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Invisible Wings
Life seldom unfolds the way you expect. Despite our best efforts, it can wind up in a tangled mess. We lose hope. Faith fades. And then suddenly, in the midst of despair, a door opens, an answer is given, or a new path is cleared because we’re not alone...sometimes angels walk among us.
Arabella’s mother already thinks she’s a little crazy, so when a mysterious Presence fills her with a blinding light, she keeps it to herself. She’s given a heartbreaking mission. She spends her days among her fellow classmates, listening to their secret prayers and waiting for the moment of intervention.
Arabella understands that life is messy, complicated, and beautiful. The way she guides her fellow classmates will ultimately surprise you.
Love emerges from the mess. Hope emerges from the chaos. Faith emerges from the strength to endure.
12 destinies
12 twilights
12 lives that will never be the same
Arabella’s mother already thinks she’s a little crazy, so when a mysterious Presence fills her with a blinding light, she keeps it to herself. She’s given a heartbreaking mission. She spends her days among her fellow classmates, listening to their secret prayers and waiting for the moment of intervention.
Arabella understands that life is messy, complicated, and beautiful. The way she guides her fellow classmates will ultimately surprise you.
Love emerges from the mess. Hope emerges from the chaos. Faith emerges from the strength to endure.
12 destinies
12 twilights
12 lives that will never be the same
83 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 31, 2011
12 people are currently reading
281 people want to read
About the author
Janell Rhiannon
10 books219 followersI write historical fiction and fantasy. I am fascinated by Greek mythology. In graduate school, I focused on the ancient history of Greece and Rome. Hooked by the “sword and sandal” world, I studied everything I could about mythology and Alexander the Great.
The Homeric Chronicles series is dedicated to merging dozens of Greek myths, including Homer’s epics, with plays, history, and archaeology. My intent is to raise the heroines’ voices equally alongside the heroes, opening up a traditionally male focused genre to a female audience.
I live in CA and enjoy spending time with my children and grandchildren. I have a pack of two big dogs and two cats. I love to hear from readers. My favorite spot to scroll through is Twitter!
Interested in knowing more about the Greek heroes and heroines of Greek myth? Listen to my podcast Greek Mythology Retold. Available at iTunes and all other major podcast platforms.
*Other links available on webpage.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/g...
Homeric Chronicles (Historical Fiction/Mythology):
#1 Song of Sacrifice
#2 Rise of Princes
#3 Rage of Queens (WIP)
#4 Return of Kings (WIP)
Find me at:
Janell Rhiannon's website: www.janellrhiannon.com
Twitter https://twitter.com/theravenangel
YouTube @ Janell Rhiannon https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-cj...
Facebook @Janell Rhiannon Author https://www.facebook.com/JanellRhiann...
Instagram @ janell_rhiannon https://www.instagram.com/janell_rhia...
Pinterest @ Janell Rhiannon
The Homeric Chronicles series is dedicated to merging dozens of Greek myths, including Homer’s epics, with plays, history, and archaeology. My intent is to raise the heroines’ voices equally alongside the heroes, opening up a traditionally male focused genre to a female audience.
I live in CA and enjoy spending time with my children and grandchildren. I have a pack of two big dogs and two cats. I love to hear from readers. My favorite spot to scroll through is Twitter!
Interested in knowing more about the Greek heroes and heroines of Greek myth? Listen to my podcast Greek Mythology Retold. Available at iTunes and all other major podcast platforms.
*Other links available on webpage.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/g...
Homeric Chronicles (Historical Fiction/Mythology):
#1 Song of Sacrifice
#2 Rise of Princes
#3 Rage of Queens (WIP)
#4 Return of Kings (WIP)
Find me at:
Janell Rhiannon's website: www.janellrhiannon.com
Twitter https://twitter.com/theravenangel
YouTube @ Janell Rhiannon https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-cj...
Facebook @Janell Rhiannon Author https://www.facebook.com/JanellRhiann...
Instagram @ janell_rhiannon https://www.instagram.com/janell_rhia...
Pinterest @ Janell Rhiannon
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
October 27, 2015
I requested this one for review almost directly after I finished reading Uncross the Stars by this author. I just wanted to try some more of her works and was so glad to find out she had another book out there! This one wasn’t what I expected, but it was still enjoyable.
We were thrown right into the story where Arabella (what a beautiful name!) has her birthday and discovers she is an angel. I thought the way it happened was pretty cool, but the only problem I had with it was that Arabella seemed to take it a little bit too well. She isn’t featured as a main character for much of the novel, so I wanted to get to know her as she came to terms with what she was. But she seems to slide into the skin of an angel naturally which was a bit disappointing.
When I said this book wasn’t what I was expecting, I am referring to the fact that it wasn’t so much about Arabella but more so each chapter was a mini story. It told the story of a teenager hurting for some reason or another (it could be mourning, anger, lack of love, or anything!) and Arabella was there to help solve the issue. It was not always solved the way you might think it would be to be a happy ending, and I think this book manages to show that sometimes in order to reach the best solution, some pain is necessary. I wasn’t expecting it not to be about Arabella, so that was a surprise to me!
The stories are told with Arabella watching, which gave them all a kind of distant feel to it because we don’t really get too close to the characters – we only know them through what Arabella sees. Even though she can see everything, I did feel like we lost an element of closeness there. But then again, the stories that were told were heart-breaking and I was easily able to relate to a lot of them, which made me feel closer to the characters again.
As I was saying, these stories are really geared to young adults. They are about teenager problems. There are about 12 stories of various characters told here, and I think each teenager could find at least one that they could relate to somewhere. I also know that the author managed to get the ideas of all these stories from students in her class, which means that they have elements of truth in them. There could not be a way to make this more realistic than it is!
I loved the way there was a comparison between angels and humans, and they the conclusion was that they were pretty similar. Everyone loves the idea of being like an angel, but I do believe we have angel like qualities if we strive for it. It also compares the description of an angel to a teenager as well. It was great :D
Sometimes the meaning and message of a story was told to us at the end and I didn’t want that, because as a reader I wanted to be able to think about it and make interpretations myself. But yes, there were also stories where there was space for that too.
And lastly, this book definitely gets bonus points for there being poetry mentions! I feel like poetry needs more attention, so I support novels that mix them in there. She included a nice sonnet and also an excerpt to a lovely poem by Lord Tennyson. You should definitely check it out!
This review and more can be found on Olivia's Catastrophe: http://olivia-savannah.blogspot.nl/20...
We were thrown right into the story where Arabella (what a beautiful name!) has her birthday and discovers she is an angel. I thought the way it happened was pretty cool, but the only problem I had with it was that Arabella seemed to take it a little bit too well. She isn’t featured as a main character for much of the novel, so I wanted to get to know her as she came to terms with what she was. But she seems to slide into the skin of an angel naturally which was a bit disappointing.
When I said this book wasn’t what I was expecting, I am referring to the fact that it wasn’t so much about Arabella but more so each chapter was a mini story. It told the story of a teenager hurting for some reason or another (it could be mourning, anger, lack of love, or anything!) and Arabella was there to help solve the issue. It was not always solved the way you might think it would be to be a happy ending, and I think this book manages to show that sometimes in order to reach the best solution, some pain is necessary. I wasn’t expecting it not to be about Arabella, so that was a surprise to me!
The stories are told with Arabella watching, which gave them all a kind of distant feel to it because we don’t really get too close to the characters – we only know them through what Arabella sees. Even though she can see everything, I did feel like we lost an element of closeness there. But then again, the stories that were told were heart-breaking and I was easily able to relate to a lot of them, which made me feel closer to the characters again.
As I was saying, these stories are really geared to young adults. They are about teenager problems. There are about 12 stories of various characters told here, and I think each teenager could find at least one that they could relate to somewhere. I also know that the author managed to get the ideas of all these stories from students in her class, which means that they have elements of truth in them. There could not be a way to make this more realistic than it is!
I loved the way there was a comparison between angels and humans, and they the conclusion was that they were pretty similar. Everyone loves the idea of being like an angel, but I do believe we have angel like qualities if we strive for it. It also compares the description of an angel to a teenager as well. It was great :D
Sometimes the meaning and message of a story was told to us at the end and I didn’t want that, because as a reader I wanted to be able to think about it and make interpretations myself. But yes, there were also stories where there was space for that too.
And lastly, this book definitely gets bonus points for there being poetry mentions! I feel like poetry needs more attention, so I support novels that mix them in there. She included a nice sonnet and also an excerpt to a lovely poem by Lord Tennyson. You should definitely check it out!
This review and more can be found on Olivia's Catastrophe: http://olivia-savannah.blogspot.nl/20...
December 30, 2011
I received this book from the author and I just want to say thank you Janell for writing such a heart felt book and showing people that there is good and love in the world.
First I want to say that this book is heart felt and full of truth. Sometimes people don't want to see or hear the truth. In certain situations truth is a necessity.
An angel is sent down from heaven to grant people there wish but sometimes what you wish for is not always what you want. God gives us what we can bear and in these stories people are going through some hard times and situations and have decisions that need to be made and with a little help from an angel they get their wishes granted.
I cried with some but this book to me is a must read because someone somewhere is hurting and thinking about things and decisions and reading this will open their eyes and help them make a better decision.
Some choices we chose in life we regret but others we don't and these stories about choices and decisions and what happens afterwards. Remember always God is a creator not a destroyer. He heals and mends the broken hearted and he loves us all just the way we are. To God we are like an empty canvas and we draw out our own lives and the finish canvas is a master piece of art!
First I want to say that this book is heart felt and full of truth. Sometimes people don't want to see or hear the truth. In certain situations truth is a necessity.
An angel is sent down from heaven to grant people there wish but sometimes what you wish for is not always what you want. God gives us what we can bear and in these stories people are going through some hard times and situations and have decisions that need to be made and with a little help from an angel they get their wishes granted.
I cried with some but this book to me is a must read because someone somewhere is hurting and thinking about things and decisions and reading this will open their eyes and help them make a better decision.
Some choices we chose in life we regret but others we don't and these stories about choices and decisions and what happens afterwards. Remember always God is a creator not a destroyer. He heals and mends the broken hearted and he loves us all just the way we are. To God we are like an empty canvas and we draw out our own lives and the finish canvas is a master piece of art!
June 8, 2012
Arabella always heard what others could not...songs and melodies in everything around her. And on her 15th birthday…she hears what her cat is thinking. Yep, maybe it’s time her mom calls the doctor. But instead of realizing she is crazy…she is swept up with the Creator into the Eternity and all is revealed to her. She is an angel meant to live the life of a human as part of her training. And what she does with her new gifts will make all the difference. Cause in a split second she will be able to change the destinies of 12 teens as she grants them each a wish.
This book with each of its stories was so wonderfully and beautifully written. For a moment you can forget your own life and live the life of an angel as she gets to give 12 teens their only wish. I was loving each story as Arabella goes about her journey with each of her classmates. Yes some end sadly but some endings are truly wonderful and great. As we all know are lives do not always go the way we plan. Just because we want something, doesn’t mean it will turn out that way.
If you are looking for a book that is so very honest and true…Invisible Wings is just the one for you.
This book with each of its stories was so wonderfully and beautifully written. For a moment you can forget your own life and live the life of an angel as she gets to give 12 teens their only wish. I was loving each story as Arabella goes about her journey with each of her classmates. Yes some end sadly but some endings are truly wonderful and great. As we all know are lives do not always go the way we plan. Just because we want something, doesn’t mean it will turn out that way.
If you are looking for a book that is so very honest and true…Invisible Wings is just the one for you.
January 6, 2012
Wow I loved what an amazing read!!!!! I was sucked in from page one, I loved the writing and the story it was just WOW! You for sure need to pick up your copy you WONT want to miss this one!
June 30, 2014
It was an excellent collection of
stories that were real and very
believable.
The author has a great feel for
all the characters in the book.
I totally enjoyed it!
stories that were real and very
believable.
The author has a great feel for
all the characters in the book.
I totally enjoyed it!
January 12, 2012
Lots of people like to talk about how much they like a story or characters, so I'll leave it to them. ;) I would like to talk about what I truly loved about this book: its "Blood and Guts and Bones".
The primary thing that strikes me when I think back over the story is how accurate she is at portraying the Divine Plan. Sometimes, what we want to happen, isn't what is mean to happen. Things that seem tragic to us, are beautiful in their own way.
But the thing that truly won me over was that it wasn't bloated with overblown images of christian ideals and excessive God lust. It's not about an angel helping people; it's about true faith. People obsess themselves with the idolatry and symbology prolific in religious writings; and this strips all of that away and leaves us with a writing that perfectly portrays agape love in action.
One of the other things that really endeared me to the story was her use of words. She truly captures the beauty of the English language as the formidable weapon that it is. She carves images so clearly you can almost feel the sand stick between your toes, and her use of metaphors and similes could only be described with another metaphore: she wields them like an artist uses paint. The color blue is only blue, until you add a strip of beige and a swath of orange to realize that the blue paint is an ocean crawling up to a sunset shore.
Finally, and this is an issue very close to me and my own writing, she didn't dumb it down. Her audience is High Schoolers, no doubt; and it is very easily accessible for any age group and reading level. But she doesn't pull her punches when she portrays the lives and the events that HONESTLY HAPPEN TO KIDS! We grow numb and desensitized with mainstream YA stories which feature mostly normal kids leading realistically pretty darn good lives with what are honestly minor inconveniences in the grand scheme of things. This story jumps right down the gullet of the beasts we hide within ourselves and forces us to confront them by living through the story of another (however fictional) person. (If you don't believe me; Google "Mirror Neurons" ;P)
I absolutely recommend this book, and not just to teens; Teens need to make their Parents read it because it could force them to face demons of their own which they might unwittingly be feeding down into their own children.
Break the cycle and have faith in who you are and how you are meant to be!
~Brandon M. Herbert
Walking Wolf Road
The primary thing that strikes me when I think back over the story is how accurate she is at portraying the Divine Plan. Sometimes, what we want to happen, isn't what is mean to happen. Things that seem tragic to us, are beautiful in their own way.
But the thing that truly won me over was that it wasn't bloated with overblown images of christian ideals and excessive God lust. It's not about an angel helping people; it's about true faith. People obsess themselves with the idolatry and symbology prolific in religious writings; and this strips all of that away and leaves us with a writing that perfectly portrays agape love in action.
One of the other things that really endeared me to the story was her use of words. She truly captures the beauty of the English language as the formidable weapon that it is. She carves images so clearly you can almost feel the sand stick between your toes, and her use of metaphors and similes could only be described with another metaphore: she wields them like an artist uses paint. The color blue is only blue, until you add a strip of beige and a swath of orange to realize that the blue paint is an ocean crawling up to a sunset shore.
Finally, and this is an issue very close to me and my own writing, she didn't dumb it down. Her audience is High Schoolers, no doubt; and it is very easily accessible for any age group and reading level. But she doesn't pull her punches when she portrays the lives and the events that HONESTLY HAPPEN TO KIDS! We grow numb and desensitized with mainstream YA stories which feature mostly normal kids leading realistically pretty darn good lives with what are honestly minor inconveniences in the grand scheme of things. This story jumps right down the gullet of the beasts we hide within ourselves and forces us to confront them by living through the story of another (however fictional) person. (If you don't believe me; Google "Mirror Neurons" ;P)
I absolutely recommend this book, and not just to teens; Teens need to make their Parents read it because it could force them to face demons of their own which they might unwittingly be feeding down into their own children.
Break the cycle and have faith in who you are and how you are meant to be!
~Brandon M. Herbert
Walking Wolf Road
April 17, 2012
Ahhhh, I don't even know where to begin. First off, I will begin by saying this book was a wonderful gift sent to me by a truly caring person, the author, Janell. She didn't send it to me for review, she sent it to me because we have conversed of the hardships of mental health (depression, anxiety, self image). She's been an ear when most don't understand, but she truly does. I think that understanding quality is what makes this book superb.
This book was an emotional roller coaster. 12 Twilights, 12 Destinies, 12 Teenagers who will never be the same. There is one central character, Arabella, who finds out she's an angel on her fifteenth birthday. There is 12 short stories within the main story, and trust me when I say they will change you. One minute you'll be soaring on words so deep and wise you feel them touch your soul. The next you'll be crying and wondering how an angel, and God, could chose for this to happen in life. Unfortunately, we all know that bad things happen, there is no ignoring that. Some people chose not to face the hardships and real deal of life. This book doesn't slap you in the face with it, but gently puts it out there and helps you to understand why it might happen.
There is only 3 books I will re-read. I get bored easily and if I know the ending it doesn't interest me anymore. I've always been that way. This book will be added to the list of books I will re-read. As a matter of fact, I marked the parts that made my soul soar....so the book looks like a coloring book. I've already picked it up a few times a day when things feel dark to help.
This book is a fabulous gift for the teenager in your life who may struggle. Who are we kidding, all teens struggle, it's just do they show it? This book isn't just for teens though, it's for adults as well. I put this book on the level of Iyanla Vanzant or Oprah Winfrey, for the simple fact that it makes you feel, think, and understand. I can not highly suggest this book enough for anyone who suffers any type of internal struggle. Do yourself, or your loved ones, a favor today and pick it up.
I was not paid for this review. The opinions expressed here are solely my own. Thank you for taking the time to read my review. Have an amazing day!! -Melissa
This book was an emotional roller coaster. 12 Twilights, 12 Destinies, 12 Teenagers who will never be the same. There is one central character, Arabella, who finds out she's an angel on her fifteenth birthday. There is 12 short stories within the main story, and trust me when I say they will change you. One minute you'll be soaring on words so deep and wise you feel them touch your soul. The next you'll be crying and wondering how an angel, and God, could chose for this to happen in life. Unfortunately, we all know that bad things happen, there is no ignoring that. Some people chose not to face the hardships and real deal of life. This book doesn't slap you in the face with it, but gently puts it out there and helps you to understand why it might happen.
There is only 3 books I will re-read. I get bored easily and if I know the ending it doesn't interest me anymore. I've always been that way. This book will be added to the list of books I will re-read. As a matter of fact, I marked the parts that made my soul soar....so the book looks like a coloring book. I've already picked it up a few times a day when things feel dark to help.
This book is a fabulous gift for the teenager in your life who may struggle. Who are we kidding, all teens struggle, it's just do they show it? This book isn't just for teens though, it's for adults as well. I put this book on the level of Iyanla Vanzant or Oprah Winfrey, for the simple fact that it makes you feel, think, and understand. I can not highly suggest this book enough for anyone who suffers any type of internal struggle. Do yourself, or your loved ones, a favor today and pick it up.
I was not paid for this review. The opinions expressed here are solely my own. Thank you for taking the time to read my review. Have an amazing day!! -Melissa
September 25, 2013
I was truly satisfied after reading Janell Rhiannon’s heartfelt book: Invisible Wings. Our world is filled with a lot of nonsense that sometimes it’s difficult to believe that there is still good people out there. The stories hold hope for people in their darkest hours that Angels are among us and we are not alone. The book is full of truth, while sometimes we force our minds to not believe it, truth is inevitable is some situations.
The book deals with a lot of emotions. It reminds us that life is full of choices, whether we regret them or not, the aftermath is not always what we have hoped for. The one thing I liked about this book is that it is not exaggerated with Christian ideals but overall deals with real life ordeals.
Rhiannon’s choice of words and how she uses them truly confines how brilliant her style is. She hypnotizes you with her words and you are automatically drawn into the world of the characters where you feel every emotion. This is a book that belongs in every bookcase. A truly enlightening read that will influence any reader.
The book deals with a lot of emotions. It reminds us that life is full of choices, whether we regret them or not, the aftermath is not always what we have hoped for. The one thing I liked about this book is that it is not exaggerated with Christian ideals but overall deals with real life ordeals.
Rhiannon’s choice of words and how she uses them truly confines how brilliant her style is. She hypnotizes you with her words and you are automatically drawn into the world of the characters where you feel every emotion. This is a book that belongs in every bookcase. A truly enlightening read that will influence any reader.
June 11, 2017
Wow, so I just finished Invisible Wings and I'm really happy with my decision to start this book and mostly with the decision to finish it when I was initially lost by it. For me, the first chapter was a little confusing. I understood where the author was going, but I felt like "couldn't you state all this in a simpler fashion?" Now that I've finished it, I have a better understanding of the language. As another review of the book said, this author uses words like an artist uses a paint brush. This book is really beautiful. I related to each of the characters in one way or another so their stories really touched my heart and most made me smile. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who reads! I'll likely be forcing my husband to read it even though he hates reading. I think this is one that would be enlightening to every person's life. Thank you Mrs. Rhiannon, for this beautiful piece!
March 23, 2012
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is divided into 12 different sections that are completely independent of one another, aside from the same angel helping her classmates. I liked the layout because I was able to read a story per night right before bed without feeling pressured to continue on. Each story was skillfully crafted to make you sit back and think about the things that you may or may not regret doing during your lifetime. The overall theme of the book is that God doesn't give us more than we can handle, and sometimes we DO get our prayers answered, even if it is something as simple as kissing your high school crush. I really love how the author continued driving the same concept (God does what he wants and what WE want may not fall into His plan...) over and over, but doesn't necessarily force the subject upon you. Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone who needs a little reminder that there is a plan and everything will work out like it needs to be done :)
June 12, 2015
A truly inspiring and insightful work with an original plot, this book provoked questions within my mind and opened my eyes more to the world around me. Containing short stories, these stories will touch you and make you think and feel far more than many long widened works could hope to achieve. I loved the way the story was told, our "main character" was absolutely fascinating to me and we truly find out more about her at the end where it seems to tie everything together far better than if we were first introduced to the situation. I give this book 5 stars and would recommend it to just about anyone.
March 17, 2015
I can honestly tell you that this book seemed like such a drag. After reading the first chapter I really thought this book was not for me.
But please don't quit reading this book.
The feelings, the emotions, the different stories of different people.
This book is beyond what I can describe all i can tell you is this will forever be one if not my favorite book of all time.
But please don't quit reading this book.
The feelings, the emotions, the different stories of different people.
This book is beyond what I can describe all i can tell you is this will forever be one if not my favorite book of all time.
June 22, 2017
this was a cute little book. It contains short stories about a girl who is an angel and seems to help those around her get what they want or need to make their life better. Fast easy read would recommend
September 16, 2014
I liked the premise of this book, but felt that fact that it was really just a series of short stories instead of one complete story. That's about it for this one.
Until next time,
~Lisa
Until next time,
~Lisa
July 26, 2015
Be kind to everyone, you never know who God has sent to cross your path and why.
September 9, 2016
Beautifully written story!
Read
July 16, 2014This was a book I started. I was about 30-40% of the way through it and quit (which I rarely ever do!).
It wasn't a bad book, I just wasn't enjoying it. I have a lot of books waiting to be read, so I figured I would leave this one and start something else. Maybe one day I will come back to it again.
It wasn't a bad book, I just wasn't enjoying it. I have a lot of books waiting to be read, so I figured I would leave this one and start something else. Maybe one day I will come back to it again.
February 19, 2014
This book was a single book as well as a compilation of short stories each independent of each other. I got in 44 pages and gave up. It didn't grab me and I was bored. Too many great books to read something that bores me.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews