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Breaking Limbo
Eleven souls, suicide victims resulting from various issues including: bullying, unwanted teen pregnancy, drug addiction, and sexual abuse awaken from a cocoon-like state, to find themselves on a mysterious realm named Destaris. An Oshlu (spirit guide), named Maree, has been appointed to assist the fallen souls, who are universally intertwined through life experience. The teens must complete their self-interrupted spiritual journey in order to free themselves from the limbo-like realm and move on to the next. Oblivious to their soul’s true desire, they are put through a series of tests that will ultimately deliver them, one by one, through a porthole to their final destination, Heaven or Hell. The group, quite content being free of their earth burdens, soon realize that they cannot escape their biggest nightmare: the inability to escape themselves. They race against time to complete their testing for spiritual growth, for the longer they remain on Destaris, the more they must cope with the return of their former earth burdens. On Destaris, these past hardships re-emerge with a cruel psychedelic twist, as the realm holds unknown bizarre powers beyond those of a simple Earth. Many resist cooperating, for fear of being claimed by the Devil, and become deeper entrenched within their limbo state. This frustrates Maree, as she needs to free every trapped soul in Destaris before she is freed herself. She loses patience when several become uncooperative, tempting her to force the teens out through any porthole she can.
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Published October 20, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
October 4, 2014
The summary:
Eleven souls, suicide victims resulting from various issues including: bullying, unwanted teen pregnancy, drug addiction, and sexual abuse awaken from a cocoon-like state, to find themselves on a mysterious realm named Destaris. An Oshlu (spirit guide), named Maree, has been appointed to assist the fallen souls, who are universally intertwined through life experience.
What I love:
Just about everything. Extremely vivid imagination, excellent atmosphere, fascinating concept, and unexpected ending. This story really gets to the heart of teenagers, their thoughts, their feelings, etc. Teens, parents and all adults would learn a lot from Breaking Limbo. If Hollywood could ever make this into a movie, it'd be a huge hit.
What I struggle with:
Lack of characters descriptions. With eleven souls, it was just hard for me to remember them all. Four stood out, for me, while the rest were secondary characters. I think this was intentional, though, so it may not be such a bad thing. Again, this would indeed be the most unique movie for young adults.
Rating:
I've got to give this 5 stars overall. I just love it. Recommended to everyone.
Eleven souls, suicide victims resulting from various issues including: bullying, unwanted teen pregnancy, drug addiction, and sexual abuse awaken from a cocoon-like state, to find themselves on a mysterious realm named Destaris. An Oshlu (spirit guide), named Maree, has been appointed to assist the fallen souls, who are universally intertwined through life experience.
What I love:
Just about everything. Extremely vivid imagination, excellent atmosphere, fascinating concept, and unexpected ending. This story really gets to the heart of teenagers, their thoughts, their feelings, etc. Teens, parents and all adults would learn a lot from Breaking Limbo. If Hollywood could ever make this into a movie, it'd be a huge hit.
What I struggle with:
Lack of characters descriptions. With eleven souls, it was just hard for me to remember them all. Four stood out, for me, while the rest were secondary characters. I think this was intentional, though, so it may not be such a bad thing. Again, this would indeed be the most unique movie for young adults.
Rating:
I've got to give this 5 stars overall. I just love it. Recommended to everyone.
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April 11, 2014
I received a free ebook copy of this book through the Lovers of Paranormal group, in exchange for my honest review.
Breaking Limbo is a different book. In fact, I don't think I have EVER read one quite like it. Eleven souls of teenagers are in limbo, in a realm somewhere between the existing world and Heaven and Hell.
Now, before I continue I will state that I do not believe in limbo. I believe in Heaven and Hell and I believe depending on someone's salvation that they will go to one or the other when they die. No in between. However, I keep an open mind and I found the concept of this story believable, because the author tells it so eloquently.
Moving on. Most of the eleven souls are victims of teen suicide as a result of gang violence, drug abuse, unwanted pregnancy, abuse, bullying and etc. However not all that are there committed suicide. But, their souls are all interconnected in some way. So while in limbo, on this realm called Destaris, they are given the opportunity to break free of the bondage that caused them to take their lives in the first place. In coming to terms with who they were and meant to be, they accept themselves and are able to move on. If they still choose the darkness they succumbed to while alive....well, I'm sure you can figure that one out. They also have a teacher, called an Oshlu, named Maree who guides them. But Maree is fighting her own spiritual battle.
Overall, I thought this was a really good book. It was a little slow in the beginning, but it turned out way better than I expected. The storyline was excellent, and the characters were well-developed and REAL. And discovering how the different characters were linked together was pretty cool. It definitely makes you think and gives you perspective.
I gave this book 4 out of 5 stars.
Breaking Limbo is a different book. In fact, I don't think I have EVER read one quite like it. Eleven souls of teenagers are in limbo, in a realm somewhere between the existing world and Heaven and Hell.
Now, before I continue I will state that I do not believe in limbo. I believe in Heaven and Hell and I believe depending on someone's salvation that they will go to one or the other when they die. No in between. However, I keep an open mind and I found the concept of this story believable, because the author tells it so eloquently.
Moving on. Most of the eleven souls are victims of teen suicide as a result of gang violence, drug abuse, unwanted pregnancy, abuse, bullying and etc. However not all that are there committed suicide. But, their souls are all interconnected in some way. So while in limbo, on this realm called Destaris, they are given the opportunity to break free of the bondage that caused them to take their lives in the first place. In coming to terms with who they were and meant to be, they accept themselves and are able to move on. If they still choose the darkness they succumbed to while alive....well, I'm sure you can figure that one out. They also have a teacher, called an Oshlu, named Maree who guides them. But Maree is fighting her own spiritual battle.
Overall, I thought this was a really good book. It was a little slow in the beginning, but it turned out way better than I expected. The storyline was excellent, and the characters were well-developed and REAL. And discovering how the different characters were linked together was pretty cool. It definitely makes you think and gives you perspective.
I gave this book 4 out of 5 stars.
August 12, 2014
I received this book from the author through Lovers of Paranormal in exchange for an honest review.
This novel was a bit different from what I was expecting. I found this to be an interesting take on purgatory. It follows a group of teenagers who are being tested after committing suicide, and some who are between life and death after an accident. These tests are a journey of self-forgiveness and bonding with oneself and others in order to move on to the next step in one's path. It also explores how the seeds of darkness can plant themselves and expand. Spirituality was present throughout the novel, but it was open-ended. I like that it did not boil down to converting to one particular faith as part of the journey. It was definitely an interesting read.
This novel was a bit different from what I was expecting. I found this to be an interesting take on purgatory. It follows a group of teenagers who are being tested after committing suicide, and some who are between life and death after an accident. These tests are a journey of self-forgiveness and bonding with oneself and others in order to move on to the next step in one's path. It also explores how the seeds of darkness can plant themselves and expand. Spirituality was present throughout the novel, but it was open-ended. I like that it did not boil down to converting to one particular faith as part of the journey. It was definitely an interesting read.
September 15, 2013
I am Nina Meditz, editor and friend of the author, Kelly O'Callan. I have known Kelly a couple of years and had the privilege of reading some of her earlier work, which I loved. When she told me she needed an editor for her new book, Breaking Limbo, I immediately volunteered to help her with the process. To say that I am a fan of her work would be an understatement.
Breaking Limbo is unlike any book I have ever read before. Kelly tackles the unspeakable subject of teen suicide, an issue that is all too relevant in today’s world, from the perspective of eleven teens. These young souls have all taken their lives due to extremely difficult personal problems and end up together in a limbo-like, supernatural realm called Destaris. There they are introduced to Maree, a spiritual guide, whose mission it is to help them learn the lessons needed to leave this realm and move on to the next world. Maree, however, has her own reasons for wanting them to succeed. In order for her to be freed from this realm and reunited with her own soul mate, all eleven souls must leave Destaris.
Kelly does a wonderful job of creating each of the characters with detailed background stories. The reader is allowed into the minds and personal circumstances of the teens and Maree prior to their arrival in Destaris. Her vivid description of this unusual realm makes all the supernatural events easy to visualize and quite believable. The element of surprise and constant unpredictability of the story keep the reader engaged page after page, chapter after chapter. The bottom line is that this is a unique and riveting story which makes it difficult to put down once you start reading it.
Breaking Limbo is unlike any book I have ever read before. Kelly tackles the unspeakable subject of teen suicide, an issue that is all too relevant in today’s world, from the perspective of eleven teens. These young souls have all taken their lives due to extremely difficult personal problems and end up together in a limbo-like, supernatural realm called Destaris. There they are introduced to Maree, a spiritual guide, whose mission it is to help them learn the lessons needed to leave this realm and move on to the next world. Maree, however, has her own reasons for wanting them to succeed. In order for her to be freed from this realm and reunited with her own soul mate, all eleven souls must leave Destaris.
Kelly does a wonderful job of creating each of the characters with detailed background stories. The reader is allowed into the minds and personal circumstances of the teens and Maree prior to their arrival in Destaris. Her vivid description of this unusual realm makes all the supernatural events easy to visualize and quite believable. The element of surprise and constant unpredictability of the story keep the reader engaged page after page, chapter after chapter. The bottom line is that this is a unique and riveting story which makes it difficult to put down once you start reading it.
August 31, 2016
Find Your Way into Limbo
In Breaking Limbo, by Kelly O'Callan, Destaris is one of the limbo dimensions between our world and Heaven or Hell. Maree is the overseer of the woodland setting. While trying to remove stains from her own soul and get into Heaven, Maree must help the souls, the results of suicides, in limbo find their way to either Heaven or Hell.
In Destaris, a diverse group of young adult souls come together. Garrett was the target of bullies. J. T. was a child of an abusive alcoholic. Darcy was neglected by her prostitute mother. Other scarred and broken teams rounded out their group. With Maree, who is both good and evil, to guide them or misdirect them, the teens go through various tests to determine their fates: Heaven or Hell…or something else.
Ms. O'Callan's flowing, descriptive style captures the angst and pain of the teenagers and touched me with both tears and anger. Her adroit depictions highlight today's social issues which impact teens, including bullying, drug abuse, neglect, and victimization. Without getting her soapbox, Ms. O'Callan makes important points, including the limited effectiveness of bullying policies and child protective services. She also sketches in issues of faith and religion. The book is a great read for parents, adults, and children.
In Breaking Limbo, by Kelly O'Callan, Destaris is one of the limbo dimensions between our world and Heaven or Hell. Maree is the overseer of the woodland setting. While trying to remove stains from her own soul and get into Heaven, Maree must help the souls, the results of suicides, in limbo find their way to either Heaven or Hell.
In Destaris, a diverse group of young adult souls come together. Garrett was the target of bullies. J. T. was a child of an abusive alcoholic. Darcy was neglected by her prostitute mother. Other scarred and broken teams rounded out their group. With Maree, who is both good and evil, to guide them or misdirect them, the teens go through various tests to determine their fates: Heaven or Hell…or something else.
Ms. O'Callan's flowing, descriptive style captures the angst and pain of the teenagers and touched me with both tears and anger. Her adroit depictions highlight today's social issues which impact teens, including bullying, drug abuse, neglect, and victimization. Without getting her soapbox, Ms. O'Callan makes important points, including the limited effectiveness of bullying policies and child protective services. She also sketches in issues of faith and religion. The book is a great read for parents, adults, and children.
August 11, 2016
The idea of purgatory is interesting. I thought that I'd like the book no matter which way the author took the story. This was my only correct prediction about 'Breaking Limbo'. I was lucky enough to win this book from the GoodReads first reads program. (yah. thanks.)I liked the whimsy of the beginning of this book, but rolled my eyes at the characters' stereotypes in the first few chapters. Maree, the oshlu spirit guide who helps the souls stuck on the Destaris realm, starts to settle into that part-time silly, part-time bitchy, likable neighbor character we've seen before.
About a hundred pages in, though, the writing really picks up and the story soon hits its' stride.The book is transformed from a near-saccharin slower-paced story into a reaaallly compelling novel filled with powerful imagery and strong parables.
I am not at all religious and was able to manage the God/Devil, good v. evil themes well. The author deftly kept the characters' epiphanies more-muted than expected. Every time I had the characters' story "figured out", they went into a spin... They didn't necessarily come out pointing in a different direction, but the author wasn't going where I thought for sure she was.
About a hundred pages in, though, the writing really picks up and the story soon hits its' stride.The book is transformed from a near-saccharin slower-paced story into a reaaallly compelling novel filled with powerful imagery and strong parables.
I am not at all religious and was able to manage the God/Devil, good v. evil themes well. The author deftly kept the characters' epiphanies more-muted than expected. Every time I had the characters' story "figured out", they went into a spin... They didn't necessarily come out pointing in a different direction, but the author wasn't going where I thought for sure she was.
February 13, 2014
Great new novel
Great new novel
I have enough of a religious background to really take to heart some of the themes in the book, but I would not recommended it to someone who does not believe in God. There were a few typos throughout the book that were annoying but nothing one couldn't get passed. I really think the story was well written and thorough. I would recommend it to people who have contemplated or attempted suicide as well as young teens and young adults who just need a different perspective on life to help them make it through tough times. I gave it four stars because it is not a story that can be universally accepted, otherwise it was a great read and I recommend it.
Great new novel
I have enough of a religious background to really take to heart some of the themes in the book, but I would not recommended it to someone who does not believe in God. There were a few typos throughout the book that were annoying but nothing one couldn't get passed. I really think the story was well written and thorough. I would recommend it to people who have contemplated or attempted suicide as well as young teens and young adults who just need a different perspective on life to help them make it through tough times. I gave it four stars because it is not a story that can be universally accepted, otherwise it was a great read and I recommend it.
March 12, 2014
O'Callan strikes an important chord with this novel, addressing the serious problems of teen suicide, drug abuse, gang life, and "fitting in." I believe this would be an excellent novel to recommend to any teenager facing these real life issues. This book incorporates a lot of spirituality into its perspectives, but I think, regardless of the reader's personal beliefs, there is a great deal of wisdom and comfort offered within the pages. This author does a wonderful job portraying the very real feelings and issues faced by young people.
July 15, 2014
3.5*'s
I received this free in exchange for an honest review. (Lovers of Paranormal, r2r)
I haven't really read anything like this before, but that's probably because of my own issues with religion in general. But I must say, even though reading some of this the other night made me sooo immensely angry I had to put it down, today was another day and finishing it up did enjoy the concept of the book. I think my favourite story line was JT and his mother, the revelation of why he was so angry at Jenny, was an interesting turn around.
Thank you Kelly for letting me read Breaking Limbo.
I received this free in exchange for an honest review. (Lovers of Paranormal, r2r)
I haven't really read anything like this before, but that's probably because of my own issues with religion in general. But I must say, even though reading some of this the other night made me sooo immensely angry I had to put it down, today was another day and finishing it up did enjoy the concept of the book. I think my favourite story line was JT and his mother, the revelation of why he was so angry at Jenny, was an interesting turn around.
Thank you Kelly for letting me read Breaking Limbo.
January 20, 2014
Mix together a little old school Roman Catholic, Hindu, and Buddist and you get "Breaking Limbo". It took a bit to win me over to the story, but once I overcame the loose theology and obvious dualism, I discovered a meaningful book that speaks confidently for all souls who at some time or another lose their way. Difficult lives prepare us for a greater purpose if we allow love into the core of our being.
January 21, 2014
Great book with great ideas and theories
I loved the fact that on destaris, the teens' earth beliefs didn't effect them immediately on their transition. it was their true character. you really get pulled into the book and the experiences of those on this planet and of their lives on earth. I would highly recommend.
I loved the fact that on destaris, the teens' earth beliefs didn't effect them immediately on their transition. it was their true character. you really get pulled into the book and the experiences of those on this planet and of their lives on earth. I would highly recommend.
January 24, 2014
Different
his book was very different than any I have read before. it's about a bunch of people in an in between state that have to come to terms with their problems.some committed suicide and others were in accidents. it's just very different from my normal genre .the writer was very good.
his book was very different than any I have read before. it's about a bunch of people in an in between state that have to come to terms with their problems.some committed suicide and others were in accidents. it's just very different from my normal genre .the writer was very good.
September 13, 2013
Vividly written, incredible story. It's like seeing it all in my mind. All the layers of the characters unfold and you KNOW them, know what they look like. I couldn't put this book down!
Read
November 30, 2013A very good book. I couldn't put it down!!
November 19, 2013
I got this kindle book for free. It was a total surprise to read. It is spiritual and makes you think. I really liked it.
January 7, 2014
Limbo
for a new writer well done, a few hiccups hope to see more keep it up.
good luck on your future
for a new writer well done, a few hiccups hope to see more keep it up.
good luck on your future
February 28, 2015
I really enjoyed this book,. It was a thought provoking one . It stayed with me after i red it. i would recommend it to everyone
dnf
December 20, 2021DNF. Stopped halfway through. I tried.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews