Angelogy: A Novel

Although Danielle Trussoni's name did not jump out and grab me the title of her book did.  Angelogy: A Novel was downloaded onto my Kindle in moments.  Angels have attracted me, fascinated me and entertained me for as long as I can remember. 

To keep me reading and download the second book in the series required more and Trussoni did not let me down.  The main character, Evangeline, is likeable and real.  Her life growing up in a convent is a sharp contrast to the challenges she faces in adulthood.  There are some positive reviews out there comparing Angelogy with Dan Brown's recent Inferno: A Novel.  I understand the comparison.  Trussoni draws from mythology and the Bible to develop her story.  It is steeped in history at every level and the storyline is supported by action.  The classic struggle between good and evil is present as well although we understand that good and evil have a great deal in common.

The second book in the series, Angelopolis:  A Novel is out as well.  Gratefully it was downloaded and I was reading within minutes of completing Angelogy.  I needed more, I needed to keep turning those pages. 

Recently I wrote that if you only read one book this summer you should read Inferno:  A Novel.  Let me correct that.  You can't only read one book this summer.  You must read both Inferno and Angelogy.  I will leave the reading order up to you.

Inferno: A Novel by Dan Brown

At long last, another Dan Brown book!  I just can't get enough of Brown's intense and thrilling storytelling.  I'm not alone, a friend was on vacation in Hawaii and we shared many texts before we had both completed the book. 

Another plus for me is that the main historic character in this book is Dante Alighieri, as you have probably guessed from the title.  The writings of Dante, places where he lived and was buried, and places linked to him all feature in this amazing mystery.  Throw in travel in Europe, people who are not what them seem, a powerful private company, and the World Health Organization and the mystery becomes even more difficult to solve.

Although I have read all his work Inferno is easily my favorite Dan Brown yet.  My friend, Cat, and I discussed adding Inferno to our Book Club list as there is so much to discuss.  Those of you in discussion groups have probably had experiences where you loved a book but the discussion was rather flat.  This won't happen if you read Inferno with a group.  At the end a very interesting question is posed, one that is open ended and offers several reasonable answers. 

If I was ask to choose one book that I have read in 2013 for everyone I know to read it would be Inferno.  That is saying a lot because I've read some really great books this year, often feeling I didn't have enough reading hours in my days even though I listen to books while I drive.