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lifebetweenwords's review against another edition
3.0
Poignant. Wise. A little bit fantastical! There was so much that I took away from the story. So many passages that I marked to come back to and ponder. So much wisdom. I really, really liked this book. There were just a few things about the end that didn't *quite* hang together for me so I can give it a full 5*.
I do love that this book really explored the idea of death in a way that felt relatable, but brought in some otherworldliness as well. It felt very mythological in tone (clearly based on elements of Christianity).
Solid middle grade read!
I do love that this book really explored the idea of death in a way that felt relatable, but brought in some otherworldliness as well. It felt very mythological in tone (clearly based on elements of Christianity).
Solid middle grade read!
lmbartelt's review against another edition
5.0
A lot has changed since the first time I read this book, back when it was Kickstarter funded and self-published. I mean, the story itself is mostly the same, but my appreciation for young adult and middle grade fiction has grown.
So, it's no surprise that I enjoyed my second read of this book even more than my first. (I gave it 5 stars years ago, I wish I could give it more now. Also, I received a copy of the book from the publisher.)
What I said before is true: The Day the Angels Fell is a captivating debut novel from a talented author and blogger who takes time to see the world in a way few others do.
Part bedtime story, part fictional memoir, part adventure story, I loved this tale of Sam and Abra and what happened after Sam's mother died. I kept turning the pages because I had no idea what was going to happen next or how things were going to work out. (I didn't remember all the details from the first go-round this time, either.) As with Lord of the Rings, I couldn't be sure Sam would make the right decisions (or the ones I thought he should make) until the very end. And I liked how we got two perspectives on Sam's life--what happened when he was a boy, and him as an old man about to attend a funeral.
This is not an action-packed kind of page-turner but more like a walk through the woods with bends and curves and hills and valleys and you're never quite sure where the story is going but you keep following the path because the scenery is so beautiful and you're curious to discover where you'll end up.
Even though it's a young adult book, adults should be quick to scoop this one up because the themes are just as important for us to consider. I am now more eager for the sequel, which releases next summer, and just love how this book has blossomed in the hands of a traditional publisher.
So, it's no surprise that I enjoyed my second read of this book even more than my first. (I gave it 5 stars years ago, I wish I could give it more now. Also, I received a copy of the book from the publisher.)
What I said before is true: The Day the Angels Fell is a captivating debut novel from a talented author and blogger who takes time to see the world in a way few others do.
Part bedtime story, part fictional memoir, part adventure story, I loved this tale of Sam and Abra and what happened after Sam's mother died. I kept turning the pages because I had no idea what was going to happen next or how things were going to work out. (I didn't remember all the details from the first go-round this time, either.) As with Lord of the Rings, I couldn't be sure Sam would make the right decisions (or the ones I thought he should make) until the very end. And I liked how we got two perspectives on Sam's life--what happened when he was a boy, and him as an old man about to attend a funeral.
This is not an action-packed kind of page-turner but more like a walk through the woods with bends and curves and hills and valleys and you're never quite sure where the story is going but you keep following the path because the scenery is so beautiful and you're curious to discover where you'll end up.
Even though it's a young adult book, adults should be quick to scoop this one up because the themes are just as important for us to consider. I am now more eager for the sequel, which releases next summer, and just love how this book has blossomed in the hands of a traditional publisher.
suvata's review against another edition
3.0
When 12-year-old Samuel‘s mother dies in a tragic accident, he is convinced he can find a way to bring her back. It all starts with a horrible summer storm and continues with an incredible journey for Sam.
bookworm_baggins's review against another edition
4.0
Really loved this book! I’m so glad I ordered it on a bit of a whim, and I will be recommending it. Anne Bogel said it was a cross between Neil Gaiman and Madeleine L’Engle and I think that’s a great description. It was beautiful and fanciful, not overly simple like for a child, but not so sophisticated that only adults would like it. I’m having a hard time putting it into words but I can’t wait to read the sequel.
fayelle's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
All the stars for this one. The setup of this story is enchanting... and has tiny similarities to authors like Stephen King and R.G. Triplett.
The description, the anticipation, the unknowns, the twists... it's all so good.
The description, the anticipation, the unknowns, the twists... it's all so good.
miyeko7183's review against another edition
3.0
This book was okay. I kept waiting for it to grab me because of the reviews but I did not find this very creepy as some others did. The ending did guarantee I'll be on the lookout for the sequel when its released!
melyssa57's review against another edition
4.0
Who says don't judge a book by its cover? The cover of Shawn Smucker's debut novel is absolutely stunning with a magnificently-told story to match. I must admit that cover art often entices me to crack open a book, and I was certainly glad I dedicated some time to reading this one...(more)
Read my full review on my blog and enter to win a free copy of this fabulous book!
Read my full review on my blog and enter to win a free copy of this fabulous book!
shhanson's review against another edition
5.0
I didn't expect much when I picked up this book, but by the time I finished the first page I'd decided to buy it. The old farmhouse with the oak tree out front, the darkness at the bottom of the fair, the cemetery at the end of the Road to Nowhere... I felt like I could step through the words into the town of Deen. It is well written, with compelling characters and a unique, fantastical story about the fate of the Tree of Life.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CLDI5lWgQk1/?igshid=1im1gss57ypaz
https://www.instagram.com/p/CLDI5lWgQk1/?igshid=1im1gss57ypaz
xiomara's review against another edition
1.0
I can’t read this book any more!!!!
Is a story about an old man how is remembering that he lost his mother when he was a little kid.
And that’s pretty much it, he remembering...
I didn’t like the writing style, the plot nor the characters.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review. Is so hard to be critical when is a free copy however I didn’t like it.
Is a story about an old man how is remembering that he lost his mother when he was a little kid.
And that’s pretty much it, he remembering...
I didn’t like the writing style, the plot nor the characters.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review. Is so hard to be critical when is a free copy however I didn’t like it.