Eternal - Cynthia Leitich Smith

Eternal
Cynthia Leitich Smith
Candlewick
ISBN 9780763647735

This was the first book I read by Cynthia Leitich Smith. I was amazed by the story, the characters and the world creation. This book was so good that I bought and read Tantalize immediately upon finishing this story. Set in the same world as Tantalize but with a new set of characters, this story is fast-paced, riveting and extremely addictive. It is a story of love, but a love that can never be. It is the story about falling and possibly about redemption.

The story is told in alternating chapters from the perspectives of Zachary a guardian angel and Miranda his 17 year-old charge. But maybe Zachary loves Miranda too much; in an attempt to save her life he reveals himself in full radiance. Miranda is kidnapped by a vampire and is being trained to be Vampire Royalty, a Princess. Zachary is stripped of most of his powers and spirals down until a former colleague appears and tells him he has a new mission and gives him a start and an address. When Zachary gets there it is Miranda's new home and he becomes her personal assistant. He tries to assert his influence and save her soul.

Can an angel who is out of grace redeem himself and more importantly complete his initial mission guarding the soul of Miranda? As the story goes back and forth between their two views, we see both sides of this story. Yet both of them will need to learn who they really are at the core of their being and through that what sacrifices they must be willing to make to live up to who the are.

This story was incredibly addictive. I did not want to put it down. It was hard to go back to work from breaks reading it. Cynthia Leitich Smith has done an amazing job creating a world, and populating it with characters you cheer for, root for and a few who you hope get what is coming to them. She wrote a previous book in this world called Tantalize and has a third book coming out in 2011 called Blessed.

Books by Cynthia Leitich Smith:
Young Adult Books:

Tantalize
Eternal
Blessed
Cat Calls - Short Story
Tantalize Kierens Story - Graphic Novel
Haunted Love - Short Story
Diabolical

Books for Kids:

Holler Loudly
Santa Knows
Indian Shoes
Rain Is Not My Indian name
Jingle Dancer

Author Profile Interview with Cynthia Leitch Smith