Review: 'Immortal City' by Scott Speer

More than one hundred years ago angels revealed themselves to the human population and changed the way they performed their "miracles".  Now Guardian Angels offer Protection to anyone - if you can afford it.  Angels have become some of the riches beings on the planet and have become the new celebrities.  Instead of actors having stars on the Walk of Fame, angels get a star on what has become Angel Boulevard.  Jackson Godspeed is the most famous angel of his generation and the time for his Commissioning (when he becomes a Guardian Angel) is drawing close.  All he has ever wanted was to wear a Divine Ring and provide Protection.  But now something is hunting angels; leaving severed wings on Angel Boulevard and somehow the not-so-ordinary human teenager Maddy Montgomery is involved.

This novel has a LOT going on, but the pacing is a little strange and the first two-thirds seem to take twice as long to read - perhaps because Mr. Speer has created such a detailed world.  Jackson is wonderfully conceited without realizing it and the transition between the self-involved boy he starts as and the thoughtful young man he becomes is realistic.  Maddy's character is an interesting blend of confidence and insecurity that many a teenage girl will relate to and the fact that this mix wins her the heart of the hottest angel on the planet is sure to appeal as well.

Overall this is a decent first novel and there is potential for more novels set in this universe.  Readers looking for a quick paranormal read should find this one worthwhile.

Book Source: Local Library
Reviewer: Rebecca

Recommended Ages: 15+ Underage drinking, violence

Recommended for Readers of:

Mythic New Series by Jennifer Estep

Touch of Frost introduces readers to Gwen Frost and Mythos Academy, school for the descendents of warriors (of legendary fame), where they learn the skills needed to defend the world from the Reapers.  Gwen, who isn’t sure she buys the whole “magic” thing, is the new student and a total outsider – a descendent of Gypsies not fantastic beings right out of myth.  The only talent that sets Gwen apart is her gift of touch which allows her to pick up memories and emotions from people and objects.  However, this gift is also a curse that allows Gwen to see the deepest, darkest secrets a person may possess.  When a student is murdered on campus Gwen feels compelled to discover the truth and stumbles into a plot darker than she could have imagined.

Jennifer Estep’s Mythos Academy series should appeal to readers who are looking for a more mature Percy Jackson, Tera Lynn Childs or C.C. Hunter novels.  The students of Mythos range in age from 16 to 21 and mature activities from drinking to hookups are commonplace (and pretty much ignored by the instructors).  This novel starts with a bang and rockets to an epic conclusion without glossing over important plot points or character development.  Ms. Estep manages an interesting combination of detail and momentum that will have readers eagerly reaching for Kiss of Frost, the next book in the Mythos series.

Recommended for Readers of: