New Juicy Review: Covet by J.R. Ward

 

Novel:       Covet (Fallen Angels)

Author:     J.R. Ward

ISBN:        0451228219

Rating:     Four Stars

For fans (like myself) of Ward's wildly popular Black Dagger Brotherhood series, "Covet" is a departure from the "pure" romantic/fantasy/suspense that has blazed a path for this very talented author. Instead, Ward has branched out into new territory sans the hottie-bad ass-black-clad-biker bros wielding a plotline whose focal point is not primarily that of romance. So fans who are expecting a hot and heavy paranormal romance read of the like of Wrath or Zsadist, should instead brace themselves for a carefully balanced good and evil tale as angels and demons duke it out for the fate of humanity.

Ward's Fallen Angels world hangs in the balance, and what's at stake is exactly seven souls. Seven human souls whose fate could go either way depending on the players involved. Both teams, heaven and hell have placed their MVP's on the field to manipulate, coaxe, and duel for these souls using whatever dirty means necessary.

On heaven's side is covert assassin, Jim Heron aided by two rusty-haloed angels Adrian and Eddie. On hell's side is Devina, a nasty she-devil who is pretty much a formidable army of one. Both teams are battling over the soul of Vin diPietro, a jaded millionaire real estate developer and closet "medium". At stake is his soul, the love of his life, Marie-Terese, and the acknowledgement of his psychic powers. The romance between diPietro and his lady love is steamy and heartwarming, but my interests lay in the peripheral characters of this great story: Adrian, the jaded fallen angel, the loyalties of Trez and most of all, Jim Heron-how would he end up?

Ward has created a great peripheral romance between two characters from vastly different backgrounds, but greater yet is the overall story of "Covet" and its great sub-plots as we dig into the layers of these intensely intriguing characters. I look forward to reading the next in the series!

A Fiendishly Bookish Review