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The Galdoni #1
Galdoni
"This is the Arena, and here we live to die." These are the words carved into a holding cell where genetically-altered gladiators, the winged humans called Galdoni, are trained to fight. Kale, rescued by three high school students and nursed back from the brink of death, is given the chance to experience life as a human. When the other Galdoni are threatened, he has to use what he learned in the world outside the Academy to face the Arena and return to the human girl he loves. Dark and exciting, Galdoni pushes the boundaries of love in a world of violence.
242 pages, Paperback
First published December 16, 2011
505 people are currently reading
2059 people want to read
About the author
Cheree Alsop
171 books493 followersCheree Alsop is an award-winning, best-selling author and the mother of a beautiful, talented daughter and amazing twin sons who fill every day with joy and laughter. She is married to her best friend, Michael, the light of her life and her soulmate who shares her dreams and inspires her by reading the first drafts of each book. Cheree is a fulltime author and mother, which is much more fun than work! She enjoys reading, riding her motorcycle on warm nights, and playing with her twins while planning her next book. She is also a bass player for their rock band, Alien Landslide.
Cheree and Michael live in Utah where they rock out, enjoy the outdoors, plan great adventures, and never stop dreaming.
Check out Cheree’s other books at www.chereealsop.com
Cheree and Michael live in Utah where they rock out, enjoy the outdoors, plan great adventures, and never stop dreaming.
Check out Cheree’s other books at www.chereealsop.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 199 reviews
April 26, 2013
I promised myself I wouldn't read any more YA, but the cover for this book drew me in. After reading the first few paragraphs, the reason I stopped reading YA suddenly became clear again.
The concept:
I thought the concept for ‘Galdoni’ was great, but the initial execution of the plot left me wondering what was going on. I didn’t realize he had broken out of the Arena at the start. I read as if they’d just wandered out the front gate like they were allowed to come and go as they please. There was a lot of confusion about who and what the Goldoni were and where they fit in the world. If there was more time spent of explaining why he was in there, why he was escaping and who he was in relation to the Arena, I wouldn’t have been quite as critical.
The characters:
What can I say about the characters? Kale is a walking, talking fist fight waiting to happen. There’s so much rage within him which he blames on his upbringing in the Arena. Everywhere he goes, he gets into a fight. After fighting off a group of three men who were trying to rape a young girl, he walks the girl home where he immediately gets into another fight with the girl’s brother and his buddies. He describes his feeling of wanting to kill the humans, but suppresses it with a lot of effort.
I get that he was born and bred like that, but the amount of situations he’s thrown into that require him to fight just seem forced and completely unrealistic. They just seem to be there to illustrate his ‘blood-thirsty nature’, but it makes the plot completely unbelievable. I don’t think men walk around trying to get into fights all the time.
Motivation:
The other thing that bothered me was Kale’s ‘instantaneous feelings.’ Point in case: Brie. He’s known her all of five minutes before she’s professing her love for him and her for him. That’s all fine and good if there’s some kind of attraction to begin with. Perhaps there was some on Brie’s end, but we don’t read the story from Brie’s POV. We read it from Kale’s, and all of a sudden he’s in love with her? He’s like sixteen. What does he know what love feels like if he’s never experienced or seen it before?
Case number 2: Kale goes to a party where there same guy he wanted to beat to a bloody pulp not more than a few days ago has invited him. Kale reluctantly agrees, and the two boys have a little deep and meaningful out the back. Zach (aforementioned potential bloody-pulp recipient) calls Kale on being a Galdoni. Does he deny this? No. In fact, Kale trusts him implicitly to keep the secret, purging himself of secrets when asked. I’m sorry, but if Kale was so damn suspicious about everyone in order to keep himself safe, he would not just trust this guy straight away. Rules had been made up for Kale to live by but as soon as they no longer fit the plot line, they’re thrown out the window.
All in all, I only began enjoying the book when I was 80% in when Kale returns to the Arena and he begins to start the uprising. That was the point where Kale became a character I cared about. Before that, he was just someone who did and acted and believed in a completely contradictory manner. The plot was predictable; the characters mind-numbingly boring in points. Everything felt disjointed and thrown together. I am glad I read it to the end though.
The concept:
I thought the concept for ‘Galdoni’ was great, but the initial execution of the plot left me wondering what was going on. I didn’t realize he had broken out of the Arena at the start. I read as if they’d just wandered out the front gate like they were allowed to come and go as they please. There was a lot of confusion about who and what the Goldoni were and where they fit in the world. If there was more time spent of explaining why he was in there, why he was escaping and who he was in relation to the Arena, I wouldn’t have been quite as critical.
The characters:
What can I say about the characters? Kale is a walking, talking fist fight waiting to happen. There’s so much rage within him which he blames on his upbringing in the Arena. Everywhere he goes, he gets into a fight. After fighting off a group of three men who were trying to rape a young girl, he walks the girl home where he immediately gets into another fight with the girl’s brother and his buddies. He describes his feeling of wanting to kill the humans, but suppresses it with a lot of effort.
I get that he was born and bred like that, but the amount of situations he’s thrown into that require him to fight just seem forced and completely unrealistic. They just seem to be there to illustrate his ‘blood-thirsty nature’, but it makes the plot completely unbelievable. I don’t think men walk around trying to get into fights all the time.
Motivation:
The other thing that bothered me was Kale’s ‘instantaneous feelings.’ Point in case: Brie. He’s known her all of five minutes before she’s professing her love for him and her for him. That’s all fine and good if there’s some kind of attraction to begin with. Perhaps there was some on Brie’s end, but we don’t read the story from Brie’s POV. We read it from Kale’s, and all of a sudden he’s in love with her? He’s like sixteen. What does he know what love feels like if he’s never experienced or seen it before?
Case number 2: Kale goes to a party where there same guy he wanted to beat to a bloody pulp not more than a few days ago has invited him. Kale reluctantly agrees, and the two boys have a little deep and meaningful out the back. Zach (aforementioned potential bloody-pulp recipient) calls Kale on being a Galdoni. Does he deny this? No. In fact, Kale trusts him implicitly to keep the secret, purging himself of secrets when asked. I’m sorry, but if Kale was so damn suspicious about everyone in order to keep himself safe, he would not just trust this guy straight away. Rules had been made up for Kale to live by but as soon as they no longer fit the plot line, they’re thrown out the window.
All in all, I only began enjoying the book when I was 80% in when Kale returns to the Arena and he begins to start the uprising. That was the point where Kale became a character I cared about. Before that, he was just someone who did and acted and believed in a completely contradictory manner. The plot was predictable; the characters mind-numbingly boring in points. Everything felt disjointed and thrown together. I am glad I read it to the end though.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 7, 2013
I enjoyed this book, but it was a little too simplistic and a little too...there are these vampire books and like each book is about a different brother and they each take place in like one room of a house basically. This felt a lot like that. Sure he goes to school sometimes and work, but it feels like everyone just sits around the one room the entire book. And the ending...I am not convinced that a heartfelt video would win people over enough for everyone to rise up and rebel against the system. I mean if that were all it took we should be able to solve a lot of our issues today that way. It is just way too simple. I could see if it got more people thinking about the problems and making plans and such, but to immediately rise up and break down the gates to save them? Not likely.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 19, 2022
Kale is een Galdoni, een wezen dat in-vitro gekweekt is, deels mens, deels vogel. Eigenlijk dus een mens met vleugels. Hij is opgegroeid in de Arena. Het verhaal begint als de Arena gesloten wordt en de Galdoni vrijgelaten.
Kale wordt aangevallen in een steeg, en bijna voor dood achtergelaten. Hij wordt gevonden door een groepje jongeren, Nikko, Brie en Jayce. Ze nemen hem op in hun huis. De vader van een van hen is dokter en verzorgt Kale. Ze verbergen hem een tijd.
Dan wordt de Arena terug geopend en de Galdoni worden opgejaagd en terug gevangen. Want eigenlijk zijn de Galdoni getraind om te vechten tot de dood, zogezegd 'om de eer', maar wat ze nooit wisten was dat het eigenlijk was voor tv-shows, waar stevig op gewed werd. Dit is Kale te weten gekomen tijdens zijn verblijf buiten de Arena.
Kale en zijn vrienden willen een manier vinden om deze toestanden te stoppen en alle Galdoni vrij te laten.
Dit is een young adult boek, het leest dan ook heel vlot. Het verhaal zelf vond ik niet slecht, alhoewel ik niet hield van de vele vechtscènes. En het is dan ook nogal een simpel verhaal vond ik, zo'n 'eind goed, al goed'. Het is vooral geschreven vanuit het standpunt van 15-20jarigen, met hun emoties en dikwijls impulsieve acties, en vanuit hun interesses, zoals sport en computer- en videotechnologie.
Kale wordt aangevallen in een steeg, en bijna voor dood achtergelaten. Hij wordt gevonden door een groepje jongeren, Nikko, Brie en Jayce. Ze nemen hem op in hun huis. De vader van een van hen is dokter en verzorgt Kale. Ze verbergen hem een tijd.
Dan wordt de Arena terug geopend en de Galdoni worden opgejaagd en terug gevangen. Want eigenlijk zijn de Galdoni getraind om te vechten tot de dood, zogezegd 'om de eer', maar wat ze nooit wisten was dat het eigenlijk was voor tv-shows, waar stevig op gewed werd. Dit is Kale te weten gekomen tijdens zijn verblijf buiten de Arena.
Kale en zijn vrienden willen een manier vinden om deze toestanden te stoppen en alle Galdoni vrij te laten.
Dit is een young adult boek, het leest dan ook heel vlot. Het verhaal zelf vond ik niet slecht, alhoewel ik niet hield van de vele vechtscènes. En het is dan ook nogal een simpel verhaal vond ik, zo'n 'eind goed, al goed'. Het is vooral geschreven vanuit het standpunt van 15-20jarigen, met hun emoties en dikwijls impulsieve acties, en vanuit hun interesses, zoals sport en computer- en videotechnologie.
September 9, 2020
Interesting fantasy novel
Kale is a hybrid human with wings and he has been raised to be a gladiator. But he is free now and he is trying his new found freedom. He is trying to learn about becoming human and that is when he finds three human friends.
Kale’s character is very well fleshed out and his moments as he realizes his freedom are some of the very interesting parts of the story. His romance with Brie was slightly predictable, but it was still cute to read about it.The ending and Kale’s choice made it into a thoroughly enjoyable story. Liked it.
Kale is a hybrid human with wings and he has been raised to be a gladiator. But he is free now and he is trying his new found freedom. He is trying to learn about becoming human and that is when he finds three human friends.
Kale’s character is very well fleshed out and his moments as he realizes his freedom are some of the very interesting parts of the story. His romance with Brie was slightly predictable, but it was still cute to read about it.The ending and Kale’s choice made it into a thoroughly enjoyable story. Liked it.
February 28, 2015
I was on board with the premise so much that it made me pick it up off the top of my heap of free ebooks. And I was disappointed. It's not a hard read and it's biggest crime is being boring. Things do happen but aren't told in a compelling well and everything is rather easy. The villain is the big, bad society and even though the common people allow it to go on they aren't bad so much as ignorant. All so easily overcome and rather preachy.
I really liked Kale and that it was all from his POV. I liked the idea of the academy and would have preferred to spend time there than in high school. Especially since high school seemed no different than high school nowadays except a doctor worked there teaching anatomy. I liked the girl but she added nothing to the story except insta-love. And the contrivances with the sister, the rape and the suicide all worked to dumb down the story rather than elevate it. I don't mind the elements but make us care about these people first. Bring us in contact with them, show us the conflict and why Kale is the only one suitable to overcome these events. The same with the other Galdoni in the academy. Why should we care? That one kid was sad but I didn't know him or his circumstance well enough to care too much.
The humans were all well and good but were under utilized for there being so many of them and they didn't reflect much about Kale. This was the poorest part of the book since all we really wanted to know about was this gladiator man with wings who felt in his soul that killing is wrong.
The world of the Galdoni was interesting but under developed and the outside world not though of much except through the context of gambling. And no thought was taken as to the best way to show us the Galdoni's world. I liked the video at the end simply because it shed light on the stuff I was interested in learning about. I could have read a whole book about him growing up and escaping at the end. In other words a whole story was skipped over for this lame, sad sack of a story.
The best qualities of this story were discarded while the boring bits were placed front and center. Who cares about the callous humans that created the Galdoni? I certainly don't care! I cared about Kale realizing he's just as human as the outsiders, maybe he's even more human because he knows what's right and wrong.
The end battle was quite good but came on us suddenly and without good setup. I wanted to know more about the fighter Galdoni who wouldn't stop fighting for the good of all. Why was he so determined to stand against Kale? Some time and interactions with this Galdoni would have given us these motivations rather than the chest beating we got. And that is just one example of what we lost out on in this underdeveloped story.
BOTTOM LINE: Kale's story was watered down milk sop when it could have been exciting arena fare.
I really liked Kale and that it was all from his POV. I liked the idea of the academy and would have preferred to spend time there than in high school. Especially since high school seemed no different than high school nowadays except a doctor worked there teaching anatomy. I liked the girl but she added nothing to the story except insta-love. And the contrivances with the sister, the rape and the suicide all worked to dumb down the story rather than elevate it. I don't mind the elements but make us care about these people first. Bring us in contact with them, show us the conflict and why Kale is the only one suitable to overcome these events. The same with the other Galdoni in the academy. Why should we care? That one kid was sad but I didn't know him or his circumstance well enough to care too much.
The humans were all well and good but were under utilized for there being so many of them and they didn't reflect much about Kale. This was the poorest part of the book since all we really wanted to know about was this gladiator man with wings who felt in his soul that killing is wrong.
The world of the Galdoni was interesting but under developed and the outside world not though of much except through the context of gambling. And no thought was taken as to the best way to show us the Galdoni's world. I liked the video at the end simply because it shed light on the stuff I was interested in learning about. I could have read a whole book about him growing up and escaping at the end. In other words a whole story was skipped over for this lame, sad sack of a story.
The best qualities of this story were discarded while the boring bits were placed front and center. Who cares about the callous humans that created the Galdoni? I certainly don't care! I cared about Kale realizing he's just as human as the outsiders, maybe he's even more human because he knows what's right and wrong.
The end battle was quite good but came on us suddenly and without good setup. I wanted to know more about the fighter Galdoni who wouldn't stop fighting for the good of all. Why was he so determined to stand against Kale? Some time and interactions with this Galdoni would have given us these motivations rather than the chest beating we got. And that is just one example of what we lost out on in this underdeveloped story.
BOTTOM LINE: Kale's story was watered down milk sop when it could have been exciting arena fare.
October 18, 2013
This book was your typical teen fantasy angel meets normal friends and girl and begins a life with them in high school. This ebook literally read like a bad AU fanfic. I eyerolled so hard on several occasions, I felt like they were going to fall out.
The plot moved too fast. It was unbelievable. Kale (who did not once convince me that he was male, despite him being so), was so boring. The entire cast was boring, except for Dr. Ray. Kale fell in love with the girl way too fast, and seriously, there was no connection. I tossed my iPod at that particular barf-inducing scene. And can we just talk about how easily they trust Kale? Hello? Can we say GULLIBLE? He could've killed you all in your sleep, but you trusted him because he just said, "I won't hurt you." No. NOOOO. DNF'd. This may work in fanfic world, but not with me.
On another note: That cover is STUNNINGLY GORGEOUS. The only reason worth that one star.
The plot moved too fast. It was unbelievable. Kale (who did not once convince me that he was male, despite him being so), was so boring. The entire cast was boring, except for Dr. Ray. Kale fell in love with the girl way too fast, and seriously, there was no connection. I tossed my iPod at that particular barf-inducing scene. And can we just talk about how easily they trust Kale? Hello? Can we say GULLIBLE? He could've killed you all in your sleep, but you trusted him because he just said, "I won't hurt you." No. NOOOO. DNF'd. This may work in fanfic world, but not with me.
On another note: That cover is STUNNINGLY GORGEOUS. The only reason worth that one star.
January 2, 2012
A surprising new gladiator story with a twist and an underlying love story that will keep you reading. I found myself wanting more after I finished the book and was glad to see she is working on the next one!
June 13, 2016
Rating: unfinished; 1 star
The book is boring, the plot and world are undeveloped, and the insta-love makes me want to bang my head against the wall. I just don't have the time or energy to finish this book.
The book is boring, the plot and world are undeveloped, and the insta-love makes me want to bang my head against the wall. I just don't have the time or energy to finish this book.
September 9, 2019
I really liked this book. The story was unique and it really captured me. The Galdoni are a breed of mutated humans with wings they are created in a lab. They have a very altered view of the world and when one escapes he decides that what is happening to him and his people is wrong. He befriends some humans who offer to help him and he falls in love along the way. This has strong child abuse of beatings.
January 5, 2012
I didn't know what to expect when I bought this as an ebook, but I saw it was a futuristic gladiator book about high school students and thought I'd give it a try. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed Kale's introduction into a normal life, but I also really liked the fighting scenes and his life back in the Arena. The relationships in this book feel real and I related well to the characters. I would recommend this book.
February 24, 2012
At first I thought this is a Fallen Angel tale but it's not. It's like Arcangel from X-men turned Galdiator. This is a tale of captivity, going up against stereotypes and realizing one's worth. Kale's journey is hardly fiction since we've all struggled with "boxes" at one point in our lives.
December 12, 2016
A beautiful YA Fantasy!
November 4, 2013
Overall fairly good. I love it towards the end and Alsop even made me chuckle from time to time. The dialogue was well written.
Want to read
July 11, 2019🎁 FREE on iBooks today (7/11/2019)! 🎁
July 26, 2016
Galdoni by Cheree Alsop is a young adult fantasy novel about a boy with wings. Who among us hasn't dreamed at least once about having wings? The Galdoni, genetically engineered bird-people hybrids, have just been set free from their super-strict gladiator-style arena. Kale, the main character, finds himself at the wrong end of some violent haters and ends up in the tender care of three friends who help him hide his wings and learn to adapt to human life. Of course, it's never that easy!
Personally, Kale is an intriguing character. He comes from a battle-rich background yet still manages to find compassion. Cheree Alsop does a good job making him a real character with internal struggles even as he hopes desperately to be allowed a small bit of freedom. He makes friends with the three human children he lives with, and they bring him a measure of self-confidence he never had before. I like this dynamic element to the story that shows Kale's growth.
The plot has a few predictable bits, but overall still managed to suck me in from beginning to end. There's something of a love angle between Kale and Brie, which was obvious from the beginning. But that didn't diminish the internal struggle on Kale's part because he feels he doesn't deserve Brie's love. And in the end, Kale makes the hardest choice of all and that's the biggest plot draw of the book. I won't say more so I don't spoil the ending!
Personally, Kale is an intriguing character. He comes from a battle-rich background yet still manages to find compassion. Cheree Alsop does a good job making him a real character with internal struggles even as he hopes desperately to be allowed a small bit of freedom. He makes friends with the three human children he lives with, and they bring him a measure of self-confidence he never had before. I like this dynamic element to the story that shows Kale's growth.
The plot has a few predictable bits, but overall still managed to suck me in from beginning to end. There's something of a love angle between Kale and Brie, which was obvious from the beginning. But that didn't diminish the internal struggle on Kale's part because he feels he doesn't deserve Brie's love. And in the end, Kale makes the hardest choice of all and that's the biggest plot draw of the book. I won't say more so I don't spoil the ending!
January 13, 2014
Cheree Alsop is one of my top ten favorite authors. Her writing is simple yet exquisite. Her books have great morals, values, adventures, heroes, and just a smidgen of innocent and heart-melting romance mixed in as well.
Galdoni is about opening your eyes, discovering and removing the blinds that the world around us uses to keep us in the dark. It is about finding your purpose, embracing your individuality and realizing you are more than just a number, a thing to be used and controlled and manipulated.
Galdoni is about putting faith in your friends and trusting others with your secrets. It is about self-preservation & endurance through intense & dangerous situations. It is about not giving up but standing up; standing up for what is right, even when you stand alone.
I hope you enjoy this book and recommend it to people you know. I enjoyed it immensely and have read it multiple times already.
"We fear things in proportion to our ignorance of them."
This review, and many more to come, can be read on my blog I've started... My Book-et List. :o)
http://book-etlist.blogspot.com/
Galdoni is about opening your eyes, discovering and removing the blinds that the world around us uses to keep us in the dark. It is about finding your purpose, embracing your individuality and realizing you are more than just a number, a thing to be used and controlled and manipulated.
Galdoni is about putting faith in your friends and trusting others with your secrets. It is about self-preservation & endurance through intense & dangerous situations. It is about not giving up but standing up; standing up for what is right, even when you stand alone.
I hope you enjoy this book and recommend it to people you know. I enjoyed it immensely and have read it multiple times already.
"We fear things in proportion to our ignorance of them."
This review, and many more to come, can be read on my blog I've started... My Book-et List. :o)
http://book-etlist.blogspot.com/
December 15, 2021
This was a free book on Amazon Kindle and Apple Books. It is a good story with a main character that you want to cheer for. The secondary characters could use a little more work. This book delves into the morality question of right and wrong.
Though the book did not hook me as many others did, it was entertaining and thought provoking. I am not sure whether I will move on to book 2 as I am not sure where else the story can go from there.
Though the book did not hook me as many others did, it was entertaining and thought provoking. I am not sure whether I will move on to book 2 as I am not sure where else the story can go from there.
April 19, 2018
2.5 stars.
The writing in this book is pretty decent, but the story left much to be desired.
Too many plot holes, or questions that aren't answered to the readers' satisfaction. We are told the mess hall is guarded more after the Academy reopens, but then Kale stands on a table and gives a rebellious speech before guards show up. If the Galdoni are so strong and such skilled fighters, how are the humans able to oppress them? All the guards have are whips and night sticks. Sure, it'll hurt if you get hit with one, but we are led to believe the Galdoni have superhuman talent in fighting and intense training. It seems they could take the guards down. ESPECIALLY in the end fight when the Galdoni are armed with swords and maces, but still they cower when the guards show up. And are there no female Galdoni?
The characters are likeable enough, but the romance was laughable. It was basically instalove. After a handful of interactions, none of which are anything special, they suddenly proclaim their love for one another. And if Brie's eyes filled with tears ONE MORE TIME....!
I can't even remember now why the Arena closed in the first place. But why in the world would they choose to loose these alleged "bloodthirsty animals", completely unfamiliar with how to live in the outside world, out into society? And then all of a sudden change your mind and take them all back? The explanations were thin and unconvincing, when they were there at all.
I think it would have been better to have started the story while Kale was still at the Academy, see his life there, believe the lies he and the others are told about their existence. Then you have a little more of a clue going into the story, plus you get to be shocked right along with Kale when he learns the truth.
And I have a guess as to who knocked Kale on the head at the end fight, but it's never explained.
The redeeming qualities include the fact that the author, as mentioned above, is a decent writer. But sadly, the plot was lacking.
The writing in this book is pretty decent, but the story left much to be desired.
Too many plot holes, or questions that aren't answered to the readers' satisfaction. We are told the mess hall is guarded more after the Academy reopens, but then Kale stands on a table and gives a rebellious speech before guards show up. If the Galdoni are so strong and such skilled fighters, how are the humans able to oppress them? All the guards have are whips and night sticks. Sure, it'll hurt if you get hit with one, but we are led to believe the Galdoni have superhuman talent in fighting and intense training. It seems they could take the guards down. ESPECIALLY in the end fight when the Galdoni are armed with swords and maces, but still they cower when the guards show up. And are there no female Galdoni?
The characters are likeable enough, but the romance was laughable. It was basically instalove. After a handful of interactions, none of which are anything special, they suddenly proclaim their love for one another. And if Brie's eyes filled with tears ONE MORE TIME....!
I can't even remember now why the Arena closed in the first place. But why in the world would they choose to loose these alleged "bloodthirsty animals", completely unfamiliar with how to live in the outside world, out into society? And then all of a sudden change your mind and take them all back? The explanations were thin and unconvincing, when they were there at all.
I think it would have been better to have started the story while Kale was still at the Academy, see his life there, believe the lies he and the others are told about their existence. Then you have a little more of a clue going into the story, plus you get to be shocked right along with Kale when he learns the truth.
And I have a guess as to who knocked Kale on the head at the end fight, but it's never explained.
The redeeming qualities include the fact that the author, as mentioned above, is a decent writer. But sadly, the plot was lacking.
May 6, 2012
This book was fantastic! I had seen Cheree Alsop's name around the blogosphere but I didn't know anything about her books. I hate to admit it but I'm a total follower and usually lean more towards mainstream books instead of indies. But this book took me by complete surprise!
Right away, there were a number of things that really impressed me about this book. First off, don't you just adore the cover?! It's beautiful and fits the book wonderfully.
The second thing that I really liked was that this book had a male protagonist. My husband complains all the time that the YA books I recommend to him have female leads. It was so refreshing to have a male voice. And it suited the theme of the book so well because men can relate better to issues dealing with violence.
One of the reasons I don't read many indie books is due to formatting and grammatical errors. Many of these books are written hastily and not carefully edited. As a technical writer myself, little mistakes that other readers might not even notice drive me crazy! However, this was definitely not the case with Galdoni. There were few, if any, grammatical errors, the formatting was good, and it was well written.
This book had all the genres that I love included in it: paranormal, dystopian, and romance. How could you go wrong with that?! The society and government reminded me a little of The Hunger Games but with a unique twist to it. And I liked the subtle touch of romance which added to the story but did not overpower it.
I was so impressed with Galdoni that I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a fresh voice in YA. I can't wait for the sequel and will definitely be checking out Cheree's other books!
Right away, there were a number of things that really impressed me about this book. First off, don't you just adore the cover?! It's beautiful and fits the book wonderfully.
The second thing that I really liked was that this book had a male protagonist. My husband complains all the time that the YA books I recommend to him have female leads. It was so refreshing to have a male voice. And it suited the theme of the book so well because men can relate better to issues dealing with violence.
One of the reasons I don't read many indie books is due to formatting and grammatical errors. Many of these books are written hastily and not carefully edited. As a technical writer myself, little mistakes that other readers might not even notice drive me crazy! However, this was definitely not the case with Galdoni. There were few, if any, grammatical errors, the formatting was good, and it was well written.
This book had all the genres that I love included in it: paranormal, dystopian, and romance. How could you go wrong with that?! The society and government reminded me a little of The Hunger Games but with a unique twist to it. And I liked the subtle touch of romance which added to the story but did not overpower it.
I was so impressed with Galdoni that I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a fresh voice in YA. I can't wait for the sequel and will definitely be checking out Cheree's other books!
October 19, 2013
This is absolutely one of my best books I have ever read in my life!!! I loved the characters and their personalities, the story line and the way it was written. The bravery, courage and sacrifice that kale showed was amazing and had me scolding myself to " get a grip and stop crying!" ( Even when i reread it for the 5th time). This book had adventure, romance and comedy all rolled into one terrific book! I LOVED the lesson in this book, the struggles that the characters had to go through ( especially the forbidden love). And despite the mean inhuman way the despicable humans in the book claimed the winged race to be and the ones who actually acted as the humans claimed to be ( Blade) I couldn't help but wonder what it would be like to live among such strangely beautiful creatures that in acted more human, more caring and compassionate than the humans. Overall I loved this book and wished there was another that followed it, I recommend it to ANYONE who fancies great books.
Ps. There is some violence and a shred of goriness to this book
Pps. Its not a lot and that's coming from a 12 year old, 4 10" girl who weighs 85 pounds. Soooooooo, if I can handle it I'm positive you can to. :D
Ps. There is some violence and a shred of goriness to this book
Pps. Its not a lot and that's coming from a 12 year old, 4 10" girl who weighs 85 pounds. Soooooooo, if I can handle it I'm positive you can to. :D
April 7, 2015
Strengths/Likes: I really really really like the Galdoni. Just something about creatures who are half human, half animal but they have wings is just incredibly AWESOME! The story line was so cool, I liked the idea of the Arena and the Academy although it saddens me to think that humans could actually do something like this. People do fight animals for entertainment and they justify it because they are animals!? What? That makes no sense! Grr.... At least the ending was good and exciting.
Weaknesses/Dislikes: The world and character development was poor. I feel like I don't know what Dr. Ray, Nikko, or Jayce are suppose to look like or know a whole lot about them.... Plus was the story set in our time or in the future or what? Where is it taking place? I also felt like the relationship between Kale and Brie could have been better. Everything just happened so fast. Like Disney Princess fast. And the poor girl was ALWAYS crying.
I enjoyed this quick read, but I will not read the sequels. Mostly because I don't want to spend the money on the eBooks.
Weaknesses/Dislikes: The world and character development was poor. I feel like I don't know what Dr. Ray, Nikko, or Jayce are suppose to look like or know a whole lot about them.... Plus was the story set in our time or in the future or what? Where is it taking place? I also felt like the relationship between Kale and Brie could have been better. Everything just happened so fast. Like Disney Princess fast. And the poor girl was ALWAYS crying.
I enjoyed this quick read, but I will not read the sequels. Mostly because I don't want to spend the money on the eBooks.
December 3, 2015
I think that this book was average at spots but horrible at others. I like the way this book started and how it ended, but the middle was to bland. It started out with action and ended with action. When Kale is making his recovery from the police attack he learns the true meaning of life. Kale learns to live the true meaning of life when he goes to school. He then gets a job working as a security guard, but then someone notices his wings.
Zach the person who notices his wings promises to keep a secret. Brie and his other friends then try to find a way to free the other Galdoini. While finding out the academy's secrets someone tries to commit suicide. Kale however saves him but showers the world his wings.
Kale is then taken back to the academy and he tries to start a rebellion with the other students. He gets about 30 students in an uprising and fights back in the arena. Kale friend David dies in the fight, but the video that Brie made worked. They were able to hack in the system and show it to everyone. The Galdini are then freed and the book ends.
Zach the person who notices his wings promises to keep a secret. Brie and his other friends then try to find a way to free the other Galdoini. While finding out the academy's secrets someone tries to commit suicide. Kale however saves him but showers the world his wings.
Kale is then taken back to the academy and he tries to start a rebellion with the other students. He gets about 30 students in an uprising and fights back in the arena. Kale friend David dies in the fight, but the video that Brie made worked. They were able to hack in the system and show it to everyone. The Galdini are then freed and the book ends.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 4, 2013
Three and a half stars so I rounded up.
There were many facets to this book. The best part of it for me would be the main character's believability as a hero. Kale tried to do the right thing even when faced with insurmountable odds.
Four stars for hero likability.
There was a bit of teen-romance. Kale and Brie were in serious 'like' with each other, that much was believable. Their declaration of love for each other was abrupt. The inevitability was there, the timing was just too soon.
Three stars for romance execution.
The Galdoni mythology was certainly unique. These winged creatures are no angels. They are mutated beings with human and animalistic traits - created for sport.
Three stars on the Galdoni mythology delivery.
Note to friends: clean romance, clean language, a lot of violence
There were many facets to this book. The best part of it for me would be the main character's believability as a hero. Kale tried to do the right thing even when faced with insurmountable odds.
Four stars for hero likability.
There was a bit of teen-romance. Kale and Brie were in serious 'like' with each other, that much was believable. Their declaration of love for each other was abrupt. The inevitability was there, the timing was just too soon.
Three stars for romance execution.
The Galdoni mythology was certainly unique. These winged creatures are no angels. They are mutated beings with human and animalistic traits - created for sport.
Three stars on the Galdoni mythology delivery.
Note to friends: clean romance, clean language, a lot of violence
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 5, 2014
so ... galdoni.
I thought the original plot was a good idea. winged human being used for fighting games. like science-made gladiators. totally in.
then I started reading ... and it ruined it all. simplistic scenario. story starts in the middle of an action. he met humans, fall in love with the 1st girl he sees then goes to highschool. the dude is a high trained killer. and he goes to high school. anyway. passing the 3/4 of the book spent between his bedroom and highschool we have 2 chapters back in the arena. chapters so weak we can't even imagine half of it. then they fight. piece of cake. then he's out. then he's famous and new leader of the galdoni. end.
I used to love ya books. I guess I grew up. or it's a really bad one.
It's just weak. it has no concrete or tangible development. it's cheesy, fluffy and cheap. this book deserve a good remake.
I thought the original plot was a good idea. winged human being used for fighting games. like science-made gladiators. totally in.
then I started reading ... and it ruined it all. simplistic scenario. story starts in the middle of an action. he met humans, fall in love with the 1st girl he sees then goes to highschool. the dude is a high trained killer. and he goes to high school. anyway. passing the 3/4 of the book spent between his bedroom and highschool we have 2 chapters back in the arena. chapters so weak we can't even imagine half of it. then they fight. piece of cake. then he's out. then he's famous and new leader of the galdoni. end.
I used to love ya books. I guess I grew up. or it's a really bad one.
It's just weak. it has no concrete or tangible development. it's cheesy, fluffy and cheap. this book deserve a good remake.
November 1, 2013
This novel was a great read! I found the novel as a free nook book and I am very glad I downloaded it. This novel follows the story of what humans could create when they play around with genetics, and what the potential is for the product. Kale and Brie are great characters. The story is told form Kales point of view, and we see more into kales life and mind than anyone else's. This story repeats what humans have done over and over again in the past, enslaved a race and then tried to make it ok by calling them animals. There are demons that all of us must face in ourselves, This novel definitely tells the story of our darkest moments. I definitely recommend reading this.
February 23, 2016
This YA dystopian novel was a very light read. It wasn't very complex, nor did it require a lot of emotional connection to the characters. The story and character development happens rapidly, almost to the point of it feeling a bit rushed, but it wasn't too bad. I am always curious to know what happens next, so I read this book fairly quickly once I got into it at around 40% into the book. I would recommend this book if you enjoy a light read with a fairly interesting dystopian concept, and characters that you most likely won't become emotionally attached to - at least not at the end of book one.
September 5, 2014
3.5 stars
This book kept me interested with a unique plot. I am not typically into YA books so anything that is a little 'immature' in its content automatically ranks lower on my ranking by no fault of the author. It is just my taste. The love story here was soft and felt natural. I would have liked to have seen more back story of explanation behind why the Galdoni were originally created and what factors decided their fate to become nothing more than warriors for sport. Overall, any book that can hold my attention all the way through deserves an applause and this one actually has me thinking of one day continuing with the story so it is above average.
This book kept me interested with a unique plot. I am not typically into YA books so anything that is a little 'immature' in its content automatically ranks lower on my ranking by no fault of the author. It is just my taste. The love story here was soft and felt natural. I would have liked to have seen more back story of explanation behind why the Galdoni were originally created and what factors decided their fate to become nothing more than warriors for sport. Overall, any book that can hold my attention all the way through deserves an applause and this one actually has me thinking of one day continuing with the story so it is above average.
June 21, 2013
So I downloaded this book to my Kindle a few months before I finally got around to reading it... I found it was really quite good! It took a little for me to get into it, but when I did, I really enjoyed the read.
Yes the characters are in high school, and yes there is a budding romance, but under it all the message about treating people equally is heard. I would definitely suggest the book to any of my friends.
Yes the characters are in high school, and yes there is a budding romance, but under it all the message about treating people equally is heard. I would definitely suggest the book to any of my friends.
October 18, 2013
This was an absolutely fabulously amazing book. I couldn't take my eyes away throughout the hole story . It twist into surprising situations with the main character and the way he deals with the situations he'd gets himself into
This is a bee bold and ambitious book never failing to impress. This book is great for teen to adults and is good for any one who liked drama action, thrilling and and incredible fantasy tail of the galdoni
Also her other book don't fail to impress either
This is a bee bold and ambitious book never failing to impress. This book is great for teen to adults and is good for any one who liked drama action, thrilling and and incredible fantasy tail of the galdoni
Also her other book don't fail to impress either
May 21, 2016
It was pretty good, but it bothered me plot-wise. I loved the characters and the writing style and the whole concept, but the plot definitely needed fleshing out. Things that we were finding out about the protagonist throughout the story are things that I would've liked to know from the very beginning. And I think it was a poor choice to start with his release instead of starting at the Academy. Overall, a good story. I just wish there was more to it then what there is.
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