Bibliographic
Information
Angel Fire by
L.A. Weatherly. Candlewick Press. (2011).
Price: $17.99 for hardback
Pages: 638 pages for hardback
Plot Summary
Angel Fire continues where Weatherly’s Angel Burn left off. After a failed
attempt to stop an influx of angels entering this world Alex and Willow flee to
Mexico where Alex hopes that he can train more angel killers, otherwise known
as AKs. More AKs are certainly needed as there are now twice as many angels in
the world thanks to the second wave arriving. Additionally, the ruling elite
among the angels, the Seraphic Council, has arrived making things much more
complicated. However, Willow and Alex still have a chance of destroying all
angelkind as Willow has a vivid dream informing her of the council and their
psychic connection with all other angels. If the council is destroyed all
angels will be as well. Shocking events follow Alex and Willow as they first
encounter Kara, an old AK friend of Alex’s who was presumed to be dead. She is
in the process of training new angel killers, a task Alex quickly takes over despite
his reluctance. Alex’s friend is not the only surprise they stumble upon. The
only other half-angel in the world, Seb, has been trying to find Willow for
most of his life. When he finally finds her while the team is out on an angel
killing mission he promises to never leave her side. This puts Willow into
something of a quandary as she and Alex fell in love within the first novel and
their relationship has only solidified since then. Angst and confusion soon
follow as both Seb and Alex are madly in love with Willow and Kara wants Alex.
Willow is placed in the middle as she tries to sort out her feelings. In the
meantime, the new AKs become better at killing angels and soon a plan is in
place to kill the twelve seraphic council members. However, the plan easily goes
awry as trusted allies and team members are manipulated by an angel who wants
both the council and the AKs dead.
Critical
Evaluation
One has only to read the first few chapters of Angel Burn to see that Weatherly’s
descriptive writing has vastly improved. In fact, her description of Mexico
City and its famous landmarks are one of the best parts of the novel as she
adeptly makes readers feel that they are soaking in the Mexican culture through
the pages of the book. Weatherly also has created an interesting love rectangle
in Alex, Kara, Willow, and Seb. This is particularly impressive as love
rectangles can be difficult to do well. The introduction of the Seraphic
Council is also quite intriguing as readers learn more about angels and angelic
government. However, the excellent description and new characters do not
translate into a well-written, exciting novel. In fact, this is possibly one of
the worst books I’ve read in some time. Angel
Fire’s pacing is simply terrible. Because the book was so slow and meandering
I found I had to force myself to read it. True, the first 100 and last 150
pages are great, full of plot twists and action, but the middle of the novel is
incredibly boring. Most of the book’s contents focus on Willow’s emotions
towards half-angel Seb and first love Alex. Willow tries to decide whether she
is in love with Seb or Alex without examining her relationship with Alex
critically. All the main characters act immaturely in their relationships which
is unfortunate as there are few things of note going on in the middle of the
novel aside from angst-ridden emotional conversations. Additionally, much of the
dialog in this book is dreadful. For example, in one conversation of note Willow
tells Alex how left out his nose must feel for not ever being complemented
before. This book will no doubt appeal to fans of the first book but those
looking for a thoughtful, well-written paranormal read will be left
disappointed.
Reader’s
Annotation
Alex and Willow’s mission to rid the world of angels is
further complicated by Seb, another half-angel who is madly in love with
Willow, Kara, an AK from Alex’s past, and the arrival of the Seraphic Council,
the ruling elite among the angels.
About the
Author
L.A. Weatherly was born in Alabama and now lives with her
husband in the United Kingdom. Although the Angel trilogy are her best known
books she has also penned the Glitterwings Academy books under the pen name
Titania Woods as well as Watcher and three novels under her official name Lee
Weatherly.
Genre
Adventure, Paranormal fiction, Romance
Readalikes
Angel Fever by
L.A. Weatherly
·
The final book in the Angel trilogy. Due out
Fall 2013
Hush, Hush by
Becca Fitzpatrick
·
A book with a fallen angel as a main character
Angelfire by
Courtney Allison Moulton
·
A book about angels, humans with immortal souls,
etc.
Tags
Angels, Biracial supporting character, Catedral Metropolitana,
Chapultepec, Mexico, end of the world scenario, love rectangle, simply awful
Awards
Won/Lists On
2012—Romantic Novel of the Year (RoNa’s) Award Nominee
for Young Adults
Professional
Reviews
AudioFile
School Library Journal
SIGNAL Journal
Booktalk Ideas
Angels
·
Feed on energy
·
Angel politics (141, 143)
·
Failed world
·
Conscious (294-295)
Love Rectangle
·
Willow & Alex
·
Willow & Seb (252)
·
Alex & Kara (542-547)
·
Other useful quotes: 423 on Kara/Seb
Bibliotherapeutic
Usefulness
Like Angel Burn this
book could be used to help teens who have had to take on additional
responsibilities because of an absent or sick parent.
Reading
Level/Interest Level
Reading Level: 6th grade
Interest Level: 9th-12th grade
These levels are according to AR Bookfinder
Challenge
Issues
This book includes the following potentially
controversial elements:
·
Auras & chakra points
·
Breaking and entering
·
Cohabiting
·
Evil angels
·
Hints of sexual relations
·
Leaders having sex with followers
·
Lots of taking the Lord’s name in vain
·
Mention of breasts
·
Murder
·
Murder by arson
·
Psychic connections
·
Some profanity
·
Underage smoking
Librarians can point out that this book, as well as Angel Burn, can foster excellent
discussions on spirituality and angels.
Why Was This
Included?
I chose to include this book because I was presenting on
it. However, it also does a wonderful job introducing readers to Mexico City.
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