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The Archangel Prophecies #1
Dark Hope
A new young adult saga in the Twilight tradition about the love between a human and an archangel.
For years, Hope Carmichael, survivor of a shocking child abduction, has lived a sheltered existence under the protection of her fanatically religious father. Now, liberated by her mother, Hope prepares to start life over as a normal kid in an Atlanta, Georgia, high school.
Normal, that is, until Hope meets Michael, a gorgeous emancipated teen with a mysterious past and a strong interest in Hope. And soon, Hope’s life is filled with questions. What’s behind the angry looks Hope gets from Lucas, leader of a gang of students? Who’s responsible for sending Hope a strange valentine inscribed with Bible quotations? How does this relate to the sinister business of human trafficking that operates on the periphery of Hope’s suburban world? And is Michael really a protector, or something more sinister—and just why does he seem so familiar?
In an epic narrative that takes readers from the back streets of Atlanta to the height of Vegas penthouses and beyond, Dark Hope introduces readers to The Archangel Prophecies, a new young adult saga that blends the feeling of Twilight with a vast mythological scope and moral urgency, as well as to Hope Carmichael—a young woman instantly memorable for her endurance, heart, and determination—and Michael, Hope’s dangerous companion who’s fated either to save Hope—or to kill her.
For years, Hope Carmichael, survivor of a shocking child abduction, has lived a sheltered existence under the protection of her fanatically religious father. Now, liberated by her mother, Hope prepares to start life over as a normal kid in an Atlanta, Georgia, high school.
Normal, that is, until Hope meets Michael, a gorgeous emancipated teen with a mysterious past and a strong interest in Hope. And soon, Hope’s life is filled with questions. What’s behind the angry looks Hope gets from Lucas, leader of a gang of students? Who’s responsible for sending Hope a strange valentine inscribed with Bible quotations? How does this relate to the sinister business of human trafficking that operates on the periphery of Hope’s suburban world? And is Michael really a protector, or something more sinister—and just why does he seem so familiar?
In an epic narrative that takes readers from the back streets of Atlanta to the height of Vegas penthouses and beyond, Dark Hope introduces readers to The Archangel Prophecies, a new young adult saga that blends the feeling of Twilight with a vast mythological scope and moral urgency, as well as to Hope Carmichael—a young woman instantly memorable for her endurance, heart, and determination—and Michael, Hope’s dangerous companion who’s fated either to save Hope—or to kill her.
400 pages, Paperback
First published July 28, 2014
37 people are currently reading
947 people want to read
About the author
Monica McGurk
7 books102 followersAward-winning author Monica McGurk likes nothing better than weaving complex, multilayered stories that bring contemporary issues and strong female characters to life through different genres of popular fiction. Her previous work includes three volumes of paranormal YA romance—The Archangel Prophecies: Dark Hope, Dark Rising, and Dark Before Dawn— along with numerous works of fan fiction under the name Consultant by Day. The Handler is the follow-up to her critically acclaimed The Agency, the first novel in The Norwood Nanny Chronicles.
A corporate executive, she now lives in Chicagoland with her husband, Tom, their youngest son, and their dog, Ellie. You can find her on Facebook, Instagram, Goodreads, and LinkedIn, or on her website: monicamcgurk.com.
A corporate executive, she now lives in Chicagoland with her husband, Tom, their youngest son, and their dog, Ellie. You can find her on Facebook, Instagram, Goodreads, and LinkedIn, or on her website: monicamcgurk.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 145 reviews
February 5, 2015
***Arc provided via Netgalley in exchange for honest review***
"I will keep you as the apple of the eye,
hide you under the shadow of my wings."
I love books with angels in it, so as soon as I saw the word archangel in the blurb, this became a must-read for me, plus the pretty cover. The beginning of the story was interesting, I liked the idea of the plot in general, but, unfortunately, it didn't rock my world.
Why is that?
1. Well, first of all I blame Nalini Singh & her Guild Hunter Series! According to Goodreads statistics this is my 499th book meaning I'm a pretty formed reader and my expectations are pretty high. I always expect some great and unique plot, but after reading Nalini Singh's series with angels, sorry, but this rather seems average, plus I couldn't overlook some loopholes as far as the plot is concerned.
2. Immature characters
The older I get, the more picky I become when choosing YA books, mostly because they tend to feature annoying, immature characters. At the beginning of the story the main female character Hope seemed to be mature for her age, but the more the story progressed, the more immature, whiny and naive she got and Michael, for a billion years old archangel, he seemed pretty plain and unrealistic for his age and power.
3. The Romance
I just didn't feel the connection between the two main characters at all. No tension, no sparks. It seemed that one day they just decided that they are in love with each other, but above all it was also pretty creepy and unbelievable that an ancient archangel would fall in love with a 15 year old girl.
There were more things I found strange and slightly unrealistic, but I will stop here to not spoil the story. I would recommend this book to teenagers or reader beginners in general. If I were 7-8 years younger I would have probably liked it more, but now, it just wasn't for me. Read and decide for yourself.
"I will keep you as the apple of the eye,
hide you under the shadow of my wings."
I love books with angels in it, so as soon as I saw the word archangel in the blurb, this became a must-read for me, plus the pretty cover. The beginning of the story was interesting, I liked the idea of the plot in general, but, unfortunately, it didn't rock my world.
Why is that?
1. Well, first of all I blame Nalini Singh & her Guild Hunter Series! According to Goodreads statistics this is my 499th book meaning I'm a pretty formed reader and my expectations are pretty high. I always expect some great and unique plot, but after reading Nalini Singh's series with angels, sorry, but this rather seems average, plus I couldn't overlook some loopholes as far as the plot is concerned.
2. Immature characters
The older I get, the more picky I become when choosing YA books, mostly because they tend to feature annoying, immature characters. At the beginning of the story the main female character Hope seemed to be mature for her age, but the more the story progressed, the more immature, whiny and naive she got and Michael, for a billion years old archangel, he seemed pretty plain and unrealistic for his age and power.
3. The Romance
I just didn't feel the connection between the two main characters at all. No tension, no sparks. It seemed that one day they just decided that they are in love with each other, but above all it was also pretty creepy and unbelievable that an ancient archangel would fall in love with a 15 year old girl.
There were more things I found strange and slightly unrealistic, but I will stop here to not spoil the story. I would recommend this book to teenagers or reader beginners in general. If I were 7-8 years younger I would have probably liked it more, but now, it just wasn't for me. Read and decide for yourself.
December 11, 2016
Angelology with the hunt of an ancient artifact with some young adult romance is how I would best describe this book. The main character, Hope, is kidnapped as a toddler and miraculously found unharmed with only a mark on the back of her neck. Hope's father becomes a religious fanatic and overprotective father, thinking Hope was Marked for God's purpose. Hope's parents separate and her father gets full custody of her until Hope is 15 and asks the judge to live with her mother. Strange things start happening to her like being attacked by birds and a group of students takes a weird interest in her and starts harrassing and bullying her. A boy named Michael shows up out of nowhere and becomes her only friend and protector. When Hope's past comes back to haunt her, Michael reveals who he really is and together they start to try to solve the mystery of her past abduction, her Mark and what it means for humanity's and heaven's future. I enjoyed the background information given about the angel hierarchy, the Book of Enoch, and the "untold history" from biblical times the author spun to make the plot of this story. I thought that the romance between Michael and Hope was not needed and Michael could have just been super devoted to Hope and the story would have been fine. The mysterious elements of Hope's Mark and her mission gradually unfolding made the book fly by when I had chance to sit down and read it.
I gave this book 4 out of 5 stars on Goodreads.
I received a free advanced copy of this book from NetGalley for review consideration.
I gave this book 4 out of 5 stars on Goodreads.
I received a free advanced copy of this book from NetGalley for review consideration.
September 23, 2015
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Arc kindly provided by the publisher, via netGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
The idea was unique and the book had a lot of potential. Not bad but not thrilling either.
Writing Style
Just like I’ve said before, not bad. The book begins with a prologue and a third person POV. Then there’s a transition to Hope’s mother’s POV described in third person and then we have Hope’s POV in first person. I would prefer if the book was completely in third person POV since the author wanted us to know about many character and not just one. The transition is confusing and tiring. Other than that I had no problem following the story and understanding. Feelings weren’t fully described but I was satisfied. Mona’s feelings were described better and she was easier to relate. Even though Hope was the main character I was puzzled because her thoughts were confusing me a lot.
Plot/World Building
Even though I was excited at the first half of the book, I was completely disappointed with the second half. I loved the way the author built the world and added so much mystery and excitement. Who was the person who saved Hope? What’s his connection with the male lead? What about that awesome tattoo in her neck? Why is her dad so overprotective and obsessed? So many questions and so many things to look for while reading. Suddenly, close to half of the book, all things were revealed and I was so so so turned off. I wanted more of the mystery and more action. Plus I didn’t really liked how the story evolved. Mona had just found her daughter and she lost her in days again. Then her father gets framed for kidnapping and Michael transforms into Hope’s father in most scene’s of the second half. Nooo, this is so weird. I wanted to have in mind the hot hero of the book and not an overweight, middle-aged man. It’s creepy.
Characters
Hope is the female lead character of the book. She is a 16-year-old girl who was through a kidnap, a weird mark on her neck and an overly protective and obsessed father. She was motherless most of the time and completely cut out of the world. That means no friends, no normal high-school days and no boyfriend. At the beginning she is so determined to change all that so she tries to go back to her mother and start a new life. I was so proud to read about her. She did good till she met Michael. That’s the end of my proud feelings because she suddenly turned to one of the classic weak characters that allow a guy to affect their whole lives. No more explanation needed.
Michael is an ancient archangel. Yes, he is THE Michael. I was so excited. He has the form of a teenager and he falls for our precious Hope. There’s a connection between them that Michael can’t explain so he tries to protect her. To be honest he was so charming and mature at first but I didn’t know he was an archangel. I just thought he was too mature to be a teen. When I found out his age I regretted feeling that way because there’s no way a creature with thousands of years experience to act that way. He was treating Hope badly and he practically forced her to do things that made her feel uncomfortable in order to ‘keep her safe’. He was rude and he was snapping at her all the time and then he was back at being kind and sweet. He confused me a lot and I didn’t feel like I could trust him. Maybe that was the point anyway because Hope didn’t really trust him as well. I don’t know, he was weird.
Overall
There were things I did enjoy and things I didn’t. I can’t say that the book was awful because it was not. The plot was cliche and overused but it had a lot of potential to make a difference even though it didn’t.
Check out my twitter BookLand@twitter
Also you can like my fb page Bookland@facebook
Arc kindly provided by the publisher, via netGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
The idea was unique and the book had a lot of potential. Not bad but not thrilling either.
Writing Style
Just like I’ve said before, not bad. The book begins with a prologue and a third person POV. Then there’s a transition to Hope’s mother’s POV described in third person and then we have Hope’s POV in first person. I would prefer if the book was completely in third person POV since the author wanted us to know about many character and not just one. The transition is confusing and tiring. Other than that I had no problem following the story and understanding. Feelings weren’t fully described but I was satisfied. Mona’s feelings were described better and she was easier to relate. Even though Hope was the main character I was puzzled because her thoughts were confusing me a lot.
Plot/World Building
Even though I was excited at the first half of the book, I was completely disappointed with the second half. I loved the way the author built the world and added so much mystery and excitement. Who was the person who saved Hope? What’s his connection with the male lead? What about that awesome tattoo in her neck? Why is her dad so overprotective and obsessed? So many questions and so many things to look for while reading. Suddenly, close to half of the book, all things were revealed and I was so so so turned off. I wanted more of the mystery and more action. Plus I didn’t really liked how the story evolved. Mona had just found her daughter and she lost her in days again. Then her father gets framed for kidnapping and Michael transforms into Hope’s father in most scene’s of the second half. Nooo, this is so weird. I wanted to have in mind the hot hero of the book and not an overweight, middle-aged man. It’s creepy.
Characters
Hope is the female lead character of the book. She is a 16-year-old girl who was through a kidnap, a weird mark on her neck and an overly protective and obsessed father. She was motherless most of the time and completely cut out of the world. That means no friends, no normal high-school days and no boyfriend. At the beginning she is so determined to change all that so she tries to go back to her mother and start a new life. I was so proud to read about her. She did good till she met Michael. That’s the end of my proud feelings because she suddenly turned to one of the classic weak characters that allow a guy to affect their whole lives. No more explanation needed.
Michael is an ancient archangel. Yes, he is THE Michael. I was so excited. He has the form of a teenager and he falls for our precious Hope. There’s a connection between them that Michael can’t explain so he tries to protect her. To be honest he was so charming and mature at first but I didn’t know he was an archangel. I just thought he was too mature to be a teen. When I found out his age I regretted feeling that way because there’s no way a creature with thousands of years experience to act that way. He was treating Hope badly and he practically forced her to do things that made her feel uncomfortable in order to ‘keep her safe’. He was rude and he was snapping at her all the time and then he was back at being kind and sweet. He confused me a lot and I didn’t feel like I could trust him. Maybe that was the point anyway because Hope didn’t really trust him as well. I don’t know, he was weird.
Overall
There were things I did enjoy and things I didn’t. I can’t say that the book was awful because it was not. The plot was cliche and overused but it had a lot of potential to make a difference even though it didn’t.
November 7, 2015
*I received an eARC of this book from the publisher (Greenleaf Book Group) via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Dark Hope by Monica McGurk started off great with an interesting premise and promising introductory narration. Let me start off by saying that the blurb here that says it's: "A new young adult saga in the Twilight tradition about the love between a human and an archangel," certainly disenchants me as a reader. This book was marketed as a "Twilight Wannabe" but after finishing this book I concluded that it wasn't written for me and I preferred Twilight over Dark Hope. With the undeniable success of Twilight, it's no wonder a lot of authors would want some 15 minutes of fame by producing similar themes. I was quite surprised that it has a high rating on Goodreads. It wasn't bad but it wasn't great either. It was an okay-forgettable book for me.
I have always been a fan of books about angels. If someone cut an interesting, ambiguous figures like archangels, it seem like an interesting character to read but if the author will execute the plot in a mediocre unoriginal manner, the book will surely end up very disappointing for me, at least on my perspective.
REDEEMABLE QUALITY
The book explores myriad of themes that are indeed captivating and very intriguing: sex slavery, biblical prophecies, family dynamics, human-angel relationship morality and the battle between good vs evil. Although the book delved into numerous thought-provoking ideas, there is, however, a lot of unsatisfactory delivery that are cringe-worthy. I personally think that the story could be so much more.
I could have liked the book entirely if the author solely focus on the topic about HUMAN TRAFFICKING.I think it's an inventive way to educate the teens about such a precarious social phenomena. It's a delicate topic to talk about but it can also produce a consequential awareness conducive for the young adult audience if executed fairly well. The problem with this book is that the story, somewhere in the middle, loses some focus on the underlying theme like human trafficking network which is on my opinion, a very refreshing and substantial concept. The seriousness of the topic wasn't justified well and was overshadowed by the paranormal aspect of the book which apparently causes some ridiculous path diversion in the end.
THE CHOSEN-ONES BOOK TROPE
I'm tired of seeing this epidemic trope in scifi and fantasy world. This sole person chosen by "fate" to stop an impending disasters that threaten humanity. A predictable story about a mundane girl who will soon save the world while some hot guy, for some absurd reason, inexplicably wanted to date her. A protagonist who was so damn special for no apparent reason. Through the combined forces of inevitable fate and godliness in her, she will redeem humanity in order to fulfill her special-world saving destiny. I don't know what makes the protagonist (Hope) in this book so special among the Demons and Angels aside from her mysterious mark on the back of her neck. I cannot recklessly scrutinize the book though because it's not finish yet, but it will be very interesting to know where the entire story goes from here.
ANNOYING CHARACTERS
(The Good, The Bad and The Unnecessary)
THE GOOD:
HOPE (Unintersting Protagonist): Hope here started okay but she turned out very annoying. She kept on complaining about everything.
MICHAEL (The Temperamental Archangel): Oh yes Michael, I'd rather deal with Edward Cullen. He was not a charming guy for me and having a sumptuous body of an archangel, luscious lips and resplendent angel wings definitely don't make you a one hot guy. Not to mention he was very temperamental and overbearing most of the time. Sometimes, he's a sweet guy but most of the time, he was behaving like a bear with a sore head. I found his character very inconsistent, I've always got a bone to pick with him. I don't know which version of him will pop out every chapter.
THE BAD:
LUCAS (The Cliched Fallen Angel): Let me present you the hackneyed evil guy who does evil thing just because it's evil. Let us insert some stereotypical badass character in here to complete the stereotypical battle against the greater good.
AND THE UNNECESSARY
HOPE'S GUARDIAN ANGEL: Here enters your annoying commentator. He likes to comment on things. I barely know where his loyalty lies.
ISSUES:
Let me share with you some issues I have had with some of the author's concept:
1. An archangel who disobeys God for the sake of LOVE = Seriously?
2. A God who punishes His angels for disobedience.
3. Biblical references with literal interpretation = Inconclusive
4. Overly simplified idea of God, Fallen Angels, Heaven and Demons = Questionable
5. Literal pain as a form of punishment = Unconvincing
6. Drastic POV shifting = Confusing
7. An archangel "destined" for a human = Cliche
8. There's this thing called Angel Financing = Absurd
9. The notion that it's okay to lie to your parents just because you're the freaking chosen one and you have the greatest responsiblity ahead of you, you'll just let them be worried-sick about you. You could care less if one of your parents will shoulder the blame for you; everything for the purpose of "buying some time" = Disagreeable
10. Poorly written characters + forced romance = "Meh"
11. It seemed to me that the author wanted to cover two different topics at once: Human Trafficking + Fantasy Angel-Human Romance. The end result: One was overshadowed by the other.
12. The author seriously needs some self-adhesive mesh patch to fill some plot holes. Make sure to use some drywall knife to feather the edges so it will blend well with the story.
MANDATORY ROMANCE
How about forcing the two main characters into an infuriating romance to drag the boring story line into a more annoying stance? I couldn't relate with any of the characters here and I feel that Michael's confession of love for Hope came out of nowhere and it was like it's taken out of a script. Aside from lack of chemistry between the hero and heroine, the romantic relationship didn't even develop naturally, as a reader, I was looking for a more solid foundation on their relationship and I think the author failed on that area.
DO YOUNG ADULT BOOKS SERIOUSLY NEED SOME ROMANCE? Why do romantic subplots are shoehorned miserably into every book? I'm a little sick to the idea that some authors who are aiming for young adult audience think that they need to forcibly implant some sort of romance in it.
OVERALL: NOTHING ORIGINAL
I can say that this book offers nothing original. I keep seeing these tropes over and over again: the chosen one caught up in a battle between good and evil. The whole angel thing was ridiculously cliched; the pacing was so slow; the writing style was nothing exceptional and the characters were equally dull and boring. Some parts of the book seemed like watching the grass grow. I'll recommend this book to young readers though, since it covers some delicate themes like human trafficking considering how pervasive it is nowadays.
Dark Hope by Monica McGurk started off great with an interesting premise and promising introductory narration. Let me start off by saying that the blurb here that says it's: "A new young adult saga in the Twilight tradition about the love between a human and an archangel," certainly disenchants me as a reader. This book was marketed as a "Twilight Wannabe" but after finishing this book I concluded that it wasn't written for me and I preferred Twilight over Dark Hope. With the undeniable success of Twilight, it's no wonder a lot of authors would want some 15 minutes of fame by producing similar themes. I was quite surprised that it has a high rating on Goodreads. It wasn't bad but it wasn't great either. It was an okay-forgettable book for me.
I have always been a fan of books about angels. If someone cut an interesting, ambiguous figures like archangels, it seem like an interesting character to read but if the author will execute the plot in a mediocre unoriginal manner, the book will surely end up very disappointing for me, at least on my perspective.
REDEEMABLE QUALITY
The book explores myriad of themes that are indeed captivating and very intriguing: sex slavery, biblical prophecies, family dynamics, human-angel relationship morality and the battle between good vs evil. Although the book delved into numerous thought-provoking ideas, there is, however, a lot of unsatisfactory delivery that are cringe-worthy. I personally think that the story could be so much more.
I could have liked the book entirely if the author solely focus on the topic about HUMAN TRAFFICKING.I think it's an inventive way to educate the teens about such a precarious social phenomena. It's a delicate topic to talk about but it can also produce a consequential awareness conducive for the young adult audience if executed fairly well. The problem with this book is that the story, somewhere in the middle, loses some focus on the underlying theme like human trafficking network which is on my opinion, a very refreshing and substantial concept. The seriousness of the topic wasn't justified well and was overshadowed by the paranormal aspect of the book which apparently causes some ridiculous path diversion in the end.
THE CHOSEN-ONES BOOK TROPE
I'm tired of seeing this epidemic trope in scifi and fantasy world. This sole person chosen by "fate" to stop an impending disasters that threaten humanity. A predictable story about a mundane girl who will soon save the world while some hot guy, for some absurd reason, inexplicably wanted to date her. A protagonist who was so damn special for no apparent reason. Through the combined forces of inevitable fate and godliness in her, she will redeem humanity in order to fulfill her special-world saving destiny. I don't know what makes the protagonist (Hope) in this book so special among the Demons and Angels aside from her mysterious mark on the back of her neck. I cannot recklessly scrutinize the book though because it's not finish yet, but it will be very interesting to know where the entire story goes from here.
ANNOYING CHARACTERS
(The Good, The Bad and The Unnecessary)
THE GOOD:
HOPE (Unintersting Protagonist): Hope here started okay but she turned out very annoying. She kept on complaining about everything.
MICHAEL (The Temperamental Archangel): Oh yes Michael, I'd rather deal with Edward Cullen. He was not a charming guy for me and having a sumptuous body of an archangel, luscious lips and resplendent angel wings definitely don't make you a one hot guy. Not to mention he was very temperamental and overbearing most of the time. Sometimes, he's a sweet guy but most of the time, he was behaving like a bear with a sore head. I found his character very inconsistent, I've always got a bone to pick with him. I don't know which version of him will pop out every chapter.
THE BAD:
LUCAS (The Cliched Fallen Angel): Let me present you the hackneyed evil guy who does evil thing just because it's evil. Let us insert some stereotypical badass character in here to complete the stereotypical battle against the greater good.
AND THE UNNECESSARY
HOPE'S GUARDIAN ANGEL: Here enters your annoying commentator. He likes to comment on things. I barely know where his loyalty lies.
ISSUES:
Let me share with you some issues I have had with some of the author's concept:
1. An archangel who disobeys God for the sake of LOVE = Seriously?
2. A God who punishes His angels for disobedience.
3. Biblical references with literal interpretation = Inconclusive
4. Overly simplified idea of God, Fallen Angels, Heaven and Demons = Questionable
5. Literal pain as a form of punishment = Unconvincing
6. Drastic POV shifting = Confusing
7. An archangel "destined" for a human = Cliche
8. There's this thing called Angel Financing = Absurd
9. The notion that it's okay to lie to your parents just because you're the freaking chosen one and you have the greatest responsiblity ahead of you, you'll just let them be worried-sick about you. You could care less if one of your parents will shoulder the blame for you; everything for the purpose of "buying some time" = Disagreeable
10. Poorly written characters + forced romance = "Meh"
11. It seemed to me that the author wanted to cover two different topics at once: Human Trafficking + Fantasy Angel-Human Romance. The end result: One was overshadowed by the other.
12. The author seriously needs some self-adhesive mesh patch to fill some plot holes. Make sure to use some drywall knife to feather the edges so it will blend well with the story.
MANDATORY ROMANCE
How about forcing the two main characters into an infuriating romance to drag the boring story line into a more annoying stance? I couldn't relate with any of the characters here and I feel that Michael's confession of love for Hope came out of nowhere and it was like it's taken out of a script. Aside from lack of chemistry between the hero and heroine, the romantic relationship didn't even develop naturally, as a reader, I was looking for a more solid foundation on their relationship and I think the author failed on that area.
DO YOUNG ADULT BOOKS SERIOUSLY NEED SOME ROMANCE? Why do romantic subplots are shoehorned miserably into every book? I'm a little sick to the idea that some authors who are aiming for young adult audience think that they need to forcibly implant some sort of romance in it.
OVERALL: NOTHING ORIGINAL
I can say that this book offers nothing original. I keep seeing these tropes over and over again: the chosen one caught up in a battle between good and evil. The whole angel thing was ridiculously cliched; the pacing was so slow; the writing style was nothing exceptional and the characters were equally dull and boring. Some parts of the book seemed like watching the grass grow. I'll recommend this book to young readers though, since it covers some delicate themes like human trafficking considering how pervasive it is nowadays.
July 1, 2014
"I will keep you as the apple of the eye,
hide you under the shadow of my wings."
When I first started this book I just wanted to read a few pages. Well that didn't happen. I was sucked into Hope's world and I needed to know what happened.
I love the Archangel theme it was a first for me. I love angel books, but this one was pretty different than any I have read before. I would recommend to EVERYONE. But I will warn them to have the time to read it because you won't want to put it down!
Well done Monica McGurk I will be following you to find out about a book 2 and if there isn't one in near future, then I need more. Pretty Please!
hide you under the shadow of my wings."
When I first started this book I just wanted to read a few pages. Well that didn't happen. I was sucked into Hope's world and I needed to know what happened.
I love the Archangel theme it was a first for me. I love angel books, but this one was pretty different than any I have read before. I would recommend to EVERYONE. But I will warn them to have the time to read it because you won't want to put it down!
Well done Monica McGurk I will be following you to find out about a book 2 and if there isn't one in near future, then I need more. Pretty Please!
June 25, 2014
Is love possible between an ancient archangel and a fifteen-year-old girl? Hope Carmichael has always lived an extremely sheltered and controlled life under the obsessively watchful eye of her religious zealot father after being kidnapped and tattooed as a young child. Having finally been allowed to live with her mother, Hope is looking forward to living like a “normal” teen, doing what kids do and finding a sense of freedom she has never known. Enter Michael, an emancipated teen with drop dead good looks, whose attraction to Hope is anything but normal. What is Michael hiding behind his gorgeous eyes? What is the significance of the tattoo on her neck? Why does Hope feel there is a bull’s eye on her back?
Human trafficking is on the rise, is it a sick gang stealing young girls for profit or is there something even more sinister afoot? Will Michael stand by her in her quest to expose this vile crime or will the secrets he is keeping make him a deadly enemy as well?
Dark Hope by Monica McGurk starts out at a full run, but slows to a jog as the reader is given necessary information to get to know the characters and the world they are living in, as well as tidbits about their pasts. I loved the plot devised by Ms. McGurk, it is at once, a YA fantasy and a contemporary statement on the evils that plague this world. Each scene is carefully detailed and puts the reader in the middle of the action, whether it is dialogue or action. The tension has moments of high stress, as Hope and Michael move through their dance of uncertain emotions and daring action.
Was I totally invested in this tale? Not completely, Hope is strong-willed and intelligent, easily adapting outwardly while her gut is churning inside. Michael just doesn’t seem to truly feel right as an ancient and powerful archangel, his uncertainty doesn’t fit the character he portrays. I will say, this was an entertaining read and is full of the best intentions and ideas, but, for me, it just didn’t suck me in completely.
I received an ARC edition from Greenleaf Book Group-River Grove Books in exchange for my honest review.
Publication Date: July 29, 2014
Human trafficking is on the rise, is it a sick gang stealing young girls for profit or is there something even more sinister afoot? Will Michael stand by her in her quest to expose this vile crime or will the secrets he is keeping make him a deadly enemy as well?
Dark Hope by Monica McGurk starts out at a full run, but slows to a jog as the reader is given necessary information to get to know the characters and the world they are living in, as well as tidbits about their pasts. I loved the plot devised by Ms. McGurk, it is at once, a YA fantasy and a contemporary statement on the evils that plague this world. Each scene is carefully detailed and puts the reader in the middle of the action, whether it is dialogue or action. The tension has moments of high stress, as Hope and Michael move through their dance of uncertain emotions and daring action.
Was I totally invested in this tale? Not completely, Hope is strong-willed and intelligent, easily adapting outwardly while her gut is churning inside. Michael just doesn’t seem to truly feel right as an ancient and powerful archangel, his uncertainty doesn’t fit the character he portrays. I will say, this was an entertaining read and is full of the best intentions and ideas, but, for me, it just didn’t suck me in completely.
I received an ARC edition from Greenleaf Book Group-River Grove Books in exchange for my honest review.
Publication Date: July 29, 2014
January 5, 2015
I don't want to say it was like Twilight. But it was like Twilight.
Don't get me wrong, this book wasn't terrible. There are just more things that I didn't like that cancelled out any chances of me enjoying the story a whole lot.
It's a recycled plot and storyline. Girl moves to new town and is topic of the school because she's new and meets a mysterious and dark teenage boy who is a supernatural/paranormal being? The originality lacks in this one.
No matter what kind of relationship it was, it was abusive. When you think of abusive it's physical things like hitting but an abusive relationship is one parter dominating and controlling the other. Just like Twilight, the love interest controls where she is allowed to go. It's worse in this book since he has temper tantrums and takes it out on her and she simply allows and tolerates it. Not okay.
The writing is all over the place. There are awkward transitions from first person point of view for Hope and then third person for Hope's mother, Mona. It would've been easier for a dual point of view or the entire thing in third person, maybe?
Lets be honest, the relationship is a little bit creepy. Micheal is a very, very old archangel and he somehow manages to fall for a 15 year old girl who proclaims that she is a misfit? Again with the originality.
Can we stop writing weak, female main protagonists? Stop making the love interest the hero. Girls are just as strong. Even human ones.
The minor things that I enjoyed about this were how the author left me in suspense in a few scenes. You always know someone is a good writer when a scene makes your heart beat faster and gives you a little bit of anxiety over the outcome.
Also, the paranormal/supernatural aspects were more unique than other YA angel books that I have read. It's interesting to now read from the point of view of a fallen angel for once and see the more interesting archangels. Then there's the powers involved with these angels that are desirable but not as exciting as you'd expect.
Don't get me wrong, this book wasn't terrible. There are just more things that I didn't like that cancelled out any chances of me enjoying the story a whole lot.
It's a recycled plot and storyline. Girl moves to new town and is topic of the school because she's new and meets a mysterious and dark teenage boy who is a supernatural/paranormal being? The originality lacks in this one.
No matter what kind of relationship it was, it was abusive. When you think of abusive it's physical things like hitting but an abusive relationship is one parter dominating and controlling the other. Just like Twilight, the love interest controls where she is allowed to go. It's worse in this book since he has temper tantrums and takes it out on her and she simply allows and tolerates it. Not okay.
The writing is all over the place. There are awkward transitions from first person point of view for Hope and then third person for Hope's mother, Mona. It would've been easier for a dual point of view or the entire thing in third person, maybe?
Lets be honest, the relationship is a little bit creepy. Micheal is a very, very old archangel and he somehow manages to fall for a 15 year old girl who proclaims that she is a misfit? Again with the originality.
Can we stop writing weak, female main protagonists? Stop making the love interest the hero. Girls are just as strong. Even human ones.
The minor things that I enjoyed about this were how the author left me in suspense in a few scenes. You always know someone is a good writer when a scene makes your heart beat faster and gives you a little bit of anxiety over the outcome.
Also, the paranormal/supernatural aspects were more unique than other YA angel books that I have read. It's interesting to now read from the point of view of a fallen angel for once and see the more interesting archangels. Then there's the powers involved with these angels that are desirable but not as exciting as you'd expect.
September 5, 2014
I was compensated and received the book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own. My blog, Ascending Butterfly, hosts a Monthly Book Club, which started in 2009, and it is very rare that I also review the book via Amazon, I felt compelled to do so now as I don't want this book to get overlooked. I appreciate succinct reviews so I will try to do the same now - Dark Hope is a page-turner, it is well written, and while it's classified as YA (Young Adult) it deals with very adult situations (not in a *bad* way) and does so in a voice that the teens of today will relate to and understand, but will not bore adult readers in any way. It is respectful to it's readers and it also aims to help an important cause. I always recommend an adult read a YA title before they let child/teen read it, and I would still recommend that with this book. I don't have children myself but I would gladly pass this along to my teenage nieces and nephews. I look forward to the next book in the series, and have been enjoying the pinterest board where fans are sharing their casting choices already if this book hits the big screen. The Author has been super approachable and very engaged with reviewers and that is also wonderful to see.
June 29, 2015
I would like to thank Netgalley, Greenleaf Book Group and the author – Monica McGurk for a free digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Although this book is so similar to Twilight and there are mistakes and little details that do not really fit, it was still a good read and I did enjoy it quite a bit.
I felt the influence of fanfiction writing on the author and felt it in the chapters that each had action and development to keep the reader hooked.
The author raises serious topics that are not discussed widely enough and it is just an eye opener to things I have never thought of and never cared of. Who would have thought about the situation on the American border? And that human trafficking is such a huge business?
My rating was a long debate with myself - although I do know that this book is not the best book I have ever read, I still felt like it deserves the stars for making me not notice the mistakes.
To read my full review, please visit my blog: https://bookowly.wordpress.com/2015/0...
Although this book is so similar to Twilight and there are mistakes and little details that do not really fit, it was still a good read and I did enjoy it quite a bit.
I felt the influence of fanfiction writing on the author and felt it in the chapters that each had action and development to keep the reader hooked.
The author raises serious topics that are not discussed widely enough and it is just an eye opener to things I have never thought of and never cared of. Who would have thought about the situation on the American border? And that human trafficking is such a huge business?
My rating was a long debate with myself - although I do know that this book is not the best book I have ever read, I still felt like it deserves the stars for making me not notice the mistakes.
To read my full review, please visit my blog: https://bookowly.wordpress.com/2015/0...
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August 14, 2019This review and many more can be found on my blog: Feed Your Fiction Addiction
I was really on the fence about this book because I LOVED the fact that it brought awareness to the very real issue of human trafficking, but the story itself just didn't capture and hold my attention. It all ended up feeling like something I've read before (except for the human trafficking part). And then, even more frustrating was the fact that I just wasn't all that enamored with these characters. Michael was all dark and ragy for seemingly no reason (except that I think the author wanted him to be a bad boy) and Hope was slightly insufferable. But I liked the concept and I enjoyed the mystery aspect of the story. Overall, I think I'd give this one 2.5/3 stars.
***Disclosure: This book was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***
I was really on the fence about this book because I LOVED the fact that it brought awareness to the very real issue of human trafficking, but the story itself just didn't capture and hold my attention. It all ended up feeling like something I've read before (except for the human trafficking part). And then, even more frustrating was the fact that I just wasn't all that enamored with these characters. Michael was all dark and ragy for seemingly no reason (except that I think the author wanted him to be a bad boy) and Hope was slightly insufferable. But I liked the concept and I enjoyed the mystery aspect of the story. Overall, I think I'd give this one 2.5/3 stars.
***Disclosure: This book was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***
June 10, 2015
I just can't do it. I don't want to. So, I'm gonna DNF this one and not read the second one either.
Want to read
February 5, 2018Kind of in the mood for some prn YA again like waaay back in the day! ;D
February 20, 2017
Dark Hope is more of a two-point-five read for me, yet in the end I found I couldn’t round it up. Whilst there were moments where I thought I would be rounding it up, as a whole the book wasn’t quite good enough for me to make the final push.
The book had promise I cannot deny that. I love books with angels; they’re one of my biggest weaknesses, meaning I was super interested to see what this one would give me. Unfortunately, I believe I’ve read far too many wonderful angel books, and have therefore been ruined. My standard has massively increased, and I expect something more. I want to be blown away by angel reads, but this one left me with a feeling of ‘meh’.
The premise was wonderful, and the start of the book left me with so many questions. However, as we started to make our way through the story I found there was less and less keeping me interested. There were so many unknowns that seemed to be answered a couple of pages later in a way that left you thinking things couldn’t have been the big surprise they were supposed to be; not long later the information would be shifted slightly so that we had some mystery again. The characters seemed to be rather all over the place; I went from being interested in them to finding them super boring, they’d go from being wise to making stupid choices.
My biggest issue, however, was the romance. I’m very picky with my romance – I’ll admit that in advance. However, I just couldn’t get into this one. There was no feeling at all. It just was. It seemed to be there to add a layer to the story. That layer really could have been done without. The story probably would have been much better if we were without the romance. It seemed to slowly take over the story, and it pulled us away from the aspects that did have potential.
Overall, it wasn’t at all what I had been expecting. My fingers were crossed for another angel addiction, but such was not to be with this one.
The book had promise I cannot deny that. I love books with angels; they’re one of my biggest weaknesses, meaning I was super interested to see what this one would give me. Unfortunately, I believe I’ve read far too many wonderful angel books, and have therefore been ruined. My standard has massively increased, and I expect something more. I want to be blown away by angel reads, but this one left me with a feeling of ‘meh’.
The premise was wonderful, and the start of the book left me with so many questions. However, as we started to make our way through the story I found there was less and less keeping me interested. There were so many unknowns that seemed to be answered a couple of pages later in a way that left you thinking things couldn’t have been the big surprise they were supposed to be; not long later the information would be shifted slightly so that we had some mystery again. The characters seemed to be rather all over the place; I went from being interested in them to finding them super boring, they’d go from being wise to making stupid choices.
My biggest issue, however, was the romance. I’m very picky with my romance – I’ll admit that in advance. However, I just couldn’t get into this one. There was no feeling at all. It just was. It seemed to be there to add a layer to the story. That layer really could have been done without. The story probably would have been much better if we were without the romance. It seemed to slowly take over the story, and it pulled us away from the aspects that did have potential.
Overall, it wasn’t at all what I had been expecting. My fingers were crossed for another angel addiction, but such was not to be with this one.
September 4, 2014
Disclosure: I received this book for free and received compensation. All opinions, as always, are 100% my own!
With my daughter being in school now, I have had more time to get some reading done. I always read at night before I go to bed, but it is kind of nice to be able to read in the morning after getting her on the school bus. For my first book, I was luckily enough to receive Dark Hope, which is the first book in the Archangel Prophecies trilogy.
Dark Hope is a book about Hope, who is a teenager. She was kidnapped when she was younger and after her parents divorced she lived with her father, who was overbearing and controlling because he was so afraid she was going to be kidnapped again. When we met her, she was just picked up from her dad’s by her mom because Hope requested to live with her. She’s ready to start life as a “normal” teenager. Then she meets Michael. Michael is emancipated from his parents and has a strong interest in Hope. Dark Hope explores more about Michael (and why he seems so familiar to Hope), Asian gangs, sex trafficking and much more.
At first I wasn’t too sure about this book because of the word “archangel.” I had never really read a book with archangels in it. But I read that it was similar to Twilight‘s mythological scope, and I enjoyed that trilogy (the books, not the movies – don’t get me started on the movies) and decided to give it a try. And I am so glad that I did! The author, Monica McGurk, is fantastic. She knew how to keep me hooked – I ended up reading this book in 3 days, which is pretty impressive, even to me, since it is 400 pages long. If you enjoy Young Adult novels, I definitely recommend this one. I can’t wait for the next two in the Archangel Prophecies trilogy! By the way – with your purchase of Dark Hope, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to organizations that fight human trafficking. So you get a great book, and you get to help some great organizations. Can’t beat that!
Here is a little more about Monica McGurk:
Monica McGurk started out writing fan fiction based on Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight Series under the pen name Consultant by Day. She has been recognized for her prequels and alternate versions by her fans, winning the Twific Fandom “Undiscovered Gem” award for Morning Star in 2013. Since her fan fiction days, she has left the consulting firm at which she was a senior partner and remains a full-time business executive based in Atlanta. While this is her first novel of any sort, she has been published in the business press on numerous topics.
She is married and the mother of three children, for whom she creates elaborate bedtime stories that sometimes last for over a year. She has already completed her sequel to Dark Hope, which she hopes to publish soon.
If you, or your teen, is looking for a good book, definitely check out Dark Hope! You will not be disappointed!
With my daughter being in school now, I have had more time to get some reading done. I always read at night before I go to bed, but it is kind of nice to be able to read in the morning after getting her on the school bus. For my first book, I was luckily enough to receive Dark Hope, which is the first book in the Archangel Prophecies trilogy.
Dark Hope is a book about Hope, who is a teenager. She was kidnapped when she was younger and after her parents divorced she lived with her father, who was overbearing and controlling because he was so afraid she was going to be kidnapped again. When we met her, she was just picked up from her dad’s by her mom because Hope requested to live with her. She’s ready to start life as a “normal” teenager. Then she meets Michael. Michael is emancipated from his parents and has a strong interest in Hope. Dark Hope explores more about Michael (and why he seems so familiar to Hope), Asian gangs, sex trafficking and much more.
At first I wasn’t too sure about this book because of the word “archangel.” I had never really read a book with archangels in it. But I read that it was similar to Twilight‘s mythological scope, and I enjoyed that trilogy (the books, not the movies – don’t get me started on the movies) and decided to give it a try. And I am so glad that I did! The author, Monica McGurk, is fantastic. She knew how to keep me hooked – I ended up reading this book in 3 days, which is pretty impressive, even to me, since it is 400 pages long. If you enjoy Young Adult novels, I definitely recommend this one. I can’t wait for the next two in the Archangel Prophecies trilogy! By the way – with your purchase of Dark Hope, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to organizations that fight human trafficking. So you get a great book, and you get to help some great organizations. Can’t beat that!
Here is a little more about Monica McGurk:
Monica McGurk started out writing fan fiction based on Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight Series under the pen name Consultant by Day. She has been recognized for her prequels and alternate versions by her fans, winning the Twific Fandom “Undiscovered Gem” award for Morning Star in 2013. Since her fan fiction days, she has left the consulting firm at which she was a senior partner and remains a full-time business executive based in Atlanta. While this is her first novel of any sort, she has been published in the business press on numerous topics.
She is married and the mother of three children, for whom she creates elaborate bedtime stories that sometimes last for over a year. She has already completed her sequel to Dark Hope, which she hopes to publish soon.
If you, or your teen, is looking for a good book, definitely check out Dark Hope! You will not be disappointed!
August 30, 2014
Original review and giveaway found here: http://www.overstuffedlife.com/2014/0...
Dark Hope by Monica McGurk is the first book in a new trilogy entitled The Archangel Prophecies. It is a young adult novel with a fantastic twist. Instead of the typical vampires, this book has angels.
I really enjoyed it. I felt that Hope is a strong female character--one that I wouldn't mind my own teenager reading about. Sure, she doesn't always make the best decisions, but she does have some incredibly tough decisions to make. I was especially impressed with the way McGurk was able to weave the very real life issue of human trafficking into a story that is based more in fantasy than in real life.
The book takes the main characters, Hope and Michael, from Atlanta to Las Vegas to Utah on a wild adventure in which they take on both human traffickers and fallen angels. I especially loved the parts where they were in Snow Canyon, Utah. I used to live near there and drove through the canyon every Saturday morning to go teach at Tuacahn. I loved being able to envision exactly what the landscape looked like as they searched for The Librarian.
Of course, I've been to Vegas many times, too, but I had a harder time envisioning that one because I am not a high roller, nor am I a human trafficker. The information I learned about this issue that happens in our country made me very sad. I am pleased that the author is donating a portion of all the book's proceeds to help with the cause of human trafficking. Everyone should buy a copy for that reason alone.
But also because it is really good. I wanted Bria, my resident teenage reader and fantasy lover, to read it before this review was due, but she's been working through a really long series this summer and she hasn't gotten to it yet. It's in her pile, though, because she read the summary and thought it sounded like something she would really like. And I think she will really like it.
As for me, I liked it enough that I am already anxiously awaiting Book Two, because there's a lot of resolution that needs resolving, and I would like to know what happens! It's the one thing I hate about book series--waiting for the next one to be released!
Dark Hope by Monica McGurk is the first book in a new trilogy entitled The Archangel Prophecies. It is a young adult novel with a fantastic twist. Instead of the typical vampires, this book has angels.
I really enjoyed it. I felt that Hope is a strong female character--one that I wouldn't mind my own teenager reading about. Sure, she doesn't always make the best decisions, but she does have some incredibly tough decisions to make. I was especially impressed with the way McGurk was able to weave the very real life issue of human trafficking into a story that is based more in fantasy than in real life.
The book takes the main characters, Hope and Michael, from Atlanta to Las Vegas to Utah on a wild adventure in which they take on both human traffickers and fallen angels. I especially loved the parts where they were in Snow Canyon, Utah. I used to live near there and drove through the canyon every Saturday morning to go teach at Tuacahn. I loved being able to envision exactly what the landscape looked like as they searched for The Librarian.
Of course, I've been to Vegas many times, too, but I had a harder time envisioning that one because I am not a high roller, nor am I a human trafficker. The information I learned about this issue that happens in our country made me very sad. I am pleased that the author is donating a portion of all the book's proceeds to help with the cause of human trafficking. Everyone should buy a copy for that reason alone.
But also because it is really good. I wanted Bria, my resident teenage reader and fantasy lover, to read it before this review was due, but she's been working through a really long series this summer and she hasn't gotten to it yet. It's in her pile, though, because she read the summary and thought it sounded like something she would really like. And I think she will really like it.
As for me, I liked it enough that I am already anxiously awaiting Book Two, because there's a lot of resolution that needs resolving, and I would like to know what happens! It's the one thing I hate about book series--waiting for the next one to be released!
September 5, 2014
disclosure: I did receive this book as a review from a company but my opinions are honest and my own.
Being honest. I didn't read the book preview. So...I really started the book with NO insight or anything to look for or look forward to. It didn't take me long into the book that I started wondering about the title and then I read the back of the book cover for a little more info. I was reeling after the first chapter and pretty well hooked. Dark Hope has enough twists and turns to make a roller coaster jealous. A page turner I tell you. PAGE TURNER. I thought this book was going one way..then BOOM, it changed up. It keeps your eyes open and minds searching for more ways to hope for the best for everyone in the book. It's no secret..with Archangel Prophecies in the title you should know that angels will be spoken of. This book was written so tastefully and with such great care for religion that I (as a Christian) couldn't doubt the love and power of God's will can behold. OVER ALL REVIEW: This is a great read that I encourage you to pick up and enjoy on a beautiful fall day.
The book starts off with a gripping beginning where Hope, a young child, is in a unfortunate situation (an abduction). You are then fast forwarded to the present time when Hope is a teenager that has moved from living with her over-protective father (thanks to that "situation") and choosing to live with her mother in Atlanta, in which she barely knows. Scared of new beginnings but embracing a little freedom Hope finds herself befriending the alpha male, Michael, whom is also a new kid in town. He is tall, tan, blond and only has eyes for Hope. But what are Michael's intentions? Where did he come from and should Hope trust him? And more importantly will Hope have any other choice but to trust Micheal in this epic novel. Does Hope love Michael? Can he even love her back? You'll have to read to find out! Author Monica McGurk offers details that curve Dark Hope into a uniquely powerful struggle of goodness over evil. A must-read for youth and adults across the board.
Being honest. I didn't read the book preview. So...I really started the book with NO insight or anything to look for or look forward to. It didn't take me long into the book that I started wondering about the title and then I read the back of the book cover for a little more info. I was reeling after the first chapter and pretty well hooked. Dark Hope has enough twists and turns to make a roller coaster jealous. A page turner I tell you. PAGE TURNER. I thought this book was going one way..then BOOM, it changed up. It keeps your eyes open and minds searching for more ways to hope for the best for everyone in the book. It's no secret..with Archangel Prophecies in the title you should know that angels will be spoken of. This book was written so tastefully and with such great care for religion that I (as a Christian) couldn't doubt the love and power of God's will can behold. OVER ALL REVIEW: This is a great read that I encourage you to pick up and enjoy on a beautiful fall day.
The book starts off with a gripping beginning where Hope, a young child, is in a unfortunate situation (an abduction). You are then fast forwarded to the present time when Hope is a teenager that has moved from living with her over-protective father (thanks to that "situation") and choosing to live with her mother in Atlanta, in which she barely knows. Scared of new beginnings but embracing a little freedom Hope finds herself befriending the alpha male, Michael, whom is also a new kid in town. He is tall, tan, blond and only has eyes for Hope. But what are Michael's intentions? Where did he come from and should Hope trust him? And more importantly will Hope have any other choice but to trust Micheal in this epic novel. Does Hope love Michael? Can he even love her back? You'll have to read to find out! Author Monica McGurk offers details that curve Dark Hope into a uniquely powerful struggle of goodness over evil. A must-read for youth and adults across the board.
November 19, 2014
This is the first book in the Archangel Prophecies Trilogy. When Hope Carmichael was abducted as a child, she was rescued and her abductor appears to have mysteriously been burned to ashes. The only sign of anything different on Hope is a mysterious tattoo. After this her father becomes a somewhat zealous religious fanatic and believes he needs to totally protect Hope from the world. Her Mum can’t stand this obsessive behaviour and her parents split. Hope’s Dad gains custody of her for the next five years . . . then she moves back to live with her forever working away Mum - a total change in parental attitudes and lifestyle as well as school for Hope. She has actually been brought up to be relatively independent and very aware of potential threats to herself but is also quite naive at times because of her lack of socialisation whilst living with her Dad.
The story has elements reminiscent of Twilight as Hope starts the new school, has problems being accepted until Michael befriends and protects her - to begin with, anyway!. . . to find out more you’ll just have to read the book but I will say that he isn’t a vampire!
Hope investigates human trafficking as part of her school work and this leads on to even more eventful escapades with so many twists and turns her life resembles a spectacular roller coaster! A lively contemporary setting with many events related to current issues as well as angels - what a mix! The author is donating a proportion of the proceeds of the sales of the book to organisations working to end human trafficking and includes links to further information about this on her website at http://www.monicamcgurk.com/end-human...
I eagerly await the publication of the next two books in this series!
The story has elements reminiscent of Twilight as Hope starts the new school, has problems being accepted until Michael befriends and protects her - to begin with, anyway!. . . to find out more you’ll just have to read the book but I will say that he isn’t a vampire!
Hope investigates human trafficking as part of her school work and this leads on to even more eventful escapades with so many twists and turns her life resembles a spectacular roller coaster! A lively contemporary setting with many events related to current issues as well as angels - what a mix! The author is donating a proportion of the proceeds of the sales of the book to organisations working to end human trafficking and includes links to further information about this on her website at http://www.monicamcgurk.com/end-human...
I eagerly await the publication of the next two books in this series!
June 6, 2014
(Source: I received a digital copy of this book for free on a read-to-review basis. Thanks to Greenleaf Book Group and NetGalley.)
When Hope was a toddler she was kidnapped, and then found with the remnants of a man burned to death, and with a strange tattoo on her neck.
What happened to Hope? And what does the tattoo mean?
This started out okay, but I lost interest.
Hope was an okay character, although she seemed to make excuses for her father instead of being angry at the way he had kept her so sheltered all her life. Maybe she had a touch of stockholm syndrome?
The storyline in this started out okay, but I soon lost interest. The whole angel thing was so cliché and nothing new at all, and I got really bored. There were quite a few info dumps which bored me, the pace was too slow, and when Michael suddenly turned around at the half-way mark and told her he was in love with her, I just didn’t buy it.
The ending was also quite disappointing. 400 pages and there isn’t even an end to the story? Not impressed, and I certainly don’t want to read another book in this series to find out what happens. I’m done.
Overall; dull and cliché,
4 out of 10.
When Hope was a toddler she was kidnapped, and then found with the remnants of a man burned to death, and with a strange tattoo on her neck.
What happened to Hope? And what does the tattoo mean?
This started out okay, but I lost interest.
Hope was an okay character, although she seemed to make excuses for her father instead of being angry at the way he had kept her so sheltered all her life. Maybe she had a touch of stockholm syndrome?
The storyline in this started out okay, but I soon lost interest. The whole angel thing was so cliché and nothing new at all, and I got really bored. There were quite a few info dumps which bored me, the pace was too slow, and when Michael suddenly turned around at the half-way mark and told her he was in love with her, I just didn’t buy it.
The ending was also quite disappointing. 400 pages and there isn’t even an end to the story? Not impressed, and I certainly don’t want to read another book in this series to find out what happens. I’m done.
Overall; dull and cliché,
4 out of 10.
July 21, 2014
I did enjoy this book but felt it lacked something. Couldn't put my finger on what it lacked exactly but I felt empty after reading it. I say it lacked intensity, that feeling where you have to find out what happens next.
The characters Michael and Hope had no connection and nothing in common. He was hot, she was cute, same old, same old. There was little to no intensity or passion. You are not left routing for them.
The sex trafficking story line wasn't really realistic. I think the book would have been better without that storyline, if the author had left them in school and built up their relationship and thron in a few more run ins with Lucas the book would have ended very similar to how it did end. Tbh there was really no need for that storyline, it felt it was thrown in haphazardly just to highlight sex trafficking.
There was nothing new in this book, certainly not on the lines of Becca Fitzpatrick 'Hush Hush' or Kate Laurens 'fallen'
I would read book 2 to see where it goes and if the story develops and gets better.
The characters Michael and Hope had no connection and nothing in common. He was hot, she was cute, same old, same old. There was little to no intensity or passion. You are not left routing for them.
The sex trafficking story line wasn't really realistic. I think the book would have been better without that storyline, if the author had left them in school and built up their relationship and thron in a few more run ins with Lucas the book would have ended very similar to how it did end. Tbh there was really no need for that storyline, it felt it was thrown in haphazardly just to highlight sex trafficking.
There was nothing new in this book, certainly not on the lines of Becca Fitzpatrick 'Hush Hush' or Kate Laurens 'fallen'
I would read book 2 to see where it goes and if the story develops and gets better.
May 28, 2015
I tried really hard to love this book. When I saw that it was about an arch-angel I was over the moon! But, this book was just not my cuppa. I didn't enjoy the writing style, the characters seemed immature, predictable, and the lead characters lacked chemistry. I wish I could have loved this book. I wish I could have gotten to the end of it, but I couldn't make myself finish it - not without risking a book slump.
January 1, 2022
I had very high expectations, given the pretty cover and intriguing synopsis, I finished this book in a day, and I am a teeny-tiny bit disappointed, just a little though. Also, it took quite a time for me to get into this book. . .otherwise it was good.
Hope is way too immature for her age, that annoyed me, and Michael being vague and moody didn't help either.
It was an okay read for me.
Give it try *shrugs* Maybe you'll love it.
Hope is way too immature for her age, that annoyed me, and Michael being vague and moody didn't help either.
It was an okay read for me.
Give it try *shrugs* Maybe you'll love it.
February 23, 2015
The book cover has a gothic fantasy art look to the book. It shows the night sky, the full moon and crows in the sky. I give this book 5 stars.
December 30, 2015
**I would like to thank Netgalley, Greenleaf Book Group and the author Monica McGurk for a free digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.**
Let me start off by saying that I love reading angel books. So right away I was like 'yep this is going to be good'.
Dark Hope begins with Hope Carmichael's (our main character) abduction at a very young age. We read this part through the POV of Mona, Hopes mom. We see this a couple of times, which can be a bit confusing. We know that it's Mona speaking but than it would seem like we are reading what another character is thinking without it saying its them speaking or thinking it, like if it was Mona guessing what the other character was the thinking. Any way I guess that was the only big thing that got me confused, or I just didn't understand. Moving on :-)
Hopes abduction really changed things in her life and in her parents life. Her dad blamed himself and started getting very protective and very paranoid. It affected her parents relationship leading to a separation. Hope grew up with her dad in Alabama. He basically watched everything she did, he kept an eye on her at all times. She wanted a change, so she wanted to live with her mom in Georgia. Hopes parents separation really plays a big part in this book. The thing is, her mom works all the time, it gives Hope freedom that she never had, and it also scared her a bit. She goes to school and tries to be a regular girl. No one knows of her past This is how she meets Michael.
We start meeting other characters and also getting to know Hope more as we read. Let's start with Hope, she is very self conscious with her Mark. She has a Mark on the back of her neck that she got during her abduction. It's a reminder of what happened and what could've happened. She's kind of shy, she lets other pick on her, which is not cool. Along the way she meets new friends that she feels like she can help and trust. She sees that human trafficking is a huge important issue happening right in front of her and she can relate a bit with what's happening. She wants to help and is determined to do so. Even getting herself into scary situations. Hope can be brave but also very stubborn. At first I thought that she wouldn't be so open with people but she is with Michael.
We meet Michael and he becomes Hopes best friend right away. She feels like she can relax and chill with him. He opens up to her but we start seeing a change in him. You know, in the end I don't know what I feel about these two. They were good friends but then Michael seems distant and Hope doesn't know if she can trust him. They have a strange relationship, they know it'll be wrong to be together, but they try and I don't know. If feels like they don't have a real connection, they express how they feel but at the moment it seems like they are better off just as friends, but who am I kidding, I would love them together. :-) :-) :-) Any who, Michael is our second MC. He helps Hope through a lot. He's a big part of this book :-) We learn who he really is.
Other characters that we meet are Tabitha, Maria, Mona, Lucas and Enoch. Tabitha becomes Hopes girl friend, she's Emo I think. She lets Hope into her home, and meets her family. Tabitha seems like a intimidating person but in reality she's caring and studious, she actually cares about her grades and what's really going on in the world.
Maria is a 14 year old that has already gone through hell and back in her short life. She a victim of human trafficking and so is her sister. I think that's scary and sad in the same time. Trafficking is a real thing that is happening. I just can't believe people can do that to others just for money, these are human beings treated like objects that are used and sold like nothing. It saddened me. Hope befriends her and wants to do what ever she can to help even if it open up old wounds.
Hope's mom Mona, is gone most of the time. She's working and leaves Hope alone a lot. I don't think she's realized that maybe that isn't a good idea. I know Hopes a teenager but going from basically being supervised all day to total freedom its a big change. And when something happens she a mediately blames Don (Hopes dad). I kind of feel bad for the guy, but he also will seem crazy to any one if he starts talking about Voices.
Lucas, let's just say he's an ass. Every book needs a bad guy and that's him and lets not forget the traffickers. Lucas just messes with Hope a lot. I dislike him right away.
Enoch is some one we meet later on, he seems cool. He tells Hope what to do and lets her know about things only he would know. She seems to like him.
I really enjoyed reading Dark Hope. I love reading angel books. Angel books are really what got me into YA. Every time I see one I most read it :-) Dark Hope is different, it isn't about a love triangle or about forbidden love, okay it might have a bit of that. Dark Hope touches bigger problems. Real situations in this world, it could be dark and scary but its there, and its real. Not everything is bright and fluffy. This book has two topics or two themes, one being human trafficking and one being Fallen angels coming after Hope. A very interesting combination. Never seen that before. I enjoyed reading this book. Hope the next one is also as great as this one :-) I'm off to Dark Rising.
*notes
December 7, 2016
( I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.)
BLURB
For years, Hope Carmichael, survivor of a shocking child abduction, has lived a sheltered existence under the protection of her fanatically religious father. Now, liberated by her mother, Hope prepares to start life over as a normal kid in an Atlanta, Georgia, high school.
Normal, that is, until Hope meets Michael, a gorgeous emancipated teen with a mysterious past and a strong interest in Hope. And soon, Hope’s life is filled with questions. What’s behind the angry looks Hope gets from Lucas, leader of a gang of students? Who’s responsible for sending Hope a strange valentine inscribed with Bible quotations? How does this relate to the sinister business of human trafficking that operates on the periphery of Hope’s suburban world? And is Michael really a protector, or something more sinister—and just why does he seem so familiar?
In an epic narrative that takes readers from the back streets of Atlanta to the height of Vegas penthouses and beyond, Dark Hope introduces readers to The Archangel Prophecies, a new young adult saga that blends the feeling of Twilight with a vast mythological scope and moral urgency, as well as to Hope Carmichael—a young woman instantly memorable for her endurance, heart, and determination—and Michael, Hope’s dangerous companion who’s fated either to save Hope—or to kill her.
CHARACTERS
At the beginning, I actually liked Hope Carmichael. I liked the intrigue in her past and her personality of which we learn a little from her mother. She seemed mature and levelheaded. But as the story progressed, I couldn't help but feel she had transformed into a whiny, annoying and bratty teenager. While I wasn't a fan of Michael, it annoyed me how one moment she was all moony eyed about Michael and the next moment, one word from Henri makes her all cold toward Michael.
Archangel Michael. I picked up this book for one sole reason. Angels. As anobsessed Supernatural fan, I couldn't not read the book. I went in with high expectations for Michael that were destroyed utterly and completely a little while into the book. At first I felt he was quite charming and then out of the blue he turns abusive toward Hope in the name of 'keeping her safe'. After a point I felt someone should keep her safe from him. He hardly comes across as an Archangel who is like a billion years old.
Henri was this utterly freaking annoying Angel I wanted to drag out of the book and cut his head off. Enough said.
PLOT
The story had a really interesting premise. I actually loved the start of the book. There was mystery, family problems, kidnapping and stuff that set such a suspenseful setting for the story. Also the story had a human trafficking story-line and I applaud the author for drawing attention to an important social issue. But my liking for the plot ends here.
Let's count the number of tropes in this story.
- Chosen one. Check.
- Unexplained connection towards a character. Check.
- Girl loves a guy who treats her like crap because Oh, he is hot and makes her heart race. Check.
- Immortal guy who hasn't been in love ever falls for the MC. Check.
- Forbidden love and angst. Check.
I don't have it in me to go on. The fact that irritated me the most was Michael falling in love with Hope. Now had Michael come to Earth for the first time and fallen in love with Hope I might have looked past it BUT here's an archangel who has roamed Earth for millions of years and for the first time in forever, falls in love. With the main character.
Also the unhealthy relationship between Hope and Michael had me fuming at most points.
WRITING
The writing was something I actually enjoyed. It was fast paced and the imagery was pretty good. The writing was simple but descriptive and did not dawdle at any point.
WHAT I LIKED ABOUT THE BOOK
- The premise
- The writing
- The characters in the beginning of the story
- The focus on an important issue. Human Trafficking.
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE ABOUT THE BOOK
- Hope and Michael as the story progressed
- The unhealthy relationship between Hope and Michael
- The tropes and cliches
- Some plot holes
CONCLUSION
This book is definitely not for me. If you can look past the things that I didn't like about the book, you might like it.
WILL I BE READING THE REST OF THE TRILOGY?
Afraid not.
BLURB
For years, Hope Carmichael, survivor of a shocking child abduction, has lived a sheltered existence under the protection of her fanatically religious father. Now, liberated by her mother, Hope prepares to start life over as a normal kid in an Atlanta, Georgia, high school.
Normal, that is, until Hope meets Michael, a gorgeous emancipated teen with a mysterious past and a strong interest in Hope. And soon, Hope’s life is filled with questions. What’s behind the angry looks Hope gets from Lucas, leader of a gang of students? Who’s responsible for sending Hope a strange valentine inscribed with Bible quotations? How does this relate to the sinister business of human trafficking that operates on the periphery of Hope’s suburban world? And is Michael really a protector, or something more sinister—and just why does he seem so familiar?
In an epic narrative that takes readers from the back streets of Atlanta to the height of Vegas penthouses and beyond, Dark Hope introduces readers to The Archangel Prophecies, a new young adult saga that blends the feeling of Twilight with a vast mythological scope and moral urgency, as well as to Hope Carmichael—a young woman instantly memorable for her endurance, heart, and determination—and Michael, Hope’s dangerous companion who’s fated either to save Hope—or to kill her.
CHARACTERS
At the beginning, I actually liked Hope Carmichael. I liked the intrigue in her past and her personality of which we learn a little from her mother. She seemed mature and levelheaded. But as the story progressed, I couldn't help but feel she had transformed into a whiny, annoying and bratty teenager. While I wasn't a fan of Michael, it annoyed me how one moment she was all moony eyed about Michael and the next moment, one word from Henri makes her all cold toward Michael.
Archangel Michael. I picked up this book for one sole reason. Angels. As an
Henri was this utterly freaking annoying Angel I wanted to drag out of the book and cut his head off. Enough said.
PLOT
The story had a really interesting premise. I actually loved the start of the book. There was mystery, family problems, kidnapping and stuff that set such a suspenseful setting for the story. Also the story had a human trafficking story-line and I applaud the author for drawing attention to an important social issue. But my liking for the plot ends here.
Let's count the number of tropes in this story.
- Chosen one. Check.
- Unexplained connection towards a character. Check.
- Girl loves a guy who treats her like crap because Oh, he is hot and makes her heart race. Check.
- Immortal guy who hasn't been in love ever falls for the MC. Check.
- Forbidden love and angst. Check.
I don't have it in me to go on. The fact that irritated me the most was Michael falling in love with Hope. Now had Michael come to Earth for the first time and fallen in love with Hope I might have looked past it BUT here's an archangel who has roamed Earth for millions of years and for the first time in forever, falls in love. With the main character.
Also the unhealthy relationship between Hope and Michael had me fuming at most points.
WRITING
The writing was something I actually enjoyed. It was fast paced and the imagery was pretty good. The writing was simple but descriptive and did not dawdle at any point.
WHAT I LIKED ABOUT THE BOOK
- The premise
- The writing
- The characters in the beginning of the story
- The focus on an important issue. Human Trafficking.
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE ABOUT THE BOOK
- Hope and Michael as the story progressed
- The unhealthy relationship between Hope and Michael
- The tropes and cliches
- Some plot holes
CONCLUSION
This book is definitely not for me. If you can look past the things that I didn't like about the book, you might like it.
WILL I BE READING THE REST OF THE TRILOGY?
Afraid not.
September 9, 2017
I'm extremely conflicted as I write this review. The story is about a sixteen year old girl who suffered an abduction in the past and has grown up with her extremely paranoid father. After an incident, Hope is sent to her mom to live.
So far, at this point the story is interesting. The mystery surrounding Hope draws you in. I kept expecting to find out just who abducted her in the first place. While the author does add memories that tie part of the story together, we never get the full story.
Then there is Lucas. He's obviously not a good guy. I'm still left with a few questions about the unrealistic nature of his role. He was already at the high school when Hope came, so she wasn't the reason he was there. Add to it the fact that he was a part of the deeper issues and I just couldn't picture him being involved in the things he was. He just didn't fit.
Finally, let's talk about Michael. I couldn't connect with his character. He didn't seem to have what it took to be the love interest. While the author dances around their attraction for each other, she made it feel really one-sided.
Michael was hot and cold all the time and it drove me nuts. He was like a moody girl. Once the truth finally comes out, I think the guy will be a little more intriguing. NOPE.
I wanted the romance the author promised when she claimed the book was written like Twilight. There was no real connection until bout 68% of the way through the book. Then their feelings go from tepid to sudden insta-love. There was no build up to this, so it seemed forced. Then, once it happens, there is such a severe consequence, that it ruined any romance the story finally showed.
The end, left you hanging. It was just an abrupt stop. Less of a cliffhanger and more like she just decided to end the first book there. There wasn't much in the way of a resolution.
I will hand it to this author, the writing was well edited. She wrote the story she wanted to tell and it is an admirable trait. BUT, she tries to hard to turn this paranormal romance into a story chalked full of much deeper issues.
Yes, it's good to spread awareness of the real problem plaguing our society. I felt it read more like a well informed issue piece. The seriousness of the topic took away from the paranormal aspect of the book.
Overall, while the author is definitely talented, there were just too many things that didn't jive or were too intense for this type of book. It should be noted that due to the sensitive nature of the issues prominent in this book, nobody under the age of 16 should read this. It needs a warning label.
As much as I wanted to like Dark Hope, I just couldn't overlook some of the major issues with the plot. This book gets three glittery stars. It's good, but not fantastic.
So far, at this point the story is interesting. The mystery surrounding Hope draws you in. I kept expecting to find out just who abducted her in the first place. While the author does add memories that tie part of the story together, we never get the full story.
Then there is Lucas. He's obviously not a good guy. I'm still left with a few questions about the unrealistic nature of his role. He was already at the high school when Hope came, so she wasn't the reason he was there. Add to it the fact that he was a part of the deeper issues and I just couldn't picture him being involved in the things he was. He just didn't fit.
Finally, let's talk about Michael. I couldn't connect with his character. He didn't seem to have what it took to be the love interest. While the author dances around their attraction for each other, she made it feel really one-sided.
Michael was hot and cold all the time and it drove me nuts. He was like a moody girl. Once the truth finally comes out, I think the guy will be a little more intriguing. NOPE.
I wanted the romance the author promised when she claimed the book was written like Twilight. There was no real connection until bout 68% of the way through the book. Then their feelings go from tepid to sudden insta-love. There was no build up to this, so it seemed forced. Then, once it happens, there is such a severe consequence, that it ruined any romance the story finally showed.
The end, left you hanging. It was just an abrupt stop. Less of a cliffhanger and more like she just decided to end the first book there. There wasn't much in the way of a resolution.
I will hand it to this author, the writing was well edited. She wrote the story she wanted to tell and it is an admirable trait. BUT, she tries to hard to turn this paranormal romance into a story chalked full of much deeper issues.
Yes, it's good to spread awareness of the real problem plaguing our society. I felt it read more like a well informed issue piece. The seriousness of the topic took away from the paranormal aspect of the book.
Overall, while the author is definitely talented, there were just too many things that didn't jive or were too intense for this type of book. It should be noted that due to the sensitive nature of the issues prominent in this book, nobody under the age of 16 should read this. It needs a warning label.
As much as I wanted to like Dark Hope, I just couldn't overlook some of the major issues with the plot. This book gets three glittery stars. It's good, but not fantastic.
August 30, 2014
Can we talk about how I keep getting pushed out of my reading comfort zone and I’m loving it? Take Dark Hope by Monica McGurk for example. It’s got angels and prophesies, sex-trafficked kids and Asian mafias, all things I wouldn’t normally be drawn to, but once I got into this book, I was hooked.
Dark Hope is the first in a trilogy (and we know how much I love a trilogy!) about Hope, a teenage girl who has lived an extremely sheltered life. It all started when Hope was younger and was kidnapped while at the local playground with her father. Thankfully Hope was rescued a few days later but her father never fully recovered from the incident he felt was his fault since it happened while she was at the playground with him.
Fast-forward a decade and Hope’s parents have separated (although never divorced) and have been living a part for years. Hope lives with her overly-religious father who can’t hold down a job because he’s too focused on keeping his daughter safe, training her for survival in case she goes missing again, and cramming her head full of Bible verses.
Finally at fifteen, Hope makes a request to the judge to move in with her mother and her mom welcomes her home with open arms. Hope immediately enrolls in public school, starts making a few friends, and enjoys the freedom that was unheard of while living with her father. One friend Hope makes, Michael, seems to be almost angelic in his appearance and demeanor. And he only has eyes for Hope in a way that could either be super-romantic or super-creepy.
As Hope gets to know Michael better, she learns secrets that make her past come back clearer and brighter than ever before. And as Michael reveals his true self to her, she has to decide what to believe about God, angels, good versus evil, and how to stand up for those that don’t have a voice.
It took me a little longer than normal to get feel connected to the characters and to care about them, but once I did, I couldn’t put Dark Hope by Monica McGurk down. I read it during class, I read it sitting in my car in the driveway at my house, and I read it late into the night until it was finished. And there’s a love story that’s pretty hot in an unconventional way that kept me pretty entertained. I loved that every time I picked up the book, another plot twist was waiting for me. It made putting it down, especially near the end, really hard.
(disclosure: I was gifted this book and paid for my review, but all opinions are my own.)
Dark Hope is the first in a trilogy (and we know how much I love a trilogy!) about Hope, a teenage girl who has lived an extremely sheltered life. It all started when Hope was younger and was kidnapped while at the local playground with her father. Thankfully Hope was rescued a few days later but her father never fully recovered from the incident he felt was his fault since it happened while she was at the playground with him.
Fast-forward a decade and Hope’s parents have separated (although never divorced) and have been living a part for years. Hope lives with her overly-religious father who can’t hold down a job because he’s too focused on keeping his daughter safe, training her for survival in case she goes missing again, and cramming her head full of Bible verses.
Finally at fifteen, Hope makes a request to the judge to move in with her mother and her mom welcomes her home with open arms. Hope immediately enrolls in public school, starts making a few friends, and enjoys the freedom that was unheard of while living with her father. One friend Hope makes, Michael, seems to be almost angelic in his appearance and demeanor. And he only has eyes for Hope in a way that could either be super-romantic or super-creepy.
As Hope gets to know Michael better, she learns secrets that make her past come back clearer and brighter than ever before. And as Michael reveals his true self to her, she has to decide what to believe about God, angels, good versus evil, and how to stand up for those that don’t have a voice.
It took me a little longer than normal to get feel connected to the characters and to care about them, but once I did, I couldn’t put Dark Hope by Monica McGurk down. I read it during class, I read it sitting in my car in the driveway at my house, and I read it late into the night until it was finished. And there’s a love story that’s pretty hot in an unconventional way that kept me pretty entertained. I loved that every time I picked up the book, another plot twist was waiting for me. It made putting it down, especially near the end, really hard.
(disclosure: I was gifted this book and paid for my review, but all opinions are my own.)
August 29, 2014
I read a lot, and when I say a lot I mean at least 2 books a week not including all the children's books I read to the girls. I am not real picky with what I read as long as it has the ability to pull me in a little and get me wondering whats next. I will admit I have have read a lot of the young adult fiction books that have come out lately I even read the vampire one. So reading a young adult fiction book was not new to me, and most are actually good. I started this book thinking it was going to take me a week to read it, but I quickly got sucked into the story. It was a classic battle between good and evil and I had to know who would win. I read the hole thing in about a day and half and it left me wondering what would happen in the next book. The Majority of the book kept my interest and even left me wondering what was going to happen in the next book. I was always trying to figure out who Michael and Lucas really were. Who Hope would end up with, would they find the missing girl, would Hope be saved or lost to evil. The book touches on some issues like Human trafficking and child abduction both serious issues around the world. There is some scripture in the book but I cant say how accurate or inaccurate it is, since Dark Hope is a fiction writing, I didn't take the time to look each passage up and check it. The end of the book has questions and topics for discussion, and even an author Q&A section to help you get a little more involved in the book and series. A great bonus for book club members. Over all I felt it was a good read and I can wait to see what else Monica McGurk comes up with.
Monica McGurk on social media:
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Thank you Greenleaf Book Group for sponsoring this post. Click here to check out Dark Hope: Book One of the Archangel Prophecies by Monica McGurk.
I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
Monica McGurk on social media:
Thank you Greenleaf Book Group for sponsoring this post. Click here to check out Dark Hope: Book One of the Archangel Prophecies by Monica McGurk.
I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
June 19, 2015
** Review written by Tera Kinsman for My WAHM Plan**
This book is about Hope Carmichael, a teenager who was abducted as a child. Her father had raised her in a religious, overprotective environment, until she was 15. Hope’s mother gained custody, and she finally has a chance to be a normal teenager in Atlanta, Georgia.
At school, Hope makes her first real friend, Michael. He’s every girl’s dream, and Hope can’t believe he even noticed her. But there is more to him than meets the eye, and strange things begin to happen to Hope. She is dragged into an ancient conflict, centered on her.
Hope is the Bearer of the Key, the one destined to open the Gate of Heaven and unleash the fury of the Fallen Ones, a fate worse than Armageddon, unless Michael and Hope find a way to stop them.
I actually found myself liking this book. It wasn’t what I would’ve normally picked out for myself, especially considering the length of my TBR list. I thought it would be overdone, another cheesy gothic romance. But the plot was actually exciting, and it opened my eyes to the sinister and disturbing underworld of human trafficking, which plays a major role in the events of the story. The romance isn’t insta-love or any of the other usual YA themes. While Michael and Hope quickly fall into “like” with each other, their relationship is complicated. Hope is never sure whether she can really trust Michael, or if she is just a pawn in a battle much bigger than herself. She wants to be close to him, to pretend like they’re just friends (or more than friends) back in Atlanta, but her own inner voice, and that of her Guardian Angel, Henri, keeps her doubting.
Dark Hope is the first of a trilogy, so I think it will be interesting to see how their relationship changes in the next books.
This book is about Hope Carmichael, a teenager who was abducted as a child. Her father had raised her in a religious, overprotective environment, until she was 15. Hope’s mother gained custody, and she finally has a chance to be a normal teenager in Atlanta, Georgia.
At school, Hope makes her first real friend, Michael. He’s every girl’s dream, and Hope can’t believe he even noticed her. But there is more to him than meets the eye, and strange things begin to happen to Hope. She is dragged into an ancient conflict, centered on her.
Hope is the Bearer of the Key, the one destined to open the Gate of Heaven and unleash the fury of the Fallen Ones, a fate worse than Armageddon, unless Michael and Hope find a way to stop them.
I actually found myself liking this book. It wasn’t what I would’ve normally picked out for myself, especially considering the length of my TBR list. I thought it would be overdone, another cheesy gothic romance. But the plot was actually exciting, and it opened my eyes to the sinister and disturbing underworld of human trafficking, which plays a major role in the events of the story. The romance isn’t insta-love or any of the other usual YA themes. While Michael and Hope quickly fall into “like” with each other, their relationship is complicated. Hope is never sure whether she can really trust Michael, or if she is just a pawn in a battle much bigger than herself. She wants to be close to him, to pretend like they’re just friends (or more than friends) back in Atlanta, but her own inner voice, and that of her Guardian Angel, Henri, keeps her doubting.
Dark Hope is the first of a trilogy, so I think it will be interesting to see how their relationship changes in the next books.
September 5, 2014
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my review, but all opinions are my own.
Read my whole review here: http://strawberrymommycakes.com/2014/...
Dark Hope is the story of a girl (Hope) that is a survivor of a childhood abduction. Since the incident, her overly protective father has pretty much kept her locked up in her home for 10 years. She finally gets to move to a new town with her mother and meets Michael…he’s mysterious and gorgeous and very protective of Hope. Couldn’t really ask for more than that, right? She finds herself researching Atlanta’s sex trafficking trade and makes startling discoveries about her own abduction.
I really dislike characters in YA books where the main character is either bratty, or doesn’t act their age. I thought Hope was a great balance of a mature teenager with all the teenage angst. You could really tell that she led a sheltered life. She’s a teenager and has teenager emotions, but she’s also smart and responsible and has a great moral compass. I REALLY liked Hope’s character. I admit I thought the archangel idea was a little weird for me at first, but the more I got into the story, the more comfortable I got. The two stories (that of sex trafficking and angels and demons) actually meshed together smoothly and I couldn’t wait to finish the story! I think she made the brutality of the sex trade real and scary, but censored it enough for young readers. You can tell McGurk did her research and is very passionate about the cause to stop human trafficking.
I will definitely be reading the other books in this series to see what else is in store for Hope and Michael!
Read my whole review here: http://strawberrymommycakes.com/2014/...
Dark Hope is the story of a girl (Hope) that is a survivor of a childhood abduction. Since the incident, her overly protective father has pretty much kept her locked up in her home for 10 years. She finally gets to move to a new town with her mother and meets Michael…he’s mysterious and gorgeous and very protective of Hope. Couldn’t really ask for more than that, right? She finds herself researching Atlanta’s sex trafficking trade and makes startling discoveries about her own abduction.
I really dislike characters in YA books where the main character is either bratty, or doesn’t act their age. I thought Hope was a great balance of a mature teenager with all the teenage angst. You could really tell that she led a sheltered life. She’s a teenager and has teenager emotions, but she’s also smart and responsible and has a great moral compass. I REALLY liked Hope’s character. I admit I thought the archangel idea was a little weird for me at first, but the more I got into the story, the more comfortable I got. The two stories (that of sex trafficking and angels and demons) actually meshed together smoothly and I couldn’t wait to finish the story! I think she made the brutality of the sex trade real and scary, but censored it enough for young readers. You can tell McGurk did her research and is very passionate about the cause to stop human trafficking.
I will definitely be reading the other books in this series to see what else is in store for Hope and Michael!
November 15, 2014
I received this ebook from Netgalley for review
I have started and stopped this review about 6 times in the past 5 minuets. I just don't know what to say about this book. I am a fan of books with angels in them, have been for the past few years. I had hoped and wanted this book to be one to add to my list of books that I liked. Unfortunately I cant even add it to as a book that I tolerate.
None of the characters were likable, memorable, or realistic. Hope is annoying and I feel like the author is trying to force us to believe she's important. And there is no way a judge would consent her father to have custody of her for that long when he's paranoid and jobless, nor would they give custody to the mother who is never home. She'd be put in the system.
Micheal the archangel, (commence eye-roll)was equally boring. I don't like when authors tell us about a persons power/knowledge/wisdom. Things like that need to be shown, but when what we're told and how a character behaves are contradictions, it annoys me even more.
The romance felt really forced and just a lame tool to drag the boring story line along. They didn't seem to have any real chemistry. I feel like the author was trying to copy the kind of romance that Patch and Nora had in Hush, Hush but missed. Insta-love is my number one pet peeve in any book.
This book might have been a little better with out the romance. Not all YA book needs to have romance in it. The story was weak, the characters were boring, and nothing felt connected. Very young readers (like 12-13 year old) might like this book, though I wouldn't recommend it to them.
I have started and stopped this review about 6 times in the past 5 minuets. I just don't know what to say about this book. I am a fan of books with angels in them, have been for the past few years. I had hoped and wanted this book to be one to add to my list of books that I liked. Unfortunately I cant even add it to as a book that I tolerate.
None of the characters were likable, memorable, or realistic. Hope is annoying and I feel like the author is trying to force us to believe she's important. And there is no way a judge would consent her father to have custody of her for that long when he's paranoid and jobless, nor would they give custody to the mother who is never home. She'd be put in the system.
Micheal the archangel, (commence eye-roll)was equally boring. I don't like when authors tell us about a persons power/knowledge/wisdom. Things like that need to be shown, but when what we're told and how a character behaves are contradictions, it annoys me even more.
The romance felt really forced and just a lame tool to drag the boring story line along. They didn't seem to have any real chemistry. I feel like the author was trying to copy the kind of romance that Patch and Nora had in Hush, Hush but missed. Insta-love is my number one pet peeve in any book.
This book might have been a little better with out the romance. Not all YA book needs to have romance in it. The story was weak, the characters were boring, and nothing felt connected. Very young readers (like 12-13 year old) might like this book, though I wouldn't recommend it to them.
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