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Seven Halos #1
Silver Smoke
Siblings Pilot and Brie van Rossum are exiled to Honolulu after their mother's tragic death thrusts them into the paparazzi circus ring. It is there that Brie meets the Hallows, a superhuman race descended from archangels, and discovers the shocking secrets of her past that put her family's lives in jeopardy. Meanwhile, Pilot meets a mysterious girl who helps him research an ancient feud between two Hawaiian families and tries to figure out why his best friend Rykken is acting so strange lately...
The Seven Halos series consists of seven books about seven humans who are descendants of archangels and archdemons. Each of them must uncover the chilling (and sometimes sinister) mysteries of their lineage in order to save two races of superbeings from an all out war that no one can win. It s a story of love, death, heartbreak, betrayal, and the one thing that matters most--allegiance.
400 pages, Hardcover
First published February 8, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
March 5, 2012
I am giving Silver Smoke 3 stars with one condition: that when I read Tin Solider the story line redeems itself. My gut reaction is to give it 1 or 2 stars. But, I am giving this book the benefit of the doubt and assuming that the plot and dialogue suffered because of the amount of information the author tried to cram in here to lead up to all the amazing things that are going to happen in the rest of the series. I fully intend on going back and changing the rating of this book if the 2nd book does not improve.
There was way too much random information and history about the hallows/trinity/nephilim in this book. For me it was overwhelming and unrelenting.
If I had not won a copy of the 2nd book I probably would not have finished this one. ‘nuff said. At this point I would like to hold off on my further comments on this until I see what happens next.
If you have the burning desire to read this you can get the ebook for free through goodreads. Here is the link: http://www.goodreads.com/ebooks/downl...
Edit & rating clarification since it has been almost 6 months since I won the sequel to this book, and I have still not yet actually received said sequel, I feel I am left with no other option but to give this first book the ranking that I felt it deserved in the first place. I am still hopeful that I will receive the 2nd book, and if I do, and it does redeem this book, I will change the ranking of this back to the 3 stars that I generously gave it.
There was way too much random information and history about the hallows/trinity/nephilim in this book. For me it was overwhelming and unrelenting.
If I had not won a copy of the 2nd book I probably would not have finished this one. ‘nuff said. At this point I would like to hold off on my further comments on this until I see what happens next.
If you have the burning desire to read this you can get the ebook for free through goodreads. Here is the link: http://www.goodreads.com/ebooks/downl...
Edit & rating clarification since it has been almost 6 months since I won the sequel to this book, and I have still not yet actually received said sequel, I feel I am left with no other option but to give this first book the ranking that I felt it deserved in the first place. I am still hopeful that I will receive the 2nd book, and if I do, and it does redeem this book, I will change the ranking of this back to the 3 stars that I generously gave it.
February 12, 2011
I'm reducing this book's rating due to the author's unprofessional behavior. Should have done it long ago...
Review originally posted at http://bookstobrightenyourmood.blogsp...
I had my eye set on Silver Smoke for quite some time now and i was really glad to receive a copy from the author for review.Needless to say i immediately started reading the book and i wasn't dissapointed in the least.
Before i start my review i want to say a huge thanks to Monica Leonelle for providing me with an ebook copy of her story.
Silver Smoke surprised me in many ways...The world building is so complicated and with so many details that despite the fact i was in total loss at the beggining,by the end i couldn't help but be amazed by Monica Leonelle's ability to create such a world in so many details and manage to not lose the point of her story in those exact details.I loved the story of the Hallows and Nephilim and how they are descended from Michael and Luci.I was intrigued by the politics and the system in which they lived.I haven't encountered yet in any book such complexicity and detailing,and although i have read a number of books about angels,that world building was something new to me.
Monica Leonelle's writing style is simple,efficient and fresh.She managed to hold my interest even when the politics were explained (I hate politics even when they are fictional!).
The book is written is multiple POV's,something that bothered me especially at the beggining of the story making me feel at a total loss,but as the story progressed i got used to it and it even helped me understand better some things about the world.
My favorite character in the book is by far Rykken.I loved him from the beggining of the story and i liked his development throughout the book.And from the progress of the story i think it's safe to assume that we will see more and greater things about him in the next books of the series.
Brie on the other hand had me confused as a character.There were times i liked her and times i found her acting in a completely selfish way making me angry with her.But the romance between her and Rykken was among the highlights of the book.I couldn't help but smirk with the way they treated each other and the way their romance bloomed.I'm not a big fan of the instant knowledge between the protagonists that they found their true soulmate from the first pages of a story.And in Silver Smoke that's the exact thing that's been avoided.And for that thing only,the romance is much more believable and sweet for me.
Pilot is another character i liked reading about and he reminded me so much of my own brother that i couldn't help but adore him.
The advantage of the multiple POV's is that it allows the reader to take insight to more characters at once and Monica Leonelle made that work as a total advantage for her story.You get to see the good and bads in more characters and the secondary ones weren't used only when the story needed them but had a voice of their own.
Before i end this review,i just have to say that i loved two more things.One the twists in the end (i won't elaborate further cause those twists are what kept me up late last night and i don't want to spoil it for you) and the fact that many Greek myths and words were used.The myth with Great Alexander's sister especially impressed me the most.I liked the alterations in those myths even more so if they were to be used as the originals.
All in all,Silver Smoke is a really interesting debut novel by an author that promises much more in the future.The ending just left me eager for the sequel.Seriously,although not a huge cliffhanger,there were many things unanswered,enough to make me wait anxiously for the second book.
March 5, 2012
I am only reading this because I won the 2nd book in the series, Tin Solider, in a good reads giveaway.
When I say "read", I mean I got about 40% through and then couldn't keep going. I understand setting up a story line, and that sometimes, in order to construct the origin of characters, there will be some slow parts. There were plenty of times this book could have sped up the pace, but as soon as it could have gone that direction, it went opposite. This is a teenage girls wet gossip dream. Where everything secretly has to do with some boring relationship. "Pilot" (obviously the author's way of being "cool" and "hip" when it comes to naming their characters) has no personality that I can understand. Apparently the sister is weird for not wanting to wear clothes like a normal teenager, or join in cheerleading, which of course, we don't know about until she starts doing the opposite. Ryykken or whatever his name is, is obviously in love with her, but instead the author wants to keep that hidden by making it seem like he doesn't like her and is always, ALWAYS, ALWAYS having a fight. Every other time you see them together, they are fighting, or apologizing or, you guessed, it getting into a fight. The aunt "Sirena" apparently looks EXACTLY like the dead mom, but Brie doesn't notice until half the woman's face is obscured with a motorcycle helmet. The most interesting character was some chick that Pilot met because there was some actual mystery, but then that was down the gutter when she was actually talking and you find out she is a 17 year old girl with an adult job.
What is the actual plot line of this book? I have no idea, it was like reading an episode of Secret Life of an American Teenager without the sex drama... or any good drama for that matter.
Looks like when I get the sequel in the mail, I won't be reading it. And I don't suggest that anyone tries to read this either. It was just painful.
When I say "read", I mean I got about 40% through and then couldn't keep going. I understand setting up a story line, and that sometimes, in order to construct the origin of characters, there will be some slow parts. There were plenty of times this book could have sped up the pace, but as soon as it could have gone that direction, it went opposite. This is a teenage girls wet gossip dream. Where everything secretly has to do with some boring relationship. "Pilot" (obviously the author's way of being "cool" and "hip" when it comes to naming their characters) has no personality that I can understand. Apparently the sister is weird for not wanting to wear clothes like a normal teenager, or join in cheerleading, which of course, we don't know about until she starts doing the opposite. Ryykken or whatever his name is, is obviously in love with her, but instead the author wants to keep that hidden by making it seem like he doesn't like her and is always, ALWAYS, ALWAYS having a fight. Every other time you see them together, they are fighting, or apologizing or, you guessed, it getting into a fight. The aunt "Sirena" apparently looks EXACTLY like the dead mom, but Brie doesn't notice until half the woman's face is obscured with a motorcycle helmet. The most interesting character was some chick that Pilot met because there was some actual mystery, but then that was down the gutter when she was actually talking and you find out she is a 17 year old girl with an adult job.
What is the actual plot line of this book? I have no idea, it was like reading an episode of Secret Life of an American Teenager without the sex drama... or any good drama for that matter.
Looks like when I get the sequel in the mail, I won't be reading it. And I don't suggest that anyone tries to read this either. It was just painful.
January 1, 2012
I downloaded this free for my Kindle, and I'm very glad I did! The only reason this doesn't get 5 stars is because I think the reader can be overwhelmed (much like Brie) by the sheer amount of history and information it takes to truly understand what is going on. Too bad we can't all download and use information instantaneously like Clara and the Hallows.
I found the characters to be quite realistic, and if you knew me or read some of my other reviews, I LOVE it when there's a good brother/sister combo. I found Pilot to be the kind of big brother I wanted (minus the evil girlfriend part), and found a likeness to myself in Brie (minus the beautiful part). Dysfunctional family is the name of this game! I really enjoyed Rykken, and felt his emotional rollercoaster with his own developments and with Pilot/Brie. You really feel for the poor guy and don't understand everything with him right away.
Even though there is a lot of history to learn, I think this is probably a great set up for the rest of the series and I'm looking forward to reading Tin Soldier. The author has really taken everything in the world in to account: why the world isn't overpopulated with demiangles, which genders belong to which angel, etc. She has really thought of every detail and that makes the book very enjoyable.
The book is broken up into small chapters told, which can be told from Brie, Pilot, Rykken, or one of the older Hallow's points of view, which give this book some diversity. There is a lot of mystery and some romance in the book, so it will definitely hold your interest! Worth a read - I finished it in a few hours :).
I found the characters to be quite realistic, and if you knew me or read some of my other reviews, I LOVE it when there's a good brother/sister combo. I found Pilot to be the kind of big brother I wanted (minus the evil girlfriend part), and found a likeness to myself in Brie (minus the beautiful part). Dysfunctional family is the name of this game! I really enjoyed Rykken, and felt his emotional rollercoaster with his own developments and with Pilot/Brie. You really feel for the poor guy and don't understand everything with him right away.
Even though there is a lot of history to learn, I think this is probably a great set up for the rest of the series and I'm looking forward to reading Tin Soldier. The author has really taken everything in the world in to account: why the world isn't overpopulated with demiangles, which genders belong to which angel, etc. She has really thought of every detail and that makes the book very enjoyable.
The book is broken up into small chapters told, which can be told from Brie, Pilot, Rykken, or one of the older Hallow's points of view, which give this book some diversity. There is a lot of mystery and some romance in the book, so it will definitely hold your interest! Worth a read - I finished it in a few hours :).
February 21, 2011
Fifteen-year old Brie van Rossum wants to know what caused her mother’s death, but she’s trapped in Honolulu under the watchful eye of her rock star father, James, her overprotective older brother, Pilot, and the relentless paparazzi who would love to capture her breaking down on film. Plus there’s that complication with her brother’s best friend, Rykken.
And if things couldn’t get any stranger for her, the clue about her mother’s death finally comes in the form of four teenage girls--or at least, that’s what Brie thought when she first met them. Except they’re not normal teenagers, but Hallows--descendants of archangels and humans. Brie learns that she is a Hallow too, just like her late mother. Brie will learn she has enemies and begins to wonder if she really can trust her new found friends either. Plus there’s that complication with Rykken, as it develops into an attraction.
Silver Smoke is a Young Adult urban fantasy. It is a good story, actually starting to get better when Rykken discovers he too is a Hallow and has powers. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
And if things couldn’t get any stranger for her, the clue about her mother’s death finally comes in the form of four teenage girls--or at least, that’s what Brie thought when she first met them. Except they’re not normal teenagers, but Hallows--descendants of archangels and humans. Brie learns that she is a Hallow too, just like her late mother. Brie will learn she has enemies and begins to wonder if she really can trust her new found friends either. Plus there’s that complication with Rykken, as it develops into an attraction.
Silver Smoke is a Young Adult urban fantasy. It is a good story, actually starting to get better when Rykken discovers he too is a Hallow and has powers. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
February 21, 2011
Ugh i cant even finish this. Ive got half way and its so jumbled up and annoying i just cant force myself to finish it. The writing is poor, the story confusing and the dialogue terrible. Sorry.
February 21, 2012
***This book was given to The Book Hookup to but it did not influence the review***
♥ The beginning: I enjoyed this book and at many times I loved it. It has the potential to be a great book. The story jumped right into action as Brie and her brother Pilot are trying to get away from the paparazzi but end up crashing their father’s car…. if that wasn’t exciting enough Brie thinks she sees her mother who died 2 months earlier, and it is soon clear that magic was at work somehow. I was intrigued! Not long after the paparazzi incident many other odd things start happening and eventually Brie is made aware of who she is: a Hallow.
♥ The History: However, it was around this point that I got lost and confused with all the detail, learning the whole history of these beings, “The Hallows” and their enemies crammed into a few pages was too much. I needed it to be simpler, which (for me) would have made it flow better. I knew Brie was “a good guy” but wasn’t really sure why she was in danger and who the Hallows were fighting.
♥ The setting: Hawaii, which was very cool and different. It was not what I would have expected but it was great for a change.
♥ The bad guys/ the good guys: I have no idea…I really don’t know who is good or evil. It seemed like it flipped quite a bit and everyone had ulterior motives, or did they? This was the part I struggled with. It just wasn’t clear to me. I love it when a character I had pegged one way turns out to surprise me, but this just was all muddy. While I like to be kept guessing this went a little overboard for me, and instead of suspense I was frustrated.
♥ The romance(s): I loved, loved, loved the romance Brie has with Rykken. I could absolutely feel the chemistry. I wish there had been a little more time to enjoy it, and I nearly cried at the end!!!! This can’t be the way it is for them!! I also liked Pilot’s romance with Kennedy. I am not convinced she is all evil.
♥ Rec it? yes! It was a good read and at times hard to put down. I just needed some parts to flow better so it would be clear who was who. I will absolutely read the next one because I need to know what happens to the characters, especially Rykken and Brie, as well as Pilot and Kennedy (who I am CONVINCED is alive ;) )
♥ The beginning: I enjoyed this book and at many times I loved it. It has the potential to be a great book. The story jumped right into action as Brie and her brother Pilot are trying to get away from the paparazzi but end up crashing their father’s car…. if that wasn’t exciting enough Brie thinks she sees her mother who died 2 months earlier, and it is soon clear that magic was at work somehow. I was intrigued! Not long after the paparazzi incident many other odd things start happening and eventually Brie is made aware of who she is: a Hallow.
♥ The History: However, it was around this point that I got lost and confused with all the detail, learning the whole history of these beings, “The Hallows” and their enemies crammed into a few pages was too much. I needed it to be simpler, which (for me) would have made it flow better. I knew Brie was “a good guy” but wasn’t really sure why she was in danger and who the Hallows were fighting.
♥ The setting: Hawaii, which was very cool and different. It was not what I would have expected but it was great for a change.
♥ The bad guys/ the good guys: I have no idea…I really don’t know who is good or evil. It seemed like it flipped quite a bit and everyone had ulterior motives, or did they? This was the part I struggled with. It just wasn’t clear to me. I love it when a character I had pegged one way turns out to surprise me, but this just was all muddy. While I like to be kept guessing this went a little overboard for me, and instead of suspense I was frustrated.
♥ The romance(s): I loved, loved, loved the romance Brie has with Rykken. I could absolutely feel the chemistry. I wish there had been a little more time to enjoy it, and I nearly cried at the end!!!! This can’t be the way it is for them!! I also liked Pilot’s romance with Kennedy. I am not convinced she is all evil.
♥ Rec it? yes! It was a good read and at times hard to put down. I just needed some parts to flow better so it would be clear who was who. I will absolutely read the next one because I need to know what happens to the characters, especially Rykken and Brie, as well as Pilot and Kennedy (who I am CONVINCED is alive ;) )
February 21, 2012
***This book was given to The Book Hookup to but it did not influence the review***
Celeste’s review:
♥ The beginning: I enjoyed this book and at many times I loved it. It has the potential to be a great book. The story jumped right into action as Brie and her brother Pilot are trying to get away from the paparazzi but end up crashing their father’s car…. if that wasn’t exciting enough Brie thinks she sees her mother who died 2 months earlier, and it is soon clear that magic was at work somehow. I was intrigued! Not long after the paparazzi incident many other odd things start happening and eventually Brie is made aware of who she is: a Hallow.
♥ The History: However, it was around this point that I got lost and confused with all the detail, learning the whole history of these beings, “The Hallows” and their enemies crammed into a few pages was too much. I needed it to be simpler, which (for me) would have made it flow better. I knew Brie was “a good guy” but wasn’t really sure why she was in danger and who the Hallows were fighting.
♥ The setting: Hawaii, which was very cool and different. It was not what I would have expected but it was great for a change.
♥ The bad guys/ the good guys: I have no idea…I really don’t know who is good or evil. It seemed like it flipped quite a bit and everyone had ulterior motives, or did they? This was the part I struggled with. It just wasn’t clear to me. I love it when a character I had pegged one way turns out to surprise me, but this just was all muddy. While I like to be kept guessing this went a little overboard for me, and instead of suspense I was frustrated.
♥ The romance(s): I loved, loved, loved the romance Brie has with Rykken. I could absolutely feel the chemistry. I wish there had been a little more time to enjoy it, and I nearly cried at the end!!!! This can’t be the way it is for them!! I also liked Pilot’s romance with Kennedy. I am not convinced she is all evil.
♥ Rec it? yes! It was a good read and at times hard to put down. I just needed some parts to flow better so it would be clear who was who. I will absolutely read the next one because I need to know what happens to the characters, especially Rykken and Brie, as well as Pilot and Kennedy (who I am CONVINCED is alive ;) )
Celeste’s review:
♥ The beginning: I enjoyed this book and at many times I loved it. It has the potential to be a great book. The story jumped right into action as Brie and her brother Pilot are trying to get away from the paparazzi but end up crashing their father’s car…. if that wasn’t exciting enough Brie thinks she sees her mother who died 2 months earlier, and it is soon clear that magic was at work somehow. I was intrigued! Not long after the paparazzi incident many other odd things start happening and eventually Brie is made aware of who she is: a Hallow.
♥ The History: However, it was around this point that I got lost and confused with all the detail, learning the whole history of these beings, “The Hallows” and their enemies crammed into a few pages was too much. I needed it to be simpler, which (for me) would have made it flow better. I knew Brie was “a good guy” but wasn’t really sure why she was in danger and who the Hallows were fighting.
♥ The setting: Hawaii, which was very cool and different. It was not what I would have expected but it was great for a change.
♥ The bad guys/ the good guys: I have no idea…I really don’t know who is good or evil. It seemed like it flipped quite a bit and everyone had ulterior motives, or did they? This was the part I struggled with. It just wasn’t clear to me. I love it when a character I had pegged one way turns out to surprise me, but this just was all muddy. While I like to be kept guessing this went a little overboard for me, and instead of suspense I was frustrated.
♥ The romance(s): I loved, loved, loved the romance Brie has with Rykken. I could absolutely feel the chemistry. I wish there had been a little more time to enjoy it, and I nearly cried at the end!!!! This can’t be the way it is for them!! I also liked Pilot’s romance with Kennedy. I am not convinced she is all evil.
♥ Rec it? yes! It was a good read and at times hard to put down. I just needed some parts to flow better so it would be clear who was who. I will absolutely read the next one because I need to know what happens to the characters, especially Rykken and Brie, as well as Pilot and Kennedy (who I am CONVINCED is alive ;) )
March 6, 2012
Silver Smoke, the first in the Seven Halos series is a tales spun in intricate webs, intertwining together to form the complex world where the descendants of angles walk among us.
From the first page the reader is immersed in action and intrigue as Brie and her brother Pilot are being chased by the paparazzi, resulting in a car accident and the emergence of a mysterious woman on a motorcycle. The siblings have recently moved from New York to the Hawaii to live with their famous father, James after the tragic death of their beloved mother Melina.
The mysterious woman is Sirena, Melina's unknown sister, and she introduces Brie to the Hallows. The Hallows are descendants of the arch angel Michael and are feuding with the Nephilim whom are desandants of the arch demon Luci. While Brie discovers more about the Hallows, her brother Pilot discovers a girl whom he is instantly drawn to. He knows she seems dangerous and yet he simply can not stop from wanting to be with her. Pilot also finds an ancient book, which he is also unexplainably drawn to, containing Hawaii's myths and legends. He takes specific interest a local legend about the selkies and the shark-men after a strange incident occurs with his best friend. The booked housed an emerald dagger on the cover which pricked Rykken and then immediately disappeared. Rykken now has a crescent moon on his chest and is experiencing some very difficult changes in his life. Not to mention his love for a girl he seems to hate.
All this is just the tip of the iceberg! This book has an overwhelming amount of information for the reader to grasp. It can be frustrating reading half way through the book and still feeling confused. I found myself questioning the character's motives and explanations through the entire story. Leonelle has meant for you to be completely lost and question loyalties in order to weave a world containing Hallows, Nephilim and Trinities whose history, politics and intentions will shape the future for Brie, Pilot and Rykken.
3.8 stars for the confusing me rounded to 4 since you sparked my curiosity!!!
From the first page the reader is immersed in action and intrigue as Brie and her brother Pilot are being chased by the paparazzi, resulting in a car accident and the emergence of a mysterious woman on a motorcycle. The siblings have recently moved from New York to the Hawaii to live with their famous father, James after the tragic death of their beloved mother Melina.
The mysterious woman is Sirena, Melina's unknown sister, and she introduces Brie to the Hallows. The Hallows are descendants of the arch angel Michael and are feuding with the Nephilim whom are desandants of the arch demon Luci. While Brie discovers more about the Hallows, her brother Pilot discovers a girl whom he is instantly drawn to. He knows she seems dangerous and yet he simply can not stop from wanting to be with her. Pilot also finds an ancient book, which he is also unexplainably drawn to, containing Hawaii's myths and legends. He takes specific interest a local legend about the selkies and the shark-men after a strange incident occurs with his best friend. The booked housed an emerald dagger on the cover which pricked Rykken and then immediately disappeared. Rykken now has a crescent moon on his chest and is experiencing some very difficult changes in his life. Not to mention his love for a girl he seems to hate.
All this is just the tip of the iceberg! This book has an overwhelming amount of information for the reader to grasp. It can be frustrating reading half way through the book and still feeling confused. I found myself questioning the character's motives and explanations through the entire story. Leonelle has meant for you to be completely lost and question loyalties in order to weave a world containing Hallows, Nephilim and Trinities whose history, politics and intentions will shape the future for Brie, Pilot and Rykken.
3.8 stars for the confusing me rounded to 4 since you sparked my curiosity!!!
May 11, 2011
I need to preface this review by letting you know that I have some kind of mental block about books about angels and Nephilim. Ever since Hush, Hush, I have had a prejudice about this sub-genre. (See my first and second opinions of Hush, Hush). I think that I unfairly compare all angel books to The Mortal Instruments series, which I absolutely love. I just wanted you all to know that before I talk about Silver Smoke.
Silver Smoke is the first in a new series about different races of humans who are descended from archangels and archdemons. Some are descended from humans and demons, some from humans and angels, and some a combination of both. The races are in constant conflict with each other, and Brie and Pilot (our sister and brother main characters) get caught up in the middle of it.
I thought Leonelle's world building was very good. The premise of the story was different in that there were more layers than the typical angel versus demon story. The politics of the angel world were interesting and added depth to the story.
I also liked that there were two blossoming romances in the story. I always love reading about characters falling in love, so to read two love stories was a treat. Well, actually it was one love story, and one evil seduction, but I don't want to give too much away.
Silver Smoke felt too long to me. Leonelle has so much detail in the story (which I do like), but it makes for a long book. I felt like the book started to drag in the middle, then it picked back up again to make a strong finish. The other thing that I had trouble with was that there are a lot of characters. I started to get the Hallows girls confused and had trouble keeping them straight. Some of this may be because I have really bad 'mommy brain' and can only read a few pages at a time. So, it takes me longer to read books and I tend to forget details along the way.
I would recommend Silver Smoke to fans of paranormal YA. Fans of angel books (such as Unearthly, Angelfire, Halo, and Hush, Hush) will love it!
Silver Smoke is the first in a new series about different races of humans who are descended from archangels and archdemons. Some are descended from humans and demons, some from humans and angels, and some a combination of both. The races are in constant conflict with each other, and Brie and Pilot (our sister and brother main characters) get caught up in the middle of it.
I thought Leonelle's world building was very good. The premise of the story was different in that there were more layers than the typical angel versus demon story. The politics of the angel world were interesting and added depth to the story.
I also liked that there were two blossoming romances in the story. I always love reading about characters falling in love, so to read two love stories was a treat. Well, actually it was one love story, and one evil seduction, but I don't want to give too much away.
Silver Smoke felt too long to me. Leonelle has so much detail in the story (which I do like), but it makes for a long book. I felt like the book started to drag in the middle, then it picked back up again to make a strong finish. The other thing that I had trouble with was that there are a lot of characters. I started to get the Hallows girls confused and had trouble keeping them straight. Some of this may be because I have really bad 'mommy brain' and can only read a few pages at a time. So, it takes me longer to read books and I tend to forget details along the way.
I would recommend Silver Smoke to fans of paranormal YA. Fans of angel books (such as Unearthly, Angelfire, Halo, and Hush, Hush) will love it!
December 22, 2011
In Silver Smoke I found myself immersed in a complex and multi-layered paranormal world with distinct characters. Brie, a fifteen-year old girl discovers that she's a supernatural being and must fight a destiny that threatens who she is and her newfound love.
Brie's life is as much a blessing as it is curse. Her mother's recent death shook her world in more ways than she could imagine. She and her brother Pilot are sent to Honolulu to live with their father. James cares for them but doesn't really know how to be a father. Living in a foreign place under the limelight of her famous father only serves to bring her resentment and helplessness of her circumstances to the surface. She's angry, confused and frankly, not an easy character to like. Considering her situation, her behavior is not unexpected. The good thing is that Brie has a lot of room to grow and I was glad to see this gradually happen. In time I came to understand her and see where she was coming from. Brie's discovery gives her a sense of purpose, especially when she learns her mother's death may not be an accident.
The world is a complex one. The supernatural part has the New Order governing a race comprised of the Hallows, Trinities and Nephilim. An ancient feud exists between them with destiny hinting that a young group of teenagers will shift the order of things. Brie finds herself in the midst of all this. Despite being a Hallow, in many ways Brie is still down to earth and very relatable. She's a teenager who wants to claim her independence, longs to belong and experiences love. There is good friction between Brie and Rykken, with him becoming an important person in her life.
An exotic setting, a unique world and supernatural race makes for an interesting story that I found overwhelming at times. It's rich in detail so it's worthwhile to pay attention and see the pieces come together. Now that I've met these characters and discovered their world, I'm more curious than ever to see what the future lies for them, especially for Brie and Rykken.
Brie's life is as much a blessing as it is curse. Her mother's recent death shook her world in more ways than she could imagine. She and her brother Pilot are sent to Honolulu to live with their father. James cares for them but doesn't really know how to be a father. Living in a foreign place under the limelight of her famous father only serves to bring her resentment and helplessness of her circumstances to the surface. She's angry, confused and frankly, not an easy character to like. Considering her situation, her behavior is not unexpected. The good thing is that Brie has a lot of room to grow and I was glad to see this gradually happen. In time I came to understand her and see where she was coming from. Brie's discovery gives her a sense of purpose, especially when she learns her mother's death may not be an accident.
The world is a complex one. The supernatural part has the New Order governing a race comprised of the Hallows, Trinities and Nephilim. An ancient feud exists between them with destiny hinting that a young group of teenagers will shift the order of things. Brie finds herself in the midst of all this. Despite being a Hallow, in many ways Brie is still down to earth and very relatable. She's a teenager who wants to claim her independence, longs to belong and experiences love. There is good friction between Brie and Rykken, with him becoming an important person in her life.
An exotic setting, a unique world and supernatural race makes for an interesting story that I found overwhelming at times. It's rich in detail so it's worthwhile to pay attention and see the pieces come together. Now that I've met these characters and discovered their world, I'm more curious than ever to see what the future lies for them, especially for Brie and Rykken.
June 1, 2011
*I received Silver Smoke by Monica Leonelle from Sun Daughter Press in ebook format for free.
The mythology in this novel is much more developed than in other angel novels I've read (Hush, Hush & Fallen). I liked the concept of the Hallows and the Trinities. Hopefully in the next installment the Nephilim will be more predominant, because they are the part of the mythological backdrop that was the least fleshed out. The politics of the Hallows was interesting and I imagine that will be expanded on as well. Some of the mystical elements seemed inspired by Harry Potter but they were tweaked enough to be their own concepts.
The three main character had realistic flaws and some nice depth. Pilot's insecurities were great, and the chemistry between Brie and Rykken was fantastic for the first half of the novel. I was less impressed with the second half of the novel in terms of character development because everything was reactions to external forces rather than the nice inner conflict of the introduction. Even once I know a character I want to see their personality shine through the action.
Minor characters were less believable. I thought Tessa needed more substance and Serena felt tacked in. Rykken's story was the most compelling, and I will read on in the series to see what becomes of him.I really liked the names in this book, they were unique and original.
The mythology in this novel is much more developed than in other angel novels I've read (Hush, Hush & Fallen). I liked the concept of the Hallows and the Trinities. Hopefully in the next installment the Nephilim will be more predominant, because they are the part of the mythological backdrop that was the least fleshed out. The politics of the Hallows was interesting and I imagine that will be expanded on as well. Some of the mystical elements seemed inspired by Harry Potter but they were tweaked enough to be their own concepts.
The three main character had realistic flaws and some nice depth. Pilot's insecurities were great, and the chemistry between Brie and Rykken was fantastic for the first half of the novel. I was less impressed with the second half of the novel in terms of character development because everything was reactions to external forces rather than the nice inner conflict of the introduction. Even once I know a character I want to see their personality shine through the action.
Minor characters were less believable. I thought Tessa needed more substance and Serena felt tacked in. Rykken's story was the most compelling, and I will read on in the series to see what becomes of him.I really liked the names in this book, they were unique and original.
February 7, 2012
Following the death of her mother Brie van Rossum and her brother Pilot are sent to live with their rock star father in Hawaii. There Brie meets the Hallows and discovers that she’s a part of their secret world and the descendent of the archangel Michael. But things aren’t always what they seem, and she struggles to deal with the truth as more and more secrets are revealed.
Silver Smoke was one of those books that I couldn’t put down…literally. (I read the entire thing this afternoon.) The main characters were complex and realistically flawed and their relationships with each other were well developed and constantly changing. The mythological background created was well defined and carefully crafted to pull you in and keep you interested.
I did feel that Leonelle got a bit over descriptive at times. I found myself skimming several times to get past the inner musings and dragging descriptions to get to the good stuff. I think she could’ve slimmed the book down by a hundred pages and it wouldn’t have affected the quality of the story at all. Still, she pulled me in and held me captive until I’d read the entire thing. I look forward to reading the second
Silver Smoke was one of those books that I couldn’t put down…literally. (I read the entire thing this afternoon.) The main characters were complex and realistically flawed and their relationships with each other were well developed and constantly changing. The mythological background created was well defined and carefully crafted to pull you in and keep you interested.
I did feel that Leonelle got a bit over descriptive at times. I found myself skimming several times to get past the inner musings and dragging descriptions to get to the good stuff. I think she could’ve slimmed the book down by a hundred pages and it wouldn’t have affected the quality of the story at all. Still, she pulled me in and held me captive until I’d read the entire thing. I look forward to reading the second
January 4, 2012
Prepare to immerse yourself in a supernatural world with this fun YA read! The mix of mythology and religion is a new twist in the fantasy world, and the character names are different and interesting. I love that the author provides deleted scenes online, to continue to flow of story and dialog between the reader and the characters in the book. There were a couple of minor editing errors, but nothing big enough to detract from the story. The plot was also a bit predictable, but that generally happens in the YA genre when an adult is the reader. I really enjoyed this book, and look forward to the next book in the series!
June 11, 2017
I got this book because I won a copy of the sequel. I thought Tin Soldier was the first of the series, although I'm not sure how I confused the two... Anyway when I realized it, I wanted to read the first book before the second arrived and I wish I'd taken my time. Now I have to wait for the sequel when I'm so full of anxiety! This is a great story I am looking forward to finishing. The only issue I had was that the change in perspective bothered me a bit. By the end of the book I was used to it and appreciated the different points of view, however, in the beginning, I was a bit confused by it. Other than that, I really did enjoy the story and can't wait to see what happens next!
March 30, 2012
I really liked this fun book. The characters were interesting - a little angsty but I feel like that's just expected in this type of story, and I had enough sympathy for them that I didn't mind. There were several plot holes/unexplained points that will hopefully be addressed in the sequel, but the story is fast-paced enough and the building of the Hallow world is done well enough that I could easily overlook the parts that were unclear. Overall, the type of book where you don't need to think too much, and you can just sit back and enjoy the ride. Looking forward to the next one!
March 5, 2012
Very good book! At first I had a little trouble getting into it because I felt the characters did not have as much depth as I wanted, and the emotions (although of teenagers) were often so unstable it was hard to connect with them. Soon after, the originality of the story and the tension in created within me made it nearly impossible to stop reading! I really love the story and I can't wait to read the next one!
November 21, 2011
This book was a page-turner. The Order kept the book fast-paced and intriguing while the idea of a "Hallow" was slightly confusing, however, it is also an interesting idea. The characters, especially the main character, were well developed and were easy to relate too. There was plenty of action and drama in this book and it is well-suited for a young adult.
April 6, 2011
A really good story that I am looking forward to reading more about. I was a bit confused with all the chracters, I seriously thought they were never going to end. There were so many for me to remember everything about! I was a bit dissapointed with Sirenas vision at the end about Rykken because I was rooting for him and someone else obviously. Interesting powers as well.
December 23, 2011
I really did not know what to expect with this book but was pleasantly surprised from beginning to end. I literally could not put this book down. It was multi layered in the story line and at times challenged me to think which I loved! I am super excited to read the next one and see where this story goes!
December 6, 2011
I bought this book the second it was released, and there are no regrets. This book was amazing, from front to back, it has everything you could want and more.Romance, mystery, sibling relationship drama, gorgeous history. Probably one of the best book I've read in years. And I read A LOT =)
January 26, 2012
This book starts off with a bit of a mystery - who is Brie and how is she like the cheerleaders? She ends up being extraordinary, which ends up being a blessing and a curse. This book keeps the interest, is unpredictable, and it's hard to put it down.
February 6, 2012
I loved this book. I enjoy Young Adult books and this is a particularly good one. Silver Smoke has a complex plot line, great characters and the writing is brisk and crisp. It's wonderful that this is the first book in a series! Woo Hoo!
February 20, 2012
ridiculously AMAZING !!!!
August 6, 2016
I really enjoyed this book. I liked the twist dealing with Nephilim, Hallows, and Trinities. The forbidden love. Can't wait to read the next book of the series, The Tin Solider.
January 15, 2012
It was pretty good.
February 4, 2016
The story opens with Brie and her brother Pilot being chased by paparazzi. Brie thinks she sees her mother among them, the only thing is, her mother died months ago; thus begins, Silver Smoke.
It started off with a bit of a bang – Brie is almost immediately inducted into a secret group called the Hallows. The Hallows are nephilim (offspring of angels and humans) and they have special powers, the interesting thing though is, Brie seems to have powers while Pilot doesn’t. There is also Rykken, Pilot’s best friend, who seems to have issues of his own.
There are a lot of things going on in this novel, powers discovered, training to be done, mysteries to uncover and a whole new set of world rules to introduce, to be quite honest I found it very overwhelming. I felt as though this single book had enough information for two books, and in a way, that might have worked better. Due to the amount of information, there were times when some of the characters and storylines got lost.
I find it difficult to explain much of the fantasy side of the story, from reading it seems that there are a few mythical elements. There is the Hallows, the Silver Smoke (the villains) and then there is the story of the shark men and the selkies – another representation of Hallows and Silver Smoke. I wasn’t sure why there needed to be two different telling of the same myth in the same book, for a while I had a bit of trouble keeping it all straight.
I do admire Monica Leonelle’s imagination and the direction she took these myths. She did a great job in making them her own and in describing her world; however, I felt that character development lost to world building. I didn’t find myself caring about any of the main characters and the minor characters were very forgettable, so while I liked reading about the world it was hard for me to pay attention to what the characters were doing.
Though the book was called Silver Smoke, the group itself wasn’t the focus of the story so I didn’t feel the story was resolved. I’m also hoping that the Silver Smoke organization can be elaborated on in the next novel. There is definitely a lot to tell, I’m hoping the other novels are a bit lighter on the world building and heavier on the character building.
It started off with a bit of a bang – Brie is almost immediately inducted into a secret group called the Hallows. The Hallows are nephilim (offspring of angels and humans) and they have special powers, the interesting thing though is, Brie seems to have powers while Pilot doesn’t. There is also Rykken, Pilot’s best friend, who seems to have issues of his own.
There are a lot of things going on in this novel, powers discovered, training to be done, mysteries to uncover and a whole new set of world rules to introduce, to be quite honest I found it very overwhelming. I felt as though this single book had enough information for two books, and in a way, that might have worked better. Due to the amount of information, there were times when some of the characters and storylines got lost.
I find it difficult to explain much of the fantasy side of the story, from reading it seems that there are a few mythical elements. There is the Hallows, the Silver Smoke (the villains) and then there is the story of the shark men and the selkies – another representation of Hallows and Silver Smoke. I wasn’t sure why there needed to be two different telling of the same myth in the same book, for a while I had a bit of trouble keeping it all straight.
I do admire Monica Leonelle’s imagination and the direction she took these myths. She did a great job in making them her own and in describing her world; however, I felt that character development lost to world building. I didn’t find myself caring about any of the main characters and the minor characters were very forgettable, so while I liked reading about the world it was hard for me to pay attention to what the characters were doing.
Though the book was called Silver Smoke, the group itself wasn’t the focus of the story so I didn’t feel the story was resolved. I’m also hoping that the Silver Smoke organization can be elaborated on in the next novel. There is definitely a lot to tell, I’m hoping the other novels are a bit lighter on the world building and heavier on the character building.
June 23, 2012
To begin, I read this book because I won the second in the series. Honestly, I am amazed that I finished it and I almost gave up on it several times. The storyline is antagonizingly slow and never really goes anywhere. Brie, the main character, is a spoiled, whiny, impulsive child. Pilot starts the book as the older, wiser brother that has a handle on the situation only to throw his hands up and stop caring about anything but himself and his psycho girlfriend. I liked Rykken, but he seems to think that his 'poor, neglected me' background means that he shouldn't fight for what he wants because he is undeserving. There were some glimmers of promise in the story, but they fizzled out before they were fully realized.
As a parent of a pre-teen it sickens me to hear that a majority of the talk surrounding the high school revolves around sex. Who is looking for the 'young lay', who is with who. For a bunch of 15-17 year olds they are all very versed on what they are doing and what they want. Brie is 15 and is apparently the most desired girl in school. Really?
Finally, I read the ebook and I am wondering if the author had anyone else read and/or edit this book before it was published. There were several half finished sentences, repeated sentences, and one case where Brie mentioned just finding out about something in the chapter BEFORE she actually found out about it. Honestly, the worst book I've ever read in that respect. The entire book felt like a series of ideas that were thrown in as they came up, regardless of what was said earlier in the book. First people had no powers, then they were decendants of the most powerful, then they had no powers, then they had bound powers, etc., depending on what was happening in the story at the time.
Overall, I would not recommend this book.
As a parent of a pre-teen it sickens me to hear that a majority of the talk surrounding the high school revolves around sex. Who is looking for the 'young lay', who is with who. For a bunch of 15-17 year olds they are all very versed on what they are doing and what they want. Brie is 15 and is apparently the most desired girl in school. Really?
Finally, I read the ebook and I am wondering if the author had anyone else read and/or edit this book before it was published. There were several half finished sentences, repeated sentences, and one case where Brie mentioned just finding out about something in the chapter BEFORE she actually found out about it. Honestly, the worst book I've ever read in that respect. The entire book felt like a series of ideas that were thrown in as they came up, regardless of what was said earlier in the book. First people had no powers, then they were decendants of the most powerful, then they had no powers, then they had bound powers, etc., depending on what was happening in the story at the time.
Overall, I would not recommend this book.
February 24, 2012
There was a lot to like and a some to dislike about this book. The setting was interesting, you don't hear of many paranormal fantasy books taking place in Hawaii. The writing was also pretty good, and the story kept me reading till late at night to see what happened next. I also enjoyed the characters, except for Pilot, he came off as being very manipulative of his sister without giving much back. Overall, he was just a very unlikeable character for me.
The other thing that was slightly annoying was all the history of this series! I mean, I thought it was nice that it was such a detailed story, but sometimes it just got a little complicated. When your hearing about Thessa's past for instance, you have to go back and read it 3 times just to make sure you've placed her in the right family tree. I found it to be unnecessarily complex, and sometimes it reads more like a textbook then fiction.
However, despite it's flaws I'm very interested to read the next book in this series. With the dark history and possible dark future, I'm very curious to know what happens next. I'm going to hold off any strong negative/positive feelings and recommendations on this book until I read the second. Overall I think it has the potential to be a great series, it's just sometimes potential isn't met. This feels like one of those books that could go either way to me, hopefully it goes the good way!
The other thing that was slightly annoying was all the history of this series! I mean, I thought it was nice that it was such a detailed story, but sometimes it just got a little complicated. When your hearing about Thessa's past for instance, you have to go back and read it 3 times just to make sure you've placed her in the right family tree. I found it to be unnecessarily complex, and sometimes it reads more like a textbook then fiction.
However, despite it's flaws I'm very interested to read the next book in this series. With the dark history and possible dark future, I'm very curious to know what happens next. I'm going to hold off any strong negative/positive feelings and recommendations on this book until I read the second. Overall I think it has the potential to be a great series, it's just sometimes potential isn't met. This feels like one of those books that could go either way to me, hopefully it goes the good way!
December 2, 2011
This was a book I read back in the summer, and I'm just now reviewing it. I forgot I read this book, which doesn't bode well for how I thought it was. In all honesty, It wasn't that bad...But it wasn't that great either. That is why I gave it 3 stars, it was a fast read but very forgettable.
I liked the characters for the most part and felt they were written well. I haven't read that many books that deal with angels, and I liked that part of the book.
Overall, I liked it and will maybe continue with the second book, but it isn't at the top of my To Read pile.
I liked the characters for the most part and felt they were written well. I haven't read that many books that deal with angels, and I liked that part of the book.
Overall, I liked it and will maybe continue with the second book, but it isn't at the top of my To Read pile.
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