Book Review: Kissed by an Angel Trilogy

Kissed by An Angel Trilogy (Kissed by an Angel, The Power of Love, Soulmates)

By: Elizabeth Chandler

Published By: Simon Pulse

Release Date: December 2008 (Originally published in 1995)

Buy it at Amazon

Source: Library

Audience: Young Adult

Format: Audio Book

I didn't read these books when they were first released in 1995, but I have been seeing the collection of all three books throughout bookstores recently. I have picked the book up several times with the intent to buy it, but then put it down in favor of something else. I was hesitant because there are so many angel books out there right now - they seem to be the new vampire - and they don't always appeal to me. I think angels out of all the supernatural beings are the ones I enjoy reading about the least. However, while browsing the audio book section at the library I again saw this collection and decided to give it a try since it didn't involve spending money on it. It was a risk free read at that point. Wow, I am so glad I gave this book a chance. I also love that older titles are being revived for a new generation to love.

Even though the book is about angels - these angels function much more like ghosts to me than typical angels. They are left on Earth to complete a mission which is often related to some unfinished business left over from their lives. They can materialize parts of their body, speak to people within their minds, or project their voices for all to hear. One of the angels, Lacey, actually seems more poltergeist than angel as she likes to mess with humans and freak them out a bit. I found that these sorts of angels were an interesting spin on the others of my past reads. There was no epic battle between heaven and hell and no fallen angels running around trying to redeem themselves.

These books though are first and foremost romances. I do have to admit that several times I did roll my eyes at the cheese factor. It just seemed to me that it was a little crazy that after dating for around 4 months that Ivy and Tristan were madly in love. Sure, teens fall in and out of love on a daily basis, but this story was written as if they had the love to end all loves in that time span. I don't doubt the two cared for one another deeply and had a bond, but I just don't know that you can fall in love that quickly. I am sure some people can, but for me that isn't realistic. This was the main reason I didn't give the books 5 stars - the cheese factor and the instalove. However, in Elizabeth Chandler's defense, the instalove issue is a major trend in YA literature today. 

I also really liked that this series was not just focused on the angel characters. They were important, of course, but the focus was really more on Ivy and the other humans. Ivy may or may not have witnessed a crime being committed, but she has blocked out memories of that horrible night and all the tragedy it However, in her dreams, bits and pieces have started to resurface. As the story progresses, it becomes abundantly clear that someone does not want Ivy to fully remember that night. But who could it be? And why do they want to hurt her? To make matters worse, Tristan is killed in a car accident while taking Ivy to dinner. He comes back as an angel to help protect Ivy and help her track down the person who means her harm.

I really enjoyed the mystery aspect of the series. It felt a little predictable at times, but then Chandler would throw me a curve ball and make me doubt my thinking. However, in the end I was right about the identity of the villain. 

Overall, this was a good series and I loved the characters. I would recommend this to YA fans, those who love ghost and angel stories, and fans of romance. I was also excited to see that a 4th book has been released. I will have to get that for my Kindle soon.

As far as the audio on this one is concerned - I would give it 5 birdies. The narrator does a wonderful job with the voices and putting you into the story.

One Last Gripe: Suzanne is a major butthead. I can't figure out why Ivy is friends with her.

My Favorite Things About This Book: The characters and the pacing of the plot

First Sentence: "I never knew how romantic a backseat could be," Ivy said, resting against it, smiling at Tristan.Favorite Characters: Tristan, Will, Phillip, Lacey

Least Favorite Character: Eric

Summary: 

An angelic romantic suspense trilogy in one volume!

"Kissed by an Angel": Ivy and Tristan have the love of a lifetime--until Tristan dies in a car accident. Now Tristan returns as an angel, but Ivy is unable to feel his presence. "The Power of Love": Tristan has learned that the person responsible for the car crash is after Ivy. Can he cross the boundaries of life and death to warn Ivy that she is in trouble? "Soulmates": Tristan must rescue Ivy, but if he does so his mission will be finished and he will have to leave his true love forever.