Book Review: A Temptation of Angels by Michelle Zink

SUMMARY: Even angels make mistakes in this page-turning epic romance...

When her parents are murdered before her eyes, sixteen-year-old Helen Cartwright finds herself launched into an underground London where a mysterious organization called the Dictata controls the balance of good and evil. Helen learns that she is one of three remaining angelic descendants charged with protecting the world's past, present, and future. Unbeknownst to her, she has been trained her whole life to accept this responsibility. Now, as she finds herself torn between the angelic brothers protecting her and the devastatingly handsome childhood friend who wants to destroy her, she must prepare to be brave, to be hunted, and above all to be strong, because temptation will be hard to resist, even for an angel.

Michelle Zink masterfully weaves historical fantasy with paranormal romance to create a gripping tale of love and betrayal


OPINION: 5 STARS


One of my favorite things about Zink’s books will probably always be the mix of stunning writing with rich setting. Her books are addicting and enamoring, pulling me in so completely that I feel, every time, as if I am right there with the characters, in period clothing. A Temptation of Angels is no exception, and with the stunning plot, this one is a total must read.

Helen is, in many ways at the start, a girl typical of her period. Obedient and loving to her parents, and used to the relative oppression of women at the time, she stays within her bounds. Terrified when her mother wakes her in the night, rapidly packing a bag and hiding her away with explicit instructions to get out at all costs, Helen’s entire world is shattered and turned over. Forced rapidly to give up on life she is used to, Zink beautifully navigates the gap between dainty to strong and determined. While her change is forced by circumstance, Helen has it within her the entire time to stand up to everything she is facing, and not let anyone push her around in the process. This isn't a tale of a girl against her time period’s way of life, but rather a girl who simply has such fortitude that she can handle the rapid shift. Still, she has her moments of sorrow and weakness, and she will easily tug readers into her story. Helen goes through excellent growth, from learning about love to the truth of what she is, and handling all of it with a certain grace.

Griffin and Darius are the pair of brothers who she’s instructed to go see, who take her in, however hesitantly. Though Darius is strong-minded and often rude to her, he is fiercely protectively and intelligent. He will easily grow on readers, and brings his own set of assets to the table. Zink writes him perfectly, the boy trying to take care of his younger brother and protect his own life as well, and the one who has learned the hard way to trust almost no one. He softens to some extent as things progress, and goes through his own sort of changes. Griffin is charming and sweet, a perfect love interest in large part for his ability to understand and see things through others eyes. Loyal to his brother, with a beautiful and strong dynamic between the two, Griffin has such a well rounded personality that readers will have no choice but to melt for him. The budding romance between Griffin and Helena is that quiet kind of steamy that comes with the time period, where even a touch is so meaningful, and I absolutely loved the way these two learn to balance their feelings for each other with what else is happening and what they must do.

Then there’s the plot, with some beautifully woven elements and quite a bit of uniqueness to it. Set in no specified time period, but certainly historical, and hitting slightly into a steampunk type element with some of the tools used, Zink has created a type of story all her own, and done it masterfully. Vivid in setting, with beautifully written scenes and actions, this one will easily play out like a movie in reader’s minds, and setting them right beside Helene the entire time. The writing is stunning, saying so much in few words, and having a lulling air about it while also keeping with the tense and sorrowful emotional atmosphere that comes with the situations Helen finds herself in. This book is easy to get lost in, and memorable in many ways.

Details:

Source: ARC received from publisher in exchange for an honest review

  Reading level: Ages 12 and up 

Hardcover: 448 pages 

Publisher: Dial

Publication Date: March 20, 2012