My Book Rating System

My book rating system is based on 5 stars. The book must be rated at least 3 stars for a review.

3 Stars: Good story, good plot, good writing.

4 Stars: I was wowed, but something about the story fell short of perfection.

5 Stars: I was either drooling, on the edge of my seat, or falling in love.

If you would like me to review your book, please contact me at 00ibitz@charter.net.

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Book Review: Halo, by Alexandra Adornetto

Halo
Alexandra Adornetto

Initial Thoughts: Okay. I was really excited about reading this book, but it didn't connect with me.
My Rating: 3 Stars










Summary (from Goodreads):

Three angels – Gabriel, the warrior; Ivy, the healer; and Bethany, the youngest and most human – are sent by Heaven to bring good to a world falling under the influence of darkness. They work hard to conceal their luminous glow, superhuman powers, and, most dangerous of all, their wings, all the while avoiding all human attachments.

Then Bethany meets Xavier Woods, and neither of them is able to resist the attraction between them. Gabriel and Ivy do everything in their power to intervene, but the bond between Xavier and Bethany seems too strong.

The angel’s mission is urgent, and dark forces are threatening. Will love ruin Bethany or save her?

My thoughts:
First, let me say this is one of the most beautiful covers I have ever seen. This is the kind of cover that screams, "Read Me Now!" So I did.

I could have waited.

 Part of my issue, I think, was I was so revved to read this book. I'm totally down with the angels, there's just something so damn appealing about their sexy other-worldliness. And I do like the characters in this book...I just thought the plot was rather loose.

I can give you a few examples.
1. Their mission is  urgent...but what is it exactly? They don't seem to do anything. Bethany goes to school, Gabriel teaches at school, and Ivy does a lot of volunteering for the community. They set good examples. Yeah? So? People do those things on a daily basis. Not sure what's so urgent about that in the angel world.

2. Demons can sense angels, but angels can't sense demons? And then, when they meet a demon, they can't act on it without talking to the bosses first? Meanwhile the demon is doing his demon thing, and all hell breaks loose. Hello! Urgent mission here! Give these people the tools they need to work, man! (And might I add, Gabriel is a warrior...let the dude loose to kick some demon ass without saying "Mother may I" first. Jeesh.)

3. Again, we have an urgent mission, yet the bosses decide to send a very immature, young, near-human angel. That made no sense.

I'm sorry, but much of the  plot lines felt contrived in order to put Bethany and Xavier together, and allow the demon to pull his demon strings without being stopped before he could cause his damage. And I won't spoil it by telling you who the demon is (though it's obvious when you're reading the book...no question there)...and he was probably the better-drawn characters.

I would like to see a book about Gabriel (tall, strong, silent, who wouldn't want to read that?) Unchained. Gabriel Unchained. Yes. That's it. Now that would be fun reading!

So, characters: check
Cover: check, check.
Plot: Just eh for me.

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