Book Review: Breath of Angel by Karyn Henley

This is book one of the Angelaeon Circle series by Karyn Henley.  I recently did a review of book two, Eye of the Sword.  I gave it a good review and I really did enjoy reading it.  I wanted to read the first book but was a bit worried that in knowing how the story turns out that I wouldn't like it as well.  In hindsight, I needn't have worried.  I really liked this book. 

I didn't find myself knowing what was going to happen next.  I was surprised by this.  I especially enjoyed seeing how the two love interests came together. 

Here is a synopsis of the story from the back of the book:

The stranger’s cloak had fallen back, and with it, a long, white, blood-stained wing.




When Melaia, a young priestess, witnesses the gruesome murder of a stranger in the temple courtyard, age-old legends recited in song suddenly come to life. She discovers wings on the stranger, and the murderer takes the shape of both a hawk and a man.




Angels. Shape-shifters. Myths and stories—until now.



Melaia finds herself in the middle of a blood feud between two immortal brothers who destroyed the stairway to heaven, stranding angels in the earthly realm. When Melaia becomes a target, she finds refuge with a band of angels attempting to restore the stairway. But the restoration is impossible without settling an ancient debt—the “breath of angel, blood of man,” a payment that involves Melaia’s heart, soul, and destiny.



I highly recommend this book for those of you who like fantasy novels.  It has great action and a good love story.  The use of angels puts a unique twist on a typical story.

 
I was given this book by WaterBrook/Multnomah for review purposes.  I was not required to give a favorable review and all opinons are my own.

Book Review: Swipe by Evan Angler

I think in my last book review I complained about there being no original young adult books out there.  Well, let me say that I was wrong!  Swipe by Evan Angler (release date May 2012) is something fresh.  It was exciting and kept me guessing until the end.  It also left you with a great cliffhanger making you chomp at the bit to have the second book.  I haven't had that happen since The Hunger Games.

The story is set in a future America, after a civil war, environmental chaos, & world wars.  The U.S. is now known as the A.U., American Union.  Every person, 13 & up, can receive the Mark.  The Mark is required to do anything legal in the A.U.  such as have a job, buy anything, drive, even get health care.  Needless to say, only the criminals or outcasts don't get the Mark as soon as they can.

The hero of our story is Logan Langly.  He is a eighth grade boy just about to turn thirteen.  He is paranoid about getting the Mark because his sister didn't make it through the procedure.  She left the house on her thirteenth birthday and didn't ever come home again.  The family was told that she "didn't make it."  When Logan and his friends start to see strange things going on in his town, he is even more confused. 

This is a great book full of adventure and intrigue.  It takes a look at the power of governments and group mentality.  Is it right to do something just because everyone says you should?  Are the "bad guys" really bad?  Have you ever looked at them and decided for yourself? 

I highly recommend this book.  If you liked Matched or Hunger Games, this is another good choice for you or your kids.

I received this book from Thomas Nelson Publisher via NetGalley.com at no charge.  I was not required to give a review and all opinions are my own.