In early July, I read Angel Eyes, the first volume in a series by Shannon Dittemore. I had seen its description on several occasions, but passed it by, because I don’t normally read “angel” books. Its sequel, however, was recently nominated for the Clive Staples Award, honoring Christian speculative fiction. So, I thought I’d give it a try. I was pleasantly surprised.
Summary:
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.
Review:
A nice surprise, indeed. I’ve become hesitant to read angel-centered books, because many depart so blatently from the biblical descriptions of angelic behavior and purpose. Often, they depict characters who either discover they have angelic heritage or fall in love with an angel. This book includes neither.
A protagonist with a tragedy-laden past and enough despair to carry through the entire book, a mysterious newcomer who offers hope and friendship, a spiritual war taking place behind the scenes, villains who deal in human trafficking…and angels and demons portrayed with decent accuracy. Overall, I found this an intriguing, satisfying read. It has its slow parts, mainly at the beginning, but definitely kept me reading as the plot progressed.
The story does include an interesting twist on the halo concept. There isn’t a biblical reference for this (that I have found), but I don’t think the book’s portrayal of the halo contradicts the truth, either.
I’m not normally into books heavy with teen angst, but this one hints at enough hope for the characters that I’m encouraged to keep going with the series. Plus, several plot threads are left dangling, and I feel compelled to find out how they will be resolved! Just what every writer wants to hear. 🙂
Light's Scribe 
I may have to read this one now…you’ve intrigued me. 🙂
It is an interesting read, Rebecca. If you do, let us know, here at Light’s Scribe, what you think. 🙂