“…I was blown away by this novel, and I know I say that every time I read one of O'Rourke's books, but it's the honest truth…” A Book Vacation Reviews Fleeing Hallowed Manor and being hunted by the Skinwalkers, Kiera and her friends take shelter from a storm in a deserted railway station set in a remote valley. As they spend the night hiding from those who are hunting them, Isidor tells his friends a story about how he had come across the word PUSH some years before on his first journeys above ground. But unknowingly, Isidor?s story will have devastating consequences for one of them.'Dead Angels' Book 3 in Kiera Hudson Series Two.
Tim is the author of over sixty books including the No 1 bestselling 'Kiera Hudson Series', 'Samantha Carter - Vampire Seeker Series', 'The Sydney Hart Mysteries', 'The Moon Trilogy, and 'The Mechanic' among other titles.
Tim is currently working on new Kiera Hudson books and other works.
Don't be shy; feel free to contact Tim at any of the following:
"Books are like doorways. Open it and you can step right into a whole new world"
This is so true and why I lurve this author, every book takes you on the journey, I never just feel like a reader I'm their in the thick of the action. As you would expect from Tim O'Rourke you are transported into the world of Kiera, Potter, Isidor and Kayla and its non stop action. I can always envision the scenes in the story, whether I'm taken to The Ragged Cove, Hollowed Manor or The Great Western Railway and I know the characters as if they were firm friends !! This book literally starts were the last book Dead Flesh finished, so there's no messing around you get straight back into the action !! Sam is very ill after his wolf bonding being interrupted and as a half breed wolf boy he is not only a danger to himself but to the group. After much deliberation on his fate the gang agree to take him to the Fountain of Souls. As they leave Hollowed Manor it's not long before they have skin walkers on their trail. Taking shelter from a storm and hiding from the skin walkers the gang take shelter in a disused looking railway station and through the night Isidor tells the gang of how he first came above ground from the hollows, the people he met and where he has seen the term 'pushed' before. Although this book is called Kiera Hudson Dead Angels this book really belongs to Isidor, and my what a heart wrenching story he has to tell. We were introduced to the lovely Melody Rose who understood what is it like to be different, the interaction between her and Isidor was beautiful. We were also introduced to Ray the relationship between Ray and his father was disturbing, real and gritty and so well written. For Potter fans there is a good dollop of the handsome, grumpy, sarcastic one we all love to love!! Never before has a book made me as emotional as this one, be warned you will need tissues. Simply a beautiful, amazing addition to the marvel that is The Kiera Hudson series !! Congratulations Tim :o)
"Just imagine if you could go someplace else - to a place where you could be happy. That would be magical right ?"
Fingers crossed the gang all find their magical happy place, will be a sad day when this series ends !!
"See you later, alligator." "In a while, crocodile...."
We all know how much I love Tim’s stories and how they can make me laugh. This instalment is no exception........ but it also made me cry....... the ugly cry, darn it!
Tim sows more seeds in this instalment..... watch carefully. He plays with our mind cleverly and sneakily.
He wrote a wonderful scene with Melody Rose. I will let you find out who she is, and what scene.
Potter is still such fun with his cranky banter, and grumpy moods with Isidor, who I like to refer to as, Isi.
"Mind the statue," Isidor called out. "Fuck the statues," Potter shouted back over his shoulder.
"Have you seen him back there with all the hair and stuff? He looks like Captain-fucking-Caveman!"
“I think he’s part wolf and part human,” Isidor said. “No shit, Sherlock!” Potter glared, picking his coat up off the road and putting it on.
I do laugh out loud at the banter, but, Isi also has a sensitive side that can get hurt deeply.
*cue tissue box appearing*
Isi has a story to tell everybody before our crew leave the train station they have found themselves sheltering at..... errr ... this is after the rather *fans one self* scene *waggles eyebrows*.
I was wondering where Tim was going with Isi’s story telling, but I should know better, when Tim is writing his words, those cogs are turning in his brain and we never know where he is going until the last page.
I am trying to figure Potter out at the moment, some little secrets there.....hmmmm!
Oh , and those darn statues, the mystery is still a mystery. I’ll be buggered if I can work out what he is doing with those. I have theories. After this instalment I have other theories.
Lordy, he has added more puzzle pieces to my bag of theories and a bin of snotty tissues. *whispers* I feel kinda , like I need another tissue *sniff*
Im almost at a loss for words & you have no idea how rare that is for me. This latest installment in the Kiera Hudson Series wasn't filled with the amount of bloody-messy-gore that were used to in this series, but dives into the darket side of Horror. A darker side of human nature that fills you with dread just reading it. In this I found a villian far scarier than any hes penned before. I wont dive into the plot & ruin the story for anyone, the biggest thrill of Mr. O'Rourkes books is the unknown. You never really know where these books are gonna take you. I will say this one gripped me from the 1st page, left me in full out tears & still hasn't let go some hours later. I just can't stop thinking about it. That is a sign of outstanding storytelling in my eyes.
On a side note, you must read all of Tim O'Rourkes books. Not just both Kiera Hudson series, but also both Black Hill Farms books & Doorways. All three series have elements in them that are spun together quite beautifully. You wont be missing something or get lost in the Kiera books by not having read the others, theres no fear of that. BUT if you have read ALL of his books & you pick up on these interwoven threads, it will leave you with a huge smile on your face a feeling of wonder & a whole new appreciation for this Author. He really is quite brilliant.
I am so gratefull that Amazon threw Vampire Shift on my recommend list last year. You really must follow this Author. Trust me, you will not regret it =)
"See you later, alligator." "In a while, crocodile...."
We all know how much I love Tim’s stories and how they can make me laugh. This instalment is no exception........ but it also made me cry....... the ugly cry, darn it!
Tim sows more seeds in this instalment..... watch carefully. He plays with our mind cleverly and sneakily.
He wrote a wonderful scene with Melody Rose. I will let you find out who she is, and what scene.
Potter is still such fun with his cranky banter, and grumpy moods with Isidor, who I like to refer to as, Isi.
"Mind the statue," Isidor called out. "Fuck the statues," Potter shouted back over his shoulder.
"Have you seen him back there with all the hair and stuff? He looks like Captain-fucking-Caveman!"
“I think he’s part wolf and part human,” Isidor said. “No shit, Sherlock!” Potter glared, picking his coat up off the road and putting it on.
I do laugh out loud at the banter, but, Isi also has a sensitive side that can get hurt deeply.
*cue tissue box appearing*
Isi has a story to tell everybody before our crew leave the train station they have found themselves sheltering at..... errr ... this is after the rather *fans one self* scene *waggles eyebrows*.
I was wondering where Tim was going with Isi’s story telling, but I should know better, when Tim is writing his words, those cogs are turning in his brain and we never know where he is going until the last page.
I am trying to figure Potter out at the moment, some little secrets there.....hmmmm!
Oh , and those darn statues, the mystery is still a mystery. I’ll be buggered if I can work out what he is doing with those. I have theories. After this instalment I have other theories.
Lordy, he has added more puzzle pieces to my bag of theories and a bin of snotty tissues. *whispers* I feel kinda , like I need another tissue *sniff*
Whilst I do love the series, this book was different from the rest as the action took a back seat to an exploration of Isidor and his past. We left off where the team were being hunted by the skin-walkers and they had taken Sam with them who is in the midst of the change but he can't complete it. They find an abandoned rail way station and seek refuge there from the storm. Potter and Isidor are at each other's throats as usual and Kiera is trying to keep the peace. Kayla is really worried about Sam as he is not doing well and is unconscious most of the time now. They are trying to find the fountain of souls in the hope that this will save him but have been hindered by the skin-walkers pursuing them. Little is known about Isidor's life and they all make the assumption that he is not as smart as the rest of them but it is more a lack of knowledge and in-experience that hold him back and not his intelligence. Being sick and tired of the disrespect from the group Isidor finally speaks up and tells them that he has seen the work "PUSH" before and leads into a story that will change all their lives forever. I enjoyed the change of pace and it was insightful to understand Isidor better and how there are worse things than monsters who go bump in the night. I hate giving away the plot as it is more fun for it to unroll before your eyes but let me say that the ending made my sad. Isidor's stories were very perceptive and he is more than just a pretty face. Always a pleasure to read your books Tim, keep on rolling them out please :)
Dead Angels is the continuing story of Kiera Hudson and crew as they find themselves in an alternate world that has been pushed so that Werewolves and Humans share an untenable treaty that has been ripped apart by the actions of Kiera, Potter, Isidor and Kayla in saving wolf boy Sam Brook. In saving Sam, it appears they are now being hounded by the Shape-shifters who want payback for the actions of Kiera's group at Ravenwood School.
This book was told in the first POV by both Kiera and Isidor Smith. Isidor's past is revealed as he informs the group of where he first saw the word Push. Isidor, it seems, fell for a human girl named Melody Rose and it's not all peaches and creme where happy endings are concerned. Without spoiling anything, I would suggest that you allow yourself some time to emotionally regroup after reading the ending of this book.
As for Kiera, she has a surprise or two awaiting her as well. There are still questions remaining like what did Jack Seth do to Kiera on the day he asked her to kill her? Why is Potter being all secretive all of a sudden and refusing to tell Kiera what's up his ass? Why does Kiera carry a picture of her father that really hasn't happened yet and where did it come from? What is going to happen to Sam? Will he remain 1/2 wolf, or become something else entirely?
These are questions that I am hoping Tim gets around to answering soon. I also want to know what the hell is the deal with the statues and appear to be everywhere now.
Love, love, love this book! Love this series! Love Tim O’Rourke! Love it all! Seriously, if you haven’t jumped on the bandwagon and begun reading books by O’Rourke, then you’re really missing out!
Book two in the amazing Kiera Hudson Series Two is another impeccable read, full of mystery and intrigue, love and passion, and this time we are given an intricate glimpse into the heart of Isidor, our brooding hero who has had enough of Potter’s taunts and believes he knows something about this new, Pushed world. And he does… but what he knows will cost him dearly.
I adored Isidor’s point of view. It’s the first time we’ve really been given the back-story of his life, and at this point, I feel like I know him personally. While some will argue that this novel is very sad, and it does have its moments, in the end I know that O’Rourke is going to set everything straight and make it work, just like he has in the last few books, and I love it. I was blown away by this novel, and I know I say that every time I read one of O’Rourke’s books, but it’s the honest truth. O’Rourke amazes me; his work is spectacular, and his ability to crank out these fabulous books so quickly (eight in a year—AMAZING) floors me. And so I sit, on pins and needles, for the next novel in this series, Dead Statues.
So, we all know how adorable Isidor is... did you know he was adorable even before we met him? He was, and sweet and had incredible adventures. Of course, we will find out what it was like to be a mix-breed growing with a foster mom, not knowing who his parents really were and with a desperate desire to meet the outside world. Now, my thoughts are... how does the human part of him affect who he is, his emotions and personality? Oh, you will find out here... and meet some of the people who changed his life and made him into who he now is... and, might we get a closer look at the mysterious photographer? Maybe...
Another good book in the series. Not my favorite, but I always loved Isidor and was really pleased to read some history on him. I thought it dragged just a touch in the middle because so much of it is back story and not as much action as the other books in this series, but all in all had kept me engaged. I really liked Melody Rose. There is a scene between Potter & Isidor that was very moving and truly made the book. As usual, the book is left on a cliffhanger. Hope Mr O'Rourke is writing quickly- I can't wait to see what's in store next! :)
I was not expecting to be so moved by this book that I would be left holding tissues.There actually were a lot of surprises in this story and now I'm left wondering..what the heck???I don't know what else to say except these books are awesome.Just when you think you know where the story is going you are blown away with something so unexpected.I loved this book.I can't wait to see what happens in the next book...
This installment of the Keira Hudson books has villians that are very unexpected, at least when you are dealing with werewolves and vampires. This book is mostly about Isador, and his story was so haunting and sad that I almost didn't want to continue reading the story, but Mr. O'Rourke is such a good story teller that I had to continue so that I could find out what happens. I think this is one of the best in the series.
So, Kiera and the gang are trying to get Sam to the Fountain of the Souls and are being pursued by Shifters and Beserkers on their way. A large portion of the story is told from Isiodor's POV as he tells the others how he had heard the term "push" before. As always, I was intrigued through out the entire story, my only complaint is that I felt the story could have been a little longer.
This book, felt like the other two. There was too much of the side-character involved that I found it hard to read. But, in saying that it was interesting. And, man can Tim O'Rourke write some twisted storylines!
I think I've found an overlying theme in this series - all the parents are abusive nutjobs. That's what it seems like anyway.
To be honest, with this book, I found this to be very random. Like, Isidor - a character that has hardly had much to say throughout the whole series - is suddenly pouring his heart out to his friends in a train station while they wait for a train, just because he feels lonely???!!! Umm...did I miss something. This was so random.. My reaction to this was more WTF than OMG. It just seemed like a really random place to have a meltdown and then sacrifice yourself, when you were fighting for your life at the end of the last book.
It also took me ages to read this book because there has been too many side character stories in a row for my liking. First, Kayla's point of view was the main feature in the first book, then in the second, we had Sophie's point of view and Potters (Potters I don't actually mind so much aside from Kiera), then the third book is mainly Isidor...can we get back to it being about Kiera?? Please, please, don't let there be a Sam's point of view storyline in this series...Please!!
Overall, this book received my first 4 star rating for this whole series (counting the first series too here). I've mainly been giving 5 stars, because these books have been so good, but this one let me down slightly. And, I'm really not happy with the fate of Isidor...I really hope he comes back, otherwise, I'm not going to be satisfied with the way his character was left.
After reading 'Dead Flesh (Keira Hudson Series Two, Book One)' and the novella, 'Dead Night - Potter's Secrets (Keira Hudson Series Two, Book 1.5)', the reader is aware that Keira and her friends are existing in a different world, almost a parallel universe. A world that they once knew but has now been 'pushed' and life is not quite the way it was before.
The beginning of this novel carries on from 'Dead Flesh' as the gang are at Hallowed Manor with the addition of Sam, who, since leaving the chapel at Ravenwood Boarding School and almost being matched with a wolf, is ill and feverish. With Kayla looking after him she hopes he will make a full recovery but this is uncertain. It is not known how far the matching went. Will he die? Will he be human? Or, will he become a skin-walker? He does show some signs of this, however it is not absolutely clear.
Kayla will do anything in her power to try and save Sam. He is in-between stages of turning and he is very ill. So when he asks to be taken to the Fountain of Souls, this is exactly what Kayla wants too. After a discussion the whole gang prepare to leave Hallowed Manor. However, during the beginning of their journey they are followed by skin-walkers. Hopefully, without spoiling too much, there is a great deal of intense action in these first few chapters and the gang are on the run from the skin-walkers and Berserkers. They manage to find an old train station to rest in whilst the reader is given more insight into Isidor's character.
As the story unfolds the reader discovers that this particular novel, even though written from the points of view of Keira and the points of view of Isidor, has it's main focus on Isidor. Isidor is a character, until now, that the reader knew little about - especially about his past. This book opens up Isidor's soul as we begin to understand his character and some of his reasons for the way he is. The action of this novel dies down and becomes more emotional, focusing largley on the storyline and using Isidor as narrator to his own past. There are questions that previous novels have left me asking about Isidor, and here the answers are revealed.
We are introduced to a new character, Melody Rose. I absolutely took to her from the first time we hear about her. She is a beautiful, kind human girl. She is treated differently by some of those around her as she has been brought up in a strange manner. But, as she is different it allows her to understand others that are different and, therefore is more accepting and treat them more as an equal. It would be cruel of me to go into any more detail regarding Melody or the storyline without giving any more away. I am, therefore, hoping that if you have not read this novel yet to please do.
I must admit that this is not my favourite novel of the series for a few reasons. However, bear in mind that I have read all of the books to this series, up to this point, including the novellas. As this book focuses on Isidor and the last novella 'Dead Night - Potter's Secrets' focused on Potter I have missed Keira terribly. Her character has not been featured as much and I would like to hear about her 'seeing' ability again in solving mysteries and crimes - a return of her investigative side. Also, Potter did not feature too heavily in this book either. But, as said above, I do understand that the reader needed to be more connected to Isidor and understand his past and character.
I was missing a little action in the middle of Isidor's story, however this did pick up a little towards the end of the novel again, knowing that the following book 'Dead Statues (Keira Hudson Series Two, Book Three)' will begin with more adventure to come. I felt that this novel was a little short and towards the end we are given the chance to read some short stories that the character, Isidor, had written after being influenced by humans and the world above ground. I wasn't too sure about these, however, after reading some other reviews I should have guessed myself that Tim O'Rourke certainly does not write these stories without having an underlying meaning to them. As the series continues to grow the reader will discover their meaning and connection and I am excited to be on this magical journey. I would love to become Keira just so I could piece it all together myself!
One of the things I love about Tim O'Rourke's writing is that he always sets each scene well. He never overstates anything, allowing the reader to visualise for themselves, however he does give us enough atmosphere to create our emotions and connect with the characters, storyline and scenery. I have noticed, especially in the more recent books, that the weather plays a huge part in this. It is either night time or dark and cloudy, with stormy weather, i.e. wind, rain, thunder and lightning.
The use of music, usually playing on the iPod, also means a great deal. This also sets the mood of the scene that we are reading. It helps to tell the story of the characters. There is no iPod in this novel, but a radio. There is a song that is referred to more than once, regarding two of the characters in this book and it does help everything connect beautifully. The song is not for me to name, but for the reader to discover. The song choice initially surprised me but it does fit perfectly well.
At the time of writing this review I have begun to read the following novel, 'Dead Statues (Keira Hudson Series Two, Book Three)' and although I have only read a few pages I am gripped!
I really enjoyed reading this book!! The threat to the group is so interesting and I enjoyed how it's different from the first series. The most interesting part of this was getting to know about Isidor past and reading from his POV. I loved the tragic story he got to tell us and how it ties in with whats going on now. It let us get to know him better and understand some things about him that we didn't know before. I really loved getting to read from his POV and the ending ........ lets just say it had me in tears!!
Was not interested in a book that was like 80% if not more just a back story for Isidor. I liked his character but this would have been infinitely better if they cut down the story for him to like 2 chapters and then continued on. Just felt like a lot of unnecessary fluff. Would return my kindle purchase of this one if I could.
This series just keeps me on my toes. Seriously things happen and I'm just shocked like wow didn't see that coming. A lot of times anymore I can figure out a book or mystery before I finish. Not with this series and that is refreshing.
I've given so many reviews that I'm now lost for words. I don't know what to say about this book from Tim O'Rourke. Every time I read a book from Tim it's getting better and better.
By now I've read the Kiera Hudson Series one, and beginning with series 2, book 2 now done. I've read Moonlight & Moonbeam, Black Hill Farm book 1 & 2. I thought Moonlight was the best book ever, than I thought Black Hill Farm was, and now.... Now I think this Dead Angels is the best book I have ever read.
I cried, you know why...
I love Melody Rose sooo much.
I don't know what's in the next books, but I hope somehow that 2 people will return....
Thanks Tim, you are a wonderful writer, the best!!!
I cannot believe that Tim always surprises me EVERY bloody time! This was yet again, another fantastic instalment of Keira’s unrelenting battle with all that is evil. Get’s a lot hotter between her and potty mouthed Potter too.
Dead Angels goes back to Isidors’ past and it will break your heart. He appears to be a guy who keeps him self to himself, except for his sis, yet tatted up to the max (tattoos) tough looking, arse kicker. You will see more of his softer side and your heart will bleed with the pain he has gone through. Don’t “PUSH” him will you!
«Warning, You will most likely cry» «Warning, Sad Spoiler»
I cried for a hour when I knew Isidor was dead, I have never cried over a book that had a death before, but I cried. It was so touching to me for some odd reason. When Potter said "Isidor needs to find his own path,I just hope he finds Melody at the end of it.” I started to shake out of pure sadness, I knew it was a hint, and I hated Potter for it, but also thanked him. I loved Isidor as a character and all, I grew attached in 5 seconds after I meet him because I am a clingy when it comes to book characters.
1,000,000,000 out of 10, Best book, ever. RIP Isidor Smith (I am still shaking and crying)