4 out of 5 stars!
I actually cried multiple times during this book. I wrote about them in this review.
You know, seeing the covers of these books didn't draw me in. Something about them just seemed so... Fake. I can't help but wonder if someone drew these pictures, slapped them on a scanner to put them on a computer to "fix up" with a fancy program, then just slap them on the cover. I don't... hate them, I just don't love them. Especially this, the blue and purple shades clash with the darkened angel.
Nevertheless, I really enjoyed this story. I think I knocked this book out in three, maybe four hours (includes eating, and such, ahaha). It was so cool, and cute. I really like Krista, I think she does a really amazing job at NOT following the rules, and doing what's best for everyone. I also enjoy how she has stayed true to her character since book one (yes, she has grown, but in this book she still keeps quiet, and doesn't always say what's on her mind).
Of course, everyone loves Mark. Who wouldn't? But the ending of the book brought me to complete and utter tears. I could feel for Krista. And I mean, REALLY feel for her. How could Mark do such a thing? After all the times they've had together... I'm really just hoping that Victor (Mark's Dad) somehow brainwashed Mark. I really can't see how Mark could do that to Krista.
Another tear-jerker moment: Thomas and Grace. Oh. My. Gosh. I seriously put the book down in that moment and took a deep, deep breath. I couldn't comprehend what happened. How could she go from being the Sunshine of a room,... to... not being it? And their baby?! What about their baby? I couldn't even fathom. I couldn't. And I still can't.
Haniel, the Archangel sent to teach the Links (Guides and Protectors) is brilliant. His witty comments, and the fact that he knows the deepest and most complex things, but doesn't know the simplest human things was really humorous and enjoyable.
And I am impressed that King had enough guts to bring in several different characters. I believe she introduced fourteen more... (that's a rough guess.)? Anyway, she introduced two more Guide and Protector groups, and one group was missing a pair of Links. THAT was incredible. And the fact that she made the Guides match the Guides (personality wise) and the Protectors match the Protectors (again, personality wise), was really cool.
I can't wait to dig myself into the last book The Ascended . There are so many unanswered questions! It's going to be a great series!
I really, really implore King for writing this. Forgotten Souls was amazing and incredibly unpredictable. There were times when I thought I knew what was going to happen, thought I could just skip a few sentences ahead because I knew the outcome... and the outcome was completely and utterly different. I just am in complete awe at this series.