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Ordinary Angels
Ordinary Angels - A Paranormal Urban of Zoë's friends are dead, but she doesn't mind because they died long before she met them. Then one Tuesday night an angel takes her salsa dancing and turns her world upside down. Grim reality closes in when she discovers a body in her company's boiler room and Higher Angels accuse her best ghost friend of murder. Knowing she's the only one who can stand against them, Zoë resorts to lying, stealing and summoning, all while trying to determine if what she's feeling is real. In the end, getting blood on her hands forces Zoë to question herself, and her angel to question her. “It was nigh on impossible to put down.” — For Books’ Sake“I just finished reading Ordinary Angels by India Drummond and I loved it.” — The Bookish Snob“Although ghosts and angels have been done before, Drummond finds a way to keep things fresh and bring something new to the table.” — That Bookish Girl "This book is a solid beginning to a new series with multi-dimensional characters — Booking It“This was a very well written début novel by India Drummond and it was a pure delight to read.”– A Muggle’s Magical Book Blog
311 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 3, 2011
22 people are currently reading
942 people want to read
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India Drummond
21 books204 followersReaders should feel free to contact me via my website.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
March 13, 2011
With a smart sassy heroine, sexy angels and a fast-paced plot, India Drummond's "Ordinary Angels" is a heavenly read.
Zoe sees dead people. But for her, they're more than just visions -- they're her friends. So when one of them goes missing amidst an accusation of murder, Zoe can't help but get involved. From start to finish, Drummond effortlessly creates an intiguing world with necromancers and angelic orders I easily fell into. Mix in Zoe's romance with an angel even the devil couldn't resist and a dark mystery that could have disastrous consequences for the determined Zoe, and even chocolate couldn't lure me away.
"Ordinary Angels" is anything but ordinary. With its unique mix of romance, mystery and escapism, it is -- quite simply -- pure bliss.
Zoe sees dead people. But for her, they're more than just visions -- they're her friends. So when one of them goes missing amidst an accusation of murder, Zoe can't help but get involved. From start to finish, Drummond effortlessly creates an intiguing world with necromancers and angelic orders I easily fell into. Mix in Zoe's romance with an angel even the devil couldn't resist and a dark mystery that could have disastrous consequences for the determined Zoe, and even chocolate couldn't lure me away.
"Ordinary Angels" is anything but ordinary. With its unique mix of romance, mystery and escapism, it is -- quite simply -- pure bliss.
March 15, 2011
I'm not usually into paranormal romances, or paranormal anything, really. But this novel changed my mind. If you want a fun, sexy read, this book is for you. I am still thinking about some of these images. The characters are unforgettable. Looking forward to more from Ms. Drummond.
March 28, 2011
Although ghosts and angels have been done before, Drummond finds a way to keep things fresh and bring something new to the table. This is mainly accomplished through the main character, Zoey.
Zoey is an intelligent, witty and sassy heroine with a great deal of spunk. She knows her limits and she doesn’t overestimate herself. She isn’t afraid to ask for help and isn’t always jumping to conclusions – which sets her apart from most heroines in this genre. She is also more kind than cut throat, which again, is hugely different from most other heroines.
These differences make Zoey easy to relate to. Although she obviously isn’t a normal person, but she acts like one. She isn’t some crazed amazon warrior chick or a magic-welding witch, she is just Zoey. She thinks like the average person, feels like the average person and acts like the average person. It’s completely refreshing and really brings the character to life. I took to her instantly and was always on her side. She is the kind of character that you will love to cheer on, no matter who sort of mess she gets herself into.
Zoey’s love interest Alexander however, is anything but ordinary. He doesn’t quite understand humans, but he desperately wants to. Every paranormal romance about angels that I’ve read has painted them as unforgiving and violent creatures. While Alexander is certainly capable of that, he always treats Zoey with care, patience and kindness. Their relationship is definitely unique and it incredibly entertaining to watch it unfold.
There is a LOT going on in this book. There are a ton of different storylines and facts to keep track off and it sometimes makes it difficult to focus. I commend Drummond for trying to keep the story interesting, but there was so much happening that things began to get a bit jumbled in my mind. I kept forgetting the little details that allow you to piece the story/mystery together because there was just so much to keep track of.
But in all honestly, that is really just a minor complaint. I truly enjoyed Ordinary Angels and cannot wait to see what becomes of Zoey and Alexander next!
Zoey is an intelligent, witty and sassy heroine with a great deal of spunk. She knows her limits and she doesn’t overestimate herself. She isn’t afraid to ask for help and isn’t always jumping to conclusions – which sets her apart from most heroines in this genre. She is also more kind than cut throat, which again, is hugely different from most other heroines.
These differences make Zoey easy to relate to. Although she obviously isn’t a normal person, but she acts like one. She isn’t some crazed amazon warrior chick or a magic-welding witch, she is just Zoey. She thinks like the average person, feels like the average person and acts like the average person. It’s completely refreshing and really brings the character to life. I took to her instantly and was always on her side. She is the kind of character that you will love to cheer on, no matter who sort of mess she gets herself into.
Zoey’s love interest Alexander however, is anything but ordinary. He doesn’t quite understand humans, but he desperately wants to. Every paranormal romance about angels that I’ve read has painted them as unforgiving and violent creatures. While Alexander is certainly capable of that, he always treats Zoey with care, patience and kindness. Their relationship is definitely unique and it incredibly entertaining to watch it unfold.
There is a LOT going on in this book. There are a ton of different storylines and facts to keep track off and it sometimes makes it difficult to focus. I commend Drummond for trying to keep the story interesting, but there was so much happening that things began to get a bit jumbled in my mind. I kept forgetting the little details that allow you to piece the story/mystery together because there was just so much to keep track of.
But in all honestly, that is really just a minor complaint. I truly enjoyed Ordinary Angels and cannot wait to see what becomes of Zoey and Alexander next!
May 5, 2015
Perfection!
OMG - this book was so good! I found it for free in kindle store - and I cannot believe it. I would gladly have paid full price - it was utterly amazing! This book cannot be explained, it has to be experienced. Nevertheless, I cannot help gushing over this book.
I have a major crush on Alexander and would love to be best friend with Zoë but most of all I just love them together and root for their HEA. Judging from this book, they will probably have more enjoyable adventures before that. The plot is over the top but it was also one of the most realistic plots I've read in a long time (except for the angels, demons, ghosts, stalkers that is :-)). What I mean is that it all makes perfect sense in the wonderful world of India Drummond. This book is sweet, fun, sexy and sparkly and I didn't want it to end. Who would not like to have a totally hot, protective boyfriend who glows (actually glowing that is) when you have sex?
This book is a mix of chick-lit, fantasy and romance with pretty much the best of each genre. However, it is not like anything I have read before. And, I really liked that it is pretty much angst-free. Finally a book without "we cannot be together"-angst, stupid behavior and big misunderstandings! They actually talk to each other and there isn't even any "you are human and I am angel so I cannot tell you anything". When Zoë wonders something she asks and she usually gets an answer. We learn as she learns. However, there is still a lot she (and we) don't know - and I cannot wait to read the next book! India Drummond - you just got a new fan.
She rolled over within his embrace and faced him. Their noses nearly touched. Her mouth hungered for his. The scent of fresh cookies made her smile. "Alexander, why do you smell like baked goods?"
OMG - this book was so good! I found it for free in kindle store - and I cannot believe it. I would gladly have paid full price - it was utterly amazing! This book cannot be explained, it has to be experienced. Nevertheless, I cannot help gushing over this book.
I have a major crush on Alexander and would love to be best friend with Zoë but most of all I just love them together and root for their HEA. Judging from this book, they will probably have more enjoyable adventures before that. The plot is over the top but it was also one of the most realistic plots I've read in a long time (except for the angels, demons, ghosts, stalkers that is :-)). What I mean is that it all makes perfect sense in the wonderful world of India Drummond. This book is sweet, fun, sexy and sparkly and I didn't want it to end. Who would not like to have a totally hot, protective boyfriend who glows (actually glowing that is) when you have sex?
This book is a mix of chick-lit, fantasy and romance with pretty much the best of each genre. However, it is not like anything I have read before. And, I really liked that it is pretty much angst-free. Finally a book without "we cannot be together"-angst, stupid behavior and big misunderstandings! They actually talk to each other and there isn't even any "you are human and I am angel so I cannot tell you anything". When Zoë wonders something she asks and she usually gets an answer. We learn as she learns. However, there is still a lot she (and we) don't know - and I cannot wait to read the next book! India Drummond - you just got a new fan.
She rolled over within his embrace and faced him. Their noses nearly touched. Her mouth hungered for his. The scent of fresh cookies made her smile. "Alexander, why do you smell like baked goods?"
April 4, 2011
"Nigh on impossible to put down and provided a good distraction from the stresses and strains of city life. The language is fun, easy to follow and so descriptive that it wouldn’t take much to turn it into a screen play. The movie would probably have an age restriction, though!"
(Excerpt from full review of Ordinary Angels at For Books' Sake)
(Excerpt from full review of Ordinary Angels at For Books' Sake)
September 1, 2011
I read this and was amazed that it didn't feature a 500 year old vampire full of angst and darkness in his soul waiting for his Soul Mate... This is unique for a para-rom, its sweet and you will enjoy it.
February 12, 2019
After reading Ms. Drummond's previous series, I thought to give this one a try.
First Impressions: The cover was cute. I loved the color palette that was chosen. It gave me that Sookie Stackhouse vibe.(After a google search, I found there was a few different covers.) I wasn't expecting a lot as far as the novel went. I figured it would be just okay, and nothing too amazing.
Book Bit: It was told from the main character, Zoe's perspective. Zoe is what some might call a medium, someone who can communicate with the dead who refuse to pass to the other side. While at work she meets a mailman, Alexander, who isn't a mailman at all. He's secretly an Angel, which is no secret for Zoe because apparently she can sense that he's different. An Angel named Thomas calls Zoe while shes at work asking her to testify at his hearing. She agrees with no problems. With Alexander's Court date looming, tragedy strikes. A coworker of Zoe's ends up dead in the basement of her work, and her good friend a ghost is missing. Zoe must piece together what happened to him with help from Thomas and Alexander.
Rating: I'd give this book a 2.5. I found Zoe to be a bit irksome. I can't really pinpoint what it was about her that annoyed me so much. Maybe it's the fact that she fell "in love" with Alexander after four meetings. Let me start by saying this, okay, I'm all for romance books with speedy love stories, but that's only in certain situations. If the characters are paranormal and it's in their nature to mate, I can understand, I like that even. If it's not in their nature to Mate, or to meet a "soul mate" I don’t like it. I'm all for the pararoma insta love, but for me, it has to be some type of bond. I don't like when two normal people (or pararoma couples) fall obsessively in love in a matter of days. Alexander also kind of got on my nerves a bit. The only character I truly liked was her ghost pal, Henry. The actual story was kind of cute, albeit a bit confusing. It's a light read, only taking me around four hours, so I'm not super disappointed.
*****SPOILERS******
I'm really confused about this. It seems all of Ms. Drummond's work confused me. That being said, I do believe she shows great potential as a writer. She has tons of talent, and her story lines are enjoyable. I just wish she could find a way to explain things better.
There were a few plot holes in this narrative, although, that may have been on purpose. It states at the end of the book that there was a book two planned. I didn't see any mention of it on her Goodreads, I also couldn't find anything related to it on google. Maybe the plot holes were supposed to be made clear in the follow up.
Zoe is called many things in this book: a medium, a seer, and lastly a stalker. I believe it's confirmed she is a stalker by the final page. While she's fighting the halfangel, and the demon, she has this ability to know and see their attacks play out before they happen, giving her the second to move out of the way or counter attack. That's cool. It's not explained why this happens at all. The only theory I could come up with was when she first touched the knife, it started to unlock her Stalker powers. The longer she holds it, the more her powers grow. That would be something I could understand, it's just not explained in the book.
It's also not clear what the doorways are for. Some ghosts are entrusted a key, something they feel strongly drawn too, even if they don't know why. These keys unlock the doorways, but it's not entirely clear on what lies beyond the doorways. It's also how Henry died, which again, i found confusing. I almost swore it said Human's couldn't open the doorways, but living Henry was able to with zero problem. It also said that before Henry died, he was just roaming though one of the passages. It never states what actually caused his death.
One thing i found super annoying about the Insta Love was Zoe's reaction to dating an angel. I'm sorry, but the first rule in dating someone who lives forever, is talking about what's going to happen once they start aging. It never happened here. Does Zoe just expect him to love her when she's old and wrinkled? Never find another love once she's dead? Nope, never explained. Also, do Stalker's live forever? I'm curious how this relationship is supposed to last if the answer is no. Again, maybe that was supposed to be explained in book two.
Oh well.
Don't judge, but I still don't know how to end a review.
Bye. :)
First Impressions: The cover was cute. I loved the color palette that was chosen. It gave me that Sookie Stackhouse vibe.(After a google search, I found there was a few different covers.) I wasn't expecting a lot as far as the novel went. I figured it would be just okay, and nothing too amazing.
Book Bit: It was told from the main character, Zoe's perspective. Zoe is what some might call a medium, someone who can communicate with the dead who refuse to pass to the other side. While at work she meets a mailman, Alexander, who isn't a mailman at all. He's secretly an Angel, which is no secret for Zoe because apparently she can sense that he's different. An Angel named Thomas calls Zoe while shes at work asking her to testify at his hearing. She agrees with no problems. With Alexander's Court date looming, tragedy strikes. A coworker of Zoe's ends up dead in the basement of her work, and her good friend a ghost is missing. Zoe must piece together what happened to him with help from Thomas and Alexander.
Rating: I'd give this book a 2.5. I found Zoe to be a bit irksome. I can't really pinpoint what it was about her that annoyed me so much. Maybe it's the fact that she fell "in love" with Alexander after four meetings. Let me start by saying this, okay, I'm all for romance books with speedy love stories, but that's only in certain situations. If the characters are paranormal and it's in their nature to mate, I can understand, I like that even. If it's not in their nature to Mate, or to meet a "soul mate" I don’t like it. I'm all for the pararoma insta love, but for me, it has to be some type of bond. I don't like when two normal people (or pararoma couples) fall obsessively in love in a matter of days. Alexander also kind of got on my nerves a bit. The only character I truly liked was her ghost pal, Henry. The actual story was kind of cute, albeit a bit confusing. It's a light read, only taking me around four hours, so I'm not super disappointed.
*****SPOILERS******
I'm really confused about this. It seems all of Ms. Drummond's work confused me. That being said, I do believe she shows great potential as a writer. She has tons of talent, and her story lines are enjoyable. I just wish she could find a way to explain things better.
There were a few plot holes in this narrative, although, that may have been on purpose. It states at the end of the book that there was a book two planned. I didn't see any mention of it on her Goodreads, I also couldn't find anything related to it on google. Maybe the plot holes were supposed to be made clear in the follow up.
Zoe is called many things in this book: a medium, a seer, and lastly a stalker. I believe it's confirmed she is a stalker by the final page. While she's fighting the halfangel, and the demon, she has this ability to know and see their attacks play out before they happen, giving her the second to move out of the way or counter attack. That's cool. It's not explained why this happens at all. The only theory I could come up with was when she first touched the knife, it started to unlock her Stalker powers. The longer she holds it, the more her powers grow. That would be something I could understand, it's just not explained in the book.
It's also not clear what the doorways are for. Some ghosts are entrusted a key, something they feel strongly drawn too, even if they don't know why. These keys unlock the doorways, but it's not entirely clear on what lies beyond the doorways. It's also how Henry died, which again, i found confusing. I almost swore it said Human's couldn't open the doorways, but living Henry was able to with zero problem. It also said that before Henry died, he was just roaming though one of the passages. It never states what actually caused his death.
One thing i found super annoying about the Insta Love was Zoe's reaction to dating an angel. I'm sorry, but the first rule in dating someone who lives forever, is talking about what's going to happen once they start aging. It never happened here. Does Zoe just expect him to love her when she's old and wrinkled? Never find another love once she's dead? Nope, never explained. Also, do Stalker's live forever? I'm curious how this relationship is supposed to last if the answer is no. Again, maybe that was supposed to be explained in book two.
Oh well.
Don't judge, but I still don't know how to end a review.
Bye. :)
October 11, 2016
Just couldn't bring myself to finish this one. I've like other books by this author, but this one just didn't do it for me. Maybe it was how ditzy the heroine was, not sure.
April 6, 2011
I think I can best describe this book as a Ghost Whisperer meets Buffy the Vampire Slayer. It does feature a young woman who has a secret talent for seeing and talking to the ghosts of those long since dead and something even more unusual than ghosts steps into her life.
In the guise of a postman an Angel has decided to get a closer perspective on human life and Zoe is swept up into the celestial affairs of these higher beings. Things take a turn for the worse in their budding relationship when Alexander ends up being cast down from grace due to their attraction and her ghost best friend msyteriously vanishes and a human dies in his haunting place. Zoe becomes his advocate and works between and across worlds, discovering not only how the celestial bodies of Angels work in their own society (and on a more personal intimate level) but how even after death and beyond everyone and everything is never as they appear. Motives, lies, laws and secrets of the past will pull and push Zoe's new relationship to the limits as she tries to discover the truth about her deceased friend and on the way her powers become stronger and scarier so on top of providing divine justice and relationship troubles Zoe must find it in herself to make sure her growing powers do not prove to be the cause of her own downfall.
When you first read the story you really are thrown into the deep end and the situation is imemdiatly made clear yet despite it being told in third person it feels remarkably like a first person narrative due to the closeness the narrator takes to Zoe and it helps the story flow much easier. Although the story is set in America it didn't feel entirely like America to me. But I kind of read on despite that. At first the story does seem to centre on Zoe and Alexander's relationship and the complications of it - it's only after many chapters you reach the part of Henry's disappearence that you really grip the pages as events and circumstances all become entwined in a major divine puzzle you can't help follow Zoe through to work out.
On the whole though it is a delightful read and I love the darkness India has given all her angels, even the good ones when they show their true colours in a way most of us wouldn't believe but it really does define the characters as each Angel has a different form. It is funny, touching and quite gripping in places and is definitely a more adult and unique twist on the scenario of Angels and Humans in love compared to what Angel fiction there is in YA. I personally don't believe the depiction on the cover image is what I imagined Zoe to be, she in my mind is quite a plain yet pretty gal but I guess in the end she also turns out to be a beautiful killer.
In the guise of a postman an Angel has decided to get a closer perspective on human life and Zoe is swept up into the celestial affairs of these higher beings. Things take a turn for the worse in their budding relationship when Alexander ends up being cast down from grace due to their attraction and her ghost best friend msyteriously vanishes and a human dies in his haunting place. Zoe becomes his advocate and works between and across worlds, discovering not only how the celestial bodies of Angels work in their own society (and on a more personal intimate level) but how even after death and beyond everyone and everything is never as they appear. Motives, lies, laws and secrets of the past will pull and push Zoe's new relationship to the limits as she tries to discover the truth about her deceased friend and on the way her powers become stronger and scarier so on top of providing divine justice and relationship troubles Zoe must find it in herself to make sure her growing powers do not prove to be the cause of her own downfall.
When you first read the story you really are thrown into the deep end and the situation is imemdiatly made clear yet despite it being told in third person it feels remarkably like a first person narrative due to the closeness the narrator takes to Zoe and it helps the story flow much easier. Although the story is set in America it didn't feel entirely like America to me. But I kind of read on despite that. At first the story does seem to centre on Zoe and Alexander's relationship and the complications of it - it's only after many chapters you reach the part of Henry's disappearence that you really grip the pages as events and circumstances all become entwined in a major divine puzzle you can't help follow Zoe through to work out.
On the whole though it is a delightful read and I love the darkness India has given all her angels, even the good ones when they show their true colours in a way most of us wouldn't believe but it really does define the characters as each Angel has a different form. It is funny, touching and quite gripping in places and is definitely a more adult and unique twist on the scenario of Angels and Humans in love compared to what Angel fiction there is in YA. I personally don't believe the depiction on the cover image is what I imagined Zoe to be, she in my mind is quite a plain yet pretty gal but I guess in the end she also turns out to be a beautiful killer.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 2, 2011
Originally posted at: http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.c...
Zoe talks to dead people. To be more specific she talks to the spirits of dead people who have not yet moved on. This allows her to feel comfortable with the unusual events in her life, such a sharing a house with a her dead grandmother. One thing it doesn’t prepare her for is looking up from her desk to discover that the new office mailman is an angel. A really gorgeous angel.
Alexander has interfered with the mailman’s life so must take his place. He doesn’t bargain on meeting and falling in love with Zoe. His superiors bring him to task; interfering with a human’s life is forbidden in the angel society.
Another twist occurs when Zoe’s spirit friend Henry disappears, along with the collection of keys Zoe has given him over the years. From this point on Zoe’s life revolves round searching for Henry, falling deeper in love with Alexander and helping him fight his case with his superiors. Another problem is Grandma. She doesn’t like Alexander, or rather, she doesn’t like angels.
Ordinary Angels is an unusual book. Set in the paranormal genre, it has humour, danger and spicy romance. Zoe could be described as feisty. She allows no one to get too close to her, except for her best friend. Somehow Alexander breaks through her reserve. Her feeling for him at first confuses her until she admits her love for him. But how can an angel and a human possibly have a relationship?
Alexander is naive when it comes to how humans behave. At times he finds Zoe’s explanations unfathomable, but this doesn’t stop him falling in love with her. Aware his superiors decision could change his whole future he tries to distance himself from Zoe without success.
Unfortunately, Alexander’s confusion made him weak. He relies on others and doesn't succeed as a strong male character. Zoe tends to overshadow him, and this detracted slightly from my enjoyment of the book.
Ordinary Angles encompasses the love story of a couple from two totally different backgrounds. Both have their own problems with the relationship and with their lives. Their problems inexplicably entwine with each other to end in a surprising climax which ties up all the loose ends.
It's a book I felt was worth reading for the humour and the intrigue as Zoe followed the clues to find Henry. Quite a pleasant read.
Zoe talks to dead people. To be more specific she talks to the spirits of dead people who have not yet moved on. This allows her to feel comfortable with the unusual events in her life, such a sharing a house with a her dead grandmother. One thing it doesn’t prepare her for is looking up from her desk to discover that the new office mailman is an angel. A really gorgeous angel.
Alexander has interfered with the mailman’s life so must take his place. He doesn’t bargain on meeting and falling in love with Zoe. His superiors bring him to task; interfering with a human’s life is forbidden in the angel society.
Another twist occurs when Zoe’s spirit friend Henry disappears, along with the collection of keys Zoe has given him over the years. From this point on Zoe’s life revolves round searching for Henry, falling deeper in love with Alexander and helping him fight his case with his superiors. Another problem is Grandma. She doesn’t like Alexander, or rather, she doesn’t like angels.
Ordinary Angels is an unusual book. Set in the paranormal genre, it has humour, danger and spicy romance. Zoe could be described as feisty. She allows no one to get too close to her, except for her best friend. Somehow Alexander breaks through her reserve. Her feeling for him at first confuses her until she admits her love for him. But how can an angel and a human possibly have a relationship?
Alexander is naive when it comes to how humans behave. At times he finds Zoe’s explanations unfathomable, but this doesn’t stop him falling in love with her. Aware his superiors decision could change his whole future he tries to distance himself from Zoe without success.
Unfortunately, Alexander’s confusion made him weak. He relies on others and doesn't succeed as a strong male character. Zoe tends to overshadow him, and this detracted slightly from my enjoyment of the book.
Ordinary Angles encompasses the love story of a couple from two totally different backgrounds. Both have their own problems with the relationship and with their lives. Their problems inexplicably entwine with each other to end in a surprising climax which ties up all the loose ends.
It's a book I felt was worth reading for the humour and the intrigue as Zoe followed the clues to find Henry. Quite a pleasant read.
April 8, 2011
Zoe has always kept herself a little apart from others, well at least the living ones. She has the rare ability to see and communicate with ghosts, making them her best friends and normal people thinking she is crazy. Her life takes an interesting turn when an angel named Alexander shows up. She knows from the start he isn't human but finds herself drawn to him anyway. When she stumbles across a body at her work place, her best-friend, a ghost, is accused of the murder. Zoe quickly gets wrapped up in the thick of things, knowing she will do just about anything to save her friend, making her wonder just who she really is.
Aside from her ghostly friends, Zoe pretty much is an introvert. Alexander on the other hand is very out going, but also is almost childlike as a result of his inexperience with the "human" world. As unlikely of a couple as they would seem, there definitely some major chemistry going on between Alexander and Zoe. While their relationship moved very quickly, I found it to be realistic and did not feel rushed or forced, making their relationship very enjoyable to read about.
The book had a slightly slow start, but did pick up as it went on. I did find the lack of knowledge Zoe was given to be a little frustrating. Eventually things did become a little more clear, and I realized that the Angels were just a secretive bunch in general; they weren't singling her out. I found their actual purpose to be fascinating as everything you thing about Angels just doesn't apply to them. They almost remind me of what you would think a Djinn to be like with a few differences making them a very interesting "people."
While this book ended on a happy note with a sense of completeness, it also enough things unanswered to make me anxious for the next book. The biggest question has to do with the potential repercussions of a major turn in Zoe's life. I won't say what it is because that would spoil things, but I cannot wait to see what this change means for her in the future and what choices she would make because of it. All in all I enjoyed the book, as it had just the right amount of danger, steaminess, and action to more than hold my interest.You'll definitely want to check out this great debut novel.
Aside from her ghostly friends, Zoe pretty much is an introvert. Alexander on the other hand is very out going, but also is almost childlike as a result of his inexperience with the "human" world. As unlikely of a couple as they would seem, there definitely some major chemistry going on between Alexander and Zoe. While their relationship moved very quickly, I found it to be realistic and did not feel rushed or forced, making their relationship very enjoyable to read about.
The book had a slightly slow start, but did pick up as it went on. I did find the lack of knowledge Zoe was given to be a little frustrating. Eventually things did become a little more clear, and I realized that the Angels were just a secretive bunch in general; they weren't singling her out. I found their actual purpose to be fascinating as everything you thing about Angels just doesn't apply to them. They almost remind me of what you would think a Djinn to be like with a few differences making them a very interesting "people."
While this book ended on a happy note with a sense of completeness, it also enough things unanswered to make me anxious for the next book. The biggest question has to do with the potential repercussions of a major turn in Zoe's life. I won't say what it is because that would spoil things, but I cannot wait to see what this change means for her in the future and what choices she would make because of it. All in all I enjoyed the book, as it had just the right amount of danger, steaminess, and action to more than hold my interest.You'll definitely want to check out this great debut novel.
April 23, 2011
Although most of Zoe Pendergraft's friends are dead, that means nothing to her. After all, they died long before she meet them. What does matter is the angel who took her dancing and turned her world upside down.
But grim reality intrudes when she finds a body, and the Higher Angels accuse her of the murder.
Knowing she's the only one who can stand against the Higher Angels, Zoe uses any means necessary to save her friend all the while, wondering if the tempestuous love she's feeling is real.
The blood on her hands forces Zoe to question herself, and her angel to question her.
Contains strong language and supernatural sizzle.
I finished this book Sunday night after being unable to put it down. I absolutely loved it.
Books around angels and magical beings etc are not usually the genre of books I usually read. I tend to read lots of crime thrillers and more recently I have ventured into chick-lit.
I picked up Ordinary Angels because I follow the author India Drummond on twitter and her blog and "knowing" who the author of a book is really interests me, so on the release of her novel I downloaded myself a copy of the ebook.
I found it really well written. I became invested in the characters and by the end I was wanting more. I'm not sure if a sequel is planned, but I would definitely pick it up.
The main love interest of mortal Zoe is an Angel called Alexander. Though he was of course lovely. I personally preferred the strong free angel of Thomas. There is murder, mayhem, romance and some wonderful descriptions of magical worlds and items.
I lost myself in Ordinary Angels and would absolutely recommend it. Even if you don't normally indulge in angels and fantasy. A thoroughly great read!
April 21, 2011
Ordinary Angels is a rare and wonderful thing. It is a mixture of several genres, paranormal, romance and mystery.
India Drummond creates a world of Angels and Spirits that everyone will want to be part of. Zoe is one of those characters that will win over hearts. She's quirky and funny. At times she reminds me of Stephanie Plum at her best, but the trouble she finds is a little more exciting.
The rest of the cast of characters are just as interesting, from the angels to the spirits. I particularly loved Henry and her Gran.
The Angels in Ordinary Angels aren't your typical celestial beings. These Angels aren't from Heaven, but they do watch over humanity and try to make sure that the things are supposed to happen happen when they are supposed to.
In this story the worlds collide thanks to one Angel messing with the human's timeline. The end results are really funny, suspenseful and just all around fun.
Everything flowed nicely and I really liked how the story kept me on my toes. Nothing about the story gave the reader any clues about the ending, so that was a surprise and one that thrilled me. I hate being able to guess the ending 50 pages in.
If you are looking for a fun book to read, that has a little bit of everything. This is definitely your book.
India Drummond creates a world of Angels and Spirits that everyone will want to be part of. Zoe is one of those characters that will win over hearts. She's quirky and funny. At times she reminds me of Stephanie Plum at her best, but the trouble she finds is a little more exciting.
The rest of the cast of characters are just as interesting, from the angels to the spirits. I particularly loved Henry and her Gran.
The Angels in Ordinary Angels aren't your typical celestial beings. These Angels aren't from Heaven, but they do watch over humanity and try to make sure that the things are supposed to happen happen when they are supposed to.
In this story the worlds collide thanks to one Angel messing with the human's timeline. The end results are really funny, suspenseful and just all around fun.
Everything flowed nicely and I really liked how the story kept me on my toes. Nothing about the story gave the reader any clues about the ending, so that was a surprise and one that thrilled me. I hate being able to guess the ending 50 pages in.
If you are looking for a fun book to read, that has a little bit of everything. This is definitely your book.
March 31, 2011
I remember watching the film, 'Date with an Angel' when I was a teenager and when I started reading Ordinary Angels, I was thinking of this film. I didn't know that India Drummond has created an even more beautiful love story. If you fell in love with a wizard and a vampire, I promise you, you will fall in love with an angel.
The love between Zoe and Alexander will melt your heart like it did mine. I fell in love with each intimate scene between them two. It has got an interesting plot. You would want to know what happens to Zoe's friend, Henry. You would ask yourself - where is he? Is he safe? I was scared for Zoe all throughout wanting to call out to her to say 'Don't go there! Don't touch it!' The words are so alive. Beautifully written.
This is truly an enjoyable book - the kind you'd like to take with you for a relaxing read in the bath, by the beach or on the couch with a lovely cup of tea.
The love between Zoe and Alexander will melt your heart like it did mine. I fell in love with each intimate scene between them two. It has got an interesting plot. You would want to know what happens to Zoe's friend, Henry. You would ask yourself - where is he? Is he safe? I was scared for Zoe all throughout wanting to call out to her to say 'Don't go there! Don't touch it!' The words are so alive. Beautifully written.
This is truly an enjoyable book - the kind you'd like to take with you for a relaxing read in the bath, by the beach or on the couch with a lovely cup of tea.
March 31, 2011
This was a very well written début novel by India Drummond and it was a pure delight to read. Ms Drummond has a way of making mundane sentences sound beautiful and puts a new spin on the phrase "I see dead people"!
This novel has some fascinating mythological dynamics that pull you in from the get go. With fresh ideas and a great heroine who's life gets even more complicated when she goes on a date with an Angel.
My only complaint is that the book lost me here and there when my mind would drift, but that might just be because too many things were happening at once in the story. But it was action packed and lets not forget the smouldering love interest!
I can't wait to see what Ms Drummond does next!
This novel has some fascinating mythological dynamics that pull you in from the get go. With fresh ideas and a great heroine who's life gets even more complicated when she goes on a date with an Angel.
My only complaint is that the book lost me here and there when my mind would drift, but that might just be because too many things were happening at once in the story. But it was action packed and lets not forget the smouldering love interest!
I can't wait to see what Ms Drummond does next!
August 20, 2012
I fell in love with India's voice in her first novel I read, and ORDINARY ANGELS propelled her skyward in my reckoning. OA is a pleasant read, in that you relax and follow her colorful and lovely characters without the anxiety you tread forward with in a James Bucher novel, say. India excels in her characters, which is what I read for. I loved Cloe. I pictured her as a cross between the medium on BEING HUMAN and Penny of BIG BANG THEORY. Inhibited (okay…that isn't Penny), not incredibly socially astute, sweet, caring, with sex appeal enough to stop a man in his tracks. Not a five star plot buster…but even better…a smooth read throughout, without a single scene you find yourself scanning over. Kudos, from a writer who is very hard to please.
December 30, 2012
I'll be honest. I don't like paranormal romance, and I think it's a tired, overworked genre. I only read this because India's a friend, and I wanted to see what she'd been writing.
To my surprise, I actually enjoyed it. It wasn't just a typical story about swooning over not-as-evil-as-they're-made-out-to-be vampires or my-love-can-heal-his-eternal-pain ghosts. It was funny, original, and well written, with characters who were amusing and witty. Yes, it's definitely in the "chick lit" category, as are most of these books, but I still found myself smiling and it passed a pleasant couple of hours.
If you like the genre, or you're looking for a gift for someone who does, then do check this one out.
To my surprise, I actually enjoyed it. It wasn't just a typical story about swooning over not-as-evil-as-they're-made-out-to-be vampires or my-love-can-heal-his-eternal-pain ghosts. It was funny, original, and well written, with characters who were amusing and witty. Yes, it's definitely in the "chick lit" category, as are most of these books, but I still found myself smiling and it passed a pleasant couple of hours.
If you like the genre, or you're looking for a gift for someone who does, then do check this one out.
March 25, 2013
it was pretty good. 3.4 stars. It has come character inconsistencies that rattled a bit but the story was interesting and fresh. The major problem for me was how the main character switched from her "i can't even_____" to "oh well" in seconds. The ending left me wanting more but not right away. I would recommend it for a light mystery, paranormal read.
The story revolves around young woman who has always been able to see the dead. She has made several of them her friends. One day she meets and angel, well he's not really an angel, but that's what humans call their species. They are drawn together by many forces and work together to save him and one of her dead friends. It is a mystery that slowly unfolds in a very interesting way spanning hundreds of years. Cliffhanger light ending.
The story revolves around young woman who has always been able to see the dead. She has made several of them her friends. One day she meets and angel, well he's not really an angel, but that's what humans call their species. They are drawn together by many forces and work together to save him and one of her dead friends. It is a mystery that slowly unfolds in a very interesting way spanning hundreds of years. Cliffhanger light ending.
November 18, 2016
Angels with a difference
This is the start of a series that I am definitely going to follow. While the author has created alternate races of angels, demons and fae, she has given them all their own unique flavour-for example angels can shift into a dragon-like form. Our heroine is an emerging STALKER who is learning on the job what she is capable of, while crossing the apparent boundaries that are expected between the three other races as she builds her team of cohorts. And did I mention she sees dead people? If you like Nalini Singh's Archangel series, you'll find this one just as enjoyable.
This is the start of a series that I am definitely going to follow. While the author has created alternate races of angels, demons and fae, she has given them all their own unique flavour-for example angels can shift into a dragon-like form. Our heroine is an emerging STALKER who is learning on the job what she is capable of, while crossing the apparent boundaries that are expected between the three other races as she builds her team of cohorts. And did I mention she sees dead people? If you like Nalini Singh's Archangel series, you'll find this one just as enjoyable.
April 17, 2011
Fantastic and easy to read. What an interesting take on supernatural themes. The way that the Angels were portrayed and the detail they were described in really made the story. It was such a different take and it just worked.
The suspense and mystery in the book was well played and it was balanced by a steamy hot romance. Alexander could be MY guardian Angel any day!!!
Highly recommend this book.
Sarah
The suspense and mystery in the book was well played and it was balanced by a steamy hot romance. Alexander could be MY guardian Angel any day!!!
Highly recommend this book.
Sarah
April 24, 2011
I would reccomend this book, without question. I love stories with angels and that create a mythos that works and Ms. Drummond did that in this book.
I liked the heroine Zoe and her ability to think. She didn't just react to events but used her brains and became a woman one could admire.
I would have liked more explanation into the mythos of angels that Ms. Drummond was working with but I have a feeling there might be another book one day which will give us more.
I liked the heroine Zoe and her ability to think. She didn't just react to events but used her brains and became a woman one could admire.
I would have liked more explanation into the mythos of angels that Ms. Drummond was working with but I have a feeling there might be another book one day which will give us more.
April 18, 2012
This book reminded me of a ghost story. It has good parts and bad parts ... but I'm not all that thrilled with the writing and the way the story is told. I have read Blood Faerie by India Drummond and thought it was much better all around.
October 9, 2012
The best way I could describe this author's writing style is immature, I didn't feel any real life experience or truth in her writing at all. Some amount of "truth" is imperative in a pnr novel, otherwise it just sounds silly. It was as if a high school student, whose only life experience came from books, decided to try her hand at writing and was lucky enough to get published. I commend the effort, but there's a lot of work that needs to be done here.
August 18, 2012
I accidently bought this by mistake. I actually was going to try a sample of it, but I bought it and didn't realize it, but I ended up loving it. I couldn't put it down. It was good on the nights I couldn't sleep because it was too hot to sleep. I loved this book and I must say I thought Alexander would end up my favorite character, but it was Thomas who ended up becoming my fave Free Angel. I love him. I would so recommend this book.
July 29, 2014
Let's see.. how should i start....
well, i'm pretty sure I like this book but it confuses me to hell... the book plot is very unique and interesting but it is highly fast-paced... there is lots and lots and LOTS going on in a single book. I still feel a little blur after the book is done... I'm pretty sure the whole plot in this book can strench into at least 3 books... and there is still lots of potential story going on as well...
because i actually like it, i would give in a 3 stars.
well, i'm pretty sure I like this book but it confuses me to hell... the book plot is very unique and interesting but it is highly fast-paced... there is lots and lots and LOTS going on in a single book. I still feel a little blur after the book is done... I'm pretty sure the whole plot in this book can strench into at least 3 books... and there is still lots of potential story going on as well...
because i actually like it, i would give in a 3 stars.
March 30, 2015
Well written by an amazing author
I really enjoy this book from beginning to end .I fell in love with Zoe and Alexander,and the journey to discover Zoe's gifts as they grow,and with Alexander,and his thirst for knowledge of humans.. greatly written with details to keep you glued to your kindle... I'm really hoping there will be more to this story line .. fingers crossed cause I want more.
I really enjoy this book from beginning to end .I fell in love with Zoe and Alexander,and the journey to discover Zoe's gifts as they grow,and with Alexander,and his thirst for knowledge of humans.. greatly written with details to keep you glued to your kindle... I'm really hoping there will be more to this story line .. fingers crossed cause I want more.
July 23, 2014
loved this book but found nowhere if there will be a sequel and looks like it was written in 2011!!Inquiring minds need to know what happens to Zoe,Alexander and co.Very well written and thoughtful insights on those darn angels or are they? Ordinary Angels is by India Drummond,who if you are not on social media is hard to contact.
May 26, 2011
I am not, as a rule, a big fan of paranormal romance--or any kind of romance--but this wasn't half-bad. There's even a smattering of steamy angel sex, for those of you who are into that sort of thing. Enjoy!
April 5, 2012
The book had a good story line but dragged. It might be that I'm use to a faster pace book. Zoe is just a secretary. That speaks to spirits that haven't. Moved on. When she meets an angel her life becomes in danger but also filled with love.
April 9, 2011
Feel free to check out my review at http://bookishwonderland.blogspot.com...
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