Special Feature: Publishing goes crazy for angels! (part 1)

I've mentioned on here before that Waiting on Wednesday is one of my favourite memes as I love finding out about new book releases. Recently while I been browsing for my WoW picks, I've noticed something - a lot of upcoming book releases, especially in the Young Adult sector seem to be focusing on angels, especially of the fallen variety. So, I thought it might be a good idea to do a special feature on these books instead of choosing them week after week as my Waiting on Wednesday picks.

I think I've found some really good reads here! So far the only book I've read that deals with fallen angels has been Becca Fitzpatrick's Hush,Hush. You may have gathered from my many posts on the book that I pretty much loved it, and can't wait for the follow up Crescendo. I haven't yet checked out Lauren Kate's Fallen, but it's on my TBR.  Up until now vampires have always been my thing, and I still love them, but it seems that at the moment the angels are taking over!

I guess fallen angels appeal in the same way that vampires do. They are beautiful and deadly and a total mystery to us. Do they appeal to you? Or will you be sticking with vampires? Maybe you are into fairies instead. Let me know in comments, and check back tomorrow for part 2 of my angel round up!

Angel by L.A Weatherly is the first book in a proposed trilogy for Young Adults, and will be followed by the sequels Angel Heat and Angel Burn. I think this one sounds really promising.  I can't wait to read it. Love the cover art and the tagline!

Angel by L.A Weatherly
Usbourne Publishing Ltd.
Paperback, 512 pages. 
Release date: October 29th 2010. 
Age Group: Young Adult - Ages 14+


Product Description:

In a world where angels are beyond redemption, Alex thinks he's found one that might deserve mercy. Alex is a ruthless assassin - of angels. Forget everything you've heard about them before. Angels are not benign celestial creatures, but fierce stalkers whose irresistible force allows them to feed off humans, draining them of their vitality until there is barely anything left. As far as Alex is concerned, the only good angel is a dead angel...until he meets Willow. She may look like a normal teenager but Willow is no ordinary girl. Half-angel, half-human, Willow may hold the key to defeating the evil angels. But as the hunter and the hunted embark on an epic and dangerous journey and Willow learns the dark and terrifying secrets of her past, Alex finds himself drawn to Willow...with devastating consequences. Eoin Colfer reinvented the fairy, Stephanie Meyer reinvented the vampire, L.A. Weatherly reinvents the angel! This is a heart-pounding, knuckle-whitening, paranormal romance action-adventure for fans of the "Twilight" series. This is the first in a devastating new trilogy.

Halo by teenage author Alexandra Adornetto is another one I just can't wait to get my hands on. This is also the first in a trilogy, with Book 2 Hades and Book 3 Heaven to follow.   Lots of cover love going on here too. Isn't it gorgeous?!

Halo by Alexandra Adornetto
St. Martin's Press. (UK Edn.)
Hardcover, 496 pages.
Release date:  14th  September 2010.
Age Group: Young Adult.


Product Description:

Nothing much ever happens in the sleepy coastal town of Tallow Beach. But with the unexpected arrival of the mysterious siblings Gabriel, Ivy and Bethany Church, and their enrolment in the local high school, everything changes.

Where have these three adolescents come from? Where are their parents and why do they excel at everything without even trying?

Like classical divinities come to life, they are unlike anything Tallow Beach has seen before. However, what the locals do not know is that there is an explanation for their secrecy and unearthly beauty: Gabriel, Ivy and Beth are angels on a mission to save a world on the brink of destruction. They have instructions: they must not form human attachments. They must work hard to conceal certain attributes like the luminous glow of their skin, their distinct scent of a garden in bloom, their superhuman powers and most of all, their wings.

The mission is thrown into turmoil when Beth, the youngest and most inexperienced of them, breaks one of the golden rules. First, she is befriended by the effervescent Molly, who teaches her about the laws of attraction as well as how to do your own nail extensions. Then she meets Xavier Woods, the dashing boy with the winning smile. Beth is charmed by Xavier and soon allows herself to form an illicit bond with him, and shares her secret. Xavier is strong in both body and mind and try as she might, Beth cannot walk away from him.

Gabriel and Ivy do everything in their power to intervene, but the attachment Xavier and Beth share proves too strong. With Xavier, Beth is able to experience things that she has never known before. She must face a frightening decision; will she defy the will of Heaven and give herself to him fully? Things come to a head when the angels realize that they are not they only supernatural power at work at Tallow Beach High. There is someone else who spells nothing but trouble. Jack Thorn is dark, brooding and totally without scruples. He preys on the weaknesses of fellow students and uses them as pawns in his game. Jack is intent on subverting the angels’ mission and will stop at nothing in order to achieve his goal. It is not long before he goes after Beth as the easiest and most vulnerable target. Her demise will send the angels back to Heaven and allow the dark forces to reign free.

 Ivy, Gabriel and Xavier must now join together to save the life of the girl they all love. They must use their powers of good against the overpowering forces of darkness. Will they succeed and will Beth survive the battle?