Monday 23 May 2011

Book Review: Angel Kiss by Laura Jane Cassidy.


Product details:
Publisher: Puffin.
Release date: May 5th 2011.
Paperback, 304 pages.
Rating: 4 out of 5.
Ages: YA.
Source: Received from publisher for review.


Jacki King is fifteen and adjusting to her new life in a small village. She's missing Dublin but she's making new friends: artistic Colin, feisty Emily - and Nick, gorgeous yet unavailable. But no sooner is Jacki settled than the torturous headaches and nightmares begin - followed by strange visions, voices and signs...Jacki refuses to believe that something paranormal is happening. But then she discovers the unsolved murder that occurred in the village years before ...


In a Young Adult market dominated by vampires, angels and werewolves, Laura Jane Cassidy’s debut novel, Angel Kiss is a breath of fresh air. When I first heard about this one, I marked it as yet another angel novel, but I was wrong. In actual fact there’s not a celestial being in sight. Instead, Cassidy presents to us a perfect blend of mystery, spooky supernatural happenings and romance which all combine for an exciting, unique debut that will keep you reading late into the night.

Angel Kiss tells the story of fifteen year old city girl Jacki King, a sassy, music loving teen who has recently relocated from Dublin to the small village of Avarna. If Jacki thought that country living was going to be boring, though, she was wrong. Avarna may be a small town but it’s harbouring a big, dark secret. Soon after moving to Avarna, Jacki begins suffering from headaches and terrible visions, and then the nightmares begin. It seems that something, or someone, is trying to reach out to Jacki from beyond the grave, and she needs to uncover their secret, because the nightmares won’t stop…

If you’re a regular reader of this blog, you’ll know that one of my all time favourite books is The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting, and I can’t give this book higher praise that to say it reminded me in part of Derting’s debut. In The Body Finder the missing dead call to Violet, and though the books are different in a lot of ways, Jacki and Violet’s spooky abilities definitely mirror each other. Also, when I first read The Body Finder there was nothing else quite like it on the YA market and this one has is similarly refreshing in its unique concept and dangerous edge.

In addition to its compelling storyline, Angel Kiss has some great characters that definitely add to the appeal of the book. Jacki, independent and feisty, is a great protagonist who I connected with immediately, while her friend Colin fast became one of my favourite characters. Artistic, sweet and thoughtful, Colin is definitely someone I warm to if I ever met him. Then there’s Nick. Dark, brooding and oh, so handsome, Nick is just my type. I would have liked a little more romance in Angel Kiss, but I’m looking forward to seeing how Nick and Jacki’s relationship develops in the next book in this series.

While I’ve always enjoyed adult crime fiction, I think adapting it for the YA market and adding a supernatural element is a winning combination. This book is set in Ireland and as someone who is well used to Irish village life, I found that Cassidy captured the tone of her setting perfectly. I read Angel Kiss in one sitting, and I can’t wait to see what Cassidy has in store for Jacki in her next book, 18 Kisses, released in 2012. This one comes highly recommend from me, especially if you’re looking to step out of your paranormal romance comfort zone. I promise you will find something new and exciting in Angel Kiss!


Stop by tomorrow, when Laura Jane Cassidy will be featured as this weeks Delightful Debutante!

11 comments :

  1. Hadn't heard about this one. Sounds great. Thanks for the review.

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  2. Oh I really didn't like the body finder and I've got this to read...but hopefully I'll still enjoy it! Thanks for your review =]

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  3. @Cait You didn't like The Body Finder?! What?!! *in shock!*

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  4. It reminded you of TBF? I must get my hands on a copy then. I've never heard of it, so I will definitely add it to my TBR list. I could use another good angel read and plus, it takes place in Ireland, which I love! Great review, Leanna!

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  5. Definitely one for me then. I love anything paranormal like this. Thanks for bringing it to my attention.

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  6. My first reaction when I read the title was - "Another angel book!!??" haha :D I'm glad to know that it's not so. A blend of mystery and the supernatural sounds perfect. I think you might also enjoy The Restorer by Amanda Stevens.

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  7. This is definitely my kind of book. Before blogging about YA I was addicted to crime novels and psychological thrillers and I love the uniqueness of The Body Finder so your awesome review has me sitting up and running to Amazon to buy this one now!

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  8. Breath of fresh air? Sounds fabulous to me! I love the concept, and I find novels set outside the US to be intriguing. Thanks for the heads up! I'm glad you enjoyed it!

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  9. I love books set in the UK. And it is nice to get away from the paranormal norm once in awhile. I'm also happy to see more crime fiction in YA. I'm definitely going to rush out to get this book. You convinced me!

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  10. This sounds good. The Body Finder comparison really caught my attention. Thanks!

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  11. You compare it to The Body Finder? I love TBF! And I really like that Angel Kiss is set in Ireland, it just sounds so very creepy.

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