Hell wants him. Heaven has called him. And Earth needs him.
Bullied, alone, and broken, he was ready to give up. Turns out, the guardian angels have other plans for Alan Price. The battle that has waged in the supernatural realm has come to Earth and fallen angels are making their move against their heavenly counterparts.Now, Alan is caught up in a world of; myth, ancient gods, bloodthirsty demons, and the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse and he must choose a side.
Just when he thought his life didn't matter, it turns out he's the center of everything.
With the heart-pounding adventure of the Cassandra Clare Mortal Instruments and the fun featured in Percy Jackson and the Olympians, The Archangel Wars serves up the kind of good time that will keep you up all night.
I'm Jonathan, a husband, father, and writer. I write because that's what I was born to do and I love doing it. Because of the support from awesome people like you, I get to do it full-time.
This was part of Bookworms Blues grouping and has since been eliminated.
Plot: Alan is a kid suffering from depression, when the book opens he's contemplating killing himself after a long time of trying different medications and nothing working. He goes to the top of a building, and ends up going over the edge. He was saved when his body slowed down and came to a stop just above the pavement.
He was blessed with gifts from the Angels which allowed his life to be saved. He was contacted by people who work for the Angels to explain why he was chosen to be gifted, and what it means for him in the future.
There's a book called the Chronicles which is more or less an instruction manual for how to build weapons that could work against heaven. It was entrusted to a human family on Earth as a record of what's come before, and the war against Heaven that took place a long time ago.
Alan and his friends and Angels have to stop the Fallen from getting making weapons to start a new war against Heaven.
Final Score: 5/10
Characters: Alan has always been bullied, and he's an orphan with no family. He's growing up in a group home with a couple other boys, and although it isn't abusive, it's not exactly a loving and welcoming place either.
He gets picked on relentlessly at school and has suffered from depression for a while, he sees a therapist and takes medication but he always seems to feel angry, lost, and depressed.
The book skips forward a few years, so later on in the book he's a little older. He still thinks about how he suffered in high school but is seeming to come around now that his life has a purpose. He was stealing and living in motels after high school barely making it by.
This is a mostly single POV story, but we do get a few interlude chapters from the villian pov and a couple others. The villains felt a little flat to me, a stereotypical good vs evil plot line and character arc - but I do suppose that was the purpose of this kind of story.
Final Score: 5/10
World Building: This was set in modern times, there were references to things in the real world like WoW (World of Warcraft), so it's def an urban fantasy of sorts.
A lot of the lore and mythos of this world is based in Christianity. There was a war for Heaven when a power hungry angel wanted too much power, he was then cast out and sent to a hell.
Both the Angels and the Demons work through humanity to wage a "shadow war" on Earth, as the Fallen haven't dared attack Heaven in thousands of years. They need the magical weaponry to make it happen.
The "gifts" bestowed on humans are pretty varied, super speed, super strength, hardening the skin to defend against attacks, manipulating water, etc.
Final Score: 5/10
Pacing/Prose/Tone: This was a YA book, the overall tone was lighter and more adventurous. It went pretty quickly since it's under 300 pages, but, there were weird pacing issues with the flashbacks. I'd get confused where I was in the story, although some of this may be because I listened to the audiobook.
Pacing Final Score: 7/10
Writing Final Score: 6.5/10
Originality: I have to admit I've seen most of this before. I think my favorite bit was that the old Wonders of the World, like the pyramids of Egypt were supernaturally created and part of the mythos of the world.
Final Score: 6/10
Audience: For people who like classic good vs evil For people who like YA For people who like Christian mythos For people who like shorter faster paced books For people who like characters suffering from depression
There are so many things I loved about this book…where to start? Probably super powers. I’m a huge fan - the more the merrier - and Mr. Yanez does not disappoint.
The main character Alan is realistic and likeable. There is noticeable character growth throughout the novel, always a nice touch. This particular novel is heavy on action and light on romance, though there are hints and I’m hoping the romance is developed more in the later installments.
I have to admit, as a fan of the movie “The Prophecy” I was giggling like a little girl when I read the last chapter. For me it was the perfect ending to the book; I love my sadistically evil villains. :)
The pacing is fast and Mr. Yanez manages to keep it light and fun, even with the heavier topics he’s handling – depression, isolation, and the obliteration of the human race. I also love the underlying theme of realizing your potential.
The only thing that had me scratching my head was that a nickname wasn’t chosen – it was introduced and I thought by the end of the novel Alan would have one. Guessing it’s saved for a later novel, and I can live with that as I will most definitely be devouring the rest of the series. Do not hesitate to get this book and start a fun superhero series!
This book is worth reading so much more than I can ever stress. I bought it because I was given the second book in exchange for review. I didn't want to start series with second book. I am so glad of didn't. This series is so impressive. It uses mythology in a way I never have seen. I can't wait to read the next book. This is a necessary read for all in my opinion. I loved this book.
3.5 Stars. I enjoyed the story and take on Nephilims, angels and fallen angels. Liked seeing a character grapple with depression and not have it painted as something that becoming a supernatural being will fix. Only complaint was a little repetition. In the first page, the characters were all looking at each other multiple times. I counted 5 times at least. Will definitely pick up the next book.
A very exciting tale, very twisted use of the Bible. Jonathan angels are not the kind of beings given to marriage or sexual relationships. Oh they also 'pray day and night without ceasing, because this is the will of God.' They use spirit weapons, not metal Michael's sword was one of flame btw.
This book was thoroughly enjoyable, fast-paced read, I finished it the same day. Alan Price is a young man with incredible gifts that he discovered only after a near death experience that left him shaken and wondering why he was spared a certain death. He surviced a plummet from the roof of a skyscraper and was left with both his life and an amazing gift of such super speed that the worl literally seems to stand still as he moves through. Of course being a young, lost kid with nothing of his own thanks to living his life in the foster system, he uses his new power for his own gain at first super speeding his way through bank vaults and becoming fabulously wealthy within a couple years but still he wonders WHY. Enter Danielle Turner, who has answers for his powers and the reason he was spared, he's nephilium, touched by angels for a special purpose in his life. Alan agrees to join Danielle and discovers friendship and a sense of family, team and loyalty for the first time in his life! This is an amazing first book for a series and am excited to read more about Alan and his purpose and what makes him so special among the nephilium, the Angels and Fallen Angels.
Also posted (with a Bonus Author Interview) on my blog Got My Book.
Another entry in the Angels vs Demons genre. Includes a unique take on Nephilim.
SERIES INFO: This is Book #1 of 4 in “The Nephilim Chronicles.” The 4th, and final, ebook Horsemen of the Apocalype was just released. The first two are available on audio so far.
Alan is a deeply troubled & conflicted character, but despite his initial bad choices, he remains someone we can care about and root for. I like that, even with superpowers, it is made clear that his emotional struggles haven’t all gone away, and may remain something he has to deal with for life.
I like the portrayal of his Psychiatrist (she doesn’t bash reading and seems very real), but maybe she should have started him out with something easier than a school dance to get him out of his shell.
There is a good mix of male and female characters on both sides of the conflict.
I liked the very first scene and felt like it introduced his dilemma well. BUT, then all the flashback - flashforward - flashback began, and I thought it hurt the connection I was trying to form. I think maybe it would have been better to start with the bar scene (where he finally meets someone who can tell him what is going on with his apparent superpowers) and then do a single flashback which showed how he got to this point.
Other issues: Sorry, but keeping a book that tells how to build dangerous weapons just for cultural preservation is stupid, no matter how you try to explain it away. / There were waaay too many chapter breaks, and they don’t always come at a logical point. / A certain character's repentance seems to come too easily.
The ending wrapped up the current story arc, but gave us a very surprising twist to set up the next book (if Gabriel, is the Gabriel).
NARRATION: Nice sounding voice / A small thing - his “book text voice” (when Alan was reading) was especially good. / Female voices are ok. / Listened on 1.25 speed (my usual) -- Cons - His non-dialog narration was a bit matter of fact for me.
FAVORITE PART(S): Bad guy in a snazzy suit… and slippers / The zoo (wish we could have gotten the whole story) / My favorite scene is hard to include without spoilers. It was when one of Alan’s new “gifts” unexpectedly defends him in the museum (think blue).
WARNING: This book contains Christian elements
MY RATINGS: Enjoyment: AVERAGE Re-readability: AVERAGE Narrator Impact: AVERAGE
I received this book free in return for an honest review, courtesy of Audiobook Blast.
Alan Price and the Colossus of Rhodes by Jonathan Yanez; read by Aaron Wagner; produced independently in 2015 / Length: 6 hrs 11 min (Unabr) / Available through Audible & Amazon plus iTunes
Alan Price starts off his new life in not a good way. But soon is being courted by one “organization” that doesn’t offer great benefits, but is on the right side of things. The other “organization” offers great perks, but falls a little short, and Alan needs to decide who to follow. And the remainder is building up to a lot of changes and growth for Alan.
This story is really different from Zero and it was really engrossing. I will that by the end of the book, I was shocked to find it ending. It felt like it had ended too soon. I will say that there is a cliffhanger, but not in the sense that there’s no closure in this book. There is. But you know there’s a continuation. THIS particular adventure is over. The next book is a new adventure within this larger story. I will say that there were characters that I liked, some I was pretty ambivalent on, and a few I flat-out didn’t like. I think I say that in every story, but in every story I’m finding that to be true. And honestly, the one that shocks me most is, Michael. I’m not keen on him. I guess I should like him, but I’m more of a “Meh.” His character irks me. Maybe I just can’t be one with his nature. I don’t know.
Mr. Yanez has me deep in his story. His ability to weave this world where the war for our very souls is being fought by young men who suffer from being bullied and depression and yet their resiliency is so strong and their need to protect and love so acute. It’s a really great world to lose myself into. So, I’ll definitely be reading the rest of their series I’m sure. So, the question is, would I recommend...(https://textuallove.wordpress.com/201...) Read the rest of the review behind the link.
"Anything is Possible" Where does Alan Price and the Colossus of Rhodes rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far? I really enjoyed listening to the audio book. I thought Alan was an interesting character in the book.
What other book might you compare Alan Price and the Colossus of Rhodes to and why? I can't think of another book like this one.
What about Aaron Wagner’s performance did you like? He was a great voice to listen to. He was did a great job with the slower parts of the book and was able to get the emotions across when the book started to become more fast paced.
Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting? No it is a little too long for that. I think of that as a plus.
Any additional comments? The book started out slow. Alan is a bullied teenager that has lost what little family he had. He than finds out who he really is and what he is. The book picks up from there into a fast paced book. He has many emotionally up and downs that he has to overcome. He is a lovable character in the book. It was nice that he was so good at heart and thought of others even when it seemed like no one hardly thought of him. This is a really good book about the good vs evil. And the good always needs to win in the end for the good of all.
I was provided this audio book at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator in exchange for an unbiased review via AudiobookBlast dot com
This book was Way better then I anticipated! That being said, I honestly did have a hard time following it at first. I found the jumping around of the timeline a bit confusing. However, I love a challenge so I stuck with it and I'm so happy I did! Once this story hit 50%, it took me on one of the most amazing adventures ever! Alan the underdog turns....well, you'll have to read it to find out! This book really kept me guessing throughout and that's a huge plus for me as I hate predictability! The element that kept me going was the superb word world creation and character building. You Sir Yanez have a gift for story telling and you have earned another huge fan. Keep writing, please! I'll definitely be buying more of your books!
There are a lot of things I liked about this book, starting with the fact that Alan Price is not your typical hero. I liked seeing the book narrated from his point of view, and seeing his struggles with his self worth. Even his new found powers don't completely alleviate his problems, and I liked seeing him start out on this journey of discovering he was important. Who can't relate to that?! I love how this story related to history by way of the seven wonders of the world. Even the connection to the angels and demons was cool and different. The time shifts in the beginning chapters really pulled me into the story, and I was totally vested by the time I learned what was going on. I'm looking forward to reading the rest in the series!
With each new book, Jonathan Yanez proves his skill as an imaginative and entertaining author. In his newest novel "Alan Price and the Colossus of Rhodes" Mr. Yanez skillfully interweaves myth and legend into a contemporary setting that leaves the reader breathless with its scope. From the first page this book builds suspense to a surprising conclusion. I found it impossible to put down and read it in a single sitting. I am certain readers will be glad to know this book is the first in a series.
While I found the author talented I had a hard time connecting to the story.I believe it just isn't a good fit for my tastes.I did like that the main character is a flawed yet strong young man,who struggles with his self worth and depression.The book has some interesting ideas and a unique take on angels and nephillum.The narrator did a good job portraying the characters and has a pleasant voice.I purchased the e-book,but received an audiobook from the author via audiobookBlast.com in exchange for an honest review.
What a wonderful book that can pop a wallop! The age old story of good verses evil goes throughout time. Angels, demons, good, evil, bad guys, good guys, a battle for humanity and love, friendship. This book is great. It grabs you from the first page and keeps you reading till the last page. You hope for the best but you don't know the twists and turns and surprises show up when you don't see it coming. I can't wait to read the next book in this series. Get a drink, a snack, snuggle up with this book and be prepared to lose yourself in a terrific book.
This was good, it's a little sci-fi but not the spaceship kind, it's closer to the super hero kind with people discovering powers they shouldn't be able to have. It's very much a good VS evil type of book on the most basic level. It was a well written and edited book, the story flowed nicely with nothing to pull you out of it. I'm going to get the next one in the series now and start on it.
Jonathan Yanez is a new author for me, and I was wonderfully surprised by this book. His take on angels' presence in this world is unique, although I am not so sure I agree with his portrayal of God... but this is fiction and makes interesting reading. I liked his storyline and characters and was fully engaged.
This book was recommended to me and I'm extremely glad I read it. I really enjoyed the book and I found the short chapters really helped me to read it as I have a young baby. A great read and I love the writing style, I will definitely read more by this author.
I loved how there is a love story but it is in the foreground. The book has mystery, action & so much more it keeps you fasten to your seat to the very end. You just want more. This in turn has me wanting the next book now.
A well paved entertaining book worth a read, the characters while maybe not yet fully fleshed out are well enough described and the overall story definitely makes me intend to pick up the rest
This one grabs you from the start and doesn't let you go! Jam packed with vivid characters, thrilling story and a wild fast moving plot. Extremely well written like watching a movie in your head while reading can't wait to read the next one !
This book just dragged on without much happening in the first quarter of the story. Guy finds out he's got talents, meets a girl angel, meets a demon who beats him up, meats the Archangel Michael, and it took a quarter of the book...
The characters are well thought out and delivered. Dialogue, pace, and overall readability is also very good. At the end I have to admit I wanted more... not that you aren't left satisfied by the conclusion, but you are so invested in the characters' struggles that you are desperate to find out what will happen next... a sure sign of a good novel. I look forward to reading more by this author.