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The Bird with the Broken Wing
When mortals make mistakes, they're forgiven. When angels make mistakes, they're forsaken.
Guardian angel Rachael finds herself trapped in Purgatory with Ben Taylor, a young soldier with a secret that's driving him insane. Desperate to see him ascend into Heaven she breaks the rules about becoming involved and keeping her identity a secret. Her decision to stay in Purgatory to help Ben seems a good plan. Except they've been stuck for ten years already and Ben is no closer to ascending. The unexpected appearance of a feisty teenager, Jet Jones, throws Rachael's wings into a tailspin. The instant attraction between Jet and Ben means the angel's work is getting ignored. And without her help, Ben's soul will be trapped and she will have failed in her mission.
But Jet's appearance also brings a chilling revelation. Maybe Ben's soul isn't the only one that needs saving.
Guardian angel Rachael finds herself trapped in Purgatory with Ben Taylor, a young soldier with a secret that's driving him insane. Desperate to see him ascend into Heaven she breaks the rules about becoming involved and keeping her identity a secret. Her decision to stay in Purgatory to help Ben seems a good plan. Except they've been stuck for ten years already and Ben is no closer to ascending. The unexpected appearance of a feisty teenager, Jet Jones, throws Rachael's wings into a tailspin. The instant attraction between Jet and Ben means the angel's work is getting ignored. And without her help, Ben's soul will be trapped and she will have failed in her mission.
But Jet's appearance also brings a chilling revelation. Maybe Ben's soul isn't the only one that needs saving.
161 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2011
11 people are currently reading
1480 people want to read
About the author
D.L. Richardson
29 books356 followersD L Richardson is the author of "The Apocalypse Games" series. She had also written supernatural thrillers and YA paranormal standalone books.
She is currently working on finishing her next sci-fi series "Earth Quarantined: 197 Years After."
When she's not writing, she is gardening, renovating the house, reading, or playing the piano and guitar.
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She is currently working on finishing her next sci-fi series "Earth Quarantined: 197 Years After."
When she's not writing, she is gardening, renovating the house, reading, or playing the piano and guitar.
VISIT MY AMAZON PAGE
https://www.amazon.com/D-L-Richardson...
VISIT MY FACEBOOK PAGE
https://www.facebook.com/DLRichardson...
VISIT MY TWITTER PAGE
http://twitter.com/#!/DLRichardson1
CHECK MY BLOG:
http://dlrichardsonwrites.blogspot.com
Join the VIP list for updates on books and exclusive VIP member giveaways. Details on the author website.
If you liked this book, your recommendation is the best way for others to discover this title.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
January 19, 2016
I received a copy of this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I’m part of the We ♥ YA Books! group over at Goodreads, and the description of this book intrigued me right away. I like contemporary supernatural stories, but the setting being Purgatory is what really hooked me. I’m always interested in different authors’ takes on the afterlife, and let me start this review by saying that Ms. Richardson’s vision of Purgatory is brilliantly set in a rehab center. I don’t know if that’s ever been done before, but I’ve never seen it, and to me it was original, unexpected, and perfect in its symbolic simplicity. Once one of the main characters arrived there, I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough.
Her name is Julliet “Jet” Jones, and she just downed vodka and pills. She resorts to suicide with a variety of reasons include a rumor spread about her at school potentially started by her “boyfriend.” Meanwhile, her rich father travels the world but doesn’t provide much beyond the basic necessities—physical or emotional—and won’t even buy her a nice dress to school dances. Her mother is withdrawn into accepting this life, though there may be an affair involved.
When Jet awakens from her supposed failed suicide attempt, she’s in a strange rehab center with two other inmates—Ben and Rachael. Ben is actually introduced in the prologue of the story in a war zone, and it’s clear that he’s suffering from some kind of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Though she avoids physical contact with the other, Rachael acts as the self-appointed group leader and insists they write in their journals. There are many stories out there of teens in some sort of rehab group, and the characters fall into types and have their specific quirks. By having only these three characters, Richardson avoids such crowding and gives them equal development.
From the book description, you know going in that they’re in Purgatory, so some of my enjoyment came from the characters learning that. They ask questions about the place. Where are the doctors? Why aren’t there any meals? Why isn’t anyone’s family coming to visit? (This one frustrates Jet to no end.) Why have they lost all track of how much time they’ve been there? And what’s up with the creepy “art therapy” room?
I will confess that when I first accepted the book, I was reading another book, so by the time I finished that and started this one, I had forgotten most of the book description. All I remembered was that it took place in Purgatory—which was good enough for me to read. I forgot the true identity of one of the characters, and I think not remembering that enhanced my enjoyment of the book. Just as it was one more mystery for the other characters to figure out, I was figuring it out with them.
Though the book is written in third-person, about equal time is spent in the headspace of each of the three characters. Richardson handles this by changing the primary character each chapter, but making it clear whose chapter it was within the first paragraph. I never had a problem knowing which of the three I was following, and for most of the book, this construction worked really well. Towards the end of the story, where the stakes of the plot have truly built such that characters’ destinies are on the line, the changing POV gets jarring. The events occurring are quick paced, but the switching-POV scheme leads to some really short chapters. Thus, the narration changes are abrupt and interrupt those gripping climactic moments.
But once past that, the book’s underlying theme of redemption really resonates in the final chapters, and the final moments filled me with warmth and hope, and even caused my eyes to water a bit. I won’t spoil the ending here, but it’s quite beautiful how Richardson intertwines what the three characters have learned about themselves in Purgatory and where they all are headed afterwards.
The book soars like a bird, almost to Heaven at FOUR STARS AND one broken in HALF.
I’m part of the We ♥ YA Books! group over at Goodreads, and the description of this book intrigued me right away. I like contemporary supernatural stories, but the setting being Purgatory is what really hooked me. I’m always interested in different authors’ takes on the afterlife, and let me start this review by saying that Ms. Richardson’s vision of Purgatory is brilliantly set in a rehab center. I don’t know if that’s ever been done before, but I’ve never seen it, and to me it was original, unexpected, and perfect in its symbolic simplicity. Once one of the main characters arrived there, I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough.
Her name is Julliet “Jet” Jones, and she just downed vodka and pills. She resorts to suicide with a variety of reasons include a rumor spread about her at school potentially started by her “boyfriend.” Meanwhile, her rich father travels the world but doesn’t provide much beyond the basic necessities—physical or emotional—and won’t even buy her a nice dress to school dances. Her mother is withdrawn into accepting this life, though there may be an affair involved.
When Jet awakens from her supposed failed suicide attempt, she’s in a strange rehab center with two other inmates—Ben and Rachael. Ben is actually introduced in the prologue of the story in a war zone, and it’s clear that he’s suffering from some kind of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Though she avoids physical contact with the other, Rachael acts as the self-appointed group leader and insists they write in their journals. There are many stories out there of teens in some sort of rehab group, and the characters fall into types and have their specific quirks. By having only these three characters, Richardson avoids such crowding and gives them equal development.
From the book description, you know going in that they’re in Purgatory, so some of my enjoyment came from the characters learning that. They ask questions about the place. Where are the doctors? Why aren’t there any meals? Why isn’t anyone’s family coming to visit? (This one frustrates Jet to no end.) Why have they lost all track of how much time they’ve been there? And what’s up with the creepy “art therapy” room?
I will confess that when I first accepted the book, I was reading another book, so by the time I finished that and started this one, I had forgotten most of the book description. All I remembered was that it took place in Purgatory—which was good enough for me to read. I forgot the true identity of one of the characters, and I think not remembering that enhanced my enjoyment of the book. Just as it was one more mystery for the other characters to figure out, I was figuring it out with them.
Though the book is written in third-person, about equal time is spent in the headspace of each of the three characters. Richardson handles this by changing the primary character each chapter, but making it clear whose chapter it was within the first paragraph. I never had a problem knowing which of the three I was following, and for most of the book, this construction worked really well. Towards the end of the story, where the stakes of the plot have truly built such that characters’ destinies are on the line, the changing POV gets jarring. The events occurring are quick paced, but the switching-POV scheme leads to some really short chapters. Thus, the narration changes are abrupt and interrupt those gripping climactic moments.
But once past that, the book’s underlying theme of redemption really resonates in the final chapters, and the final moments filled me with warmth and hope, and even caused my eyes to water a bit. I won’t spoil the ending here, but it’s quite beautiful how Richardson intertwines what the three characters have learned about themselves in Purgatory and where they all are headed afterwards.
The book soars like a bird, almost to Heaven at FOUR STARS AND one broken in HALF.
March 18, 2012
The Bird with the Broken Wing is one of the best stories about guardian angels I have ever read. I connected with all three characters and I really wanted them to pull through at the end. Rachael is a guardian angel who is determined to help Ben deal with his problems but the problem is her. Jet is a troubled teen who thinks she is escaping overbearing parents only to realize that running away isn't the answer. And Ben is a soldier who is haunted by the things he's seen during the war. The story slowly unravels right up to the twist at the end which took me totally by surprise. A unique novel and a must read for anyone who loves good fantasy/paranormal fiction.
September 5, 2015
The Bird With The Broken Wing
By D. L. Richardson
Ben, Rachael and Jet have one thing in common. They are all at a rehab center to get their emotional scars healed – some embedded so deeply within their psyches that this may never happen. Jet comes from a home with a domineering wealthy but tightfisted father, and a mother afraid to stand up to him; not that Jet does either. Now after what Jet tried to do, she's in a place where two people will listen . . . And finds that she has nothing to say. Even her journal remains blank.
Ben thinks enlisting in the armed forces was a good way to avoid his problems at home. Now he zones out, trying to avoid his demons, wandering about like a robot, staring at past horrors only he can see. Rachael is an angelic 14-year-old who seems stable enough and is into helping them. She too is wounded more than she's willing to admit. What has life done to these three young people?
As Jet and Ben grow closer, even sharing their feelings, they begin to notice that this supposedly psyche center is not quite normal. They admit seeing ghostly white shadows darting about but no people, feeling full but never eating or bathing. Forgetfulness? Or a scientific experimental project? And there's no sense of time passing. No visitors, no doctors. Is it bad memories torturing them both, keeping them tipping closer into insanity?
Meanwhile Rachael is obsessed with fixing her broken companions as she convinces herself this nightmare will come to an end. She deludes herself — she's just as fragile, hovering near her own breaking point. It's as if each of the three is being made to suffer rather than get well in a rehab hospital that feels more like Purgatory.
Neale shows up, saying his father runs this place and sent him to observe it. The others are wary, but then nothing is normal in this place of horrors. Neale is as strange and different as Rachael. Yet he exudes a confidence which has a calming effect on the others.
Author D. L. Richardson writes an intriguing YA paranormal/spiritual novel which will captivate both YA and adult readers. Her characters are typical young people, likable at times, annoying and exasperating at others. Jet has no patience and a smart mouth, Ben, a temper and rage that rear up without warning. Rachael, while loving, feels resentment under her motherly attitude, as she begins to wonder where she really is and why. The author paces the story steadily, keeping one guessing as her plot culminates to an unpredictable, yet satisfying ending.
This speculative fiction novel is similar to ‘Lovely Bones,’ by Alice Sebold due to its twists and turns that evoke emotional trauma. Readers will long remember this excellent book and may want to check out the author's other works, ‘Little Red Gem,’ ‘Feedback,’ ‘Curious,’ a three book collection, as well as other book collections written by this uniquely talented author.
Micki Peluso, author of . . . And the Whippoorwill Sang
This book was presented to me by the author for review
By D. L. Richardson
Ben, Rachael and Jet have one thing in common. They are all at a rehab center to get their emotional scars healed – some embedded so deeply within their psyches that this may never happen. Jet comes from a home with a domineering wealthy but tightfisted father, and a mother afraid to stand up to him; not that Jet does either. Now after what Jet tried to do, she's in a place where two people will listen . . . And finds that she has nothing to say. Even her journal remains blank.
Ben thinks enlisting in the armed forces was a good way to avoid his problems at home. Now he zones out, trying to avoid his demons, wandering about like a robot, staring at past horrors only he can see. Rachael is an angelic 14-year-old who seems stable enough and is into helping them. She too is wounded more than she's willing to admit. What has life done to these three young people?
As Jet and Ben grow closer, even sharing their feelings, they begin to notice that this supposedly psyche center is not quite normal. They admit seeing ghostly white shadows darting about but no people, feeling full but never eating or bathing. Forgetfulness? Or a scientific experimental project? And there's no sense of time passing. No visitors, no doctors. Is it bad memories torturing them both, keeping them tipping closer into insanity?
Meanwhile Rachael is obsessed with fixing her broken companions as she convinces herself this nightmare will come to an end. She deludes herself — she's just as fragile, hovering near her own breaking point. It's as if each of the three is being made to suffer rather than get well in a rehab hospital that feels more like Purgatory.
Neale shows up, saying his father runs this place and sent him to observe it. The others are wary, but then nothing is normal in this place of horrors. Neale is as strange and different as Rachael. Yet he exudes a confidence which has a calming effect on the others.
Author D. L. Richardson writes an intriguing YA paranormal/spiritual novel which will captivate both YA and adult readers. Her characters are typical young people, likable at times, annoying and exasperating at others. Jet has no patience and a smart mouth, Ben, a temper and rage that rear up without warning. Rachael, while loving, feels resentment under her motherly attitude, as she begins to wonder where she really is and why. The author paces the story steadily, keeping one guessing as her plot culminates to an unpredictable, yet satisfying ending.
This speculative fiction novel is similar to ‘Lovely Bones,’ by Alice Sebold due to its twists and turns that evoke emotional trauma. Readers will long remember this excellent book and may want to check out the author's other works, ‘Little Red Gem,’ ‘Feedback,’ ‘Curious,’ a three book collection, as well as other book collections written by this uniquely talented author.
Micki Peluso, author of . . . And the Whippoorwill Sang
This book was presented to me by the author for review
November 18, 2011
Jet is not happy with her parents. She feels unloved by her father who seems mean to her. To get back at him she takes a load of sleeping pills down with some vodka. Her cry for help sends her to a strange room with Ben and Rachael. Rachael is an angel who is trapped with Ben, the mortal she was sent to watch. She is torn between trying to help him without breaking the rules, when Jet mysteriously shows up.
This was a hard story for me. The chapters are broken into the POVs of Ben, Jet and Rachael. The chapters are short, but the jumps between POV felt rough. Instead of breaking up the story it pulled me out. Out of the three, Jet feels like the main character. She is the one that comes in sparking emotions in Rachael she shouldn’t feel, and emotions in Ben, Rachael wished he didn’t feel. Jet seems semi intelligent, but I didn’t feel she asked the right questions about her surroundings. She believes herself in some kind of health facility, but the lack of doctors should be a dead giveaway.
Ben is mentally damaged from being in the war. He can’t recall his memories, but just knows something awful happened. He drifts through thinking he is in the house he grew up in, and the war. Although it shifts through to his POV we do not see how he sees Rachael or his surroundings until the end, which seemed very strange to me. There is also the instant love between him and Jet. One day he is having a break down and attacks her, ten minutes later he is professing his love to her. It is safe to say I couldn’t get behind this.
Rachael is the strangest of all, and the reason the plot didn’t make sense. GoodReads and Amazon describe this story the same, making it sound as if it might have a romantic twist. An angel breaking the rules to save the mortal she loves. That is not the case. She didn’t break any rules until she ended up stuck in the place (wherever that is) with Ben. Then she only let him see her as human, so he wasn’t alone. Later it sounds as if being there was a punishment for her. If her human form was not why she was being punished, it was because she felt human emotion. Apparently angels shouldn’t have emotion, just blind duty… wait what? And that is where my problem is. It might border on the religious, I don’t know, but I am not going in that direction.
The story is a short feel good redemption story for all three characters. One that’s ending was lost with me. There is a heap of narrative with each character, and what drives them emotionally, with a lot of inspirational messages. It felt like it reached for depth in the reader, but found confusion with me.
-Beth (Guest Reviewer)
This was a hard story for me. The chapters are broken into the POVs of Ben, Jet and Rachael. The chapters are short, but the jumps between POV felt rough. Instead of breaking up the story it pulled me out. Out of the three, Jet feels like the main character. She is the one that comes in sparking emotions in Rachael she shouldn’t feel, and emotions in Ben, Rachael wished he didn’t feel. Jet seems semi intelligent, but I didn’t feel she asked the right questions about her surroundings. She believes herself in some kind of health facility, but the lack of doctors should be a dead giveaway.
Ben is mentally damaged from being in the war. He can’t recall his memories, but just knows something awful happened. He drifts through thinking he is in the house he grew up in, and the war. Although it shifts through to his POV we do not see how he sees Rachael or his surroundings until the end, which seemed very strange to me. There is also the instant love between him and Jet. One day he is having a break down and attacks her, ten minutes later he is professing his love to her. It is safe to say I couldn’t get behind this.
Rachael is the strangest of all, and the reason the plot didn’t make sense. GoodReads and Amazon describe this story the same, making it sound as if it might have a romantic twist. An angel breaking the rules to save the mortal she loves. That is not the case. She didn’t break any rules until she ended up stuck in the place (wherever that is) with Ben. Then she only let him see her as human, so he wasn’t alone. Later it sounds as if being there was a punishment for her. If her human form was not why she was being punished, it was because she felt human emotion. Apparently angels shouldn’t have emotion, just blind duty… wait what? And that is where my problem is. It might border on the religious, I don’t know, but I am not going in that direction.
The story is a short feel good redemption story for all three characters. One that’s ending was lost with me. There is a heap of narrative with each character, and what drives them emotionally, with a lot of inspirational messages. It felt like it reached for depth in the reader, but found confusion with me.
-Beth (Guest Reviewer)
November 17, 2011
I very rarely have a hard time writing a review, especially for an excellent book, but that is not the case today. "Why," you ask? Because this book is so exceptional and heartwarming and mixed-up, that my thoughts were just flying around in my head and none of them were landing in cohesive sentences.
First, you have Ben and Rachel, who have enlisted in the military and are in a highly combative zone somewhere in the desert. After cutting from Ben and Rachel, you then flip to Jet, a teen with a not-so-ideal home life. A situation she's encountered has her suicidal and stopping at nothing to complete her task. The unidentified situation causes her to drown her sorrows in alcohol and medication. When she wakes up she finds herself in what she assumes is a detox center with two other people sharing her space; Ben and Rachel.
As the story unfolds you realize the gravity of the situation and how Rachel fits into the life of Ben and how Jet fits into the life of both Rachel and Ben. This is a beautiful story that indicates that it may not be just the human population that is dysfunctional. The ending made me cry because after the story is all said and done, complete happiness was not necessarily attained for the characters in the way that one might expect. I can't divulge anything else for fear of spoiling it for you.
Just know this: The plot is solid, the characters are strong in their own ways and interact exactly the way they are supposed to. Life is precious and we should do all we can to preserve it; it may not be all wine and roses in the afterlife (if there is such a thing).
First, you have Ben and Rachel, who have enlisted in the military and are in a highly combative zone somewhere in the desert. After cutting from Ben and Rachel, you then flip to Jet, a teen with a not-so-ideal home life. A situation she's encountered has her suicidal and stopping at nothing to complete her task. The unidentified situation causes her to drown her sorrows in alcohol and medication. When she wakes up she finds herself in what she assumes is a detox center with two other people sharing her space; Ben and Rachel.
As the story unfolds you realize the gravity of the situation and how Rachel fits into the life of Ben and how Jet fits into the life of both Rachel and Ben. This is a beautiful story that indicates that it may not be just the human population that is dysfunctional. The ending made me cry because after the story is all said and done, complete happiness was not necessarily attained for the characters in the way that one might expect. I can't divulge anything else for fear of spoiling it for you.
Just know this: The plot is solid, the characters are strong in their own ways and interact exactly the way they are supposed to. Life is precious and we should do all we can to preserve it; it may not be all wine and roses in the afterlife (if there is such a thing).
November 9, 2015
Thank you to the author and Goodreads We ♥ YA's R2R program for this digital copy in return for an honest review.
Rarely, there is a work of creativity that is so awe-inspiring the reader has to stop and internalize, take those thoughts out, knead them and think them over and mold them before they can articulate the feelings invoked from it. This is one of those.
Purgatory? Limbo for the desperate aching heart and soul before deciding which way to go? Simply put, yes. Who would have thought that even angels can be broken and need a chance to decide which way is up?
This story is told in 3 POV's. That of Ben, heartsick, soul sick soldier, Rachael, Ben's guardian angel and Jet, a girl thrown into the mix after Ben and Rachael have been in limbo for 10 years.
Rachael can't understand why Jet has come or why she feels these emotions of resentment and jealousy. Ben feels he is beginning to wake up after Jet arrives and Jet just feels like something is wrong with it all.
Richardson hits on all of the emotions following a soldier that dies fighting a war he doesn't belong in because he was running from circumstances he had no control over. Jet was crying for attention and looking in all of the wrong places.
In reality, they were all seeking forgiveness from those they had failed, including themselves. The ending will forever be ingrained in my heart!
Rarely, there is a work of creativity that is so awe-inspiring the reader has to stop and internalize, take those thoughts out, knead them and think them over and mold them before they can articulate the feelings invoked from it. This is one of those.
Purgatory? Limbo for the desperate aching heart and soul before deciding which way to go? Simply put, yes. Who would have thought that even angels can be broken and need a chance to decide which way is up?
This story is told in 3 POV's. That of Ben, heartsick, soul sick soldier, Rachael, Ben's guardian angel and Jet, a girl thrown into the mix after Ben and Rachael have been in limbo for 10 years.
Rachael can't understand why Jet has come or why she feels these emotions of resentment and jealousy. Ben feels he is beginning to wake up after Jet arrives and Jet just feels like something is wrong with it all.
Richardson hits on all of the emotions following a soldier that dies fighting a war he doesn't belong in because he was running from circumstances he had no control over. Jet was crying for attention and looking in all of the wrong places.
In reality, they were all seeking forgiveness from those they had failed, including themselves. The ending will forever be ingrained in my heart!
August 1, 2019
When mortals make mistakes, they're forgiven. When angels make mistakes, they're forsaken.
Guardian angel Rachael finds herself trapped in Purgatory with Ben Taylor, a young soldier with a secret that's driving him insane. Desperate to see him ascend into Heaven she breaks the rules about becoming involved and interfering with his mortal destiny. Her decision to stay in Purgatory to help Ben seems like a good plan. Except they've been stuck for ten years already and Ben is no closer to ascending.
The unexpected appearance of a feisty teenager, Jet Jones, throws Rachael's wings into a tailspin. The instant attraction between Jet and Ben means the angel's work is getting ignored. And without her help, Ben's soul will be trapped and she will have failed in her mission.
But Jet's appearance also brings a chilling revelation. Maybe Ben's soul isn't the only one that needs saving.
This was such an intriguing concept for a novel.
So very well written and engaging from start to finish.
The book switches between the viewpoints of the three main characters, and the author has managed to give them each their own voice.
Each character has been so very well written and fleshed out.
The plot and story line are amazing and very well written.
Recommend reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Guardian angel Rachael finds herself trapped in Purgatory with Ben Taylor, a young soldier with a secret that's driving him insane. Desperate to see him ascend into Heaven she breaks the rules about becoming involved and interfering with his mortal destiny. Her decision to stay in Purgatory to help Ben seems like a good plan. Except they've been stuck for ten years already and Ben is no closer to ascending.
The unexpected appearance of a feisty teenager, Jet Jones, throws Rachael's wings into a tailspin. The instant attraction between Jet and Ben means the angel's work is getting ignored. And without her help, Ben's soul will be trapped and she will have failed in her mission.
But Jet's appearance also brings a chilling revelation. Maybe Ben's soul isn't the only one that needs saving.
This was such an intriguing concept for a novel.
So very well written and engaging from start to finish.
The book switches between the viewpoints of the three main characters, and the author has managed to give them each their own voice.
Each character has been so very well written and fleshed out.
The plot and story line are amazing and very well written.
Recommend reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 16, 2015
This book is one of those rare gems. In a world in which there are no new stories, this was unlike anything I'd ever read before. DL Richardson writes with great empathy and insight into people. While YA, I recommend this book to anyone.
June 8, 2012
GENRE: YA Fantasy
THEME: Angels
RECEIVED: Received for Review from Author
BLOG: http://seeingnight.blogspot.com/
REVIEW:
The Bird with the Broken Wing is an emotional story about two people and an angel who are lost and trying to either redeem and forgive themselves for something terrible that happened in their lives. With an interesting setting in what seems like a psychiatric center these three battle with their faults and heartbreaks to try and find their rightful place.
Ben is a young solider whom we get introduced to right at the beginning. There is a terrible war going on and he’s about to get right in the middle of it all. The readers are then brought to a place where Ben has been for a while trying to remember what happened to him and who he his. Helping him along his friend and angel Rachel, guide him with his recovery. Ben was an interesting character, pretty much damaged through and through, he’s a tough one to understand, he has moments where he goes from the past to the present and it slowly explains what happened to him.
Jet is a girl who I felt was the strongest out of all the characters, her story was more discussed in detail and you can see she’s trying to figure out where she is and why she is there. Meeting Rachel and Ben in this strange place, makes her wonder why they are both there with her. Jet’s background story was really interesting, her relationship with her parents and how she wished their relationship would be better and actually be a family.
Rachel I had a hard time figuring out. She knows where she is and her purpose is the help Ben with what happened to him. But she’s stuck until he can do so, as the story moves on the readers figure out exactly where they are which I found was interesting and why she’s stuck there too, but I really want to know more about her.
Overall I had a hard time understanding parts of the story. When I read the synopsis I thought this would be focused on Rachel and Ben, but Jet who wasn’t mentioned stole the show. Also there were moments when Ben would have a break down of his emotional state and then later on he mentions he loves Jet. I couldn’t understand why he felt that way, it was almost an insta-love but I didn’t feel the connection.
In the end this is a emotional story about three characters who are trying to find their way. It has a great start and one really strong character, Jet, who I feel all the readers will enjoy her spunk. The story will keep you guessing and throws a lot of twist I didn’t expect. The ending will lead you into what’s next for these characters and I’m interested to see where they go.
RECOMMENDATION:
This is a young adult story with minor dark elements that bring to life the real life situations and emotions the characters are going through.
THEME: Angels
RECEIVED: Received for Review from Author
BLOG: http://seeingnight.blogspot.com/
REVIEW:
The Bird with the Broken Wing is an emotional story about two people and an angel who are lost and trying to either redeem and forgive themselves for something terrible that happened in their lives. With an interesting setting in what seems like a psychiatric center these three battle with their faults and heartbreaks to try and find their rightful place.
Ben is a young solider whom we get introduced to right at the beginning. There is a terrible war going on and he’s about to get right in the middle of it all. The readers are then brought to a place where Ben has been for a while trying to remember what happened to him and who he his. Helping him along his friend and angel Rachel, guide him with his recovery. Ben was an interesting character, pretty much damaged through and through, he’s a tough one to understand, he has moments where he goes from the past to the present and it slowly explains what happened to him.
Jet is a girl who I felt was the strongest out of all the characters, her story was more discussed in detail and you can see she’s trying to figure out where she is and why she is there. Meeting Rachel and Ben in this strange place, makes her wonder why they are both there with her. Jet’s background story was really interesting, her relationship with her parents and how she wished their relationship would be better and actually be a family.
Rachel I had a hard time figuring out. She knows where she is and her purpose is the help Ben with what happened to him. But she’s stuck until he can do so, as the story moves on the readers figure out exactly where they are which I found was interesting and why she’s stuck there too, but I really want to know more about her.
Overall I had a hard time understanding parts of the story. When I read the synopsis I thought this would be focused on Rachel and Ben, but Jet who wasn’t mentioned stole the show. Also there were moments when Ben would have a break down of his emotional state and then later on he mentions he loves Jet. I couldn’t understand why he felt that way, it was almost an insta-love but I didn’t feel the connection.
In the end this is a emotional story about three characters who are trying to find their way. It has a great start and one really strong character, Jet, who I feel all the readers will enjoy her spunk. The story will keep you guessing and throws a lot of twist I didn’t expect. The ending will lead you into what’s next for these characters and I’m interested to see where they go.
RECOMMENDATION:
This is a young adult story with minor dark elements that bring to life the real life situations and emotions the characters are going through.
November 30, 2012
An emotional story about a teen who faces hardship in her relationships. Beginning with her parents. Jet leads a simple life because of her money hungry father who subjects her and her mother to emotional abuse. She gets teased at school and is dumped by her boyfriend in the worst possible way. Jet takes sleeping pills with vodka to ease her pain forever.
Jet awakens in a "rehab" type of place to meet two other young people. Ben a war hero, who can't seem to remember his deepest thoughts. He seems to have turned his tragic events completely out of his mind. The other teen is a girl named Rachael who seems troubled herself. Demanding frequent meetings with Jet and Ben. Asking them to write in their journals. Suggesting to them that this will help with their healing process. The place seems haunted. Eerie almost to the point where it feels like a prison.
Where are all the other patients? Where are the doctors? Why are their family and friends not able to visit them? Jet ask these very questions. While discovering her new found awareness of her friendships with Rachael and Ben. They discover hidden secrets amongst themselves. Revealing ones true identity.
***Contains Spoilers***
I know the book description on the back of the book does not contain "my version" of describing it. I believe "The Bird with the Broken Wing" Should have had my version. The book is mostly about Jet. The truth about teen suicide is on the rise more and more each year. This book encases a very real outlook to this growing concern. I did enjoy this book. It made me think more about purgatory and what happens? About how one can change given the chance. I totally recommend reading this book. I loved the ending!!
Jet awakens in a "rehab" type of place to meet two other young people. Ben a war hero, who can't seem to remember his deepest thoughts. He seems to have turned his tragic events completely out of his mind. The other teen is a girl named Rachael who seems troubled herself. Demanding frequent meetings with Jet and Ben. Asking them to write in their journals. Suggesting to them that this will help with their healing process. The place seems haunted. Eerie almost to the point where it feels like a prison.
Where are all the other patients? Where are the doctors? Why are their family and friends not able to visit them? Jet ask these very questions. While discovering her new found awareness of her friendships with Rachael and Ben. They discover hidden secrets amongst themselves. Revealing ones true identity.
***Contains Spoilers***
I know the book description on the back of the book does not contain "my version" of describing it. I believe "The Bird with the Broken Wing" Should have had my version. The book is mostly about Jet. The truth about teen suicide is on the rise more and more each year. This book encases a very real outlook to this growing concern. I did enjoy this book. It made me think more about purgatory and what happens? About how one can change given the chance. I totally recommend reading this book. I loved the ending!!
November 9, 2011
Jet finds herself waking up in what she thinks is a detox centre after having a mix of vodka and pills, making friends with Ben and Rachael who are also there with their own personal demons to face, but all is not as it seems. Ben is stuck in a bit of a trickly situation, infatuated with Jet, while his friend Rachael is falling for him unknown to him of course, but there is more to Rachael and the situation they all finds themselves in then meets the eye. Ben is haunted by the thoughts of his past, most involving his mother and being in the war; Jet helps banish those memories when he is around her;
During a Group therapy session in which Rachael decided to head up, Jet walks out, not wanting to be involved, wanting to go swim and enjoy her time which is wear something strange happens and she is almost drowned and that is when things start to get real freaky. I really didn’t like the character Rachael in this; she got on my nerves so many times, she comes across as a bit of a know it all and controlling, especially when it comes to Ben though with who she is, I guess that is understandable and toward the end you like her and understand her more. This was a great read, nothing like I have read before. I loved the storyline and how it kept you guessing and the ending was perfect.
“Ben had lied when he’d said Jet was pretty. She was hot. And she had an awesome smile, the kind that could blindside you. Maybe it was or wasn’t love at first sight, but Jet’s smile filled the hole in his heart and for a brief moment he didn’t care that nothing could fill the deep well in his head.”
During a Group therapy session in which Rachael decided to head up, Jet walks out, not wanting to be involved, wanting to go swim and enjoy her time which is wear something strange happens and she is almost drowned and that is when things start to get real freaky. I really didn’t like the character Rachael in this; she got on my nerves so many times, she comes across as a bit of a know it all and controlling, especially when it comes to Ben though with who she is, I guess that is understandable and toward the end you like her and understand her more. This was a great read, nothing like I have read before. I loved the storyline and how it kept you guessing and the ending was perfect.
June 11, 2019
Through the eyes of Jet, I was taken to a recovery clinic, the odd behaviour of Ben cemented that idea. For the first few chapters, I was questioning who Rachael was. She was a know-it-all, pestering brat - nothing like the unnamed guardian angel from the prologue. More than once I had to flip to the blurb on the back to make sure. Yes, Rachael's an angel. Yes, she's Ben's guardian angel. Initially, I attributed this to my own real-life memory issues, very different from Ben's character, until I realised this was likely intentional to throw me, as the reader, off balance.
The "Chekhov's gun" moments were so naturally woven in that when I thought I had it all figured out, I was thrown a curveball that made complete sense, then another and another. It was akin the unfolding origami games of childhood, with the final message heart-breaking. I had to read the last few chapters sobbing into a tissue, before eventually smiling... and of course... going online to abuse the author for making me cry.
I look forward to reading more of DL Richardson's work, I wish I had her talent, I'm lucky to have met her in person and to have purchased a signed copy of my very own, with her message: "Your support is amazing. Good luck with the writing. DL Richardson xox"
The "Chekhov's gun" moments were so naturally woven in that when I thought I had it all figured out, I was thrown a curveball that made complete sense, then another and another. It was akin the unfolding origami games of childhood, with the final message heart-breaking. I had to read the last few chapters sobbing into a tissue, before eventually smiling... and of course... going online to abuse the author for making me cry.
I look forward to reading more of DL Richardson's work, I wish I had her talent, I'm lucky to have met her in person and to have purchased a signed copy of my very own, with her message: "Your support is amazing. Good luck with the writing. DL Richardson xox"
July 31, 2019
A highly unusual story! I read a lot, so it's rare that I ever think that, and I think that's the first time I've said that in a review. If the author hadn't have said in the blurb that this takes place mostly in purgatory, I think I would have been as unsure as the human characters about their location. What an intriguing concept, to have purgatory be a rehab/mental hospital! The characters had so much to do before they could move on, and it was a fascinating read as the more significant issues slowly unfolded. The book switches between the viewpoints of the three main characters, and the author has managed to give them each a distinct voice. The author was able to draw me into their stories with the first chapters that show the desperate circumstances the characters were in before they neared death. You could really empathize with both Jet and Ben and what they were going through. The idea of an angel stuck in purgatory added a whole other dimension to the story. A well done and compelling read.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
Read my other reviews at https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
Read my other reviews at https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com.
September 18, 2015
We all love a good book. A good book takes us on a journey to another realm...and this is the case with DL Richardson's book The Bird With The Broken Wing.
Although the plot line of this book takes place in purgatory, DL Richardson makes the plot and characters easy to believe and credible. The reader finds themselves looking in on the main characters of the story as they reason out why they have been put in a strange place and where they happen to be. It is a story that will build up empathy about life and its meaning.
The Bird With The Broken Wing is an engaging story about the possibilities of the after life–about love and forgiveness and coming to terms with the things that happen within the fabric of life’s journey.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading paranormal or spiritual material.
-Diamante Lavendar, author of The Secrets Of Yashire and Breaking The Silence
http://diamantelavendar.com/category/...
Although the plot line of this book takes place in purgatory, DL Richardson makes the plot and characters easy to believe and credible. The reader finds themselves looking in on the main characters of the story as they reason out why they have been put in a strange place and where they happen to be. It is a story that will build up empathy about life and its meaning.
The Bird With The Broken Wing is an engaging story about the possibilities of the after life–about love and forgiveness and coming to terms with the things that happen within the fabric of life’s journey.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading paranormal or spiritual material.
-Diamante Lavendar, author of The Secrets Of Yashire and Breaking The Silence
http://diamantelavendar.com/category/...
February 9, 2020
The bird with the broken wing by DL Richardson.
Guardian angel Rachael finds herself trapped in Purgatory with Ben Taylor, a young soldier with a secret that's driving him insane. Desperate to see him ascend into Heaven she breaks the rules about becoming involved and keeping her identity a secret. Her decision to stay in Purgatory to help Ben seems a good plan. Except they've been stuck for ten years already and Ben is no closer to ascending.
The unexpected appearance of a feisty teenager, Jet Jones, throws Rachael's wings into a tailspin. The instant attraction between Jet and Ben means the angel's work is getting ignored. And without her help, Ben's soul will be trapped and she will have failed in her mission.
But Jet's appearance also brings a chilling revelation. Maybe Ben's soul isn't the only one that needs saving.
A good read with some good characters. This was different but a little slow. Although it did surprise me. 4*.
Guardian angel Rachael finds herself trapped in Purgatory with Ben Taylor, a young soldier with a secret that's driving him insane. Desperate to see him ascend into Heaven she breaks the rules about becoming involved and keeping her identity a secret. Her decision to stay in Purgatory to help Ben seems a good plan. Except they've been stuck for ten years already and Ben is no closer to ascending.
The unexpected appearance of a feisty teenager, Jet Jones, throws Rachael's wings into a tailspin. The instant attraction between Jet and Ben means the angel's work is getting ignored. And without her help, Ben's soul will be trapped and she will have failed in her mission.
But Jet's appearance also brings a chilling revelation. Maybe Ben's soul isn't the only one that needs saving.
A good read with some good characters. This was different but a little slow. Although it did surprise me. 4*.
September 28, 2015
**Received this book on my Kindle for an honest review. (We <3 YA Books!)**
The only reason it took me a while to read this book is because I moved from Davenport, IA to Tacoma, WA for a job.
Now that I've finally had some downtime to myself (I happened to get sick on my second weekend here) I've decided to finish it. Well holy schticks. I have no idea what all I actually read. There was this major twist that I should've seen coming but didn't because I thought it was going a different way.
I did end up liking this book after the halfway mark as its around then that it started to make sense to me. I would go into detail about it but that would kind of ruin the book if you know what I mean. It was only 161 pages (on the Kindle that is). More like a novella.
I might have to read it again...
The only reason it took me a while to read this book is because I moved from Davenport, IA to Tacoma, WA for a job.
Now that I've finally had some downtime to myself (I happened to get sick on my second weekend here) I've decided to finish it. Well holy schticks. I have no idea what all I actually read. There was this major twist that I should've seen coming but didn't because I thought it was going a different way.
I did end up liking this book after the halfway mark as its around then that it started to make sense to me. I would go into detail about it but that would kind of ruin the book if you know what I mean. It was only 161 pages (on the Kindle that is). More like a novella.
I might have to read it again...
October 29, 2015
* I was sent a pdf copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Purgatory. Everyone has heard of it but not many people have read about it, me being one of them- until I picked up this book. It features Ben and Jet. Jet lives with a strict family and is forbidden to date, and eventually commits suicide, while Ben is a soldier who died in battle. Neither of them know that they are dead. Rachel, the angel who is tasked with making sure Ben ascends to heaven, is the only person who knows the truth.
I'm not a huge fan of angels, but I did fall in love with D.L Richardson's writing. The plot of the story was a well paced one, and I never found myself bored by it. I loved the complexity of Rachel's character, and thought she brought an interesting perspective to the novel.
July 31, 2019
Richardson takes us on a rollercoaster ride, of self-discovery, emotional turmoil, and personal beliefs and values in, “The Bird with the Broken Wing”. This creative and thought-provoking tale is set in Purgatory, which to its occupants appears to be a mental/rehab hospital. The main characters, Rachel Ben’s guardian angel, Ben a soldier desperately seeking forgiveness but feeling he doesn’t deserve it, and Jet a teenager full of self-loathing. This unexpectedly original storyline has such depth; it’s like nothing I have read before. “The Bird with the Broken Wing” is told in 3 POV. That of Ben, Rachael, Jet as they forge their own paths to forgiveness from those they had failed, including themselves. This book is addictive and worth every minute of your time. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 21, 2012
A marvelous read! I was enthralled with the mysteries this story held. It kept me on my toes and itching to skip to the last page. I have to admit that the cover is what caught my attention but the words are what captivated me. A win win for readers! The story is told through three different characters which is what I loved. It made the book suspenseful since the author was slowly handing out the story piece by piece. Once you have all the pieces the outcome will definitely make you question some things.
August 1, 2019
Rachel, Ben and Jet find themselves in a rehab facility. All for different reasons. But in reality they are in purgatory with Rachel being Ben’s guardian angel. The three characters are on a course set for self discovery and forgiveness. This story was so interesting and intriguing. When I thought I knew what was going on, something else would happen. Good and unique characters that really develop with the story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 3, 2019
What a different story of a Guardian Angel! I love how Rachel was so protective of Ben then Jet gets thrown into the mix. Ben reminds me of how we all have things we want to hide within ourselves. To try not to remember them but shut down and keep it inside. Then add Jet and you get a rebellious individual who just wants to be herself, have fun with a little crazy. It's a wonderful book that young adults/adults will enjoy reading!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 25, 2016
This novel by Richardson is one that surprised me with an interesting character study you don't always get in YA lit. The story is one that unfolds layer by layer until you see what drives each character. Rachael is an teen angel who is trying to figure things out; she's not the superior, all-knowing kind. Ben and Jet are both interesting characters who have dark, troubled pasts. You find yourself rooting for all three characters to come to terms with their feelings.
September 25, 2012
Was surprised by this book. Firstly it is not my usual type of book. Secondly I didn't read the "back of the book" so never realised one of the characters was a guardian angel... oops! But I think that actually made me enjoy the book more as it kept me in suspense! And thirdly, the ending was a surprise! Overall I enjoyed the journey right to the very last word.
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November 25, 2012loved it
August 1, 2019
The Bird with the Broken Wing is a great book to read that will haunt you long after you turn its final page.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 27, 2020
She has never ever lost a soul and she is about to break the rules to save the soul. Now more and more people are coming and she begins to wonder if breaking the rules is worth it. Will she save them all? Will she fail. See how she gets on
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 15, 2021
I felt like this book was okay. But it felt like it was missing something. About a third of the way in I lot interest and only carried on because I wanted to finish it. Wouldnt recommend.
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