Origins of Dark Angel (Starfire Angels: Dark Angel Chronicles Book 3.5) By Melanie Nilles

**lankylil** on Sun Nov 13, 2011 8:20 pm

Origins of Dark Angel
(Starfire Angels: Dark Angel Chronicles Book 3.5)
By
Melanie Nilles

Due to be published very soon

“Before he became the Dark Angel of McClarron, North Dakota, Elis had a life on his homeworld of Inar'Ahben … or tried to. A younger brother tormented by his older sister. A Keeper hunted by the Shirukan. A best friend betrayed. And a survivor sent alone to Earth to protect a shard of the Starfire crystal. For Elis, peace was only a word.

Every story has a beginning. This is the beginning of Dark Angel …”

I have grown fond of the character of Elis, through the Starfire Angels books. This book therefore provided a great opportunity to learn more about this young man and what had happened to bring him to Earth.

The book allows Elis to explain his past to Raea, his bonded mate and heroine of the previous books in this series.

The story explains the culture and society of the Inari people. It explores the political turmoil, the hierarchy, the complexities of society and the geographical landscape of Inar'Ahben (the world that Elis came from). I found the complexity of the society created by Melanie Nilles interesting and realistic, despite the fantasy of being on a different world. I liked the way that although the Inari have a matriarchal society and The keepers definitely are the powerful ones within that society, everyone seems to work together for the common good until The Empire starts to encroach – it was an interesting twist that The keepers, the most powerful within that society, live to serve the masses and happily perform manual duties (like harvesting) in addition to more mystical works like healing. I can’t imagine our politicians deigning to serve their voters in that way! The political upheaval makes a very real and dangerous impact the family life of Elis, causing an emergency move, premature separation and ultimately, tragedy.

The character of Saffir is particularly appealing and complex. On the outside she is the most Powerful Keeper, respected by all. However, she demonstrates a vulnerable side when she questions her own actions and decisions. Her familial affections engage in both a practical, perhaps even proud way but also loving and protective. I would like to see a book about her history at some point.

We learn about the kind of family that Elis grew up in, its dynamics and relationships, with its sibling rivalry and parental roles. I enjoyed the relationship between Elis and his sister - their sibling rivalry and competitiveness.

Elis is written sympathetically and realistically. He initially struck me as a little self- absorbed and ignorant to other people’s viewpoints or emotions. I have met many teenagers like this and therefore thought that writing his character like this added a layer of realism to the story.

He seems lonely for the greater part of the book. He wants friends so desperately that he sometimes makes the wrong choices in those that he associates with, demonstrated rather well in an incident where he gives into peer group pressure, despite knowing that what they are doing is wrong.

An emotional young man like this could be perceived as weak but he has an inner strength and an innate sense of right from wrong, that eventually guides him to maturity. He learns to recognise his mistakes and learn from them. It is his sensitivity and strength that eventually draws Raea to him.

I enjoyed the way that we see Elis grow, develop and mature. We witness his sorrow, betrayal and torment being turned from personal tragedy to personal lessons in development. The storyline is skilfully written so as to prevent the story from feeling contrived as it develops. Elis clearly distrusts humans and is repulsed by the idea of living on Earth but we witness an event that convinces him that he may have a higher purpose to perform, a reason for settling here.

The book isn’t as fast paced as the previous ones in this series but I enjoyed reading more about Elis and his background. It explained a lot about the intricacies of this character. The book also provided an interesting insight to the Inari people as a whole. I enjoy reading books like this – books that accompany an existing series but expand the plot line and character backgrounds with more depth and understanding. I would like to see a similar one written about Saffir.

I would recommend this book to all “Starfire Angels” fans.

**Weave** on Sun Nov 13, 2011 11:23 pm

Fantastic review hen cheerful

I really enjoyed reading it cheerful

Origins of Dark Angel (Starfire Angels: Dark Angel Chronicles Book 3.5) By Melanie Nilles

Origins of Dark Angel (Starfire Angels: Dark Angel Chronicles Book 3.5) By Melanie Nilles

Re: Origins of Dark Angel (Starfire Angels: Dark Angel Chronicles Book 3.5) By Melanie Nilles