Angels Rising

Angels Rising #1

by Harriet Carlton

When 17-year-old Imorean Frayneson receives a scholarship to Gracepointe University in Norway, he’s a bit he doesn't even remember applying. When he arrives, he notices odd gates that lock at night, staff that refuse to give straight answers and most disturbing of all, a spectral creature that seems to be haunting him. Before long, Imorean finds himself caught up in a sinister plan – one created seventeen years ago – that threatens to destroy the life he knew and expose the secret truth of who he really is.

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Mythology, Audiobook, Urban Fantasy, Paranormal, Magic

275 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 14, 2017

About the author

Harriet Carlton emigrated with her family to eastern North Carolina from Norfolk, England at the age of 4. Harriet has written from the age of 16, and by the age of 19, she had finished Angels Rising, the first of a four book series. At age 21, the Angels Rising series was published by Ashton Publishing Group. She is currently a junior at East Carolina University, and is a triple major of English, Great Books, and Foreign Language - German. She is also the German Club President at ECU, and a member of their equestrian team. Harriet is the owner of a rescue horse named Gallchobhar, and five rescue dogs.

Reviews

[Alatea · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think I am simply too old for this book - it seemed too simple, too basic, too similar to many other books I've read during my lifetime. Oh, and nothing happened throughout the entire book. It was ok to read while I was on a plane, but I doubt I would have finished it if I had another choice of book.

Also, it was pretty obvious that author knows nothing about Norway (oh, great, there are trees and it's cold - for sure enough information for every American reader, right?), which piss me, Scandinavian study major, off.

Not to talk about the classical student hierarchy, which sounded like it was supposed to be there just because it always is, the lack of world-building, the lack of personality building, the lack of relationship building... and I could go on and on.

[Chris B · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a YA book for sure, the start of the series. It was a very clean book and full of teenage angst. The lead character, Imorean, is a young white-haired teenager who worries over the smallest things, but it turns out he had some reason to be suspicious but you will have to read it yourself to find out why.

There is a bit more editing that should have been done, but it wasn’t too much in my face, but I noticed the errors. The worst was that the author kept calling Imorean “the white-hair teenager” constantly, and I mean constantly. That was just plain irritating. There was no cliffhanger though, which I appreciated.

In spite of my complaints about the language, the story was pretty good, and I definitely want to read what happens next.

[Kayla Krantz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very, very amazing paranormal YA.

I don’t think I’ve ever read a book with such a unique storyline. I loved the fact that this story had so many different interesting angles that all somehow still came together at the end. The book tackled the classic good versus evil struggle. The ending was intriguing though I wish there had been a bit more of a resolution. Characterization, descriptions, and worldbuilding is beautifully done.

The narration was spot on for the character and greatly added to the suspense of the story.

This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.

[Mari · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad but to slow for my taste and the main characters are not interesting enough to make me want to read more. I enjoyed this book, but it didn’t pull me in.

[Stephen Andriotis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audio book, this was an enjoyable read, character development is good. Just left me hanging in the end. Now I've got to find myself a way to listen to book two, I'm not satisfied with this ending.

[Crystal · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a good book just a little slow to get into but the last 2 hours of the audio book was really good 3.5⭐️

[Meggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I decided to re-listen Angels Rising for a change. This first book was once again pulling and enjoyable.
It's good I already listened to the book before, because that shocking ending was terrible. Still I'm looking forward to other books in this series.
2018/December/26 - 4-star rating
Wow, Angels Rising was, simply WOW for me!! I loved it. I liked everything the MC Imorean, all the other secondary characters and the main storyline, which was mysterious and pulling.
Angels Rising was exceptionally well narrated by Michael Newberry. Because of all that I was drawn in to the Imorean life for the entire time. And wished a second and third book was also released in an audiobook edition. I could read this series on and on.

[LaSibila · Rating 2 out of 5]

Imorean, es invitado a una universidad de Noruega junto con otros jóvenes. Desde el comienzo, se brinda demasiada información sobre las "cosas raras" que le suelen pasar y sobre sueños de persecusión de parte de monstruos. Además, se repitem los nombres demasiadas veces, se estiró eternamente los detalles de su adaptación en la universidad, para terminar abruptamente cuando se da cuenta que el experimento que están haciendo es, en realidad, transformarlo en un ángel.

[Dana Wood · Rating 1 out of 5]

There has to be better description of the character other than "the white haired boy" or "the white haired teenager". I get it. He has white hair. The story had a tiny bit of potential but it drug on and on with mundane life and a few that was weird moments. The only resolved item was the MC finally found out he was an angel. We all knew that in page 1...so thanks for making me read the whole story and giving no explanation for why or how.

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story had my attention from start to finish. I really liked it, it keeps you wondering the whole time and then when you finally learn something it leaves you on a cliff hanger.
Really great book

[Jithendra Jithu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review: Angels Rising

by Harriet Carlton 📚

Rating:5/5

Review:

👉Embark on an enthralling journey through the pages of "Angels Rising," a captivating series penned by the talented Harriet Carlton. 🌟✨

👉At the heart of the narrative is 17-year-old Imorean Frayneson, whose scholarship to Gracepointe University in Norway unveils a mysterious and sinister plot. 🇳🇴 As the story unfolds, we are drawn into a world where gates lock at night, staff withhold straight answers, and spectral creatures haunt the protagonist. 🚪👻

👉What sets this series apart is its meticulous pacing—details of the plot unravel steadily, allowing readers to savor every revelation. The characters, particularly Imorean and his friends, are thoughtfully developed, evoking genuine empathy from readers. 💖👫 Carlton skillfully weaves a tale that explores a lifetime commitment masked as a college enrollment, shattering initial expectations.

👉The portrayal of angels in the story is refreshingly unconventional, challenging preconceived notions and injecting a new dimension into the age-old struggle between good and evil. 🕊️🌌 Each book in the series draws the reader deeper into this cosmic battle, creating a seamless continuation that keeps the narrative engaging.

👉While the series is not without its flaws—some typos and an abrupt ending to the first book—the overall experience is undeniably enjoyable. 📝 The mystery surrounding Imorean's grandfather and the persistent presence of a mysterious hellhound contribute additional layers of intrigue, leaving readers eager for more.

👉Carlton's writing style is a standout feature, employing varied word usage that enriches the narrative and ensures a compelling pace throughout. 📖🎭 The author's ability to craft vivid word pictures immerses readers in the atmospheric beauty of the story's world.

👉In essence, "Angels Rising" is a literary gem that deserves a prominent spot on any book lover's shelf. Comparable to timeless coming-of-age tales like Harry Potter, this series is a spellbinding escape into a world of secrets, suspense, and supernatural intrigue. 📚🥰

#BookReview #AngelsRising #LiteraryEscape"

[M.NeverKnight18 · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book cannot have been real, someone should tell me it was a fever dream. I mean what was this, I cannot wrap my mind over the stupidity and non- depth of this book. All I can say is that this book had potential and it was wasted.
I loved the concept of this book and that is the only reason I gave this book a two but my generosity could not extend any further. I listened to this book and I simply wish I could wash my mind of it. The concept of angels and demons, wonderful nothing quite like what I have read before and I have read a lot.

Firstly, the characters. Simple and Basic. Need I say more??, I can't be having my ears chance upon a book such as this, it's insulting. The plot and planning was there, I saw it, really I did but My gosh, it was as if the book was written by a toddler,. The repetitions, they were eyeroll worthy, we get it Imorean, you are TERRIFIED of heights, there was absolutely no need to repeat that, oh I don't know 15 TIMES as you were flying over to Norway!!!!!!!. Putting aside the continued repetition of his phobia, lets talk about the most stupid thing of this book... Bethany (don' know how her name is spelt). I get it she was detrimental to the plot that was riddled with holes it seems but I mean that entire situation-ship with the MC (main character) was the most bizzare experience, I had ever been through in book, I wanted to gouge out my eyes just for the feeling of frustration I felt with her, I mean I get that there are people like that but seriously, then that scene about wingspans came along and I nearly died of cringe and she said it like it was the best comeback in the world, I mean how can I have no depth in any way shape or form and Imorean's suspicions of how she was a "snake like something..." and how 'mysterious' she was, I tell you now she was anything but, was so misplaced like I mean come on Harriet Carlton, DO BETTER!!!!!. She was not mysterious at all, I mean who becomes soooo mysterious after your room-mate spotted you with a laptop not allowed on campus.

This series makes me wanna scream. That's all more that I can say.
Truly I can honestly say that I have absolutely no words. This is not all that ails me when reading this series but this is all I can say. 😒😒😒😒😒😒😒😒😒😒

[Candice Kamencik · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars...I guess?

I bought this book as a package deal from Chirp audiobooks. I think the first three books were like $2. So...you know, might as well, right? Yeah.

It was ok. I don't have a problem with YA at all, I find it a nice change of pace every once in a while tbh. This books had an interesting premise, characters were decent, but needed some serious editing. it was supposed to be about kids going of to some special school (dark academia is my jam), but you know when they make movies, how they get consultants for whatever specialty it focuses on so that it looks like they know what they're talking about? This books needed one for the basic experience of going off to college. lol These kids didn't know where they were going, what holidays there were, how/when they would get home, what the dorms were like, they all knew hat they were majoring in right out of HS, they didn't understand they needed gen ed courses, etc. It was a lot of silly things that made the story irksome to me personally. if you're going to place your story in the real world, then it need to hold up to some degree. If you're going to just do what you want, then set it somewhere else.

That said, I will be continuing on with the series. Like i said, I won them, so might as well try them out. At least with audiobooks I can speed it up some.

[Daniela · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cuenta la historia de Imorean, un joven que por medio de una beca va a estudiar al extranjero a una universidad no del todo normal, en la cual fue reclutado con los brazos abiertos. Todo en este nuevo mundo es raro, desde las pesadillas que tiene hasta las clases obligatorias.

Es un libro bastante sencillo, muy introductorio y predecible. Es entretenido, pero no tiene acción real.

Me gustó porque amo las historias que involucren ángeles, pero no me encantó. Me parece que a la historia le falta más misterio y desarrollo de los personajes, es como todo muy básico y nada es sorprendente.

Me atrapó lo suficiente como para seguir con el segundo libro, ya que el final me dejó bastante enganchada.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

literally keep coming back to this series

Honestly it’s got a couple little grammar and spelling glitches, but has that stopped me from coming back and rereading this series over and over again? Honestly not in the slightest - the story, characters development, and plot are just too good to let lay.
It’s a story I picked up while I was bedridden with Covid and it’s since become a good friend to return to with a protagonist who does his best but acts his age, a world where good and evil are clear, but good doesn’t equal perfect, a teens choices lead to just as chaotic consequences as you’d think, and angels are just as confusing as humans.
Buy the series- it’s worth the read.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was good but ends in a cliffhanger. The story could be put together a little better. But I read somewhere that the author finished the book by age 19. That's impressive. I think what got me was listening to the audiobook. While the narrator had a good voice, seemed he wasn't the best at the voices. Only the telling part. The female voices sounded like Kermit tye frog. But it was still good enough to keep me glued. Michael and Gabriel didn't act like I thought they should have considering all things. It's almost like they are as bad as the dark side. I guess we will find out in future books.

[Nur Aishah Azriy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am impressed that this is written when she is 18.
Overall, I use audiobook and the narrator is reading way too fast, and feel sorry for the female character voices turns into Kremit or Mrs Pig. There is some confusion between dreams and real life moment in the story when it is narrated. But, I'd say it is a good book. It shows a good thrill and suspense during dreams, interesting concept. Set in a view of college year, and it progresses fast between years. The character is unique, has their own personality but some may shows shallow characters.

I do looking forward for the next book available in my library.

[Alison · Rating 1 out of 5]

While this had potential it has to be one of the worst BookBub books I’ve read. It needs serious editing. The tags were truly awful “Imorean…the boy…the white haired boy…” often in the same paragraph. I thought if u had to read about chocolate or dark brown, grey or green eyes again I would gag. And the dialogue! How many times do u have to say every kid’s name? And who cares about every single thing they talk about? Fiction 101! And the end—-!!! NOTHING happens in this first book no hints no connections Nothing to make me want to read further. Sad

[Lukuoli · Rating 1 out of 5]

Nothing happened during the book. This book should have been 2 or 3 first chapters of a book. Very slow, very boring, very repetative. And all the time you wait for something to happen, the plot to actually emerge. It doesn't. There is no plot. None whatsoever. This "book" was a complete waste of time.

Also, if your character has a name, use it. Calling your character repeatedly during the story "the white-haired teenager" is jarring. He's a white-haired teenager, we got that when he was first described, after that a name is sufficient.

[Michelle VanDaley · Rating 4 out of 5]

My review is based on the audiobook. Angels Rising is a coming of age story of Imorean Frayneson. There are alot of secrets in this first book and not alot of answers. I found the pacing to be a tad slow at points but overall the storyline flowed well. The world building was very descriptive anad I could easily visualize the scenes. The narrator did a good job bringing the story to life. I am looking forward to the next book to get more answers and see where the story goes next.

[Carol L. Caldwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Flying fantasy

There were a number of typos in the book. The plot seems to be good, but book 1 stops too soon. So far we are presented with two sides of a war, but it isn't clear who the sides are. It's also not clear who Imorean's Grandfather is.

I like the characters, especially Imorean's friends. The author varies her word usage to make the story interesting. It reads at a good pace. I love Imorean's name.

[Kat Montemayor · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting premise and a unique story. College students selected for a full-ride scholarship. Although it's supposed to be based on need and grades solely, it seems there are other qualifications the Saving Grace brothers are looking for. Read the fine print. Unless you wanted to be held hostage in Norway. The narrator was good.

[Kimberly-Dawn Quinn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A scholarship out of the country isn't a worth questioning but strange occurrences and classes assigned off the track for electives creates mysteries at this college set in Norway. But why Norway? The instructors and professors names are Gabriel and Michael so it's not a reach to where we will be going. The Main Character, Imorean, is being torn by the forces of Good vs. Evil even though her doesn't believe in them.

I found the cliffhanger of an ending a Hard Stop. Of course, knowing this was the first book in a series, I'll just have to read the next book to see what happens next.

I found the voice of the MC "whiney"--when he is fearful=whiney, excited=whiney/nasally, terrified=whiney loud. Since he's past puberty I was often distracted by this nasally whiney voice often thinking "does anyone talk like this all the time?"
Otherwise the narrator did a good job with the various other characters.

☆☆☆☆ I received a free copy of this audiobook in lieu of giving an honest review.

[Dawn Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow what a great read

What does college have to do with Angels rising and how does getting a scholarship make the difference between life and death and good and evil. Read and find out!

[Kathy Brickert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story!

What a great beginning to a series! And don't fail to realize it is a series, which means you will have to read on! Intriguing characters with mysteries to solve keeps you reading! Great read!!

[Tamara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rising

Ok so much information. I like this story because of the angel and demon concept it was slow moving at points but honestly a very good story so far. Excited to see what imorean learns about him self as the story continues.

[Eirlys · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read

This novel has an unusual storyline. I liked the mythological references, especially where they interacted with the mystery of the scenery and the staff. I enjoyed reading it, but it left me wanting more.

[Karin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first book of a YA fantasy book series of four books. I am reading them all in a row as an all-in-one e-book edition (1749 pages). I will write a review for the series as a whole in the last book of the series (Angels Falling).

[Rina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to the audio book and I think maybe I wasn't a fan of the voice of the person reading it but I stuck it out through 2 and a half books and just couldn't find it in myself to finish the 3rd.

[Kristy Maitz · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story pulled me in from the start and I had fantastic time while reading it. I hope I will get my hand on 2 book really soon.