Review: Branded by Keary Taylor(Blog Tour)

Branded by Keary Taylor

Published March 4th, 2010

Published by CreateSpace

Paperback, 374 Pages

Source: Keary Taylor, Teen Book Scene

Summary from Goodreads:

"Jessica’s had the nightmares for as long as she can remember. Nightmares of being judged for people who have died, of being branded by the angels. Her friends and family think she’s a crazy because of it all. Yet she carries the mark of the condemned, seared into the back of her neck, and hides it and herself away from the world.

But when two men she can’t ignore enter her life everything changes, including the nightmares. The two of them couldn’t be more different. She will do anything to be with one of them. Even tell him the truth about angels, why she never sleeps, and the scar on the back of her neck. But one of the two has set events into motion what will puller her toward her own judgment and turn her into the object of her greatest fear."

Review: **** = 4 Stars

The summary alone got me very interested in this novel. The idea of having to undergo a trial for someone elses sins or mistakes, and to be found guilty or not guilty, over and over again EVERY time you fell asleep, is such a unique spin on the whole Angel genre.

Jessica has nightmares every time she falls asleep and the process is always the same. Her hands are tied together and she is escorted down a hall to stand trial for people unknown to her. Ten angels vote against "her" crimes, 5 good and 5 bad. Being found guilty brings about a brand and wings, and falling into darkness with the bad angels, while being found guilty still isn't all that great, no brand but wings and she still falls into the darkness when other angels grab at her. Things start to get stirred up when Alex, the grandson of the couple who owns the house she watches, shows up unexpectedly.

There are many great things about this book. First, the descriptions are very well written. The author allows us to actually see what it is that Jessica experiences, and that is something that doesn't come with ease. Another thing I really loved about this book, was that the romance wasn't rushed. It came together perfectly and after the twist ending that Keary left us with, I can't wait to see how it progresses throughout Forsaken, the next installment in the Fall of Angels series.

I also don't want to exclude how much I enjoyed the other characters in this novel. Jessica's neighbor turned true friend, Sally, her hot new neighbor, and the acquaintance she gains from Yoga, all play pivotal roles in this story. Without any of them, the story would feel like its missing a big chunk out of it.

Overall, this is a great novel and story that I look forward to continuing. The next book Forsaken comes out January 11, 2011!!

Make sure you check back on November 15th for an exclusive interview with the character Alex from Branded, and a giveaway!

Sherry<3