The Black Angels Chronicles by Kristen Orlando

I read all three books in The Black Angels Chronicles within a few weeks' time, and wanted to write a review while they were still fresh in my head. 

The novels follow Reagan, a high school girl-next-door who is actually a shoo-in for the Black Angels, a super secret, elite black ops organization her parents are involved in. Reagan hasn't been able to have much of a childhood. She's constantly moving because of fallout from her parents' work, unable to keep close friends or get attached to any one place. Until now. Reagan finally has really good friends, including Luke, a handsome guy who really gets the real Reagan, even if not getting the big picture of who she is and where she comes from. 

I really enjoyed the first book, You Don't Know My Name. It was fast paced, surprising, and the typical YA elements (especially an overwrought romance) didn't get in the way of the reading experience. It was so good, I didn't hesitate to pick up the next two books, pushing a huge TBR aside in order to finish the series. 

Unfortunately, I didn't think the latter two books were as good as the first. They show Reagan (and Luke) having a greater involvement in the Black Angels organization. Stepping up their responsibilities (and taking them out of a high school setting) should have evolved their characters, making them more mature and, well, responsible. But instead Reagan acts recklessly, often compromising the safety of those around her just to behave like an embittered teenager. I understand that she's suffering, but I think a lifetime of training wouldn't allow her to be so careless. It just felt so out of character, and an obvious plot device used to drive the book cycle forward.

The angsty romance also ramped up, in a way that couldn't be overlooked. I have no problem with romance in YA, as long as it's done well. Here, it seemed jarringly out of place, just there to further jeopardize Reagan and Luke's lives as they second guess each other throughout the books. 

So all in all? 

You Don't Know My Name gets 

You Won't Know I'm Gone and You Won't See Me Coming gets 

Have you read these books? What did you think?