Review: Not Bad
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 02 3, 2014
This is a very unique story about an assassin (Damien) who falls in love with his last assigned target (Lady Aurora of Acquitaine) before he can carry out the dastardly deed and gain his long-awaited freedom as promised by Warin Roke, his master. The plot thickens when Damien discovers a few other fellow assassins in his organization, seeking to kill her first. Suddenly, the lady has threats from every corner and Damien realizes that he wants, more than anything, to keep her alive because of his rapidly developing feelings for her. It doesn't help that everyone else is suspect, including Aurora's shady relatives who seem to have hidden agendas and scorned suitors who may want revenge for past rejection. In his initial desire to kill her first because he was tasked to by Roke, and also for his deep desire for freedom, Damien ironically becomes Aurora's personal body guard. He becomes so good at protecting Aurora from other assassins and death threats that Lord Gabriel, Aurora's father, has no choice but to deem him her best protector, just to keep her alive from one moment to the next. There is really not much to dislike about the book- it's unusual and interesting, has tons of action and romance, is very well-written, and has well-likeable and well-developed characters. The best part is that Damien finds redemption, revenge and peace in the end. The only issue that I have with Angel's Assassin is (spoil-alert) the demise of Lord Gabriel in the end. Also, I felt that Damien (another spoil-alert) could've done more to fight for Aurora after bringing her back to her castle, especially after disclosing a hidden, ugly secret when he first started out as an assassin. If he had, he might've prevented the unfortunate betrothal between Aurora and another man, in addition to Gabriel's demise which was caused by a broken heart and sense of loss over his daughter. Overall, Angel's Assassin was very likeable, unique and an all-around pleasant read. I may look for more of Laurel O'Donnell's books in the near future. Hopefully, she'll write a story with another assassin in it- this time with the heroine in that role!