During the process of compiling my list of books to read for 2014 I found "Of Love and Evil" part two of the "Songs of the Seraphim" series by Anne Rice. While it didn't make the list I recalled the sheer joy I get from reading her work so decided yesterday morning to sneak it in and I'm glad I did. While its considered a novel its more of a novella as it picks up right after the adventures in "Angel Time" and the majority of the book takes place in one house and one evening. The book is closely connected to the first part which makes you feel as if you have been dropped into the middle of a movie. If you like Anne Rices books check this series out, its a quick read and contains a tight focus without giving up her ability to captivate the imagination and paint a literary tapestry of religious imagery. This is the second and I think the last book in the Songs of the Seraphim's series by Anne Rice. The story continues from "Angel Time" (review) with Toby O'Dare working on his second mission as an angel helper for Malchiah. As in the last book Toby is sent into the past but instead of the 13th Century he travels to the 15th Century. This journey for Toby was much more interesting as a mission than the last book. This mission for him was much clearer for me and answered the question "Why Toby?" This book gives more insight into why Toby was picked and how his special, former talent as an assassin came into play. The first book really did not make this clear to me at all. It just seemed like his was the lucky winner whereas this book lets Toby use his skills to help him complete the mission given to him. That makes so much more sense to me and I found myself liking this book better. But the storyline was tied up so easy and quick that I thought it was a short story versus the last book. I didn't like how the mission was so easily resolved in this one unlike the other book.I did like that a good part of this book dealt with Toby's life now, in the present and showed Toby as a real person with feelings. There was so much more to this book than the first. I think the first book was all build up to this book. Honestly, the first book/mission should have been this one.The narrator for this book Paul Michael was the same as the first book. I think he did a wonderful job again and like I said before..."He is Toby O'Dare" I can not think of a better narrator. And by the way he reads the other characters with a great accent. Love it!The reason I gave this one only three stars is the ending. It completely set up the reader for a third book. There is sooo much just hanging in the air. I am not sure but there is nothing coming next. As of now there is not. The first book had a better ending than this one.One star taken away for the quick mission and one for the ending. You know endings are a big deal to me.
I did not liked Anne Rice's style at all I don't think I will try to read any more books from her.
—yjossy
I enjoyed this book very much. The ending left me hanging though-hope there is a follow-up.
—bxbree
Pathetic. I used to enjoy reading Anne Rice's work. I don't think I'll bother again.
—Angus
Better than the first in the series, not blown away.
—jojo
Got this one signed by Anne:-)
—dmstar86
