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Ether #1
Vero Rising
The Fiercest of Warriors? Vero Leland always suspected he was different from others his own age, ever since his childhood attempts to fly. But he never could have predicted the truth―or how much his life was about to change. Soon after his twelfth birthday, Vero learns he is a guardian angel and is abruptly transported to the Ether, the spiritual realm that surrounds the earth. Yet before he can be counted among these fierce warriors, Vero must learn to master his growing powers, competing with other angels-in- training and battling demonic creatures known as maltures as well as mythical creatures such as the leviathan. Until his instruction is complete, Vero needs to alternate between the Ether and his regular life. If he survives training and accepts his destiny―a destiny he did not choose―he must leave everything behind, including his family and the life he loves. Meanwhile, an evil is growing―the maltures are rising, and Vero appears to be their target.
368 pages, Hardcover
First published August 20, 2013
17 people are currently reading
178 people want to read
About the author
Laurice Elehwany Molinari
3 books25 followersLaurice Elehwany Molinari, a veteran film and TV writer in Hollywood for over two decades, has penned over thirty scripts for various studios and networks. Her very first feature script, written while a fellow at the American Film Institute, became Columbia Picture’s critically acclaimed children’s classic, My Girl. She went on to pen The Brady Bunch Movie and The Amazing Panda Adventure. Laurice lives with her husband and two children in Los Angeles, the City of Angels, where her lifelong love for our heavenly guardians inspired her to write a book about them in the ETHER series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
February 19, 2014
To say that Vero Leland is not normal is a true statement but only for those that really know the truth. For everyone else, they think he's a freak of nature. It's not always easy fitting in at school especially in middle school as a 12-year-old boy. It's a good thing your best friend, Tack, is someone the most fear and is a whole lot taller than everyone else. Ever since Vero was young, he had an irresistible urge to fly. He tried leaping off of tree limbs, large fences and even once the roof of his house, believing in his ability to be able to fly one day. Only that day was still far in the future.
Vero was a special child and since the day his parents adopted him, only his mother knew the special circumstances surrounding his discovery and in keeping him safe at all costs. Now as Vero struggles to understand things happening around him, he finds out that he is not who he thought after all when he is taken to the Ether, a place in between heaven and earth when the spiritual forces of good and evil battle for the protection and souls of the humans they are assigned. Vero learns that he is a guardian angel in training, being born as a human, he has 18 years to train before his earthly body will experience death and he is taken from the family he loves on earth.
But Vero is no ordinary guardian angel in training, God has granted Vero the ability to do things even the archangel Michael doesn't possess and with those powers now Lucifer and his demons are out to make sure that Vero doesn't accomplish his purpose and once they learn who Vero loves the most, those people will be easier targets to draw Vero out to wage warfare in the Ether. But in order for that to happen, Vero's training must begin in the Ether and the first order of business is finally learning to fly. But like all great challenges, we need a little help from our friends and Vero will soon meet fellow guardian angels in training, Kane, Ada, Pax, Greer and X who will all learn that no one person is strong enough to defeat evil on their own.
I received The Ether: Vero Rising by Laurice Molinari compliments of Zondervan Publishing and Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions expressed are strictly my own. This is the first novel for middle school age children on spiritual warfare. Being a huge fan of fiction based books, I love where Laurice took this one. The power of prayers in the hands of angels is a wonderful way to teach the power of prayer to anyone. I love how things don't flow smoothly for Vero as he struggles with the same feelings that a young boy would in discovering his emotions and how they impact things in the spiritual realm known in this series as the Ether. He has a great support system both in the spiritual world as well as through his sister and best friend and I think that is part of the reason why this series will be a huge hit for teens. Finally something written just for their age that enables them to gain a simple understanding the mysteries of the spiritual world. Think Piercing The Darkness and This Present Darkness but for kids! I rate this one a 5 out of 5 stars and can't wait to read even more!
Vero was a special child and since the day his parents adopted him, only his mother knew the special circumstances surrounding his discovery and in keeping him safe at all costs. Now as Vero struggles to understand things happening around him, he finds out that he is not who he thought after all when he is taken to the Ether, a place in between heaven and earth when the spiritual forces of good and evil battle for the protection and souls of the humans they are assigned. Vero learns that he is a guardian angel in training, being born as a human, he has 18 years to train before his earthly body will experience death and he is taken from the family he loves on earth.
But Vero is no ordinary guardian angel in training, God has granted Vero the ability to do things even the archangel Michael doesn't possess and with those powers now Lucifer and his demons are out to make sure that Vero doesn't accomplish his purpose and once they learn who Vero loves the most, those people will be easier targets to draw Vero out to wage warfare in the Ether. But in order for that to happen, Vero's training must begin in the Ether and the first order of business is finally learning to fly. But like all great challenges, we need a little help from our friends and Vero will soon meet fellow guardian angels in training, Kane, Ada, Pax, Greer and X who will all learn that no one person is strong enough to defeat evil on their own.
I received The Ether: Vero Rising by Laurice Molinari compliments of Zondervan Publishing and Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions expressed are strictly my own. This is the first novel for middle school age children on spiritual warfare. Being a huge fan of fiction based books, I love where Laurice took this one. The power of prayers in the hands of angels is a wonderful way to teach the power of prayer to anyone. I love how things don't flow smoothly for Vero as he struggles with the same feelings that a young boy would in discovering his emotions and how they impact things in the spiritual realm known in this series as the Ether. He has a great support system both in the spiritual world as well as through his sister and best friend and I think that is part of the reason why this series will be a huge hit for teens. Finally something written just for their age that enables them to gain a simple understanding the mysteries of the spiritual world. Think Piercing The Darkness and This Present Darkness but for kids! I rate this one a 5 out of 5 stars and can't wait to read even more!
February 8, 2014
***The Ether is a serious challenger to the Harry Potter series***
Laurice Elehwany Molinari, known for the critically acclaimed "My Girl" classic, introduces Vero Rising February 4th, the book that debuts "The Ether" series. It's an action-packed fantasy wrapped in the magical adventures of twelve-year-old Vero Leland reminiscent of the award winning "Harry Potter" books, a series I think readers of all ages will identify with and want more of.
Vero lives with his parents and year-older sister, Clover in a typical Maryland suburb yet his compelling attraction to heights and flying is anything but typical and often gets him in trouble. Such as the time he climbed the ladder to the roof when he was four and deliberately fell "backwards," convinced he could fly. Instead, a "powerful force" caught him midair, lowered him to the ground and a voice said, "Vero, that's enough with the flying."
In time Vero discovers he's a fledging guardian angel destined to train in the land of Ether at a school named "Cathedral of Angels for Novice Development, Learning and Edification," known as C.A.N.D.L.E. He soon meets Ada, Pax, Xavier X, Kane and Greer, kids like him, who live normal earth lives until they find themselves traveling back and forth to the land of The Ether, a spiritual realm between heaven and hell populated by angels who train them and demons who intend to kill them.
Thus begin the exciting escapades of fledgling angels-in-training, taught by angels Raphel and Raziel and supervised by archangels Uriel and Michael. Join them as they learn to fly, usually with a running start, learn to recognize, listen for and trust "God's voice" and other extra sensory powers that include thought communication.
All of these attributes and more are needed when the group is challenged by the "Wicked One" and the "Malture's," demonic beings…Full Review: http://www.examiner.com/list/the-ethe...
Laurice Elehwany Molinari, known for the critically acclaimed "My Girl" classic, introduces Vero Rising February 4th, the book that debuts "The Ether" series. It's an action-packed fantasy wrapped in the magical adventures of twelve-year-old Vero Leland reminiscent of the award winning "Harry Potter" books, a series I think readers of all ages will identify with and want more of.
Vero lives with his parents and year-older sister, Clover in a typical Maryland suburb yet his compelling attraction to heights and flying is anything but typical and often gets him in trouble. Such as the time he climbed the ladder to the roof when he was four and deliberately fell "backwards," convinced he could fly. Instead, a "powerful force" caught him midair, lowered him to the ground and a voice said, "Vero, that's enough with the flying."
In time Vero discovers he's a fledging guardian angel destined to train in the land of Ether at a school named "Cathedral of Angels for Novice Development, Learning and Edification," known as C.A.N.D.L.E. He soon meets Ada, Pax, Xavier X, Kane and Greer, kids like him, who live normal earth lives until they find themselves traveling back and forth to the land of The Ether, a spiritual realm between heaven and hell populated by angels who train them and demons who intend to kill them.
Thus begin the exciting escapades of fledgling angels-in-training, taught by angels Raphel and Raziel and supervised by archangels Uriel and Michael. Join them as they learn to fly, usually with a running start, learn to recognize, listen for and trust "God's voice" and other extra sensory powers that include thought communication.
All of these attributes and more are needed when the group is challenged by the "Wicked One" and the "Malture's," demonic beings…Full Review: http://www.examiner.com/list/the-ethe...
July 21, 2016
From a very young age Vero Leland knew he was different from other kids. He was obsessed with flying. If only he could get it right. He nearly gave his parents heart failure. He also knew he was adopted, but didn’t know the circumstances behind his adoption. When he was 12 he found out he was a guardian Angel. He was transported to Ether, the realm between Heaven and the bottomless pit, where he had to learn to conquer his fears and hone his powers. He along with other angels in training must fight the evil maltures, Leviathan from Job 31 and come face to face with Abaddon of the bottomless pit. Once Vero has passed his training he knows he will have to give up his earthly family.
In my opinion this book if far better than the Harry Potter series. This book grabs you fast and holds your attention till the end, leaving you longing for the next book in the series. This would appeal to both boys and girl. It would be a delightful book to read with your children. I loved so much that it was actually about angels and real life people rather than about witches and magic. It brings home a great message about bullying and doing what is right. The twists and turns in the story line will keep your child turning the pages.
“The Ether Vero Rising” is a great beginning to a wonderful series.
Disclosure: I was given a copy of this book by the publisher, ZonderKidz, for an honest review. I was not required to write a favorable review nor was I compensated for my review. The opinions in this review are my own.
In my opinion this book if far better than the Harry Potter series. This book grabs you fast and holds your attention till the end, leaving you longing for the next book in the series. This would appeal to both boys and girl. It would be a delightful book to read with your children. I loved so much that it was actually about angels and real life people rather than about witches and magic. It brings home a great message about bullying and doing what is right. The twists and turns in the story line will keep your child turning the pages.
“The Ether Vero Rising” is a great beginning to a wonderful series.
Disclosure: I was given a copy of this book by the publisher, ZonderKidz, for an honest review. I was not required to write a favorable review nor was I compensated for my review. The opinions in this review are my own.
September 3, 2016
There are several juvenile fiction books on the Christian market that have kids that are half angel. It is an intriguing idea, and some of the books are better than others. This book centers around a kid who is 100% angel, a guardian angel, who doesn't know that he is until he turns twelve.
I've said it before, but I really enjoy a lot of of these juvenile fiction books on the market today. Maybe I am a kid at heart, but this was a really good book that kept me on the edge of my seat. Though the idea of an angel being raised by earthly parents is completely fictional, it made for a great story line and plot, and it was interesting to see through the imagination of the author what it might look like for such an angel to go through training.
There are some lessons in the book: perseverance, kindness, how we need to treat others good even when they treat us badly.
The main character, and secondary characters, are very likable, and the author has spun a great tale that should entertain the age group it is intended for, and it is great wholesome and fun reading that parents can give to their kids to read without fear of it being bad.
I've said it before, but I really enjoy a lot of of these juvenile fiction books on the market today. Maybe I am a kid at heart, but this was a really good book that kept me on the edge of my seat. Though the idea of an angel being raised by earthly parents is completely fictional, it made for a great story line and plot, and it was interesting to see through the imagination of the author what it might look like for such an angel to go through training.
There are some lessons in the book: perseverance, kindness, how we need to treat others good even when they treat us badly.
The main character, and secondary characters, are very likable, and the author has spun a great tale that should entertain the age group it is intended for, and it is great wholesome and fun reading that parents can give to their kids to read without fear of it being bad.
February 24, 2014
My Review:
Vero had always tried to fly ever since he was little. Though each time he jumped from the window or off the table, he always hit the ground. He had tried jumping from many things but never could make it into flight. When he finally sparked the idea of jumping from the roof, he grew with excitement. Coming close to the ground, Vero is grabbed by a man in a red suit. Vero immediately thinks its Santa to the rescue but come to find out this man is far from being like Santa. This person can fly, which was just amazing in its self.
The Ether:Vero Rising is a page turner of a book. Sometimes I couldn't believe what I was seeing on the pages and would have to reread it. This book is perfect for teens, my sixteen year old has started reading it and wholeheartedly agrees. This one is definitely a winner!
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from CFBA.
Vero had always tried to fly ever since he was little. Though each time he jumped from the window or off the table, he always hit the ground. He had tried jumping from many things but never could make it into flight. When he finally sparked the idea of jumping from the roof, he grew with excitement. Coming close to the ground, Vero is grabbed by a man in a red suit. Vero immediately thinks its Santa to the rescue but come to find out this man is far from being like Santa. This person can fly, which was just amazing in its self.
The Ether:Vero Rising is a page turner of a book. Sometimes I couldn't believe what I was seeing on the pages and would have to reread it. This book is perfect for teens, my sixteen year old has started reading it and wholeheartedly agrees. This one is definitely a winner!
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from CFBA.
July 7, 2015
This book is in the same genre as "Harry Potter" and "The Lightening Thief". It stars a 12 year old boy who finds out he is different - in Vero's case, he is a fledgling guardian angel, and at times, he attends angel school - called C.A.N.D.L.E. and has life-threatening adventures with 4 other students who become his close friends. Unlike, Hogwarts, and more like Camp Half Blood, the fledglings are rarely at their school and are usually together fighting the bad guys who include Golems, Leviathan, and a type of demon called a Malture. The angels Uriel and Michael assist the fledglings as they battle the bad guys, and learn how to answer prayers. There is a Judeo-Christian theme, with God and angels referenced, and one of the fledglings is Jewish and has a Bat-Mitzvah, but there is no mention of Jesus. Kids who are fans of Harry Potter and Percy Jackson may also enjoy Vero and his adventures. I received this book free to review from Netgalley.
March 11, 2014
This is a wonderful start to a series for kids-one that will appeal to boys as well as girls. It is refreshing to read a YA novel that is not dystopian or filled with vampires or werewolves. I enjoy those books also, but this novel makes a nice change. Good vs. evil, following your conscience, sacrificing for the greater good are all themes of this novel that should appeal to non-Christians and Christians alike. In fact, this would be a good way to introduce non-believers to God, without it being over the top or pushy. Who doesn't relate to the idea of wanting to fly? Mix that with adventure you might find in a Rick Riordan book and you have an exciting new series that is well crafted with appealing characters. I look forward to additional books in the series and will recommend this to my middle-school's librarian.
A copy was received in exchange for an honest review.
A copy was received in exchange for an honest review.
January 28, 2014
A great YA book - beautifully written with exciting action sequences…story of a young boy who dreams he can fly. turns out that he can! he's actually an angel destined for greatness in the battle between good and evil.
The author has done a beautiful job creating a whole world - the ether - where the angels reside - that's neither Earth or Heaven.
The author has done a beautiful job creating a whole world - the ether - where the angels reside - that's neither Earth or Heaven.
February 15, 2014
A wonderfully written book & the start of a great series. It's premise is that we all have guardian Angels.
Vero is a unique 12 year old boy who lives in an ordinary home but is secretly an Angel, being trained to be a guardian Angel in the Ether.
It's a Harry Potter like book about the forces of good against evil but from a Christian standpoint. I rated it 5 out of 5 stars.
Vero is a unique 12 year old boy who lives in an ordinary home but is secretly an Angel, being trained to be a guardian Angel in the Ether.
It's a Harry Potter like book about the forces of good against evil but from a Christian standpoint. I rated it 5 out of 5 stars.
September 29, 2023
I was intrigued after reading the blurb, and I am definitely glad I decided to open it and read it. It is such an amazing story. A boy who feels like an outcast and a freak finds out he has more power than he even knew about. It reminds me of another series, Wars of The Realm by Chuck Black. A very similar story with great truth in between the pages. The truth taught about Christ is incredible. I am so ready for the next book!!
June 30, 2018
I really enjoyed this book.
September 15, 2024
This was a cute ya story.
November 13, 2015
Vero Rising is a fun story that I thoroughly enjoyed reading. It has similar overtones to a lot of series that are being written right now. You know the ones . . . a special child with extraordinary abilities is made aware of his powers and then is shipped off to a unique school to help enhance his abilities. Yes, it has the same kind of basic feels as the Harry Potter series, but the story is quite different. Where Harry has magical powers from some unknown source, Vero is born to be a guardian angel and his powers come from God. Both have a group of friends that surround and help them. Both have a magical land they travel to for training and then get to return to the mundane world where they grew up. Both are considered to be very special, or "the one." There are quite a few similarities, but also a lot of differences, between the two series.
The story that Laurice E. Molinari has created contains a world filled with humans that don't know that each one of them has a guardian angel by their side. In this story, Vero is to become a very special guardian angel, but the reader won't find out why in this book. Not only humans have guardian angels - buildings do also. I'm not completely sure why the author made this choice but she was probably thinking about 911. I found this to be kind of hokey. What would God care about a building when people are his real achievements? Of course, I don't know what God would care about, do I? As for the main characters, I really liked all of them. The test they take as guardian angels is pretty cool and a big part of the story. Also, I didn't mention it earlier, but this story takes place in both the human world and in the Ether. Vero is called to the Ether multiple times for training, but does not have the powers yet to go there himself. Maybe someday . . .
At times, I did find the story-telling to be a bit simplistic. I cannot nail it down exactly, but a few times while I was reading the story, I didn't like how the story seemed to be simplified. Kids today are pretty advanced, what with the complex action, adventure, and superhero movies that are available to them to watch. Also, there are quite a few series of Young Reader books that are quite complex in both the storyline and the writing style. Now, I only noticed this a couple of times in the first quarter of the book, so the author seemed to have adjusted her writing style later in the story and this problem disappeared.
I will be the first one to admit that I don't have a religious bone in my body. I am not offended by the idea of religion, it is just something that doesn't make much sense to me. Just because I am not a believer doesn't mean that I don't have good morals. I still believe in being a good person, doing right by others, living by the laws created by our country, and taking care of family, people, and places that I live and work around. So, reading this story about children being trained to be guardian angels wasn't a problem for me. I quite enjoyed the story and find I would love it if we all did have a guardian angel that looked out for us. After all, we are pretty fragile, we humans.
Overall, Vero Rising is a great beginning to a series that shows a lot of promise. I was quite intrigued by the idea of children being trained to become guardian angels and being able to hear the voice of God to help guide them. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well-spun fantasy tale that deals with children inheriting special powers and becoming saviors for the human race. I look forward to seeing what happens next in Vero's life, as I am sure that it will be as exciting as this tale.
I rated this book an 8 out of 10.
The story that Laurice E. Molinari has created contains a world filled with humans that don't know that each one of them has a guardian angel by their side. In this story, Vero is to become a very special guardian angel, but the reader won't find out why in this book. Not only humans have guardian angels - buildings do also. I'm not completely sure why the author made this choice but she was probably thinking about 911. I found this to be kind of hokey. What would God care about a building when people are his real achievements? Of course, I don't know what God would care about, do I? As for the main characters, I really liked all of them. The test they take as guardian angels is pretty cool and a big part of the story. Also, I didn't mention it earlier, but this story takes place in both the human world and in the Ether. Vero is called to the Ether multiple times for training, but does not have the powers yet to go there himself. Maybe someday . . .
At times, I did find the story-telling to be a bit simplistic. I cannot nail it down exactly, but a few times while I was reading the story, I didn't like how the story seemed to be simplified. Kids today are pretty advanced, what with the complex action, adventure, and superhero movies that are available to them to watch. Also, there are quite a few series of Young Reader books that are quite complex in both the storyline and the writing style. Now, I only noticed this a couple of times in the first quarter of the book, so the author seemed to have adjusted her writing style later in the story and this problem disappeared.
I will be the first one to admit that I don't have a religious bone in my body. I am not offended by the idea of religion, it is just something that doesn't make much sense to me. Just because I am not a believer doesn't mean that I don't have good morals. I still believe in being a good person, doing right by others, living by the laws created by our country, and taking care of family, people, and places that I live and work around. So, reading this story about children being trained to be guardian angels wasn't a problem for me. I quite enjoyed the story and find I would love it if we all did have a guardian angel that looked out for us. After all, we are pretty fragile, we humans.
Overall, Vero Rising is a great beginning to a series that shows a lot of promise. I was quite intrigued by the idea of children being trained to become guardian angels and being able to hear the voice of God to help guide them. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well-spun fantasy tale that deals with children inheriting special powers and becoming saviors for the human race. I look forward to seeing what happens next in Vero's life, as I am sure that it will be as exciting as this tale.
I rated this book an 8 out of 10.
April 24, 2016
Oh my, this book. I bought this at Mardel a couple years ago, started it, but never finished it until now.... Here's my review.
This book had an interesting but unrealistic plot line. For me, when you're dealing with something as sensitive as demons, angels, heaven, hell and the spiritual realm, you just don't tweak what the Bible says about it.
Besides that, it was also super strange about POV. One sentence would be in the mind of one character, and a totally different character in the next! And the perspective wasn't even done with a 'narrator' feel... It's like the author was feeling wishy washy with what POV they were aiming for.
Also, this book was just biblically inaccurate. I really can't put my finger on it without spoiling it but it just was.
Overall, this book had an interesting plot, but the follow through and the writing wasn't very well done. I may pick up the next book in the series later on, but just not now. I don't understand this author!
This book had an interesting but unrealistic plot line. For me, when you're dealing with something as sensitive as demons, angels, heaven, hell and the spiritual realm, you just don't tweak what the Bible says about it.
Besides that, it was also super strange about POV. One sentence would be in the mind of one character, and a totally different character in the next! And the perspective wasn't even done with a 'narrator' feel... It's like the author was feeling wishy washy with what POV they were aiming for.
Also, this book was just biblically inaccurate. I really can't put my finger on it without spoiling it but it just was.
Overall, this book had an interesting plot, but the follow through and the writing wasn't very well done. I may pick up the next book in the series later on, but just not now. I don't understand this author!
January 5, 2015
This book is absolutely amazing. My son and I love this book! If you have a young boy, buy him this book if you want him interested in reading! My son was definitely not a reader and once he picked up the book he didn't put it down. Now he honestly has found a passion for reading, because of The Ether. And girls would love it too because of some very strong heroines who honestly make more interesting characters than the protagonist, sometimes.
Truly diverse, and clearly not meant for just one religion. It's easily suited for Judiasm, Christianity, and Islam as it does not try to preach any particularly Christian morals, but good morals in general. It primarily focuses on teaching your children to come closer to God through the Angels and to love reading.
This author deserves a round of applause for an entertaining and fun book, with good roots. Definitely buying book 2!
Truly diverse, and clearly not meant for just one religion. It's easily suited for Judiasm, Christianity, and Islam as it does not try to preach any particularly Christian morals, but good morals in general. It primarily focuses on teaching your children to come closer to God through the Angels and to love reading.
This author deserves a round of applause for an entertaining and fun book, with good roots. Definitely buying book 2!
Read
July 13, 2015This was an amazing book about Guardian Angels from heaven. Whether its true or not this book has many facts and wonders in only 346 pages. My favorite part of this book is when Vero is fighting to save Davina from getting hit by a slingshot, and he inheriteds his guardian angel sword and strength. All in all this book is a 'have to read' kind of book. Many people would enjoy it and i recommend it to all.
August 6, 2016
3.5 The cover almost scared me off, but it turned out to be a pretty cool adventure book.
January 24, 2015
An unusual but really good story about a boy who has always wanted to fly, and then discovers that he is actually a guardian angel. Well worth reading.
January 28, 2015
was tight
July 16, 2015
This was a read-aloud with my son and it kept us both interested and entertained.
September 5, 2021
"The opposite of faith is not doubt. The opposite of faith is fear."
Wow! I have never read a middlegrade book that could compare to PJO and this was just amazing! Sure, it's trope-y but this hooked me from the beginning.
This is a low fantasy book in which our protagonist Vero has been experiencing strange things since he was very young and as with all the chosen ones, he too was also referred to as a freak. Later he finds out that he's a guardian angel and he is taken to The Ether - the place between earth and heaven where he is to train to become a guardian angel along with other fledglings.
I loved the characters in this book. Vero is very lovable and the other side characters especially his fellow fledglings also have their own background. Moreover, I loved the sarcasm, the puns, and the sass in the dialogues.
The magic system was also really good for a middlegrade book. From summoning an angel's wings to listening to the voice of God and answering prayers. But while training as an angel sounds cool, it is not without it's consequences and sorrows.
The plot was fast-paced and it still leaves room for more to be discovered and revealed in the next books which I am going to pick up right after. I enjoyed this so much and I highly recommend this for anyone looking for a PJO parallel 🙏
Wow! I have never read a middlegrade book that could compare to PJO and this was just amazing! Sure, it's trope-y but this hooked me from the beginning.
This is a low fantasy book in which our protagonist Vero has been experiencing strange things since he was very young and as with all the chosen ones, he too was also referred to as a freak. Later he finds out that he's a guardian angel and he is taken to The Ether - the place between earth and heaven where he is to train to become a guardian angel along with other fledglings.
I loved the characters in this book. Vero is very lovable and the other side characters especially his fellow fledglings also have their own background. Moreover, I loved the sarcasm, the puns, and the sass in the dialogues.
The magic system was also really good for a middlegrade book. From summoning an angel's wings to listening to the voice of God and answering prayers. But while training as an angel sounds cool, it is not without it's consequences and sorrows.
The plot was fast-paced and it still leaves room for more to be discovered and revealed in the next books which I am going to pick up right after. I enjoyed this so much and I highly recommend this for anyone looking for a PJO parallel 🙏
July 6, 2022
Fantastic story - wonderful message that even adults can learn from!
In the world of fiction, Harry Potter and Percy Jackson have taken over the imaginations of the youth of today. As a Christian parent, I am so happy to have found a series that rivals both but more than that - teaches children about good and evil, faith and friendship and most importantly prayer and trusting in God! As Vero discovers he is a guardian Angel, and gets to know a group of friends also new fledglings, they learn to fly, they learn to be compassionate, kind and they learn to look within in prayer - to allow God to guide them. They battle demons, and bullies, they face tests and school dances. And they grow stronger together!
Every Christian tween or teen who enjoys fantasy books/ mixed with school life and the typical friendship building they themselves face will enjoy this book! I pre read all books that my daughter reads- having been given free reign to read whatever when I was her age - and knowing that I read things I was far too young or able to emotionally understand. I’m delighted to give this book a full 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 and I can hand it to my twelve year old knowing not only will she love it, it just might encourage her to grow closer to God!
In the world of fiction, Harry Potter and Percy Jackson have taken over the imaginations of the youth of today. As a Christian parent, I am so happy to have found a series that rivals both but more than that - teaches children about good and evil, faith and friendship and most importantly prayer and trusting in God! As Vero discovers he is a guardian Angel, and gets to know a group of friends also new fledglings, they learn to fly, they learn to be compassionate, kind and they learn to look within in prayer - to allow God to guide them. They battle demons, and bullies, they face tests and school dances. And they grow stronger together!
Every Christian tween or teen who enjoys fantasy books/ mixed with school life and the typical friendship building they themselves face will enjoy this book! I pre read all books that my daughter reads- having been given free reign to read whatever when I was her age - and knowing that I read things I was far too young or able to emotionally understand. I’m delighted to give this book a full 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 and I can hand it to my twelve year old knowing not only will she love it, it just might encourage her to grow closer to God!
June 3, 2023
4.5 stars
Was this book Biblically accurate? No.
Was it still fun to read? Yes!
If you put aside the inaccurate biblical view on angels, this was actually a really fun and entertaining story.
It was one of those books (for me) that had me sitting in the silence afterwards and contemplating God and how amazing He is. Remembering that He cares about the small and seemingly trivial, that we are never alone, and that there is a fight we don’t always see.
There was learning, amazing and haunting imagery, adventure, friendship, family… it pretty much had it all.
The MAIN gripe I had with this book (and why it didn’t quite make 5 stars) was the beginning. The first 60-70 pages was an exposition info dump. I got frustrated and just wanted the story to start already. The information could have either been not provided or spread more evenly through the book/story. I didn’t need that much background right at the start to get involved in the story or care about the characters.
That aside (and of course, ignoring the numerous Biblical inaccuracies for the sake of a fun story), I really - and surprisingly - enjoyed this one.
Was this book Biblically accurate? No.
Was it still fun to read? Yes!
If you put aside the inaccurate biblical view on angels, this was actually a really fun and entertaining story.
It was one of those books (for me) that had me sitting in the silence afterwards and contemplating God and how amazing He is. Remembering that He cares about the small and seemingly trivial, that we are never alone, and that there is a fight we don’t always see.
There was learning, amazing and haunting imagery, adventure, friendship, family… it pretty much had it all.
The MAIN gripe I had with this book (and why it didn’t quite make 5 stars) was the beginning. The first 60-70 pages was an exposition info dump. I got frustrated and just wanted the story to start already. The information could have either been not provided or spread more evenly through the book/story. I didn’t need that much background right at the start to get involved in the story or care about the characters.
That aside (and of course, ignoring the numerous Biblical inaccuracies for the sake of a fun story), I really - and surprisingly - enjoyed this one.
October 29, 2017
Vero learns he is being trained to be a guardian angel, and he really is not sure he wants the job. While he recognizes that he has always wanted to fly, and has a strong sense of justice, this 'calling' has emotionally displaced him to his family on earth because he will leave them when his training is over when he turns 18 years of age.
I recommend this book for people who like Christian Fiction, as it talks a lot about faith and how life can challenge it. I loved this author's writing style; it was an easy read and very relative to our daily lives. In particular, I like how it references the Bible and the struggle between good and evil.
Vero is being trained with 4 other 'angels', and their friendships evolve during this first book of the series. I can't wait to read "Pillars of Fire" (book 2).
I recommend this book for people who like Christian Fiction, as it talks a lot about faith and how life can challenge it. I loved this author's writing style; it was an easy read and very relative to our daily lives. In particular, I like how it references the Bible and the struggle between good and evil.
Vero is being trained with 4 other 'angels', and their friendships evolve during this first book of the series. I can't wait to read "Pillars of Fire" (book 2).
August 31, 2021
Promising and made me glad I bought all three books impulsively. It gets a little direct and cheesy at times but I understand that an agnostic university student might not exactly be the demographic and I can definitely see this working for a vast majority of people who are.
It’s a shame I wasn’t able to read this when I was younger because this, to me, felt like something in between Percy Jackson and the Olympians and the Harry Potter series, both of which I loved when I was younger, and you really can tell whenever it calls back to it (although sometimes a bit too obviously). However, I think finding this to be an entertaining read despite being a few years into enjoying darker, more sullen religious or historical imagery is a feat in itself.
The Sound of Silent Beat by Milana Zilnik
It’s a shame I wasn’t able to read this when I was younger because this, to me, felt like something in between Percy Jackson and the Olympians and the Harry Potter series, both of which I loved when I was younger, and you really can tell whenever it calls back to it (although sometimes a bit too obviously). However, I think finding this to be an entertaining read despite being a few years into enjoying darker, more sullen religious or historical imagery is a feat in itself.
The Sound of Silent Beat by Milana Zilnik
April 21, 2024
Hindi ko na marecall yung mga nangyari kasi last year ko pa sya binasa but as far as I can remember he was an angel . Interesting yung perspective nung author about angels and ang funny kasi sya pala yung guardian nung kaaway nya HAHAHAHAHAH. Yun lang yung mga naalala ko. Looking forward na mabasa yung sequel nya🫶🏻
September 21, 2017
I think it was a very good book about the gory of god and how he always prevails
April 26, 2019
it is one of my favourite books
May 4, 2019
Quick to read but interesting.
August 7, 2021
A fantastic and awfully underrated book! I wasn't searching for this book and hadn't even heard of it, but so glad I ended up with it... Eager to read the sequels...
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