I will start this review by confessing that was already a fan of C. L. Coffey, before she released Angel in Training – I have been a fan of hers since she was writing FanFiction. That being said, there are works of hers I didn’t care for, so I can be objective. I also emailed her and begged her for a copy of the book in return for an honest review: well here it is...
I have spent the day reading this. I wasn’t able to put it down, and I forgot about everything (apart from eating, which I will explain later) as I couldn’t put this book down. I honestly don’t know how I’m going to last until Fall 2015 for the next instalment!
Plot:
The story is told from Angel’s POV. She’s a twenty year old college student (who I could actually relate to) who is murdered while celebrating Mardis Gras.
And I’ve just realised, on a side note, that the release date is Mardis Gras!
Sorry, the plot. Before she dies, the Archangel Michael makes her an offer – she can either go to heaven or she can earn her wings and become an angel – which is the option she chooses. She is given a charge to look after, Joshua, who happens to be a trainee detective, and together they start investigating a serial killer – the same one who killed Angel. The serial killer isn't killing people at random though – there is a method to the madness, although I won’t share because of spoilers.
Characters:
I’ve already said, I can relate to Angel, and here’s why. She drinks, she parties, she has no real idea about angels (I’m completely not religious), and although she’s trying, she still doesn’t get it right. When I first read the description, I rolled my eyes at her name, I will admit it, but when I started reading, I forgot. It actually made her more likeable as she rolls her eyes and pokes fun at her name herself.
Joshua is swoon-worthy. (In my head, I have him cast as Colin O'Donoghue – we’ll ignore the fact he’s too old). He’s the trainee detective who is adamant that angels don’t exist – he lost his sister during Katrina and he’s been bitter towards the heavens ever since. He’s good looking, and he knows it, constantly flirting with Angel – who isn’t allowed a relationship with a human – but the chemistry between them is spot on. Oh lord, that dream was hot. He’s certainly someone I would consider falling (in the angelic sense) for.
Michael is exactly what I would expect for an angel – a guy in charge with a stick up his ass. I do however, enjoy his outlook on religion and faith. He’s spent so long being in charge, looking after others, and essentially, being on his own (like an angel should be), that he seems to have forgotten how to act around humans – or a recently changed human.
My other favourite character is Cupid. Cupid is another archangel, and Michael’s second in command. I love the fact he kicks ass at archery and that he has a crush on Stephen Amell. He’s the kind of person I would love to meet in real life, because I know we’d be good friends. If anything, I would say he didn’t have enough page time!
The cover:
Oh. My. God.
I love a cover that relates to the story. Seriously, love it. I know exactly what scene that cover is from, and the girl is exactly how I would picture Angel to be. Also, I’ve not seen anything like it. Extra bonus points there. The artist did a phenomenal job!
Others:
The food. I was hooked when reading this, but the only time I ever wanted to put it down was when food was mentioned, because my goodness, it made me hungry. Shrimp Po'boys, dirty rice, beignets... I could practically taste the deliciousness. Don't eat this book when hungry.
The locations: I've never been to New Orleans, (although it's now on my to do list), but I could picture everything clearly - from the convent to Bourbon Street, to St Louis Cathedral - and yet there wasn't an abundance of flowery descriptions.
I also think there's a nice message to this story, BUT to be clear, this story is not preachy in any way!!: you don't have to be perfect, you just have to do your best. And (if there is a god), god loves everyone indiscriminately.
So, my complaints:
Well, firstly, that I have to wait until OCTOBER for the next book. Secondly, that I had to wait so long for this to come out!
Who will like it: I think if you've read any of the Chicagoland Vampires series by Chloe Neill and liked them, you will love this. Fans of young adult paranormal romance, and urban fantasy will love this. Anyone after a fresh take on angels - this is for you.