Oh dear lord, why do I read these books? The fact that I have read three angel books in the last two weeks is going to require me to add an "angel" category to my shelves, which will throw them all off....all I can say for myself is that this blasted series kind of snuck up on me and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't enjoying it.
Before I go further, I should mention that there are several "things" about this series that would make more discerning readers want to toss these books into the recycle bin. The heroine is beyond dense. She has her moments, and sometimes I even like her if for no other reason than for the fact that she tries to do the right thing. However, character motivations remain elusive to her until they smack in the face, often quite literally. The plot points are often entirely too convienient and the world is so ambiguous that it allows for anything and everything, though I kind of admire that last one. Can't call fowl on what is undefined, right? Overall, there isn't much that makes this series any more special than the thousands of other titles within this genre, which may be in part why it appealed to me.
For me, I read books within this genre to be exposed to a new realm, where the comforts of our reality are present, but paired with a fantastical element. I read them to meet characters that I can love, hate, swoon over, laugh with, mourn, cheer for, or all of the above. Lastly, I read these type stories to go on an adventure that allows for youthful characters to save the world, or complete equally heroic tasks. Its oddly empowering. There are dozens of series that achieve these goals, and I enjoy this one because it does as well.
I don't like Violet. I don't feel that she has done anything to earn such devoted adoration from nearly all her fellow characters, and I have already made my thoughts on her intellect clear. I don't swoon over Lincoln because he is entirely too calm and essentially wooden. But I do love these two together. There scenes are tension filled, and sometimes entirely steamy. I'm not angel obsessed, in fact I often shy away from angel lore as it often comes across as preachy and/or hokey. Yet I love the concept of there being no such thing as a good side or bad side, just warring purpose and points of view. And this series possesses my most favorite of elements within this genre...morally ambiguous characters that outshine their alleged hero counterparts. For those of who share my love, you will find your heart's delight in Phoenix, Onyx and Nox.
There is nothing special about this series, but it contains everything I want when hungering for this genre. It may not be the best of the best, but it did make me serial read every book currently available to me and consent to reorganizing my bookshelves. For me, that's something.
P.S. the cliffhanger ending is bullshit. I'm not happy about having to wait to get my ending that I know is coming.