Name: Toward a Secret Sky
ISBN: 9780310754749

Heather Maclean

Toward a Secret Sky by New York Times bestselling author Heather Maclean is a fast-paced thriller that mixes reality with possibility, blending an epic romance with a breathless flight through the highlands of Scotland, the secret city under London, and history itself.

Toward a Secret Sky

Sheila Goicea

Release date 04/04/2017.

I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.


  We are at war. Anyone who tells you differently is lying.


We follow the story of Maren, a seventeen-year-old girl, whom recently lost her mother to a mysterious death. Having no immediate family left, she moves to Scotland, and lives with her estranged grandparents. From the beginning, we know that something otherworldly is at work. Strange dreams of premonitions assault Maren, and to her horror, come true. 

Just when she thinks things can't get stranger, she happens upon a gorgeous man in the woods, (view spoiler)[who turns out to be an angel. (hide spoiler)] The enduring stranger pulls Maren out of the foreboding shadow of her mother's death, and reinvigorates her curiosity. However, the undeniable and budding chemistry between them is forbidden. 

As events ensue, death and chaos, wrought by the hands of demons, descends upon the small Scottish town. With the protective Gavin watching over her, Maven discovers mysteries about her parents' pasts, and unravels secrets of her own, in the battle between good and evil. 

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I shouldn't say I was quite surprised with liking this book, because it interested me from the get-go. I will say that I was pleasantly surprised with how well it was written, and how enjoyable it was. I do feel it could have been a 500+ pager, as there were areas that were skimmed over, rather than discussed in detail. For many people, the information given may satiate their appetite for detail. I, however, am a detail hog, and felt that those bothersome areas should have been explored further. I could thoroughly dissect these areas, but will refrain to keep the spoilers at a minimum. 

The overall pace of the read was steady. At times, I felt it to be rushed and choppy. There were several scenes which could have transitioned into the next more coherently. By no means am I saying the writing was bad, it is just a product of the fact that more was needed to make those transitions happen more smoothly.

Character Breakdown: 

Maren: Along with her insta-love for Gavin, I had some issues with her character. She was relatively consistent when considering her emotions, and I felt for her at times. But her role changes drastically, and somewhat unrealistically at times. This is one of those areas where I believe the author could have gone into (much) more detail, in explaining more about her backstory, and how certain traits came to be. But, we must make due with what we are given. Almost immediately, we know there is something special about her because of the prophetic dreams she experiences. Then, the fact that she meets, and mutually falls in love with her guardian angel only increases her odds. However cliche the "unique" and "special" heroine is in today's young adult fantasy genre, it is a necessary attribute to when considering what is needed for Maren to overcome. 

Gavin: A drop-dead gorgeous angel warrior? I tend to think of angels (especially warriors) as, well...terrifying? Call me a traditionalist. Anyways, I don't have much to say about him. He's kind, thoughtful, and predicatively protective. Out of his love for Maven, he pushes boundaries and risks everything for her safety: everything a guardian angel should do, and more. 

Graham: I didn't foresee his role once he came on the scene--that's all I will say. I believe I enjoyed his character most, and the lesson that accompanied him: (view spoiler)[true nature cannot be disguised by propriety. Yes, he is a bona fide creeper, (and every other synonym close to the term appropriate to describe a rapist--which is basically what he is.) However, his face-value deception completely embodied everything that a demon is; cunning, ruthless, merciless, selfish...the list goes on. It is because of his subtle cunning that made his character work so well. (hide spoiler)]

*One recommendation, don't get too attached to characters. 

The ending is left open, setting the scene for a definite sequel. I'm looking forward to the next installment, to know how the tale ensues between Maren and Gavin. 

(Unrelated and personal side note: I really wish something other than Maman had been featured as a significant symbol. I have a hard enough time just seeing spiders. I don't need them in my books, too.) 



Vulgarity: none (YAY!)
Sexual content: some - We are discussing virginity-stealing demons here.
Drugs: Date rape drug is used for obvious intentions, but nothing more than that.

3.5 stars.

This review can also be viewed on my blog: She's Going Book Crazy

Toward a Secret Sky

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