Parents' Guide to

Natural Born Angel

By Julie A. Carlson, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 14+

Sequel weighed down by focus on fame and abundant brands.

Book Scott Speer Fantasy 2013
Natural Born Angel Poster Image

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While Immortal City, the first book in this series, dealt with angel murders and Maddy falling in love with angel hottie Jackson Godspeed, NATURAL BORN ANGEL turns the tables. It deals with Maddy's life as a half-angel and her newfound celebrity fame, interweaving a mystery and political subplot. Maddy remains an interesting character, and her love for Jackson stays constant, but her characterization seems off. In the first book, she was a regular teen girl who didn't quite get the angel phenomenon and was reluctant to embrace her feelings for one of the most popular angels. Now that she's discovered she's an angel and become famous because of it, she's addicted to designer labels and consumed by celebrity -- posing for paparazzi, driving fancy cars, attending events, and doing photo shoots for magazines.

Even though, it's part of her "job," it still seems out of character. Gone is the Maddy who felt comfortable wearing a hoodie and jeans, living with her Uncle Kevin, and making time for her boyfriend and friends. She also suddenly knows how to be an angel, which is a little implausible. Readers may be disappointed that Maddie is no longer "the girl next-door" but a rich, powerful, and well-dressed angel like all the others.

Book Details

  • Author: Scott Speer
  • Genre: Fantasy
  • Topics: Adventures
  • Book type: Fiction
  • Publisher: Razorbill
  • Publication date: April 23, 2013
  • Publisher's recommended age(s): 12 - 17
  • Number of pages: 368
  • Available on: Nook, Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
  • Last updated: March 4, 2020

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