Mortal Secrets

Realms Unleashed: Red Angel #1

by Isa Medina

Broke, blacklisted, and keeping secrets—the deadly kind.

Name? Ana Calliope Holt. Occupation? Demon vermin hunter. Status in the human magic community? Rock bottom, basement level.

And for a half-angel, that’s quite a feat.

I don’t mind it—the less anyone pays me any attention, the better. Because if anyone in the mortal, angelic, or demonic realms learns I’m the reincarnation of the Red Angel, an ancient weapon that can end immortal lives, I’ll be the hunted instead of doing the hunting.

So, when rumors about my existence begin to circulate, I must cover up my tracks, no matter what.

Unfortunately, when you’re already scraping the bottom of the barrel, the only help you find is the one you probably don’t want. Like the magical black market, where backstabbing is more of a competitive sport than a hobby, or the infuriating nightmare that’s the angel Zel.

But we don’t talk about him. Because murder is illegal, and I might just strangle him.

Delve into the action-packed Urban Fantasy world of the Realms, featuring a down-on-her-luck, determined heroine, angels, demons, mayhem, and a slow-burn romance.

Perfect for fans of Annette Marie, Helen Harper, Linsey Hall, K.F. Breene, and Ilona Andrews.

Genres: Urban Fantasy, Fantasy, Angels, Demons, Paranormal, Adventure, Romance

ebook

First published November 4, 2021

About the author

Isa Medina loves writing and reading Urban Fantasy books, playing MMORPGs, and scouring the Internet for pet pictures and beautiful art.

As a child, she was first introduced to the world of Fantasy through Dragonlance and she has never looked back. She also has a soft spot for Gothics and treasures all her old Victorian Holt paperbacks. If it has Fae, ghosts, vampires, demons, mythical creatures, or magic in it, she's all in.

Reviews

[Olivia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I beta-read this book, but my review is honest.

Things I loved:
* Ana Calliope Holt. She's sassy. She's witty. Independent. Clever. Thoughtful. There's a vulnerability to her that is hidden behind twenty-seven manmade walls, but she cares.
* Best friends who trust each other. As a reader, I feel like we don't get enough friendships, genuine trusting friendships between women.
* Witty dialogue. There was something to make me chuckle out loud on almost every page.
* Characters. Most of them are peculiar, fleshed out, intriguing, and I want more of them. Apart from Ramón. Not a fan.
* The worldbuilding. Angels, Demons, Humans. Some people like vampires, some adore werewolves, I'm a sucker for angels vs. demons.
* The prose. Well. Since Mortal Secrets is told in first person from the point of view of Ana Calliope Holt, there is a whole lot of hilarity on the page. Medina's voice is one of my favourite voices in urban fantasy. She knows how to make a main character bitingly witty without making her a sarcastic wannabe badass. (I don't like sarcastic wannabe badasses.)
* The angels. I love them.
* Ancient weapons. I love all things ancient.

Things I would have liked to see more of:
* Zel! Here's this magnificent angel creature, and things are sizzling, and I just - give me more!
* Romance! Yes, I need more Zel!

This is a fun and fast-paced urban fantasy novel, the first in a brand-new series, and I recommend it to all fans of urban fantasy who like all the things I outlined above.

[Sristy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I literally don't know why I even followed this series up to #2.
Bored Out of my mind, methinks.

Disclaimer: All characters in this series have their importance in the plot directly proportional to the amount of stupidity they show.

Basically, if you act like a 2 yr old, speaking sentences that only you can decipher, you are considered to be the most powerful of all beings to walk on earth Oh sorry! walk on Air wasn't it ?

I had read up the next book i think cause I felt Ana still had maybe an iota or two of her potential left but after #2 I am convinced they are both Tweedledee and Tweedledum having their HEA while collecting ooo beautiful and deadly weapons lost throughout millenia-s that apparently the protagonist can never be killed by and the MC can snap with her fingers, talking to eccentric women of power (again insert a 2 yr old here), bargaining with angels (Again insert a 2 yr old here or Nah! Just a yr old would do too)

Thank you very much. I take my brains stuffed with grey and whites.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ana Calliope Holt is a half-angel, but she's been blacklisted after leaving the Hunter's. The only job she can get is working as a vermin demon hunter. Other than the lousy pay, Ana is quite happy with being in the periphery of things. If anyone should find out that she's the reincarnation of the Red Angel, an ancient weapon who can end immortals, she will be hunted...

A new series from Isa Medina, whose series Magical Artifacts Institute I've read and enjoyed earlier! This series has the same humorous atmosphere, and it's full of action, angels and demons, ancient weapons and summoner's. If you like reading urban fantasy with these ingredients you should check this series out!

* I received an ARC from the author and I'm giving my honest review. *

[Trudie Skies · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read the wonderful talents of Isa Medina before with her upbeat Urban Fantasy, The Magical Artifacts Institute series of novellas. These books seriously reminded me of The Mummy films because they were fun of treasure hunting adventure and plenty of banter. Well, Medina is back with the start of a new Urban Fantasy series with a new fun and hopeless main character who dials the banter up to eleven.

Enter Ana Calliope Holt, a demon hunter who’s status among the demon hunters is rock bottom. She’s taking whatever dirty jobs she can get in order to pay the rent in a world where angels and demons are commonplace. But her life somehow magically gets worse when the hunter’s guild begin searching for a magical sword. The problem? Ana herself is the reincarnation of the Red Angel, a sword which can kill mortals and immortals alike. If anyone were to discover this secret, her life, as amazing as it is, would be over.

Cue shenanigans as Ana has to balance her life and secrets by attempting to cover her tracks. And unfortunately, this means enlisting the help of a handsome but unhelpful angel…

As with Medina’s last Urban Fantasy series, the Realms Unleashed: Red Angel series is going to be a slow burn on the old romance. I absolutely loved Zel the angel as part antagonist, part romantic interest, but I want more on the romance front. I’m definitely hoping for more in the sequels to come!

Medina has a fantastic sense of humour and this shows in her books through the banter between characters and the zany situations that Ana finds herself in. Ana herself is a sassy character who can take care of herself, but none of her sass comes across as overbearing or annoying. Her relationship with Zel was hilarious at times and touching at others. Zel himself is a fun angel with the personality of a cat, and I loved learning about how the demon and angel realms interacted with the mortal one, especially the role that summoners play in trapping their own demon and angel pets. I’m eager to read more of this dynamic in future books.

I also especially enjoyed the relationship between Ana and her best friend. It’s great to see two awesome women encouraging each other to commit crimes!

Mortal Secrets is another fun and fast-paced entry into the world of Urban Fantasy.

[Vibliophile · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting but the YA is strong with this one

The story has an interesting premise, & I liked that the angels and demons are explicitly NOT the ones we know, though I can't help wondering why not call them something else then? And it's hard to understand how God factors into such a world, since they still use & abuse His Name carelessly (ie in vain)

I did walk away from it for a few days. There's a strong YA flavor to the writing as well as the plot development that makes the story feel a smidge stilted. Still, the plot is intriguingly different enough that I eventually came back to it. The ending was interesting enough at least that I'm considering reading the 2nd book

***Content***
Hints of possible romantic interest, but so minute that if it's a slow burn, we're seeing faint embers; some nudity but more of a practical than sensual thing as it largely focuses around shifts

Minor use of common swears (ie about a dozen uses of d*mn & h*ll, *ss & sh*t)

[Cali · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF. So bad. For so many reasons. Maybe a 1.5 for the best friend.

[Literary Lioness · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ana Calliope Holt is a demon hunter. Ok, so maybe not your typical demon hunter, but demon vermin need to be taken care of too, right? Granted, it does not pay very well, but a job is a job. At least that is what she keeps telling herself.

That is why she typically offers favors in exchange for things she needs. Yet, when she traded two favors for some information on a particular sword, she never saw the heap of trouble coming. Now, not only do the favors and troubles keep adding up, but her secret may be exposed, and she definitely cannot let that happen.

Become entangled with mischief and adventure in Isa Medina’s Mortal Secrets. A twist on the typical demon hunter tales, the narration and nonconformity will have you rolling. Topped with a hint of mystery, romance, and explicit imagery, one will become delighted.

Although an interesting storyline, the main character seemed to repeat the same actions with different environments. However, this may be due to familiarizing the reader to all the characters and multiple complexities. Even though most of the profanity was either borderline or references (ex: middle finger), there were more than ten instances. Therefore, a 3 out of 5 stars is the outcome.

All in all, a great concept caught in the introductory aspects of a new series. Nonetheless, with the release of the second book coming February 2022, the Realms Unleased: Red Angel Series can and will bring numerous fans to this angelic, demonic, and fantastical world.

Thank you to #BookSirens #MortalSecrets, and #IsaMedina for the opportunity to read this book and give my honest review.

Original Post found at: https://www.literarylioness.net/post/...

[Witch-at-Heart · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fun snarky read and I enjoyed it. I found the world to be unique and fascinating m. The MC is tough likable and flawed which is my favorite kind. I feel like this series is a refreshing take on a great genre as I love demons, angels and a ness of trouble. If your looking for a fun easy read with a fresh take on angels and demons I highly suggest this one.

[Katja · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you enjoy urban fantasy you should not miss this book. Mortal Secrets has it all: great world building, a touch of danger, midnight escapades, demons, hunters, teenage summoners, flirty angels...I struggled to put this book down. Warmly recommended.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Andi]

DNF @ 10%. I’m bored to tears.

[Hanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Is this meant to be a parody of the genre?!? Honest question.

Don't get me wrong it was a fun and entertaining read.
But considering what an immature, idiotic, incompetent train-wreck the protagonist is it felt like I was reading a parody for most of the book
It actually reminded me a bit of the movie "The Other Guys"

[Nettie · Rating 3 out of 5]

More like 3.5 stars.
I'm reviewing the first and second book as a whole, since I read both and the story just flows.

I really like the writing, the story, the actions, the female lead, the friends. I adore stories about angels, so I tend to be more forgiving.

What I didn't like much, is the male lead, Zel. I abhor males who sponge on females. And he did. She had to pay for his clothes, several wasted bus tickets and food. And he doesn't even ask, just demand or take, and worse, never once said thank you. Nor repaid her with anything. Not money, not a returned meal, not gifts, not even being nice. What an a-hole.

He does redeem himself a tiny bit with his good sense of humor and his clear attachment and liking in her. But it's not enough. We can't see him, we need to get to know him through his actions. And his actions are like a little child, not knowing that money is important in the mortal realm and can make or break a person's day. And if you waste the last $5 of someone, it can leave them hungry, worried or depressed. And he wasted her last dollars repeatedly when she can't even pay rent. But he's supposedly been alive for many many eons? But doesn't realize what he's doing? No. He does. He just doesn't care enough about her, her feelings, her money, her stomach. He once said "she needs the food", so he knows, he just doesn't care. A demon had to buy her food. Because why? Zel ate hers! I liked the demon SO MUCH more at that moment than him! He acted decent, aware, kind and generous.

Zel shows the opposite. And to watch the girl you supposedly like, being kicked, punched and hurt, to satisfy your curiosity, shows a severe lack of character, mental well-being and decency.

I'll read the 3rd book, but don't hold onto much hope he'll magically suddenly becomes a kind and decent being, so I doubt if I'll even remember the series by the time the 4th book comes out.

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was really excited to read this book, but it fell short for me. The concept was really cool and I was really intrigued by it. I felt like everything was just kind of thrown in there and new aspects of the main character were thrown in anytime a problem needed to be solved. I feel like her powers could've been introduced in a different and more organized way that would really benefit the story. I was expecting more of a romance in this because of one little scene, but that little scene was all we got. This book was okay. I didn't hate it, but I also didn't love it. I give this book 3 out of 5 stars.

[L'Âme des Mots · Rating 3 out of 5]

Je vous retrouve aujourd'hui pour vous parler de Rumeurs Mortelles, le tome 1 de Red Angel écrit par @isamedina_author et édité par @alterrealeditions

Je remercie Alter Real Éditions pour ce service presse non rémunéré reçu dans le cadre de notre partenariat.

Ana est une demi-ange connue pour être sur la liste noire des traqueurs. C'est la raison pour laquelle elle se retrouve à chasser la vermine pour gagner sa vie. En réalité, Ana est la réincarnation d'un être ancien et très puissant. Un secret qu'elle garde bien pour elle.
Cependant, des rumeurs commencent à circuler, elles incluent l'existence d'Ana. Autant dire qu'elle se retrouve dans une fâcheuse posture. Elle doit absolument préserver son secret et pour ce faire mener tout le monde sur le mauvais chemin. C'est comme ça qu'Ana se retrouve à devoir chercher une arme magique pour Zel, cet ange puissant, exaspérant et totalement séduisant !

Je dois dire que l'histoire est plutôt entraînante, elle ne manque d'actions et de rebondissements. Le récit est recherché et approfondi.

Ana est une jeune femme qui cumule les mauvaises décisions, mais qui n'a pas toujours le choix. Elle ne manque pas de répartie et de force. Son personnage est creusé et travaillé. J'ai trouvé son amitié avec Sol très touchante.

Pour ce qui est des autres personnages, je n'ai pas l'impression qu'ils soient aussi recherchés qu'Ana, à moins que ça viendra dans le prochain tome.
Zel est un ange très séduisant et espiègle. Il adore taquiner Ana. J'ai adoré le peu de scènes qu'ils avaient à deux. Je suis déçue qu'il y en ait pas plus, je m'attendais à le voir beaucoup plus.

Sol est adorable et prête à tout pour protéger sa meilleure amie.

Ramon est juste agaçant. Il en fait des tonnes.

Mais dans tout bon livre, il y a toujours un ou des personnages qui nous agacent, non ?

Le petit hic est qu'à un moment il y a tellement de noms à retenir que je m'y perdais et je ne savais plus qui était qui dans les personnages secondaires.

Les protagonistes ont de la répartie, de l'humour et le récit ne manque de dynamisme.

Dans l'ensemble, Red Angel est une urban fantasy qui m'a fait passer un bon moment lecture et je suis très curieuse de connaître la suite.

[Kreela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Realms Unleashed: Red Angel | Isa Medina - Author
It is going to be a long, long, long wait for book 2. I think I will have flashbacks every time I get in a car. That car scene was epic, and tears of laughter were streaming down my face.

This story revolves around a bunch of treasure hunting groups chasing rumors about (get these names!) a Sword of Hungry Souls, a Vow of Conquest, and a Book of Souls. Who wants a dusty old book of souls? Well, you would once you know what it means.

And Ana unfortunately knows what it means, because she is one of those items. Once she realized her worth, she left her job as a Hunter and became Burned. Her Hunter superior and coworkers allow her sometimes-access, if you don’t count the B&E.

This story is told in the first person POV, which I prefer, but there are other exciting characters. Her on-again off-again partner Zel, the angel, is quirky and delicious.

“ His mouth moved to press against mine, more of a lingering caress than a real kiss.
My brain went blank.”

Seriously, every almost kiss gives me a little rush, and it is due to his fascination with all things earthly, including the lies, trickery, and deals which he seems to have mastered. Her bestie Sol is also hiding a secret, and she and Cole and Ana just remind me of the show Friends, except with frenemies.

The idea of angels and demons both having red eyes and using deals to interact with humans makes sense. Toss in human summoners who can enslave them, and special objects made of angel and demon hearts, and I am amazed they don’t run in fear of humanity.

The story can be read quickly, and there is a gotcha at the end. It is not a cliff-hanger, but still, I am going insane already for book 2, what am I going to do? 😂

I think the style reminds me of Annette Marie, Marley Lynn, or Katie MacAlistair’s spoofs, all of which I loved. I know this book isn’t due for a month, but I was lucky to get an advanced copy.

[Karyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just finished this book, and I'm not sure what I think! I read it straight through, so that's a big thumbs up. It did kind of wrap up one storyline. Kind of - not really. But I'm not dying to jump into the next one, which is why I went with 4 starts. I am slightly curious to know how she handles Zel wanting her to hunt for herself.

 

Ana is an ok character. She's supposed to be this great Big Bad, but is more of a wimp. She can't fight, she's terrified all the time. She lets everyone push her around. How are we supposed to believe she could morph into a Terror? And how much of a Terror can she be when she doesn't train? And after all her attempts to hide what/who she is, it comes out in the end anyway. Sort of.

 

Zel is interesting. He leaves Ana rottng in a prison cell, because he's curious about what they'll do to her. He doesn't seem to care one way or another, he's just curious. That's ok - as a full angel, he is in a whole different leage than her, and it makes sense within the confines of the book's world. She's just a toy, and he'll be mildly disappointed if she breaks.

 

Ramon is a jerk. He has no right to treat Ana the way he does, and then he gets mad when she does whatever she has to (work with Zel) to survive. He's the one that put in her in that position in the first place. The rest of the hunters, and Gloria (who supposedly loves her), are all rotten. They just let Ramon treat Ana like shit, and join in with harrassing her.

 

With all that, not sure why she wants to stay in that city. Sol is the only friend she has, that treats her like a person.

 

So, not sure about going on to book 2 just yet. We'll see.

[Susan1566 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ana is a half angel who hunts small demons as a job. She was originally a hunter, someone who hunts all demons, but after quitting the organization she has basically been blacklisted from getting any good jobs. Being a hunter was what she really wanted to do but there is a problem, she is actually the Red Angel reincarnated. The Red Angel has the power to absorb the souls of the creatures she kills making sure that they are truly dead, unfortunately to do that she must eat the heart. After her first kill, she decided she couldn’t take the chance of it happening again so went out on her own. She is also determined no one figures out she is the Red Angel.
She basically only has her best friend, Sol, who is the sister of Ramon, the second in charge of the hunters. Ramon is nothing but trouble.
A search is on for the Sword of a Thousand Screaming Souls, which is actually Ana. She’s working to stop the search for the sword as she doesn’t want to be found out.
When you add in the partial help from the angel, Zel, things do not go easily.
There is a fair amount of action, some humour, great characters, a possible slow romance and an interesting story. But at times it is not an easy read, it’s not light reading.
This is a different world, and it can be a challenge to figure some things out at the beginning of the book but as you go along it makes more sense.
Definitely going to continue.

[Blake · Rating 4 out of 5]

(FYI I tend to only review one book per series, unless I completely change my mind on a series, so want to change my scoring down a lot. -- I tend not to read reviews until after I read a book, so I go in with an open mind.)

3.5

First time read the author's work?: Yes

Will you be reading more?: Yes

Would you recommend?: Yes


------------
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)

All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked

Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)

[Kyra || sylverbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

A relatable female lead who is incredibly powerful but currently at rock bottom … presenting the Red Angel!

I was pleasantly surprised and impressed by this book. The world of demons, angels and realms were explained so well and interwoven into the story, so it didn’t feel like a history lesson. The characters were lovable and relatable and hello new book boyfriend alert! Looking at you Zel - we love a dark-haired, brooding, magical being.

I’m interested to learn more about the relationships between Ana and Ramón, Ana and Sol, and how Cole will become relevant because he did seem like a random character. I want more information about summoners too! I hope Too Good comes back in the next book.

Overall I was really impressed by this urban fantasy and will keep reading to know what happens next!

Amazon: 4/5
StoryGraph: 3.75/4

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Tracy Kaufman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This was a fun, fun read. The action was fast and there was quite a bit of it considering this is the 1st in a new series. Ana has a HUGE secret and it can get her killed. Hiding in plain sight and having to deal with angels and demons is keeping Ana juggling a lot of balls. The characters are fleshed out and even the world building was done exceptionally well considering this is the first book. It has several laugh out loud moments. I really enjoy the slow burn romance that is developing. Not sure were its going but I sure am enjoying the ride. I wish the second book was not so far out; the tiny cliff hanger has definitely got me anxious to find out how Ana is going to deal with that particular favor. I highly recommend this book.

[Gee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ana Calliope Holt is a really interesting, realistic character, a half angel/half mortal, who has been black listed by the Hunters, mainly because she chose to leave them, when she realised it wasn’t what she wanted to be after all. Unfortunately the Hunters have taken it personally.

I really enjoyed this book and it’s premise. Good versus Evil, Angels versus Demons, with the chance of either side winning, and a strong female heroine. Ana Calliope comes across really well as a fully developed character, flaws and all. Her relationship with some of the other characters, especially Zel, are also coming along nicely as is the whole world building. A nice sense of humour runs through it all. It’ll be interesting to see where the characters and storyline goes next.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun ride!



Half angel misfit whose angel-half is a coveted murder monster of epicness fails out of Demon Hunter corp and fails at her messenger jobs and fails to find info so thus stumbles her way into a (few) fae like "favors" she owes to a hot angel tag along, who wields power to irritate and occasionally protect when he's bored and it suits its sardonic fancy. She thus she needs to NOT fail bc of fate of the world and fate of her secrets etc etc.

Voice is great, urban adventure is super fun. I love angel/demon/human power flexes. Not a romance but I would argue if it turns into a enemies to lover in book 2 which comes out next month.

I will read the next for sure. Violence is there but not bad at all. A couple hearts ripped from Chests in a not described way (Kali Maaaahhh!)

[Megan Bohun · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun read, enjoyable new world

I'm sure, like many kindle unlimited readers, I've probably read too much urban fantasy for their own good. I have a tendency to not review books unless I hate them or unless something makes them stand out. This (2 books so far) series stands out. It's a fun, well paced story with a unique take. And that matters. It doesn't feel like a repeat in any form and I'm immensely pleased by that. I like the main character. She's plucky and fun. She's also is not a *itch. I feel as though some writers mistake that for being tough. There were a smattering of grammatical or almost a keyboard stumble. But they were very few and didn't take away for me. I only mention them because I know some readers have a hard time with them and would hate to see an enjoyable read dinged for that.

[Ketchrin Lawrence · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, This is my 1st book by Isa Medina and what a read. I really love my shifter stories but this was something different. A half Angel who knew! Wasn't sure I could do the demon thing but the story is just so interesting. I don't like to give away plots but I think this is a good read if your are on the edge. With all the majic swirling around I was a little surprised that she can keep such a huge secret. I love women with courage and resilience and it pays to have that little group of friends you can depend on. I'm ready for book 2 to follow where this story goes and will definitely be reading some of her other books !!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Katheyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Mortal Secrets”, the first instalment into the Realms Unleashed. Red Angel” by Isa Medina, is a new addiction to the urban fantasy genre, whose MC, Calliope Holt, is a demon hunter, capable, realistic, sassy to a fault and overconfident more than not, who has already touched rock bottom, and it’s a little out of option, which brings her to Zel, a most infuriating angel to Calliope’s despair and the reader’s delight 😉. Because Calliope is also the reincarnation of the Red Angel, with the ability to kill immortals, a secret that is best keep hiding, unless Calliope wish to experience the hunt from the other side.

[Sandy Schleich · Rating 5 out of 5]

good

I wasn’t sure how I was gonna like this book when I started reading it but I’m glad I did because I love this book. I hope the rest of the books in the series are just as good as this one. Ana unfortunately did not make it as a hunter and since she left they treat her worse than trash. She ends up hunting the low level demons with a butter knife which I think is so funny. She tries to keep her true identity from being no but unfortunately it seems to come out anyway. I love Zel he is one of the most annoying Angels in this book. I do like the authors twist on angels and demons. I can’t wait to read the next book.

[Fauvemistral · Rating 2 out of 5]

I finished the book after much effort and many breaks. The main character was not really likeable as we do not get a coherent picture of her or her motivations. Everything we learn is on a need of the plot basis - very much a Mary Sue. It may be with tighter editing and a focus on clearly telling a coherent story, the plot and characters may have been better relayed. Even the "antagonistic" Ramon has more depth to his motivations than initially revealed but even that is buried in a subplot at the back end, and he be not really redeemed. A hard "Meh".

[E.M. Merrill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mortal Secrets kicks off the Realms Unleashed: Red Angel series with action, intrigue, and a sharp-witted heroine. Ana makes a living hunting paranormal creatures, but keeping a low profile is crucial—because if anyone discovers her true nature, she’ll become the hunted. When rumors of her existence surface, she’s forced into an uneasy alliance with the enigmatic and frustratingly attractive angel, Zel. Their quest for a powerful magical weapon leads them into danger, deception, and unexpected chemistry. A fast-paced urban fantasy with plenty of snark, suspense, and supernatural twists.

[Sombre Grimoire · Rating 4 out of 5]

La Fantasy Urbaine reste mon genre doudou, celui vers lequel je reviens toujours. Alors forcément quand j'ai vu ce livre dans les sorties à venir je n'ai pas hésiter.

J'avais hâte de recevoir ce livre, de découvrir ce nouvel univers et l'importance et les mystères autour de l'Ange Rouge.
Et je n'ai pas été déçu ! Ces quelques 300p ont été prenante et addictive, avec la traditionnelle réparti de la protagoniste, les mystères et le côté enquête qui tient en haleine son lecteur.

Mon seul petit regret serait de ne pas avoir eu assez de Zel à mon goût... Mais bon, ce n'est que le tome 1 !

[Carol Stefanik · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the Magical Artifacts series and loved it. This has the same level of character development and entertainment factor. Very fun. My only complaint, and a minor one, is that there is very little difference between the two series. Think I would have just as soon read more with Maddie. But again, lots of fun to read. The Red Angel is quite a character. Can't wait to see what Zel comes to be like in the end.