Title: A Touch Mortal
Author: Leah Clifford
First published February 22, 2011
419 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780062004994 (ISBN10: 0062004999)
Rating: 3.45
Overview
When Eden meets Az, she never expected to fall for an angel. But now, she’s trapped between life and death, cursed to spread chaos with every touch.
As an angel cast out of heaven, Az needs her help in the eternal struggle between heaven and hell. Eden could lose everything she ever had, be betrayed by those she loves most, but she won’t be a pawn in anyone else’s game.
Her heart belongs to Az, and she’ll do anything to protect him. Will their love be enough to overcome the forces of good and evil?
The beginning of the end is just the start of their journey.
About the Author
If you want to stay updated with Leah Clifford’s latest news, new chapters, and even get advanced copies of her books, then make sure to join her mailing list today! You can sign up through this link: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webfor…
Leah Clifford is a Cleveland native who has always been fascinated by the strange and macabre. Her love for all things odd is reflected in her unique shop, Petite Grotesque.
Currently, she is working on a spin-off of her popular Vial Things trilogy.
If you want to connect with Leah and stay in the loop about her upcoming projects, follow her on Twitter.
Editoral Review
In the young adult urban fantasy genre, Leah Clifford’s A Touch Mortal delivers a unique perspective on the world of angels and their human counterparts. First published in February 2011, Clifford’s debut novel introduces readers to a world of immortals devoid of compassion and empathy, and the one girl who possesses the power to change it all.
Set in New York City, the story follows the life of Eden, a seventeen-year-old girl living alone and struggling with issues of self-worth and purpose. After a near-fatal accident, Eden discovers that she has the ability to touch angels and safeguard them from harm.
However, this newfound power also attracts unwanted attention from both the angels who wish to use her for their own purposes and the demons who seek to destroy her. In this novel, Clifford incorporates themes of love, betrayal, redemption, and sacrifice, interweaving them with complex characters and their relationships.
Eden’s journey towards self-discovery, as well as her budding romance with the fallen angel Az, serves as the heart of the novel. The writing itself is worth noting, as Clifford’s prose is vivid and descriptive, carefully crafted to draw the reader into the story.
The world-building is seamless, with details of the angels’ hierarchy and the demon’s machinations woven into the plot with grace. One of the strengths of this novel is its characterization, as each of the characters has their own distinctive personality and backstory.
Aside from Eden and Az, the other characters, such as Gabe and Kristen, are well-developed and well-rounded, making them more than just plot devices to move the story forward. However, a minor flaw in the novel is its pacing, as the beginning and middle parts of the book are a bit slow, with some events dragging on.
But once the story picks up, the plot is engaging and thrilling, leaving readers eager to know what happens next. In comparison to other young adult urban fantasy novels, A Touch Mortal stands out for its unique take on angels, going beyond the traditional depiction of winged beings with halos.
Clifford’s writing style is reminiscent of Cassandra Clare’s Shadowhunter series, with its intricate world-building and emphasis on relationships. For fans of young adult urban fantasy, this novel is a must-read, showcasing an interesting perspective on the world of angels and the human condition.
The themes and messages are relevant even today, touching on issues of identity, love, and sacrifice. Overall, A Touch Mortal is a worthy debut novel, showcasing Clifford’s talent and potential as a young adult author.
Rating: 4/5 stars.