2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
An Action-Packed Paranormal Thriller, September 6, 2008
This review is from: The Last Angel (A Kayla Steele Novel, Book 2) (Mass Market Paperback)
This is the second novel in the Kayla Steele series after Dante's Girl (2007). Like its' predecessor, it contains lot's of non-stop action and twisting plot points. In fact you almost need to keep a scorecard because of the constantly shifting points of view and diverse storylines from chapter to chapter. Ms. Rhodes packs a lot into the 400 plus pages - all of it entertaining. But also like the previous book it fails to resolve previous story arcs or the new ones introduced including that of the `Angel' in the title.
One of the things I like about Rhodes writing is the sly sense of humour. Of the evil vampire Harlequin -
"Harlequin sat in the darkness, brooding. He liked to brood. It was one of his favorite pastimes, next to killing people and enslaving the odd civilization."
And Cyan, also one of the vampires and Karrel's ex-lover thinks about Harlequin -
"It was just a pity that he couldn't stand her. Other then that, they were perfect for each other."
Kayla is also refreshing as a flawed, normal working-class girl who as the heroine has stumbled into the supernatural world and must survive without any powers or special abilities. She grudgingly accepts this world, but retains a healthy dose of skepticism even knowing what she does. Her pursuit of the truth about Karrel's death and the possibility of his resurrection remains her personal mission. Karrel and Kayla converge but only in the Epilogue which is perhaps the most evocative chapter in the book.
As stated earlier, everything is left hanging at the end with tons of unanswered questions. I am OK with that in a series if I believe there will be a big payoff in a future installment. Please Ms. Rhodes don't disappoint.
If you are the type of reader that needs things to be resolved this book is not for you. Definitely read Dante's Girl before tackling this and perhaps even wait for the next volume in the series and read them altogether.
Normally I don't comment on proofing and editing but Ms. Rhodes should definitely take her publisher to task for the sloppy proofing of her novel. A couple of typos you can let slide but it becomes aggravating when you notice problems even when you aren't looking for them (see if you can spot them on Pgs 50, 202, 318, 370 to mention just a few).
Reviewed by Doug Knipe of [...]
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Thrilling Dark Fantasy, July 21, 2008
This review is from: The Last Angel (A Kayla Steele Novel, Book 2) (Mass Market Paperback)
When a dead angel is found by local authorities, beliefs are threatened and everyone wants to catch a glimpse of it. But the undead have a plan to use the angel to create an even greater threat. And it's up to the Hunters to stop them. As a Hunter-in-training, Kayla isn't doing too well. And after a tragedy occurs, she may have to turn to the enemy for help. The werewolves are dangerous and deadly, but Kayla needs them to find the person responsible for her boyfriend's death.
This installment is even more fast-paced than the first. With plenty of edge-of-your-seat suspense, this was an action-packed fantasy I didn't want to end. The vampires are conniving and ruthless. The werewolves are just as violent, but some are conflicted. And the Hunters aren't exactly what they seem. Kayla is forced to make some difficult decisions. And her struggles are valid and may place more than just her life at stake. (No pun intended.)
This is a thrilling dark fantasy series about a woman thrust into a world she never knew existed. Danger and horror are now a part of her every day life. And all because a boyfriend hid this secret life from her.
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2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Disappointed...I waited for this?, August 15, 2008
This review is from: The Last Angel (A Kayla Steele Novel, Book 2) (Mass Market Paperback)
Ok, I waited a long time for this book to come out. I should have just left it at reading the title, "The Last Angel" because that's about it for the plot, tell's you the entire story! Granted there are some killer chase, fight and action scenes, but this does not a plot make. A lot of unnecessary gore in my opinion. I'm still trying to figure out what the whole purpose of this story was??? Was the author pressured into getting something out until the next book comes out, what?? I was very disappointed. The whole story basically revolves around Kayla whining and pining for Karrel. And shouldn't she be a better Hunter in the 2nd book? No, not the case, she's still a screw up and makes a monumental mistake that causes the worst disaster you can think of (won't tell you, don't want to spoil it in case you are still thinking about reading it) The only reason I finished the book, was I kept looking for a plot and didn't have anything better to do! I will say, even though it took me a while (the very, very long, long, long, time I spent trying) to get to the end) I will get the next book, if there is one, just to see if I can find the plot! It was like a Where's Waldo puzzle.
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