Actual Rating 2.5

I've had this book for a while now on my kindle, I honestly have no idea when I got it, how I got it, or if anyone gave it to me. I decided to read it though because that is the goal of #beatthebacklist. Reading this book took a lot out of me. Honestly, while I did like the main character everyone around him annoyed me. This is honestly because of the whole 'Everyone knows vital information but are going to lie and not share until the last minute but you still need to trust me' trope that most YA authors seem to be using. I know why authors use it because it's the easiest way to keep readers in the dark and have a huge twist at the end. I will admit I liked the twist, but I saw it coming a mile away which made the secrets even more annoying.

I don't mind love triangles if done right then it can really boost the story, but what happens if I like neither of the female love interests? One of them had serious mood swings, it was like riding a weird roller coaster that you can see the tracks of. Her backstory is pretty sad, and I would have sympathized with her had Marks not tried so hard to make her just the complete opposite of the other love interest, who was just so needy and bland that I honestly cannot remember her name (Jessica, Rebecca something that ended in A?).

The plot was pretty interesting despite all these flaws though. Marks did her research on Demon and Angel lore which made some parts really interesting. The beginning of the book was really interesting and if she had expanded upon Aidan's homelessness, his loneliness and his need to protect his sister without those group of paranormal investigators I may have liked the book more. This is a trilogy but I am extremely hesitant to continue. I'll have to think about it more.