her, both the good and bad. 

Overall, I'm so glad I pushed through the slow beginning, because this book was amazing and I CANNOT WAIT to read Circle of Fire!

5 out of 5 Hello Kitties

Prophecy of the Sisters (Prophecy of the Sisters #1) by Michelle Zink

Prophecy of the Sisters (Prophecy of the Sisters #1) by Michelle Zink

Published: August 1'st 2009
Publisher: Little Brown Books for Young Readers
Page Count: Hardcover, 352
Genre: Young Adult, Historical, Paranormal
Find the Author: Website, Good Reads, Twitter, Blog
Buy This Book:  Amazon, Book Depository
Add It To Your Good Reads Shelf

An ancient prophecy divides two sisters-One good...One evil...Who will prevail? Twin sisters Lia and Alice Milthorpe have just become orphans. They have also become enemies. As they discover their roles in a prophecy that has turned generations of sisters against each other, the girls find themselves entangled in a mystery that involves a tattoo-like mark, their parents' deaths, a boy, a book, and a lifetime of secrets. Lia and Alice don't know whom they can trust. They just know they can't trust each other. - Good Reads

I picked this one up at the library this morning and I'm just speechless! It's much, much different than what I've read lately and a lot different than I expected. Michelle Zink is amazing. I could not put this book down for more than a minute today and I sped through and finished it earlier this evening. 

Lia is such an intriguing character! She's calm, collected and she's smart. I love those qualities in a heroine.  An her sister Alice was very, very well written. You could feel the evilness in her without it having to be said. It oozed through the pages. 

It was a breath of fresh air that there was no stud in the shadows with smoldering eyes for Lia to obsess over. She's in a relationship when the book starts and it's a little prevalent in the beginning, but cools down throughout the book. So, there is no great love story taking place, only a few sweet moments, but the bulk of the story focuses on Lia and the friendships she makes in her quest to find out more about herself and her sister. 

Overall, a really exciting start to a series! I can't wait to see what happens and read more of Michelle's beautiful writing. 



Definitely recommended to those who love a good historical paranormal with a mystery that keeps you on your toes! 


                                                    5 out 5 Hello Kitties!