Review--Black Wings by Christina Henry

AS AN AGENT OF DEATH, MADELINE BLACK IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ESCORTING SOULS OF THE DEARLY DEPARTED INTO THE AFTERLIFE. IT'S A 24/7 JOB WITH A LOUSY BENEFITS PACKAGE.

Maddy's position may come with magical powers and an impressive wingspan, but it doesn't pay the bills. And then there are her infuriating boss, tenant woes, and a cranky, popcorn-loving gargoyle to contend with.

Things start looking up, though, when tall, dark, and handsome Gabriel Angeloscuro agrees to rent the empty apartment in Maddy's building. It's probably just a coincidence that as soon as he moves in demons appear on the front lawn. But when an unholy monster is unleashed upon the streets of Chicago, Maddy discovers powers she never knew she possessed. Powers linked to a family legacy of tarnished halos.

Powers that place her directly between the light of Heaven and the fires of Hell...

Christina Henry's Black Wings was a complete surprise! I wasn't sure what to expect with this book, other than the give premises, but after reading a few good reviews by blogger friends, I decided to give it a try and found that I absolutely LOVED it!

Henry has a nice way of writing, her style flows easily and there's nothing confusing or complex going on in this world. Things are explained without much fuss. Maddy does live a very interesting life as well. Being an Agent isn't all it's cracked up to be, as we see right away in the beginning, not all souls are easily accepting to their fate and some decide to stick around, thus forfeiting their chance at a peaceful afterlife and instead become a haunting ghost.

But that's just Maddy's day job, that and writing/creating recipes for a local magazine. Even Agents of Death have to pay the bills. Maddy also owns an apartment complex or some sort. Really there's just her living quarters and one below that she tries to rent out but can never seem to gain a client, until Gabriel Angeloscuro walks through the door. (Ironic name, huh?)

And thus begins the crazy whorlwind of Maddy's life. Demons from Hell are literally after her to kill her because of her parentage, one that she doesn't full know in the beginning of the book. But then the past is revealed to her and it has a major effect on her future and it doesn't look so good given the choices.

This was a rather fast paced read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Maddy is one tough cookie, for there are quite a bit of fight scenes, power using, and carnage. Even that was a little too detailed, but not in a really grotesque way. Carnage is carnage! Anywho...I really enjoyed this book and am so glad that I decided to read it. I don't want to get into all the details that relate to Maddy's past because it is sort of surprising in some ways, and there is a bit history to be learned and it is done in a remarkable way that flows nicely into the story.

Everything about this book was done beautifully and I sooo can't wait to read the next one, Black Night which releases July 26. So a little bit of a wait, but still have plenty other GREAT reads along the way! 

Overall, 5/5 stars for sure!