For teens discovering their unique identity while navigating unexpected powers and forbidden love, this book offers a thrilling journey into a world where destiny is intertwined with danger.
A parent might reach for this book when their teen feels like an outsider and is drawn to epic stories of forbidden love and discovering a hidden, powerful identity. Angel follows Willow, a girl with mysterious psychic abilities who is constantly on the move with her mother. Her life is turned upside down when she meets Alex, a trained Angel Killer sent to destroy her. This thrilling paranormal romance explores themes of identity, trust, and questioning authority. It's a great choice for teens who enjoy action-packed fantasy with a strong romantic core, offering a story about a young woman who must define her own morality and power in a world that sees her as a monster.
Key supporting characters are killed during the course of the story.
Romantic ContentMild
Focus on intense emotional connection and kissing. Not sexually explicit.
Sensitive Topics
The book's core premise subverts traditional religious iconography by portraying angels as malevolent, parasitic beings. This is a secular, fantasy-based approach, but could be jarring for readers with strong Judeo-Christian beliefs. Identity is a central theme, handled as a metaphorical journey of self-discovery when Willow learns her true nature. Violence is present in action sequences, and character deaths occur. The resolution of this first book is a hopeful cliffhanger, setting up the sequel.
Ideal Reader
A teen aged 14-17 who devoured books like Twilight and is looking for the next big paranormal romance. This reader enjoys forbidden love tropes, secret societies, and a female protagonist who discovers she is more powerful than she ever imagined. It's perfect for a teen who feels misunderstood or is exploring themes of identity and what it means to be different.
Parent Prep
The primary point for parental awareness is the book's core concept: angels are evil. This may require a conversation depending on a family's faith background. The romance is intense but not sexually explicit. The violence is typical for the YA action genre. The book can be read cold, but understanding the premise is helpful. A parent hears their teen say, "I feel like I have to hide who I really am," or sees them reading a lot of paranormal romance and wants to offer a title with a proactive female lead who grapples with complex moral choices, not just her love life.
Age Experience
A younger teen (13-14) will likely be captivated by the fast-paced plot and the epic, forbidden romance between Willow and Alex. An older teen (15-18) may engage more deeply with the themes of moral ambiguity, the subversion of established mythologies, and Willow's journey toward self-acceptance and agency.
What Makes It Special
Unlike many YA angel books that feature fallen angels or angelic guardians, this book's foundational premise is that angels are fundamentally alien, predatory, and evil. This unique and dark world-building choice sets it apart, creating a distinct moral landscape and a compelling source of conflict that drives the entire series.
Read plot summary
Willow, a teenage girl with supposed psychic abilities, lives on the run with her mother. She meets Alex, a member of the Angel Killers (AKs), a secret organization dedicated to hunting and destroying angels. Except these angels are not benevolent beings; they are parasitic energy vampires from another dimension. Alex is tasked with killing Willow, but he hesitates, drawn to her humanity. They fall in love while uncovering the truth: Willow is a rare angel-human hybrid with unique powers. Together, they must fight for survival against both the angels and the AKs who now hunt them both.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Alex was raised by the Angel Killers to believe all angels are evil. What specific moments or qualities in Willow make him start to question his lifelong training?
2
Before meeting Alex, Willow believed her powers were psychic. How does learning her true identity as a half-angel change her perception of herself and her abilities?
3
The Angel Killers operate with a very black-and-white view of the world. Do you think their mission justifies their ruthless methods? Why or why not?
4
If you were in Willow's position, would you have chosen to trust Alex, knowing he was trained to destroy you? What factors would influence your decision?
5
The book presents angels as energy parasites. How does this version of angels change the traditional idea of good versus evil in the story?
