L'angelo della morte

The Lost Angels #3

by Heather Killough-Walden

Vampiri, demoni, cherubine, continua la serie Lost Angels cominciata con La notte degli angeli caduti prima e Il messaggero dell’angelo poi. Un grande e nuovo successo di Heather Killough–Walden.

In quanto Angelo della Morte, Azrael non può essere come i suoi fratelli. Mentre gli altri sono caduti sulla Terra in forma umana, Azrael è sceso come vampiro. Oggi è il cantante di una famosa rock band, bello da togliere il fiato, e tiene nascosta la sua vera natura: una potente oscurità perennemente in contrasto con il suo essere angelico. Sotto la maschera, coltiva la speranza di incontrare un giorno colei che lo completerà. Al matrimonio del fratello Gabriele, Azrael mette gli occhi su Sophie Bryce, la damigella d’onore. È certo che sia la compagna che gli è destinata, e farà di tutto per farla sua. Ma Sophie non sa di essere la sua cherubina, ed è ossessionata da indicibili demoni. Quando forze sovrannaturali usciranno dall’ombra e minacceranno Sophie, Azrael sarà l’unico in grado di proteggerla. Ma per farlo, dovrà rivelare la sua natura selvaggia e rischiare così
l’unica cosa che cerca dall’eternità...

Genres: Paranormal, Angels, Paranormal Romance, Vampires, Romance, Fantasy, Urban Fantasy

416 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2012

About the author

Heather Killough-Walden is a California native currently living in Texas with her husband and child. She is the New York Times bestselling author of the Big Bad Wolf series. Heather’s educational background includes religious studies, archeology, and law. She has traveled all over the world but hopes to one day live in a town with a world-class hockey team. (Let’s Go Pens!) Visit Heather’s website at www.killough-walden.com, where you can sign up for her newsletter. Also, be sure to keep in touch with her and other fans through her Facebook fan page and through Twitter (killoughwalden)!

Reviews

[Romanticamente Fantasy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lilian Gold - per RFS
.
Ho scoperto questa saga per caso e una volta iniziata la lettura non sono riuscita più a smettere e l’ho finita tutta d’un fiato.

Tutto comincia quando il Vecchio (che ho identificato con Dio) convoca i suoi quattro arcangeli prediletti Michele, Gabriele, Uriel e Azrael e gli “regala” le metà perfette della loro anima per ricompensarli della loro lealtà. Queste quattro cherubine però vengono spedite sulla terra e gli arcangeli decidono di ritrovarle abbandonando il regno dei cieli. A me non è sembrato tanto un dono ma un volete le vostre donne? Va bene le creo ma poi ve le trovate da soli come tutti gli altri! Una presa in giro insomma.

Ogni volume è dedicato a una coppia e dopo Uriel, l’Angelo della Vendetta e la sua Elenoire, il Messaggero Gabriele e la sua Juliette, adesso tocca ad Azrael, l’Angelo della Morte e Sophie Bryce con L’angelo della morte.

Azrael è il cantante di una famosa rock band, bello da togliere il fiato ed è il mio personaggio preferito: sotto la sua potente oscurità nasconde un animo gentile, che lotta e protegge con ogni mezzo chi ama. Purtroppo o per fortuna per lui, è stato l’unico dei quattro arcangeli a essere sceso sulla Terra come vampiro. È più forte dei suoi fratelli, ma in lui ho visto molta solitudine finché al matrimonio di Gabriele incontra Sophie.

Era un fremito, unito a una sgradevole inquietudine quasi al limite di una profonda ansia. Era trepidazione. Felicità, speranza. Sophie Bryce era dentro di lui.

(Tratto dal libro)

Lei però non sa di essere la sua cherubina ed è ossessionata da terribili demoni. Sophie sarà minacciata dal nuovo cattivo della storia che fa la sua comparsa in tutta la sua splendente malvagità: Gregori. Ma chi o cosa sia ancora non ci è dato saperlo. Azrael è l’unico in grado di proteggerla e anche questa volta l’arcangelo deve conquistare la fiducia della sua anima gemella nonostante l’attrazione che entrambi sentono.

“Voleva insegnarle ad amare se stessa… in modo che poi potesse imparare ad amare lui” (Tratto dal libro)

Sophie scopre piano piano i suoi poteri, gli stessi delle altre: guarire, telecinesi, controllare gli elementi atmosferici e il fuoco.

Samael questa volta è più defilato e ancora non riesco a capire se sia buono o cattivo. A volte aiuta, a volte ostacola, è molto ambiguo circa la sua natura. È arcangelo ma con qualcosa di più.

Uno degli aspetti per me negativi: troppe creature! Ci sono angeli, arcangeli, spettri, fantasmi, vampiri, draghi, icariani (sanguisughe di poteri magici), adariani, incubi. Non ho capito il senso di mettere tutta questa carne al fuoco. Ogni tipo di esseri ha i propri poteri e le proprie caratteristiche, alcuni sono buoni e altri cattivi.

Scritta in modo scorrevole, si legge velocemente (anche per sapere cosa succederà). Le descrizioni non sono molto lunghe e non tolgono il gusto all’azione.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 mental, action packed & seductive stars about an Archangel- Vampire and his Archess ****



This could be a movie it was so packed with everything you could ask for in a paranormal book

just FYI: Don't judge a book by it's cover- this cover is crap and the man on the front is not Azrael (the main H)

HKW has successfully created a world that you can really enjoy reading- she makes you feel like you can actually feel the character's emotions and I really enjoyed being a part of Az in this book.

Angels, Vampires, Dragons, Phantoms and Incubi
She has introduced a wider range of the supernatural community in this book and she shows us more of the back story- the why's (and the prequel to the series Always, Angel makes a bit more sense) it's all quite mental- it goes at 100 miles per hour and you can't stop turning pages to find out what the hell is gonna happen next!


Az is my fave brother of the 4. He is walking sex. he is somehow charismatic, lethal, smooth, dangerous and a softy all in 1... yummy
I couldn't wait for this book- as well as hot, he is also the most interesting of the brothers. The first vampire- turned when sent to earth as a twisted outcome of being the Angel of Death.

The main H/H focuses on Az and Sophie- and continues right on from book 2 (and OMG did I get excited at the end of that book)

I loved that he wanted to form a bond or friendship with her instead of just pouncing like the others did.

I love that he is completely focused on getting her to fall in love with him but also enjoys her fiery strong will- and even provokes it sometimes because the vampire in him enjoys it.

And when he smiles at her, showing his fang- OMG



~~~ As for my feelings on the other 'bad guys' of the book...~~~

Samael: WTF! I hate some of the things he does or tricks them into- and we won't know until the nxt book what Michael agrees to do but part of me can't hate Sam- I don't know why.

The big man upstairs- I hate him and I don't understand why he creates things, throws them to earth discarding them and how he expects there to be no fall back like what is happening?!

Kevin: I HATE HATE HATE his psycho ass! I'm glad the other Adarian's saw sense and killed him.

Gregorai: I sympathize with him but keeping the brothers apart from their Archesses when that's the reason he wants to kill the big man upstairs in the first place is just selfish!

~~~~~~

I don't want to wait so long for Michael's story!! Especially with the way this book ended!! talk about CLIFFHANGER!!


Heather has announced that:
Warrior's Angel (release date TBA, late 2014)
Samael (release date TBA, 2015)

[Dawnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think I will probably give all of HKW's books 4 or 5 stars, so my reviews of her books might be a bit tainted. The reason for this is her writing is so tailored to what I like. When I get a sandwich from Subway, I get the spicy italian with pepperjack cheese, lettuce, pepperoncinis, and spicy southwest sauce. Let's just say Heather makes exactly the type of sandwich I like. Down to how much of each topping I want. Without me having to say "Just a little more pepperoncinis and not so much lettuce".



Her style is a little over the top so that her men are men and her women are damsels with backbone. Heather might not make everyone's favorite sandwich. Some people might want turkey on wheat with spinach and a little bit o' mustard (blech), but if you share the same specific tastes as me, you'll be sure to enjoy pretty much all of her books.

This book is the story of Azrael the archangel. He is one of 4 archangel brothers who went to Earth to find their archesses. He is the 3rd brother to find his archess, but for me he's the one we've all been waiting for. Because Azrael is not just an archangel. He used to be the angel of death, so when he came to earth, he came also as a vampire. He has extra powers his archangel brothers do not possess, but more importantly, he is more tortured. Bring on the tortured hotness please!!!



Azrael and Sophie are explosive together. Like all of HKW's heroes, he treasures her, but he also loves to provoke her just to admire how fiery she gets.

There was plenty of action, just the right amount of lovin' (not too much- HKW doesn't use it as a crutch like so many do) and a nice fulfilling ending.

[Shasta · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ok truth be told I could not finish this book. I got to about the half way point and called it quits. The beginning was great. Was all about the main characters Az and Sophie. Then the plots just keep adding up. The Adarians, the Nightmares, Micheal, and then surprise another one. . .dragons. Too much going on when I really just wanted to read about what the book was supposed to be about Az and Sophie!

[Suzanne (Under the Covers Book blog) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Azreal, the once fearsome Archangel of Death, and now vampire has been looking for his archess for over 2000 years. His brothers Uriel and Gabriel found their archesses' in quick succession and now only Az and their leader Michael remain without theirs. But when Az see's Sophie Bryce for the first time he knows he has found the other half of his soul, he just needs to persuade her of that and gain her trust. But, it seems that suddenly it isn't just archesses being revealed, but many paranormal creatures are coming out of hiding and back into the mortal round, but for what purpose, and what new enemy is now stalking the favoured four archangels?

Gah! I found this book so hard to write a review for and even harder to give an accurate rating. There were many things I really liked about Death's Angel but unfortunately there were some aspects of it that had me pulling my hair out.

But lets start on a positive note, when I first started reading it completely captivated me, although I haven't read the previous books in this series it was easy to follow the main story arc. I did think Az had his little oh-woe-is-me-i-am-lord-of-the-night goth teenage girl moments but I liked him and I loved seeing him trying to court Sophie and gain her trust rather then just pouncing.

What started to eat away at my enjoyment was how long it seemed, there was a lot of internal monologuing and not enough romancing and it made it seem like the book went on forever, by the end I sighed with relieve as it was finally over. I don't think it was over long, I think it was a combination of the writing style which reminded me of Christine Feehan, which means it was a little over blown, wordsy and melodramatic which slowed down the pace of the story.

But, I am still contemplating reading the next one in the series as it ended on such a good cliffhanger, and I may even read the previous books...just not for a while.

[Lizzie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've made a habit of reading books primarily part of series, trying but not always, start from the beginning. This book is the third in this particular series. I was hoping for another Firestarter. The kind of story that grabs me and makes me read the whole series. But not this time.
The story's plot wasn't the problem. The writing was too crammed with excessive junk. More of an effort was put in describing scenes, places, and characters, than actually telling the story. I had a hard time trying to separate the plot from the thesaurus crammed in its place.
Normally once I start a book, its hard for me to put it down; that was not the case this time. I was determined to finish, but Boy was it a struggle. This book was too too much.

[Patrisha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Avrei voluto dare di più a questo libro che appartiene ad una saga che amo, ma proprio mi è stato impossibile. Forse mi aspettavo troppo dalla storia di Azrael e quindi sono rimasta immancabilmente delusa. Pur avendo l'autrice inserito molti elementi importanti che sicuramente torneranno utili nei continui, l'intreccio della trama non mi ha colpito in modo particolare. Sophia e Azrael sono due bei personaggi indubbiamente e la loro storia d'amore è appassionata e bella, ma non all'altezza delle precedenti, perlomeno per i miei gusti. Il finale mozzafiato ti spinge a voler subito leggere il continuo. Comunque una piacevolissima lettura, scritto bene e scorrevole.

[Kelli C · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one was 2.5 stars for me. well...you definitely have to read the 1st two books to understand this one...oh boy there is so much going on in this story...new characters, old characters transformed, back stories, lots of behind the back plotting and just alot of stories going on at the same time. Im a sucker for a fallen angel but honestly i got messed up alot on this one that had me re-reading paragraphs. I will definitly read the next one so that i can see where this one goes! i liked it, but didnt love it...

[Bliss Silverleaf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Indecisa fra poco meno di 4 o 4 e 1/2, in realtà. Avendo appena deciso di leggerlo, devo scacciare l'euforia e far emergere la pare critica. Non me la sento però di assegnarne 3 per difetto, perciò il mio voto si ferma su 4 stelle.

[Hbeebti · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 this was the best one so far. Az is still my favorite. Buttttttt the ending. Oh man I am really starting to dislike Sam. What a selfish jerk. Poor Michael.

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Let's get to the important information first. There be DRAGONS in this book. Yeah, you read that right. And they can transform into men. Men who wear sparkly leather jackets. Pardon me while I wipe up the drool. Oh, and there's something about an archangel meeting his archess in this book as well. (But DRAGONS.)

Death's Angel starts off right where Messenger's Angel leaves off, which if you read it, you should have seen coming. We're given both main characters POVs again, which helps us learn more about Azrael's and Sophie's pasts.

There are also a slew of new characters that are introduced in this book. The true villain is revealed and right from the get-go, is very confusing. I really don't know how he fits into the grand scheme of things, but the focus is definitely off of Samuel turning out to be Lucifer, which is what I originally thought.

Also, Angel came back, briefly. I suspect we'll see her a bit more in the next book and then there's going to be a fifth book, which should center on her and... someone else. (If you've read the ebook prequel, you'll know who I'm talking about.)

I'm glad Azrael and Sophie figure it all out in the end, even if their first sexual interaction reads more like something from Nalini Singh's Guild Hunter series. I didn't like all of Azrael's tactics to getting Sophie, mostly the whole reading her mind to become or do what she wanted and also how at one point he completely took over her mind to control her actions. Not cool, Azrael. But she does put him in his place for doing so, which is good since he changes after that.

The sneak peek at the end makes it seem like Michael is destined for a real-life superhero woman, which will be interesting to read. There's no release date set for that book, but I expect it'll happen sometime this year.

[Razzymomma · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to like this book. I really did. I really enjoyed the other books in this series and there were parts and aspects of this book that I enjoyed. I found Sophie's backstory interesting, I was excited about the introduction of new villains, and I'm always up for some steamy vampire scenes, but sadly, that's about it. I was really excited about Azreal's story, but for the most part, I was left wanting. The pace of the book was pretty slow, especially at the beginning. This is the third book in the series (fourth if you also count the prequel novella). Since most people tend to read an entire series (in order), it seems unnecessary to explain the same things in each book (how and why the archangels came to earth, who the Adarians are, etc.). We already know and it becomes boring information. As far as the new story goes, I liked Sophie & Azreal; however, there were things that they did or that happened between them that felt forced. For example, I just didn't believe Sophie's reaction when she found out she was an archess. I would've expected her to be confused, happy, maybe even in denial given her self-esteem issues, but angry? No, angry didn't make sense to me. I just didn't believe it. It felt like the author made Sophie angry, because the other archesses were angry. Overall, if you've read the previous books, I'd recommend reading it. Despite having lukewarm feelings towards this book, I'm still very much looking forward to Michael's book and reading more about the new villains. However, if this were a stand-alone book, I wouldn't recommend it, especially given the price.

[Barbara Gordon · Rating 5 out of 5]

The THIRD (technically, fourth) book in The Lost Angels Series left me wanting more! I need to know what happens in the next book!! Talk about a cliffhanger! I was waiting for Azrael's story the most, because as the former Angel of Death, he was changed like no other angel. He became the world's first vampire. Who doesn't love a good vampire story? His Archess, Sophie, and her life story left me heartbroken. As a child I was in foster homes, and could relate to the feeling of loneliness. I am BEYOND grateful that I didn't have to endur all the horrible things that she did. As Sophie and Azrael learn to battle their inner demons, we're introduced to more mystical creatures. Dragons and Phantoms and Incubi (Nightmares), I was really thrown for a loop. But it was a good, fast moving upside down and spiraly kind of loop. :) I recommend this book to anyone looking for a good read... but highly recommend that you read the other books in this series first. Warrior's Angel needs to hurry up and get here!

[★Winter★ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked Death’s Angel. I give it 4.5 stars instead of 5 only because of all the Lost Angels books; this one wasn’t quite as captivating as the rest to me. I fell for Azrael during the first two books in the series. So I was excited when I learned that he would finally get his own story in book 3. Death’s Angel did not disappoint. Who knew that not only was he a charismatic vampire but a softy too. While reading I felt like I was in his head, experiencing his conflicting emotions. Fighting the monster the vampire side wanted him to be while still showing Sophie compassion and love. I also loved all the new characters and supernatural beings introduced in Death’s Angel. It gives the Lost Angels series so many possibilities for future books. I also really enjoyed how Death’s Angel ends. I loved how it leaves me wanting more, but that also means that I have to wait for Michael’s story in Warrior’s Angel. Hopefully the wait won’t be too long.

[Megan (BookWifeReviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Azriel! The other two girls totally got screwed because so far he is the best... i mean he does take over her mind a few times which I would murder his face for but other than that I freaking love him. And the narrator for the audio book did a fantastic job for his voice! Now Sophie I was just kinda meh about but I think she is a good match for Az because she fights him. But she really did nothing for me.

Other than the romance I don't really want to say anything about the plot because there were a few twist that I totally didn't see coming and I am very much look forward to the next book!

[Cherie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was BLOWN AWAY..... Death's Angel is riveting and attention grabbing from the get go. Azreal is the Angel of Death and finally after 2000 years has found his Archess, Sophie. Their love story is, as always with Heather's writing, fast paced and suspenseful at once. I highly recommend this book to any reader looking for a new author.

[Winifred · Rating 4 out of 5]

At LASTTTTTT…… My loneliness is over…
AZ is mine!

[Ashen]

LOVED it~ Has to be my favorite book in the series!

[Kara-karina · Rating 2 out of 5]

I lost interest. As simple as that. Very cliched conversations and very little interesting happening in between. DNF

[Libby Wyatt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love these books. Totally for my naughty side and damn they are addicting. Love it, even though it's cheesy and lovey and all too sexy. 18+ and it's my sexy, Angel addiction.

[Debrac2014 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable read!

[LadyAileen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Siamo giunti al terzo volume della serie paranormal romance per adulti The Lost Angels che vede protagonosti i quattro (questo volume riserverà una piacevole sorpresa o forse era già palese per qualcuno) famosi arcangeli: Michele, Gabriele, Azrael e Uriel. I romanzi sono strettamente collegati, l'autrice tende comunque a fornire informazioni riguardo alle vicende passate, ed è consigliabile leggerli tutti e nel loro ordine di pubblicazione.
Tutto ha inizio quando i 4 arcangeli, mantenendo alcuni dei loro poteri, finiscono sulla Terra (non da soli) per cercare le loro cherubine (le loro compagne). La ricerca non sarà cosa semplice perché dovranno vedersela con le stesse cherubine, con persone che tramano nell'ombra e con un misterioso personaggio che non sembra poi così malvagio.
La trama è senza dubbio originale, intricata e densa d'azione e colpi di scena (un ulteriore problema si profila all'orizzonte in questo volume).
Come per i precedenti anche in questo caso si tratta di un romanzo corale pertanto anche se i punti di vista principali restano quelli di Azrael ex angelo della Morte e la sua cherubina Sophie, non mancano quelli di altri personaggi.
Per quanto riguarda la struttura relativa alla storia d'amore in questo volume c'è stato un vero e proprio stravolgimento e devo dire che ho apprezzato.
Azrael è l'arcangelo più misterioso, schivo ma anche il più tormentato a causa della sua particolare natura mentre Sophie è una donna fragile con un passato doloroso ma è anche giudiziosa, cauta e con una mente aperta al soprannaturale. Due anime affini.
Nonostante sia un volume abbastanza corposo, non ci sono momenti per annoiarsi e questo anche grazie allo stile scorrevole e alla presenza di personaggi intriganti.
Gli angeli (non sono le uniche creature mitologiche presenti anzi se ne aggiungono altre credute scomparse) hanno origini antiche ma assumono comportamenti moderni e umani.
L'unico aspetto negativo è che avrei evitato di ripetere un po' troppe volte alcuni concetti.
Naturalmente il finale resta aperto e offre una breve anticipazione.
Una lettura avvincente ma mi dispiace sapere che l'autrice non ha ancora annunciato una data per l'uscita del quarto volume (Non voglio aspettare troppo!).

[Yvonne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Die Geschichte von Azrael und Sophie ist ein mitreißender Strudel aus Anziehungskraft, der durch diverse Geschehnisse und Einwirkungen von außen zu einem rasanten Wirbelsturm wird.
Ich hatte mir von diesem Buch nicht viel erwartet, da ich die allgemein herrschende Faszination rund um blutsaugende Nachtwandler grundsätzlich nicht nachvollziehen kann und nach Verfilmungen wie Twilight eher Abstand von diesen übernatürlichen Genossen nehme. Die aber in der Engelssturm-Welt von der Autorin geschaffenen Vampire sind so ganz anders als von mir erwartet und ich muss sagen, dass ich mich für diese Art von Blutsaugern durchaus begeistern kann. Ob Randall McFarlan, Uro oder einer der vielen anderen von Azrael‘s erschaffenen Vampiren, hier gibt es unter den Blutsaugern eine bunte Auswahl Persönlichkeiten, die mich angesprochen und mein Interesse geweckt habe. Die bisher eher im Hintergrund agierende Person von Azrael selbst ist mir in diesem Buch wirklich ans Herz gewachsen und auch Sophie‘s Charakter hat sich rasch in mein Herz geschlichen. Die Geschichte rund um die beiden sowie die essenziell hintergründige Bedeutung von Sophie, als Azrael’s „Sonnenschein“, haben mich total abgeholt und ich habe die Story der beiden nicht nur genossen, sondern gelebt.
Der rote Faden in der Reihe und somit der Haupterzählstrang wird natürlich auch in diesem Band vorangetrieben und man merkt, dass man den Großteil der Geschichte bereits hinter sich hat und auf den Höhepunkt zusteuert. Allerding hinterlässt der nicht enden-wollenden Strom an neuen Widersachern, die von Buch zu Buch nicht nur mehr sondern auch unbezwingbarer werden, mittlerweile einen faden Beigeschmack bei mir. Irgendwann muss dann doch auch mal gut sein.
Azraels Geschichte und somit der dritte Band der Engelsstrum Reihe konnte mir endlich eine 4 Sterne Bewertung entlocken und ich habe das Buch mit einem zufriedenen Lächeln geschlossen.

[Stefanie Hasse hisandherbooks.de · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zitat:
„Der einstige Todesengel spürte eine andere Veränderung als Michael. Dunkler, schmerzlicher. Seine neue Gestalt schien wie der Inbegriff der negativen Energien, die er während seiner ewig langen früheren Existenz gesammelt hatte.“
(S.12)

Zu seiner Verwandlung gehörten die Reißzähne eines Ungetüms, eine Aversion gegen das Sonnenlicht, die ihn zur Flucht in nächtliche Schatten zwang, und – am allerschlimmsten – ein ständiger Durst nach Blut.
Immer Blut.“
(S. 13)

Inhalt:
Auf der Hochzeit ihrer besten Freundin sieht Sophie ihn zum ersten Mal: Azrael! Sie weiß, dass er einer der Erzengel ist, sie weiß, dass er nach seinem Sternenengel sucht. Doch Azrael, der den Menschen als Leadsänger „der Maskierte“ bekannt ist, zieht sie wie magisch an.

Azrael weiß sofort, dass Sophie sein Sternenengel ist und längst vergessene Gefühle quellen aus ihm hervor. Er verheimlicht die Neuigkeit vor seinen Brüdern, setzt aber seine Untertanen zu ihrer Überwachung ein. König Azrael hat im Laufe der Jahrhunderte unzählige Vampire erschaffen, die ihm treue Dienste leisten.

Die Adarianer rund um Kevin sind mächtiger denn je. Die Hälfte durch Blutexperimente zu Vampiren mit besonderen Gaben verwandelt und somit an die Dunkelheit gebunden, führen die anderen den Kampf bei Tag fort. Und ihr Ziel ist klar: die Heilkraft des Sternenengels Sophie.

Doch auch eine neue Bedrohung jenseits der Adarianer taucht auf: Ein Serienvergewaltiger, der die Stadt in Angst und Schrecken versetzt, hat den Indizien zufolge einen übernatürlichen Hintergrund.

Meinung:
Mit Band 1 – Uriel - konnte die Autorin mein Interesse gewinnen, mit Band 2 – Gabriel - hatte sie mich schon in der Tasche. So kam ich natürlich nicht an diesem dritten Band vorbei, zumal mein „Lieblingsengel“ der Brüder die Hauptrolle spielte: Azrael, der frühere Todesengel, den sein Gang zur Erde zum ersten Vampir der Welt gemacht hat.

Eröffnet wird das Buch mit einem Blick auf das Jahr 0 und Azraels erste Zeit nach der Verwandlung und dem unstillbaren Blutdurst. So wird die Entwicklung des Ur-Vampirs noch eindeutiger.
Azrael erkennt seinen Sternenengel auf den ersten Blick und eine längst vergessene Gier packt ihn. Doch er hält sich zurück. Er weiß um Sophies grausame Vergangenheit, weiß, dass er ihre Liebe niemals erzwingen können würde. Die Liebe, die sie zu seinem wahren Sternenengel macht und ihr Flügel verleiht. So versucht Azrael auf die „herkömmliche“ Tour, sein Status als legendärer Frontsänger „der Maskierte“ und Sophies Schwärmerei für eben diesen, kommt ihm zugute.
Azrael war schon in den letzten beiden Bänden mein „Geheimtipp“, was vermutlich an der ganzen Andersartigkeit und seinem Vampirdasein liegt. Dass er aber zahlreiche treue Untertanen und den Status eines geliebten Königs hat, wurde von der Autorin fantastisch umgesetzt. Gemeinsam setzen sie alles daran, ihre künftige Königin zu beschützen:

Azraels Sternenengel Sophie. Sie ist ein gebranntes Kind. Mit 6 verlor sie ihre Eltern und wurde stets von Pflegeeltern zu weiteren gereicht und oftmals aufgrund ihrer außergewöhnlichen Schönheit missbraucht. Gegen einen davon setzte sie sich zur Wehr. Die Erinnerung daran verfolgt sie und vergiftet sie beinahe. Warum sie all diese Schicksalsschläge ertragen musste, was damals wirklich geschah, wird erst im Laufe der Geschichte und Sophies Entwicklung deutlich. Ein grandioser Schachzug der Autorin und ein Wendepunkt in der gesamten Serie.

Frau Killough-Walden erzählt auch Azraels Geschichte in personaler Erzählform aus überwiegend Sophies und Azraels Sicht. Sind weitere Perspektiven für einen spannenden Verlauf des Plots notwendig, ergänzt sie diese und schafft dem Leser so einen guten Überblick.
Ihr Schreibstil ist fantastisch zu lesen. Sie hat eine Gabe, alles lebendig zu beschreiben, ohne abzuschweifen. Ihre Details erschaffen ein Kopfkino der Extraklasse und ich wurde gemeinsam mit den Engeln und übernatürlichen Wesen von einem Setting zum nächsten getrieben.

Das Übernatürliche erreicht in „Engelssturm – Azrael“ seinen vorläufigen Höhepunkt. Stand die Frage stets im Raum, warum ausgerechnet JETZT, nach nunmehr 20 Jahrhunderten, ein Sternenengel nach dem anderen auftaucht, wird diese auch von den Erzengeln selbst gestellt. Aber nicht nur die Sternenengel… In diesem Band erleben wir Drachen, einen Incubus, Geister, Magie-Egel und vieles mehr. Somit ist „Engelssturm – Azrael“ nicht nur für „Engel-Fans“ oder Vampirliebhaber, sondern ein Spaß für alle Fantasy-Fans. Wer sich nicht an die anderen Bände traut, kann auch erst bei diesem Band einsteigen, die Autorin fasst die wichtigsten Details der Vorgänger auf gekonnte Weise zusammen.

Die Spannung und das Fiebern um die große Liebe zwischen Erz- und Sternenengel blieben stets auf hohem Niveau. Ein Rückschlag jagt den nächsten, jedoch nie so, dass man es als offensichtlich überdramatisiert darstellen könnte. Durch die Vielzahl an Schauplätzen und die stetigen Perspektivenwechsel konnte ich das Buch nicht zur Seite legen.

Nun zum Ü18-Faktor: „Engelssturm: Azrael“ besitzt EINE erotische Szene außerhalb kurz abgehandelter Fantasien im Kopf der Protagonistin. Also selbst für diejenigen, die solche Teile des Plots als störend empfinden, ist dieser dritte Band mehr als geeignet.

Vier Erzengel – vier Bände, vermute ich zumindest. Bislang konnte ich leider keine Fortsetzung über den Chef-Engel Michael finden, aber das Ende gibt mir Hoffnung, dass es eine solche geben wird. Ich freue mich auf diesen Showdown und den Umbruch von ALLEM.

Urteil:
Die „Engelssturm“-Reihe ist mir mit ihren fantastischen Charakteren und der Idee der Autorin richtig ans Herz gewachsen. Mit ihrem dritten Band „Engelssturm – Azrael“ hat es Heather Killough-Walden aber geschafft, mich noch mehr in den Bann ihrer Reihe zu ziehen. Für die fantastischen Settings, eine Überdosis Übernatürlichem und nicht zuletzt der Geschichte des Königs der Vampire kann es nur volle 5 Bücher geben.

Für alle Fans nicht ganz jugendfreier Fantasy-Literatur und ganz sicher nicht nur für Fans von Engel-Büchern.

Die Serie:
Engelssturm: Uriel
Engelssturm: Gabriel
Engelssturm: Azrael

©his-and-her-books.blogspot.de

[(Grace) Kentucky Bohemian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting.
I like this series. I enjoyed the first two books enough to grab this, the third in the series. For some reason, I'm sort of on the fence about this one. The archangel of main interest in this one is Azrael, the Angel of Death. He is the only one who succumbed to vampirism when he came to Earth. His back story is interesting, and I thought I would enjoy his love story. To be sure, parts of it were really intriguing, as new bad guys are brought into the fray, and new twists really change the landscape of who those bad guys actually are (sorry, that's all I'm giving you...)

So apparently my issue is with Sophie, Azrael's archess. But I can't put my finger on what the problem is. She's bright, articulate, strong willed, and desperately in love with Az. Their passion is palpable. I guess I just didn't completely connect with her in some way. It's still a good story, and I'll continue with the series. I just expected to like this one better. But hey, I'm totally looking forward to Michael's story next.

[Misty · Rating 4 out of 5]

And the plot thickens! Angels, Adarians, monsters, DRAGONS, more Angels... there is a lot happening in this book and most of it sets the pace for the rest of the story. There are revelations upon revelations! I didn't really understand how "that" happened to the vampires in the end though.
Many questions are raised in this book, as well as a new villain that is a bit terrifying. And Azrael is right, too much is happening "right now" for it to be a coincidence. I actually like this because we frequently read about old as dirt characters that spend centuries alone and then find their mates one after the other. At least in this case there's a reason!

Oh and the book ends in a cliffhanger. Lucky me, I already have the next book ;)

[CriCra CriCra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Serie Lost Angels di Heather Killough Walden [L'Angelo della Morte #3]
La mia recensione sul Blog, Sognando Leggendo:
http://wp.me/p3mpaE-7ts


Tornano i personaggi creati dall’autrice Heather K. Walden, protagonisti della serie Lost Angels. In questo 3° appuntamento – L’Angelo della Morte – ritroveremo i quattro affascinanti Arcangeli: Michele, Uriel, Gabriele e Azrael. Dopo aver abbandonato più di 2000 anni addietro il Regno dei Cieli, vivono oramai sulla Terra sotto mentite spoglie, alla continua ricerca delle loro amate cherubine, donne create per loro dal Dio Supremo, destinate a completare la parte mancante delle loro anime.

Dalle verdi e lussureggianti terre delle Highlands scozzesi visitate nel testo precedente, l’ambientazione in questa nuova avventura si sposta nelle cupe serate nebbiose tipiche della città di San Francisco, dove dal passaggio sul famoso Golden Gate Bridge è possibile scorgere nella baia sottostante l’isola di Alcatraz, sede del famoso carcere omonimo oramai chiuso.

Dopo Uriel e Gabriele, questa volta sarà Azrael, l’ex angelo della morte a ritrovare la sua adorata cherubina. Avevamo fatto la conoscenza di Sophie verso la fine del libro precedente. Amica del cuore di Juliette, sposa di Gabriele, Sophie è una donna bella, alta, dal fisico slanciato tipico di chi ama la danza. Caratterizzata da splendidi occhi sempre sorridenti, simili ad ambra baciata dal sole, Sophie sembra essere un’adolescente dal cuore sbarazzino intrappolata in un avvenente corpo di donna.

Dopo aver vissuto drammaticamente infanzia e adolescenza, tra case di accoglienza e genitori adottivi, indegni di tale nome, Sophie è diventata una persona attenta e riflessiva. Lei è la classica persona dalla mentalità molto aperta. Non si crea problemi o preconcetti nei confronti di chi le sta intorno, credendo liberamente nell’esistenza di forze superiori e sovrannaturali, proprio come le capiterà stando al fianco della sua cara amica Juliette, del neo marito e della nuova famiglia di quest’ultima.

Sophie era uno degli animi più fieri che Juliette avesse mai conosciuto. La sua migliore amica aveva un’indole indomabile, imprevedibile e infantile. L’adorabile viso di Sophie si illuminava alla vista di tutto ciò che andava da Fragolina Dolcecuore agli Skelanimals. Adorava i cartoni del sabato mattina, insisteva per mangiare il dessert prima di cena e, immancabilmente, a Halloween indossava tre costumi diversi.

Conosceremo meglio la figura di Azrael, questo affascinante e oscuro arcangelo che a differenza dei suoi fratelli, dopo l’ascesa sulla Terra, per uno strano scherzo del destino, ha ereditato una doppia anima: arcangelo da una parte e dall’altra, quella del più potente e antico vampiro al mondo.

Questo suo stato d’animo così tormentato, diviso in due, proiettato verso il rifiuto di se stesso e del suo passato, non fa altro che accomunarlo e avvicinarlo sempre più a Sophie. L’incontro di due anime ferite e di conseguenza affini. Colei che fin dal principio era destinata ad essere il pezzo mancante del suo cuore di arcangelo.

La parte ostile nella trama sarà presente ovviamente. I nemici, i potenti arcangeli Adariani comandati dal loro leader Abraxos non marcheranno visita anche in questa nuova vicenda. Ritroveremo la figura enigmatica - e a mio avviso molto importante per l’intera serie - rappresentata da Samael, l’arcangelo Caduto. Attraverso di lui avremo inoltre, interessanti sbirciatine sulla futura quarta cherubina. La prescelta destinata ad essere al fianco di Michele, l’arcangelo Guerriero. E tanto per gradire, oltre a ritrovare tutti questi personaggi, l’autrice ci proporrà sporadiche conoscenze di altri svariati protagonisti, ognuno di essi concatenati e inseriti strategicamente ai fini di questa storia e del suo proseguo futuro. Personaggi ancora più enigmatici, ancora più potenti e crudeli.

L’intero mondo sovrannaturale sembrava essersi risvegliato, e quella era un’altra cosa con la quale avrebbero dovuto fare i conti. Mostri di ogni genere stavano riemergendo dai propri nascondigli. Il mondo stava tornando a essere quello di migliaia di anni prima e la razza umana era più che mai ignara di ciò che stava accadendo.

In questo brano l’autrice ha accentuato l’aspetto romantico, dedicando così ampio spazio alla storia d’amore nascente tra i due protagonisti principali. La trepidante attesa dello svolgersi degli eventi; le rivelazioni necessarie al fine di recepire le verità nascoste; risentimento, frustrazione.

Non mancheranno poi il riaffermarsi di valori come amicizia, sacrificio, onore e senso del dovere. Emozioni di rilievo che alternandosi tra di loro, caratterizzano questi personaggi straordinari oramai simbolo di rilievo nello stile di questa autrice.

Questo nuovo episodio è riuscita a conquistarmi. Anzi devo dire che ho trovato la storia ancor più ricca rispetto a quelle precedenti, sotto vari aspetti: personaggi già conosciuti e nuovi, intrighi e misteri, nuove storie che a loro volta si intrecciano con quelle vecchie. Le prospettive seminate qua e là per quello che sarà il prossimo episodio, sono molto allettanti, mettendo la mia curiosità di lettrice in modalità di trepidante attesa, aspettando pazientemente di approfondire la conoscenza di Michele, il prossimo Arcangelo. Aspettate con me dunque e nel frattempo buona lettura a tutti!

[Faye · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rate: 4.5-⭐⭐⭐⭐
Pg-21 (vivid sex but rare)
Series: The Lost Angels

I almost didn't pick this series bc I felt like it was going to be just another paranormal romance with little context and a lot of sex sex sex 🙄..blah blah...But NO I WAS WRONg..this series was actual really really good. The characters are solid and it has a good storyline ..so far. Very Similar to "Fallen" series.

Mrs.C. 💋

[Shirley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vampire and Angel...yummy!

[Susie Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book I found this one first

After reading this for 6 hours I can't wait to go now to buy the rest of the series! Wish Icould give it more then 5 stars