Title: Angel Eyes
Series: Angel Eyes trilogy, #1
Author: Shannon Dittemore
Published: Thomas Nelson, May 2012
Source: bought a copy
Links: [goodreads][amazon.com][The Book Depository]
Once you’ve seen, you can’t unsee. Everything changes when you’ve looked at the world through . . .
ANGEL EYES
Brielle’s a ballerina who went to the city to chase her dreams and found tragedy instead. She’s come home to shabby little Stratus, Oregon, to live with her grief and her guilt . . . and the incredible, numbing cold she can’t seem to shake.
Jake’s the new guy at school. The boy next door with burning hands and an unbelievable gift that targets him for corruption.
Something more than fate has brought them together. An evil bigger than both of them lurks in the shadows nearby, hiding in plain sight. Two angels stand guard, unsure what’s going to happen. And a beauty brighter than Jake or Brielle has ever seen is calling them to join the battle in a realm where all human choices start.
A realm that only angels and demons — and Brielle — can perceive.
Ever since I saw the synopsis last year, I’ve been wanting to get hold of Angel Eyes. I was very curious to find out what led Brielle back home from the city and how the theme of good and evil would play out in the story.
While I wished I could learn more about the life of Brielle as the ballerina, I enjoyed the way how the story unfolded. I felt drawn to stay by the side of Brielle as she grieved for the tragic loss that she endured. I liked that most people in the small town were friendly to one another. It’s a relief to know that Brielle was surrounded by caring, trustworthy people.
I enjoyed the way how angels made their presence in the story. The description of the celestial realm seemed interesting and I had a great time imagining angels taking flight traveling in between realms. Probably because I’d assumed there would be the contrast of good and evil, as well as the conflict of light and darkness in the book, I wasn’t shocked by the appearance of demons when they showed up. While the demons seemed ugly, I pitied them for their insatiable cravings for negative energies like pain and fear.
The pacing of the story was a little slow at times, but overall, I liked the flow of the story. I also liked that I saw a different side of Brielle towards the end of the book. It’s great to learn that she chose to discern what’s truly meaningful for her to value and believe and not to blindly accept anything that came her way.
The ending felt more like the beginning of something grand and sinister and I look forward to reading the next installment of the Angel Eyes trilogy when it’s available.
Great review. I have had this for a while, but have been putting it off for some reason. I might have to rethink that.
Jenea @ Books Live Forever
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Thanks, Jenea! Hope you’ll enjoy the book when you read it.
Lovely review, Henrietta! I’m glad you enjoyed this overall, despite it occasionally being slow. It failed to really engage me, but I did think it was decent too. I’m not sure if I’ll pick up the second book now, though. I might wait to see what you think of it.
Sam @ Realm of Fiction recently posted..Review: The Madman’s Daughter by Megan Shepherd
Thanks, Sam!
This was a very middle of the road read for me as well. I liked it but the pacing was all over the place and I couldn’t really get into it too much because of that. Oh and the climax battle at the end just went on forrrrever. Will you be continuing on with the series?
Jenni @ Alluring Reads recently posted..Scarlet Review
Yes, I’ll be reading the next installment.
I liked this one when I read it, but like you, I thought the ending wasn’t really an ending.
The sequel ‘broken wings’ is available on netgalley at the moment x
sarah elizabeth recently posted..Remembrance (Transcend Time Saga #1) by Michelle Madow
I know… and my request was approved.
This is another book I’ve never heard of before, but I think like you after reading the blurb I would be intrigued too. I’m glad you were still able to enjoy this book and that it still has you eager for the next instalment! Another great review Henrietta!
Jasprit recently posted..Review: Ultraviolet by R.J Anderson
Thank you, Jasprit!
Intrigued by the synopsis as well. Brielle sounds fun to read about, and this sounds like one I should wait until book 2 is already out to read.
Happy reading,
Brandi @ Blkosiner’s Book Blog
brandileigh2003 recently posted..Review: The Selection by Kiera Cass
Glad to see you enjoyed this overall in spite of some of your issues, Henrietta. Well enough to pick up the sequel. Hopefully the pace on the next one will be a bit more exciting. Wonderful review.
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