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Riley Bloom #4
Whisper
This time, Riley might really have bitten off more than she’s ready for. After practically begging the Council for a more challenging Soul Catch, she is assigned an actual Roman gladiator—Theocoles, the Pillar of Doom. How is Riley, a skinny twelve-year-old, supposed to get through to him? Then she meets the beautiful Messalina, who convinces her that her only chance is to become part of this world. To accomplish this, Messalina helps Riley through a dramatic, mystical makeover, transforming her into the beautiful and mature teen she’s always wanted to be. Finally, Riley can experience her first boyfriend and her first kiss. With a dream this enchanting, will she ever want to leave?
240 pages, Paperback
First published May 21, 2012
56 people are currently reading
6443 people want to read
About the author
Alyson Noel
81 books15.8k followers*Note to readers: I'm slowly adding to the long list of books I've read, books I'm reading, and books I want to read. I only add books I loved, hence all my ratings are 5 stars.
Alyson Noël is the #1 NYT best-selling author of many award-winning and critically acclaimed novels for readers of all ages.
With 9 NYT bestsellers and millions of copies in print, her books have been translated into 36 languages, and have topped the NYT, USA Today, LA Times, Publisher’s Weekly, Wall Street Journal, NCIBA, and Walmart Bestsellers lists, as well as several international bestsellers lists.
She is best known for THE IMMORTALS series, THE RILEY BLOOM series, and SAVING ZOË, which was adapted into a movie now available on Amazon.
Upcoming works include:
RULING DESTINY- book 2, in the STEALING INFINITY series
STEALING INFINITY- Optioned for TV by Valhalla Entertainment - available now!
FIELD GUIDE TO THE SUPERNATURAL UNIVERSE - Optioned for TV by producers Charles Matthau and Michael Zoumas with Andrew Orenstein and Matt Hastings attached as show runners
Born and raised in Orange County, California, she’s lived in both Mykonos and Manhattan and is now settled in Southern California. Learn more at www.alysonnoel.com.
Instagram:
http://instagram.com/alyson_noel
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/AlysonNoel/
Facebook:
Official me: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Alyson...
Pinterest:
http://www.pinterest.com/alysonnoel/
Alyson Noël is the #1 NYT best-selling author of many award-winning and critically acclaimed novels for readers of all ages.
With 9 NYT bestsellers and millions of copies in print, her books have been translated into 36 languages, and have topped the NYT, USA Today, LA Times, Publisher’s Weekly, Wall Street Journal, NCIBA, and Walmart Bestsellers lists, as well as several international bestsellers lists.
She is best known for THE IMMORTALS series, THE RILEY BLOOM series, and SAVING ZOË, which was adapted into a movie now available on Amazon.
Upcoming works include:
RULING DESTINY- book 2, in the STEALING INFINITY series
STEALING INFINITY- Optioned for TV by Valhalla Entertainment - available now!
FIELD GUIDE TO THE SUPERNATURAL UNIVERSE - Optioned for TV by producers Charles Matthau and Michael Zoumas with Andrew Orenstein and Matt Hastings attached as show runners
Born and raised in Orange County, California, she’s lived in both Mykonos and Manhattan and is now settled in Southern California. Learn more at www.alysonnoel.com.
Instagram:
http://instagram.com/alyson_noel
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/AlysonNoel/
Facebook:
Official me: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Alyson...
Pinterest:
http://www.pinterest.com/alysonnoel/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 206 reviews
July 19, 2016
Απλοϊκό και χαρούμενο όσο και τα υπόλοιπα της σειράς. Η σειρά νομίζω ότι είναι κατάλληλα για παιδιά… ούτε καν για εφήβους, αν και δεν με χάλασε που την διάβασα. Πέρασε ευχάριστα η ώρα μου.
June 25, 2018
Δεν ξέρω τι να πω... ευτυχώς που τελείωσε; Το τέλος του βιβλίου βελτίωσε λίγο την κατάσταση αλλά και πάλι, νομίζω πως θα ξεκινήσω τώρα το Ντέμιαν να διαβάσω κάτι σοβαρό να ισιώσω.
Φλύαρο, συνέχεια επαναλήψεις. 3 παραγράφους για να πει μια πρόταση χρησιμοποιώντας συνώνυμα των συνωνύμων, ως συνώνυμα! πφφφ με κούρασε απίστευτα πολύ αν και τόσο μικρούλι. Και ειλικρινά δεν βρίσκω κάτι ουσιαστικό ως "μάθημα" για να το διάβαζε και κάποια μικρότερη κοπέλα στα 12 ας πούμε και να το ευχαριστιόταν. Υπάρχουν σίγουρα πολύ καλύτερα που δεν σε ψυχοπλακώνουν χωρίς λόγο κιόλας! Ευτυχώς προσπερνούσα προτάσεις και δεν έχασα εντελώς τον χρόνο μου. Αν και ωραίο σαν ιδέα, η όλη σειρά δε μου άρεσε καθόλου τελικά. Τα έγραψα και λίγο ξέδωσα!
Φλύαρο, συνέχεια επαναλήψεις. 3 παραγράφους για να πει μια πρόταση χρησιμοποιώντας συνώνυμα των συνωνύμων, ως συνώνυμα! πφφφ με κούρασε απίστευτα πολύ αν και τόσο μικρούλι. Και ειλικρινά δεν βρίσκω κάτι ουσιαστικό ως "μάθημα" για να το διάβαζε και κάποια μικρότερη κοπέλα στα 12 ας πούμε και να το ευχαριστιόταν. Υπάρχουν σίγουρα πολύ καλύτερα που δεν σε ψυχοπλακώνουν χωρίς λόγο κιόλας! Ευτυχώς προσπερνούσα προτάσεις και δεν έχασα εντελώς τον χρόνο μου. Αν και ωραίο σαν ιδέα, η όλη σειρά δε μου άρεσε καθόλου τελικά. Τα έγραψα και λίγο ξέδωσα!
May 15, 2017
Ja, ich bin nicht unfroh ist die Trilogie ehm Tetralogie nun zu Ende. Leider hat die Hauptcharakterin sicht nicht gross verändert, auch wenn sie nun endlich . Von den bisherigen Seelenfängergeschichten war diese aber eindeutig der ausgewogenste und gelungenste Fall.
July 26, 2014
This is the first book I read on my new Nook.
The Riley Bloom series is one of my favorites out there, because it's such a good escape. Riley is spunky and totally out-there, and it makes for a really fun reading experience. Whisper is the fourth in the series about Riley Bloom, a twelve-year-old girl who is constantly burdened by the not-quite-reaching of her teens. In Whisper, Riley is given a difficult Soul Catch: a Roman warrior named Theocoles. During her trip to try to cross Theocoles over, she's introduced to Messalina, a girl just like her, the only girl in the entire place. Riley and Messalina become instant friends, and Messalina decides to give Riley the ultimate makeover.
Whisper deals with some concepts such as growing up, finding love, and staying true to your heart. Alyson does this really cool Author Trick where she very subtly puts warm messages into her books, but you don't realize it until after you're done. It makes the reading experience very touching, because you're not bombarded with messages that are delivered like frying pans to the face.
Alyson has always been one of my favorite authors. Whisper is one of my favorite of her books, just because she writes Riley so well -- like she actually was a perpetually twelve-year-old girl once! -- and I can't wait for the next installment in Riley's series.
The Riley Bloom series is one of my favorites out there, because it's such a good escape. Riley is spunky and totally out-there, and it makes for a really fun reading experience. Whisper is the fourth in the series about Riley Bloom, a twelve-year-old girl who is constantly burdened by the not-quite-reaching of her teens. In Whisper, Riley is given a difficult Soul Catch: a Roman warrior named Theocoles. During her trip to try to cross Theocoles over, she's introduced to Messalina, a girl just like her, the only girl in the entire place. Riley and Messalina become instant friends, and Messalina decides to give Riley the ultimate makeover.
Whisper deals with some concepts such as growing up, finding love, and staying true to your heart. Alyson does this really cool Author Trick where she very subtly puts warm messages into her books, but you don't realize it until after you're done. It makes the reading experience very touching, because you're not bombarded with messages that are delivered like frying pans to the face.
Alyson has always been one of my favorite authors. Whisper is one of my favorite of her books, just because she writes Riley so well -- like she actually was a perpetually twelve-year-old girl once! -- and I can't wait for the next installment in Riley's series.
January 1, 2016
This series covers are gorgeous.
This series a really good series for children. I mean the girl, Riley is likable and she gets such interesting stories and adventures in the world of the dead. She is independent and very opinionated in a way that is appealing from a girl her age.
In Whisper, Riley travels back in time to the Roman Empire to help a fighter un-stuck and move on to the light, so to speak. There she meets Theocolse's love, Messalina and the two struck a friendship cord. But there is more to this Messalina than meets the eye especially when she drugs Riley and tries mess with her head and gives her a new name to keep her there for ever.
The only thing I don't like was how it ended. I mean there were so many hints
Overall, this series is a light-read with good characters. I highly recommend it.
This series a really good series for children. I mean the girl, Riley is likable and she gets such interesting stories and adventures in the world of the dead. She is independent and very opinionated in a way that is appealing from a girl her age.
In Whisper, Riley travels back in time to the Roman Empire to help a fighter un-stuck and move on to the light, so to speak. There she meets Theocolse's love, Messalina and the two struck a friendship cord. But there is more to this Messalina than meets the eye especially when she drugs Riley and tries mess with her head and gives her a new name to keep her there for ever.
The only thing I don't like was how it ended. I mean there were so many hints
Overall, this series is a light-read with good characters. I highly recommend it.
July 27, 2020
Riley wants to be thirteen but in order to do that she must complete the hardest task! This book was really good and it was a good ending for the last book of the series.
November 1, 2021
Último livro da série que deixou algumas pontinhas soltas sem resposta e sem ligação! Série que não me cativou muito por ser de uma forma geral mais direccionada a um público mais infanto-juvenil!
June 8, 2022
A great end to a 4 book series!
July 4, 2012
Une fois n’est pas coutume, la couverture de ce quatrième tome est absolument magnifique et j’apprécie énormément le travail que fait Michel Lafon pour nous livrer à chaque roman d’aussi belles couvertures. Après le dénouement du troisième tome, j’avais très hâte de retrouver Riley et Bodhi pour savoir comme ils allaient évoluer tout les deux et surtout pour voir si Riley allait tenir ses promesses!
Nous retrouvons donc Riley, Caramel et Bodhi à Rome et plus précisément au Colisée. Forte de ses expériences passées, elle va devoir apprendre à s’assumer et à travailler seule sans son guide. Sa mission est d’apaiser Théocoles, le fantôme d’un gladiateur romain qui hante le Colisée et que personne n’a jamais réussi à déloger. A l’intérieur, elle va faire de nouvelles rencontre et va devoir apprendre à se méfier des apparences mais aussi de ses désirs et de ses fréquentations.
J’ai été très heureuse de retrouver Riley dans ce nouveau tome qui, dès les premières pages, donne le ton de l’histoire. Je l’ai trouvé beaucoup plus mature et, même si elle a encore des complexes sur son physique, beaucoup plus sûre d’elle et moins égoïste. Ce tome est une véritable révélation autant pour elle que pour le lecteur puisqu’on voit vraiment de manière très nette son évolution depuis le début et son changement radical au cours de ce tome. Je me suis vraiment prise d’affection pour cette nouvelle Riley pleine de courage, de détermination et de compassion. Au lieu de se lamenter et de se préoccuper uniquement de sa petite personne, elle va enfin faire attention aux autres et prendre conscience de ce qui l’entoure et des personnes qui l’aiment.
Bodhi quant à lui est beaucoup plus discret das ce tome mais ses courtes apparitions et une de ses parole en particulier m’a beaucoup intrigué! J’ai hâte de lire la suite de la saga pour en savoir plus! Le personnage de Théocoles m’a beaucoup touché puisque derrière une carrure des plus imposante, c’est quelqu’un de très doux, tendre et attentionné mais surtout, rempli d’amour. Son histoire est juste magnifique et passionnante. Autre personnage, Messalina, que j’ai d’abord détesté puis au fil des pages, j’ai éprouvé de la pitié et de la compassion pour elle. Je me suis rendue compte qu’elle avait des circonstances atténuantes et de vraies bonnes raison d’agir comme elle l’a fait. Au final, je l’ai beaucoup apprécié! Dacian, quand à lui, est un personnage des plus séduisant que j’ai trouvé sincère et authentique malgré ce qu’on aurait pu en penser.
La narratrice est Riley, comme toujours et c’est un plaisir d’avoir sa version des faits et son ressenti tout au long du récit. Le vocabulaire est accessible à tous et très agréable à lire. La plume de l’auteur est comme toujours, fidèle à elle-même! A la fois fluide et fraîche mais dans ce tome elle m’a particulièrement captivé. L’univers de la Rome antique avec ses gladiateurs, ses réceptions et son atmosphère m’ont fait rêver et totalement transporté. L’histoire en plus de faire évoluer notre Riley et la faire devenir plus mature, est juste magnifique et passionnante entre retour dans le passé, combats sanglants, soie, bijoux, histoires d’amours et autre luxe romain qui nous fait vivre le récit avec les personnages. Les personnages sont très attachants et le dénouement, à la fois étonnant et parfait. Je suis ressortie de cette histoire avec des étoiles dans les yeux et j’ai hâte de retrouver Riley dans les prochains tome parce qu’elle me manque déjà!
Pour conclure, c’est un coup de coeur pour ce quatrième tome à la hauteur de mes espérances et qui m’a donné très envie de lire les prochains tomes dès leurs sorties! Je vous recommande vraiment cette saga qui devient meilleure de tome en tome!
Nous retrouvons donc Riley, Caramel et Bodhi à Rome et plus précisément au Colisée. Forte de ses expériences passées, elle va devoir apprendre à s’assumer et à travailler seule sans son guide. Sa mission est d’apaiser Théocoles, le fantôme d’un gladiateur romain qui hante le Colisée et que personne n’a jamais réussi à déloger. A l’intérieur, elle va faire de nouvelles rencontre et va devoir apprendre à se méfier des apparences mais aussi de ses désirs et de ses fréquentations.
J’ai été très heureuse de retrouver Riley dans ce nouveau tome qui, dès les premières pages, donne le ton de l’histoire. Je l’ai trouvé beaucoup plus mature et, même si elle a encore des complexes sur son physique, beaucoup plus sûre d’elle et moins égoïste. Ce tome est une véritable révélation autant pour elle que pour le lecteur puisqu’on voit vraiment de manière très nette son évolution depuis le début et son changement radical au cours de ce tome. Je me suis vraiment prise d’affection pour cette nouvelle Riley pleine de courage, de détermination et de compassion. Au lieu de se lamenter et de se préoccuper uniquement de sa petite personne, elle va enfin faire attention aux autres et prendre conscience de ce qui l’entoure et des personnes qui l’aiment.
Bodhi quant à lui est beaucoup plus discret das ce tome mais ses courtes apparitions et une de ses parole en particulier m’a beaucoup intrigué! J’ai hâte de lire la suite de la saga pour en savoir plus! Le personnage de Théocoles m’a beaucoup touché puisque derrière une carrure des plus imposante, c’est quelqu’un de très doux, tendre et attentionné mais surtout, rempli d’amour. Son histoire est juste magnifique et passionnante. Autre personnage, Messalina, que j’ai d’abord détesté puis au fil des pages, j’ai éprouvé de la pitié et de la compassion pour elle. Je me suis rendue compte qu’elle avait des circonstances atténuantes et de vraies bonnes raison d’agir comme elle l’a fait. Au final, je l’ai beaucoup apprécié! Dacian, quand à lui, est un personnage des plus séduisant que j’ai trouvé sincère et authentique malgré ce qu’on aurait pu en penser.
La narratrice est Riley, comme toujours et c’est un plaisir d’avoir sa version des faits et son ressenti tout au long du récit. Le vocabulaire est accessible à tous et très agréable à lire. La plume de l’auteur est comme toujours, fidèle à elle-même! A la fois fluide et fraîche mais dans ce tome elle m’a particulièrement captivé. L’univers de la Rome antique avec ses gladiateurs, ses réceptions et son atmosphère m’ont fait rêver et totalement transporté. L’histoire en plus de faire évoluer notre Riley et la faire devenir plus mature, est juste magnifique et passionnante entre retour dans le passé, combats sanglants, soie, bijoux, histoires d’amours et autre luxe romain qui nous fait vivre le récit avec les personnages. Les personnages sont très attachants et le dénouement, à la fois étonnant et parfait. Je suis ressortie de cette histoire avec des étoiles dans les yeux et j’ai hâte de retrouver Riley dans les prochains tome parce qu’elle me manque déjà!
Pour conclure, c’est un coup de coeur pour ce quatrième tome à la hauteur de mes espérances et qui m’a donné très envie de lire les prochains tomes dès leurs sorties! Je vous recommande vraiment cette saga qui devient meilleure de tome en tome!
June 23, 2017
The Soul Catching Riley Bloom, the young sister of Ever from the "Immortals" series, also from the same author, has been sent on a difficult mission. She hopes to get her 'glow on', as she does her good service in the afterlife, known as the Here and Now, and she is accompanied by her guide Bodhi. She must go to Ancient Rome and try to cross over her assignment, a Roman gladiator named Theocoles. She soon discovers Messalina, and falls under a spell of a dramatic makeover, allowing Riley her fondest wish, to be a teen. She is completely enchanted by the gladiator world and ignores her assignment. She does manage to break free of her vanity, and swallows her pride and allows Messalina to convince prideful Theocoles to cross the Bridge. Riley learns that being a Soul Catcher, she doesn't always have to be the one to do the crossing over for it to be successful. This is a valuable lesson.
At her surprise birthday party she finds out something amazing; she is able to choose how much older she wants to be, and she chooses 13 1/2, and she also discovers that she has helped recover trapped enchanted Soul Catchers, and one of them really was a boy named Dacian, and he really was interested in her. Woot! She may even start dating soon...! Who knows, as this was the final novel in the series. A cute set to read, fast, and pleasantly surprised by the drastically differing and interesting stories. Good enough to read in one sitting if that's what you do...! I liked 'em.
At her surprise birthday party she finds out something amazing; she is able to choose how much older she wants to be, and she chooses 13 1/2, and she also discovers that she has helped recover trapped enchanted Soul Catchers, and one of them really was a boy named Dacian, and he really was interested in her. Woot! She may even start dating soon...! Who knows, as this was the final novel in the series. A cute set to read, fast, and pleasantly surprised by the drastically differing and interesting stories. Good enough to read in one sitting if that's what you do...! I liked 'em.
October 7, 2018
Review to come
I told myself I wasn’t going to finish this series but for some reason, I decided to. Even worse than the previous 3 books in the series. 1/5 stars
I told myself I wasn’t going to finish this series but for some reason, I decided to. Even worse than the previous 3 books in the series. 1/5 stars
April 20, 2012
A sweet, well paced book for Tweens, WHISPER is perfectly written for young readers. Noel handles fundamentally heavy subjects with humor and grace, allowing her heroine to come of age in the afterlife. Riley struggles with crushes, forgiveness, body image, and romance, all while trying to rescue the long tormented ghost of a Roman gladiator.
Though I appreciated the morality tales woven into Riley’s story, it was only the parts regarding forgiveness and lost love that resonated more than intellectually. Perhaps because these themes are as pertinent to adults as they would be for young readers. And though Riley’s crush was sweet and age appropriate, Noel puts a new spin on the genre trope. As a new reader (WHISPER was my first book in the Riley Bloom series), this was a compelling change that made the story all the more readable. Depending on how heavily Noel build up expectations in prior books, returning readers may not be as thrilled with this novel twist.
Despite this being my first book in the series, Noel’s characters and mythology were accessible and charming. Even the sticky issue of a heroine coming of age in the afterlife was handled with aplomb, neither downplaying death nor harping on darkness. While the story tone was a bit too young for my tastes, WHISPER is note perfect for a young reader who is already trying to find their place in a teenage world.
Sexual Content: Kissing.
Though I appreciated the morality tales woven into Riley’s story, it was only the parts regarding forgiveness and lost love that resonated more than intellectually. Perhaps because these themes are as pertinent to adults as they would be for young readers. And though Riley’s crush was sweet and age appropriate, Noel puts a new spin on the genre trope. As a new reader (WHISPER was my first book in the Riley Bloom series), this was a compelling change that made the story all the more readable. Depending on how heavily Noel build up expectations in prior books, returning readers may not be as thrilled with this novel twist.
Despite this being my first book in the series, Noel’s characters and mythology were accessible and charming. Even the sticky issue of a heroine coming of age in the afterlife was handled with aplomb, neither downplaying death nor harping on darkness. While the story tone was a bit too young for my tastes, WHISPER is note perfect for a young reader who is already trying to find their place in a teenage world.
Sexual Content: Kissing.
August 29, 2012
Whisper is the fourth and final book in the Riley Bloom series. This book is where Riley goes to Rome to try to get the undefeated gladiator Theocoles to cross over and come to Here and Now.
The theme was good versus evil. "Theocoles was the champion gladiator back in his day. Feared by all - defeated by none." (Noel, 5) One of the themes is beauty. "Gazing into the full-length mirror she'd propped up before me , I gasped in delight at a vision of me that looked a lot like my beautiful, older sister Ever." (Noel, 51) Riley is the main character and she is very confident in her self. " I mean, yes, I was the one who practically begged the Council for a more challenging Soul Catch..." (Noel, 2) She also likes to get credit for the things she does. "A discovery that would surely make it in the Soul Catcher Hall of Fame - if there were such a thing - a discovery that Soul Catchers would talk about for years in awe." (Noel, 176) The purpose of this book is to explain that you can give up the fame of doing something if it makes someone else happy. Overall she successfully got the point across.
This book is definitely worth reading if you have read the other three books first.
The theme was good versus evil. "Theocoles was the champion gladiator back in his day. Feared by all - defeated by none." (Noel, 5) One of the themes is beauty. "Gazing into the full-length mirror she'd propped up before me , I gasped in delight at a vision of me that looked a lot like my beautiful, older sister Ever." (Noel, 51) Riley is the main character and she is very confident in her self. " I mean, yes, I was the one who practically begged the Council for a more challenging Soul Catch..." (Noel, 2) She also likes to get credit for the things she does. "A discovery that would surely make it in the Soul Catcher Hall of Fame - if there were such a thing - a discovery that Soul Catchers would talk about for years in awe." (Noel, 176) The purpose of this book is to explain that you can give up the fame of doing something if it makes someone else happy. Overall she successfully got the point across.
This book is definitely worth reading if you have read the other three books first.
September 18, 2013
This time, Riley might really have bitten off more than she’s ready for. After practically begging the Council for a more challenging Soul Catch, she is assigned an actual Roman gladiator—Theocoles, the Pillar of Doom. How is Riley, a skinny twelve-year-old, supposed to get through to him? Then she meets the beautiful Messalina, who convinces her that her only chance is to become part of this world. To accomplish this, Messalina helps Riley through a dramatic, mystical makeover, transforming her into the beautiful and mature teen she’s always wanted to be. Finally, Riley can experience her first boyfriend and her first kiss. With a dream this enchanting, will she ever want to leave?
March 27, 2016
I really enjoyed this book it was a good conclusion to end the series. I really liked how Riley gave up her quest and gave it to her new friend. It showed true friendship. I also like how bohdi and buttercup were able to get Riley out of the world and back to reality!! I wished she ended up with bohdi but I do like the relationship she ended up in though.
July 24, 2016
This series wasn't nearly as good as Evermore. Dragged on way too long.
July 11, 2016
*2.5*
December 3, 2019
CHOICE BOOK #2 QUARTER 2 SPOILERS
TITLE, AUTHOR, GENRE
Whisper was written by Alyson Noël and is a fantasy novel.
SETTING
Whisper takes place in Ancient Greece (now known as Rome, Italy).
CHARACTERS
RILEY BLOOM: Riley Bloom, the protagonist of the Riley bloom series, and is what you could call a wannabe. She strives to be like her sister, Ever, who knows what it's like to be 13. Riley knows not to make up her assignment and is an experienced soul catcher as what the council thinks, but when given a task to get a Gladiator to move on seems like a long shot from Riley's usual (not assigned) tasks. She wants to get this over with but know that she looks pretty, is finally 15, and got her first kiss, does she ever want to leave? It's only up to her to find her way out of Messalina's world.
I think Riley is a dynamic character because at the beginning of the book Riley always thought more about herself than others, but in the end, she realizes to cancel out all the thoughts and listen closely to what is often ignored.
Theocole's:
In the period he lived, he was known greatly for being one of the best gladiators of the time and being a slave. He fell deeply in love with the owner's niece, Messalina. Theocole's favorite part about being on the track was getting to crowds attention and them yelling him to KILL the opponent. But when he dies he still vows to the crowds cheering, and so immersed in his old life, doesn't know he's dead.He is guided to the people's chants instead of Messalina.
I think Theocole is a Dynamic character because throughout the start of the book he was in the trance of his old life. Near the end, after all the persuading that Messalina and Riley tried of Theocoles, he realizes that he's dead and that the crowd had moved on after his death. It takes him a while to accept, but soon he finds his journey to Here.
MAIN PROBLEM/CONFLICT
Riley Bloom doesn't want to leave Messalina's new world. It's a magical dream of everything she's wanted - being beautiful, a boy loves her, and she doesn't need to remember her past. But she soon forgets all about the assignment and getting Theocoles to cross over the bridge. So immersed in her new world, when she is cast out of Messalina's spell she doesn't listen to Bodhi to go back. It might be too late to get the old Riley back.
I think the problem is Person vs. Person because Riley will have to beat Mesalina's spell to get to Theocoles. The biggest problem in Riley's way is Messalina, who will not allow her to get to Theocoles.
THEME STATEMENT
Listen to the whisper of your heart and you'll always find what you were looking for.
1. At the end, when Bodhi and Riley are looking for Theocoles, they realize that they have to go away from the sound to get to him. Riley listens to the whisper instead of the loud noise they are pulled to.
2. Riley tells Mesalina to whisper to Theocoles instead of yelling, and that it was the only way to get to him. It works.
3. Riley goes with the crowd in the colosseum and is sucked into Mesalina's world, but finds her way out by listening to the whisper of her heart.
OPINION & ANALYSIS
I enjoyed this book very much because it involved so many twists and turns, and showed the unexpected sides of certain characters. I fell in love with the plot, and it was a nice dose of history.
My most favorite part of the book is at the end when Riley figures out that Dacian is also a soul catcher that got stuck in Messalina's world (which seems like the stars aligned for them to be together) and that Messalina finally got to try a birthday cupcake (Think about what she was missing out on!).
This book might have had the most complete cliff-hanger-less ending of all the books I've read. It summarized Messalina and Theocoles, as well as when Bodhi and Riley getting along.
This book tied with the other books in the series, but also reminded me of the Kiranmala and the Kingdom of beyond series because both characters learn to listen to their hearts.
I wouldn't have done anything differently other than a few minor word changes.
TITLE, AUTHOR, GENRE
Whisper was written by Alyson Noël and is a fantasy novel.
SETTING
Whisper takes place in Ancient Greece (now known as Rome, Italy).
CHARACTERS
RILEY BLOOM: Riley Bloom, the protagonist of the Riley bloom series, and is what you could call a wannabe. She strives to be like her sister, Ever, who knows what it's like to be 13. Riley knows not to make up her assignment and is an experienced soul catcher as what the council thinks, but when given a task to get a Gladiator to move on seems like a long shot from Riley's usual (not assigned) tasks. She wants to get this over with but know that she looks pretty, is finally 15, and got her first kiss, does she ever want to leave? It's only up to her to find her way out of Messalina's world.
I think Riley is a dynamic character because at the beginning of the book Riley always thought more about herself than others, but in the end, she realizes to cancel out all the thoughts and listen closely to what is often ignored.
Theocole's:
In the period he lived, he was known greatly for being one of the best gladiators of the time and being a slave. He fell deeply in love with the owner's niece, Messalina. Theocole's favorite part about being on the track was getting to crowds attention and them yelling him to KILL the opponent. But when he dies he still vows to the crowds cheering, and so immersed in his old life, doesn't know he's dead.He is guided to the people's chants instead of Messalina.
I think Theocole is a Dynamic character because throughout the start of the book he was in the trance of his old life. Near the end, after all the persuading that Messalina and Riley tried of Theocoles, he realizes that he's dead and that the crowd had moved on after his death. It takes him a while to accept, but soon he finds his journey to Here.
MAIN PROBLEM/CONFLICT
Riley Bloom doesn't want to leave Messalina's new world. It's a magical dream of everything she's wanted - being beautiful, a boy loves her, and she doesn't need to remember her past. But she soon forgets all about the assignment and getting Theocoles to cross over the bridge. So immersed in her new world, when she is cast out of Messalina's spell she doesn't listen to Bodhi to go back. It might be too late to get the old Riley back.
I think the problem is Person vs. Person because Riley will have to beat Mesalina's spell to get to Theocoles. The biggest problem in Riley's way is Messalina, who will not allow her to get to Theocoles.
THEME STATEMENT
Listen to the whisper of your heart and you'll always find what you were looking for.
1. At the end, when Bodhi and Riley are looking for Theocoles, they realize that they have to go away from the sound to get to him. Riley listens to the whisper instead of the loud noise they are pulled to.
2. Riley tells Mesalina to whisper to Theocoles instead of yelling, and that it was the only way to get to him. It works.
3. Riley goes with the crowd in the colosseum and is sucked into Mesalina's world, but finds her way out by listening to the whisper of her heart.
OPINION & ANALYSIS
I enjoyed this book very much because it involved so many twists and turns, and showed the unexpected sides of certain characters. I fell in love with the plot, and it was a nice dose of history.
My most favorite part of the book is at the end when Riley figures out that Dacian is also a soul catcher that got stuck in Messalina's world (which seems like the stars aligned for them to be together) and that Messalina finally got to try a birthday cupcake (Think about what she was missing out on!).
This book might have had the most complete cliff-hanger-less ending of all the books I've read. It summarized Messalina and Theocoles, as well as when Bodhi and Riley getting along.
This book tied with the other books in the series, but also reminded me of the Kiranmala and the Kingdom of beyond series because both characters learn to listen to their hearts.
I wouldn't have done anything differently other than a few minor word changes.
January 4, 2019
Choice book #4 Quarter 2
Whisper by Alyson Noel is a fantasy book that takes place in ancient Rome.
The main character in the book is Riley Bloom and she is determined to persuade Theocoles, a roman gladiator who's so fearsome that he is called The Pillar of Doom. Riley is a soul catcher which means she persuades lost ghosts across to Here and Now, a place where you can go when you die. Riley never gives up as she go's through all of Messalina's fake world. Messalina is also a lost soul who loves Theocoles. She meets a cute boy and even tricks him just to see where Theocoles is and convince him to cross over. Riley used to be selfish and towards the end of the book, becomes less selfish and lets Messalina whisper to Theocoles to cross the bridge.
The problem of the book was that Theocoles could never snap out of his death as a gladiator. He has done it or hundreds of years and never plans to snap out of it. Even when other soul catchers try, Theocoles will never listen and keep on going through the old routine, Theocoles fight, Theocoles die. He never stops and doesn't plan to stop. It is also very hard for Riley to convince Theocoles because he can block out things he doesn't want to hear like telling him to move on. But Riley finally finds out how to do it when trying to find Theocoles in the end.
In the book Whisper, Riley try's to find Theocoles to persuade him to cross the bridge to Here and Now. On the way she learns that she needs to understand his world first. But the world is so tempting and Riley questions herself if she wants to stay or go out of it.
I liked this book way more than the first book for many reasons. All the sadness is kind of sad where Messalina can never make Theocoles love her in the real world. I also loved this book because Riley finally got older and not care about her glow anymore. Riley finally gets a boyfriend and Bodhi, Riley's guide, finally doesn't fight with her anymore. Overall, I would rate this book a 5 out of 5 stars. This book is by far the best Riley Bloom book!
Whisper by Alyson Noel is a fantasy book that takes place in ancient Rome.
The main character in the book is Riley Bloom and she is determined to persuade Theocoles, a roman gladiator who's so fearsome that he is called The Pillar of Doom. Riley is a soul catcher which means she persuades lost ghosts across to Here and Now, a place where you can go when you die. Riley never gives up as she go's through all of Messalina's fake world. Messalina is also a lost soul who loves Theocoles. She meets a cute boy and even tricks him just to see where Theocoles is and convince him to cross over. Riley used to be selfish and towards the end of the book, becomes less selfish and lets Messalina whisper to Theocoles to cross the bridge.
The problem of the book was that Theocoles could never snap out of his death as a gladiator. He has done it or hundreds of years and never plans to snap out of it. Even when other soul catchers try, Theocoles will never listen and keep on going through the old routine, Theocoles fight, Theocoles die. He never stops and doesn't plan to stop. It is also very hard for Riley to convince Theocoles because he can block out things he doesn't want to hear like telling him to move on. But Riley finally finds out how to do it when trying to find Theocoles in the end.
In the book Whisper, Riley try's to find Theocoles to persuade him to cross the bridge to Here and Now. On the way she learns that she needs to understand his world first. But the world is so tempting and Riley questions herself if she wants to stay or go out of it.
I liked this book way more than the first book for many reasons. All the sadness is kind of sad where Messalina can never make Theocoles love her in the real world. I also loved this book because Riley finally got older and not care about her glow anymore. Riley finally gets a boyfriend and Bodhi, Riley's guide, finally doesn't fight with her anymore. Overall, I would rate this book a 5 out of 5 stars. This book is by far the best Riley Bloom book!
March 20, 2017
(My real rating is 3.5 stars!)
By now, you've joined Riley Bloom on three other adventures and you've finally reached the last narrative of her afterlife. To be quite honest, the first three books weren't exactly my favorite- however, this was my second time reading them, and when I read them the first time (when I was, I'd say, 11?) I really really enjoyed them! I don't know whether it's that I've read more books now and have more of a preference, or that I myself have matured, but perhaps your opinion will differ if you are younger (and these books are meant for a younger audience so lucky you :) !)
I'm not going to list all of the problems I had with the first three books or else I would've made reviews for them individually. To get to my actual review: even though the setting/Soul Catch story that occurred in this book wasn't my favorite of all of them, this book still ended up being the most enjoyable of the series for me! One of my main problems with the other books in the series is Riley herself- I found her character to be quite immature, annoying, and bratty- which, one may argue, is to be expected of a 12 year old, but to be honest? I sure hope I didn't act that whiny at 12 years old. That being said, in this book Riley's altered age for a majority of the story fixes that problem quite well! She acts mature, and handles her problems with more savoir faire. This helped create a more pleasant read for me, and allowed me to be hooked by the story (this was also because I feel Noël delved deeper into the characters and plot in this book)- towards the end I couldn't put it down!
On a side note, it was really refreshing for a little romance to occur in this novel. Personally, I'm not a fan of romance novels at all- if the relationship is the main part of the plot, I'm definitely not interested. However, after three books that were fairly dry in that aspect, I really enjoyed the romance Noël included in this novel, and I feel she intertwined it with the story well :)
All in all, I think this is definitely a great book for young teens in particular, and despite the annoyances I found within the series, perhaps you will be able to overlook them (as my younger self did). Happy reading!
By now, you've joined Riley Bloom on three other adventures and you've finally reached the last narrative of her afterlife. To be quite honest, the first three books weren't exactly my favorite- however, this was my second time reading them, and when I read them the first time (when I was, I'd say, 11?) I really really enjoyed them! I don't know whether it's that I've read more books now and have more of a preference, or that I myself have matured, but perhaps your opinion will differ if you are younger (and these books are meant for a younger audience so lucky you :) !)
I'm not going to list all of the problems I had with the first three books or else I would've made reviews for them individually. To get to my actual review: even though the setting/Soul Catch story that occurred in this book wasn't my favorite of all of them, this book still ended up being the most enjoyable of the series for me! One of my main problems with the other books in the series is Riley herself- I found her character to be quite immature, annoying, and bratty- which, one may argue, is to be expected of a 12 year old, but to be honest? I sure hope I didn't act that whiny at 12 years old. That being said, in this book Riley's altered age for a majority of the story fixes that problem quite well! She acts mature, and handles her problems with more savoir faire. This helped create a more pleasant read for me, and allowed me to be hooked by the story (this was also because I feel Noël delved deeper into the characters and plot in this book)- towards the end I couldn't put it down!
On a side note, it was really refreshing for a little romance to occur in this novel. Personally, I'm not a fan of romance novels at all- if the relationship is the main part of the plot, I'm definitely not interested. However, after three books that were fairly dry in that aspect, I really enjoyed the romance Noël included in this novel, and I feel she intertwined it with the story well :)
All in all, I think this is definitely a great book for young teens in particular, and despite the annoyances I found within the series, perhaps you will be able to overlook them (as my younger self did). Happy reading!
April 17, 2019
Choice book #1 Quarter 3
Whisper written by Alyson Noel is a fantasy book which takes place in Ancient Rome. The book Whisper follows twelve year old Riley Bloom as she goes to Ancient Rome to fight a gladigator named Theocoles, and meet new people along the way. The main characters are Riley, Bodhi, Darren, Theocoles, Mellisa, and her dog, Buttercup.Riley is determined and brave, Bodi is kind but is like a coward, Theocoles is strong and tough, Mellisa is bossy and nags a lot, Darren is selfish and handsome, and Buttercup is energetic and is curious. The problem is that Riley needs to go to the Colusseum to teach Theocoles a lesson to not be tough and fight normally. The author believes that if even the problem is too hard for you, you need to ask your friends for help, not other strangers.
Text Evidence
1. Riley asked help from Melisa not Bodhi
2. She left Bodhi and Buttercup behind
3. She followed Melisa's way of solving the conflict and not Bodhi's way
I liked the book, because it shows that Riley made a new friend and made Bodhi and Buttercup sad by leaving them behind. My favorite part was that when Riley came back to Bodhi and Buttercup and they were happy to be together. This book made me sad, because Riley left Bodhi and Buttercup behind, following Melisa behind her.
Whisper written by Alyson Noel is a fantasy book which takes place in Ancient Rome. The book Whisper follows twelve year old Riley Bloom as she goes to Ancient Rome to fight a gladigator named Theocoles, and meet new people along the way. The main characters are Riley, Bodhi, Darren, Theocoles, Mellisa, and her dog, Buttercup.Riley is determined and brave, Bodi is kind but is like a coward, Theocoles is strong and tough, Mellisa is bossy and nags a lot, Darren is selfish and handsome, and Buttercup is energetic and is curious. The problem is that Riley needs to go to the Colusseum to teach Theocoles a lesson to not be tough and fight normally. The author believes that if even the problem is too hard for you, you need to ask your friends for help, not other strangers.
Text Evidence
1. Riley asked help from Melisa not Bodhi
2. She left Bodhi and Buttercup behind
3. She followed Melisa's way of solving the conflict and not Bodhi's way
I liked the book, because it shows that Riley made a new friend and made Bodhi and Buttercup sad by leaving them behind. My favorite part was that when Riley came back to Bodhi and Buttercup and they were happy to be together. This book made me sad, because Riley left Bodhi and Buttercup behind, following Melisa behind her.
June 21, 2018
Note: contains spoilers.
I generally enjoy this book. Its "soul catch" was far more intriguing and, not to be rude, but in my opinion, far better plotted and thought out than the other books of the Riley Bloom series. I did find that Riley seemed to snap out of Messalina's enchantment kind of randomly and that it needed to have been written more clearly.
I loved how much Riley's character evolved during this entire series and it was highlighted well in this book. I enjoyed the ending, how Dacian was real and that he and Riley got together. The ending with the birthday party was a definite win and overall I will sorely miss Riley's, Bodhi's and their trusty sidekick, Buttercup's, adventures.
I generally enjoy this book. Its "soul catch" was far more intriguing and, not to be rude, but in my opinion, far better plotted and thought out than the other books of the Riley Bloom series. I did find that Riley seemed to snap out of Messalina's enchantment kind of randomly and that it needed to have been written more clearly.
I loved how much Riley's character evolved during this entire series and it was highlighted well in this book. I enjoyed the ending, how Dacian was real and that he and Riley got together. The ending with the birthday party was a definite win and overall I will sorely miss Riley's, Bodhi's and their trusty sidekick, Buttercup's, adventures.
August 26, 2025
This was the best book in the series by far. It was way more complex, the characters more developed and Riley wasn't as annoying as she had been in the last 3 books combined. I almost wish there was another book because things just started getting interesting between her and Bodhi, especially with the new guy being thrown into the mix and I wanted to see how they progressed. Overall, the series was enjoyable enough, but I'm not exactly chomping at the bit to start reading The Immortals - I'll be taking a little break and coming back to finish it at another time. I'd give this book 3.75 five stars if I could, but I can't so I just rounded up.
June 3, 2020
This , and the first book , are my favorite ones in the series ! I’ll miss reading about this determined, stubborn dead girl ! She gave me some good laughs
As far as this book goes, I liked it because it has an element of fantasy in it . It included enchantment and a world that changed according to the enchanter set on Ancient Rome !
I loved the spiritual lessons this last installment had to offer ! Listen to your heart 💜
As far as this book goes, I liked it because it has an element of fantasy in it . It included enchantment and a world that changed according to the enchanter set on Ancient Rome !
I loved the spiritual lessons this last installment had to offer ! Listen to your heart 💜
May 23, 2022
I guess this was an okay series-ender. Riley essentially gets everything she’s pined for over the last few books. What threw me a bit was the setting. I don’t see that gladiators would appeal to or be appropriate for his book’s target audience. I remember reading a book about bullfighting in elementary and it freaked me out. Maybe our kids are desensitized enough for this, but I wouldn’t have been.
September 24, 2017
I read this out of order, and was pleased to see that the spoilers are kept to a minimum. The book is aimed at the younger part of the YA crowd (I'd say Middle school) and hits that target well. It continues Riley's adventures as a soul catcher very nicely. It's well written, well edited and makes a pleasant read.
June 4, 2020
The final installment in the Riley Bloom series. Riley is given her most challenging Soul Catch. She must travel to the Coliseum in Rome to lead an ancient gladiator over the bridge to the Here and Now. Other Soul Catchers have tried and have never returned; can Riley succeed or will this be her final mission? A charming ending to this series.
October 28, 2021
This was a pretty decent ending for this series. The main character had just enough development to no longer be the whiny brat she was in the first and third books. The middle of this book started to get a little repetitive, but when they finally resolved that plot line, things moved quickly toward the end.
August 12, 2022
A rather educational plot to suggest to the readers on the reasons souls refuse to leave earth, and the repercussions of strong but blind cravings and desires.
The awakening of the protagonist from her enchantment isn't explained in depth. Perhaps it's because the target readers would have been young readers rather than a middle aged reader like me.
The awakening of the protagonist from her enchantment isn't explained in depth. Perhaps it's because the target readers would have been young readers rather than a middle aged reader like me.
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