Review: Avenger’s Angel by Heather Killough-Walden

At one time four archangels were created.  Their names were Michael, Gabriel, Uriel and Azrael.  Because these four archangels were the favored sons each archangel had an archess created for them. The archess was to be their mate, their one true love.  But before each archess could be claimed they were scattered down to Earth.  The men agreed to be sent to Earth in order to find their mates.  Avenger’s Angel, the first book in The Lost Angel series, tells the story of Uriel the former Archangel of Vengeance.

Avenger’s Angel sounded like it could be an interesting new addition to the PNR market.  Recently I have found that PNR is kind of oversaturated.  There hasn’t been anything new or fresh in a while.  I was hoping that The Lost Angel series would be that new spark.  I mean, come on, who doesn’t like to read about angels??

Unfortunately, the book wasn’t all that I hoped.  It wasn’t bad but it didn’t provide that much needed excitement I was looking for.  I don’t want to go into the plot too much because there are several spoilers that could be revealed.  The plot was actually pretty good though.  I liked what Killough-Walden was trying to write.  The characters were what actually fell flat for me.

Uriel, our hero, is kind of a jerk.  He is overbearing and demanding.  I didn’t get that awesome alpha vibe from him that I normally get from PNR heroes.  I just got pushy and belligerent.  We are made to understand that he waited 2000 years to find his mate but that really didn’t make me like his actions anymore.  It was almost like he didn’t really care to exist before her.  The dude has serious powers and abilities but he was just bored and stale.  I never like the plot where the characters almost fail to exist before that love of their life is presented to them.

Eleanor, our heroine, was a little better.  Initially she showed some spine and backbone but then pulled the typical TSTL moment by running away from the people that were trying to save her.  And, of course, she ran straight into the arms of the “bad guy”.  After that she was just kind of meh.  I wasn’t really rooting for or against her.

Samael, the one we are led to believe is the “bad guy”, was the most interesting character of anyone.  His main goal is to steal one of the archess’ for himself.  He doesn’t use totally nefarious means though.  He is kind of fun and humbling in his manipulations.  I got more emotions from him than I did Uriel.  Sam could have easily been our tortured hero.  I am not sure how the rest of the series is planned out but I really hope we get to see a positive resolution for Sam.

As a side note, Eleanor is in communication with someone name Angel in this book.  She IM’s back and forth with her.  I found out there is a prequel to this book called, “Always, Angel” that is about someone named Angel.  I have to think this is the person Eleanor is communicating with.  It makes sense anyway.

Overall, I think the plot and series arc has real potential.  Maybe in the next book the characters will be better fleshed out and have more chemistry?  I will be interested to read on and find out.  Final grade- C+

Favorite Quote:

She spun around to face him, her blue-black hair flying around her as her dark gaze met his.  He was smiling a very slight smile.  Like his brothers, he wore tight clothing over well-developed muscles, which she could see moving gracefully beneath his long-sleeved thermal tee.

How fucking distracting.

Rating: C+
Avenger’s Angel by Heather Killough-Walden
November 1st 2011 by Signet
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