Review: No Angel by Helen Keeble

No Angel
Helen Keeble
Series: None
Released: October 8, 2013
Publisher: HarperTeen
Rating: 3.5 stars
Word Rating: BAHAHAHA
Reviewed by: Mel

Rafael Angelos just got handed the greatest gift any teenage boy could ever dream of. Upon arriving at his new boarding school for senior year, he discovered that he is the ONLY male student. But what should have been a godsend isn't exactly heaven on Earth.

Raffi's about to learn that St. Mary's is actually a hub for demons-and that he was summoned to the school by someone expecting him to save the day. Raffi knows he's no angel-but it's pretty hard to deny that there's some higher plan at work when he wakes up one morning to discover a glowing circle around his head.

Helen Keeble's debut novel, Fang Girl, has been praised for its pitch-perfect teen voice, and VOYA called it "refreshing and reminiscent of Louise Rennison's Confessions of Georgia Nicolson series." No Angel brings you angels and demons like you've never seen them-complete with the wry humor of Vladimir Tod, sinfully irreverent romance, and some hilariously demonic teenage dilemmas.

Demons and angels and now magic kisses...I didn't ask for any of this.

I don't think I've read anything like No Angel before. Purposely dramatic, silly and hilarious, No Angel was filled with fun, drama, romance and of course, angels. Very parody-esque. Any more synonyms for fun?

Rafael Angelos may now just be the luckiest guy on earth. When he arrives at his new school, St. Mary's, he discovers that he is the only male student among the sea of girls. However does not know how dangerous and not-so-lucky he is. For St. Mary's is school built on a Hellgate where demons can manifest in the mortal world, and with the only person who could keep the Hellgate closed now gone, it's up to Raf and his new friends to close them. But that's not all, Rafael Angelos is an angel. How does he know this? Because there's a halo on his head one morning when he woke up. Lucky Raf.

I think what made No Angel such fun read was Helen Keeble's choice of cast. The main character, Raf, started out to be an oblivious, love struck, normal guy. His character was so arrogant and normal which is why I loved him so much. And his logic. I have now learned that when you find a halo on your head, you must wear a My Little Pony, Twilight Sparkle hat. 'Cause they are totally in fashion these days. Moreover, I appreciated that he didn't turn into some stuck up, I-must-save-the-day-get-outta-my-way attitude when he found out that he was an angel. The poor guy freaked out when he found out that he was going to sprout animal heads any second, his authentic and normal character was what made me love him so much. As for the sub-main characters like Faith and Krystal, I enjoyed them just as equally. Yet I did have a bit of difficulties in trying to separate the two, they both had similar personalities but in the end, Faith will be the intelligent, shy one and Krystal will be the thoughtful and outgoing one. Honestly, I'm starting to think I'll miss this trio.

The romance in this book was also a shining point. It was very sweet and gradual, exactly what teen is. Nonetheless I must point out that there were a few corny spots every now and again. Such as this on the second page:

His voice droned on, but I didn't hear another word. I was too busy falling in love.

*snigger* (This is a minor spoiler) Then there's also a relatively serious scene about Faith actually having a boyfriend (that she has never met before too) and she says that his name is Billy-bob. Ruined the moment heart breaking moment completely. In a good way.

Guaranteed to make you laugh, No Angel is one worth reading when you're feeling a little lazy and just want to fly through a book but still enjoying it thoroughly along the way. No Angel has the perfect amount of everything and it was all nicely balanced. Highly recommended!