Neverlove (Shadow Jumpers) [Kindle Edition]

I have tried reading paranormal YA before and have never been able to finish a book. This one was different. I don't know whether it was the writing or all the twists and turns in the plot, but Neverlove held my attention from beginning to end. I read it within a few days because there were so many questions to be answered...so many secrets among the characters...that I just had to find out how things would turn out. I was not disappointed. I really enjoyed this book.

Abigail's future had never looked more bleak. So when she tries to end her life, she receives one thing she never expected: a chance at a good future. At V'Salicus Academy, she trains to be a servant of Heaven to help escort souls to Judgement. She still must deal with the pain of her past, but she meets a cute boy named Basil in a coffee shop and he makes her feel good again. The secrets keep building, and when everything explodes, Abigail must decide between duty and love.

Angela Brown hooks the reader with a powerful beginning and doesn't disappoint with several shocks at the end. It's a dark and emotional tale that makes your stomach twist and your heart hammer in your chest. Abagail begins at the bottom in the darkest depths of her own nightmares and claws her way back up. She's real, lovable, and admirable. I'm an even bigger fan of Basil. Smart, compassionate, and a bit of a geek. I love he's not the bad boy we typically see in YA books.

The plot takes the reader on several twists and turns. To dark places and sweet moments. The imagery is astounding. I could picture even the most horrific things in my head like a certain throne!

I can't wait to read more in this series and to learn more about the fascinating mythos.

STORYLINE: Two young souls find themselves on the other side--one, helping lost souls make their way to the judgment seat and the other, stealing souls for the evil one. When their paths cross, they are drawn to each other, but how can their relationship survive if one is serving heaven and the other, hell?

PLAYERS:
Abigail Bishop: An abused spunky seventeen year old who gets a second chance at life and learns unique skills that help her combat the demons of hell.

Basil Hines: A wimpy young man seeking acceptance from his parents but is fighting an uphill battle. In an ironic twist, losing his life gives him the opportunity to stand on his feet and do battle for what he desires most.

I LIKED: the fact that although both Abigail and Basil can be considered weak and beaten at the start of their story, they mature into courageous young people with a will to fight and survive.

I COULD HAVE LIVED WITHOUT: the scary pictures Ms. Brown drew in her descriptions of hell and some of its occupants. Gruesome, but effective.

COVER NOTE: I didn't get a full picture of Abigail, other than the Goth get-up she uses as a shield for her pain. The cover, with its flames and broken heart, hints at what the story is about.

OVERALL COMMENTS: I don't normally read in the paranormal genre, but the few books I've read have been good ones that encourage me to read more. Abigail's situation is difficult to deal with and things do get worse before they get better. I found the pacing good and the plot twists interesting. I'll be looking out for the sequel.