Angelfire (Angelfire #1)

So I liked this book although the idea of the soul being reincarnated, I've read before. It was an interesting book although I thought it mirrored the book Shattered Souls by Mary Lindsey but in that book, the main character is helping ghosts not fighting demons. If it had been not so close to something I've already read, I think I would have enjoyed more and been more interested because this is an interesting book and I'm not saying its not, but this is something I feel like I've already read. So this is what I'm saying: If you haven't read Shattered Souls, read Angelfire because it is a good and interesting read, but if you have read Shattered Souls, it is your choice to read this book or not. Personally, I enjoyed this book even though its similarities to Shattered Souls and I do recommend this book. But expect it to play out kind of like Shattered Souls. Other than that, I enjoyed it. I like Ellie and Will and I find her best friend a really good character. So to read or not to read, that is the real question.

There is no way this book would exist without Buffy; even I (who does not gamble ever) would pretty much be willing to lay down money that Moulton was a fan of the show. The main difference between the two stories is that Ellie reincarnates, rather than the powers being reborn in different girls. Also, her guardian is young-looking and hot. And her friends do not help her in her battle or know anything about it.

On the other hand, Ellie, like Buffy, dates the 'good' version of the creatures she kills. Without any other really important character, the book feels like what Buffy would be with just Buffy, Angel and the "I love you, but we can't be together" thing. Oy. Ellie also seems to experience a ridiculous amount of trouble in her battles before winning no matter the difficulty of the enemy being fought (which always seemed to be the case on Buffy too). Gotta keep the battles interesting right? Only, it's not so cool when the supposedly bad ass heroine drops her sword in EVERY SINGLE FIGHT.

I also had trouble taking a heroine seriously when she chooses to dress like a skanky nurse for Halloween. She's really one of those girls? You want to dress slutty on Halloween, fine, but at least use some creativity! Don't just buy a package from a costume labeled sexy nurse, cop, devil, witch, etc. Ellie also will delay practice for battle to put makeup on. A girl like this just is not going to survive very long in this gig. Additionally in the not a smart fighter category is that she continually talks her guardian into not standing watch. Bad plan. In the real world, this would backfire so hard.

While somewhat entertaining, Angelfire does not stand out for me. Buffy fans will find it a weak copy and lament the loss of the excellent ensemble cast which made Buffy so fabulous. Nevertheless, expect this to be pretty popular with teens.

I was really excited to read ANGELFIRE. I must admit some bias toward liking this: not only is this book with my imprint, but we share an editor, so I was eager to see what drew her toward this story.

Here are my theories:

1. Worldbuilding. Ellie's world is dark and dangerous. While it's set on Earth as we know it, there's another layer -- the Grim -- and that's where Ellie finds unimaginably horrible monsters called Reapers, which maul people to death, then drag their souls to hell. It's scary and never safe.

2. Angels. This book has angels in it. (If you couldn't tell from the title.) One of the thing that always gets me about angel books...their angels are fluffy. In the Bible, though, angels introduce themselves by saying, "Fear not!" They have swords. They are sent to destroy cities. They are freaking scary and people fell over in the street when they appeared.

ANGELFIRE is cool with scary angels.

3. Ellie. There were a lot of reasons to like Ellie, but what really worked for me was her unwavering loyalty for her friends, and her fierce instinct to protect them. Ellie is someone I want on my side. I also really, really appreciated that she has to take the time to train, in spite of her natural gifts. And Ellie's friendships remain constant, in spite of a hot supernatural romance budding...

4. Romance. To me, this wasn't a book that focused on the romance, but there certainly is one. I really like how Courtney didn't go easy on the characters, the complications of a romance, and the choices they must make to do what's right.

5. ANGELFIRE is a book with a lot of action, awesome curvy and flaming swords, and things you probably wouldn't expect in a book that features a girl who calls her car "Marshmallow."

Oh yes, this is an exciting book.

I'd suggest this book to fans of YA urban fantasy and paranormal romance, who're looking for something solid and mature.

Reader reviewed by Alyssa

I did not know what to expect when I first started reading Angelfire.

I read pretty many paranormal Angel books before, and I have to say I never read anything like this one before.

Angelfire was packed with, action, adventure, lots of battle scenes and romance. I liked how the girl wasnt perfect, she had flaws. Too many books portray the hero to be perfect and flawless but it wasnt the case with Angelfire.

This whole book was good vs. Evil, The twists and turns were totally unexpected and exciting, I read each page on the edge of my seat, waiting to see what would happen next, obviously she wouldnt die since this is only the first in the series but it could happen.

The whole time I was reading this book I was thinking how can she go to school, come home and act normal to everyone she knows, when shes secretly meeting up with Will and fights Demons, how does she get any sleep, I would be totally freaking out, especially since it caused a lot of destruction to not only her, but her car. She had to lie to her parents and friends. They must be so dense to actually believe half the stuff she tells them.

Then there was Will. *sigh* , I couldnt get enough of Will, he was hot, strong and above all that hes Ellies guardian Angel, and although there was a lot of tension and attraction between the both of them, Will still fought the urge to be with her, just to do whats right. Even though he is only meant to protect her I still think he should have caved and just been with her.

Now of course the book ends with a cliffhanger, and like many other books I have to wait till 2012 to read the next book in the series, I cant wait to read what happens next!

Reader reviewed by Blkosiner's Book Blog

 Angelfire was an awesome story and I have no idea why it's taken me so long. This was a very unique take on angels and demons, and it intrigued me. Angelfire is very fast paced, and there is always something going on.
    Ellie, the main character has a great voice, and I was very attached to her. I could relate with what was going on with her, and I really wanted her to succeed.
    Will- oh Will. The guardian, patient, protector, hot, sweet, pushes her to be the best she can be, love through centuries, what more can you say. Swoon. Come on home with me, baby.
    I like how friendship is shown as hard to balance- makes it all real to me. She wanted to keep her friends, but as she has more responsibility from the paranormal world, and she has to keep them away to protect them.
    The mystery kept me turning the pages, who is Will and what about Ellie- what are their secrets, what were they to each other, in battle of what makes someone good or evil. 


I'd love to hear what you think of my review and/or this book.