Highborn by Yvonne Navarro
Review by Barbara S. (barbsis)
Not at all what I expected. The story had a kind of “pay it forward” feel.
Highborn fallen angel Astarte was a very successful demon for many years, finally escaped Hell and in an effort to be reinstated in Heaven, is trying to turn over a new leaf. As a human Astarte has taken a human sounding name, Brynna Malak but she has no ID, no home, no friends and no money. She did retain her angel “psychic” ability as well as her demon strength and other demon capabilities which she must keep under wraps so that Lucifer and his minions don’t find and kill her.
Almost immediately Brynna comes to the attention of Chicago PD detective Eran Redmong and though he is suspicious of her (no ID, no residence etc), he’s also fascinated by her. Brynna is a “tough girl” and survives by stopping petty criminals thereby earning the loyalty of those she saves. (Hence the earlier pay it forward comment.) She isn’t out looking for trouble but no matter where she is or what she does, it finds her. Brynna thinks this is divine will or fate so she just follows her angelic instincts. This is sort of a rambling “day in the life” tale with Brynna stumbling through with the occasional help of Eran.
Chicago has a serial killer targeting nephilim (of course, the police don’t know this tidbit) on the loose with seemingly no connection between the victims. Eran is hoping that Brynna can help him and though she is aware of the baddie, for her own reasons, she isn’t giving the cops that information. Once the various demons enter the picture it gets harder for Brynna to keep relevant details from Eran. The fun part is trying to convince him that she is telling the truth.
I liked this series starter though it’s slow start took real effort to get through. Brynna is an intriguing character and it will be interesting to see how her “human” growth progresses and if her efforts are enough to appease an angry God. And I wonder if after experiencing a human existence and having a lover, Astarte will actually want her just reward or if she will decide to remain in this new life.
***********************************************************************
