Sam Whitton and the Angels Prophecy

Sam Whitton and the Angels #1

by William T. Hamel

Eleven-year-old Sam Whitton can see angels. How is it possible? Unwanted by his foster parents, being whisked off to an angel city for questioning seems to be a welcome diversion for Sam. It may be the wrong time, however, for the first-ever visit of an earther to an angel city. An ominous prophecy has come to light that threatens the city's very existence. Sam makes the best of his time in the angel city while the search for the truth about him goes on and the angels' prophecy unfolds.

283 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

Reviews

[Airy M. · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author clearly put a lot of work into researching biblical references and tried to have a solid foundation for the story. The premise was really interesting and I really wanted to be invested in the character. Unfortunately it took entirely too long to set up the story and for anything of interest to occur. Hints kept being left of something to come or how Sam was important and then it took hundreds of pages to come about. A lot of characters were introduced but poorly developed to the point that there was no real point in introducing them. We meet Sam’s foster parents and no real development goes into their characters. Is the foster father an abusive bigot or just an exhausted, overwhelmed father? The love interest that Sam has, was introduced enough that we know her name and that she’s beautiful but she doesn’t speak to Sam until the last pages and it’s nothing to life changing. The first angel Sam meets that saves him never returns to the story. There’s a lot of potential to invest in these characters and relationships but it just seems superficial and rushed.

Furthermore, the author refers to Sam as having disabilities but instead of making the story about how someone who is different can over come difficulties and have an amazing impact in a new world. The disability was “cured” and Sam was now considered more or less “normal.” It was disappointing because there are so many young children in the world who could read this story and see themselves represented by a boy who has ADHD and dyslexia only to find the character that is supposed to reflect them has now been cured and is now normal.

Ultimately, overall the plot was interesting but it was slow moving. The story jumped around at a meandering pace but did not take the time to develop the characters properly. It was many pages of Sam is special, then no Sam is not special and then the reader realizes that of course Sam has to be special or why would we be reading about him. I think with more development and direction this book could really be the start of a good series but in comparing to other books in the youth and young adult genre this one falls short.

[Chico's Mom · Rating 5 out of 5]

“…Sacrificing one son to save another is not listed as one of the virtues of the archangels.”

Sam Whitton and the Angels' Prophecy is a story about an 11-year-old boy who is in the quest to find a place where he belongs and save the world on the side. Sam is not your regular adolescent; he can see angels and other supernatural beings. It all started when his little sister was attacked by a creature, then an angel saving her and then him being taken away to Angel City. There, he met a lot of good and bad characters that will help him find his place either in Angel City or Earth. This book reads in the lines of Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, Shadow Hunter, and other coming of age book series. I love how Sam’s character has developed from poor orphan boy to the chosen one! This book teaches us that everything happens for a reason and that God has plans for us.

[Aneley Sánchez · Rating 4 out of 5]

The protagonist is great!

Sam Whitton and the Angels' Prophecy is a fantasy novel written by William Hamel. The book develops around Sam Whitton, an eleven-year-old teen who is able to see angels. He is adopted and unwanted by his parents, so a visit to the city of angels seems like a great escape, but it may not be the ideal time.
Just like many other stories of this style, the protagonist is a child. It is very interesting for me, because it is great to see such a young and brave person.
Although I think it is geared towards teenagers, this book will definitely be very enjoyable for anyone who likes fantasy as well. I liked it from beginning to end. The plot is good and the author is able to develop the fanciful prose as well as the more real parts. I enjoyed it!

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Descended from angels

Sam whitton never really fit in and he isnt really connected to his foster parents. When he gets an opportunity to travel to a city filled with Angels in an attempt to get to the bottom of who his pare ta is. As the first mortal or hybrid to visit the city. He quickly becomes a flashpoint of contention and fear is high. Will he find out his heritage?
This was a good book that takes you on an adventure plane quest for answers and ultimately the young hero gets pulled into a whole new world with new dangers and opportunities. A promising start to a new series.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Sam Whitton and the Angels' Prophecy" is a book for young adults and teenagers written by William Hamel. In it, we meet Sam, an 11-year-old boy with a special power - he can see angels. Incredible things happen to Sam in the angel city; now, he knows a sinister prophecy that threatens the very existence of the city. What will he do about it?

I bought this book for my cousin and he loved it. He kept telling me how amazing he found Sam's adventures. Without a doubt, I recommend it to all children and adolescents who love stories of sorcery. It is a 5 star story without doubt!

[Susan B · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book stands out from most of the fantasies I have read so far in my life; and I have been around for quite a few years now. Hamel's fresh approach to magical events and a hard-hitting story is a punch that the fantasy has needed for a long time.
Hooked from the very beginning, I can describe this tale as a fresh, assured, character-driven more than plot-driven fantasy that is full of magic, war, and betrayal perfectly woven.
I loved it from start to finish since it is a tale that takes readers to a rollercoaster of emotions and one can not put it down so easily. A super book!

[Kay Cobbold · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although this book is aimed at a younger audience, it is a good read at any age. I engaged with Sam right from the start, feeling his unhappiness as a foster child and his educational disabilities. The story is fast paced and I was swept along with Sam as he got to know his real family and adjust to life in the sky city. Even here, he couldn’t avoid the bullies but things, definitely improved as he discovered his wings! The prophecy was, clearly, meant for Sam even though others thought differently. Sam discovered the importance of family and friends and bravely put himself into situations which were life threatening. The denouement set the story up for more adventures. I’m looking forward to reading them! I received a complimentary book from the author via Voracious Readers Only.

[Jacqui Boswell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I must admit that when I bought this book, I really didn't expect it to be good. I was actually quite surprised at the world created in this book.

Kudos to William Hamel for creating a fun, likable story. I hope to see more of this world from him.