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Shardwell #1
Phoenix Angel
What is happening to us? I’ve asked this question a thousand times, but there is no answer.
I was a normal teenager, trudging my way through senior year with my best friend. Then a boy named Kyle Spencer came to Idaho Falls, and since then everything has fallen apart. Something mysterious has passed among the three of us. We’ve developed terrifying abilities—strange powers that separate us from normal people.
Even worse, someone—or something—has taken a deadly interest in us. We never know when they are going to strike, or how to protect ourselves. We don’t even know who they are.
All we know is that they want one of us alive, and we don’t know who. The others they want dead.
Which will I be?
I was a normal teenager, trudging my way through senior year with my best friend. Then a boy named Kyle Spencer came to Idaho Falls, and since then everything has fallen apart. Something mysterious has passed among the three of us. We’ve developed terrifying abilities—strange powers that separate us from normal people.
Even worse, someone—or something—has taken a deadly interest in us. We never know when they are going to strike, or how to protect ourselves. We don’t even know who they are.
All we know is that they want one of us alive, and we don’t know who. The others they want dead.
Which will I be?
329 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
5 people are currently reading
1348 people want to read
About the author
Amanda Gerry
4 books30 followersA. Gerry developed an interest in fantasy at a young age. In middle school, she fell in love with writing short stories and was thrilled when her sister proposed creating a series of novels together. Her fondness of writing comes from many sources, but the most prominent is her avid devotion to video games. Some of her favorites include Mass Effect, The Elder Scrolls series, and anything that lets her shoot zombies. She received a Bachelor’s Degree from Southern Utah University and teaches at a local charter school.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
October 6, 2014
This review can also be found on my blog: A Match Made in Heaven
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! At first I thought it seemed was familiar, just with enough differences to keep me hooked. But by the end I realized that it was actually like nothing I have read before.
It starts out as a normal high school paranormal romance. Strange things start happening to beautiful Maggie. Things she can't explain. Then a hot new guy shows up at school. This is when the guy would usually tell her that he can help her understand what's been happening to her. But he doesn't. Kyle is actually as confused as Maggie. After they meet he starts to develop super-human strength and speed. They try to make sense of their new world together, along with Maggie's best friend, Lily.
One of the things I loved most about this book was Maggie. She was like no other heroine I have read. Somehow I could still relate and understand her even though she was a complete bitch. She didn't accept crap from anyone. I have never had trauma in my life like Maggie, but I am extremely emotional and sensitive, so I can understand just needing to keep people out. And I was bullied in school so I admire her and wish that I had had the strength to fight back.
The book had alternating POVs between Maggie, Kyle, and Lily, but the focus was mostly on Maggie and Kyle for the first half, their tumultuous romance, the push and pull, and Maggie struggling to get over her bitterness enough to care about someone again. If this were a contemporary romance, that story alone would have been enough to keep me hooked. But that’s far from all there is to Phoenix Angel.
In the second half of the book, there are still POVs from Maggie, Kyle, and Lily, but the focus switches to Lily, and Carter is added to the mix. When Carter meets Lily, he develops powers as well, and now the four friends have to help each other, and avoid the mysterious figures that start appearing. I loved the feeling of the group working together, facing the unknown. As things become more dangerous for them with each passing day, we realize how much we don't know about them. Until the end, when worlds collide and they are forced to face their pasts. They aren't all who they seemed and friends and lovers could be torn apart.
The writing in this is absolutely amazing. It is beautiful and descriptive. When I first started the book I thought it was pretentious. But that was probably just because I had got used to the juvenile writing in most of the books I have been reading lately. At first I was stumbling over the big words, but after I got used to it I was loving the imagery and flow. Its hard to believe this is Amanda Gerry and Christy Hall's first book. The only other problem I had was with the cover. It was really confusing and I spent most of the book thinking I might have gotten the wrong book, or that it had been put in the wrong binding. The cover makes more sense after reading the second book, but it doesn't suit the first book at all.
Phoenix Angel has elements of contemporary and paranormal romance, as well as parallel-world fantasy. If those sound like the kind of genres you would enjoy reading, I really recommend this book!
I would like to thank the authors for sending me this book in exchange for an honest review.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! At first I thought it seemed was familiar, just with enough differences to keep me hooked. But by the end I realized that it was actually like nothing I have read before.
It starts out as a normal high school paranormal romance. Strange things start happening to beautiful Maggie. Things she can't explain. Then a hot new guy shows up at school. This is when the guy would usually tell her that he can help her understand what's been happening to her. But he doesn't. Kyle is actually as confused as Maggie. After they meet he starts to develop super-human strength and speed. They try to make sense of their new world together, along with Maggie's best friend, Lily.
One of the things I loved most about this book was Maggie. She was like no other heroine I have read. Somehow I could still relate and understand her even though she was a complete bitch. She didn't accept crap from anyone. I have never had trauma in my life like Maggie, but I am extremely emotional and sensitive, so I can understand just needing to keep people out. And I was bullied in school so I admire her and wish that I had had the strength to fight back.
The book had alternating POVs between Maggie, Kyle, and Lily, but the focus was mostly on Maggie and Kyle for the first half, their tumultuous romance, the push and pull, and Maggie struggling to get over her bitterness enough to care about someone again. If this were a contemporary romance, that story alone would have been enough to keep me hooked. But that’s far from all there is to Phoenix Angel.
In the second half of the book, there are still POVs from Maggie, Kyle, and Lily, but the focus switches to Lily, and Carter is added to the mix. When Carter meets Lily, he develops powers as well, and now the four friends have to help each other, and avoid the mysterious figures that start appearing. I loved the feeling of the group working together, facing the unknown. As things become more dangerous for them with each passing day, we realize how much we don't know about them. Until the end, when worlds collide and they are forced to face their pasts. They aren't all who they seemed and friends and lovers could be torn apart.
The writing in this is absolutely amazing. It is beautiful and descriptive. When I first started the book I thought it was pretentious. But that was probably just because I had got used to the juvenile writing in most of the books I have been reading lately. At first I was stumbling over the big words, but after I got used to it I was loving the imagery and flow. Its hard to believe this is Amanda Gerry and Christy Hall's first book. The only other problem I had was with the cover. It was really confusing and I spent most of the book thinking I might have gotten the wrong book, or that it had been put in the wrong binding. The cover makes more sense after reading the second book, but it doesn't suit the first book at all.
Phoenix Angel has elements of contemporary and paranormal romance, as well as parallel-world fantasy. If those sound like the kind of genres you would enjoy reading, I really recommend this book!
I would like to thank the authors for sending me this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 24, 2015
WoW! I'm literally blown away by this book and it had me at the edge of my seat every time. First of all I would love to thank the author Amanda Gerry for asking me if I would be interested in reading her book Phoenix Angel, in exchange for an honest review. And let me tell you I am not disappointed one bit. I was captivated, enthralled, and completely taken aback at how amazing the character development is throughout the story. I was transfixed and shocked at some of the events...clearly having OMG moments.
From the first page I was drawn into the story and into the lives of Maggie and her best friend Lily. They are ordinary teenage girls and polar opposites. Maggie is strong, feisty, determined, an in-your-face kind of gal, who puts up with no one and nothing. When she walks down the hall, everyone gets out of her way, and for those who try to intimidate her, get it right back from Maggie 100 times worse. She is a total bad ass, and I like it. While, Lily is the go-to-girl, who is popular, and friendly and selfless and kind to everyone, and is the only one who Maggie would listen to. Then, one day Kyle Spencer rocks up into their lives and all hell brakes loose. The moment that Kyle and Maggie lay eyes on each other, something shifts. Suddenly, nothing seems normal anymore and strange events begin to occur to Maggie. She is drawn to Kyle, against her will and better judgement. It's almost like a cosmic force is creating this pull and even though she wants nothing to do with him she finds herself wanting to be with him no matter what. I really enjoyed Maggie and Kyle's banter and constant battles. She's so stubborn and unrelenting, but there is a genuine reason for this which I will not disclose, and Kyle is equally as stubborn, yet is more playful about it. He will stop at nothing to win her heart, and protect her.
While this is going on, another phenomena is occurring. Maggie, Lily and Kyle are beginning to develop these terrifying and mysterious powers that you only read about or watch in a movie. Maggie is able to read minds, Lily is able to heal and Kyle has super strength and speed. At first, they really think nothing of it, which I found strange, I mean if this was happening to me I would be researching forever to find out why and what is happening to me. Instead, they have fun with their powers, which is all good and well. Then, come halfway, certain events bring it all back into perspective and they begin to take things seriously. In the meantime, another stranger enters their lives, Carter Drake, and he seems to be the fourth puzzle missing from the jigsaw. But something is amiss, and with Carter showing up, more carnage, death and destruction comes along with him. Suddenly, these four have to decide what is right from wrong, and who is evil or good.
This book had me at the edge of my seat, devouring the pages one by one, discovering and trying to decipher the goings on, and let me tell you I am hanging on for the next one, cause where it left off is a real cliffhanger. I cannot say how much this book has surprised and shocked me in the most exciting way. I think if you love a great adventure and mystery, dipped in super powers and raging romance, then this story is for you. Loved it!
From the first page I was drawn into the story and into the lives of Maggie and her best friend Lily. They are ordinary teenage girls and polar opposites. Maggie is strong, feisty, determined, an in-your-face kind of gal, who puts up with no one and nothing. When she walks down the hall, everyone gets out of her way, and for those who try to intimidate her, get it right back from Maggie 100 times worse. She is a total bad ass, and I like it. While, Lily is the go-to-girl, who is popular, and friendly and selfless and kind to everyone, and is the only one who Maggie would listen to. Then, one day Kyle Spencer rocks up into their lives and all hell brakes loose. The moment that Kyle and Maggie lay eyes on each other, something shifts. Suddenly, nothing seems normal anymore and strange events begin to occur to Maggie. She is drawn to Kyle, against her will and better judgement. It's almost like a cosmic force is creating this pull and even though she wants nothing to do with him she finds herself wanting to be with him no matter what. I really enjoyed Maggie and Kyle's banter and constant battles. She's so stubborn and unrelenting, but there is a genuine reason for this which I will not disclose, and Kyle is equally as stubborn, yet is more playful about it. He will stop at nothing to win her heart, and protect her.
While this is going on, another phenomena is occurring. Maggie, Lily and Kyle are beginning to develop these terrifying and mysterious powers that you only read about or watch in a movie. Maggie is able to read minds, Lily is able to heal and Kyle has super strength and speed. At first, they really think nothing of it, which I found strange, I mean if this was happening to me I would be researching forever to find out why and what is happening to me. Instead, they have fun with their powers, which is all good and well. Then, come halfway, certain events bring it all back into perspective and they begin to take things seriously. In the meantime, another stranger enters their lives, Carter Drake, and he seems to be the fourth puzzle missing from the jigsaw. But something is amiss, and with Carter showing up, more carnage, death and destruction comes along with him. Suddenly, these four have to decide what is right from wrong, and who is evil or good.
This book had me at the edge of my seat, devouring the pages one by one, discovering and trying to decipher the goings on, and let me tell you I am hanging on for the next one, cause where it left off is a real cliffhanger. I cannot say how much this book has surprised and shocked me in the most exciting way. I think if you love a great adventure and mystery, dipped in super powers and raging romance, then this story is for you. Loved it!
February 8, 2017
I loved his book. The character development is excellent. Each character has powerful strengths, but those strengths are also their greatest weaknesses. Maggie is strong because of her anger at injustice, but that anger also causes her extreme trouble. The authors' skills make it easy to identify with several of the characters. My friends and I find that we didn't always choose the same characters with whom to connect.
These two authors (who are sisters)are skilled in using descriptive words and creating scenes that can easily be pictured. You will love the relationships between the characters and be frightened by their enemies.
This book was given to me for review by the authors and I am personally connected to both authors.
These two authors (who are sisters)are skilled in using descriptive words and creating scenes that can easily be pictured. You will love the relationships between the characters and be frightened by their enemies.
This book was given to me for review by the authors and I am personally connected to both authors.
March 9, 2013
Really liked this book!! It's a shame I kept getting interrutped. But I did enjoy this book. Thanks to the authors for sending me a copy for a review.
Review coming soon!
Review coming soon!
January 14, 2018
For this review and more, pop by my blog - Drugs Called Books
I received a PAPERBACK copy from the authors! Thank you so much!
This was a great start to what’s sure to become a unique fantasy/YA series. I wasn’t expecting Phoenix Angel to be what it was, but in a good way. It really surprised me. There is definitely something fresh and new about this book.
The story starts with a Prologue from an unknown point of view. It’s very mysterious and intriguing, making you wonder what’s going on from the very first page. Same goes with the story itself; it keeps you guessing, wondering what’s going on, what’s going to happen. Personally, I find that to be a very good thing.
And it’s not a “perfect” story. Shit happens in this book, and sometimes the heroes are powerless to do anything about it. It’s real.
The story’s divides to two parts; in the first part we’ve got Maggie and Kyle’s story, while on the second part we’ve got Lily and Carter. I can’t really tell you who the main character is. Mostly because I myself don’t know. It's confusing, but in a good way.
The characters are all very flawed.
Maggie is sarcastic, relationship phobic due to a bad relationship (and by that I mean she swore boys off for the rest of her life), kind of cranky, hates the entire school (aside for her best friend), and scares everyone off. She’s closed off and trusts no one.
While sometimes she did stuff that annoyed me royally – the way she handled Kyle was so frustrating. I just wanted to shake her out of it –she was so human in her voice I couldn’t resent her for it (for too long, anyway).
Kyle is a pretty awesome boy, he’s stubborn, strong, he can keep up with Maggie and loves her enough not to take her reservations to heart. He has a manipulative side, and at a point I was screaming at him to stop being stupid, but he eventually realized his stupidity... Much thanks to Lily.
Speaking of Lily… she’s the voice of reason throughout most of the story. She’s optimistic, social, friendly, she sees the best of people and trusts them almost instantly. (about the opposite of Maggie.
Carter – He’s never mentioned in the summery, which made him a total surprise for me. Can't say he was a very good surprise, as I didn’t like him much, mostly because Kyle didn’t like him, and I trusted Kyle by then. He’s pretty sweet near Lily, but kind of different around the others… I don’t trust him.
The romance in the story is pretty decent, and divides to two parts. Both are love-at-first-sight kind of thing.
I loved Kyle and Maggie’s relationship. First of all, Kyle had to work for her affection, even though it was very love-at-first-sight. They also fit, in a way. Maggie needs a person like Kyle, who's as strong headed as herself. Also, there was drama and chase in this relationship, which made it interesting. It wasn't instant, and we also got to see a part where they're already an established couple and have fallen into a routine, which was nice.
Carter and Lily's relationship, on the other hand, annoyed me. It was too fast; they met, she has already grown distant with her boyfriend by then, they start dating. The drama in their relationship was all from outside; her friends not trusting him. But the two themselves barely know each-other and are already dating.
There is a sort of past life/different life thing going on. All of the character feel something when they meet; be it romantic love, brotherly love, hatred. Those emotion seem to come from a time/place where they have different names. We don't get much explanation about what's going on in this book, which makes it so much more mysterious and intriguing!
This book ends with a cliffhanger. A pretty serious cliffhanger, at that, made even more so by the knowledge you don't get to see the resolution of that cliffhanger in the next book, as the next book jumps in time (or in worlds?) and gives us an entirely new world to explore.
Which means I have to wait for the third, or maybe fourth, book to know what the heck is going to happen! *freaking out* I hope everyone will be okay :(
As for the bad parts of the book... well, as I said, I wasn't the biggest fan of LilyxCarter, and also, the book seemed to lack a little in the "action" department. It started with a few creepy things happening, then again in the middle on thing, and at the end. But in between there was nothing except relationship angst. Now, not that I mind, but since there seem to be a point to the attacks on them, and their enemies knew where they are, I felt like there needed to be more in between.
But, regardless, I really enjoyed the book and recommend it! :)
For this review and more, pop by my blog - Drugs Called Books
I received a PAPERBACK copy from the authors! Thank you so much!
This was a great start to what’s sure to become a unique fantasy/YA series. I wasn’t expecting Phoenix Angel to be what it was, but in a good way. It really surprised me. There is definitely something fresh and new about this book.
Fate is a curious concept. I cannot recall when I first recognized mine: the knowledge that no matter how far I run, how much I learn, or how much power I attain, inevitably my destiny is realized. The magic will always consume me in the end. Flight seems my only option, the only way to slow my future's progress. I have escaped fate's snare through battle, agony and--oddly--time. But only temporarily. I can almost feel it stalking me.
--First paragraph of Phoenix Angel.
The story starts with a Prologue from an unknown point of view. It’s very mysterious and intriguing, making you wonder what’s going on from the very first page. Same goes with the story itself; it keeps you guessing, wondering what’s going on, what’s going to happen. Personally, I find that to be a very good thing.
And it’s not a “perfect” story. Shit happens in this book, and sometimes the heroes are powerless to do anything about it. It’s real.
The story’s divides to two parts; in the first part we’ve got Maggie and Kyle’s story, while on the second part we’ve got Lily and Carter. I can’t really tell you who the main character is. Mostly because I myself don’t know. It's confusing, but in a good way.
The characters are all very flawed.
Maggie is sarcastic, relationship phobic due to a bad relationship (and by that I mean she swore boys off for the rest of her life), kind of cranky, hates the entire school (aside for her best friend), and scares everyone off. She’s closed off and trusts no one.
While sometimes she did stuff that annoyed me royally – the way she handled Kyle was so frustrating. I just wanted to shake her out of it –she was so human in her voice I couldn’t resent her for it (for too long, anyway).
Kyle is a pretty awesome boy, he’s stubborn, strong, he can keep up with Maggie and loves her enough not to take her reservations to heart. He has a manipulative side, and at a point I was screaming at him to stop being stupid, but he eventually realized his stupidity... Much thanks to Lily.
Speaking of Lily… she’s the voice of reason throughout most of the story. She’s optimistic, social, friendly, she sees the best of people and trusts them almost instantly. (about the opposite of Maggie.
Carter – He’s never mentioned in the summery, which made him a total surprise for me. Can't say he was a very good surprise, as I didn’t like him much, mostly because Kyle didn’t like him, and I trusted Kyle by then. He’s pretty sweet near Lily, but kind of different around the others… I don’t trust him.
The romance in the story is pretty decent, and divides to two parts. Both are love-at-first-sight kind of thing.
I loved Kyle and Maggie’s relationship. First of all, Kyle had to work for her affection, even though it was very love-at-first-sight. They also fit, in a way. Maggie needs a person like Kyle, who's as strong headed as herself. Also, there was drama and chase in this relationship, which made it interesting. It wasn't instant, and we also got to see a part where they're already an established couple and have fallen into a routine, which was nice.
Carter and Lily's relationship, on the other hand, annoyed me. It was too fast; they met, she has already grown distant with her boyfriend by then, they start dating. The drama in their relationship was all from outside; her friends not trusting him. But the two themselves barely know each-other and are already dating.
There is a sort of past life/different life thing going on. All of the character feel something when they meet; be it romantic love, brotherly love, hatred. Those emotion seem to come from a time/place where they have different names. We don't get much explanation about what's going on in this book, which makes it so much more mysterious and intriguing!
This book ends with a cliffhanger. A pretty serious cliffhanger, at that, made even more so by the knowledge you don't get to see the resolution of that cliffhanger in the next book, as the next book jumps in time (or in worlds?) and gives us an entirely new world to explore.
Which means I have to wait for the third, or maybe fourth, book to know what the heck is going to happen! *freaking out* I hope everyone will be okay :(
As for the bad parts of the book... well, as I said, I wasn't the biggest fan of LilyxCarter, and also, the book seemed to lack a little in the "action" department. It started with a few creepy things happening, then again in the middle on thing, and at the end. But in between there was nothing except relationship angst. Now, not that I mind, but since there seem to be a point to the attacks on them, and their enemies knew where they are, I felt like there needed to be more in between.
But, regardless, I really enjoyed the book and recommend it! :)
For this review and more, pop by my blog - Drugs Called Books
October 25, 2012
This is a genre that is definitely becoming saturated, ordinary teens developing superpowers and yet I still love to read these books! Maggie and Lily are best friends, partially because Maggie is such a badass and won’t let anyone get close to her and Lily is the complete opposite so she was determined to make Maggie her friend. Lily can find the good in everyone and is, and does so in Maggie as well. She is also involved in every after school activity which I found hilarious since Maggie occasionally got roped into these as well. I personally liked Maggie, she has her reasons for keeping people at a distance and she does compromise for Lily so she, not an unlikeable character, she’s just a teenager in high school. And as most of you will remember high school can suck, all you want to do is survive, have fun if you can, and get out.
The story starts with her perspective, and then shifts to the others as the story continues. I’ve read many books like that, and I personally enjoy it as you can get into the mindset of each character. One day when Lily and Maggie are eating lunch at a table a new kid Kyle sits down with them. When Kyle and Maggie make eye contact something crazy happens, and what happens later is even weirder. I won’t tell you what power Kyle and Maggie develop, because it’s more fun to learn on your own. Maggie shares her secret with Lily and of course Kyle figures it out almost immediately, because he developed his own powers when they met. Maggie has fun using her new powers for not exactly “good” reasons, and Lily tries to reason with her. I have to admit, if I were still that young and immature I probably would have done similar things; most likely we all would have! You have to read the book if you want to know what I’m talking about……..
When Lily meets a new boy named Carter, the same weird initial reaction happens to her and Kyle, but not Maggie. But Lily’s powers don’t develop until several weeks later. What’s interesting is that Carter doesn’t seem to develop any powers at all. Is he one of them, can he be trusted, or is someone else hiding their powers? Again, you’ll have to read the book to find out!
Meanwhile, the group has been attacked and Maggie only survived through Lily’s gift. I’m surprised that they didn’t spend more time discussing why these powers developed now and trying to research more. Especially since such strong feelings were involved with both couples falling in love almost immediately, and Kyle actually hating a certain someone without understanding why. Everything has to be related, but the question in how. All the group knows is that one of them is wanted alive, while the others’ live are forfeit.
Granted, with the twist the Hall sisters threw in at the end all of the research in world wouldn’t have helped.
I thought both Hall sisters did a great job with their description of the town, character development and twists throughout the book. I’ve read 2 books similar to these, but in both the characters were uprooted to new worlds and the twist was revealed at the beginning with one book and immediately in the second book. The Hall sisters leave readers with a cliffhanger, and make the readers want more.
I have my theories as to what will happen in future books, but if I shared them I would be giving away the twist at the end. So we will all have to wait until the next book.
The story starts with her perspective, and then shifts to the others as the story continues. I’ve read many books like that, and I personally enjoy it as you can get into the mindset of each character. One day when Lily and Maggie are eating lunch at a table a new kid Kyle sits down with them. When Kyle and Maggie make eye contact something crazy happens, and what happens later is even weirder. I won’t tell you what power Kyle and Maggie develop, because it’s more fun to learn on your own. Maggie shares her secret with Lily and of course Kyle figures it out almost immediately, because he developed his own powers when they met. Maggie has fun using her new powers for not exactly “good” reasons, and Lily tries to reason with her. I have to admit, if I were still that young and immature I probably would have done similar things; most likely we all would have! You have to read the book if you want to know what I’m talking about……..
When Lily meets a new boy named Carter, the same weird initial reaction happens to her and Kyle, but not Maggie. But Lily’s powers don’t develop until several weeks later. What’s interesting is that Carter doesn’t seem to develop any powers at all. Is he one of them, can he be trusted, or is someone else hiding their powers? Again, you’ll have to read the book to find out!
Meanwhile, the group has been attacked and Maggie only survived through Lily’s gift. I’m surprised that they didn’t spend more time discussing why these powers developed now and trying to research more. Especially since such strong feelings were involved with both couples falling in love almost immediately, and Kyle actually hating a certain someone without understanding why. Everything has to be related, but the question in how. All the group knows is that one of them is wanted alive, while the others’ live are forfeit.
Granted, with the twist the Hall sisters threw in at the end all of the research in world wouldn’t have helped.
I thought both Hall sisters did a great job with their description of the town, character development and twists throughout the book. I’ve read 2 books similar to these, but in both the characters were uprooted to new worlds and the twist was revealed at the beginning with one book and immediately in the second book. The Hall sisters leave readers with a cliffhanger, and make the readers want more.
I have my theories as to what will happen in future books, but if I shared them I would be giving away the twist at the end. So we will all have to wait until the next book.
March 27, 2013
I received this book free in exchange for an honest review and right away I want say I LOVED this book and I am so glad I was picked to read this. I think the cover is beautiful, I believe the figure perfectly captures the heartbreak that seems to be present for all the characters at some point in the book, also the green Phoenix was odd in an awesome way, so just overall Great. I liked the third person point of view it kept me guessing and added a bit more drama and suspense, I found it also made it easier to become invested in the characters. I thought this was a great first book for a series, it took the time to develop very well rounded and complex characters and gracefully leads up to a big reveal and twist, then boom we come to the end I was left wanting more and am so excited ti see what happens left. I love it I believe you should leave them wanting more and I did.
I found most of the characters to be very relate able and easy to root for, even when they were troubled it made them seem more human, they were able to both struggle and triumph in real world and paranormal situations handling them in the best way they knew how. I was happy to be along for the ride, even some of the `bad guys were interesting.
I liked Maggie right off the bat i understood her inability to trust after being hurt and putting up walls to protect herself, only allowing Lily in at first, the one person willing to put up with her, but also Lily is able to understand Maggie like no one else. Lily is the polar opposite she is bubbly and optimistic I believe they were good for each other creating a sort of balance. Kyle was like an all american jock with a little twist, I think him and Maggie are perfect for each other they challenge each other and with Maggie`s gift Kyle's honesty was something she really needed.
I did not expect the twist I mean I knew they had powers and I knew they had to come from somewhere but the revelation of where and why was NOT at all what I had expected and I was stunned.......in a good way.
The ending was great I mean yes I was disappointed it was over and the cliffhanger is crazy but it was also really really awesome, this book was a great starting point for what I believe is going to be a great series and I can not wait to see what is to come, and all I have to say is thank goodness I was also sent book 2 and I will be continuing on very soon. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes good writing and great characters.
Also posted on my blog: http://stephsfunwithbooks.blogspot.ca...
I found most of the characters to be very relate able and easy to root for, even when they were troubled it made them seem more human, they were able to both struggle and triumph in real world and paranormal situations handling them in the best way they knew how. I was happy to be along for the ride, even some of the `bad guys were interesting.
I liked Maggie right off the bat i understood her inability to trust after being hurt and putting up walls to protect herself, only allowing Lily in at first, the one person willing to put up with her, but also Lily is able to understand Maggie like no one else. Lily is the polar opposite she is bubbly and optimistic I believe they were good for each other creating a sort of balance. Kyle was like an all american jock with a little twist, I think him and Maggie are perfect for each other they challenge each other and with Maggie`s gift Kyle's honesty was something she really needed.
I did not expect the twist I mean I knew they had powers and I knew they had to come from somewhere but the revelation of where and why was NOT at all what I had expected and I was stunned.......in a good way.
The ending was great I mean yes I was disappointed it was over and the cliffhanger is crazy but it was also really really awesome, this book was a great starting point for what I believe is going to be a great series and I can not wait to see what is to come, and all I have to say is thank goodness I was also sent book 2 and I will be continuing on very soon. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes good writing and great characters.
Also posted on my blog: http://stephsfunwithbooks.blogspot.ca...
September 17, 2012
The book is about three normal teenagers who discovers, over the course of the book that they actually aren't that normal after all. They have gained mysterious powers and discovered an interesting connection between them.
I enjoyed the characters and the humor made me chuckle a few times. I liked Lily's character because, although she's very girly, you can tell that she has strength in her character. The fire in her does seem to die down quite a bit in the second half of the book, however. Let's just say she does a lot of swooning and sighing.
While I enjoyed the first half, something about the second half bored me. The romantic overtures just didn't seem as touching to me. The action scenes did save it though so props for that! Another issue I had was the unfortunate implications of some of the events. The main characters are gorgeous. This will be restated in one way or another throughout the whole book. They make all the unimportant characters just sigh with envy. The only guy who isn't and showed up for more than two page's worth of screentime is treated terribly but sticks around for comic relief or whatever. Whether or not this was the author's intention, I have no idea but it did make me a little uneasy.
I would recommend this book to readers who like some high school drama. The book does a very neat job of shifting the genre to fantasy as well. I will warn you that the book ends with a cliffhanger though! Anyway, I've read a lot of high school style books (to the point where I'm crying for something new) but Gerry does a wonderful job of keeping it fresh and entertaining. There are some issues but there's hardly any books that are perfect anyway! I still enjoyed reading this book and I can't wait to read the next book :)
Won in a giveaway in return for an honest review
I enjoyed the characters and the humor made me chuckle a few times. I liked Lily's character because, although she's very girly, you can tell that she has strength in her character. The fire in her does seem to die down quite a bit in the second half of the book, however. Let's just say she does a lot of swooning and sighing.
While I enjoyed the first half, something about the second half bored me. The romantic overtures just didn't seem as touching to me. The action scenes did save it though so props for that! Another issue I had was the unfortunate implications of some of the events. The main characters are gorgeous. This will be restated in one way or another throughout the whole book. They make all the unimportant characters just sigh with envy. The only guy who isn't and showed up for more than two page's worth of screentime is treated terribly but sticks around for comic relief or whatever. Whether or not this was the author's intention, I have no idea but it did make me a little uneasy.
I would recommend this book to readers who like some high school drama. The book does a very neat job of shifting the genre to fantasy as well. I will warn you that the book ends with a cliffhanger though! Anyway, I've read a lot of high school style books (to the point where I'm crying for something new) but Gerry does a wonderful job of keeping it fresh and entertaining. There are some issues but there's hardly any books that are perfect anyway! I still enjoyed reading this book and I can't wait to read the next book :)
Won in a giveaway in return for an honest review
September 26, 2012
Book Title: "Phoenix Angel”
Author: A. Gerry & C. Hall
Published By: Scribes of Shardwell, LLC
Age Recommended: 14+
Reviewed By: Kitty Bullard
Raven Rating: 5
Review: The writing team of A.Gerry and C. Hall are by far two of the most brilliant YA Fantasy writers of this age. The combination of modern times and fantasy gel perfectly in this first installment of the Shardwell Series. Phoenix Angel is about the meeting of four teenagers, all with some extremely special abilities. Kyle, Maggie, Lily, and Carter are chased by creatures from another time and place while trying to figure out why they are drawn to one another, what their powers mean, who they really are, and what they are meant to do.
The Shardwell Series promises great things to come. Whatever you do, do not miss out on this amazing creation by Gerry & Hall!
Author: A. Gerry & C. Hall
Published By: Scribes of Shardwell, LLC
Age Recommended: 14+
Reviewed By: Kitty Bullard
Raven Rating: 5
Review: The writing team of A.Gerry and C. Hall are by far two of the most brilliant YA Fantasy writers of this age. The combination of modern times and fantasy gel perfectly in this first installment of the Shardwell Series. Phoenix Angel is about the meeting of four teenagers, all with some extremely special abilities. Kyle, Maggie, Lily, and Carter are chased by creatures from another time and place while trying to figure out why they are drawn to one another, what their powers mean, who they really are, and what they are meant to do.
The Shardwell Series promises great things to come. Whatever you do, do not miss out on this amazing creation by Gerry & Hall!
January 19, 2016
I loved loved loved this book! For me, this book was like eating chocolate after being deprived of it for so long. I have seriously forgotten what it feels like to read an amazing paranormal romance. This book has it all! Characters that are interesting and well developed. A plot that is fast pace and unique. Also a writing style that is beefed up with good diction! I know it is all most too good to believe that a ya paranormal romance can do all of that! I don't want to give too much away but this book is like X Men meets The Lord of the Rings. Boom! I just blew your mind!
December 12, 2012
Incredibly unique! This book had me on an emotional roller coaster with both ups and downs so I'll do my best to depict both as honestly as possible!
Phoenix Angel drew me in from the start! I really enjoyed it and developed an attachment to Maggie, Lily, and even Kyle. Conflicting with my attachment to these three main characters was my irritation with Maggie's negativity. Knowing a handful of people who seem to spend their lives focused on all the bad things, this attitude drives me crazy. Nobody likes to be around a person who is set on being nasty to everyone and sees everything as glass-half-empty. Up until the middle of the book, that's kind of the way I perceived Maggie. There were actually times when I wanted to slap her for her bad attitude and unwillingness to bend. I briefly put the book down because I needed a break from Maggie! Well, it turns out that I just happened to stop as her personality took on a positive change. Back into the book I dove!
**SPOILERS AHEAD**
I plan to reference specific events from this point on and this book takes several unexpected turns so if you're going to read it (and I ultimately recommend you do) this would be a good place to stop reading!
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The first half of Phoenix Angel takes place in a small town modern high school. The focus is on the relationships built between Maggie and Lily until Kyle shows up and joins their group. Kyle is absolutely set on dating Maggie despite her surly demeanor and it seems like nothing can deter him until Maggie publicly shoots him down when he asks her to homecoming. I can understand Maggie's reluctance to trust any guy because of her past experience but Kyle seems so genuine that I really wanted to trust him. Well, after Maggie destroys his male ego, Kyle asks out the one nasty popular girl who shared in creating Maggie's humiliation several years before. I was pissed off on Maggie's behalf and if Kyle loved her so much there's no way he would have done something so low. I hated him at this point. The pain they inflict on each other is what helps push them together in the end but there was just so much angst that I briefly considered shelving the book.
In walks Carter. He seemed kind of shady from the start but he seemed so devoted to Lily that I was torn and didn't know what to think. On the other hand, Kyle downright hated him for no reason that I could see. I was so confused and didn't know how to feel. I kept wondering why he couldn't just put his feelings aside for Lily and let her have her love? During all this, Maggie, Kyle and Lily, in that order, develop special abilities. Carter's don't develop until he and Kyle have an all out brawl. I thought somebody was going to die or at least get seriously injured; a rift would form between the couples for sure! Instead, the boys reach an agreement to protect the girls. Good on them. I thought all problems were solved then they're all ambushed at school..
At this point, I once again entered my fluffy cloud of confusion. The novel immediately transforms into something more fantasy. I was reeling! We go from four modern day high school students to princesses, lords, past lives, mysterious warriors bent on killing some of them and teleportation? Don't get me wrong, I was really starting to love the turn the story was taking but downshifting that fast took some adjusting! The ending had an excellent cliffhanger too and lots more questions! What made it more curious was the intent in the epilogue to take to reader back to the beginning in the next book. My curiosity is definitely piqued and I have every intention of picking up the second book in the Shardwell series! I can't wait to see what happens next! Phoenix Angel had so many unexpected turns I can't help but wonder what's in store for the future! I have big expectations for the next book! I'm only hoping that Maggie is over her bad attitude and that Lily finds the person she was truly meant to be with (because Carter was just tricky! Who saw that coming?!)
Phoenix Angel drew me in from the start! I really enjoyed it and developed an attachment to Maggie, Lily, and even Kyle. Conflicting with my attachment to these three main characters was my irritation with Maggie's negativity. Knowing a handful of people who seem to spend their lives focused on all the bad things, this attitude drives me crazy. Nobody likes to be around a person who is set on being nasty to everyone and sees everything as glass-half-empty. Up until the middle of the book, that's kind of the way I perceived Maggie. There were actually times when I wanted to slap her for her bad attitude and unwillingness to bend. I briefly put the book down because I needed a break from Maggie! Well, it turns out that I just happened to stop as her personality took on a positive change. Back into the book I dove!
**SPOILERS AHEAD**
I plan to reference specific events from this point on and this book takes several unexpected turns so if you're going to read it (and I ultimately recommend you do) this would be a good place to stop reading!
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
The first half of Phoenix Angel takes place in a small town modern high school. The focus is on the relationships built between Maggie and Lily until Kyle shows up and joins their group. Kyle is absolutely set on dating Maggie despite her surly demeanor and it seems like nothing can deter him until Maggie publicly shoots him down when he asks her to homecoming. I can understand Maggie's reluctance to trust any guy because of her past experience but Kyle seems so genuine that I really wanted to trust him. Well, after Maggie destroys his male ego, Kyle asks out the one nasty popular girl who shared in creating Maggie's humiliation several years before. I was pissed off on Maggie's behalf and if Kyle loved her so much there's no way he would have done something so low. I hated him at this point. The pain they inflict on each other is what helps push them together in the end but there was just so much angst that I briefly considered shelving the book.
In walks Carter. He seemed kind of shady from the start but he seemed so devoted to Lily that I was torn and didn't know what to think. On the other hand, Kyle downright hated him for no reason that I could see. I was so confused and didn't know how to feel. I kept wondering why he couldn't just put his feelings aside for Lily and let her have her love? During all this, Maggie, Kyle and Lily, in that order, develop special abilities. Carter's don't develop until he and Kyle have an all out brawl. I thought somebody was going to die or at least get seriously injured; a rift would form between the couples for sure! Instead, the boys reach an agreement to protect the girls. Good on them. I thought all problems were solved then they're all ambushed at school..
At this point, I once again entered my fluffy cloud of confusion. The novel immediately transforms into something more fantasy. I was reeling! We go from four modern day high school students to princesses, lords, past lives, mysterious warriors bent on killing some of them and teleportation? Don't get me wrong, I was really starting to love the turn the story was taking but downshifting that fast took some adjusting! The ending had an excellent cliffhanger too and lots more questions! What made it more curious was the intent in the epilogue to take to reader back to the beginning in the next book. My curiosity is definitely piqued and I have every intention of picking up the second book in the Shardwell series! I can't wait to see what happens next! Phoenix Angel had so many unexpected turns I can't help but wonder what's in store for the future! I have big expectations for the next book! I'm only hoping that Maggie is over her bad attitude and that Lily finds the person she was truly meant to be with (because Carter was just tricky! Who saw that coming?!)
February 13, 2013
Phoenix Angel was given to me to read for my review and let me just start by saying how amazed I am that two people could teamwork it though an entire book together successfully. Not to mention that they are sisters! I can get along with anyone in just about any situation, but there is no way that I would be able to sit and write a novel with someone without that person mysteriously disappearing. That goes double where a sibling is involved (not that I don’t love my sister dearly). Gerry and Hall pulled it off beautifully!
Phoenix Angel had my full attention within the first 50 pages. After that I couldn’t put down. When I had about 70 pages to go, I wished that I had the next novel lined up and ready because I knew it was going to kill me to wait for it. And it still might!
Maggie is a beautiful high school girl scorned by a football player. Since the experience she’s become closed off and nasty to her fellow classmates, especially if they’re in a certain popular crowd. Her best friend, however, is the other side of the coin. Loved by all and on every school planning board, Lily, always has a sunny disposition and is always smiling. Lily more or less keeps Maggie (and her mouth) in check. Friends since they were babies, they have a deep, sisterly bond.
There’s a new guy in school with calendar-guy good looks and is easily the best player on the football team. Kyle has instant fame. The guys all worship him and the girls are falling at his feet. However, he has eyes only for quick-tempered Maggie – and she hates him. In fact, the first time their eyes meet, Maggie becomes violently ill. Lily thinks that Maggie should give Kyle a chance and Kyle is ever trying to prove to Maggie that he’s not the typical jock, even saving her from sexual harassment from the other players and rescuing her from an attack at work. She’s constantly fighting off his attempts, but he’s relentless. SPOILER ALERT - It all leads up to the best first kiss I’ve ever read!
Soon after meeting, Maggie, Lily, and Kyle all develop strange new “talents”. They believe these talents to be the reason behind a violent attack by large-poison-fanged –telepathic wolves. The trio resolve to develop their talents to better defend themselves against any future attacks. Something is obviously after Maggie, and that something is willing to kill Lily and Kyle to get her.
Soon another new guy shows up in town and it’s quickly clear that he’s part of whatever is happening with Maggie, Lily, and Kyle. Friend or foe, Carter joins the trio and discovers that he has powers as well. Together they fend off a double attack led by a man in white and a man in black that seem to know them all, but by different names from a different time. The attack leaves hundreds dead and one of them behind while the others escape.
The book ends as the perfect set up for a great series. Maggie, Lily, Kyle, and Carter are part of an ancient battle between good and evil. We don’t know yet who is on what side. And although I have my suspicions, I have a feeling that Gerry and Hall have a twist. I can’t wait to get my hands on the next book!
- Crystal DV
http://andositis.blogspot.com
Phoenix Angel had my full attention within the first 50 pages. After that I couldn’t put down. When I had about 70 pages to go, I wished that I had the next novel lined up and ready because I knew it was going to kill me to wait for it. And it still might!
Maggie is a beautiful high school girl scorned by a football player. Since the experience she’s become closed off and nasty to her fellow classmates, especially if they’re in a certain popular crowd. Her best friend, however, is the other side of the coin. Loved by all and on every school planning board, Lily, always has a sunny disposition and is always smiling. Lily more or less keeps Maggie (and her mouth) in check. Friends since they were babies, they have a deep, sisterly bond.
There’s a new guy in school with calendar-guy good looks and is easily the best player on the football team. Kyle has instant fame. The guys all worship him and the girls are falling at his feet. However, he has eyes only for quick-tempered Maggie – and she hates him. In fact, the first time their eyes meet, Maggie becomes violently ill. Lily thinks that Maggie should give Kyle a chance and Kyle is ever trying to prove to Maggie that he’s not the typical jock, even saving her from sexual harassment from the other players and rescuing her from an attack at work. She’s constantly fighting off his attempts, but he’s relentless. SPOILER ALERT - It all leads up to the best first kiss I’ve ever read!
Soon after meeting, Maggie, Lily, and Kyle all develop strange new “talents”. They believe these talents to be the reason behind a violent attack by large-poison-fanged –telepathic wolves. The trio resolve to develop their talents to better defend themselves against any future attacks. Something is obviously after Maggie, and that something is willing to kill Lily and Kyle to get her.
Soon another new guy shows up in town and it’s quickly clear that he’s part of whatever is happening with Maggie, Lily, and Kyle. Friend or foe, Carter joins the trio and discovers that he has powers as well. Together they fend off a double attack led by a man in white and a man in black that seem to know them all, but by different names from a different time. The attack leaves hundreds dead and one of them behind while the others escape.
The book ends as the perfect set up for a great series. Maggie, Lily, Kyle, and Carter are part of an ancient battle between good and evil. We don’t know yet who is on what side. And although I have my suspicions, I have a feeling that Gerry and Hall have a twist. I can’t wait to get my hands on the next book!
- Crystal DV
http://andositis.blogspot.com
November 3, 2013
Book Info: Genre: Fantasy
Reading Level: Young Adult
Recommended for: Fans of YA Fantasy
Trigger Warnings: sexual assault, assault, violence
My Thoughts: I'm a bit torn on this book. On the one hand, it is a really interesting idea, even though the reader doesn't really know what the idea is until the penultimate page. On the other hand, it is just so stereotypically YA with all the angst and drama and drama and angst that made me want to beat my head against the wall. I know that teenagers are prone to drama and angst, but for crying out loud, do we really need to be along for the whole ride? Then there are the characters...
Maggie is pretty unlikeable from the start. She is prickly and often cruel with a tendency to push everyone except Lily away. Yes, I understand, this one guy was mean to her three years ago; for crying out loud, move on! Lily, on the other hand, is too nice to be believed, and despite being in a school with hundreds of students she knows everyone, and has been Homecoming Queen since she was a Freshman? Seriously? In my school, only Seniors were eligible to be Homecoming or Prom Queen. Their characters are like caricatures of real people. Then there is Kyle. Why does he talk like a Southerner when he's from California? If he's so devoted to Maggie, why does he pull that bonehead move with Katie?
Then there is the cover. Why is there a weeping elf on the cover? There is not a single mention in the entire book of an elf. The actual Phoenix Angel is again not mentioned at all until the next to last page, in the epilogue, and then just a couple sentences that don't really explain much. Of course, this is the first book in a trilogy, but this book felt like mostly a build-up. I think quite a lot of the angst and drama could have been cut out and the story would have improved vastly.
Fans of YA fantasy will probably like this, and those who like YA romance also. I am ambivalent and probably will not read the rest of this series.
Disclosure: I received a copy from a representative of the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Synopsis: What is happening to us? I’ve asked this question a thousand times, but there is no answer.
I was a normal teenager, trudging my way through senior year with my best friend. Then a boy named Kyle Spencer came to Idaho Falls, and since then everything has fallen apart. Something mysterious has passed among the three of us. We’ve developed terrifying abilities—strange powers that separate us from normal people.
Even worse, someone—or something—has taken a deadly interest in us. We never know when they are going to strike, or how to protect ourselves. We don’t even know who they are.
All we know is that they want one of us alive, and we don’t know who. The others they want dead.
Which will I be?
Reading Level: Young Adult
Recommended for: Fans of YA Fantasy
Trigger Warnings: sexual assault, assault, violence
My Thoughts: I'm a bit torn on this book. On the one hand, it is a really interesting idea, even though the reader doesn't really know what the idea is until the penultimate page. On the other hand, it is just so stereotypically YA with all the angst and drama and drama and angst that made me want to beat my head against the wall. I know that teenagers are prone to drama and angst, but for crying out loud, do we really need to be along for the whole ride? Then there are the characters...
Maggie is pretty unlikeable from the start. She is prickly and often cruel with a tendency to push everyone except Lily away. Yes, I understand, this one guy was mean to her three years ago; for crying out loud, move on! Lily, on the other hand, is too nice to be believed, and despite being in a school with hundreds of students she knows everyone, and has been Homecoming Queen since she was a Freshman? Seriously? In my school, only Seniors were eligible to be Homecoming or Prom Queen. Their characters are like caricatures of real people. Then there is Kyle. Why does he talk like a Southerner when he's from California? If he's so devoted to Maggie, why does he pull that bonehead move with Katie?
Then there is the cover. Why is there a weeping elf on the cover? There is not a single mention in the entire book of an elf. The actual Phoenix Angel is again not mentioned at all until the next to last page, in the epilogue, and then just a couple sentences that don't really explain much. Of course, this is the first book in a trilogy, but this book felt like mostly a build-up. I think quite a lot of the angst and drama could have been cut out and the story would have improved vastly.
Fans of YA fantasy will probably like this, and those who like YA romance also. I am ambivalent and probably will not read the rest of this series.
Disclosure: I received a copy from a representative of the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Synopsis: What is happening to us? I’ve asked this question a thousand times, but there is no answer.
I was a normal teenager, trudging my way through senior year with my best friend. Then a boy named Kyle Spencer came to Idaho Falls, and since then everything has fallen apart. Something mysterious has passed among the three of us. We’ve developed terrifying abilities—strange powers that separate us from normal people.
Even worse, someone—or something—has taken a deadly interest in us. We never know when they are going to strike, or how to protect ourselves. We don’t even know who they are.
All we know is that they want one of us alive, and we don’t know who. The others they want dead.
Which will I be?
October 20, 2012
When Deonna Johnson approached me to review A. Gerry and C. Hall's book Phoenix Angel I was so excited. The story was set in a place I was familiar with, Idaho Falls, Idaho. The story also was of the fantasy genre which I love. As I got reading Phoenix Angel my excitement grew by leaps and bounds.
The story is divided into two parts. In part one you meet three of the main characters, Maggie and Lily who are best friends and have been since before they could walk, and Kyle Spencer who is a transfer student and star athlete at Bonneville High School in Idaho Falls.
When Maggie and Kyle's eyes meet at the football game it awakens supernatural powers within them. Lily later experiences this supernatural awakening when she and Kyle lock gazes. During this first part of the book the authors examine how these three characters deal with these new powers, as well as the changes in their relationships as Maggie and Kyle finally become an item.
In part two, a new character arrives in Idaho Falls. Carter is a spoiled rich kid who has finally caused his parents such grief that they "exile" him. He feels drawn to Idaho Falls and hence, his parents send him there fore his "exile". He immediately falls in love with Lily and this causes much strain on her relationships with Maggie and Kyle.
Maggie has experiences in the first half o the book of being attacked at the movie theater where she works by black cloaked figures with dead hollow eyes. Shortly after Carter comes to Idaho Falls, the girls are attacked by large supernatural wolves. Things become more intense as the four teens deal with more and more unnatural abilities and situations.
Phoenix Angel is a well-written, heart gripping, and hard to put down story. The characters are well developed and you feel as if they are people you know. Even though it starts off slowly, by the end of the third chapter I didn't want to put it down.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone in middle school or older who enjoy fantasy/action and supernatural powers. I can't wait to read the next book in the Skardwell Series.
The story is divided into two parts. In part one you meet three of the main characters, Maggie and Lily who are best friends and have been since before they could walk, and Kyle Spencer who is a transfer student and star athlete at Bonneville High School in Idaho Falls.
When Maggie and Kyle's eyes meet at the football game it awakens supernatural powers within them. Lily later experiences this supernatural awakening when she and Kyle lock gazes. During this first part of the book the authors examine how these three characters deal with these new powers, as well as the changes in their relationships as Maggie and Kyle finally become an item.
In part two, a new character arrives in Idaho Falls. Carter is a spoiled rich kid who has finally caused his parents such grief that they "exile" him. He feels drawn to Idaho Falls and hence, his parents send him there fore his "exile". He immediately falls in love with Lily and this causes much strain on her relationships with Maggie and Kyle.
Maggie has experiences in the first half o the book of being attacked at the movie theater where she works by black cloaked figures with dead hollow eyes. Shortly after Carter comes to Idaho Falls, the girls are attacked by large supernatural wolves. Things become more intense as the four teens deal with more and more unnatural abilities and situations.
Phoenix Angel is a well-written, heart gripping, and hard to put down story. The characters are well developed and you feel as if they are people you know. Even though it starts off slowly, by the end of the third chapter I didn't want to put it down.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone in middle school or older who enjoy fantasy/action and supernatural powers. I can't wait to read the next book in the Skardwell Series.
April 27, 2013
Maggie and Lily are normal high school students until one day a boy name Kyle starts attending their school. Soon after seeing him, Maggie starts to develop powers as does Kyle. Eventually Lily and Maggie become friends with Kyle. However, not all is good. There might be some people who are after them.
I thought the characters in this book were pretty relatable. Maggie can be mean at times, but I still liked her and I felt bad for her when homecoming came. I also liked that other characters thought she was mean. She was by no means a Mary Sue even if she was described as being very beautiful. I thought Lily was a sweet girl, and she was probably my favorite character in the story.
The novel was very fun to read. I would have been able to read it quickly if I hadn't been so busy recently. I think a lot of students who don't usually read would like this novel a lot, especially since it doesn't just have high school drama but also has fantasy in it.
What I didn't like about this novel was a lot of the time not much was happening. The characters would just do normal high school stuff when I wanted to learn more about their powers and why they were getting them. Sure, sometimes the characters would get attacked, but it wouldn't be mentioned much and they would go on with their lives, especially the first time. It is a bit different the second time it happens.
I also didn't like that the characters fell instantly in love when they had first met each other. I know that this is common in YA books, but I think it's cheesy and unrealistic. It would be much more interesting to me if it took time for the characters to fall in love. I was glad that Maggie didn't want to date Kyle right away.
However, despite this, I did like the novel, and I am going to read the sequel. I have a feeling the sequel is going to be better then this novel. A lot of people might like this novel more than I did. Overall I would give it three stars.
I was given a free copy of this book and the sequel by the authors' friend.
I thought the characters in this book were pretty relatable. Maggie can be mean at times, but I still liked her and I felt bad for her when homecoming came. I also liked that other characters thought she was mean. She was by no means a Mary Sue even if she was described as being very beautiful. I thought Lily was a sweet girl, and she was probably my favorite character in the story.
The novel was very fun to read. I would have been able to read it quickly if I hadn't been so busy recently. I think a lot of students who don't usually read would like this novel a lot, especially since it doesn't just have high school drama but also has fantasy in it.
What I didn't like about this novel was a lot of the time not much was happening. The characters would just do normal high school stuff when I wanted to learn more about their powers and why they were getting them. Sure, sometimes the characters would get attacked, but it wouldn't be mentioned much and they would go on with their lives, especially the first time. It is a bit different the second time it happens.
I also didn't like that the characters fell instantly in love when they had first met each other. I know that this is common in YA books, but I think it's cheesy and unrealistic. It would be much more interesting to me if it took time for the characters to fall in love. I was glad that Maggie didn't want to date Kyle right away.
However, despite this, I did like the novel, and I am going to read the sequel. I have a feeling the sequel is going to be better then this novel. A lot of people might like this novel more than I did. Overall I would give it three stars.
I was given a free copy of this book and the sequel by the authors' friend.
October 25, 2012
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
4 Stars
Wow.
OKay, so when I first began this novel I wasn't exactly sure how I was going to feel about it. Sometimes I found the way the main character's acted- unreal, like it would never happen. But as I continued reading- i grew to love the characters more and more.
At first Maggie really annoyed me. I didn't NOT like her, I just didn;t really think her attitude was necessary. But that attitude actually made me really enjoy the relationship between her and Kyle.
I think that Lily is an absolute sweetheart and to be honest- I didnt like Carter or Mark for her. So I'm interested to see what's going to happen in the second book- if maybe her and Raeylan are in love!
Okay, but besides that actual characters- I liked this story. I found the premise really interesting. I wish I would have gotten more answers about what they actually are and why they have their power, but I guess that's something that will be shown in a later book? Not sure. But anyway, I thought most of descriptions were really fun and i could really picture most of it. Sometimes I didnt quite understand what the other was trying to get across, but mostly i did.
I do think there could be a better way of breaking up who's point of view we are reading. At times i got confused and had to re read certain areas to figure out who's point of view i was in.
I'm also wondering about the phoenix angel... I assume that's Lily? Because of the green light on the cover? I dont know, i guess that's something that will also be in another book?
I guess I'm just still confused by what all of it means... Who are they? WHo were they in the past? How do the people in the past still exist and remember everything yet they dont?
Anyway, I'm looking forward to whatever come's next int his series!
4 Stars
Wow.
OKay, so when I first began this novel I wasn't exactly sure how I was going to feel about it. Sometimes I found the way the main character's acted- unreal, like it would never happen. But as I continued reading- i grew to love the characters more and more.
At first Maggie really annoyed me. I didn't NOT like her, I just didn;t really think her attitude was necessary. But that attitude actually made me really enjoy the relationship between her and Kyle.
I think that Lily is an absolute sweetheart and to be honest- I didnt like Carter or Mark for her. So I'm interested to see what's going to happen in the second book- if maybe her and Raeylan are in love!
Okay, but besides that actual characters- I liked this story. I found the premise really interesting. I wish I would have gotten more answers about what they actually are and why they have their power, but I guess that's something that will be shown in a later book? Not sure. But anyway, I thought most of descriptions were really fun and i could really picture most of it. Sometimes I didnt quite understand what the other was trying to get across, but mostly i did.
I do think there could be a better way of breaking up who's point of view we are reading. At times i got confused and had to re read certain areas to figure out who's point of view i was in.
I'm also wondering about the phoenix angel... I assume that's Lily? Because of the green light on the cover? I dont know, i guess that's something that will also be in another book?
I guess I'm just still confused by what all of it means... Who are they? WHo were they in the past? How do the people in the past still exist and remember everything yet they dont?
Anyway, I'm looking forward to whatever come's next int his series!
October 31, 2012
Reading Phoenix Angel was like reading 2 books that had been smooshed together. Or maybe 3.
The first half of the book focuses on Maggie, self-proclaimed most beautiful girl in school and probably the most unlikable female protagonist I've read in a long time. I've been wracking my brain all day, trying to think of something nice to say about her, and I can't come up with a single thing. The girl was a b*tch, and believe me, I don't say that lightly. I had no idea why her best friend Lily put up with her, and I certainly didn't understand what the heck hot-boy Kyle saw in her that was worth pursuing. I mean, c'mon, when she developed her superpower, she doesn't use it for good, oh no, she uses it to cheat and destroy lives with vicious gossip! Blech. Yeah, she kinda-sorta turns it around later in the book, but by then, it was too late. She could have ended world hunger, brought peace to all the land, and I still wouldn't have liked her.
The second half of the book switches gears to concentrate on Maggie's best friend Lily. I don't know if I liked Lily for herself or if I was just so relieved the attention was off Maggie, I would have liked ANYONE. Maybe both. If the book revolved entirely around Lily, I would have liked it a lot better. She was a more appealing character, easy to sympathize with, and overall just a better person.
Both Maggie & Lily's stories suffered from a very bad case of instalove. I am not a fan of instalove. I've read hundreds of books and can count on one hand (maybe 2, if I'm feeling generous) the number of times instalove didn't annoy me. I just think it's a cop-out and I wish authors would stop relying on it to create the illusion of romance.
The book isn't badly written. In fact, I think the writers' style is actually pretty good, but sadly, that wasn't enough to redeem the story. Phoenix Angel just wasn't the book for me.
The first half of the book focuses on Maggie, self-proclaimed most beautiful girl in school and probably the most unlikable female protagonist I've read in a long time. I've been wracking my brain all day, trying to think of something nice to say about her, and I can't come up with a single thing. The girl was a b*tch, and believe me, I don't say that lightly. I had no idea why her best friend Lily put up with her, and I certainly didn't understand what the heck hot-boy Kyle saw in her that was worth pursuing. I mean, c'mon, when she developed her superpower, she doesn't use it for good, oh no, she uses it to cheat and destroy lives with vicious gossip! Blech. Yeah, she kinda-sorta turns it around later in the book, but by then, it was too late. She could have ended world hunger, brought peace to all the land, and I still wouldn't have liked her.
The second half of the book switches gears to concentrate on Maggie's best friend Lily. I don't know if I liked Lily for herself or if I was just so relieved the attention was off Maggie, I would have liked ANYONE. Maybe both. If the book revolved entirely around Lily, I would have liked it a lot better. She was a more appealing character, easy to sympathize with, and overall just a better person.
Both Maggie & Lily's stories suffered from a very bad case of instalove. I am not a fan of instalove. I've read hundreds of books and can count on one hand (maybe 2, if I'm feeling generous) the number of times instalove didn't annoy me. I just think it's a cop-out and I wish authors would stop relying on it to create the illusion of romance.
The book isn't badly written. In fact, I think the writers' style is actually pretty good, but sadly, that wasn't enough to redeem the story. Phoenix Angel just wasn't the book for me.
January 4, 2013
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Wow, this is a hard review for me to write. I enjoyed this book immensely but it also frustrated me at the same time. With that being said, great job authors! This YA book has such mystery to it that it was hard to put it down. Not to mention the normal high school drama along with it, great for the younger readers. The romance part to the story is long awaited, and not overbearing. I think the greatest thing that the reader gets from this is the friendship between the main characters, Maggie and Lily. Speaking of Maggie, who is probably one of the most hard-headed, wanna smack someone, characters I have ever read. Stubborn, that is the best word to define her. Lily is your typical golden girl, caring and motherly, one the everyone wants to be, character. The male characters, Kyle and Carter, are your typical boys. Always making wrong choices, overbearing and possessive, ask for forgiveness later. I have to admit, they did make me laugh. The mystery and suspense in this story goes to the very end. Along with a very intense and emotional fight scene, which was well written and easy to follow along, you don't get much time to breathe during the story. I only wished that you learned a little more about their history before the very end. It got confusing to me with the amount of information given so late in the story, making it overwhelming. This would be my one reason I didn't give it a 5 star rating. Book 2, Guardian of Time, from what I have read so far about it, gives you a back story of how they came to be in Phoenix Angel. This will give the readers the understanding of what was left out in the first book. I would recommend this book to my YA Fantasy readers, and look forward to learning more about the characters. Enjoy.
Wow, this is a hard review for me to write. I enjoyed this book immensely but it also frustrated me at the same time. With that being said, great job authors! This YA book has such mystery to it that it was hard to put it down. Not to mention the normal high school drama along with it, great for the younger readers. The romance part to the story is long awaited, and not overbearing. I think the greatest thing that the reader gets from this is the friendship between the main characters, Maggie and Lily. Speaking of Maggie, who is probably one of the most hard-headed, wanna smack someone, characters I have ever read. Stubborn, that is the best word to define her. Lily is your typical golden girl, caring and motherly, one the everyone wants to be, character. The male characters, Kyle and Carter, are your typical boys. Always making wrong choices, overbearing and possessive, ask for forgiveness later. I have to admit, they did make me laugh. The mystery and suspense in this story goes to the very end. Along with a very intense and emotional fight scene, which was well written and easy to follow along, you don't get much time to breathe during the story. I only wished that you learned a little more about their history before the very end. It got confusing to me with the amount of information given so late in the story, making it overwhelming. This would be my one reason I didn't give it a 5 star rating. Book 2, Guardian of Time, from what I have read so far about it, gives you a back story of how they came to be in Phoenix Angel. This will give the readers the understanding of what was left out in the first book. I would recommend this book to my YA Fantasy readers, and look forward to learning more about the characters. Enjoy.
August 6, 2012
I was asked by the author to take a look at her book in exchange for an honest review.
Phoenix Angel (Shardwell Series) by the sister duo A. Gerry and C. Hall follows four teenagers as they maneuver through high school, romance, friendship, and... new powers?
I was greatly entertained by this book from start to finish, which is hard to do with someone who has read as much as I have. I enjoyed the perspectives of the teenagers, and the plot never stalled. Many newbies spend too much time on backstory and ignore their characters. That is not the case with this book. Lily is by far my favorite of the bunch, a sweet girl who is full of sunshine, but has the potential (and does) develop the most over time. Her best friend, Maggie, much less likeable but has very dramatic powers, which I'll let the reader discover themselves. Kyle is not my favorite male character over time, but he's a nice kid and provides a nice romantic interest. As for the fourth, I'll let people figure that one out on their own.
A couple of issues I had with this novel. First, the viewpoints go from each of the main characters but for some reason we are stuck with Maggie for the first several chapters. As I alluded to before, she is not the most likeable character. I see why the authors started with her, but I think it might have been better for us to take a break from this angry character's perspective earlier rather than later. Second, I'm not sure why it's called Phoenix Angel? Cool title, but not sure how it pertains to the story.
Overall, a fun story with great characters. I'm excited to see what these sisters have up their sleeve next!
Phoenix Angel (Shardwell Series) by the sister duo A. Gerry and C. Hall follows four teenagers as they maneuver through high school, romance, friendship, and... new powers?
I was greatly entertained by this book from start to finish, which is hard to do with someone who has read as much as I have. I enjoyed the perspectives of the teenagers, and the plot never stalled. Many newbies spend too much time on backstory and ignore their characters. That is not the case with this book. Lily is by far my favorite of the bunch, a sweet girl who is full of sunshine, but has the potential (and does) develop the most over time. Her best friend, Maggie, much less likeable but has very dramatic powers, which I'll let the reader discover themselves. Kyle is not my favorite male character over time, but he's a nice kid and provides a nice romantic interest. As for the fourth, I'll let people figure that one out on their own.
A couple of issues I had with this novel. First, the viewpoints go from each of the main characters but for some reason we are stuck with Maggie for the first several chapters. As I alluded to before, she is not the most likeable character. I see why the authors started with her, but I think it might have been better for us to take a break from this angry character's perspective earlier rather than later. Second, I'm not sure why it's called Phoenix Angel? Cool title, but not sure how it pertains to the story.
Overall, a fun story with great characters. I'm excited to see what these sisters have up their sleeve next!
February 21, 2013
Yay!!!!!
I am so happy that I won this! Hope it comes soon! I will definitely be reviewing this.
After receiving the book...
I was very impressed with this book. It was something different from most fantasy books that I read, so it made a very nice change. I am looking forward to reading the other books in the Shardwell series.
The Plot:
Lily and Maggie have been best friends for as long as they can remember. However, they are complete opposites. Maggie is rebellious and Lily is kind to everyone. One day, a new boy named Kyle Spencer arrives at school. Everyone loves Kyle, he is a great athlete and he seems to be falling for Maggie. Weird things start happening and the three teenagers develop unusual powers. However something is out to get them and they only want one of the three teenagers.
The Characters:
Maggie- I took to Maggie's character immediately. She is different from a lot of other protagonists in other book I have read.
Lily- to be honest I liked Lily less than Maggie because I found I liked Maggie more and her relationship with Kyle.
Kyle- Kyle was an interesting character. I liked him better than Carter.
The Good:
-I liked the characters in the story.
-the book wasn't too predictable.
-the writing style was gripping and the story was beautifully written, particularly the epilogue.
-I thought that the powers each character had was good.
-the ending was hard to guess.
The Bad:
-the characters annoyed me at times.
-I didn't really like the thickness of the pages.
I would recommend this book to teenagers who love fantasy novels.
I am so happy that I won this! Hope it comes soon! I will definitely be reviewing this.
After receiving the book...
I was very impressed with this book. It was something different from most fantasy books that I read, so it made a very nice change. I am looking forward to reading the other books in the Shardwell series.
The Plot:
Lily and Maggie have been best friends for as long as they can remember. However, they are complete opposites. Maggie is rebellious and Lily is kind to everyone. One day, a new boy named Kyle Spencer arrives at school. Everyone loves Kyle, he is a great athlete and he seems to be falling for Maggie. Weird things start happening and the three teenagers develop unusual powers. However something is out to get them and they only want one of the three teenagers.
The Characters:
Maggie- I took to Maggie's character immediately. She is different from a lot of other protagonists in other book I have read.
Lily- to be honest I liked Lily less than Maggie because I found I liked Maggie more and her relationship with Kyle.
Kyle- Kyle was an interesting character. I liked him better than Carter.
The Good:
-I liked the characters in the story.
-the book wasn't too predictable.
-the writing style was gripping and the story was beautifully written, particularly the epilogue.
-I thought that the powers each character had was good.
-the ending was hard to guess.
The Bad:
-the characters annoyed me at times.
-I didn't really like the thickness of the pages.
I would recommend this book to teenagers who love fantasy novels.
July 31, 2013
Warning! This is detrimental to personal
relationships. Once one picks it up to read,
it is very likely nothing will interfere
until the novel is completed. Really!
My sweet, patient husband became somewhat
annoyed with me. I briefly fixed him a quick
meal, then once again locked myself in my room
to continue reading this captivating, yet,
quite violent story. Even for those who aren't
Sci-Fi fans, this is still good. It doesn't
slow in action at all. Hey, and all you westerners,
it is mostly set in Idaho Falls as a main setting.
Along with action, there are the same ole' High
School situations and emotions.
The Prologue didn't make sense, yet it stimulated
one's curiosity. The story "took off" so fast after
that, no more thought was given until the very end.
The beginning first chapters are very frustrating as
Maggie constantly "acts out". It is hard at times to
feel any empathy even after the reason for it is
revealed. One wonders how her best friend, Lily,
tolerates her.
There are Mark, Trent, & Kyle, all wanting to be more
than friends with Maggie and Lily. Will Maggie succeed
in driving them all away and perhaps ruining Lily's
life, as well as her own?
The book is in two parts. In book two we have an additional
main character join - Carter. Also, the question of, "Are
super-powers real? What else can explain the strange happenings.
This book contains self-discovery, peer-pressure effects,
super-powers, bonds of friendship, romance, and violence.
relationships. Once one picks it up to read,
it is very likely nothing will interfere
until the novel is completed. Really!
My sweet, patient husband became somewhat
annoyed with me. I briefly fixed him a quick
meal, then once again locked myself in my room
to continue reading this captivating, yet,
quite violent story. Even for those who aren't
Sci-Fi fans, this is still good. It doesn't
slow in action at all. Hey, and all you westerners,
it is mostly set in Idaho Falls as a main setting.
Along with action, there are the same ole' High
School situations and emotions.
The Prologue didn't make sense, yet it stimulated
one's curiosity. The story "took off" so fast after
that, no more thought was given until the very end.
The beginning first chapters are very frustrating as
Maggie constantly "acts out". It is hard at times to
feel any empathy even after the reason for it is
revealed. One wonders how her best friend, Lily,
tolerates her.
There are Mark, Trent, & Kyle, all wanting to be more
than friends with Maggie and Lily. Will Maggie succeed
in driving them all away and perhaps ruining Lily's
life, as well as her own?
The book is in two parts. In book two we have an additional
main character join - Carter. Also, the question of, "Are
super-powers real? What else can explain the strange happenings.
This book contains self-discovery, peer-pressure effects,
super-powers, bonds of friendship, romance, and violence.
September 24, 2012
I must say that when I first read the description, I was intrigued to read this book. It seemed like another YA fantasy book. I have been liking the genre so far, so I had even more reason to read it.
I must say that this is by far one of the best that I have read this year! The characters a fabulous and likable. There is a nice depth to the characters without giving too much of the plot away, so you are discovering their story as they are.
The plot is fantastic, and it leaves you hanging at the end perfectly. It was much more than I expected. It really sucks you into this world so that you totally forget what's going on around you. So many times I had to put the book down in order to make dinner or help my girls with homework, but it was more difficult to put down everytime!
I do hope that this has the opportunity to get made into a movie because this would be absolutely fantastic. Not that I'm picking out people to play center parts (Liam Hemsworth for Carter!!), but it would move into film easily reaching for so many more people to become enthralled in this series.
I'm so excited and can't wait to read the next one in the series! This will definitely become the next favorite series amoung YA fantasy readers like Clare's Mortal Instruments and Collins' Hunger Games!
(Book was received in exchange for an honest and fair review.)
I must say that this is by far one of the best that I have read this year! The characters a fabulous and likable. There is a nice depth to the characters without giving too much of the plot away, so you are discovering their story as they are.
The plot is fantastic, and it leaves you hanging at the end perfectly. It was much more than I expected. It really sucks you into this world so that you totally forget what's going on around you. So many times I had to put the book down in order to make dinner or help my girls with homework, but it was more difficult to put down everytime!
I do hope that this has the opportunity to get made into a movie because this would be absolutely fantastic. Not that I'm picking out people to play center parts (Liam Hemsworth for Carter!!), but it would move into film easily reaching for so many more people to become enthralled in this series.
I'm so excited and can't wait to read the next one in the series! This will definitely become the next favorite series amoung YA fantasy readers like Clare's Mortal Instruments and Collins' Hunger Games!
(Book was received in exchange for an honest and fair review.)
October 8, 2013
I received this book free from the author when I won it in a giveaway. My friend had actually won a prize pack with book one, two and a t-shirt and when I mentioned that, they graciously sent me the same thing!! I am super grateful for that. I like the book over because I believe that it gives the reader an insight of what is to come in the novel and also in the next book. I liked how it started as contemporary but quickly turned into a fantasy read. I was pretty confused through almost the whole book until about 75% in, then everything started to come together and make sense. But then I got mad because it ended right when things were getting good lol.
I enjoyed looking at how the characters all ended up in the same place. I liked watching their relationships blossom, even though I did find them to be a bit insta- love. I can't wait for book two because after what you learn at the end of book one I feel like we will get a ton more information about these characters and why they feel the way they do about each other.
This book was definitely a new experience for me and I can't wait to get started one book two. Hopefully book two will answer all of the questions that Phoenix Angel stirred up. I would recommend this book to fantasy lovers.
I enjoyed looking at how the characters all ended up in the same place. I liked watching their relationships blossom, even though I did find them to be a bit insta- love. I can't wait for book two because after what you learn at the end of book one I feel like we will get a ton more information about these characters and why they feel the way they do about each other.
This book was definitely a new experience for me and I can't wait to get started one book two. Hopefully book two will answer all of the questions that Phoenix Angel stirred up. I would recommend this book to fantasy lovers.
October 31, 2012
Our young years are full of discoveries, intense feelings, powerful passions, true friedships, betrayals and complications everywhere. Just imagina how it all escalates when you add superpowers to the mix! From not so typical teenage Maggie, life in school would just start to be much more intersting. After meetinng a new boy who seems obcessed with her, the whole world would just turn upside down. Phoenix Angel is a compelling book, not about fantastic abilities, but about teenagers and relationships, which total command of the storytelling by sisters authors realy grab my attention.
I must say that the supernatural and fantastic elements of the novel play a really minor part in the first half of the book, as the story focuses mostly on the romance, sense of friendship and complications in the everyday life os this fascinating characters. And that´s the best thing about the novel! On the other hand, when the too out there elements of the plot appear, the story just loose focus a bit, but gains in intensity. Overall, I liked the first part better than the second, but still enjoyed the novel as a whole.
I must say that the supernatural and fantastic elements of the novel play a really minor part in the first half of the book, as the story focuses mostly on the romance, sense of friendship and complications in the everyday life os this fascinating characters. And that´s the best thing about the novel! On the other hand, when the too out there elements of the plot appear, the story just loose focus a bit, but gains in intensity. Overall, I liked the first part better than the second, but still enjoyed the novel as a whole.
May 15, 2013
First off i'd love to thank the Authors and Deonna Johnson for giving my copies of Phoenix and and Guardian of Time(which I am excitedly making my way through now :D).
Two normal best friends make their way through their senior year at a normal high School. Things start getting...not so normal, when Maggie begins to develop strange powers, that she neither wants nor understands. She tries her best to make due, but when a boy comes into her life, it just gets worse.
~~
I love this book and would recommend it to anyone interested in Urban Fantasy! It is well written, and I very much enjoy the way the Authors describe the world and the characters. The characters are very realistic and believable.
The story picked up quickly and kept going until - BAM! It really gets kicked up a few gears and you're pulled right in to the drama.
Over all, I gave five stars because despite the two Author's Mathematical inclinations( haha! ;p only joking!), they have written a VERY good book! I can't wait to continue this adventure in the second and any future books!
Two normal best friends make their way through their senior year at a normal high School. Things start getting...not so normal, when Maggie begins to develop strange powers, that she neither wants nor understands. She tries her best to make due, but when a boy comes into her life, it just gets worse.
~~
I love this book and would recommend it to anyone interested in Urban Fantasy! It is well written, and I very much enjoy the way the Authors describe the world and the characters. The characters are very realistic and believable.
The story picked up quickly and kept going until - BAM! It really gets kicked up a few gears and you're pulled right in to the drama.
Over all, I gave five stars because despite the two Author's Mathematical inclinations( haha! ;p only joking!), they have written a VERY good book! I can't wait to continue this adventure in the second and any future books!
March 15, 2013
Review of Phoenix Angel (Shardwell #1)
A Surprisingly gifted and deeper-than-usual YA novel, “Phoenix Angel” starts out with real-life issues, not just the ordinary routine high-school-drama; and then weaves in superhuman talents, unexpected and sometimes unwelcome. Maggie and Lily have a beautiful, to-be-wished-for, lifelong friendship, unbreakable and sturdy. Maggie and the new student Kyle find love at first sight is stunning, not-to-be-imagined, and not to mention, it brings on otherworldly incursions as well. Even Kyle and Lily have a first-time encounter which is at earthquake magnitude.
Everything about this story: characters, plotting, events—is somehow more-than which is what made the book so intriguing to me. Where I was expecting routine YA urban fantasy, what I found was a whole lot more, and an encouragement to hurry-up-and-wait for the next installment.
A Surprisingly gifted and deeper-than-usual YA novel, “Phoenix Angel” starts out with real-life issues, not just the ordinary routine high-school-drama; and then weaves in superhuman talents, unexpected and sometimes unwelcome. Maggie and Lily have a beautiful, to-be-wished-for, lifelong friendship, unbreakable and sturdy. Maggie and the new student Kyle find love at first sight is stunning, not-to-be-imagined, and not to mention, it brings on otherworldly incursions as well. Even Kyle and Lily have a first-time encounter which is at earthquake magnitude.
Everything about this story: characters, plotting, events—is somehow more-than which is what made the book so intriguing to me. Where I was expecting routine YA urban fantasy, what I found was a whole lot more, and an encouragement to hurry-up-and-wait for the next installment.
May 6, 2013
This book was great! I really enjoyed the characters and most of the development of the story. I love how the author kept you guessing about what was really going on. I love trying to figure it out without being told, and the cliff-hanger made me gleefully pull at my hair! lol! I can't wait to read Guardians of Time to find out how this all started.
****SPOILER-ish*****
I will say that I was a little disappointed how quickily things went with Kyle and Mags from the apology to the overly in love stuff. I would have liked it to be a little bit more subdued and gradually grow. I also couldn't feel a connection with Carter as much as I wanted to. I wish there would have been more development on him. Or maybe we aren't supposed to feel anything for him??? Guess I won't know until book two (or three). hehe...
****SPOILER-ish*****
I will say that I was a little disappointed how quickily things went with Kyle and Mags from the apology to the overly in love stuff. I would have liked it to be a little bit more subdued and gradually grow. I also couldn't feel a connection with Carter as much as I wanted to. I wish there would have been more development on him. Or maybe we aren't supposed to feel anything for him??? Guess I won't know until book two (or three). hehe...
October 28, 2012
Maggie Brooks is you typicl teenager, doing well in school until she, then she goes out with Matt Larson and her life changes. She avoids social gathering and spend more and more time alone. Her best friend Lilly trys to bring back the old Maggie without success. Then a new boy shows up at school and thing began to change. Maggie starts developing strange powere and so does the new boy Kyle Spencer and Lilly. As they explore these new powers another new boy shows up in town, then things really start to get strange.
I loved this book. Got it free through Goodreads first reads. It captured my interest from the first and I could not put it down. I plan to read it again. At least five stars.
I have passed it on to another Goodreads member who works with me.
I loved this book. Got it free through Goodreads first reads. It captured my interest from the first and I could not put it down. I plan to read it again. At least five stars.
I have passed it on to another Goodreads member who works with me.
June 13, 2014
My husband Tony read this book and the following review is his!
On reading the first few pages of Phoenix Angel I thought I'd picked up the wrong book! High School teenagers whose greatest concerns were dating, homework and Homecoming? My doubts disappeared when things soon changed as four young students are drawn together by mysterious special powers they develop. They are swept away by an avalanche of intrigue, violence and destruction as they are pursued by strange, unnatural creatures and forces that threaten to destroy them! Excellent characters and intelligently written! Witty, action packed and attention grabbing! The perfect introduction to the thrilling world of SHARDWELL !!
My husband has just re read this book. He said he enjoyed it even more on the second reading!
On reading the first few pages of Phoenix Angel I thought I'd picked up the wrong book! High School teenagers whose greatest concerns were dating, homework and Homecoming? My doubts disappeared when things soon changed as four young students are drawn together by mysterious special powers they develop. They are swept away by an avalanche of intrigue, violence and destruction as they are pursued by strange, unnatural creatures and forces that threaten to destroy them! Excellent characters and intelligently written! Witty, action packed and attention grabbing! The perfect introduction to the thrilling world of SHARDWELL !!
My husband has just re read this book. He said he enjoyed it even more on the second reading!
June 24, 2012
5/5 Stars
This book was given to me for review.
What a great read, I couldn’t be any happier with the character development. I love how each character has their strong points and their weakness also how they grow. I defiantly did not see that twist coming at all and boy did that turn everything upside down.
Overall I really loved reading Phoenix Angel the magic and different worlds that come together make for one great read, this book has action, romance, suspense and even a little mystery as they try and find out what had happened to them and who they are. I’ll defiantly be reading book 2 to find out what happens next!
This book was given to me for review.
What a great read, I couldn’t be any happier with the character development. I love how each character has their strong points and their weakness also how they grow. I defiantly did not see that twist coming at all and boy did that turn everything upside down.
Overall I really loved reading Phoenix Angel the magic and different worlds that come together make for one great read, this book has action, romance, suspense and even a little mystery as they try and find out what had happened to them and who they are. I’ll defiantly be reading book 2 to find out what happens next!
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