Review NATURAL BORN ANGEL by Scott Speer @RazorbillBooks

Book Description

Release date: April 23, 2013 | Series: Immortal City (Book 2)

Life turned upside down for Maddy Montgomery when she found out she was half-Angel and was catapulted into the scene of flashbulbs, paparazzi, and the fervent adulation that comes with being in the celebrity Angel world. She's trying to juggle her ordinary life—high school, family, friends—with the intense demands of being in the public eye as heartthrob Angel Jackson Godspeed's girlfriend.

And now Maddy must face the most difficult choice of her life. She's been offered the chance to become a Guardian. This means entering into dangerous and high stakes training, with no guarantee that she can succeed. But more than that, it would mean leaving her mortal life behind—forever—and allying with the Angels at a time when their relationship with humans is heading for war. . . .

About the Author
Scott Speer is a movie and music video director and a graduate of the University of Southern California's School of Cinematic Arts. He has worked with Will.I.Am, Ashley Tisdale, Paris Hilton, Jordin Sparks, and other Hollywood personalities, and most recently directed Step Up 4. He is also the author of Immortal City. Scott lives in Los Angeles, California. Visit him online at www.ImmortalCitySeries.com

SOURCE:  AROUND THE WORLD ARC TOURS

MY THOUGHTS
REALLY LIKED IT - BOARDING ON LOVE

Maddy is set to go to Northwestern University and is all packed when she has second thoughts after an event (spoiler!) and decides to stay and become a Guardian.  Contacting Jacks to help her through the rough spots, he becomes moody and withdrawn as she becomes a star.  Of course, we are introduced to a new mean girl, Emily, a Downunder mega-angel-in-training as well, since Vivian now has a new boy under her influence and Jacks is damaged goods. Detective Sylvester is sensing some evil presence and with that the bodies are stacking up.  The new president of the USA is ganging up with world leaders to outlaw the angel's pay for protection service.

While Maddy is in training, she is having major issues with her flying since she is a late bloomer   in the wing department.  Tom, a decorated pilot, is brought in to help her with her issues and faster than you can say "Love Triangle", things get weird in Angel City.  Jacks is mopey and despondent since he is no longer the center of attention.  It seems that Maddy's star is shining brighter now and that doesn't sit well between the two.  Bring in the evil doers and we are all set for a major showdown.   Well, that almost happens, but this one also ends with a major cliffhanger to keep you tuned in for the last (hopefully!) installment.

Well, I had some major issues with this book since I adored the first one so much.  Maddy seemed a bit too into herself rather than being so selfless in the first book.  By the end of the story, the old Maddy is shining through.  I only hope Jacks can recover as much in the next installment.  Tom is an interesting character and between those two boys, there could be some interesting fireworks to come. Parents:  this is pretty much any teen show on television.

REVIEW: Immortal City by Scott Speer

Book Description

Series: Immortal City | Publication Date: April 3, 2012

Jackson Godspeed is the hottest young Angel in a city filled with them. He's days away from becoming a full Guardian, and people around the world are already competing for the chance to be watched over by him. Everyone's obsessed with the Angels and the lucky people they protect - everyone except for Madison Montgomery.

Maddy's the one girl in Angel City who doesn't breathlessly follow the Angels on TV and gossip blogs. When she meets Jackson, she doesn't recognize him. But Jackson is instantly captivated by her, and against all odds the two fall in love.

Maddy is swiftly caught up in Jackson's scene, a world of glamour, paparazzi - and murder. A serial killer is on the loose, leaving dead Angels' wings for the police to find on the Walk of Fame. Even the Guardians are powerless to protect themselves in the face of this threat … and this time it's up to Maddy to save Jackson.

About the Author

Scott Speer is a music video and film director who lives in Los Angeles. Immortal City is his first book. 

 Details

• Reading level: Ages 12 and up
• Hardcover
• Publisher: Razorbill; 1 edition (April 3, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1595145060
• ISBN-13: 978-1595145062

SOURCE:  AROUND THE WORLD ARC TOURS

MY THOUGHTS
LOVED IT

This story is a unique entry into the angel versus demon theme that has become so popular lately.  Told is an almost People-esqe fashion, the story combines brand name dropping with extra beautiful people as angels who aren't quite as honorable as they should be.  The angels have made themselves known to mankind and as guardians, they now work for those who can afford their protection services.  For enough money, you can pay them to save your life.  If this all sounds not quite as altruistic as angel lore, you are correct and that is the fun part about this book:  angels that profit and are a bit bad!


The story centers around Jackson Godspeed, his ex, Vivian and the girl next door named Maddy.  Maddy is an orphan, living with her uncle and working as a waitress in his restaurant. They are broke and Maddy knows she will be lucky if she gets to go to college.  Los Angeles has been renamed as the City of Angels, literally, since this is now where they congregate.  She pays no attention to the rock star angels unlike the majority of her school mates.  When fate throw Jacks into Maddy's life she finds herself infatuated with this immortal creature, but doesn't fully buy into the lifestyle of the rich and famous.

Maddy finds herself in the middle of an angelic war when she herself is found be a missing link between the human and angelic worlds.  There is a war unfolding and with Maddy's recently discovered skills and gifts, she could be the turning point in the battle.  This book was a truly happy accident that I was able to read since I really enjoyed the whole thing and now look forward to the sequel.