betag1013's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Cursing, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Violence, Addiction, Domestic abuse, Drug use, Sexual harassment, Toxic relationship, Kidnapping, Rape, Child death, Confinement, Drug abuse, Fire/Fire injury, Child abuse, Death, Emotional abuse, Grief, Gun violence, Injury/Injury detail, Sexual assault, Misogyny, Murder, and Torture
eclectictales's review against another edition
3.0
I won a copy of this novel from the LibraryThing Early Reviewers Programme.
Angel Baby follows a number of characters interconnected through a series of events precipitated by the main character, Luz. Despite of this colourful cast of characters and their different motivations, they lack considerable depth, especially as the pursuit tightens.
The story also lulled at times. The prose can be interesting at times but also unhelpful when the story hit a rather dull spot. Angel Baby was interesting enough but it could have been more engaging and the characters more well-developed.
My complete review of the title was originally posted at caffeinatedlife.net: http://www.caffeinatedlife.net/blog/2013/06/29/review-angel-baby/
Angel Baby follows a number of characters interconnected through a series of events precipitated by the main character, Luz. Despite of this colourful cast of characters and their different motivations, they lack considerable depth, especially as the pursuit tightens.
The story also lulled at times. The prose can be interesting at times but also unhelpful when the story hit a rather dull spot. Angel Baby was interesting enough but it could have been more engaging and the characters more well-developed.
My complete review of the title was originally posted at caffeinatedlife.net: http://www.caffeinatedlife.net/blog/2013/06/29/review-angel-baby/
maedo's review
4.0
I was initially drawn to this book because of the cover -- woman with gun, noirish Western, right in my wheelhouse. I finished reading it tonight being pleasantly surprised by how good it was. I carried this book to the kitchen, to the bathroom, in my purse to a dinner date with friends in the vain hope that I could cram 15 minutes of reading in if I was the first person to arrive at the restaurant. (I was not.)
The whole book is a pursuit. Nearly every character is out for him or herself, which creates mortal problems for other characters and claustrophobic "how's she gonna solve THIS one" situations. Richard Lange navigates his characters through these turns with a smooth plausibility and obvious heart for his heroine and succession of antiheroes. If you've ever wanted to read something like No Country for Old Men but stripped of McCarthyisms, or Tarantino stripped of a couple thousand "fucks" and random monologues, might I suggest Angel Baby?
The whole book is a pursuit. Nearly every character is out for him or herself, which creates mortal problems for other characters and claustrophobic "how's she gonna solve THIS one" situations. Richard Lange navigates his characters through these turns with a smooth plausibility and obvious heart for his heroine and succession of antiheroes. If you've ever wanted to read something like No Country for Old Men but stripped of McCarthyisms, or Tarantino stripped of a couple thousand "fucks" and random monologues, might I suggest Angel Baby?
booksuperpower's review against another edition
3.0
Angel Baby is a Mulhollard/Little Brown and Company publication. This book was released in May 2013.
First of all I would like to thank the publisher and Library Thing for this TSPB edition from the early review program.
Luz is living a nightmare with her abusive husband. She needs to leave him and get back to her young daughter, Isabel. She must cross the border into the United States and find her aunt that has been keeping Isobel for her. But, first she has to get away from her husband. Luz will do anything to get free and will have to. Once she gets away, she needs help. She is introduced to a man that sets her up with Malone, a man that makes his living smuggling people into the US. While Luz is not happy with the set up it's the best option she has.
Meanwhile, Luz's husband discovers she is gone and sets up a plan to get her back. This plan involves a man named Jeronimo. Jeronimo is just trying to do his time and get back to his family. When El Principe springs him, he makes the man an offer he can't refuse- bring back his wife or else he will kill Jeronimo's wife and kids.
Throw in a crooked border patrol agent that gets wind of Luz trying to cross the border carrying a large sum of money .
Now the chase is on. Will Luz find her daughter and get a chance at a fresh start? Or will her violent husband succeed in tracking her down?
This was a very imaginative story line. The deeper message was all about what people will do for the people they love. Will good triumph over evil? Overall a satisfying read. Part thriller, part crime drama. Overall I would give this one a B-.
First of all I would like to thank the publisher and Library Thing for this TSPB edition from the early review program.
Luz is living a nightmare with her abusive husband. She needs to leave him and get back to her young daughter, Isabel. She must cross the border into the United States and find her aunt that has been keeping Isobel for her. But, first she has to get away from her husband. Luz will do anything to get free and will have to. Once she gets away, she needs help. She is introduced to a man that sets her up with Malone, a man that makes his living smuggling people into the US. While Luz is not happy with the set up it's the best option she has.
Meanwhile, Luz's husband discovers she is gone and sets up a plan to get her back. This plan involves a man named Jeronimo. Jeronimo is just trying to do his time and get back to his family. When El Principe springs him, he makes the man an offer he can't refuse- bring back his wife or else he will kill Jeronimo's wife and kids.
Throw in a crooked border patrol agent that gets wind of Luz trying to cross the border carrying a large sum of money .
Now the chase is on. Will Luz find her daughter and get a chance at a fresh start? Or will her violent husband succeed in tracking her down?
This was a very imaginative story line. The deeper message was all about what people will do for the people they love. Will good triumph over evil? Overall a satisfying read. Part thriller, part crime drama. Overall I would give this one a B-.
zachkuhn's review
4.0
Someone dies in this novel. Not really a spoiler. But the scene in which he/she drifts into death is one of the best I've ever read.
A crime-thriller, I guess, but I liked it a lot more than I usually like such books. I can see why hardcore mystery people don't like it. It's more of a literary thriller than a crime novel. Whatever. It's good.
A crime-thriller, I guess, but I liked it a lot more than I usually like such books. I can see why hardcore mystery people don't like it. It's more of a literary thriller than a crime novel. Whatever. It's good.
leticiamendez's review
4.0
I really enjoyed this book. I won this book in a giveaway and I'm grateful that I got to read it. I liked how this book brought attention to the realistic aspects of the novel. It showed the hardship and struggle each character had to face. Throughout the novel, you begin having sympathy for both sides of the conflict. The ending was wonderful in the sense that I didn't really expect it. This was an amazing book and I would definitely recommend it to a friend.