Blog Tour Review: Shadow of the Sun, by Laura Kreitzer

Shadow of the Sun (Timeless #1)
Laura Kreitzer
Paperback; 524 pages
Obsidian Mountain Publishing
February 22, 2010
Rating: (Avg 4.0)

Gabriella's past is a mystery, but that never stopped her from achieving her goals. As a supernatural specialist, and far more intelligent than anyone her age, she has always been ignored by her peers. Because of the isolation she has always felt, she put her life and soul into her job. Being a supernatural specialist hasn't given her the divine intervention she always longed for, until one day a shipment arrives from Italy containing three dead bodies with an uncanny ability to regenerate. Gabriella is frightened and intrigued, but not as scared as she becomes when a dark creature attacks her.

As the bodies come back to life, the plot takes an unexpected twist that you won't see coming. The supernatural world only begins to unfold before her as angels appear, her dreams start to haunt her, and the very past she has forgotten comes back with startling clarity. Romance blooms, escape plans are made, an assassin is out to kill her, and death is only around the corner. But what is more terrifying than all of it is the fact she is the chosen one, the Illuminator, the one who will save them all.

This is one of the most masterfully crafted beginnings to a series that I have read in some time. Although a little slow-moving in some areas to give the reader more information and insight, overall this book was pretty fairly paced and filled with mystery and intrgue.

The characters were well fleshed out and never fell flat in character development. Gabriella is bright, gifted and a very strong heroine. She's also strong, independent and relatable with her human emotions. The angels were unique yet still managed to feel very real and believable. I think my two favorite parts were the bond between the three angels as well as the interaction between Gabriella and her guardian angel Andrew. The chemistry between them was amazing and fit into the story perfectly.

Shadow of the Sun is a very enjoyable read. It is a bit lengthy, but it doesn't deter you from the story at all - coincidently, it makes you thirst for more after just as the shorter novels would. It's a fresh take on angels with plenty of action and story to keep you reading until the very end. Not only is it a recommended read for the paranormal and urban fantasy lovers, but I would also definitely say the older YA lovers will love this book as well. I'm now itching to read the second installment, Soul Stalker, and I know that once you read Shadow of the Sun... you'll be biting at the bit for the sequel as well.