Author(s): Scott Spear
Edition: ARC, 384 pages
Publisher: Razorbill
Publication Date: April 24, 2013
Source: Received from publisher
Buy: Inkwood Books, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Book Depository
The events of the book pick up 10 months after the first ends, with Maddy getting ready to go off to college. But after a horrific event that rocks the angels' world, putting a bigger crack in the already crumbling human/angel relations, Maddy decides she needs to do something. Accepting the offer of training, Maddy works to become a Guardian. Meanwhile, Jackson is still rehabbing from his horrible encounter with the demon who severed his wing, trying to gain his ability to fly once again. But as Maddy's star shines brighter, Jackson's dims throwing them both on differing paths.
The plot is once again the shining point with tons of action tempered by times of quiet intensity. This time it isn't just angel on angel violence, but humans mixed in as well. New developments in the politics of the U.S. spell trouble for the Guardian program and angels in general. With this change, the angels have their guard up, and refuse to help when the humans need it most. This contradiction makes the world so interesting. What we believe about angels based on mythology is completely skewed in this world. Speer makes these creatures greedy and selfish where angels are typically depicted as selfless and caring. Then there is the hypocrisy of the humans, which is really seen at the end, so I can't explain further, but the dichotomy is fantastic.
The more I learn about this world, the more I want of it. Speer does such an excellent job of using real world things and changing them to fit this world. Angel City (L.A.) is so recognizable but very different, at once more gritty and more clean then the L.A. we all know. Each character is intriguing for different reasons, and I wouldn't get rid of any of them. I think each adds to the plot, either in this specific book or in the overarching series. Maddy is such a strong female, and comes into herself. I think she has to go through this testing phase to really learn her strengths and weaknesses. Jackson also proves himself in new ways. He learns the jealousy he can hold, as well as the focus he has when he needs to protect those he loves. The dynamic completely flips, and I really love it.
This is a really great continuation of the series. I'm so glad that it didn't fall into the sophomore slump that many second books do. I want to read so much more, and the war that's hanging on the precipice is teasing me for the next book! Natural Born Angel is a must-read (of course read Immortal City first), and you should check it out at your local bookstore!
Book Title: 5/5
Plot: 10/10
Characters: 9/10
Writing: 10/10
Ending: 9/10
Overall: 47/50: A
Edition: ARC, 384 pages
Publisher: Razorbill
Publication Date: April 24, 2013
Source: Received from publisher
Buy: Inkwood Books, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Book Depository
The Summary
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Life turned upside down for Maddy Montgomery when she found out she was half-Angel and was catapulted into the scene of flashbulbs, paparazzi, and the fervent adulation that comes with being in the celebrity Angel world. She's trying to juggle her ordinary life—high school, family, friends—with the intense demands of being in the public eye as heartthrob Angel Jackson Godspeed's girlfriend.
And now Maddy must face the most difficult choice of her life. She's been offered the chance to become a Guardian. This means entering into dangerous and high stakes training, with no guarantee that she can succeed. But more than that, it would mean leaving her mortal life behind—forever—and allying with the Angels at a time when their relationship with humans is heading for war. . . .
My Opinion
Contains Spoilers to Immortal City
Contains Spoilers to Immortal City
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The sophomore follow up to his book Immortal City, Scott Speer's Natural Born Angel continues to deliver the action-packed, high intensity storytelling seen in his debut. The stakes are higher for both Maddy and Jackson with the fate of human and angel kind resting on their shoulders.The events of the book pick up 10 months after the first ends, with Maddy getting ready to go off to college. But after a horrific event that rocks the angels' world, putting a bigger crack in the already crumbling human/angel relations, Maddy decides she needs to do something. Accepting the offer of training, Maddy works to become a Guardian. Meanwhile, Jackson is still rehabbing from his horrible encounter with the demon who severed his wing, trying to gain his ability to fly once again. But as Maddy's star shines brighter, Jackson's dims throwing them both on differing paths.
The plot is once again the shining point with tons of action tempered by times of quiet intensity. This time it isn't just angel on angel violence, but humans mixed in as well. New developments in the politics of the U.S. spell trouble for the Guardian program and angels in general. With this change, the angels have their guard up, and refuse to help when the humans need it most. This contradiction makes the world so interesting. What we believe about angels based on mythology is completely skewed in this world. Speer makes these creatures greedy and selfish where angels are typically depicted as selfless and caring. Then there is the hypocrisy of the humans, which is really seen at the end, so I can't explain further, but the dichotomy is fantastic.
The more I learn about this world, the more I want of it. Speer does such an excellent job of using real world things and changing them to fit this world. Angel City (L.A.) is so recognizable but very different, at once more gritty and more clean then the L.A. we all know. Each character is intriguing for different reasons, and I wouldn't get rid of any of them. I think each adds to the plot, either in this specific book or in the overarching series. Maddy is such a strong female, and comes into herself. I think she has to go through this testing phase to really learn her strengths and weaknesses. Jackson also proves himself in new ways. He learns the jealousy he can hold, as well as the focus he has when he needs to protect those he loves. The dynamic completely flips, and I really love it.
This is a really great continuation of the series. I'm so glad that it didn't fall into the sophomore slump that many second books do. I want to read so much more, and the war that's hanging on the precipice is teasing me for the next book! Natural Born Angel is a must-read (of course read Immortal City first), and you should check it out at your local bookstore!
Extras
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Check out my Visual Inspiration for more hints about the story this time around!
Final Rating
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Book Cover: 4/5Book Title: 5/5
Plot: 10/10
Characters: 9/10
Writing: 10/10
Ending: 9/10
Overall: 47/50: A
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