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The Guardians #1
Sacred Bloodlines
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This book is clean and appropriate for ages 12 and up.
For as long as Gabe can remember, his life had been plagued by haunting images and tragic events. It seemed like everyone he knew or loved was doomed for a life of misery or death. He was starting to come to the same conclusion everyone else had--he must be cursed. Until one day, in a subway tunnel, everything suddenly changed. A horrific disaster led him to a strange new person named Uri.
Uri introduced Gabe to an exciting new world filled with angels, demons, magic, and best of all, a beautiful girl named Sophie. This chance at a new life had everything Gabe always longed for: a family, friends, and possibly even love. He soon discovered, though, that this life came at a steep price. One he feared might cost him his life.
This book is clean and appropriate for ages 12 and up.
For as long as Gabe can remember, his life had been plagued by haunting images and tragic events. It seemed like everyone he knew or loved was doomed for a life of misery or death. He was starting to come to the same conclusion everyone else had--he must be cursed. Until one day, in a subway tunnel, everything suddenly changed. A horrific disaster led him to a strange new person named Uri.
Uri introduced Gabe to an exciting new world filled with angels, demons, magic, and best of all, a beautiful girl named Sophie. This chance at a new life had everything Gabe always longed for: a family, friends, and possibly even love. He soon discovered, though, that this life came at a steep price. One he feared might cost him his life.
188 pages, ebook
First published November 21, 2011
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May 4, 2015
** I WAS GIVEN THESE BOOKS BY THE PUBLISHER, IN RETURN FOR AN HONEST REVIEW **
Book – Sacred Bloodlines: The Guardians Book 1
Author – Wendy Owens
Star rating - ★★★★★
Would I read it again – Yes, definitely
Plot – well explored, well put together, very easy to follow
Characters – exciting, funny, intriguing, great characterization
Movie Potential - ★★★★★
Ease of reading – Very easy.
Unputdownable. Funny and enticing. Exciting but not at too fast a pace. A great read for children and adults a like.
This book literally kept me up at night. Once I started it, I couldn't put it down and I didn't want to even if I could. The characters are exciting, different to many I've read in this genre, and they suck you into their story by making you care for them. There really isn't anything I didn't like about this book. Even the things that niggled or grated on me added something to the reading of the story.
There were one or two niggles, that since I'm editing my own book at the same time popped out. Really minor things like using 'laid' when 'lay' would have sounded better. For some reason 'laid' kind of grated on me a bit in this book. Otherwise, there was only one instance where Uri was 'Ur,'. Considering the excellence of this book, these things are really, really minor, but as a writer, I would notice them in my own stories, so I notice them in others too.
I quite literally fell in love with the characters in this book. Gabe and Uri are particular favourites of mine. Sophie also grated on me a little; I'm not too overly keen on these perfectly perfect girls, who are giggly and sickly sweet. Maybe it's just me that say her that way, but it did bug me. The whole way through the book, I was kind of hoping Gabe would end up with someone else, to be honest.
I really, really liked that Gabe and Uri, the two Heroes of the story are completed flawed. Both have seen and been through terrible things but come out the other side. I loved the school and how it took in these troubled kids and gave them a home, a purpose.
I will say what everyone will be thinking when they finish this book – YES, there are similarities to Harry Potter. Only in the way that a young boy, orphaned and feeling lost in the world, ends up at a magical school where he finally finds his home. Otherwise, this story is incredibly unique. I have never seen a book take on this kind of twist before and I sooo look forward to reading much more.
Book – Sacred Bloodlines: The Guardians Book 1
Author – Wendy Owens
Star rating - ★★★★★
Would I read it again – Yes, definitely
Plot – well explored, well put together, very easy to follow
Characters – exciting, funny, intriguing, great characterization
Movie Potential - ★★★★★
Ease of reading – Very easy.
Unputdownable. Funny and enticing. Exciting but not at too fast a pace. A great read for children and adults a like.
This book literally kept me up at night. Once I started it, I couldn't put it down and I didn't want to even if I could. The characters are exciting, different to many I've read in this genre, and they suck you into their story by making you care for them. There really isn't anything I didn't like about this book. Even the things that niggled or grated on me added something to the reading of the story.
There were one or two niggles, that since I'm editing my own book at the same time popped out. Really minor things like using 'laid' when 'lay' would have sounded better. For some reason 'laid' kind of grated on me a bit in this book. Otherwise, there was only one instance where Uri was 'Ur,'. Considering the excellence of this book, these things are really, really minor, but as a writer, I would notice them in my own stories, so I notice them in others too.
I quite literally fell in love with the characters in this book. Gabe and Uri are particular favourites of mine. Sophie also grated on me a little; I'm not too overly keen on these perfectly perfect girls, who are giggly and sickly sweet. Maybe it's just me that say her that way, but it did bug me. The whole way through the book, I was kind of hoping Gabe would end up with someone else, to be honest.
I really, really liked that Gabe and Uri, the two Heroes of the story are completed flawed. Both have seen and been through terrible things but come out the other side. I loved the school and how it took in these troubled kids and gave them a home, a purpose.
I will say what everyone will be thinking when they finish this book – YES, there are similarities to Harry Potter. Only in the way that a young boy, orphaned and feeling lost in the world, ends up at a magical school where he finally finds his home. Otherwise, this story is incredibly unique. I have never seen a book take on this kind of twist before and I sooo look forward to reading much more.
February 5, 2017
This book was HEAVY on the religious aspects. I don't think I met one character without a saint/archangel/disciple name in this book. And I'm not fooled...'Gabe' is TOTALLY the archangel Gabriel, and Uri is Uriel. Pretty sure that was intended. And the fact that everything was centered around faith, free will, and GOD just drove the points home like nails in Jesus' hands. Dramatic? Not in the slightest.
Gabe was just an average kid until the day he met Uri....Well, as 'average' as a kid who can sense future tragedies and the forces of evil can be. It is clear from the start that Gabe is not like other people...HECK, he isn't even like other GUARDIANS. But what exactly does all his newfound knowledge MEAN? Why does everyone seem so eager to meet him, to protect him, though equally as eager to keep him from recognizing his true destiny? So many questions...Can he trust that his new family really does have his best interests at heart?
Some things that tripped me up:
I wasn't buying all the dated language that many of the characters (including Gabe) sometimes used; Mostly because it was inconsistent. Maybe it was just me, but some of the phrases and word-choice that the younger characters used appeared to be beyond what kids their age would reasonably use. And it showed since they did not use this language often.
Not even the Elders used this 'dated language' with any kind of regularity, and some of the things THEY said seemed like stuff the YOUNGER generations should say. It was all a bit odd. I didn't see it too often, but often enough that I definitely noticed it.
Going off of that...The demons—More specifically the Princes of Hell...I would have expected them to speak more [sophisticate?] or at least in a different language than the one they used. Like Latin. They didn't really seem like these horrifying Devil-Princes that I think they were supposed to be, speaking to Gabe like “Anthony already tried those silly daggers, you fool. Why do you think it was so easy to turn him? He saw I’m invincible..." *groans* Spare me the monologue, O' Mighty wulfman.
Gabe is such a damsel, and he is slow as HELL on the uptake. His main character traits seem to be the confused newbie who denies EVERYTHING he's told a billion times before finding the news "surprisingly easy to grasp," getting lucky as SHIT when his friends can't handle the evil dudes on their own and saving the day before passing out from the—stress? Shock? Just general damsel-ness? And lastly his inability to grasp ANYTHING that is told to him or slapping him right in the friggin face!
Every time Gabe woke up from a VISION, calling it a dream, I was literally yelling at the book like "The FUCK you calling it a DREAM for? You were literally calling these things VISIONS at the beginning of the book! (If you don't believe me, check) And NOW you wanna act like this shit ain't the least bit important? *Oh, no, it was just a dream...* Fucking NO IT WASN'T!" Crap on a cracker man! You. Are. SLOW! AND oblivious.
End Rant.
Don't get me wrong or misunderstand me from all of my frustrated comments towards Gabe and others—I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was a bit slow in places, and a bit redundant, but there were SO MANY neat aspects explored in this story:
*Guardians created by God to combat the evil that was allowed to come into being on Earth during Christ's Passion.
*A protector chosen and given the choice to live or die in the place of the prophet (don't know who yet) he was born to protect and who was in turn born to protect humanity.
*Lucifer doesn't actually hate God but is just jealous of humanity stealing God's adoration? Wow. A bit immature if you ask me, but interesting nonetheless.
I totally rolled my eyes at numerous parts in this book, but being Christian, I think it had more to do with how WELL I understood the references Owen was making and all of the characters acting on prayer, faith, and having Christian-derived names.
So basically, because I GOT much of her references before Gabe (the dunce) ever came to accept them and was also able to differentiate that from the twists she put on the stories, I wasn't as shocked by much of the trials Gabe faced. He was so overwhelmed by everything that was going on, and I was just reading it, thinking "Well, what did you expect?"
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. Not sure whether I'll go on to book two anytime soon, but I would definitely recommend this to the curious and those without something to entertain them. It's a pretty brief read and should pass the time anyone's looking to fill.
Gabe was just an average kid until the day he met Uri....Well, as 'average' as a kid who can sense future tragedies and the forces of evil can be. It is clear from the start that Gabe is not like other people...HECK, he isn't even like other GUARDIANS. But what exactly does all his newfound knowledge MEAN? Why does everyone seem so eager to meet him, to protect him, though equally as eager to keep him from recognizing his true destiny? So many questions...Can he trust that his new family really does have his best interests at heart?
Some things that tripped me up:
I wasn't buying all the dated language that many of the characters (including Gabe) sometimes used; Mostly because it was inconsistent. Maybe it was just me, but some of the phrases and word-choice that the younger characters used appeared to be beyond what kids their age would reasonably use. And it showed since they did not use this language often.
Not even the Elders used this 'dated language' with any kind of regularity, and some of the things THEY said seemed like stuff the YOUNGER generations should say. It was all a bit odd. I didn't see it too often, but often enough that I definitely noticed it.
Going off of that...The demons—More specifically the Princes of Hell...I would have expected them to speak more [sophisticate?] or at least in a different language than the one they used. Like Latin. They didn't really seem like these horrifying Devil-Princes that I think they were supposed to be, speaking to Gabe like “Anthony already tried those silly daggers, you fool. Why do you think it was so easy to turn him? He saw I’m invincible..." *groans* Spare me the monologue, O' Mighty wulfman.
Gabe is such a damsel, and he is slow as HELL on the uptake. His main character traits seem to be the confused newbie who denies EVERYTHING he's told a billion times before finding the news "surprisingly easy to grasp," getting lucky as SHIT when his friends can't handle the evil dudes on their own and saving the day before passing out from the—stress? Shock? Just general damsel-ness? And lastly his inability to grasp ANYTHING that is told to him or slapping him right in the friggin face!
Every time Gabe woke up from a VISION, calling it a dream, I was literally yelling at the book like "The FUCK you calling it a DREAM for? You were literally calling these things VISIONS at the beginning of the book! (If you don't believe me, check) And NOW you wanna act like this shit ain't the least bit important? *Oh, no, it was just a dream...* Fucking NO IT WASN'T!" Crap on a cracker man! You. Are. SLOW! AND oblivious.
End Rant.
Don't get me wrong or misunderstand me from all of my frustrated comments towards Gabe and others—I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was a bit slow in places, and a bit redundant, but there were SO MANY neat aspects explored in this story:
*Guardians created by God to combat the evil that was allowed to come into being on Earth during Christ's Passion.
*A protector chosen and given the choice to live or die in the place of the prophet (don't know who yet) he was born to protect and who was in turn born to protect humanity.
*Lucifer doesn't actually hate God but is just jealous of humanity stealing God's adoration? Wow. A bit immature if you ask me, but interesting nonetheless.
I totally rolled my eyes at numerous parts in this book, but being Christian, I think it had more to do with how WELL I understood the references Owen was making and all of the characters acting on prayer, faith, and having Christian-derived names.
So basically, because I GOT much of her references before Gabe (the dunce) ever came to accept them and was also able to differentiate that from the twists she put on the stories, I wasn't as shocked by much of the trials Gabe faced. He was so overwhelmed by everything that was going on, and I was just reading it, thinking "Well, what did you expect?"
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. Not sure whether I'll go on to book two anytime soon, but I would definitely recommend this to the curious and those without something to entertain them. It's a pretty brief read and should pass the time anyone's looking to fill.
February 24, 2014
My Review...
I received this book in exchange for an honest review from the author.
Gabe has been tossed from foster home to foster home. He has had problems with hallucinations that were pretty real to him. He learned quickly to not talk about what he saw.
Chaos follows Gabe everywhere. Or at least he sees Chaos first but soon after a tragedy follows. That's enough proof for him to know he's not hallucinating but try and explain that to anyone and therapy ensues.
He has learned to not tell anyone at all, it just works out better.
It happens again but after the accident that follows a guy around his age, Uri, with the same eerily blue eyes approaches him.
He tells him that he's like him but doesn't say exactly what that means.
He goes with Uri and they meet Sophie to head to the manor by car. They are going to take Gabe to meet Michael, he is apparently the leader or mentor or whatever.
They get attacked by creatures from nightmares that Gabe has never seen before on their way to the manor. He always gets that feeling of dread what he later learns are auguries.
Sophie gets hurt and Gabe holds her in the back seat hoping she is okay, then he sees light and blacks out!
Gabe wakes up on a bed instead of in the car.
He's wearing a night shirt and is a bit freaked. Turns out he was being watched and he's super embarrassed. His audience was Sophie and she thanks him for healing her but he has no clue what she's talking about.
Uri confirms Sophie's story and they explain he has abilities he isn't aware of. Gabe goes to Rampart Manor and a whole new world unfolds as he learns new dangers await him.
But there's so much new and good. He starts to feel like he has a place in the world but how long can it last? He finds more than his destiny in his new home, he finds a place he belongs.
He finds friendship and possibly love.
A mentor who is very fatherly tops off his mounting blessings but when he finds out the full extent of his destiny he struggles on his decision but not for long, foster home and no Sophie. Or a bittersweet destiny and possible love like he's never known. Choices, choices....
My Thoughts...
I really enjoyed the descriptive chops of Wendy Owens, you gotta love a book that pulls you from where you are and transports you to it's own setting.
I like the characters and the progression of the story too everything came together nicely. Also the storyline and plot while touched on before they were very well explained and different from other Guardian or Angel series. The battle between heaven and hell as told by Sophie was one of my absolute favorite parts. I think most of this book takes place at Rampart but You never feel like it's not enough scenery change because it's all new to Gabe. His introduction to magic and the new life takes us all on his journey.
You won't be disappointed with this book that's for sure. I love YA and I love paranormal and this book is a perfect balance of these genres. I am so used to the sexual innuendo that usually creeps into the books I read but this one refreshingly doesn't have that. There are intimate moments but they are sweet and not dirty and I like that. I like my YA pretty clean and my NA steamy that way you read what you are in the mood for. I really don't like the surprise when YA turns NA without warning LOL! Anyways I really enjoyed this book and most of you will probably read it rather quickly, I wish I would have had the time to read it without stopping, but you can't always get what you want. Can you?
I received this book in exchange for an honest review from the author.
Gabe has been tossed from foster home to foster home. He has had problems with hallucinations that were pretty real to him. He learned quickly to not talk about what he saw.
Chaos follows Gabe everywhere. Or at least he sees Chaos first but soon after a tragedy follows. That's enough proof for him to know he's not hallucinating but try and explain that to anyone and therapy ensues.
He has learned to not tell anyone at all, it just works out better.
It happens again but after the accident that follows a guy around his age, Uri, with the same eerily blue eyes approaches him.
He tells him that he's like him but doesn't say exactly what that means.
He goes with Uri and they meet Sophie to head to the manor by car. They are going to take Gabe to meet Michael, he is apparently the leader or mentor or whatever.
They get attacked by creatures from nightmares that Gabe has never seen before on their way to the manor. He always gets that feeling of dread what he later learns are auguries.
Sophie gets hurt and Gabe holds her in the back seat hoping she is okay, then he sees light and blacks out!
Gabe wakes up on a bed instead of in the car.
He's wearing a night shirt and is a bit freaked. Turns out he was being watched and he's super embarrassed. His audience was Sophie and she thanks him for healing her but he has no clue what she's talking about.
Uri confirms Sophie's story and they explain he has abilities he isn't aware of. Gabe goes to Rampart Manor and a whole new world unfolds as he learns new dangers await him.
But there's so much new and good. He starts to feel like he has a place in the world but how long can it last? He finds more than his destiny in his new home, he finds a place he belongs.
He finds friendship and possibly love.
A mentor who is very fatherly tops off his mounting blessings but when he finds out the full extent of his destiny he struggles on his decision but not for long, foster home and no Sophie. Or a bittersweet destiny and possible love like he's never known. Choices, choices....
My Thoughts...
I really enjoyed the descriptive chops of Wendy Owens, you gotta love a book that pulls you from where you are and transports you to it's own setting.
I like the characters and the progression of the story too everything came together nicely. Also the storyline and plot while touched on before they were very well explained and different from other Guardian or Angel series. The battle between heaven and hell as told by Sophie was one of my absolute favorite parts. I think most of this book takes place at Rampart but You never feel like it's not enough scenery change because it's all new to Gabe. His introduction to magic and the new life takes us all on his journey.
You won't be disappointed with this book that's for sure. I love YA and I love paranormal and this book is a perfect balance of these genres. I am so used to the sexual innuendo that usually creeps into the books I read but this one refreshingly doesn't have that. There are intimate moments but they are sweet and not dirty and I like that. I like my YA pretty clean and my NA steamy that way you read what you are in the mood for. I really don't like the surprise when YA turns NA without warning LOL! Anyways I really enjoyed this book and most of you will probably read it rather quickly, I wish I would have had the time to read it without stopping, but you can't always get what you want. Can you?
September 26, 2013
Sacred Bloodlines by Wendy Owens
The Guardians Book One
Gabe is waiting at the subway station, brooding over the social worker’s words; thinking people must believe he is cursed. As he prepared to get on the subway, he heard white noise, but only inside his head. He froze. Others passed him and before he could rush onto the car, he saw a woman in front of the doors to the subway. She was surrounded by a full-body aura of a strange gray color. She wore a leather trench coat; her short hair was slicked back. As she looked at him before getting on the car, her eyes briefly shone with a touch of red.
Gabe had visions his whole life, though he’d never been believed. His parents died when he was a small child and the lengthy list of therapists he’d been sent to usually attributed everything to their deaths.
Each vision is followed by a catastrophe. The subway car in front of him exploded – just as this vision had been followed by a catastrophe. Gabe hid under the subway bench to count away his fears as his mother had taught him. Shortly thereafter, someone wearing combat boots sat on the bench.
The person offered Gabe a hand (wearing a glove – black mesh, no fingers). The person, who wore a very unusual ring, had eyes eerily similar to Gabe’s. The boy told Gabe that many people knew of him.
The stranger’s name was Uri and he was like Gabe. Soon Gabe is hearing about a prophecy and that he, Gabe, is an important part of it. He agreed to travel with Uri to learn a bit more, but he wasn’t immediately trustful.
Wendy Owens packs quite a bit in this first book of the Guardians series. She is able, in the very first pages, to jerk the reader into the story and along for a very exciting journey. This journey involves quests, healing, hesitant heroes and blustery heroes alike.
I was especially pleased that Owens made many of her heroes fallible. In so many novels, the heroes are people we’d never meet in real life. In this book, Michael, the man in charge of Rampart Manor, an angel on the frontlines of the battle, is far from perfect. Gabe isn’t particularly brave, some of the other students, Guardians all, are critical. This story becomes more believable with each character Owens creates.
This ARC was received from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
The Guardians Book One
Gabe is waiting at the subway station, brooding over the social worker’s words; thinking people must believe he is cursed. As he prepared to get on the subway, he heard white noise, but only inside his head. He froze. Others passed him and before he could rush onto the car, he saw a woman in front of the doors to the subway. She was surrounded by a full-body aura of a strange gray color. She wore a leather trench coat; her short hair was slicked back. As she looked at him before getting on the car, her eyes briefly shone with a touch of red.
Gabe had visions his whole life, though he’d never been believed. His parents died when he was a small child and the lengthy list of therapists he’d been sent to usually attributed everything to their deaths.
Each vision is followed by a catastrophe. The subway car in front of him exploded – just as this vision had been followed by a catastrophe. Gabe hid under the subway bench to count away his fears as his mother had taught him. Shortly thereafter, someone wearing combat boots sat on the bench.
The person offered Gabe a hand (wearing a glove – black mesh, no fingers). The person, who wore a very unusual ring, had eyes eerily similar to Gabe’s. The boy told Gabe that many people knew of him.
The stranger’s name was Uri and he was like Gabe. Soon Gabe is hearing about a prophecy and that he, Gabe, is an important part of it. He agreed to travel with Uri to learn a bit more, but he wasn’t immediately trustful.
Wendy Owens packs quite a bit in this first book of the Guardians series. She is able, in the very first pages, to jerk the reader into the story and along for a very exciting journey. This journey involves quests, healing, hesitant heroes and blustery heroes alike.
I was especially pleased that Owens made many of her heroes fallible. In so many novels, the heroes are people we’d never meet in real life. In this book, Michael, the man in charge of Rampart Manor, an angel on the frontlines of the battle, is far from perfect. Gabe isn’t particularly brave, some of the other students, Guardians all, are critical. This story becomes more believable with each character Owens creates.
This ARC was received from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
August 10, 2016
*Received in exchange for an honest review*
This was a really interesting book. The pure imagination and thoughts that went into the plot and characters could easily be seen, I also love the way the secret mansion is tied in and that no-one except its occupants know of its destination! The cover is so angelic and ethereal, it immediatly casts a mysterious but also out-of-this-world feel. His eyes are also stunning... why can't mine be that blue?!
Is he really cursed?
Gabe has always moved from home to home, never feeling as if he has a true place in this world. And he has always felt different. But when he begins to experience things that are far from normal and they begin to get worse as he grows older, he starts to suspect that he doesn't belong in the mortal world or, he just simply does not belong anywhere. But when he is faced with the truth, it becomes very hard for him to believe.
Gabe is a lovely character, he is very shy and appears to keep to himself. But when he first meets Uri, I am happy to say he did not immediately run off with him, he thought about it and considered the present effect and the information he was being supplied with by Uri. You can also feel through he words that he does not truly believe in himself at times, however, he does grow stronger and as he begins to find out more about his strengths and advantages, you see his character become more confident with his actions and purpose.
I did find this book to begin fast, meaning you where thrust into danger on-the-spot. But, at times I did find the story to progress a little slowly, especially when it came to the retelling of their species history.
This was a book full of danger but also the power of love between two people that can sometimes heighten their strength and make them believe in themselves again. I did enjoy this book and look forward to reading the next book in the series to see how the story is to progress: Cursed.
This was a really interesting book. The pure imagination and thoughts that went into the plot and characters could easily be seen, I also love the way the secret mansion is tied in and that no-one except its occupants know of its destination! The cover is so angelic and ethereal, it immediatly casts a mysterious but also out-of-this-world feel. His eyes are also stunning... why can't mine be that blue?!
Is he really cursed?
Gabe has always moved from home to home, never feeling as if he has a true place in this world. And he has always felt different. But when he begins to experience things that are far from normal and they begin to get worse as he grows older, he starts to suspect that he doesn't belong in the mortal world or, he just simply does not belong anywhere. But when he is faced with the truth, it becomes very hard for him to believe.
Gabe is a lovely character, he is very shy and appears to keep to himself. But when he first meets Uri, I am happy to say he did not immediately run off with him, he thought about it and considered the present effect and the information he was being supplied with by Uri. You can also feel through he words that he does not truly believe in himself at times, however, he does grow stronger and as he begins to find out more about his strengths and advantages, you see his character become more confident with his actions and purpose.
I did find this book to begin fast, meaning you where thrust into danger on-the-spot. But, at times I did find the story to progress a little slowly, especially when it came to the retelling of their species history.
This was a book full of danger but also the power of love between two people that can sometimes heighten their strength and make them believe in themselves again. I did enjoy this book and look forward to reading the next book in the series to see how the story is to progress: Cursed.
September 25, 2013
A 4.5 almost a 5 Star review of Sacred Bloodlines by Wendy Owens.
The Guardian Series especially Sacred Bloodlines would have us to believe that there is special protectors out there fighting against evil for those that believe. The author Wendy Owens drew her stories loosely from the bible making them believable for the most part. I found the book very entertaining and easy to read. I ended up being drawn into the story line that surprised me in a good way. Normally I never read stories like this, but the author made the characters so real, causing you to believe in the story line. If I have the time, I will most likely read the rest of the series after getting hooked on the story, you might get hooked also.
Gabe, the young man that couldn’t understand why all those around him that he cared for were killed and the worst part, he saw it coming. A coward at heart, but Gabe was brave when it was necessary for him to be. I liked his character, very believable almost normal for a young man at that age and background. Confused about the right path he should take in his life, he has a lot of help along with those that believed he could and would take the right path even though he doubted it himself.
Uri, the one that was expected to show Gabe what he was, a descendent of past Guardians. He became the first person that Gabe allowed close to him. Even though Uri was in awe of Gabe because of some prophecy, he still tried to befriend him and make him feel he was part of them.
Sophie, the beautiful young Guardian that Gabe finds he is in love with but is afraid to love.
Michael, the headmaster of the school where young Guardians learn to battle evil and protect the world from the devil, teaches Gabe that free will is man’s biggest difference than the other’s god rules over.
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The Guardian Series especially Sacred Bloodlines would have us to believe that there is special protectors out there fighting against evil for those that believe. The author Wendy Owens drew her stories loosely from the bible making them believable for the most part. I found the book very entertaining and easy to read. I ended up being drawn into the story line that surprised me in a good way. Normally I never read stories like this, but the author made the characters so real, causing you to believe in the story line. If I have the time, I will most likely read the rest of the series after getting hooked on the story, you might get hooked also.
Gabe, the young man that couldn’t understand why all those around him that he cared for were killed and the worst part, he saw it coming. A coward at heart, but Gabe was brave when it was necessary for him to be. I liked his character, very believable almost normal for a young man at that age and background. Confused about the right path he should take in his life, he has a lot of help along with those that believed he could and would take the right path even though he doubted it himself.
Uri, the one that was expected to show Gabe what he was, a descendent of past Guardians. He became the first person that Gabe allowed close to him. Even though Uri was in awe of Gabe because of some prophecy, he still tried to befriend him and make him feel he was part of them.
Sophie, the beautiful young Guardian that Gabe finds he is in love with but is afraid to love.
Michael, the headmaster of the school where young Guardians learn to battle evil and protect the world from the devil, teaches Gabe that free will is man’s biggest difference than the other’s god rules over.
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April 4, 2013
If you are a fan of Harry Potter or Percy Jackson and the Olympians then this is certainly a book for you. As the story goes we find a lost piece than needs to fin it's place in this world, and that piece is our main character.
He is a young orphan who only knows that he is alone and that he is different from everybody else... which can only mean one thing: somebody must hate him because those powers of his are a curse.
Or so he thinks.
Gladly for him he is found and brought closer to people who, just like him, have different abilities and accept him just the way he is. Now he only needs to learn to control his abilities and be ready to fight his nemesis: demons. Yup, Gabe is an angel. Sort of. And there are going to be a lot of fights in this new path.
As for the rest of the characters I can't say too much, specially if you are well versed in angelology since a lot of well known angels make an appearance.
Suffice to say the author takes some artistic license to mold the plot and make it her own.
I can't wait to read the next book :D
He is a young orphan who only knows that he is alone and that he is different from everybody else... which can only mean one thing: somebody must hate him because those powers of his are a curse.
Or so he thinks.
Gladly for him he is found and brought closer to people who, just like him, have different abilities and accept him just the way he is. Now he only needs to learn to control his abilities and be ready to fight his nemesis: demons. Yup, Gabe is an angel. Sort of. And there are going to be a lot of fights in this new path.
As for the rest of the characters I can't say too much, specially if you are well versed in angelology since a lot of well known angels make an appearance.
Suffice to say the author takes some artistic license to mold the plot and make it her own.
I can't wait to read the next book :D
April 19, 2013
I should say that I received this book for free in exchange for my honest review. As I writer,I keep my reviews honest.
I knew within the first paragraph of this book I was going to enjoy it. Wendy Owens wastes no time getting the action going and she kept me turning pages throughout the whole book. The really great thing was that in all the action she still managed to develop the characters. Each character had a distinct personality and purpose. As the reader, I was able to form a relationship with the characters and come to view them through the eyes of the main character. This is a rather impressive accomplishment seeing that the story is written in third person omniscient. The style gets a lot of flack for being impersonal, but I think this is a stunning example of the merits of the style when done right. As the book came to a close, I was extra happy that I already had the squeals sitting on my Kindle. I immediately dove into number two and am eager to see where the story goes from here.
I knew within the first paragraph of this book I was going to enjoy it. Wendy Owens wastes no time getting the action going and she kept me turning pages throughout the whole book. The really great thing was that in all the action she still managed to develop the characters. Each character had a distinct personality and purpose. As the reader, I was able to form a relationship with the characters and come to view them through the eyes of the main character. This is a rather impressive accomplishment seeing that the story is written in third person omniscient. The style gets a lot of flack for being impersonal, but I think this is a stunning example of the merits of the style when done right. As the book came to a close, I was extra happy that I already had the squeals sitting on my Kindle. I immediately dove into number two and am eager to see where the story goes from here.
December 23, 2018
.
This book features a child by the name of Gabe, who was orphaned at a young age and ended up growing up in a foster home, later a school for boys. He has a gift, that feels like a curse, which allows him to feel when something bad is going to happen.
There were some religious connations and he is told he is eventually told he is a guardian protector, who helps fight against demons. It was extremely difficult to comprehend some of the experiences. The people and the places were not clearly defined.
There were multiple grammatical, punctuation, sentence structure, and editing errors that definitely distract from the content of the book. This book sort of stands of its own, although it really doesn't. The reader is lead to believe that there is lots more to come. It was a clean read, which deserves kudos!
This book features a child by the name of Gabe, who was orphaned at a young age and ended up growing up in a foster home, later a school for boys. He has a gift, that feels like a curse, which allows him to feel when something bad is going to happen.
There were some religious connations and he is told he is eventually told he is a guardian protector, who helps fight against demons. It was extremely difficult to comprehend some of the experiences. The people and the places were not clearly defined.
There were multiple grammatical, punctuation, sentence structure, and editing errors that definitely distract from the content of the book. This book sort of stands of its own, although it really doesn't. The reader is lead to believe that there is lots more to come. It was a clean read, which deserves kudos!
September 23, 2013
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Having read my fair share of angel/demon novels, it takes a lot to wow me or blow me away. In all honesty, there are only so many ways you can change things up and create something all your own. In Sacred Bloodlines, Wendy did just that. It’s different, albeit slightly unoriginal, but Wendy did a fantastic job with it and the lore blew me away.
Angle/Demon lore is pretty fascinating to me. I have done extensive research on it and I can definitely tell that Wendy did too. The lore and world in Sacred Bloodlines is by far my favorite aspects. Demons trying to take over. Guardians sent to protect and save mankind. The usual, really. BUT. I feel like Wendy stuck to a lot of what is.. “believed?” (for lack of a better word) of the demon/angel lore. Their appearance, their rank and their vice. Free will, being a huge part of the book as well. There is a mix of powers that all the guardians have. Elements, fighting technique and magic, it’s all there. The history behind the bloodlines of the guardians was also very different. There’s a prophecy, too. I found it rather interesting, especially since it isn’t all that.. great of an outcome. <~ Yes, vague.
Gabe, while lonely, sad and pretty much skeptical of the whole thing, was a pretty laid back guy. He harbored a lot of guilt, since he has brought on a good amount of tragedy. Stuck between a rock and hard place, he decides to follow Uri, a random guy that approached him in a subway, to see if what Uri speaks of is true. I liked Gabe. I honest to goodness felt bad for the guy. He was confused and lonely. It took him a little bit of time to understand and believe everything that was happening, which is completely understandable. His reaction upon discovering more details about this prophecy he is apart of was also understandable and realistic. As for the other characters, we don’t really get to see much into them, save for Uri and Sophie. The other in their little group were funny, like able and each brought their own flare. But since their scenes were minimal, I just couldn’t get a good read for them as a whole.
I was slightly put off by the romance though. I can’t exactly say it’s insta love, because once Gabe really start to let everyone in, their bonds grew rather quick and it was believable. Kindred Spirits in all. I just didn’t feel the romance aspect of the book was necessary. Granted, it doesn’t over shadow the plot and the scenes between the two are very minimal. Which goes to say that if they weren’t there in the first place, it wouldn’t have made a huge of an impact to the story as whole. In any case. I did like Sophie, so maybe as the series progresses and we see the two of them together MORE, I will appreciate it for what it is.
One of the main issues I had with the writing was the switch in narration in mid paragraph. It didn’t happen often but it was slightly confusing since the change was pretty abrupt and only for small segments at a time.
Overall- I really liked it! It’s non stop action, fascinating lore with interesting magical elements, I recommend this for all paranormal fans out there!
See this review and more on my blog Lilybloombooks
Having read my fair share of angel/demon novels, it takes a lot to wow me or blow me away. In all honesty, there are only so many ways you can change things up and create something all your own. In Sacred Bloodlines, Wendy did just that. It’s different, albeit slightly unoriginal, but Wendy did a fantastic job with it and the lore blew me away.
Angle/Demon lore is pretty fascinating to me. I have done extensive research on it and I can definitely tell that Wendy did too. The lore and world in Sacred Bloodlines is by far my favorite aspects. Demons trying to take over. Guardians sent to protect and save mankind. The usual, really. BUT. I feel like Wendy stuck to a lot of what is.. “believed?” (for lack of a better word) of the demon/angel lore. Their appearance, their rank and their vice. Free will, being a huge part of the book as well. There is a mix of powers that all the guardians have. Elements, fighting technique and magic, it’s all there. The history behind the bloodlines of the guardians was also very different. There’s a prophecy, too. I found it rather interesting, especially since it isn’t all that.. great of an outcome. <~ Yes, vague.
Gabe, while lonely, sad and pretty much skeptical of the whole thing, was a pretty laid back guy. He harbored a lot of guilt, since he has brought on a good amount of tragedy. Stuck between a rock and hard place, he decides to follow Uri, a random guy that approached him in a subway, to see if what Uri speaks of is true. I liked Gabe. I honest to goodness felt bad for the guy. He was confused and lonely. It took him a little bit of time to understand and believe everything that was happening, which is completely understandable. His reaction upon discovering more details about this prophecy he is apart of was also understandable and realistic. As for the other characters, we don’t really get to see much into them, save for Uri and Sophie. The other in their little group were funny, like able and each brought their own flare. But since their scenes were minimal, I just couldn’t get a good read for them as a whole.
I was slightly put off by the romance though. I can’t exactly say it’s insta love, because once Gabe really start to let everyone in, their bonds grew rather quick and it was believable. Kindred Spirits in all. I just didn’t feel the romance aspect of the book was necessary. Granted, it doesn’t over shadow the plot and the scenes between the two are very minimal. Which goes to say that if they weren’t there in the first place, it wouldn’t have made a huge of an impact to the story as whole. In any case. I did like Sophie, so maybe as the series progresses and we see the two of them together MORE, I will appreciate it for what it is.
One of the main issues I had with the writing was the switch in narration in mid paragraph. It didn’t happen often but it was slightly confusing since the change was pretty abrupt and only for small segments at a time.
Overall- I really liked it! It’s non stop action, fascinating lore with interesting magical elements, I recommend this for all paranormal fans out there!
See this review and more on my blog Lilybloombooks
September 26, 2013
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I started this book pretty much blind. Not to say that everything was fuzzy and I couldn’t read the pages, but my wife had finished it a short while ago and enjoyed it when I was given the opportunity to review the entire series I said “sure why not!” without even reading the excerpt. After all if she thought I’d like it, then I probably would, she kinda gets me like that.
**I’m not going to give away anything vitally important to the plot but if you’re squeamish of any hint of a spoiler just go get the book now and read it (At this time it’s free on amazon, so you really have nothing to lose and a lot to gain!)**
Before I started reading I thought this was going to be a fantasy novel, but to my surprise it’s a modern day setting. I really enjoyed the historical and religious tie-ins to the story and background that really added detail to the world of The Guardians.
I’m a sucker for the Chosen one trope and Sacred Bloodlines doesn’t disappoint. Our hero Gabe is whisked away to follow his destiny as a Guardian to defend the world against the demons that threaten to destroy everything, and thus begins the bulk of the book and my personal favorite part of these stories as we’re introduced to his peers, guided through their world, and get to relish in Gabe learning the basics of magic and combat.
There were a lot of characters involved and I feel like two of them in particular didn’t get the page time they really needed to have the emotional impact that I think they were supposed to. If Anthony and Michael were more involved with Gabes training and had more interaction with him then I think the drama surrounding them would have been more intense.
So while I wasn’t as emotionally invested in the outcome of the dramatic final parts of the book, it was an enjoyable story that set a solid foundation for the series to come. I look forward to seeing how Gabe and everyone grows through the course of it!
I started this book pretty much blind. Not to say that everything was fuzzy and I couldn’t read the pages, but my wife had finished it a short while ago and enjoyed it when I was given the opportunity to review the entire series I said “sure why not!” without even reading the excerpt. After all if she thought I’d like it, then I probably would, she kinda gets me like that.
**I’m not going to give away anything vitally important to the plot but if you’re squeamish of any hint of a spoiler just go get the book now and read it (At this time it’s free on amazon, so you really have nothing to lose and a lot to gain!)**
Before I started reading I thought this was going to be a fantasy novel, but to my surprise it’s a modern day setting. I really enjoyed the historical and religious tie-ins to the story and background that really added detail to the world of The Guardians.
I’m a sucker for the Chosen one trope and Sacred Bloodlines doesn’t disappoint. Our hero Gabe is whisked away to follow his destiny as a Guardian to defend the world against the demons that threaten to destroy everything, and thus begins the bulk of the book and my personal favorite part of these stories as we’re introduced to his peers, guided through their world, and get to relish in Gabe learning the basics of magic and combat.
There were a lot of characters involved and I feel like two of them in particular didn’t get the page time they really needed to have the emotional impact that I think they were supposed to. If Anthony and Michael were more involved with Gabes training and had more interaction with him then I think the drama surrounding them would have been more intense.
So while I wasn’t as emotionally invested in the outcome of the dramatic final parts of the book, it was an enjoyable story that set a solid foundation for the series to come. I look forward to seeing how Gabe and everyone grows through the course of it!
September 23, 2014
The first few pages made this book seem like it had a bit of promise as the description is pretty good. But then the dialogue starts, and while it's okay for the first half dozen pages it just gets worse and less realistic. I forged on, ignoring things like the fact the main character falls asleep while riding on the back of a motorcycle and doesn't fall off over however many hours he slept.
But then we meet the wise old Michael, and an info dump begins. And what was a mediocre novel becomes pathetic.
It isn't just that it's an extremely boring info dump, but that it's also presented through dialogue. No conversation would realistically go this way. Info dumps are bad ideas that can occasionally be tolerated if everything else is good, but with dialogue this horrible and unrealistic I gave up on this snoozer.
It's too bad too, because I like what I've figured out of the concept so far.
But then we meet the wise old Michael, and an info dump begins. And what was a mediocre novel becomes pathetic.
It isn't just that it's an extremely boring info dump, but that it's also presented through dialogue. No conversation would realistically go this way. Info dumps are bad ideas that can occasionally be tolerated if everything else is good, but with dialogue this horrible and unrealistic I gave up on this snoozer.
It's too bad too, because I like what I've figured out of the concept so far.
June 26, 2012
It was an interesting idea, where an orphan with no-one in his life has strange abilities that he can't explain, except that he must be cursed. He gets pick up by the good guys and told who and what he is, much the same as Percy Jackson and the Lighening Theif. He then trains to become what he is destined to be. A good read, interesting theology behind the story, but that is exactly what it is - a story. Well written, although it did leave me wondering more about his past experiences and how they have shaped him. I felt like his training stages with each of his new friends were a little repetitive, like it was just another way of saying he was amazing and destined to be the hero everyone expected him to be, so not much of a surprise when things went the way they did. Better than most teen novels out at the mo. A good read.
October 25, 2012
Ok... so here's the thing, at the start I didn't know what to expect but as I read along I found Gabe so relate-able.
Loved the fast developed relationship between Sophie and Gabe At times I found myself questioning Uri's loyalty and never once expected Anthony.
In my opinion the book developed a little too quickly (for my taste at least) but that doesn't want to keep me from reading the next in the series!
Oh on the contrary..I'm very excited about book 2
*HAPPY READING*
Loved the fast developed relationship between Sophie and Gabe At times I found myself questioning Uri's loyalty and never once expected Anthony.
In my opinion the book developed a little too quickly (for my taste at least) but that doesn't want to keep me from reading the next in the series!
Oh on the contrary..I'm very excited about book 2
*HAPPY READING*
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 5, 2012
I liked this book, it was a quick read but jam packed with excitement!
All alone in a world that brought nothing but tragedy, Gabe meets Uri after an accident in the subway. He was quickly ushered away to mystical life of Angels and Demons, prophecies, and love. Gabe has to decide if he truly wants to stay and risk everything, or go and have nothing.
All alone in a world that brought nothing but tragedy, Gabe meets Uri after an accident in the subway. He was quickly ushered away to mystical life of Angels and Demons, prophecies, and love. Gabe has to decide if he truly wants to stay and risk everything, or go and have nothing.
July 5, 2012
Another young adult fiction candy. its enjoyable- the formulaic coming of age , lost boy does not realize his specialness, and his importance.Somewhat of a Happy Potter life- mix breed of mortal angel guardians against demonic devil spawnIts a fast read and fun.
May 22, 2016
I was able to get the rewrite of this book a couple of weeks ago. I would recommend this to anyone! It starts off with a bang and keeps you in suspense. You really get to feel what the character is going through on every level. I can't wait for the new rewrite to book two! A++!!!!
May 3, 2012
I really enjoyed this book. I brought it with me on vacation and often found myself wanting to return to the hotel to keep reading it. It is an fun, well-written read and it left me eager for more!
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Want to read
March 21, 2012Free today 03/20/2012 on Amazon
April 17, 2012
Enjoyed! Great mix of action and fantasy! Kind of Harry Potter meets Buffy.
Want to read
June 16, 2012Kindle free download 6/16/12.
July 20, 2012
It was simply amazing. The story-line, the vocabulary, the character development, the emotions that ran through every thing. Amazing barely covers this book.
Want to read
October 27, 2012Author's guest post at my blog:
http://bookfare.blogspot.com/2012/10/...
http://bookfare.blogspot.com/2012/10/...
May 20, 2013
Very good book. I can't wait to read more about Gabe.
July 13, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. Can't wait to read the rest of the series.
March 31, 2018
I quite enjoyed this book as it galloped along at an enjoyable and not too breathless a pace. The basic premise is that Gabe, a highly dysfunctional teenager, struggling with life and perplexed by weird disasters happening around him gets pulled into the world of Guardian Angels to fulfil his destiny.
Now I am no expert on the angels and demons genre but I would prefer a novel not to be using aspects of the Christian faith and then twisting them to fit into the story you want to write. Surely you can write an angel / demon novel with slipping into what is basically error of Christian truths.
For example Gabe is told that the Guardian angels were formed When (Jesus) was crucified, God turned his back on his son and all mankind. A great storm arose and pounded against the planet, warning the people of the planet that a great darkness was coming. During that time whilst God was not protecting the realm of the earth ….. That is just wrong and I find bordering on the offensive for the Christian. God never turned his back on mankind, there never was a great storm, the great darkness did not arrive at that moment and God never stopped protecting the Earth.
I hate the idea that the Guardian Angels are all holed up in Rampart Manor and other places of sanctuary across the planet and that the demonic realm seems far more powerful than the angels. Where is God in all this? It’s using Christian truths and then twisting them all out of shape to write your story. I am also not keen on mixing Christianity with magic. Do angels cast spells? In this book they do.
Having said that the book starts really well and the battle / fight scenes are excellent but somehow the author never again quite manages to write as well as the opening chapter. There are all the usual problems of changing points of view and telling not showing. In addition I found Gabe unconvincing. His inability to believe others even following a lifetime of not trusting anyone became rather irritating in the end.
On Amazon this book is advertised as 'clean Christian YA' which clearly it is not. Further on it says This is a YA fantasy/paranormal story that contains angels, demons, magical creatures, magic, and a lot of action which may be true but in my view these aspects are incompatible with the Christian faith which is a shame as there is a real need for solid Christian YA and pre teen stories.
Now I am no expert on the angels and demons genre but I would prefer a novel not to be using aspects of the Christian faith and then twisting them to fit into the story you want to write. Surely you can write an angel / demon novel with slipping into what is basically error of Christian truths.
For example Gabe is told that the Guardian angels were formed When (Jesus) was crucified, God turned his back on his son and all mankind. A great storm arose and pounded against the planet, warning the people of the planet that a great darkness was coming. During that time whilst God was not protecting the realm of the earth ….. That is just wrong and I find bordering on the offensive for the Christian. God never turned his back on mankind, there never was a great storm, the great darkness did not arrive at that moment and God never stopped protecting the Earth.
I hate the idea that the Guardian Angels are all holed up in Rampart Manor and other places of sanctuary across the planet and that the demonic realm seems far more powerful than the angels. Where is God in all this? It’s using Christian truths and then twisting them all out of shape to write your story. I am also not keen on mixing Christianity with magic. Do angels cast spells? In this book they do.
Having said that the book starts really well and the battle / fight scenes are excellent but somehow the author never again quite manages to write as well as the opening chapter. There are all the usual problems of changing points of view and telling not showing. In addition I found Gabe unconvincing. His inability to believe others even following a lifetime of not trusting anyone became rather irritating in the end.
On Amazon this book is advertised as 'clean Christian YA' which clearly it is not. Further on it says This is a YA fantasy/paranormal story that contains angels, demons, magical creatures, magic, and a lot of action which may be true but in my view these aspects are incompatible with the Christian faith which is a shame as there is a real need for solid Christian YA and pre teen stories.
January 9, 2018
This is the first book I've read by this author, but it won't be the last! The book had me gripped from the beginning, and I found it difficult to put down. The characters in the story were both funny and serious throughout the story, poor Gabe had been moved from foster home to foster home until one night he meets Uri, then his world is turned upside down. He always thought he was different to everyone else, and when he meets Uri he starts to understand why. The plot gripped me at the beginning until the last page. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes fantasy books!!
June 5, 2017
YA Guardian adventure
Gabe has been an orphan since he was 2 years old, when his parents were killed in a botched convenience store robbery. Because people die around him Gabe never gets adopted, and then on his 16th birthday he is rescued by a guy during a bombing of a underground train station. He is taken away from NYC and introduced to the other Guardians. This is like the Angels meet Hogwarts. Teenage and older readers due to some violence.
Gabe has been an orphan since he was 2 years old, when his parents were killed in a botched convenience store robbery. Because people die around him Gabe never gets adopted, and then on his 16th birthday he is rescued by a guy during a bombing of a underground train station. He is taken away from NYC and introduced to the other Guardians. This is like the Angels meet Hogwarts. Teenage and older readers due to some violence.
August 16, 2020
DNF @ 20%
*****Spoilers*****
I couldn't get into this book. Even with the action, I thought it was repetitive. Gabe probably asks Uri at least a dozen times where they're going, who he is, why him and Uri defers to a mysterious Michael and I'll leave it to him to tell you once we're at the manor. Gabe heals Sophie then there's more people insisting Gabe did while Gabe says he didn't and repeat. I just couldn't finish this one.
*****Spoilers*****
I couldn't get into this book. Even with the action, I thought it was repetitive. Gabe probably asks Uri at least a dozen times where they're going, who he is, why him and Uri defers to a mysterious Michael and I'll leave it to him to tell you once we're at the manor. Gabe heals Sophie then there's more people insisting Gabe did while Gabe says he didn't and repeat. I just couldn't finish this one.
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