What I’m Reading Wednesday: Dark Hope: Book One of the Archangel Prophecies #DarkHopeBook #CleverGirls
I’ve been reading a few new authors this summer and was excited to take on another Young Adult novel (turns out, I really love YA novels!) It took almost two chapters for me to really get into Dark Hope: Book One of the Archangel Prophecies and I’m glad that I stuck with it.
Here’s the thing about me and books, specifically series. I tend to jump on the series bandwagon several years later. This one, I’m excited to be early to the game. A description of the book (from Amazon):
Book One of the Archangel Prophecies: For years, Hope Carmichael, survivor of a shocking child abduction, has lived a sheltered existence under the protection of her fanatically religious father. Now, liberated by her mother, Hope prepares to start life over as a normal kid in an Atlanta, Georgia, high school. Normal, that is, until Hope meets Michael, a gorgeous emancipated teen with a mysterious past and a strong interest in her. Soon, Hope’s life is filled with questions. What’s behind the angry looks she gets from Lucas, leader of a gang of students? Who’s responsible for sending Hope strange valentines inscribed with Bible quotations? How does this relate to the sinister business of human tracking that operates on the periphery of Hope’s suburban world? And is Michael really a protector, or something more sinister-and just why does he seem so familiar? In an epic narrative that takes readers from the back streets of Atlanta to the height of Vegas penthouses and beyond, DARK HOPE introduces The Archangel Prophecies, a saga of extraordinary love, vast mythological scope, and great moral urgency.
The early chapters definitely piqued my interest. I quickly connected to Hope and Michael. And then Michael disappeared in one chapter and I felt the re-introduction of his character was a little forced. It took a few pages for me to get back to loving Michael. (Just when I was loving the storyline, Monica McGurk switched things up on me!)
There was enough relationship “stuff” to keep my chick lit side wanting more. It isn’t dumbed down, like I think some YA novels can get and it does touch on religion (God and angels – and not a lot more than the discussion of God and angels.) You also get a look at a paranormal side. The book also gets into the subject of human trafficking – specifically in the Atlanta area, which I thought was interesting, intense and sad (because as a parent, this subject just horrifies me.) The novel hits many genres, and I can see teens really getting into the series.
About halfway through the book, the story begins to get pretty suspenseful. It’s been a long time since I’ve read anything suspenseful (maybe Harry Potter was the last time?) It was kind of intense for a chapter. And then things calmed down again – for me, at least. The teens in the book really are teens. They don’t come across as “too” smart (as I’ve thought other YA novels did) and they appear to be acting their high school ages.
I’ve seen some comparisons to the Twilight series, but I haven’t read any of the Twilight books (or even seen the movies) to compare them myself. I think it’s interesting that Monica McGurk got a start into this genre by writing alternate endings for the Twilight series before Breaking Dawn was released. I have a feeling that if you’re into Twilight, you may be into the Archangel Prophecies. Follow Monica McGurk on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest! And get to know her a little more through this video:
Would you like to read the book yourself? Enter to win a copy below! (Giveaway ends September 9 and the winner will be contacted that day.)
What was the last book you read?
I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
That sounds like a really good book. I wish I had more time to read.
I don’t usually read young adult novels but this one does sound interesting.
Looks like an interesting book that I should give a try reading, maybe sometime in the fall!
I just finished reading A Thousand Splendid Suns and now I’m reading The Witch’s Daughter.
I love to read…and do so often. I would love to try this one out.
I’m exactly like you when it comes to reading the series a day late and a dollar short – which is why I’m currently finishing up the Hunger Games Trilogy LOL
What a great book review! I have also been getting into some of the young adult books that have come out lately. This looks like another great addition to the pile!
I love reading and this book sounds fantastic. Thank you so much for sharing ^_^
Ooooo Dark Hope sounds pretty interesting! Thanks for the giveaway too.
It really touches on a wide variety of subjects, doesn’t it? It sounds really interesting!
I am so with you, with always being late to a series (plus side is you can read it all in one go through – no waiting between books). I’ll have to keep an eye out for this one, try and be early too! x
I need a new book to read. This looks very interesting.
I’m currently reading Allegiant. I wish I had more time to read, I like YA Fiction, but I mostly read cookbooks and whatever my kids ask me to read to them. I may have to check out Dark Hope
Looks like a nice creepy read.
Glad to hear this book is something you enjoyed reading and is not “dumbed down.” That is important when you are reading YA. The last book I read with Running with Stilettos: Living a Balanced Life in Dangerous Shoes by Mary T. Wagner. It is a great book!
I find that I am enjoying a lot more YA books too. I love how this one portrays teens as real teens. I agree, most of the YA books make the teens a lot smarter than what I find them to be lol. Like Fault In Our Stars. Kids just don’t ramble off deep quotes like that most of the time, so I found the dialogue to be a little unbelievable. I will have to give this series a go. Thanks for the review!
Last book I read was Brighter than Gold by Cynthia Wright. Great historical romance novel.
I love YA books and would love to read this one too. I did read all the Twilight novels and enjoyed them.
YA has surprised me as well. I didn’t expect to enjoy any beyond Twilight but now a friend is writing YA & I get to beta read for her & loooooooove her writing!
Another thing you & I have in common is that we both are late to the series bandwagon 🙂 this whole beta reading thing has me giddy about reading something NEW NEW when I get it I often don’t put it down until its done.
this weekend I got myself current on 2 of Debbie Macomber’s series(es?). I read the second in the Rose Harbor in series (#3 due out this November) & then last night I finished Blossom Street Brides. So now I have 2 other books from similar authors (according to the 2 librarians who were helping me ‘shop’ last week) to read but I think I am going to take a little break & clean up my scrap desk tonight.
I’m not going to admit to enjoying young adult novels but this sounds pretty interesting! I may have to check it out.
I love paranormal books! This one sounds pretty good, I’ll have to add it to my list!
This book sounds really interesting. I love books that have diverse plots and an engaging storyline like this one.
I have watch the Twilight saga, so I am intrigues that this book is being compared to the Twilight books. I don’t get to reading much these days, but I will pick up a good one like this every once in a while
This sounds like a great read! The last book I read is The Girl in White Pajamas by Chris Birdy.
The last book I read was Prodigal Son by Dean Koontz. He is my absolute favorite author and I have read almost all of his books and couple a couple times. lol
The last book I read was The Little Engine that could. But seriously- I have been in a dry spell for adult reading- I would love to get a new book!
This sounds really good and totally like something I would like. I really like YA novels too as a lot of times adult novels are just too graphic. The last book I read, I think was Hope after Suicide.