KindleObsessed » Angels

Dear Michael, I’ll Love You.

Misty — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 01:38:36 +0000

When I was a teenager I was fascinated by angels. Not the puffy-winged-halo-sporting type, more the Archangel-wrath-of-God type. The fact that there was a whole army of sword wielding higher beings blew my mind. The more I read, the more I needed to read, and before I knew it I was knee deep in biblical reference material and spouting angelic tales to any poor soul that would listen. Now… like every other one of my unique (and sometimes warped fascinations) my futile need for warrior-angel information wained and I moved on, (If I remember correctly Al Capone was next on the list) but one thing is forever certain; once a junkie always a junkie. That being said, I will ask you now to imagine my excitement when I read the blurb for Daniel Arenson’s new novel “Flaming Dove” and discovered it is basically the literary version of “Avenging Angel Crack.”

Life on Earth hasn’t been the same since Armageddon. A battle that was supposed to bring peace and happiness instead brought confusion, desolation, and for Laila a whole lot of anger. Being the daughter of an Angel, and the rape victim spawn of a Lucifer Laila, (more than anyone,) finds herself at a loss. Not wanting to take sides in the inevitable battle for Earth’s holy possession she roams the woods like the outcast she has unknowingly made herself. But sometimes hiding is not enough. As the armies of Heaven and Hell search for their pawn, Laila finally realizes something… until she can accept her demon/angel ways, she will never be able to accept her fate in the history of the world.

Having read (and reviewed) Arenson’s work before I was almost certain I would enjoy it. I am no stranger to fantasy (duh) and Arenson (more than most) has a genuinely unique way of storytelling, but even with the expected rapture, the quick reading, and unwillingness to put my Kindle down what I didn’t expect was to: gasp, sigh, grit my teeth, cuss my Kindle and cry.

This was not just a story about an emotionally lost half-breed girl. It’s was more than epic battles and avenging angels. It was the discovery of ones self, the inner battle between good and evil. It was about accepting our fates, understanding our future, and blazing our own paths to happiness… regardless of our ancestry. This was a story about choosing your own way of life.

Now… I’m sure your next question is “Misty, how in the hell can you wrap all of that up in 294 pages?” and to that I say “It’s simple.” Perfectly executed inner dialogue. Off the charts characterization, and battles so intense that even the smallest of deaths left a dent in the reader’s armor. If there were flaws I failed to notice. If there were holes, I must have taken a different path, because to me… “Flaming Dove” is what a fantasy novel should strive to be.

Happy reading my fellow Kindle-ites and remember: Michael may be made of stone, but in the end… everything can be broken.

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***** (5/5)

She’s So HOT!!

Misty — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 00:04:30 +0000

More often than not I am drawn into a book by its cover. Yes, I know this is a horrible habit…with the whole “Don’t judge a book by it’s cover” mantra people have been spouting for years, but lets be honest, it’s bound to happen. (Which…by the way… is why I think publishers have been paying very close attention to the “1st Impression” readers are presented with on the shelf.) Sometimes this theory works for me, and sometimes it doesn’t. I was pleased that “Fallen” was one of the “positive” outcomes.

Luce is a troubled girl, everything around her is either confusing or overwhelming, which is why she is psychiatricy sentenced to the “Sword and Cross” reform school. (Think lock-down for teenage deviants complete with lots of cameras and an overwhelming amount of stale gray paint.) After being thrust into the “not so loving” hands of her new keepers she finds a few new friends; 1 quirky girl with a rebellious streak, and 1 recently orphaned kleptomaniac with keys to the entire building.

After day one, which includes a horrifying meatloaf in hair cafeteria scene, she finds herself drawn to the mysterious Daniel who looks familiar but she can’t figure out why, but while Daniel is busy flipping her off and making if very clear he’s not interested in her psycho stalker ways, Cam is waiting in the wings…the nice guy, the guy who sneaks her vegetarian approved food and plans weirdly romantic picnics in the cemetery.

Are these cryptic guys really what they seem? One seems so good, while the other seems so evil…

Just when Luce thinks she has things figured out she realizes she is completely wrong…and the chase starts.

There are girls with annoying southern accents, a creepy serpent necklace, a UFC worthy fight in the rain, an avenging angel statue that loses her head, a girl that sees and feels ghost, an epic fire scene, and the sweetest/saddest beach scene I’ve read in a while.

“Lauren Kate’s” writing is perfectly executed, maximizing those lovely angst moments, and keeping us guessing until the end. The plot jumps a couple of times, but nothing that is too distracting, and the ending?…well, that did nothing but make me angry. (Only because the next book in the series in not scheduled to be released until Sept. 2010.)

I genuinely enjoyed this book, and not because I am obsessed with the paranormal, more because it had an original plot and was a fantastic start to the series.

Happy reading my fellow Inmates and remember: Don’t question the weird girl with the pocket knife…if she says cut her hair, just cut it.

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****~ (4/5)

Book Trailer

When Little Old Ladies Go Bad

Misty — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 22:14:40 +0000

Thought I would share a trailer with all of you. I am very excited to see this movie, Yes, I am warped… I have come to grips with this but you have to admit… this movie looks FANTASTIC! Enjoy!!