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Shattered Glories #1
Lost Souls
NEW COVER EDITION.
ISBN: B00P1G53N2
In the wars that rage between Heaven and Hell the greatest battles of all are waged within the heart…
When angel Sophiel is instructed to head down from Heaven to save the souls of the dead on Earth, she finds herself at the centre of a war with the dark angels. Stripped of her celestial form and mortally wounded Sophiel comes face to face with Elijah, the angel of fire, and is in grave danger … until Elijah saves her. Carrying her to safety and away from his army of mercenaries, Elijah and Sophiel find themselves drawn to one another. Can they face the evil Magus together? Amongst his soldiers and courtesans, how much will Elijah risk to keep Sophiel alive? Torn from The Forest- and Sky-Dwellers who call themselves her kin, and held in a human body driven by desires she doesn’t understand, can Sophiel trust the Dark Angel at the centre of everything she has been sent to bring to an end?
ISBN: B00P1G53N2
In the wars that rage between Heaven and Hell the greatest battles of all are waged within the heart…
When angel Sophiel is instructed to head down from Heaven to save the souls of the dead on Earth, she finds herself at the centre of a war with the dark angels. Stripped of her celestial form and mortally wounded Sophiel comes face to face with Elijah, the angel of fire, and is in grave danger … until Elijah saves her. Carrying her to safety and away from his army of mercenaries, Elijah and Sophiel find themselves drawn to one another. Can they face the evil Magus together? Amongst his soldiers and courtesans, how much will Elijah risk to keep Sophiel alive? Torn from The Forest- and Sky-Dwellers who call themselves her kin, and held in a human body driven by desires she doesn’t understand, can Sophiel trust the Dark Angel at the centre of everything she has been sent to bring to an end?
189 pages, Unknown Binding
1 person is currently reading
27 people want to read
About the author
A.O. Esther
23 books49 followersA.O. Esther is a Hungarian bestselling author of sixteen published books across fantasy, visionary/speculative fiction, and children’s literature.
Her major series—Shattered Glories, Frigg’s Spindle, and the Aura Shift—delve deeply into themes of destiny, identity, inner awakening, and the unseen spiritual layers of existence. Several series have reached third editions in Hungary, with earlier print runs completely sold out; her books are widely available in major Hungarian bookstores and online platforms.
Beyond writing, she is actively developing film adaptations, a stage musical based on her children’s story School of Little Angels, and audiobook + ebook editions of her works.
Writing as A.O. Esther, she is committed to reaching an international audience through English translations and innovative multimedia storytelling.
She lives in Hungary with her family, surrounded by children, stories, and a small menagerie of beloved animals—where nature, memory, and spirituality continue to weave the fabric of her worlds.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/A-O-Es...
Official homepage: https://www.aoestherofficial.com/
X: https://x.com/aoestherauthor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a.o._esther/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/ordodye/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@a.o.esther
Wattpad: https://www.wattpad.com/user/aoesther
Her major series—Shattered Glories, Frigg’s Spindle, and the Aura Shift—delve deeply into themes of destiny, identity, inner awakening, and the unseen spiritual layers of existence. Several series have reached third editions in Hungary, with earlier print runs completely sold out; her books are widely available in major Hungarian bookstores and online platforms.
Beyond writing, she is actively developing film adaptations, a stage musical based on her children’s story School of Little Angels, and audiobook + ebook editions of her works.
Writing as A.O. Esther, she is committed to reaching an international audience through English translations and innovative multimedia storytelling.
She lives in Hungary with her family, surrounded by children, stories, and a small menagerie of beloved animals—where nature, memory, and spirituality continue to weave the fabric of her worlds.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/A-O-Es...
Official homepage: https://www.aoestherofficial.com/
X: https://x.com/aoestherauthor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a.o._esther/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/ordodye/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@a.o.esther
Wattpad: https://www.wattpad.com/user/aoesther
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
August 5, 2015
2.5/5 stars
(I received this digital copy on a read to review basis. Many thanks to A.O. Esther, Lawesome Books,and Netgalley)
Lost Souls in a short story in which an angel Sophiel falls from the heavens and comes into the mortal world where Angels are in the midst of fighting and she happens to fall practically into it. Now a story like this wouldn't be without that of another Angel, in male form, known as Elijah.
I requested to read this book as the blurb presented a unique story to tell of how this angels managed to come across one another and how they survived in human bodies. An almost forbidden love story in two angels that are opposites whilst in the middle of a war! Count me in!
Now I don't want to say that the whole book didn't agree with me because it didn't. Quite a lot of did agree with me. The different aspects that the story focused on such as the Fey, the little boy Joshua were all intriguing to read about. However, I do feel that the story didn't really reach it's full potential and I'll tell you why. I believe that certain aspects of Sophiel and how she learned to cope in such a world wasn't fully explained enough. If she had never come into contact with Earth and all it's creatures and people's; never been inside a human body before, I would have expected to have read more about how she coped with this, and instead none of this was mentioned at all in the book! The blurb itself seemed to concentrate more on Sophiel and Elijah than the story itself. It seemed they were more apart from one another then actually spending some time together!
Overall, a brilliant blurb, but a disappointing storyline that left me feeling quite a bit mislead. I liked the theory behind the plotline but the potential wasn't fully captured. An ok read, but wasn't enough for me to fully enjoy to reach those three stars.
(I received this digital copy on a read to review basis. Many thanks to A.O. Esther, Lawesome Books,and Netgalley)
Lost Souls in a short story in which an angel Sophiel falls from the heavens and comes into the mortal world where Angels are in the midst of fighting and she happens to fall practically into it. Now a story like this wouldn't be without that of another Angel, in male form, known as Elijah.
I requested to read this book as the blurb presented a unique story to tell of how this angels managed to come across one another and how they survived in human bodies. An almost forbidden love story in two angels that are opposites whilst in the middle of a war! Count me in!
Now I don't want to say that the whole book didn't agree with me because it didn't. Quite a lot of did agree with me. The different aspects that the story focused on such as the Fey, the little boy Joshua were all intriguing to read about. However, I do feel that the story didn't really reach it's full potential and I'll tell you why. I believe that certain aspects of Sophiel and how she learned to cope in such a world wasn't fully explained enough. If she had never come into contact with Earth and all it's creatures and people's; never been inside a human body before, I would have expected to have read more about how she coped with this, and instead none of this was mentioned at all in the book! The blurb itself seemed to concentrate more on Sophiel and Elijah than the story itself. It seemed they were more apart from one another then actually spending some time together!
Overall, a brilliant blurb, but a disappointing storyline that left me feeling quite a bit mislead. I liked the theory behind the plotline but the potential wasn't fully captured. An ok read, but wasn't enough for me to fully enjoy to reach those three stars.
July 13, 2015
ARC provided by publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Sophiel has been sent down from heaven to help save the dead on Earth. Immediately she finds herself in the middle of a battle that she is losing and finds herself face to face with Elijah, the angel of fire. Then she finds herself wounded due to Elijah's hand. What Sophiel doesn't realize is that Elijah is saving her. There is something between the two of them, something that neither can define. Sophiel is saved by the Forest and Sky dwelleres. Ripped from their care she finds herself back in Elijah's hands, only this time it is in the form of a prisoner being auctioned off to slavery. Sophiel is torn between her feelings for Elijah and her duty to heaven. Which side will she choose and can she do her duty and follow her heart?
This is really just a taste of this series. It is short and a fast introduction to these characters. I am already torn, I really like Sophiel and I am hot and cold on Elijah, but I have not doubt that it will run more hot then cold. I will admit I am hooked, I cannot wait to read the rest in this series.
Sophiel has been sent down from heaven to help save the dead on Earth. Immediately she finds herself in the middle of a battle that she is losing and finds herself face to face with Elijah, the angel of fire. Then she finds herself wounded due to Elijah's hand. What Sophiel doesn't realize is that Elijah is saving her. There is something between the two of them, something that neither can define. Sophiel is saved by the Forest and Sky dwelleres. Ripped from their care she finds herself back in Elijah's hands, only this time it is in the form of a prisoner being auctioned off to slavery. Sophiel is torn between her feelings for Elijah and her duty to heaven. Which side will she choose and can she do her duty and follow her heart?
This is really just a taste of this series. It is short and a fast introduction to these characters. I am already torn, I really like Sophiel and I am hot and cold on Elijah, but I have not doubt that it will run more hot then cold. I will admit I am hooked, I cannot wait to read the rest in this series.
August 10, 2015
I really wanted to like this book so much more than I did. I think that some of the problem could be that things were simply lost in translation. At times the sentences seemed choppy and just didn't flow quite right, making things feel a bit awkward. There were some parts of the book that I was completely sucked into and just loved, while there were some other rather large parts of the book where I was bored out.of.my.MIND. I have read my fair share of books dealing with angels and such so I expected there to be talk of God and faith going on. Unfortunately, there is a lot of it here and it really drags the story down for me. Fortunately, the world building was done well and so many things get described to easily picture. Though, sometimes, things are way too detailed as well. The characters are also enjoyable...except for Sophiel sometimes. Her goody goody act of overbearing niceness all the time had me rolling my eyes a lot.
The beginning of this book was rather abrupt and left me feeling kind of confused as to what the heck was actually happening. I couldn't help but wonder if I missed something. But eventually it evened out and everything made a lot more sense. Sophiel is an angel that has given up her wings to come down to Earth and fight against the Dark Angels. She happens upon Elijah during a battle and immediately feels drawn to him. Throughout the story she is conflicted about her feelings for him because he is one of the most powerful fallen angels and her enemy. How can she have feelings for him and it not be a sin? Her thoughts, not mine. I honestly don't think it's a sin, but whatever. I truly love Elijah and really hope we get more of him going forward. He confuses Sophiel so much because he's trying to protect her the only way he knows how and without losing face with his dark brethren. But by doing so, she also thinks that what he does and says is a lie for the most part. Her not trusting him is also cause for much of her misfortune in this book. Their relationship is an awkward insta-love that neither wants to acknowledge which only complicates everything. The ending was as abrupt as the beginning. I can't even call it a cliff hanger because it felt more like ending in the middle of a freakin' chapter.
I really like the whole idea behind this story and despite the reading of it not exactly being all that great, I still can't wait to read more.
Copy provided by publisher via Netgalley.
The beginning of this book was rather abrupt and left me feeling kind of confused as to what the heck was actually happening. I couldn't help but wonder if I missed something. But eventually it evened out and everything made a lot more sense. Sophiel is an angel that has given up her wings to come down to Earth and fight against the Dark Angels. She happens upon Elijah during a battle and immediately feels drawn to him. Throughout the story she is conflicted about her feelings for him because he is one of the most powerful fallen angels and her enemy. How can she have feelings for him and it not be a sin? Her thoughts, not mine. I honestly don't think it's a sin, but whatever. I truly love Elijah and really hope we get more of him going forward. He confuses Sophiel so much because he's trying to protect her the only way he knows how and without losing face with his dark brethren. But by doing so, she also thinks that what he does and says is a lie for the most part. Her not trusting him is also cause for much of her misfortune in this book. Their relationship is an awkward insta-love that neither wants to acknowledge which only complicates everything. The ending was as abrupt as the beginning. I can't even call it a cliff hanger because it felt more like ending in the middle of a freakin' chapter.
I really like the whole idea behind this story and despite the reading of it not exactly being all that great, I still can't wait to read more.
Copy provided by publisher via Netgalley.
June 3, 2015
★★★★★
Firstly, I hope you will forgive me, if I make some mistake, but I'm not english. I read the book in hungarian language and it was awesome. I thought to write this review in english, because I know, there are people like me, who would like to read some reviews, before they buy the book. Maybe this will help a little for those who can't read the hungarian reviews.
When I started, I wasn't certain that this book is my style. (Probably this was the effect of the cover.) BUT! It was amazing. In the begining, it was a little uncertain to my taste (at least I tought this). I did not know, where we are and when did all of these happened. Don't be impatient, you can figure it out, while you read. Esther put us in the middle of a battle such a strong beginning, it took my attention.
There wasn't a single moment when this book bored me. A lot of action, mystery, emotion. The whole book is like a movie or picture and more. You read it, and you see it at the same time, you can smell the flowers, feel the pain etc. It comes so easy.
About the characters I'm not able to say a wrong word. I mean, there were bad guys, and good guys, but the bad ones was not actually, and the goods wasn't always the goods. I can't just say that she is the good, or he is the bad etc. In one moment you think for sure, that he is evil, and the other oopps, no he did something generous or kind. Everyone in this novel, had motives, and goals which they try to reach those. Bardo and Elijah were my personal favorite. Sophiel was not that kind of strong female character which I prefer so she hasn't become my favorite, but I like her
I won't tell the story, that is not my job. I suggest every fantasy, and romance lover to read this. Totally worth it.
Firstly, I hope you will forgive me, if I make some mistake, but I'm not english. I read the book in hungarian language and it was awesome. I thought to write this review in english, because I know, there are people like me, who would like to read some reviews, before they buy the book. Maybe this will help a little for those who can't read the hungarian reviews.
When I started, I wasn't certain that this book is my style. (Probably this was the effect of the cover.) BUT! It was amazing. In the begining, it was a little uncertain to my taste (at least I tought this). I did not know, where we are and when did all of these happened. Don't be impatient, you can figure it out, while you read. Esther put us in the middle of a battle such a strong beginning, it took my attention.
There wasn't a single moment when this book bored me. A lot of action, mystery, emotion. The whole book is like a movie or picture and more. You read it, and you see it at the same time, you can smell the flowers, feel the pain etc. It comes so easy.
About the characters I'm not able to say a wrong word. I mean, there were bad guys, and good guys, but the bad ones was not actually, and the goods wasn't always the goods. I can't just say that she is the good, or he is the bad etc. In one moment you think for sure, that he is evil, and the other oopps, no he did something generous or kind. Everyone in this novel, had motives, and goals which they try to reach those. Bardo and Elijah were my personal favorite. Sophiel was not that kind of strong female character which I prefer so she hasn't become my favorite, but I like her
I won't tell the story, that is not my job. I suggest every fantasy, and romance lover to read this. Totally worth it.
June 16, 2017
*** 3.5 STARS ***
I liked it, but it wasn't a home run for me. The story was unique and interesting, but I found it dragging in some areas. I also think some things just got lost in translation.
Sophiel is a young angel. She is full of life, innocence, and beauty. As she was fighting the dark angels, she got the attention of Elijah.
Elijah is attracted to the spirited angel. He saves her life, but he won't let her leave his presence. He helps her survive when she's injured, but then later takes her as his courtesan.
If there was an award for the most abrupt cliffhanger, I think this would win it.
I liked it, but it wasn't a home run for me. The story was unique and interesting, but I found it dragging in some areas. I also think some things just got lost in translation.
Sophiel is a young angel. She is full of life, innocence, and beauty. As she was fighting the dark angels, she got the attention of Elijah.
Elijah is attracted to the spirited angel. He saves her life, but he won't let her leave his presence. He helps her survive when she's injured, but then later takes her as his courtesan.
If there was an award for the most abrupt cliffhanger, I think this would win it.
July 6, 2015
I received a copy of this story from Net Galley. Yay books!
Spoilers possible ahead...
That ending...
What is up with the cliffhangers? Though, not sure if it was less of a cliffhanger and more of a "let's just end it here..."
What? It was just starting to get good. Was Elijah really going to let Sophiel get branded as one of his courtesans? Or is it his only way to protect her?
Speaking of, why does he want to protect her? Shouldn't they be enemies? Or is this some weird love at first sight thing or something?
On his side...
On her side I'm going to believe that there is a mixture of her being naive and Stockholm syndrome...
But that doesn't make me like it any less. Actually, I'm really into Elijah...which kind of makes me question my sanity.
So I'm just gonna sit over here, rocking myself in the corner, until I make up my mind about purchasing the next one...
Spoilers possible ahead...
That ending...
What is up with the cliffhangers? Though, not sure if it was less of a cliffhanger and more of a "let's just end it here..."
What? It was just starting to get good. Was Elijah really going to let Sophiel get branded as one of his courtesans? Or is it his only way to protect her?
Speaking of, why does he want to protect her? Shouldn't they be enemies? Or is this some weird love at first sight thing or something?
On his side...
On her side I'm going to believe that there is a mixture of her being naive and Stockholm syndrome...
But that doesn't make me like it any less. Actually, I'm really into Elijah...which kind of makes me question my sanity.
So I'm just gonna sit over here, rocking myself in the corner, until I make up my mind about purchasing the next one...
February 23, 2016
"best-selling author" Yeah, right, another shiny example of my little country's drama llamas. The author we're talking about harassed and stalked people because of bad reviews. It's easy to get just only good reviews if you take down the bad ones. :P But you gotta admire her determination, she actually managed to publish this in English!
May 25, 2016
Review's posted on
NetGalley
.
P.S. A free copy was provided, so here's a short but honest review. Enjoy reading!
xx Lovs
P.S. A free copy was provided, so here's a short but honest review. Enjoy reading!
xx Lovs
June 18, 2016
Great premise , not so great an execution of this though. What could have been awesome was just good.
Full review to come.
Full review to come.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews