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White Bird #1
Illuminating Crystal
Eighteen-year-old Crystal Blue was born for a purpose: to unveil ancient sacred knowledge that will illuminate humanity, thus fulfilling a primordial contract. When she discovers a mysterious manuscript in the basement of a bookstore, an intense transformation harnesses her with unique powers, yet makes her vulnerable to dark forces that have killed thousands to keep the sacred knowledge hidden. The Fifth Age is dawning; Crystal must reveal the ancient secrets before the darkness finds her.
319 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
3 people are currently reading
419 people want to read
About the author
P.B. Morlen
4 books79 followersI began writing Crystal's story back in 1995 when my children were very small and quite mischievous. And so, as I tended to my children, I tucked Crystal's story away, but never forgot her...she wouldn't let me forget.
For fourteen years, Crystal’s story simmered in my brain and in my heart, while I played with my daughters, gaining a greater appreciation for humanity's struggles and current earth changes. I dreamed of Crystal and Adam, David and Wyndon, Cosmo and Daniel, Claire and Vincent, Madelynn, Gina and all the others.
And then, in 2009 after witnessing a performer whose creative brilliance and passion inspired me to embrace my own passion, writing, I decided to instead of dream about my characters, to begin writing about them and Crystal's story began to unfold.
Currently, I live in Minnesota where I am working on the fifth novel in the series, Blue Flames Rising. When I pull myself away from my writing, I love to travel, dig in my garden, paint, bike, canoe, walk my dog, squish my cats, get lost in the woods and play.
For fourteen years, Crystal’s story simmered in my brain and in my heart, while I played with my daughters, gaining a greater appreciation for humanity's struggles and current earth changes. I dreamed of Crystal and Adam, David and Wyndon, Cosmo and Daniel, Claire and Vincent, Madelynn, Gina and all the others.
And then, in 2009 after witnessing a performer whose creative brilliance and passion inspired me to embrace my own passion, writing, I decided to instead of dream about my characters, to begin writing about them and Crystal's story began to unfold.
Currently, I live in Minnesota where I am working on the fifth novel in the series, Blue Flames Rising. When I pull myself away from my writing, I love to travel, dig in my garden, paint, bike, canoe, walk my dog, squish my cats, get lost in the woods and play.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
April 26, 2014
Such a short synopsis but such a long and intent story.
With this book, Illuminating Crystal, author PB Morlen gives birth to a new and compelling series – White Bird Series.
I gave myself a good long one month to think deeply what I feel about this book (before writing this review) and without any immediate agitation, I came to a conclusion that I actually loved this book way more than I expected and anticipated I will.
The first 50 pages reminded me of Harry Potter books that I grew up with all my childhood days. Well not in terms of story, but in terms of describing human emotions and expressions with so well defined sentiments. Maybe I over said it or other readers may disagree, but Hey! It’s just something that reminded me of that Goldy series and F-Five (refreshed) my younger days.
The story kicks in with interesting and main character Crystal Blue whose physical beauty and human sentiments were described so vehemently by Mrs. Morlen.
What more does a book lover wants if you’re reading a book and your main characters and plot are surrounded with books, a book store, books within a book and story revolving around a book and a bookstore? Ugh! Heaven!
Mrs. Morlen gradually built up the plot, carefully defining every detail and every aspect may it be for weather, environment, bookstore, characters, chemistry, mystery, emotions and trepidation with chutzpah and drooling confidence.
Talking about her overwhelming literary skills, the woman knows how to suck reader in with supreme selection of words, so well balanced, as one would admire it’s beauty without reaching the other hand for dictionary. This is what I look for into a novel, if it’s meant to be a series. Who doesn’t wants to enjoy a beautiful story chiseled with ruddy, warm and astute language?
As we learn further, Mrs Morlen has created an impression that Crystal (our main character) is bound to possess boundless potentials of enormous energy that’s destined to change the course of Earth in the welfare of mankind forever. She’s the child of the stars, and as the story progresses, I was glued on to my couch with curiosity to find out what comes next.
Now here’s a slight glitch. I expected the story to move much faster and something to actually happen, like a twist or a shock that would agitate me with massive excitement. But it rather kept the same slow/medium pace throughout the novel. A point at which I almost speed read 50 or more pages, skimming through the text and just gliding over it, hoping to calm down at some sudden change point.
But even after speed reading, I discovered, nothing much changed and I could still hold on to the plot with utmost comprehension. That made me conclude, it’s not a fast pace novel (in case you’re hoping for).
But with that being said, unlike in most of the books, where an abrupt change in plot or tempo would occur and we’d completely miss the hint of plot, this was not the case with Illuminating Crystal.
Mrs. Morlen brilliantly covered up for this part and subject by presenting the story in such a delineate way, that I actually felt like living each and every minute of story, as if I were Crystal and entire motion of events were perfectly revolving around me.
Now if you’re wanting to read this book, I’d recommend ordering the entire series (at least book 2), for you’d be pulling your hair with the cliffhanger just as when the excitement kicks in and something huge is about to happen.
This book is divided into three parts, which I loved the way they were synchronized and complemented the entire novel so well.
Part 1 surrounds mainly three characters Crystal, Cosmos and Adam, the chemistry among the three, and building up the plot. Some magical book, with destructive (or not, yet to discover) powers changes the life of Crystal Blue and all the characters forever.
While with the introduction of more carefully defined characters in the following parts, PB Morlen manages to take the story to a whole new level. With magic and fantasy touch to it, there’s definitely much more in this series. With so much of intrigue engaged, a mysterious manuscript found in the basement of bookstore, an intense transformation harness with her unique powers, it’s sure that the cosmic energy is vibrating at a much higher level and frequency which gives me a feeling, White Bird series is something not to be missed.
I’m glad I got the second (Book 2) and third (Book 3) installments along with Book 1 and I’m going after it.
If you love the synopsis, then grab these books without giving a second thought, there’s so much more to it than what the blurb, synopsis and my review speaks about.
With this book, Illuminating Crystal, author PB Morlen gives birth to a new and compelling series – White Bird Series.
I gave myself a good long one month to think deeply what I feel about this book (before writing this review) and without any immediate agitation, I came to a conclusion that I actually loved this book way more than I expected and anticipated I will.
The first 50 pages reminded me of Harry Potter books that I grew up with all my childhood days. Well not in terms of story, but in terms of describing human emotions and expressions with so well defined sentiments. Maybe I over said it or other readers may disagree, but Hey! It’s just something that reminded me of that Goldy series and F-Five (refreshed) my younger days.
The story kicks in with interesting and main character Crystal Blue whose physical beauty and human sentiments were described so vehemently by Mrs. Morlen.
What more does a book lover wants if you’re reading a book and your main characters and plot are surrounded with books, a book store, books within a book and story revolving around a book and a bookstore? Ugh! Heaven!
Mrs. Morlen gradually built up the plot, carefully defining every detail and every aspect may it be for weather, environment, bookstore, characters, chemistry, mystery, emotions and trepidation with chutzpah and drooling confidence.
Talking about her overwhelming literary skills, the woman knows how to suck reader in with supreme selection of words, so well balanced, as one would admire it’s beauty without reaching the other hand for dictionary. This is what I look for into a novel, if it’s meant to be a series. Who doesn’t wants to enjoy a beautiful story chiseled with ruddy, warm and astute language?
As we learn further, Mrs Morlen has created an impression that Crystal (our main character) is bound to possess boundless potentials of enormous energy that’s destined to change the course of Earth in the welfare of mankind forever. She’s the child of the stars, and as the story progresses, I was glued on to my couch with curiosity to find out what comes next.
Now here’s a slight glitch. I expected the story to move much faster and something to actually happen, like a twist or a shock that would agitate me with massive excitement. But it rather kept the same slow/medium pace throughout the novel. A point at which I almost speed read 50 or more pages, skimming through the text and just gliding over it, hoping to calm down at some sudden change point.
But even after speed reading, I discovered, nothing much changed and I could still hold on to the plot with utmost comprehension. That made me conclude, it’s not a fast pace novel (in case you’re hoping for).
But with that being said, unlike in most of the books, where an abrupt change in plot or tempo would occur and we’d completely miss the hint of plot, this was not the case with Illuminating Crystal.
Mrs. Morlen brilliantly covered up for this part and subject by presenting the story in such a delineate way, that I actually felt like living each and every minute of story, as if I were Crystal and entire motion of events were perfectly revolving around me.
Now if you’re wanting to read this book, I’d recommend ordering the entire series (at least book 2), for you’d be pulling your hair with the cliffhanger just as when the excitement kicks in and something huge is about to happen.
This book is divided into three parts, which I loved the way they were synchronized and complemented the entire novel so well.
Part 1 surrounds mainly three characters Crystal, Cosmos and Adam, the chemistry among the three, and building up the plot. Some magical book, with destructive (or not, yet to discover) powers changes the life of Crystal Blue and all the characters forever.
While with the introduction of more carefully defined characters in the following parts, PB Morlen manages to take the story to a whole new level. With magic and fantasy touch to it, there’s definitely much more in this series. With so much of intrigue engaged, a mysterious manuscript found in the basement of bookstore, an intense transformation harness with her unique powers, it’s sure that the cosmic energy is vibrating at a much higher level and frequency which gives me a feeling, White Bird series is something not to be missed.
I’m glad I got the second (Book 2) and third (Book 3) installments along with Book 1 and I’m going after it.
If you love the synopsis, then grab these books without giving a second thought, there’s so much more to it than what the blurb, synopsis and my review speaks about.
May 7, 2015
Once I started reading this book I could not set it down. And then after zooming through it the first time I read it again. The story pulled me in and actually had me contemplating many things in my own life. In wanting to write an amazing review I let a lot of time go by because words couldn't describe how much I loved this book! If you want a captivating story that feels real and will have you wanting more...start with Illuminating Crystal and if you are taking it on vacation make sure to bring the rest of the series with you too!
January 14, 2014
This is not my usual genre and I really didn’t think I would like it….but I was so wrong!! I loved this book!! I quickly fell in love with all the unique characters. Their stories all intertwined with a good mixture of fantasy and "new-age" spirituality. I’m looking forward to reading more from this author.
February 25, 2014
I got this book from Amazon for my kindle because of Goodreads. It was a very interesting book! The story had me from the beginning and kept my interest the entire time! I did get a bit mixed up with the characters names once in a while. It was a different approach to New Age changes. Will be getting the next book soon.
November 28, 2016
This book forms the start of a promising series.
Crystal Blue has returned to Earth to help usher in a new age for mankind, but is she ready for that burden? Is mankind enlightened enough to be shown the way forward? Or will agents of darkness find a way to prevent Crystal carrying out her destiny?
I really enjoyed this book, because of the way it weaves mythology, mysticism, and ancient wisdom into a modern day quest for answers. This may be only the first book in the series, but I have already built up a thirst for the rest of the story.
Crystal Blue has returned to Earth to help usher in a new age for mankind, but is she ready for that burden? Is mankind enlightened enough to be shown the way forward? Or will agents of darkness find a way to prevent Crystal carrying out her destiny?
I really enjoyed this book, because of the way it weaves mythology, mysticism, and ancient wisdom into a modern day quest for answers. This may be only the first book in the series, but I have already built up a thirst for the rest of the story.
December 9, 2020
I liked the story enough. It was a quick read. I always hate books with the insta-love even though it is clear who they 2 people are that instantly fall for each other.
It also needed some more editing done on it. I know even big houses publish things with things here or there but this has quite a bit and was enough for me to note.
It also needed some more editing done on it. I know even big houses publish things with things here or there but this has quite a bit and was enough for me to note.
April 16, 2015
Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite
Illuminating Crystal is Book One in the White Bird Series by PB Morlen. Crystal Blue doesn't realize what she's been blown into. She thought it was an escape from the cold outdoors that pushed her inside a bookstore. It was more than just the cold. It was fate and an unraveling of destiny, her destiny, past and present, that would unleash some incredibly complex and diverse chain of events. All she had to do was convince the owner, Cosmos, to hire her. Once hired, her job was not upstairs in the cozy bookstore, but downstairs in the dark, poorly lit basement. She had to unpack an inventory boxes of books and look out for one special book, one with powers that could unravel all of humanity, as well as Crystal.
Illuminating Crystal is a real page-turner. Mixed in with fantasy, there is mythology and a good deal of mystery. It is convoluted and complex as the characters, increasing in numbers, all somehow connect to one another in both good and evil ways. There is subterfuge and adventure as characters are kidnapped, rescued, and obliterated. It is a very exciting plot with intense twists and turns. As evil encircles an innocent, unsuspecting Crystal and her sister, Claire, the intensity of the story thickens.
PB Morlen has written a fascinating tale that weaves facts with mythology and fiction. There is a deep connection between Crystal and the bookstore's owner, Cosmos, well-named for his earthly endeavor to be well-ordered in a bookstore, no less. This is an outstanding fantasy that pitches good against evil in an endless battle for the preservation of the human race.
Illuminating Crystal is Book One in the White Bird Series by PB Morlen. Crystal Blue doesn't realize what she's been blown into. She thought it was an escape from the cold outdoors that pushed her inside a bookstore. It was more than just the cold. It was fate and an unraveling of destiny, her destiny, past and present, that would unleash some incredibly complex and diverse chain of events. All she had to do was convince the owner, Cosmos, to hire her. Once hired, her job was not upstairs in the cozy bookstore, but downstairs in the dark, poorly lit basement. She had to unpack an inventory boxes of books and look out for one special book, one with powers that could unravel all of humanity, as well as Crystal.
Illuminating Crystal is a real page-turner. Mixed in with fantasy, there is mythology and a good deal of mystery. It is convoluted and complex as the characters, increasing in numbers, all somehow connect to one another in both good and evil ways. There is subterfuge and adventure as characters are kidnapped, rescued, and obliterated. It is a very exciting plot with intense twists and turns. As evil encircles an innocent, unsuspecting Crystal and her sister, Claire, the intensity of the story thickens.
PB Morlen has written a fascinating tale that weaves facts with mythology and fiction. There is a deep connection between Crystal and the bookstore's owner, Cosmos, well-named for his earthly endeavor to be well-ordered in a bookstore, no less. This is an outstanding fantasy that pitches good against evil in an endless battle for the preservation of the human race.
December 25, 2013
I was honestly not expecting much from this book. I had read many others about the vibrations and a changing earth, humanity's chance to gain compassion and move to a higher existence or perish. Most of those had been very preachy and just not an enjoyable read. This, however, was an absolutely wonderful book. The mixture of fantasy and "new-age" spirituality was done so well, and did not try to force any new belief onto the reader, instead it seemed to mesh into the reader's heart.
I fell in love with the characters quickly. Their stories so intertwined with many not knowing why. As the story continued I became glued to it. The author did a fabulous job or keeping me engaged as a reader. The unique characters and their flaws sets a wonderful path full of danger and adventure. I am truly looking forward to reading the next in the series.
I was given a copy of this book in a giveaway on goodreads, and was not paid for my review in any way. The thoughts and opinions here are my own.
I fell in love with the characters quickly. Their stories so intertwined with many not knowing why. As the story continued I became glued to it. The author did a fabulous job or keeping me engaged as a reader. The unique characters and their flaws sets a wonderful path full of danger and adventure. I am truly looking forward to reading the next in the series.
I was given a copy of this book in a giveaway on goodreads, and was not paid for my review in any way. The thoughts and opinions here are my own.
March 3, 2014
I received this book in exchange for an honest review. I really wish I could give it 5 stars. The book came with a handwritten letter from P.B. Morlen and I was giddy to receive that. I love fantasy books, but this one just has too many conveniences and may be a bit too fanatical for my taste. Perhaps some younger people of the female variety wold find more fascination in instant love and universe changing crystals. I cannot do it. I am really intrigued to find out what exactly happened to the house in the beginning. I am also super curious to find out more about more about what happens to Crystal Blue on her journey. So the plot is there. With that said I am not curious enough to continue this series, and it ends with this book for me. I really liked the handwritten note. It was very kind and thoughtful, but for me that was the best part of the experience. Don't discount it, if you have liked these types of books in the past but I was certainly left wanting.
August 7, 2015
This is definitely a fantasy novel and although it is not the genre I normally read I enjoyed it thoroughly. Since this is the first of I think it is 5 (possibly more) books in this series it does leave you hanging and wanting to know what happened next. I am not going to write too much --the information given is more then enough to whet your appetite for-especially if you or your teen love reading fantasy novels with a bit of the old good vs evil thrown in-and an romance that eludes the ages.
Illuminating Crystal
Illuminating Crystal
August 26, 2013
This is a wonderful book. It incompasses so much. First it is a great story, second there is so much good knowledge from other cultures esp. Native American culture, third because it speaks about the changes the Earth is going through in present time which is also what we are experiencing in daily life and forth because it gives ways that help in moving through difficult experiences. A very good read.
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March 25, 2014#Free on #amazon #kindle Illuminating Crystal by @PbMorlen #fantasy #NewAdult
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August 28, 2013
This book really shows promise! I love Crystal and her reluctant journey. I think P.B. is on a roll!
January 1, 2014
Loved this book! A bit of romance, humor, intrigue, fantasy all rolled into one. Looking forward to reading more.
March 27, 2015
Even better the 2nd time I read it.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews