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 Strange
Angels is Lili St. Crow's
first young adult (YA) book and first in a new series. It is
an
urban fantasy that is a cross between Buffy the
Vampire Slayer and
The Supernatural TV show (both which I adore). We are
introduced to
Dru Anderson who has been raised by her "hunter"
father. Her father is an ex-marine who hunts supernatural
creatures.
Dru is just a teenage
girl who has the "touch" where she can see beyond the normal
things to the "Real
World". While her father won't let her help him on
his hunts, he has trained her and she helps with research,
locating supernatural spots and loading up guns. Constantly
on the move with no other family or friends, Dru knows she
can rely on her father to always come back. And the new town
they have moved to seems like more of the same until the
night her fathers leaves on a hunt and returns...as a zombie
and Dru is to be his first meal.
Overall, the story was good, just a bit slow at times and
very grim. I liked various elements of it. The use and
history of the dhampires are interesting. The twist with the
Svetocha is cool and has me wanting to know more. I liked
the differences between were-wolves and ones they bite. The
whole virgin thing makes sense (you'll have to read it to
know what I am referring to as it isn't what you think). The
fight scenes were creepy and filled with desperation. There
is a strong streak of realistic grittiness to the story. It
reads as more of a horror novel at times than urban fantasy
with the emotions that Dru describes in detail. The urban
fantasy feel is more towards the end. The story is very dark
and grim with only the supporting character, Graves, a
class-mate of Dru's, being the only real "light". I will be
the first to admit that Graves was my favorite. He is shown
as filled with hope, determination, and full of tolerance
which helps when he
deals with Dru who admittedly is not the most stable person.
The first scene with Dru's dad returning was the creepiest
scenes I have read. It had me tense. And you pitied poor
Dru for having to deal with this situation that had to be
traumatizing. Unfortunately for Dru, this is just the
beginning as someone or thing has now targeted her. How is
she going to survive against the same thing that killed her
father? Also, what secrets are to be revealed about her
family and Dru herself as she struggles to live for another
day?
Dru as a character, I had some problems with as she is so
traumatized, grim and dark that it is hard to relate to her.
There is more to life than just surviving which she should
have at least got that knowledge from her Gran. I hope this
changes a bit with the sequel as I am putting her grim
survival only outlook down to shock at the moment of the
events of this book. Looking back, I guess her personality
is understandable considering how she was raised, but at
times, it can be a bit much as she sounds harsh towards
anyone or anything. She just has no real hopes or dreams
beyond survival which makes it hard to connect to her. Yes,
survive, but at least plan on what you will do even if it is
just revenge.
This is why Graves is my favorite. He might have it bad on
his circumstances, but you can see he has a plan and a
determination to enact it. He has hopes and dreams. Despite
the events going on that he has no frame of reference really
to deal with as good as he does, he manages better than Dru
despite her "training" and "experience". I figure he is just
more adaptable to changes which Dru could learn to emulate.
He also has more tolerance and compassion which is what sets
him on the path of being involved with Dru's life, despite
her many attempts to get rid of him. He needs it as Dru is
very harsh and at times one wonders why he is so determined
to help her. Then again, it fits as he appears to be just a
good guy who probably sees a person so filled with pain that
she is like an animal and needs whatever kindness she can
get as she is drowning in darkness. I can respect that.
When Kristophre is introduced, things get a bit faster on
the pace of the story (which is a good thing). More attacks
and fights. Some explanations for who and what Kristophre is
revealed. Though not as fast as I would like as Dru is not
the most logical being and the story gets dragged out a bit
with each revelation when I thought it would've been easier
to just say it all when the questions first started instead
of dropping a teaser or two. Also, I was a bit surprised
that Graves was not more familiar with what a werewulf was
since I am sure he has seen movies and read books. He isn't
a fan of horror, but still, you pick up stuff from pop
culture. I also would expect Dru to be more knowledgeable,
but she is definitely learning as she goes type.
Also, potential "love triangle" alert as there is hints of
it though I don't know if the author will go in that
direction or not. There is a sequel to this book coming out
in November so I figure we shall find out then. I shall be
checking it out as I figure now that the set up is done and
various questions left to be answered, things will start
picking up at a faster pace. Also, it will be interesting
to see what comes next with the Schola and the Order and how
Dru reacts to it all.
I would recommend this for readers who enjoy more gritty,
dark young adult urban fantasy that like vivid descriptions
of emotions and suspense leading up to a fight. |
