Review: A Temptation of Angels

A Temptation of Angels by Michelle Zink

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



16 year old Helen Cartwright’s parents wake her in the middle of the night to shove her in a secret chamber and tell her to open the door in front of her and follow the tunnel to it’s end then go to the address on a piece of paper that’s been shoved in her hand.

Helen does as she’s told while her home burns around her. She finds herself by the Claridge Hotel and the makes her way to the address she was given. At that address she finds out she is part-angel and one of 3 “keepers” left to guard the Earth from demons and their influence.

That’s how “A Temptation of Angels” starts out. It grabs you totally and doesn’t let you go until the ride, er, book is over. If you are a fan of Cassandra Clare and her Mortal Instruments series, I think it’s safe to say that you will love this one as well.

The world of “Angels” feels like a “steampunk” Edwardian era, set in London. We learn the lore behind the keepers, as well as the Dictata (governing council for the Keepers), and the Syndicate which is a group of men hell bent on taking over the world. And we meet the players.

There is the smart Helen, whose upbringing was tailored to the skills she would need as a keeper, even though she knew nothing of her heritage. There is Darius, an older snarkier, young man who is also one of the remaining keepers. Griffin, the slightly younger brother of Darius who is sweet, smart, and strong, but allows Darius to think he is in charge. There is Anna, the equally smart daughter of Galizur, in line to take over for him when the time comes. Galizur the keeper’s wrangler, maker of weapons and emissary between the keepers and the Dictata. And the Dictata, the celestial group who rules the keepers.

Now that we know the players and the playing field I am really hoping this is just the first in a series. This story could stand alone, but I hope it doesn’t. And Michelle Zink, left some very interesting possibilities open for story continuation. Please Ms. Zink…continue the story!!!




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