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* * * READERS FAVORITE GOLD AWARD WINNER 2012--YOUNG ADULT * * *
***Based on a dream the author had in high school-chapter 1 & 2***
Protecting her from the fallen was his duty.
Falling in love was never part of his plan.
Loving her was forbidden.
Being with her was all that mattered, even if it meant he would be exiled for all eternity.

Claudia Emerson's life is about to change when her good friend, who coincidentally shares the same first and last name, dies in a tragic accident. Distraught at the loss of her friend, Claudia's dreams become tumultuous, and through them she mysteriously travels to another world called Crossroads. There, she unexpectedly meets Michael, a nephilim--half angel, half human. Now that she's been there, fallen and demons are after her, suspecting she must be special, and it is up to Michael and the other nephilim to protect her. Her dream becomes a nightmare as more secrets are revealed about who she really is, and the true identities of the people she loves most.

296 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 6, 2011

426 people are currently reading
9179 people want to read

About the author

Mary Ting

54 books2,158 followers
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Website: https://www.tangledtalesofting.com/
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Born in Seoul, Korea, author Mary Ting is an international bestselling, multi-gold award-winning author. Her books span a wide range of genres, and her storytelling talents have earned a devoted legion of fans, as well as garnered critical praise. She is a diverse voice who writes diverse characters, often dealing with a catastrophic world.

Becoming an author happened by chance. It was a way to grieve the death of her beloved grandmother and inspired by a dream she had in high school. After realizing she wanted to become a full-time author, Mary retired from teaching. She also had the privilege of touring with the Magic Johnson Foundation to promote literacy and her children’s chapter book: No Bullies Allowed.

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5 stars
1,023 (35%)
4 stars
797 (27%)
3 stars
581 (20%)
2 stars
267 (9%)
1 star
229 (7%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 391 reviews
Profile Image for Ben Alderson.
Author 31 books14.4k followers
September 12, 2016
4.5

Yet again, another cracker by Mary Ting!
These books are brilliant, they always help me out of my reading slumps... but then always seem to put me back in one!

I love angels and YA books so this was a brilliant combination of both!
This series really excites me.

I really liked Claudia and Michael's relationship, very flirty and innocent!
And it was truly loving reading their story, especially since I have started the Blessed Knights series which is about Claudia and Michaels kids!

LOVE IT!
Profile Image for Tina.
840 reviews8 followers
August 16, 2011
Wow. I can't believe everyone is giving this book 5's. Maybe my expectations are too high for YA. Was this written by a 16 year old? I didn't feel the chemistry between the characters build at all. The writing was so stiff and obvious it was distracting! The dialog used was not at all how normal teens would talk and interact.

For example, does this sound like the response of a teen customer in a store to Claudia's best friend Patty after following Patty looking like "a lost puppy" while Patty helped her find cool clothes to buy? The "voice" of it sounds like the speaker is 50:

"Thank you, Patty, for everything. And don't worry, I'll come again soon. You were so helpful and very attentive."

Editing failed to catch repeated prose and logic issues, such as:

'I was rambling so fast out of confusion and I didn't know if he understood anything I was trying to tell him. "I'm trying to follow, but I'm not sure what you are trying to tell me." Michael looked confused.'

From Claudia's perspective, where somehow the assailant's name pops up before he's identified:
'Fear emanated from Aden's eyes when he realized Michael was closer than before. He glided further back and with fury, he cried out, "Michael, it's too late!" "Aden, you don't have to do this. What do you want from her?" This man was Aden, the fallen's leader. Terror began running through my body...'

I won't be moving forward with the series. It's just too juvenile for me. =(
Profile Image for Shaeeza Haniff.
Author 2 books66 followers
May 30, 2011
Crossroads is a book that I think is the ultimate Young Adult book. It is a book I would have my own 16 year old read. It offers great romance and faith based living. It follows a young girl raised by a single mom and a caring Gamma(a name my kids also used)who comes of age in the most remarkable way.

Filled with star crossed lovers, fantastical creatures, good friends, beautiful places and evil, this book is an easy read. This easy to follow plot is full of twists, turns, surprises and battles which in this reviewer's opinion is extremely important (since I usually find battles hard to follow in a book and would skip them.) The author told us the story without extreme attention to the surroundings (too often I encounter books which have pages dedicated to the description of the surroundings - which I usually skip also). Her descriptions of the settings in the book were enough to teleport us there to continue the enjoyment of the story.

The characters are likable and well developed. Mary ting's explanation of the half breeds sounds plausible and real. Their hierarchy very real and keeping with the Christian faith.

Crossroads is one of the few books I have read that I couldn't wait until I got to the end. I had to see what would happen and now I can't wait for the sequel!
Profile Image for Shambhawi P..
Author 1 book65 followers
October 9, 2013
DNF at 13%

Because I love my brain cells.

Choppy writing. Inconsistent reactions from the protagonist. Stupid conversations. And overuse of clichés.

Reading the paragraph about Claudia thinking how she fell for Michael at first sight despite him being a jerk should be a new form of torture. Because THAT SHIT DID NOT MAKE ANY SENSE.

AND TRYING TO IMPRESS THEM WITH HER SUNDAY SCHOOL KNOWLEDGE?
Yes, Claudia dear, Angels have wings. You can shut the fuck up now.

Oh and Michael with his I DON'T WANT YOU HERE ATTITUDE and 'cold stares'... You woulda been a heckuva lot more believable if the prologue had not been you whining about how beautiful she is and et cetera et cetera.

And there is love at first sight.

And probably there is love triangle too. I'd didn't stick around to see.

Because 13% in and I DID NOT GIVE A FLYING FUCK.

Everything so far was enough to put me off.

And I'd probably had had more content to rant about if I had bothered. I didn't.

No. Just No.

Free books are usually hit or miss for me. And this book, dude, missed by an entire continent.

1 Star because it is impossible to give any less.
Profile Image for Jayde Scott.
Author 16 books839 followers
May 22, 2011
I read Crossroads in just two days because I couldn't put it down. The plot is a new and unique one: Claudia sees people in her dreams, beings who warn her to stay away. Her friends calls to ask whether she's okay because, for a moment, they thought Claudia was dead. But instead, it's someone else with the same name who dies the same way Claudia dreamed.
At first, Claudia thinks everyone worrying is the result of her friend's death, but that soon turns enigmatic when the people around her become obsessive when it comes to Claudia's safety, fretting over her late night shift at her after-school job as a sales assistant.
Claudia keeps meeting people in her dreams, beings of light, beings who want something from her, and these beings are starting to cross over into the physical realm, beckoning Claudia to come to them. They've been ordered to take her somewhere. Soon, the visions of meeting these beings blur, and Claudia can no longer tell whether they're just dreams or reality—or something in between.
When she falls for Michael, the boy she keeps meeting, she knows he's someone she can never be with because she's different. And being different has never been more dangerous.

I don't write reviews unless I found the book remarkable and worth reviewing. I thought this was a great book, original, sad at times, with beautiful writing and description. I liked Michael straight away. He was protective, yet broody and mysterious. Claudia is not a wimpy heroine; she's fiercely protective of those around her and tries to keep them safe, even if it means staying away from the one she loves. I also liked the twist at the end when I found out what Claudia really is.
Mary Ting's story of angels and a world in between was a stunning read with plenty of drama and twists and turns. The cliffhanger at the end left me eagerly awaiting the next book in the series. I recommend this to all fantasy readers and those interested in the paranormal.
Profile Image for Haresh Daswani.
Author 1 book184 followers
May 23, 2011
Let me first start off with my difficulty. This is my first romance novel, and I would stay away from romance novels and movies of such, unless my date promises to watch a horror movie with me, and let me drink the entire night until I get smashed, and yet she has to kiss me. Even at that, I would still think twice about going to a romantic movie.

Now that is out, I would like to say this for the book. I actually enjoyed it. :) I do admit there are parts I feel uncomfortable with, and mostly jealous about how there are men with naturally gifted godlike bodies while I might seem too slim. It might be a little too romantic and intimate in some parts, but all I can say is, the story was laid out very very well. I have to give this to Mary, and her writing form is poetic and soft, it was a light read, an enjoyable pass through the book to while away and feel good.

For all the women out there looking for that book that will keep you in a daze for a long time, this has to be it, and nothing else that I can think of. Standards on men might go up, and we mere humans will have no say or chance to meet those, but all we can do is strive.

An enjoyable read.


PS. Just a little secret, I did enjoy Father of the Bride 1 and 2, but that's how far I am willing to go.
Profile Image for charmayne.
103 reviews9 followers
September 9, 2011
Warning! Harsh review.

I wanted so much to like this book. I love the cover and the blurb seemed interesting enough, so I figured it wouldn't be bad- considering all the stellar reviews on Goodreads, too.

Crossroads fell WAY short of my expectations. I am entirely nonplussed by all the five-star reviews on Goodreads. WHY? Lots of things were illogical and unrealistic.
The plot of the book might have been interesting enough to some, but many, many things made it impossible for me to like this book. I have used things twice now. Not good

-The writing language. We are not five year olds. It's painful to elaborate so I'll save myself the trouble.

-Claudia Emerson- the female protagonist- is a Mary-sue. I HATE MARY-SUES WITH A BURNING PASSION I had no idea all teenage girls spoke this way. Claudia's stream of consciousness was really fake- she sounded like a bland ten year old with no conscience or common sense. Also, she asks too many questions in her mind. It's almost like the author is forcing questions in to add to the "suspense". Also, almost everyone was plain annoying. Except Davin, maybe. But the writing style ruined my chances of liking him.

-The romance. I thought that at least, being a YA novel, the romance here would be quality. But no, it's Twilight all over again! This time, Claudia falls in love at first sight with a boy from her dream and entirely based on his looks. Which is actually an issue with her character (or lack thereof). Michael too- from what I read, he does almost nothing but swoon over Claudia's hair.
No offense, but I found the chemistry between Michael and Claudia severely lacking.



This book has messed with my thoughts. Sorry if this review sucked!
/end of rant-review
Profile Image for Elliot.
55 reviews
June 14, 2011
Wow! This book is totally left open for much, much more, which is exciting because I love books in a series! I can't wait to see Claudia open up and blossom into the full being she can be! I think there is way more to Austin's story than is given in the book. I see a great triangle brewing here. If you remember, Gamma said she sent someone to watch over Claudia and Michael didn't know that! I can not wait to learn more about the Alkins, Michael's friends. I want to know so much more about their personalities and see how they show themselves when they are on Earth. It seems this is the only place they can let themselves "shine" and fall into old habits that they don't remember they had! Michael seems to be a rebel by following his own instincts while trying to be a good leader and follow the laws of the Royal Council. He is torn by what he should do and what his half human heart longs for. As far as the fallen are concerned, as we all know, if one leader dies, there is always another to take his place!
I have read a lot of books about angels and heaven, but not in a fiction setting. It's nice to see that Mary blends from the "real" to the fictional heavenly worlds very smoothly. It is wonderful to be reading a fictional book about a subject I enjoy researching and believe in with all my heart and soul!
Profile Image for Sunny.
119 reviews9 followers
December 20, 2012
My goodness, this book was horrid. I cannot understand why this book has so many five star reviews. I have now vowed never to trust Goodreads' reviews again. This book was absolutely horrible and annoying. It was worse than Twilight which I thought was complete garbage. Obviously this book was written for young adults, specifically idiotic and shallow teenage girls who live in a fantasy world of flowers and oh, so beautiful men. I felt as if i were reading a book for really naive middle school girls. I would have hated this book as a middle-schooler. Does the author think young adults are stupid? Because she wrote as if she was composing a novel for 7 year olds. It was so utterly putrid, that I almost tossed my iPad in disgust onto the floor. The main character was extremely vapid and downright stupid. Her love interest was ridiculously perfect, I cringed every time he appeared. The story was all over the place, didn't flow seamlessly and was predictable. We already knew the main character was "the one" and I refuse to get started on the bastardized religion aspect. I was insulted. Glad this book was free or I would have demanded my money back.
349 reviews22 followers
February 3, 2012
One of the best reads of the year. The author puts you in a place you see as true and neverending. True love and romance and a must read for all ages. You can believe that angels are real and watch over us all the time. Wonderful story and can't wait for more.
Profile Image for Fran.
Author 57 books148 followers
April 3, 2012
Crossroads

Author: Mary Ting

Reviewed by Fran Lewis

Emotions overtake you as your thoughts drift away from the present and you seem to be somewhere distant. Michael stares at the image of Claudia somehow unaware of his presence yet somehow there’s a connection. Claudia seemed lost and disconnected from her surroundings. Staring straight at him hoping she would see him but did not Michael was transfixed with her presence. Half human and half angel and seeing him in her dreams was as if they were experiencing things together. Just where he came from and why will be revealed.

Lying in her bed Claudia Emerson leaves the real world she lives in and journeys to a place between Heaven and Earth called Crossroads. Her body floating in the air as if she is being levitated above the world she loses control of her direction and finds herself running on a road filled with pebbles. But, another image comes in front of her. A girl so elegant and beautiful and described as a “Greek Goddess.” Claudia watches herself floating and moving towards a bright light unsure of her fate as a voice speaks out warning her to return and leave before it is too late. Jolted back into the present she hears the harsh ring of her cell phone as the caller relates the events of a tragedy that would impact her life.

Imagine dreaming someone’s impending death as if it were your own. Claudia Emerson viewed her friend’s death before her friend even died. As Claudia awakens and receives the news of her friend’s death, she learns that the girl whose first and last name is exactly like hers died in a tragic car accident. Patty, her best friend relates the events as Claudia freezes. Coming home from a special event, the Homecoming Dance a drunk driver collided with her car killing her. Claudia and Claudia were best friends and looked identical in many ways. Thoughts echoes in her mind as she sat and listened to the mass that would celebrate her friend’s life as guilt entered her heart and mind that maybe she could have done someone to prevent what happened. Claudia is emotionless.

Visions during the funeral, the brilliance of the light illuminating down with many colors of the spectrum mirrored the thoughts Michael projected when envisioning Claudia and the light she experienced in her dreams. Replaying in her mind the last moments she saw her friend a harsh realization comes to light and her emotions flood. Losing someone close is never easy or painless. Watching Claudia’s parents during the funeral heart wrenching, devastating and frightening to Claudia. Understanding Claudia’s grief while watching her friend lowered into the ground claustrophobic. Speculating the what if’s made it more painful. Seeing butterflies fluttering and the momentary sunlight shining down startling as Michael saw her with a butterfly in her dream. I have always attributed the butterfly as something special since my sister passed last year. Whenever I see one it is like she is there watching over us and smiling down.

Life stood still for Claudia and her motions robotic. Another dream and another connection to her friend would enlighten her as she reenters the world above and learns just who lives there, where and why Halo City was created and who Michael really is. There are many questions that would not be answered just yet but with the support of her mother, friends and her Gamma she hoped to regain some of her strength and her energy to move on without her friend and to understand her dreams.

Author Mary Ting takes the reader inside Claudia’s heart, mind and dreams in every chapter sharing her inner most conflicts, thoughts and hopes with the reader. As she winds up back in Crossroads she meet Davin the gatekeeper and learns more about the many others that live there and why. Told to never return she does not and will not stop until she gets some answers and that is when we meet Phillip and the rest and learn about the Royal Council These people are Alkins: half human and half angels but with no wings. Michael, although he seems resistant to the assignment is her guardian angel and the rest are there to serve the Royal Council. But, when Claudia returns home and beings her new job in a fashion store in the mall with her best friend Patty what happens when she is closing would not only return her to Halo City but will prove that she is in danger and not from those on earth. Attacked by an unknown entity and poisoned she returns to the world above to be treated and cared for where she learns more about the role of the angels and what they are allowed and not allowed to do. Angels cannot intervene with lives on earth on Earth Angels can. They are there to help humans, guide them and protect them but cannot remain down there. Angels such as Michael and all the others live in Crossroads which in between Heaven and Earth. As Michael reenters she hopes Claudia will forgive him for what she encounters. As the story continues Claudia comes face to face with her feelings for Michael as a short and surprise note and gift lets her know he will always be there for and her protecting her. With her friend Patty she embarks on a camping trip even though she hates bugs and creatures. But something happens that most would think nothing of but others would as one young man turns up and changes her perspective on things. Austin a waiter that took care of her on her birthday is on this camping trip and teaches her something about stars. Could he be here for a different reason? When someone dies their souls become stars and the stars guide humans on earth to lead on the right path so they will become stars too.
As the story goes on she falls asleep to be awakened by the voice she thinks is her friend Claudia but in reality she is in danger once again as those called the fallen lead by a man named Aden want her for their own. As Michael and the Alkins show up and safe her once again questions and allegiances are strained and she learns more about him in order to understand his life. Michael reveals more to her that will surprise the reader and you too might decide that an Alkin is someone you just might want on your side too.

Alkins cannot live freely with humans and this is where Aden differs from the rest as he lost his soul, his powers diminished but his revenge high. The scenery is amazing the view panoramic and the feelings intense as Michael and Claudia embark on a special journey of more than just friendship. Then tragedy strikes and reality sets in as Gamma is taken critically ill and she might be going home. But, what if you learned the truth about your birth and who you are? What if your real father was one of God’s angels and you were sent here for a different reason? What if your Gamma was sent here to protect you from the fallen and knew that you visited Crossroads?

There are many truths that unfold and the life of one young girl is held in the balance as Michael and his friends decide to take matters into their own hands Claudia learns that she has the Holy Spirit inside of her and that Aden wants it in order to regain his lost powers. Just what will happen you won’t believe as one birthday party for a friend is invaded by the fallen and demons. One half human and half angel named Michael has to choose the path that he wants for his own and for Claudia. One book that will makes you wonder whether demons, fallens and angels will ever live together and who will win out.

Author Mary Ting takes the reader to the other side of heaven and allows you to see what many angels do Crossroads. What happens at the end you decide? Just what part does Austin play you won’t believe and why are Michael and Claudia so drawn to each other? Read Crossroads and find out what happens when you live in a world that is meant just for alkins and angels cannot live freely with humans but some disagree. Friendship, loyalty and trust and many other lessons are learned in this outstanding novel. But, this is just the beginning there is much more to come.

This book gets FIVE GOLD BUTTERFLIES
Fran Lewis: reviewer
Profile Image for Kade Gulluscio.
975 reviews64 followers
August 4, 2022
Where to start.

I absolutely hate leaving less than .. nice reviews, but sometimes you just have to be honest right?
I wanted to like Crossroads. I did. The blurb sounded really interesting. But man this book... it just wasn't good.
FMC Claudia was... boring. She was bland.. She didn't seem to ... act or speak her age either.

The writing style was mediocre. That's the best I can say really.

The romance.... I know this is YA book, but man... the chemistry and love story was lacking and felt really juvenile at times.

The book has a lot of rave reviews, so this just may be me being.... super critical I guess.
Profile Image for Jassicca.
819 reviews3 followers
April 3, 2019
I loved this first book because the emotions written in this story felt real, although sometimes it felt too sugary sweet, especially the romance between Claudia and Michael. The new world created by Mary Ting - Crossroads was interesting with the hierarchy of the Angels - the Royal Councils, the Twelve Angels, Earth Angels, the Fallen as well as the Alkins AKA Nephilim. I can't wait to find out about who's the mysterious someone that Gamma had assigned to watch over her. Could it be the good looking guy named Austin? Or Patty, her best friend? There's also a question on whether Claudia would have a special power, and hopefully, I'll get the answer in the next book.
Profile Image for Stacey Kym.
394 reviews15 followers
February 13, 2016
ARC kindly provided by Mary Ting in exchange for an honest review.

Review

‘Crossroads’ was a novel I had high expectations of. I really looked forward to exploring this new world and the blurb had really enchanted me. I couldn't wait to see what Mary Ting, the author, would make of her characters and world ever since she personally informed me that the first two chapters in the novel were actually based on real life dreams she had a while ago. I felt that the novel was going to be stellar for sure!
So here is my opinion upon having read the prologue of 'Crossroads'. The language was slightly...I can't really describe it...but, OFF somehow. Like the author tried to make and express her story as soulfully and deeply as she could but somehow during the process of transferring thoughts to document made them a teeny bit wonky. After a little while the writing did seem to come more naturally and fluently. It became nicer to read as the author gained more confidence.
What I really admired about the prologue, though? The way the author used imagery language to really communicate the world of 'Crossroads' across to her reader. I loved the bombardment of images and pictures I had in my brain. It was a beautiful setting that she created! What I got straight away is that the novel really centres on dreams, and the author really carried that across very well. When I first started reading I could FEEL the dream-like quality to the story. It was yet another something I loved.
Ok. So my first meeting and getting to know the main character, Claudia Emerson, didn't go so well. I really disliked her. She seemed like the most stereotypical, typical and the epitome of the average, novel main character who has a run in the fantastical or supernatural world. But further into the novel I grew to know and understand her so that my opinion was completely different by the end of the novel.
There was SO much chemistry going on between Claudia and Michael that I was afraid that the book would combust in my very hands. I must admit that it was cheesy but I liked it even though the depth of their intimacy – which happened so fast – was slightly weird. (And no, there were no steamy scenes it's just that their affections towards each other were so deep emotionally and intimate that I found it surprising.)
The novel had this quiet and eerie atmosphere to it that I really enjoyed! There was a mysterious tension that lingered throughout the whole novel that kinda spooked but TOTALLY intrigued me. It felt almost like a murder/mystery genre! There was this one scene especially that REALLY spooked me. Lol! This author's a firecracker!
On the downside, I couldn't connect with the characters emotionally. They felt slightly distant and out of touch for me. I couldn't see what they saw, heard what they heard or felt what they felt. This really bothered me. It was also another factor that drew away from the novel.
I felt that the ending dragged on. I didn't really understand why the author continued to write when she neatly wrapped up everything in the two chapters after the final showdown between the angels and the fallen.
Excellent grammar and spelling! I loved that the author’s style was so clear and effective, it carried over a lot of important things in the novel. There were a couple of formatting issues in the novel but it didn’t take away from the story.
This was a solid 4 star as I really felt that it had the potential to be something more but seemed to lack something that would have made it a 5 star. Overall, it was a lovely angels and demons story and I am looking forward to reading 'Between'.
Congratulations to Mary Ting on publishing a lovely YA debut novel!



Rating Plan
1 star : Strongly did not like the book, writing and plot was bad. Idea of the book was against my liking.
2 star : Didn't like it, didn't find it interesting or gripping. Seemed to drag on to me.
3 star : An average book. Wasn't bad or good. Everything else was well done. Original idea.
4 star : Like a 3 star but has potential to it as a series or the book grew on me as it progressed and certain scenes captured me. I Enjoyed it and read it in one sitting.
5 star : I LOVED IT! I stayed up late until 3 am. Author is a genius, characters, plot, idea, development, EVERYTHING was EXCELLENT. Nothing else can possibly be said except that its 5 STAR!
Profile Image for Cassie McCown.
Author 7 books89 followers
September 7, 2011
Crossroads
By: Mary Ting
ISBN: 9781937085766
Published July 29, 2011 by World Castle
Available Format: Paperback, ebook
My Rating: ★★★★★

After the tragic death of her friend, Claudia begins dreaming about a beautiful, heaven-like place. She soon learns this place is all too real, this isn’t the first time she’s traveled there, and for some reason she is there when she, as a human, should not be. Crossroads is an in-between place where souls can go when they are between life and death, but Halo City is open only to those who carry the blood of an angel. Marked by her unexplained passage into Halo City, the Fallen and an army of demons begin stalking Claudia. It is up to the nephilium to protect Claudia and discover what makes her so very special.

There is nothing I love more than a good book about angels/nephilium, especially when those angels have a tendency to act more human than divine. Don’t forget they are breathtakingly gorgeous and can kick some serious tail!

One thing that bothered me was that Claudia had a friend who was also named Claudia. I expected there to be more to the story, but it never really developed any further. I can’t really explain my thoughts on that without giving some of the plot away, so if you want to talk about it more, read the book and email me! 

I like how Claudia’s relationship developed. I love the supplemental characters in the story—her mom, her Gamma, Patty, Austin, etc. Everything was well-rounded and the characters were all established so well. Ting has an easy, fun writing style which I related to quite well. I have the clearest picture of Crossroads in my mind, and it is beautiful! There are some amazing characters, locations, and scenes in this novel!

I don’t want to give too much away, but there is a certain someone in the story who helps the bad guys at one point. Well, I thought I had it ALL figured out, and boy was I upset that this good person turned bad! But, I had it all wrong!!! Fooled me! It’s always fun to try to figure out what’s going on, but it is even better when the author is clever enough to completely blindside you with a shocking revelation. Once my pride recovered, I was relieved that the “good guy” actually was good!

I also appreciate that Ting didn’t leave us completely hanging at the end. Sure, a suspenseful ending is interesting and sets up anticipation for the next book, but I felt that the crisis of Crossroads was satisfactorily resolved, and there is a peaceful respite in the story that still leaves us wanting more but doesn’t make us feel like we have been cheated either.

I have been dying to read this book for a while now and couldn’t stand putting it off any longer. I am SO glad that I jumped in! If you are a YA Fantasy/Paranormal Romance fan, this is an absolute must read. If you aren’t, well, try it anyway! 

You can find this and other reviews at Gathering Leaves
Profile Image for L_manning.
289 reviews43 followers
September 25, 2011
Claudia has been having strange dreams almost all her life. She sees the same place every time, and sometimes she sees and talks to other people there. When a friend of hers with the same name dies, Claudia sees this friend in her dreams. She soon discovers that her dreams are taking her to a special place- the Crossroads. While there she interacts with Michael, who quickly informs her she doesn't belong and is not welcome at the Crossroads. As Claudia learns more about Michael and the Crossroads though, she will begin a completely new journey. The truth changes everything for Claudia. Now she must manage to stay safe and navigate the waters of true love.


This was a very interesting book. Perhaps the best part for me was the characterizations. The author did a fabulous job of writing people that felt real. They had good points and bad points, but mostly they were just great characters. I found myself wanting to know more and more about them and their world. Even the bad guys. There's also a very sweeping romance. In fact, the romantic aspects of the book do take up a good deal of time. So be prepared for that. There is plenty of action too though. For me one of my favorite parts was when Claudia went to a birthday party with a group of half-angels in tow. They were an awesome group, and that's definitely some people I want to party with!


There were a couple surprises in the book, so that was always fun to come across. This book also had an amazing part dealing with the death of loved ones. You felt the grief, but you also got a great sense of hope. Naturally a book dealing with angels will discuss the afterlife, and this book does a great job of balancing the sadness of passing with the joy of knowing no one ever truly dies. If you want to get lost in a book with some fun characters, daring action scenes, and a lot of smushy romance, then definitely check this book out!


Book provided for review.
Profile Image for Kathy.
2,741 reviews5,979 followers
October 9, 2011
Author Interview & Signed book giveaway - Open Internationally ends 11/2/11
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Currently there are a wide variety of young adult books that deal with angels... I've read a lot of them. Crossroads is a welcome addition, especially for those looking for a different, unique twist on fallen angel/guardian angel mythology.

There are a few details in the story line I wish had been explained more clearly, but overall I was satisfied. The writing is descriptive and believable and the characters were well developed and likable. There was enough mystery to keep my interest and bring me back to the story, but it was a book I could put down. Crossroads is first in a series and wrapped up nicely, at least without the Epilogue. If you stop reading before the epilogue this could be a stand alone.

Overall Crossroads is fairly clean. There is quite a bit of romance and kissing that takes place including one scene where Claudia inexplicably ends up without a shirt on.

If you love this genre give this one a try, it's received some great reviews on goodreads.

Rating: 3.5 Stars - Good Book

Source: From Author for Review

Content: no language or sex but has a passionate kissing scene with the main character in just a bra.
Profile Image for Kait.
929 reviews1,019 followers
October 20, 2011
Crossroads is not your typical angel story. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that I really loved it and I hope that the sequel is just as unique and captivating.

Crossroads is a place between Heaven and Earth where people who are in comas or have had near death experiences go (or at least they do when they are asleep.) Claudia has never had an experience like that but for some reason she can visit Crossroads. I couldn't guess why she could visit Crossroads but it was explained eventually. The idea of Crossroads was really interesting and the angels that guarded it were my favorite characters. I loved Davin. He was very fun and quirky. Michael was super romantic and such a sweetheart. Vivian was someone I would want as a friend and Caleb was shy but by the end of the book I felt like I knew him.

The story itself was the best part of the book. When Claudia crossed over into Crossroads she was marked. That meant that fallen angels and demons could find her and they were after her. I never knew when a demon or fallen angel was going to come after Claudia and it made the book very suspenseful.

Overall, Crossroads is a very unique story but it, of course, has its flaws. I would have liked to see more personality from Michael and a little more bravery from Claudia. I hope to see some improvements on those few things in the next book.
Profile Image for Lesly!.
246 reviews4 followers
January 10, 2012
Favorite Quotes:
Love is everything when you find it. It can take you places and makes you feel like you've never felt it before. It makes you strong, and at the same time vulnerable because you give all of yourself completely. Crossroads is a pretty cool story about a girl like any other with fears, goals and with friends and family that supports her in any imaginable way. Like any other ordinary girl she falls in love but Claudia is a special girl who falls in Love with an Angel, her gurdian angel. She also suffers the lost of two loved ones; her friend named claudia like her and her dearest loved "grandma" While mourning these two loses Claudia falls more and more in love with Michael the angel a love that is prohibited. At the same time, adding more drama to her life a fallen angel is after her, nobody knows why this powerfull rebel is seaking for her soul, the only thing she knows is that he will not stop until he gets what he wants, that means even hurting the people she loves.
Profile Image for Natasha.
49 reviews2 followers
February 22, 2012
*First and for most I must say thank you to Mary Ting for sending my daughter this book... YOU SPOIL HER! She loves it! Thanks for making her feel special, she really needed it.*

This is my daughters FAVORITE book, we read it together, so we are writing the review together. :)

It was so refreshing to read a YA not full of smut... I never had to skip anything or blushed as my daughter was reading it. PURE DELIGHT!

We were hooked from the first page. There was always something going on. Full of action, romance that is pure. I felt like I was in another world right along with Claudia while I was reading the book.

I just don't feel like my words are good enough to describe how awesome this read is!

The ending shocked us a little, I can't wait for more. Luckily we have the second book and are just waiting until we finish what we are currently reading to read it together... But I am pretty sure my daughter cheated and read it all ready... :)
Profile Image for Barbara.
21 reviews
August 2, 2011
This book was absolutely amazing. I read it in half a day, it was just impossible to put down. All through-out the book, I felt like I was right there experiencing everything with Claudia. From her sadness over her friends death to the adrenaline rushes that came with the fights with the fallen angels to her falling in love. It felt so real. I honestly cried at the second funeral (trying not to spoil anything for those who haven't read it yet.) I cannot wait for the next book. This book is defiantly one I will be recommending to all my friends. If you are thinking about reading it the you should, it is well worth the time.
Profile Image for Janice Leung.
70 reviews8 followers
May 13, 2016
If you are expecting a book with a suspenseful storyline, then it might be best if you avoid this book.
description
Crossroad is a book of 100% Damsel in Distress + Knight In Shining Armour Book. Claudia is a girl who keeps getting hunted by the Fallen/Demon and Michael, her assigned Guardian Angel is always there to rescue here. This book is basically hunted + rescue action. So if you absolutely hate damsel in distress books, then don't pick up this one.
Profile Image for Bella  Alice.
32 reviews2 followers
June 29, 2011
This book is a really good one... I love how the story unrolls... It have some good surprices along the way... Things you may not espect... The love part of the story is so sweet and romantic! The way they fight for their love no mather what is wonderful...Overall i think this book can work itself onto being one of my favorites!... I can't wait for the second one!!! The sneek peaks that the author gives are so teasing that i can't wait to get my hands on the next one...
2 reviews
January 26, 2013
This book makes you feel wonderful in love, excited. happy,sad and whant to live within the pages. no matter your age crossroads will fill your heart and leave you wanting more.I would love to see this become a movie or movies because the angel and demons fight would be amazing.And Michael will be the new heartthrob I'm sure.Thankyou m
Mary Ting your wonderful keep them coming!! a fan
Kitty Bowers

Profile Image for Ms. MiLo.
148 reviews
January 12, 2012
I LOVE THIS BOOK!!! I finished reading in 2.5 days and I can't hardly wait for the sequel. This book will keep you guessing and fall in love all over again :) If you like reading about angels this should be your next book to read! Mary Ting is a brilliant writter! You definitely won't want to miss out on this book ;)

Profile Image for Alicia Huxtable.
1,904 reviews60 followers
June 27, 2019
Enjoyable reading

Likeable characters with a storyline that runs smoothly. I enjoyed reading this story and look forward to the next in the series
Profile Image for Bella.
531 reviews211 followers
February 2, 2012
What an amazing story...the angles were breathtaking and the adventure was exciting! Claudia for sure is one lucky girl, and to fall in love with an angel is even better! This book was a for sure page turner and I cant wait to get the next!!
Profile Image for Sakina (Y.L.) Angel.
114 reviews7 followers
September 17, 2011
Had very high expectations so was sad to find this very disappointing and completely misrepresented by the reviews here. Found the writing style juvenile, the plot contrived, and the dialogue unrealistic.
Profile Image for Glenda.
181 reviews
Want to read
June 10, 2011
Looks like I've been missing out, by what I have read in reviews Mary Ting writes an intriguing book. Sure hope to win this one!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 391 reviews

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