Touched by an Angel • A Touch Mortal

A Touch Mortal by Leah Clifford
Series: A Touch Trilogy #1
Publisher: Greenwillow Books
Publication Date: February 22, 2011
Source/Format: Bought || Kindle e-book

Eden didn't expect Az. Not his saunter down the beach toward her. Not his unbelievable pick-up line. Not the instant, undeniable connection. And not his wings.

Yeah. So long, happily-ever-after.

Now trapped between life and death, cursed to spread chaos with her every touch, Eden could be the key in the eternal struggle between heaven and hell. All because she gave her heart to one of the Fallen, an angel cast out of heaven. She may lose everything she ever had. She may be betrayed by those she loves most. But Eden will not be a pawn in anyone else's game. Her heart is her own. And that's only the beginning of the end.

This novel was incredibly interesting to me because it featured angels - fallen, bound or otherwise. I haven't read too many books featuring angels (which is about to change seeing as how I have a few lined up for me this year), but I think this one is pretty darn good. A Touch Mortal was a quick read, but it was definitely a great start for a series.

The Characters

Eden is an interesting character for me to discuss because I found her extremely complex. To be in her situation is definitely unfortunate, but I can admire her determination to try and make the best of it. Her heart is always in the right place when it comes to her ability. Also, I appreciate the subtle hint that her death helped redefine the way she chose to live. I was, however, irritated with how stubborn she could be about forming relationships, because she always seemed to keep everyone at a distance.

Az is half-Fallen, half-Bound, which is an interesting position for an angel. I would have loved even more exploration into this problematic half and half condition, instead of just focusing primarily on Eden's feelings for him and his for her.

Gabe is my favorite character in this entire novel, simply because he's such an incredible friend to Az, Eden and Kristen. He's got an interesting role to play in the novel, and I can't wait to see where Leah Clifford takes him next.

The Story

Like I said, I was already interested in the story because it was about angels - but I got even more interested when they mentioned the Siders. I think it was a nice touch to introduce this concept - people who are neither fallen or bound. And it, of course, upsets the so-called balance, and I'm interested in seeing how the bound and the fallen react to it.

I like the simplicity of the story, though things are much deeper than they appear to be. There's a central conflict between the good guys and the bad guys - and I like being able to see the shades of gray in situations, especially when it came to the Siders.

Also, there are two major good things about this book. First, it's set in New Jersey/New York, which automatically elevates it to an exciting status for me, as I live in the area. And second, the twist is incredible and I love when I can't predict what's going to happen.

Personally, I say you should...

... definitely read this novel if you're looking for a light, quick read with elements of mythology injected into it. This is a great set-up to what is sure to be an interesting series and I'm excited for the release of A Touch Morbid.