The design and UX isn't done, Rob and Abbie, okkurrrr! 😌
reemofbookingdom's review against another edition
2.0
2.5 stars
The world building was kinda interesting but it was too fast paced with not much going on.
The world building was kinda interesting but it was too fast paced with not much going on.
stephilica's review against another edition
There are some good ideas here—magic tied to Songs of Power, a corruption that turns fallen angels into beasts (very Milton-esque, that), neat name references (except Lillith, that one has been done so much it's not clever any longer), and a Narnia-like afterlife where everyone's forms reflect their personality. Plus the MC has wings, which is always cool.
Unfortunately we see very few of these ideas develop. This is less a fish-out-of-water story about a Chosen One as much as set up for the next two books. Edward never really learns that he's a destined hero, his goal to save his mother is introduced in the very last chapter, and the author changes point of view characters like he's allergic to developing the hero further. Toss in some deus-ex-machina and you have the recipe for "good idea, poor execution."
Unfortunately we see very few of these ideas develop. This is less a fish-out-of-water story about a Chosen One as much as set up for the next two books. Edward never really learns that he's a destined hero, his goal to save his mother is introduced in the very last chapter, and the author changes point of view characters like he's allergic to developing the hero further. Toss in some deus-ex-machina and you have the recipe for "good idea, poor execution."
lsuvalleygirl's review against another edition
2.0
Not a fan. I know that this is just the first in a series, but there was no central conflict that received some sort of resolution. It really felt like I only read the exposition of a longer story. The writing was very elementary and nothing in the book seemed original (cross between the Paradise Lost and Neverending Story).
This is an LYRC nominated book for grades 6-8. As a 7th grade teacher, I read this and cannot believe that the book was listed for this age group. I suppose the subject matter is more for 11-14 year olds, but I can't imagine any of my students being interested in this novel with books like The Hunger Games on the shelves.
Do not waste your time on this series if you are older than 11.
This is an LYRC nominated book for grades 6-8. As a 7th grade teacher, I read this and cannot believe that the book was listed for this age group. I suppose the subject matter is more for 11-14 year olds, but I can't imagine any of my students being interested in this novel with books like The Hunger Games on the shelves.
Do not waste your time on this series if you are older than 11.
lemon_drop's review against another edition
2.0
Clunky; ill-defined and under-developed. Main character reacts to situations unrealistically for his age.
amdame1's review
3.0
3.5 stars
Well-written with intriguing characters and plot ideas. However, the abrupt ending was disconcerting, even knowing that there is a sequel. A good pick for someone who like Harry Potter type stories without having to read 500+ pages per book.
Well-written with intriguing characters and plot ideas. However, the abrupt ending was disconcerting, even knowing that there is a sequel. A good pick for someone who like Harry Potter type stories without having to read 500+ pages per book.
whimsicallymeghan's review
3.0
The first novel in Edward’s story. It all started with an itch, an itch he couldn’t scratch in the middle of his back. Edward is a lonely boy who has lost his mother, and is bullied in school; all he wants is to be normal and fit in. Well when Mr. Spines shows up to rescue him from imprisonment by evil Whiplash Scruggs, he learns a lot about himself. One, he isn’t human; two, his mother needs rescuing. The novel was one adventure after another, with some good dialogue. The plot was good, taking the reader on mythical adventure. The novel ends right when the action is at it’s highest, so the reader must wait until the next novel to find out what is going to happen next. The characters are very versatile, and very different. The characters all have distinguishable characteristics that helped move the plot and novel along. Overall, it was a good attempt at a first novel; hopefully the second one is better.
saphirablue's review
4.0
Okay, this is a children/young adult book but to be honest: A lot of books I like fall into this category. *shrugs*
How could I resist a book about a lonley orphan outsider who sprouts wings?! :D I love wings and I love it when the main characters are lonley and/or outsiders. So far, I really like the world building and the other main and supporting characters (a flying toad! A Centaur! Silver Unicorns!) besides Edward. And the most important thing: I like Edward! :) The plot is a bit predictable but it's a book for children so that's ok for me.
This book is the first one of a series and when I manage to diminish my pile of "To Read"-Books a bit I'll be ordering the next one, "Flight". :)
How could I resist a book about a lonley orphan outsider who sprouts wings?! :D I love wings and I love it when the main characters are lonley and/or outsiders. So far, I really like the world building and the other main and supporting characters (a flying toad! A Centaur! Silver Unicorns!) besides Edward. And the most important thing: I like Edward! :) The plot is a bit predictable but it's a book for children so that's ok for me.
This book is the first one of a series and when I manage to diminish my pile of "To Read"-Books a bit I'll be ordering the next one, "Flight". :)
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