On a Dark Wing by Jordan Dane - Book Review

Title ~ On a Dark Wing
Series ~ Single Title
Author ~ Jordan Dane
Release Date ~ December 27, 2011
Publisher ~ Harlequin Teen
Source ~ Harlequin Teen

GOODREADS SUMMARY

"The choices I had made led to the moment when fate took over. I would learn a lesson I wasn’t prepared for. And Death would be my willing teacher."

Five years ago Abbey Chandler cheated Death. She survived a horrific car accident, but her lucky break came at the expense of her mother’s life and changed everything. After she crossed paths with Death—by taking the hand of an ethereal boy made of clouds and sky—she would never be normal again.

Now she’s the target of Death’s Ravens and an innocent boy’s life is on the line. When Nate Holden—Abbey’s secret crush—starts to climb Alaska’s Denali, the Angel of Death is with him because of her.

Abbey finds out the hard way that Death never forgets.

REVIEW

Death is everywhere. It can be seen in the ravens in the sky. It can be felt as it shadows those it desires. Death is never far away. And it teaches lessons to those willing to listen.

Death took Abbey’s mother in a serious car crash five years ago. Abbey was in the car too, but she survived. But why? How? Facing a major case of survivor’s guilt, Abbey becomes painfully withdrawn, the object of much teasing and bullying. She also lashes out at her own father, who works as a mortician. Girlfriend is a mess. Her only friend is Tanner, who has sustained serious injuries from an accident he was involved in. There is a sort of kinship between these two. Their close encounters with Death have left them both suffering unimaginable pain.

Jordan Dane has such a wonderful way of bringing Death’s feelings to the surface where they at first smolder and then burn brightly. Death yearns to feel emotions and, in a way, to be alive. To make this happen, Death has its eyes set on Abbey, who it grew attached to five years ago. Creepy! So Death finds a way to get to Abbey and it involves her crush, Nate, who is busy climbing Alaska’s Denali. It is Death’s selfishness that puts both Abbey and Nate in danger.

Abbey’s crush on Nate is off the hook. He is all she can think and talk about. It was maddening at times, because there is so much more to live for than the cute boy. Nate, on the other hand, had his own obsession with mountain climbing. Maybe this setup where they each have their sights set on different goals, is why Death’s plan works so well. Death weaves its way into their lives and brings them together.

With Death front and center in her life, Abbey must face her fears and insecurities. She cannot hide from her past any longer and she must make big decisions. Abbey must face Death head on. She cannot hide any longer. I loved that Death had the power to help bring Abbey back to life. That is, if Abbey was open to Death’s advances.

On a Dark Wing starts out slowly and builds to a dramatic conclusion. Including a majestic mountain setting, this fabulous story teaches lessons about life and death and letting go.