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In The Devil's Own Words, Catedral Cronicles
Moving house has become a way of life for fifteen year old Isobel Miller; her father is an Army Major, her mother, a middle aged, pregnant, chain smoking alcholic! but the move to the village of Langham could be the straw that broke the camels back! To the truculent teenager it might as well have been to 'Timbuktu'. Resentful of the baby, angry with her mother for dragging her away from civilisation to live in a village which has no street lighting let alone any decent shops.
The only light in her miserable existence, her grandfather, story-teller elite, her saviour. And when one of his macabre tales is mentioned in the local paper Isobel is drawn into the depths of evil and devil worship. Her world, and that of everyone around her turns on its axis.
The cause, a mysterious book, an omen, which once opened and read starts a cataclysmic chain of events and their lives are filled with tragedy and disaster. Salvation comes in the guise of three teenagers-Peter, Qswald and Ariel and the four form an alliance. A bond so strong nothing, can tear apart-nothing except maybe the devil himself...!
The only light in her miserable existence, her grandfather, story-teller elite, her saviour. And when one of his macabre tales is mentioned in the local paper Isobel is drawn into the depths of evil and devil worship. Her world, and that of everyone around her turns on its axis.
The cause, a mysterious book, an omen, which once opened and read starts a cataclysmic chain of events and their lives are filled with tragedy and disaster. Salvation comes in the guise of three teenagers-Peter, Qswald and Ariel and the four form an alliance. A bond so strong nothing, can tear apart-nothing except maybe the devil himself...!
Unknown Binding
First published July 19, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
no-way
January 31, 2015Group spamming and what looks like reviewing her own books/referring to her own book as 5* = no way
And let's not even mention the dozens of five star reviews... mainly from authors... who mainly give five star reviews... I may be barking up the wrong tree, but somehow I think not.
I totally understand promotion, but posting as if you're a reader reviewing a book that actually you wrote? Listing it as 5* as though it's someone else's book? And doing this over and over again? Annoying.
For an idea of what I mean, see:
https://www.goodreads.com/group/72929...
https://www.goodreads.com/group/93273...
https://www.goodreads.com/group/11079...
https://www.goodreads.com/group/11673...
https://www.goodreads.com/group/52937...
https://www.goodreads.com/group/11455...
https://www.goodreads.com/group/13599...
https://www.goodreads.com/group/29900...
https://www.goodreads.com/group/11056...
https://www.goodreads.com/group/65690...
https://www.goodreads.com/group/12677...
https://www.goodreads.com/group/62450...
https://www.goodreads.com/group/10650...
There's probably more, but I've spent enough time on this. I might've read the books. Now I definitely won't.
And let's not even mention the dozens of five star reviews... mainly from authors... who mainly give five star reviews... I may be barking up the wrong tree, but somehow I think not.
I totally understand promotion, but posting as if you're a reader reviewing a book that actually you wrote? Listing it as 5* as though it's someone else's book? And doing this over and over again? Annoying.
For an idea of what I mean, see:
https://www.goodreads.com/group/72929...
https://www.goodreads.com/group/93273...
https://www.goodreads.com/group/11079...
https://www.goodreads.com/group/11673...
https://www.goodreads.com/group/52937...
https://www.goodreads.com/group/11455...
https://www.goodreads.com/group/13599...
https://www.goodreads.com/group/29900...
https://www.goodreads.com/group/11056...
https://www.goodreads.com/group/65690...
https://www.goodreads.com/group/12677...
https://www.goodreads.com/group/62450...
https://www.goodreads.com/group/10650...
There's probably more, but I've spent enough time on this. I might've read the books. Now I definitely won't.
February 9, 2020
I got this one for an honest review.
Now I'm getting to see that with this author for some reason I get to like the endings a lot, but at some point at the beginning of the story it's a little hard to follow all the things that are happening.
The story is interesting nonetheless just you will need to get past the confusion and all the things happening too fast at times.
Overall it's entertaining.
Now I'm getting to see that with this author for some reason I get to like the endings a lot, but at some point at the beginning of the story it's a little hard to follow all the things that are happening.
The story is interesting nonetheless just you will need to get past the confusion and all the things happening too fast at times.
Overall it's entertaining.
January 9, 2018
A brilliant apocalyptic tale! There are so many dynamics to this story it is very hard to sum it up in just a few sentences. The primary character in the story is a girl named Isobel who moves to a new town and is having a hard time adjusting until she meets two other teens, Peter and Ozwald. They become good friends which as the story takes a more diabolical turn pits them together against an evil force threatening to destroy the world as we know it. If you've ever read the book of Revelations there are similarities here to an end of the world battle between good and evil. The evil forces choose a human leader, a bishop named Francis, who kind of reminded me of the antichrist based on his rise to power and his insidiously gross acts of deprivation. In the story he comes across a powerful book written by the devil. This book is very important to the story. In fact finding it becomes a quest for the teenagers later in the story.
This was an easy read, the writing was very concise and descriptive. There were a few errors here and there but nothing that distracted from the story itself. I think a reader who is into fantasy would really appreciate this book. I also think the author did an amazing job.
This was an easy read, the writing was very concise and descriptive. There were a few errors here and there but nothing that distracted from the story itself. I think a reader who is into fantasy would really appreciate this book. I also think the author did an amazing job.
January 12, 2020
Apocalyptic young adult is one of my go-to genres and In the Devil's Own Words is a great example of why! There's a lot going on in this one which makes it read a bit older (my personal opinion). The action - the adventure - the paranormal aspects are all on point! I'm glad I picked this one up!
March 19, 2013
Are you getting a little tired of apocalyptic novels? So was I--until I read Elizabeth Wixley's "In the Devil's Own Words." A combination of the author's fertile imagination and life experience revitalizes an old subgenre.
I now realize I can't do justice to the originality of this novel without ruining the surprise from some of the plot twists...and there are many. Initially I felt Ms. Wixley might sometimes give too much away, as when Bishop's Francis's intent is revealed very rapidly. What I did not know is that the events that are revealed are just the tip of the proverbial iceberg. More than once I found myself jolted out of my smug sense of certainty about what was going to happen next. By the end I knew better than to even try to guess. Instead, I just let the story engulf me.
Yet, as full of surprises as the plot is, what really appeals to me most about this novel is the characters, particularly Isobel, Peter, and Ozzy, the unlikely group of teenage friends who find themselves adventuring together. If you read Ms. Wixley's biographical note at the end, you will discover that she has worked with struggling adolescents, and perhaps some of this experience plays a role in the realistic development of her teenage characters. At first one might think that they get together too quickly, but in fact all three, even the tough Isobel, are looking for somewhere to belong. Since they all three have the same needs, they naturally gravitate together fairly quickly. Once they are together, they make a memorable example of friendship, as well as a memorable team for plot purposes.
Of course, no piece of writing is perfect. I did find Isobel's mother somewhat inconsistent, though she is consistent in not knowing how to mother Isobel, which is certainly her most plot critical characteristic. I also thought that the dialogue occasional sounds just a touch too formal. (Even the teens seldom use contractions.) That said, I am eagerly awaiting the next novels in the series. Ms. Wixley does more than revitalize a subgenre. She creates a believable alternate world with a complete and compelling mythos of its own. I can hardly wait to enter this world again!
I now realize I can't do justice to the originality of this novel without ruining the surprise from some of the plot twists...and there are many. Initially I felt Ms. Wixley might sometimes give too much away, as when Bishop's Francis's intent is revealed very rapidly. What I did not know is that the events that are revealed are just the tip of the proverbial iceberg. More than once I found myself jolted out of my smug sense of certainty about what was going to happen next. By the end I knew better than to even try to guess. Instead, I just let the story engulf me.
Yet, as full of surprises as the plot is, what really appeals to me most about this novel is the characters, particularly Isobel, Peter, and Ozzy, the unlikely group of teenage friends who find themselves adventuring together. If you read Ms. Wixley's biographical note at the end, you will discover that she has worked with struggling adolescents, and perhaps some of this experience plays a role in the realistic development of her teenage characters. At first one might think that they get together too quickly, but in fact all three, even the tough Isobel, are looking for somewhere to belong. Since they all three have the same needs, they naturally gravitate together fairly quickly. Once they are together, they make a memorable example of friendship, as well as a memorable team for plot purposes.
Of course, no piece of writing is perfect. I did find Isobel's mother somewhat inconsistent, though she is consistent in not knowing how to mother Isobel, which is certainly her most plot critical characteristic. I also thought that the dialogue occasional sounds just a touch too formal. (Even the teens seldom use contractions.) That said, I am eagerly awaiting the next novels in the series. Ms. Wixley does more than revitalize a subgenre. She creates a believable alternate world with a complete and compelling mythos of its own. I can hardly wait to enter this world again!
August 4, 2019
What an absolute mess of a book.
None of the characters in this book ever really feel developed, and this makes it very hard for the reader to care when things abruptly happen to them in the story.
What we do know about characters doesn't matter because characters only act the way they are described when it is convenient. For example, Peter is described as having glasses and asthma. This, of course, means that he's a big nerd and can't even go for a walk without getting winded, but when his parents die and he wants to go on a suicide mission, we are supposed to believe that he's capable of killing the demons that slaughtered the British army. This really makes it hard to care about Peter at all.
The pacing was also horrible; things just happen without ever being explained or elaborated on. In the middle of the book, the main villain introduces a plague that kills off half the population in the entire planet. It is only briefly and casually mentioned, and doesn't seem to have any effect on the story. It just is a thing that happens to exist in this universe, and that is a complaint that can be made of a lot of what happens in this book. Things just kind of happen there is no pay off or build up, and things that could be really cool end up feeling really stupid.
My final grievance is that narration is distracting. The first three chapters of this book faithfully follow the thoughts of three different central characters, with each chapter introducing a new character and only following events through their perspective. After the third chapter, the book decides it would be easier to cram more 'things' into each chapter if it switched between the perspective of characters at a whim in the middle of each chapter. This is incredibly jarring, especially when it starts following characters in completely different locations doing things completely separate from the previous characters. There's also several instances where two opposing characters meet in the book and we are given both of their perspectives, this removing any potential suspense that would have been created from not informing the audience if the intentions of both parties.
None of the characters in this book ever really feel developed, and this makes it very hard for the reader to care when things abruptly happen to them in the story.
What we do know about characters doesn't matter because characters only act the way they are described when it is convenient. For example, Peter is described as having glasses and asthma. This, of course, means that he's a big nerd and can't even go for a walk without getting winded, but when his parents die and he wants to go on a suicide mission, we are supposed to believe that he's capable of killing the demons that slaughtered the British army. This really makes it hard to care about Peter at all.
The pacing was also horrible; things just happen without ever being explained or elaborated on. In the middle of the book, the main villain introduces a plague that kills off half the population in the entire planet. It is only briefly and casually mentioned, and doesn't seem to have any effect on the story. It just is a thing that happens to exist in this universe, and that is a complaint that can be made of a lot of what happens in this book. Things just kind of happen there is no pay off or build up, and things that could be really cool end up feeling really stupid.
My final grievance is that narration is distracting. The first three chapters of this book faithfully follow the thoughts of three different central characters, with each chapter introducing a new character and only following events through their perspective. After the third chapter, the book decides it would be easier to cram more 'things' into each chapter if it switched between the perspective of characters at a whim in the middle of each chapter. This is incredibly jarring, especially when it starts following characters in completely different locations doing things completely separate from the previous characters. There's also several instances where two opposing characters meet in the book and we are given both of their perspectives, this removing any potential suspense that would have been created from not informing the audience if the intentions of both parties.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 22, 2019
I received this book for free. I am voluntarily leaving this review and all opinions expressed herein are my own.
This is one book in the series Cathedral Chronicles. It involves a 15-year-old Isobel, who has moved to a new town - that is small and has nothing going on. But fairly quickly, she joins a group to fight an oncoming acopalypse caused by a book written by the Devil. This is geared towards a YA audience but there is enough here to keep adults interested. I liked the premise but I just didn't love the execution as a lot happens; there are a lot of characters; I did not really connect with any of the characters; and there are a lot of loose ends...
I listened to this book -- Several reviewers noted a problem with the audio. I did not experience the "echoey" or "tin can," although I felt the volume was a little low for me to listen in my car. I really liked the narrator, Clive Johnson. I would happily listen to another book narrated by him. He has a good tone and pace.
This is one book in the series Cathedral Chronicles. It involves a 15-year-old Isobel, who has moved to a new town - that is small and has nothing going on. But fairly quickly, she joins a group to fight an oncoming acopalypse caused by a book written by the Devil. This is geared towards a YA audience but there is enough here to keep adults interested. I liked the premise but I just didn't love the execution as a lot happens; there are a lot of characters; I did not really connect with any of the characters; and there are a lot of loose ends...
I listened to this book -- Several reviewers noted a problem with the audio. I did not experience the "echoey" or "tin can," although I felt the volume was a little low for me to listen in my car. I really liked the narrator, Clive Johnson. I would happily listen to another book narrated by him. He has a good tone and pace.
March 4, 2018
Evil can be touched. An ancient book filled with darkness has been hidden from the world for centuries. But a chance find has brought the book back into the light and once opened the world will never be the same again. Armageddon is real, and it begins in the sleepy village of Langham.
In the Devil's Own Words: Cathedral Chronicles by E.M.G. Wixley is a fast-paced dystopian novel filled with action and adventure. Our brave young protagonists, battle impossible odds to save the world and everyone who was in it.
I adored the characterisation of Isabel, although she did take some warming to. She starts out as a very angry young woman, which various issues. But as the story progresses, her strength of character and her courage gives hope to those who have none. Peter, was a well portrayed young man, who is brave, courageous and kind. Along with Oswald, a character who is trapped between life and death as well as centuries, they attempt to find the book and close the door on the Devil. Their story drove this book forward. They face impossible odds, and at times they are discouraged, but somehow they find the strength to carry on. Their desperation shines through in writing. And it kept me turning those pages as they find themselves facing one horror after another.
The evil antagonist, Frances, the Bishop of Dover, is not so much a man of God as the man of the Devil. His greed for power takes a very sinister turn when his hands fall upon the book. He becomes everything that a man of God should not be. A totalitarian dictator. A twisted body filled with hate. I thought E.M.G. Wixley portrayed the Bishop incredibly well and he was frighteningly realistic and believable.
This is a great story, and I can't wait to get my hands on book #2!
In the Devil's Own Words: Cathedral Chronicles by E.M.G. Wixley is a fast-paced dystopian novel filled with action and adventure. Our brave young protagonists, battle impossible odds to save the world and everyone who was in it.
I adored the characterisation of Isabel, although she did take some warming to. She starts out as a very angry young woman, which various issues. But as the story progresses, her strength of character and her courage gives hope to those who have none. Peter, was a well portrayed young man, who is brave, courageous and kind. Along with Oswald, a character who is trapped between life and death as well as centuries, they attempt to find the book and close the door on the Devil. Their story drove this book forward. They face impossible odds, and at times they are discouraged, but somehow they find the strength to carry on. Their desperation shines through in writing. And it kept me turning those pages as they find themselves facing one horror after another.
The evil antagonist, Frances, the Bishop of Dover, is not so much a man of God as the man of the Devil. His greed for power takes a very sinister turn when his hands fall upon the book. He becomes everything that a man of God should not be. A totalitarian dictator. A twisted body filled with hate. I thought E.M.G. Wixley portrayed the Bishop incredibly well and he was frighteningly realistic and believable.
This is a great story, and I can't wait to get my hands on book #2!
June 22, 2019
I read some of the previous reviews and I have to say I didn't experience the problems in sound quality. In fact the quality is quite good. I listened from the audible app on my phone and my car. Either the problems are fixed or their devices have issues.
This wasn't the first book from Wixley that I've read, in fact I listened to the entire Witchfinder series so I knew what to expect; an imagination that knows no boundaries and a horrifying ride. All that is up my alley. This author's imagination never ceases to amaze me. This story reminded me of a more twisted Lord of the Rings instead of middle earth they venture into another world filled with monsters and creatures only created in Wixley's mind.
The pace of the story is quick and there are lots of important details so if you miss anything you'll need to backtrack. The pacing keeps my mind at attention. The world building and characterization are phenomenal. The narrator really fits the story and he keeps up well with the pacing. This isn't the first book he's narrated that I've listened to and his voice is always a pleasure.
For horror and fantasy buffs I highly recommend this book! On to book 2 in the series!
This wasn't the first book from Wixley that I've read, in fact I listened to the entire Witchfinder series so I knew what to expect; an imagination that knows no boundaries and a horrifying ride. All that is up my alley. This author's imagination never ceases to amaze me. This story reminded me of a more twisted Lord of the Rings instead of middle earth they venture into another world filled with monsters and creatures only created in Wixley's mind.
The pace of the story is quick and there are lots of important details so if you miss anything you'll need to backtrack. The pacing keeps my mind at attention. The world building and characterization are phenomenal. The narrator really fits the story and he keeps up well with the pacing. This isn't the first book he's narrated that I've listened to and his voice is always a pleasure.
For horror and fantasy buffs I highly recommend this book! On to book 2 in the series!
September 16, 2018
This was a very dark and very imaginative audiobook. A girl and her family (Army family) move to the country, much to Isobel's disgust. How can a girl such as she live in a place like this? Then, it really gets crazy! There's a book that could literally cause the world's destruction by the devil himself. And it does. And it sucks. There's a lot going on, all kinds of dark and mysterious creatures are in play, and everything works well together as the author creates a fantastic and dark world. Isobel teams up with three others who must take action to save the world. There are evil foes in their way, and will stop at nothing to destroy them, and the world.
Writing and narration were great!!! Really liked it, and was drawn into the story effortlessly and didn't let me go until the end. Very complicated, very dark, gripping!
I knew going in there were "sound issues," and didn't hold that against the book itself.
I'm a fan.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Writing and narration were great!!! Really liked it, and was drawn into the story effortlessly and didn't let me go until the end. Very complicated, very dark, gripping!
I knew going in there were "sound issues," and didn't hold that against the book itself.
I'm a fan.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
March 29, 2018
Many twists and turns
Moving house is normal for Isobel Miller who is a dissatisfied teen and the author portrays her as the typical teenager which was beliviable and just like all teenagers at times I did find Isobel annoying but she wouldn't be a teenager otherwise.
When Isobel moves yet again she finds it hard to adjust untill she meets two new friends and the story starts to unfold more.
A great apocalyptic story which sees Isobel and her new friends fighting against evil to save the world.
There is many characters to this story and unlike many books with a good few characters each character is important to the tale. The writing is excellent and the flow is brilliant. The story is fill of mystery and suspense with twists and turns that kept me hooked wanting to know more.
Moving house is normal for Isobel Miller who is a dissatisfied teen and the author portrays her as the typical teenager which was beliviable and just like all teenagers at times I did find Isobel annoying but she wouldn't be a teenager otherwise.
When Isobel moves yet again she finds it hard to adjust untill she meets two new friends and the story starts to unfold more.
A great apocalyptic story which sees Isobel and her new friends fighting against evil to save the world.
There is many characters to this story and unlike many books with a good few characters each character is important to the tale. The writing is excellent and the flow is brilliant. The story is fill of mystery and suspense with twists and turns that kept me hooked wanting to know more.
July 21, 2018
In the Devil's Own Words is a riveting look at what happens when people - and eventually the world, turn to evil and listen to the Devil's voice. Parts of it are truly frightening and although the story is fantasy, it has a realistic feel that draws you into the world keeps you believing that any of it could really be happening. The main characters, Isobel and Peter, are worthy, although unsuspecting heroes. Oswald and Ariel's fate is all the more heartbreaking because they are also likeable and endearing. I hated the diabolical bishop and loved the talking birds and creatures that came to the rescue - just two of many surprises and twists and turns in the plot that will keep you turning the pages as fast as you can read. I am looking forward to reading more so I can find out what happens next! Definitely recommended!
August 7, 2018
In England an ancient artifact is being unearthed and it is bringing evil into the world. Not just any evil, no, but the Devil itself...from a different galaxy. The hearts of men are being tested and proven lacking to resist it, turning some into emotionless creatures and the rest into demons. It’s the end of the world and humanity as we know it. Two teenagers have no other option but to face it. Having only each other to lean on and assisted by angels, they do their best while suffering loss after loss. This is a multi genre novel with a very realistic aspect of today’s society that will give you shivers. It does make a very interesting read indeed!
August 22, 2019
I received a review copy of this book.
The book has shifting perspective, jumping from character to character. It is fantasy that begins as if it were in our world but events quickly occur on a global scale that prevent the reader from pretending this might be actually taking place somewhere. These are negatives for me, but have more to do with my personal taste than genuine problems.
I enjoyed the story, but I have reservations. Several moments in the story felt rushed, deserving of much more attention than they received. The dialog is wooden at times, especially when delivering exposition.
I intend to finish the next two books in the series.
The book has shifting perspective, jumping from character to character. It is fantasy that begins as if it were in our world but events quickly occur on a global scale that prevent the reader from pretending this might be actually taking place somewhere. These are negatives for me, but have more to do with my personal taste than genuine problems.
I enjoyed the story, but I have reservations. Several moments in the story felt rushed, deserving of much more attention than they received. The dialog is wooden at times, especially when delivering exposition.
I intend to finish the next two books in the series.
August 23, 2019
The Devil's Own is a brilliant, well written storyline complete with twists and surprises. After completion, I realized it is nearly an fictitious embellishment and allegorical account of the natural fight between good and evil. It is well written and full of adventure. In fact, several times I felt anxious over the safety and choices of Peter, Isobel, John and Oswald. The more in depth these characters are developed, the more you grow to love them and feel invested in their lives.
Clive Johnson did a job with enhancing the characters with his vocal assignments. He kept true to the story and their personalities.
I highly recommend this book.
Clive Johnson did a job with enhancing the characters with his vocal assignments. He kept true to the story and their personalities.
I highly recommend this book.
November 24, 2020
A proper ghost story
Isobel moves with her mum to go and live with her grandparents, moaning all the way about how boring life will be, boy how wrong could she be. With the finding of an ancient book chaos is set free. The world as they knew it is no more. Some frightening moments in this young adult apocalyptic story. Past and present merge towards each other. Can Bishop Francis be possessed? How can the teenagers save the world? Great scary read!
Isobel moves with her mum to go and live with her grandparents, moaning all the way about how boring life will be, boy how wrong could she be. With the finding of an ancient book chaos is set free. The world as they knew it is no more. Some frightening moments in this young adult apocalyptic story. Past and present merge towards each other. Can Bishop Francis be possessed? How can the teenagers save the world? Great scary read!
March 28, 2018
Fantastic YA story
I love the way the author unfolds the story, with lots of twists and turns. The writing is easy to follow and the charecters are brilliant. I wasn't sure about the whole apocalyptic side of the story before i started but the author pulls it off wonderfully. I recommend this book to all young adults out there that love these kind of reads.
I love the way the author unfolds the story, with lots of twists and turns. The writing is easy to follow and the charecters are brilliant. I wasn't sure about the whole apocalyptic side of the story before i started but the author pulls it off wonderfully. I recommend this book to all young adults out there that love these kind of reads.
September 3, 2018
Audible:This was a good story,from what I could make out, but the sound quality ws awful.The narrator,Clive Johnson has a good voice,but it sounded like it was recorded in a can.There were parts I couldn't understand at all.I was given this book by the narrator,author or publisher free for an honest review.
December 13, 2019
This is by far the most disappointing book I’ve read. The stellar reviews are surprising and frankly suspicious. Don’t go with the reviews. This book reads like a high-school kid’s final project. Its basically a famous five meets cliche apocalypse.
Towards the end, the book picks up pace rapidly instead of slowing down and ends on a completely incongruous note. Do yourself a favor and read something else.
Towards the end, the book picks up pace rapidly instead of slowing down and ends on a completely incongruous note. Do yourself a favor and read something else.
September 9, 2020
The story was good but there were a few things that reminded me of other books and stories I’ve read before. That is not necessarily a bad thing.
I love the time travel aspects.
I am interested in the next part of this story!
Narration by Clive Johnson was excellent.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
I love the time travel aspects.
I am interested in the next part of this story!
Narration by Clive Johnson was excellent.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
June 8, 2022
This book is exceptionally awesome, the autor knows when and where to put the specific words to give us an unique experience reading this book, and trying to project us in our minds all the details that he is giving us while we´re reading this master piece.
November 19, 2018
I had a hard time following this one.
October 4, 2019
I felt for the characters in this story. It’s a definite mix of fantasy and horror.
February 28, 2015
Fantastic Fantasy Read.
I love a well-written fantasy story that I can truly lose myself in, but so often I read fantasy adventure books, only to find myself confused by characters and place names all beginning with X or V along with hard to visualise descriptions of scenery and action. This book is not one of those and is why I'm recommending it so highly.
The characters, their names, their relationships and their speech are genuine making this story a pleasure to read. What at first I thought would turn out to be a Young Adult aimed tale, soon turned into an apocalyptical epic fantasy novel on the scale of some of the bestsellers in this genre. It is written with intelligence and insight throughout all aspects of the writing and the storyline.
It has the usual suspects of dragons, ghosts, monks, tyrants, heroes, monsters etc. but is crafted in a way that puts the reader's mind into that world. After finishing the story, I didn't feel that I'd read anything instead I had the sense of leaving a cinema with all the imagery still in my head like I'd watched the film.
I don't often get really excited about particular authors, but this lady is highly talented with a natural style on a different level than your average writer. I look forward to reading more of her work very soon.
I'm not one for dropping in spoilers to push a book to readers, as I don't believe that to be helpful. I do believe that whatever age you are, you will truly get lost in this book and agree with what I've said above.
I love a well-written fantasy story that I can truly lose myself in, but so often I read fantasy adventure books, only to find myself confused by characters and place names all beginning with X or V along with hard to visualise descriptions of scenery and action. This book is not one of those and is why I'm recommending it so highly.
The characters, their names, their relationships and their speech are genuine making this story a pleasure to read. What at first I thought would turn out to be a Young Adult aimed tale, soon turned into an apocalyptical epic fantasy novel on the scale of some of the bestsellers in this genre. It is written with intelligence and insight throughout all aspects of the writing and the storyline.
It has the usual suspects of dragons, ghosts, monks, tyrants, heroes, monsters etc. but is crafted in a way that puts the reader's mind into that world. After finishing the story, I didn't feel that I'd read anything instead I had the sense of leaving a cinema with all the imagery still in my head like I'd watched the film.
I don't often get really excited about particular authors, but this lady is highly talented with a natural style on a different level than your average writer. I look forward to reading more of her work very soon.
I'm not one for dropping in spoilers to push a book to readers, as I don't believe that to be helpful. I do believe that whatever age you are, you will truly get lost in this book and agree with what I've said above.
July 15, 2014
A fascinating read!
I greatly enjoyed this book. It is crammed with new and imaginative ideas. The teenage characters are all struggling with their own inner demons. It was interesting to see how they changed and developed in response to the devastating events. I kept trying to predict various outcomes but was wrong. Eventually, I just went with the flow as it rushed me along.
I read Blood Borne first, another book by this author. The two stories were obviously connected but may be read as separate stories. I noticed that there is another book which is part of these chronicles which I shall be reading next. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes their action combined with depth. Elizabeth Wixley you have me hooked!
I greatly enjoyed this book. It is crammed with new and imaginative ideas. The teenage characters are all struggling with their own inner demons. It was interesting to see how they changed and developed in response to the devastating events. I kept trying to predict various outcomes but was wrong. Eventually, I just went with the flow as it rushed me along.
I read Blood Borne first, another book by this author. The two stories were obviously connected but may be read as separate stories. I noticed that there is another book which is part of these chronicles which I shall be reading next. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes their action combined with depth. Elizabeth Wixley you have me hooked!
August 14, 2014
Elizabeth creates an apocalyptic world which gets darker and picks up pace as the story progresses. This is a content rich book which can be read on many levels. The teenage characters each have underlying issues which effects the way they respond to their changing world. I thought the medieval element was well researched and Monk Richard speaking in a form of old English helped make the story convincing. My favourite character was Bishop Francis but I don’t want to say too much and spoil the story for other readers. There were a few editing issues but these in no way detracted from my enjoyment of this imaginative book.
March 22, 2013
I read this book in two days and absolutely loved it. The three central characters were really engaging,and the impending doom as the events twisted and turned really had me gripped. The pages kept on turning just to find out what was going to happen next. The typical things that teenagers get up to and talk about all the way to the breaking of the blood red clouds really takes you on a roller coaster of a journey. Such is the depth of content in this book, my review struggles to cover everything. I can only say to 'buy it', 'download it', whatever you have to do, just read it.
September 9, 2016
Not my usual read at all, I rarely read fantasy adventure novels, but as Liz Wixley, is a Bristol author, I thought I’d make an exception, and I’m glad I did. I thoroughly enjoyed this dark tale, and loved the premise of the book written by the devil, a sort of counter Arc of the Covenant. I immediately empathised with Isobel, and was drawn along with her on this adventure. I found the expected monsters, evil doers and hero’s, which I usually avoid, but this is written in a way that hooked me in and kept me turning pages. An apocalyptic journey that I’d recommend.
August 4, 2014
A fascinating journey.
This book had a gothic, medieval feel to it. It’s mostly set in contemporary times but has a historical bent. The powerfully descriptive writing sucked me into the small village world and the catastrophic events which unfolded. I liked the way Wixley combined all the worlds, times and issues together to make a fantastical story. I shall be reading more books by this author.
This book had a gothic, medieval feel to it. It’s mostly set in contemporary times but has a historical bent. The powerfully descriptive writing sucked me into the small village world and the catastrophic events which unfolded. I liked the way Wixley combined all the worlds, times and issues together to make a fantastical story. I shall be reading more books by this author.
August 11, 2014
A thundering good ride.
Wow! What a ride. This story by Elizabeth Wixley was completely unexpected as it was different to most apocalyptic books I've read. This is not just a book for young adults, all though they would be equally fascinated. I’m a mature adult and think this book would appeal to all ages. My favorite characters were the Cathedral and the dark gothic atmosphere which is a theme throughout the story. I cannot wait to read Blood Born.
Wow! What a ride. This story by Elizabeth Wixley was completely unexpected as it was different to most apocalyptic books I've read. This is not just a book for young adults, all though they would be equally fascinated. I’m a mature adult and think this book would appeal to all ages. My favorite characters were the Cathedral and the dark gothic atmosphere which is a theme throughout the story. I cannot wait to read Blood Born.
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