Always, Angel by Heather Killough-Walden, introduces a truly intriguing character, Angel, a tireless, superheroish, supernatural woman who has to have the hardest job in any universe. I REALLY like this character. She comes across very naturally and is very likable, even though for 2,000 years her job has been to protect humanity from the supernatural forces trying to destroy it. We learn that natural disasters are often anything but -they are created by malevolent supernatural creatures trying to destroy civilization. (Makes sense to me in these trying times.) Only Angel and her uncanny ability to sense and stop these creatures before they complete their plans, has saved the planet from destruction.
Angel has many gifts. For instance she can transport to far away locations when she needs to, or can change her appearance at will. But for all her dilligence, Angel is forced to exist without the company of her eternal love, although she sees him regularly in the media in his earthly existence as the powerful billionaire media mogul, Samuel Lambent. Sam is also part of the circle that includes the archangels Uriel, Michael, Azareal, and Gabriel, and is even more powerful in his supernatural identity. Possibly because of her own love sickness Angel has made it her job to protect the four archesses intended for the archangels.
I often felt bad for Angel because she seems so alone and is selfless to the point of alienation. But she knows her purpose. She is Planet Earth - and beyond's - ultimate Guardian Angel. Also, Angel meets a very old "friend," from centuries ago,and he is determined that she won't be alone. Hesperos, King of the Incubi, or Nightmares, serves as a much-needed ally. Hesperos lingers in this reader's mind. His powers are great - lust and sex and hunger. His interactions with Angel are always a bit steamy.
This book opens up a brand new world, which is what I love about this author. New vocabulary, monsters - there are some of the coolest supernatural creations in this story. I want the t-shirts and the action figures. There are handsome men and a heroine who is complex by nature of her 2,000 year history alone. There is a great deal of Very handsome, sexy men and a foreboding throughout that I need to follow through on. I can't wait for the upcoming book, Avenger's Angel to fill in some blanks.
