by Shannon Dittemore
Series: Angel Eyes Trilogy #1
Genres: Faith-Based Fiction, Paranormal
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
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.
With a complex protagonist and a battle against evil, Angel Eyes was beautiful written and a delightful addition to this popular genre. While steeped in faith, this novel didn’t overwhelm and I enjoyed the tale, romance and battle of good verse evil.
The tale begins as Brielle Matthews returns home during her senior year of high school. A victim of tragedy and over-whelmed with guilt this ballerina has had her light snuffed out. Suffering from bouts of depression, guilt and gloom she just wants to sink into her own darkness. When Jake shows up at her quiet little Stratus, Oregon school she is immediately intrigued by him but quickly tries to shut those thoughts down. Dittemore slowly reveals the tragedy that has forever changed Brielle as she weaves Jake and Brielle together through fate. The tale that develops was sweet, action-packed and thought provoking.
Brielle is complicated and brilliant on so many levels. She is guilt-ridden and broken. I wondered if she could ever be whole. She questions herself, her faith and perhaps even her existence. Watching her transform, take control of her life and accept love again was enjoyable. Jake was sweet, protective and very firm in his beliefs. He gives Brielle a gift that will forever change her. The romance that develops between them is sweet. It isn’t swoon-worthy but has an innocents and acceptance about it that was believable. There are both evil and good characters that added to the tale and helped advance the story.
While the tale isn’t completely original, a task that would be hard for anyone in the angel genre, Dittemore did offer some unique twists. Her introduction of the halo was interesting and drew me into the tale. The different classifications of angels and their purpose was fascinating. I enjoyed her descriptions of them and their roles. Her depiction of the demons held my attention. Of course there is a battle between good and evil and souls to be saved. The author placed her own mark on them and kept me entertained. The messages and questions raised about faith delivered throughout the tale were thought provoking. While not bogged down with religious scripture and messages Dittemore does tackle difficult questions like why God spares one life and not another. Presented from multiple POV’s (including the villains) this tale started slow and awkward but became more action packed as it progressed. The ending chapters were climatic and suspenseful.
Angel Eyes was an enjoyable, entertaining read that fans of angels are sure to enjoy. Filled with thought provoking questions it lets the reader experience the ramifications of their decisions. I am looking forward to Broken Wings the next book in this trilogy.
Copyright (c) 2011-2013 Caffeinated Book Reviewer
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. Twitter | Facebook | Instagram
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Jenna I like mixing things up too once and awhile.
kimbacaffeinate
That’s how I felt too. I enjoyed it and do not regret reading it. I might be burned out on angel books. Thanks Danny 🙂
Nick
Great review, Kim. I’m not into angel books too much since I haven’t had a positive experience with them, but this one sounds great. I’m glad that the book wasn’t too heavy on the religion. I don’t think I would have been able to appreciate the book. Brielle seems like an intriguing character.
I’m glad you enjoyed it! Yay on getting Disqus! 🙂 It’s a lot easier than Blogger comments!
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Nick 😉
Christa Seeley
I’m not a huge angel fan, but I do enjoy books with complex protagonists. They’re always so much more fun to read about then someone who’s perfect. I’ll definitely keep this one in mind
Christy (Love of Books)
I couldn’t get into this one at all. I thought it was well written, but the story just didn’t intrigue me.. I think I’m burned out on angles. lol
Yay, Disqus! 😀
Blodeuedd
New comment system…and I never remember my discus name *tries for a while* Yay.
Anyway, I read Christian pnr and thought no
brandileigh2003
I haven’t read any angel books in a while and this sounds promising. I really relate to broken chracters and love watching their journey to being whole.
Thanks for review,
Brandi from Blkosiner’s Book
Blog
kimbacaffeinate
It was a good read and if you love angel books I am sure you will find this one worth the read.
kimbacaffeinate
that’s ok cupcake 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Christa the characters especially Brielle were complex.
kimbacaffeinate
hahaha..it’s ok to step out of the box once in awhile but I get it.
laura thomas
Enjoyed your review. I think I’ll check this one out. Could use a gentle read right about now.
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Laura I hope you enjoy it.
Audrey D Wilkerson
Of course there has been a huge surge in angel books, and like a previous commenter, I have had very mixed experiences with them. It is an intriguing idea, but trying to find that balance with faith/religion has to be difficult. The books sounds interesting. Thanks for your review!
kimbacaffeinate
I agree Audrey it is a delicate balance and I think the author did a good job here.
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Michelle I’d love to hear your thoughts when/if you read it.
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Heidi 🙂
Melissa's Eclectic Bookshelf
Great review….I’ve actually not read many angel books…but this sounds like a sweet fun one that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Melissa 🙂
Becky Paulk
Very nice review! I also got this for review so I can’t wait to see if we share the same opinions on it =)
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Becky..I look forward to reading your thoughts on it!
Chapter by Chapter
Great review. One thing that really does turn me off books is when there is a whole heck of a lot of religion/faith in the story, but yes, the topic did not overwhelm in Angel Eyes. I truly enjoy reading Angel stories, and was happy to see the different twist that Shannon Dittemore provided.
kimbacaffeinate
Hehehe..thanks chicka :0 I added your button to my blog roll book 🙂
Heidi
I am a bit burned out on angel books these days. I am glad this one wasn’t too heavy on the religious themes and that it has a sweet romance! That is nice to hear!
Danielle Chapman
Let’s try this again! 🙂
I really need to start Angel Eyes! I love your review and I can’t wait to check it out for myself! Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts with us.
Michelle
I haven’t had very many good experiences with angel books but I”m always on the look out for more because when someone gets it right it’s worth the hassle of finding one. I’m happy t hear it isn’t to heavy on religion, so I’ll probably check this out at some point if I ever get the time.
Great review Kimba
Dani Chapman
I need to read this soon! Thanks so much for the review, I love reading your thoughts on Angel Eyes.