Halo by Alexandra Adornetto
Publisher: Feiwel and Friends
Release date: August 31, 2010
Source: Library
Format: Hardcover, 496 pages
Series: Halo #1
Purchase: Book Depository
Reading level: Young Adult
Summary from Goodreads:
Three angels- Gabriel, the warrior; Ivy, the healer; and Bethany, the youngest and most human- are sent by Heaven to bring good to a world falling under the influence of darkness. They must work hard to conceal their luminous glow, superhuman powers, and, most dangerous of all, their wings, all the while avoiding all human attachments.Then Bethany meets Xavier Woods, and neither of them is able to resist the attraction between them. Gabriel and Ivy do everything in their power to intervene, but the bond between Xavier and Bethany seems too strong.
The angel’s mission is urgent, and dark forces are threatening. Will love ruin Bethany or save her?
What I loved about Bethany was that in the beginning of the book, Alexandra wrote it in such a way that I felt like I was discovering all these new things just like Bethany was. Looking at what we have and live with everyday with new eyes. Also, Gabriel and Ivy both said that Bethany was the most connected to humans of any angel they’d seen, and I thought Alexandra did a great job of showing that throughout the book. She starts out otherworldy in the beginning, but page after page she slowly becomes more human. Ivy and Gabriel were awesome supporting characters, providing guidance to the others when needed. And Xavier. Oh Xavier. He’s one of my favorite main male protagonists ever. He does need to be better about making snap assumptions though. But hey, he’s only human, and we all do that.
For having been written by a seventeen year old, this is an amazingly put together book. I like Alexandra’s writing style, it makes for an easy read. The pacing was kind of slow, but I didn’t mind at all because it gave me more time to spend with these characters, getting to know them. And the descriptive details were wonderful, I felt like I was actually there with them sometimes.
And the last thing I loved about Halo was that the romance was not hot and heavy from the get go. It was very chaste overall, and developed somewhat slowly like the story, which was a nice change. Sure near the end Bethany was a little clingy, and that gets on a lot of readers nerves, what with the whole “women don’t need a man to be happy.” But you know, sometimes it’s just nice to have someone.
If you’re a fan of the angel trend in YA, I would definitely recommend this book. Clearly it’s not for everyone, since I’ve seen a lot of negative reviews, but it should definitely be given a try. I for one am looking forward to the next installments in this trilogy.
The Lovely Getaway
Hurray for a fellow HALO reader 🙂 Like you I too enjoyed this book! Especially the beginning…. I felt like I was learning to walk all over again through the eyes of Beth. Great review!
Diana @ The Lovely Getaway
Chelsey @ Starry Sky Books
@ Diana from The Lovely Getaway – Fellow Halo lovers seem to be a rare species! But yes it was an awesome experience at the beginning. I absolutely loved it. Thanks for commenting! 🙂
Ange
Great review! I loved this book as well, I’m glad you liked it too.
Ange @ the Moonlight Reader
Chelsey @ Starry Sky Books
@ Ange – Thanks! 🙂
Liz. R
I have this on my tbr pile! I’ve seen a lot of negative reviews so it’s great to find someone who enjoyed it. I’m keeping an open mind before I start reading it – thanks for the review, and glad you liked it! 🙂
Chelsey @ Starry Sky Books
@ Liz – You definitely should keep an open mind! I hope you enjoy it when you get to it. 🙂