Review: Angelstone by Hanna Peach

Item: Angelstone
Rating: 5
Author: Lillian

Posted March 11, 2014 by Lillian in Reviews / 2 Comments

I received this book via the author, Hanna Peach. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of this review.

This book may be unsuitable for people under 17 years of age due to its use of sexual content, drug and alcohol use, and/or violence.

Angelstone by Hanna Peach
Series: Dark Angel #2
Published by Gypsy Publishing on May 29, 2013
Length: 287 pages
Reviewing eARC Rating:

After escaping from the Hollows, Jordan takes Alyx and Israel to Aradale, a secret Rogue community, where they appear to be safe − for now. But did they bring the enemy with them? “Mini”, the strange and speechless young girl they rescued from the Hollows, is not as she seems. Why was Elder Michael keeping her locked up? What is she hiding?

Out in the mortal cities, pieces of Black Stone, the only material that can disrupt the angels’ healing abilities, continue to be stolen to make weapons for Samyara’s dark army. Alyx and her friends must stop them, but this means infiltrating holy and guarded places to steal the Black Stone − a monastery in remote China, a mosque in Saudi Arabia, an art gallery in Florence and a cathedral in Peru.

Can they win this deadly race against the Darkened?

Wow!!! Just…..I don’t even know what to say!!!!

Angelstone picks up right where book one left off. Alyx with Jordan’s help has rescued Israel and the mysterious girl Mini from Michael’s hollows. Israel and Alyx have decided to be “just friends” (as if that’s even possible!!!). This story does not disappoint!

I’m always leery about sequels. Usually they fall short of the first book, but this one does not! The action and suspense immediately pick up with Samyara leaving bodies for Alyx and Israel with their names burned onto them (a little homage to Israel doing this to the Darkened when looking for his friend Adere). Jordan takes them to a Rogue society for help and guidance. With the help of new friends (Tobias, Lucas, Ana, Dianne, and Vix), Alyx and Israel determine how to find the Black Stone before Samyara can use it to make more weapons.

I loved the growth we see in Israel during this book. At the beginning he feels unworthy of Alyx and her love for him which is why he let her go without a fight at the end of book one. But as he finds out things about himself that Alyx knew and kept from him, his anger gets control of him. With the help of an unlikely friend, he finds control over this anger and his newfound abilities. His transformation from unworthy to wanting and feeling he can be Alyx’s equal is heart wrenching and a much needed emotional journey for this character.

Don’t judge me for what I am. -Balthazar

During book one, the author established how hard it was for Alyx to trust others. During this book, she must learn to trust if she is going to fulfill her job as Guardian. And it’s not just other Rogues, she must learn to trust herself, Israel, and a demon.

“We need to talk,” he said.The four worst words of any language. Except maybe for “I love her instead” or “he dies, you die.” -Alyx

This book is heartbreaking as we see what happens to Alyx and Israel’s relationship. Between the two of them finding out who they are (Alyx who she is without the Seraphim society and Israel as he deals with his heritage) separately and how they can’t live without the other it’s an emotional roller coaster, at least for Alyx. Alyx’s insecurities leave her feeling like she is not loved when Israel loves her more than himself and feels he does not deserve her. And then the dreaded love triangle begins with Jordan…..I must say I didn’t like this at all! I despise love triangles as I feel it’s a cop-out for bringing conflict in a relationship. At least it’s one-sided and Alyx does not reciprocate.

The suspense and action of this book left me holding my breath. I couldn’t read fast enough to find out just what was going to happen to these characters. Are some things predictable? Yes and no. I’ll let you read and decide that for yourself.

Can’t wait to start in on book three! This author definitely knows how to leave you hanging and begging for more!!!!

About Hanna Peach

Hanna is the bestselling author of the Bound romantic suspense series and the Dark Angel fantasy series. Although she writes in more than one genre she can’t write a book without weaving together a complicated plot and filling it with twists. She writes what she believes: good people can do bad things, ordinary people can do great things, and choose love above everything.

Eternally restless, Hanna has lived in Indonesia, Australia, Germany, Scotland, England, Croatia and Ireland – everything she owns fits into one suitcase. She’s planning her next move with her gorgeous (and understanding) partner right now. If not writing, she can be found wandering a dusty market in Marrakesh or trekking a mountain in Peru, often using her travels as settings in her novels.

To WIN a copy of her next release go to www.hannapeach.com/subscribe.