Series: Angel Assassins #1
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Published by: Entangled Edge on April 28, 2014
Format: eARC
Pages: 183
Source: Author
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While channeling Robin Hood's "steal from the rich and give to the poor" attitude at a local politician's house, ex-con Katie Logan witnesses a forced suicide. Dirty or not, supernatural or not, he didn't deserve to die, especially not by his own hand. But with her record, stepping forward as a witness isn't an option. On the run from the police and the murderer, she turns to The Bound Ones for help.
When a beautiful woman comes to The Bound Ones, half-angel assassin Cain is immediately drawn to her. But when she fingers him as the killer, he can come to only one conclusion. The twin he thought was dead is very much alive…and trying to send him a message. Unfortunately, that message is: "You're next."
It's a race against time as Cain fights to save the woman he's falling in love with before his brother Abel destroys them both.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
An exciting new series with some bad ass angels!
ANGEL KIN weaves a paranormal world with angel mythology to create one of the most engrossing stories I’ve read in a while. I was instantly hooked and did not want to put this book down! With Angels, Nephilim and Renegade Angels in a battle, things quickly get exciting. I love a story of good vs. evil and Ms. Skinner delivers that and so much more in this series debut.
When the story begins, Katie Logan is back to her old tricks and stealing from a not-so honest politician, in order to save her friends from vampires. She gets more than she bargained for when she’s forced to hide when said politician unexpectedly returns to his home with a mysterious stranger. What starts off as a plain ol’ robbery soon turns into witnessing a supernatural murder for Katie and she’s forced to turn to her brother for help instead of trusting the police. With no where to turn, Katie is brought to The Bound Ones, a group of half-human half-angel warriors (known as Nephilim) who protect the innocent, by her brother. Katie is not thrilled about meeting The Bound Ones but when she’s introduced to Cain, things take a turn for the worse when she realizes he resembles the very man who murdered the politician. In an attempt to clear his name, Cain will have to face a part of his past he thought was long gone and buried.
I must admit, Angels are not my go to paranormal creatures because I’ve only really been captivated by a few books, but I’ve always been fascinated by them. What I love about Tricia’s world is the subdued religious connotations that can sometimes lead me astray while reading. There are slight mentions of religious text but only in reference to the characters’ biblical names, it kind of comes with the territory when you name your hero Cain and his brother Abel. I love the different factions created, The Bound Ones and The Renegades are both intriguing and it was great to see how each operates within this supernatural world that inhabits other paranormals as well.
If I had to describe The Bound Ones to readers, in relation to character development, I’d say they’re like the Black Dagger Brotherhood without fangs! Now before I go any further…let me explain myself, I’m not exactly comparing them to BDB, I just think the dynamics of their group is similar. The Bound Ones are a group of fierce warriors bound together by fate and loyalty just like BDB and it’s clear that each member has a story to tell. These angels are not your fluffy winged kind, they’re dark, brooding and don’t mind getting their hands dirty. Their “dark side” is what I found most endearing, what can I say? I love bad boys! I know this story’s main character is Cain, but I found myself wanting to learn more of the rest of the group. Tanis, Kas, Jarrid and Nesty each leave their mark and I hope to see more of them in future installments.
Onto the hero…Cain, his brother Abel and the heroine.
Cain is undoubtedly a tortured soul, my favorite kind of hero. Yes, he’s an assassin, but he’s managed to keep goodness in his soul, deep down he’s a good man. The guilt he feels for his brother’s “death” has been a weight he has carried for years and his world is turned upside down when he learns the truth about Abel. Saying Cain and Abel’s relationship is complicated is an understatement, the two have a dark past that is told in flashbacks which was a great addition to the plot without being too much.
“In any other circumstance, this man would have been hot enough to burn down Victoria’s Secret.”
Most would say Abel is a villain but I would disagree, there’s definitely more than meets the eye with him. These two brothers were separated by fate but I hope they can be reunited by love as the series progresses. Skinner spared no detail in Cain’s character development which is refreshing. Katie held her own as a heroine, especially among this group of opinionated males. She’s not exactly your alpha heroine (did I just make a new term up?) but she’s strong willed and a fighter in her own right. Her character was not as fleshed out as Cain which might be the reason I wasn’t completely smitten with her but I wouldn’t mind learning more about her. Their relationship starts off as one of necessity with plenty of banter and blossoms into romance which was quite sweet. My OMG…WTF? moment came in the revelation that Cain was a VIRGIN…yes, that’s what I said…a centuries old VIRGIN ladies! This was a first for me, it was not only hard to believe that in all his years he hadn’t experienced sex but also that he was such an amazing lover his first time, come on! I don’t care how much porn you’re watching Cain…you’re not going to get that good without some practice!
“Now,” he said through clenched teeth, “let’s try that fucking-through-the-bed idea.”
My introduction to the Angel Assassins series was an action packed thrill ride with a hint of romance and unpredictability. Skinner delivers a Supernatural-esque relationship of brother vs. brother that is sure to end in a climactic showdown. I strongly believe ANGEL KIN is the foundation for what is sure to become a phenomenal series. The dark undertones, snarky humor and strong group of alphas really make it a winning combination!
Angels aren’t my go to creature either, but I have hopes for these angels. HIGH hopes 😉
I can’t wait to hear your thoughts Jessica! 🙂
I LOVED that Victoria Secret quote—too funny! I enjoy any author that’s able to deliver consistent one-liners, and Tricia Skinner certainly delivers on that front. Plus, sexy brothers almost always make a book a worthwhile read IMO. Thanks for squeezing this one in Lori; I’m glad you enjoyed it!
How great is that quote?! The humor made the story even better. It was a great read and I’ll be reading the prequel soon (just saw it on GRs!).
Great review, Lori, any book that compares to BDB is good.
Thanks Braine. I have to agree, who doesn’t love sexy Alphas?!
I love angel books and haven’t read a good one in a while. I brought this one yesterday from Amazon, can’t wait to read it. Rocking reveiw Lori 😉
I hope you enjoy these sexy angels Sharonda! 🙂
Nice review Lori, perhaps I will read it someday 🙂