Review: A Temptation of Angels by Michelle Zink

Summary/Cover Image from Publisher's Website:

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:

Ever since I read Prophecy of Sisters by Michelle Zink, I've been curious to read more by her, so when I spotted A Temptation of Angels on Netgalley, I instantly requested it. Thankfully, it turned out to be a wondrous read, as not only did it provide a unforgettable setting and a mystifying plot but also characters I couldn't help but love. Truly, this book proved to be fabulous in every way possible.

From the first page, I was hooked, because it started with the perfect amount action and mystery, as it opens just as Helen is led to a secret passage way in the middle of the night and told by her parents to find the house of Griffin and Darius as well as to not look back. From the point on, I flipped the pages as fast as I could, dying to to know what would occur next, as Griffin, Darius, and Helen faced dauntless task after task. One of the best parts of the plot, though, was the fact that it all had to do with angels. I'm normally not one for angel books unless its a book by Cynthia Hand. However, I just adored the way Michelle presented the idea. It was extremely intricate! I loved the idea of a keeper as well as the mystery and threat surrounding the deaths of nearly every other angle around. Plus I especially adored the thrill and suspense that came with the hunt near the end. It was scary to say the least! 

Another part of the book I adored was the wide variety of characters. Even though Helen was a bit clueless and quick to act, I adored her from the start, because not only did I enjoy seeing the story through her eyes, but I also loved how strong she came throughout the book. By the end, she certainly wasn't someone to mess with. I also enjoyed the introduction of Griffin and  Darius, the brother due. Both were unique and fun to learn more about, and the fact that Griffin was the love interest made it all the better, in my opinion. I also enjoyed the addition of Raum, a mystery and dangerous boy. 

The writing in this was also really good. It kept me hooked from start to finish, and I loved the way Michelle brought the setting and characters to life.

In all, A Temptation of Angels is my favorite book of Zink's so far, and I can't wait to see what she has up her next. I can only hope it will be a sequel to this. :)

Grade: A+

A Temptation of Angels (Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Goodreads) is now out!

Source: Publisher via Netgalley 

Prophecy of the Sisters by Michelle Zink

Summary/Cover Image from Publisher's Website:

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, they find themselves entangled in a mystery that involves a tattoo-like mark, their parents' deaths, a boy, a book, and a lifetime of secrets.

Review:

I've been reading this one off and on for at least two years now, but recently I decided to give it my all, and I ended up not only pleasantly surprised but in full out love with a new series. Because after the first few slow chapters, Prophecy of the Sisters proves to be one book you just can not put down, not even for a second.

Prophecy of the Sisters tells the story of Lia and Alice Milthrope, two sisters who couldn't be any more different. Lia is timid and thoughtful, while Alice is the leader, rash and determined, but after the sudden death of their beloved father, both girls fall to a prophecy like none they've heard of before. Suddenly, the two sisters- former best friends and confidants- are on opposite sides of the prophecy, fighting for what each believes is best. For Lia, this means putting the prophecy to death but at the same time not letting it become the death of her. On the other hand, Alice wants something totally different; she wants to let the bad people win, and as it starting to seem, she won't let anyone get in her way- her sister, her aunt, even her poor little brother... Will Lia be able to stop her in time? Who will come out on top? Alice or Lia? Will Lia have to give up the boy she loves in order to fight the prophecy? Only time will tell in this richly developed and written novel of two sisters and the cruel prophecy that lies in their paths.

First off, I have to give it to Michelle Zink, she certainly knows how to write quite the book. First of all, I loved the historical setting. Michelle did a fantastic job of getting the feel of late 1800s early 1900s New York down pat; even to a point that I felt like I was right there with Lia and Alice and their friends, family, and foes. Furthermore, the premise of this is amazing! The prophecy that starts to get unraveled throughout is intriguing and fascinating. I loved the idea of a gate and a guardian and what that meant for the sisters as well as the friendships Lia began to make with two certain girls because of her role in the prophecy. It certainly leads to this book being unforgettable.

I became quite fond of Lia over the course of Prophecy of the Sisters. Lia is a girl with a strong backbone even though she is a bit shy and well mannered, and even better, I loved how she's a girl who had strong friendships throughout the book, because it truly played a big role in her characterization. Alice, on the other hand, it the evil, malignant person or villain so to say, and while I wasn't rooting for in any way what so ever, I still found her to be entertaining and an important addition to the book.

Lastly, Michelle Zink's writing was lush and ornate and quite honestly I loved every minute of it. Better yet, I seriously adored that she put a bigger focus on friendship and family and strong female main characters in this instead of romance because it was refreshing and different from the typical YA read.

In all, Prophecy of Sisters is a book I highly suggest fans of YA and historical fiction pick up. Entertaining and epic, it's a book that proves to be un-put-a-down-able time and time again. Though, word of warning, after you're done with it you'll be eager to read the sequel, like I now am.

Grade: B+

Prophecy of the Sisters is now out!

Source: Publicist at Little, Brown