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The Day the Angels Fell #1
The Day The Angels Fell
When a summer thunderstorm drives 12-year-old Samuel Chambers into a local antique shop, he finds himself watching through a crack in the door as three old fortune tellers from a visiting fair scratch a message onto the surface of a table: “Find the Tree of Life.” Tragedy strikes his family less than 24 hours later, and as those words echo in his mind he realizes that Finding the Tree of Life is his only hope. His quest to defeat death entangles him and his best friend Abra in an ancient conflict, and a series of strange events leads them closer to the Tree, closer to reversing the tragedy that took place. Can death be defeated? But as his own personal quest unfolds, Samuel comes face to face with a deeper, more difficult question: Could it be possible that death is a gift?
241 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 29, 2014
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November 24, 2017
„Death is not a destination. It’s a passing, a transition into eternity, the rest of time. When you leave this place, everything you have known will seem like only a dream or the memory of a dream. Dying is the shedding of one cloak and taking of another. Death is a gift.“
Story ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
One night lightening starts to strike in Deen and Sam sees three strange women talking to a man. Shortly after that his mother dies and the search for something begins.
The story itself was really good, even if I kind of predicted some parts.
It’s a story about things that we want, but maybe are wrong. Things that our hearts desires, but will bring so much misery. It’s about grief and it’s about family.
Oh and I need to mention that the angels don’t show their shape, not till the end. It’s everything, but not a story about angels like fallen or the hush hush series.
It’s a good standalone mystery and fantasy book.
Characters ⭐️⭐️⭐️
The characters were kind of flat, for the major part of the story I forgot the name of the protagonists and we didn’t get to know characters quit good.
Relationships ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The most important part in this story is a son and the love for his mother. The love that is so strong, that he would do anything for her.
And it’s friendship and to lay your trust in people, because alone you’re so much more fragile.
Writing style ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The writing was really good and sometimes created such an awesome tension, that you just needed to read more to know what was happening later on.
September 3, 2017
The Day the Angels Fell by Shawn Smucker Is a story about Sam who's mother was killed in a terrible accident when he was just 12 years old and how he coped with the aftermath of this incident. It's quite scary in parts. I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
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July 15, 2018No rating (dnf)
“Sometimes there are no words that fit into the space provided.”
I have started reading this book in August and it's February now, so I think it's way past time for me to go ahead and shelve it as DNF. I loved the premise and I adored the format and I enjoyed the writing, I just couldn't get into the plot - and it's nobody's fault.
I promised myself that I will be more picky and fierce with my reads this year (and by fierce I mean dnf-ing books when I'm not into them without feeling guilty, which I still do).
I read about 134 pages, so I had a pretty good idea where the book was going and what it was doing, but alas it just wasn't holding my attention. I kept going back to it because I loved the way it was written and I also loved the silky smooth pages and the design that ran through the whole book. But I can't read the book based on it's external beauty, can I?
“Some people are so blinded by what’s real that they’re not ready for what’s true.”
Not many things happened in those 134 pages and the plot seemed redundant, with things being repeated over and over again. I also thought that this book had potential to be very sad and heartbreaking, if only it wasn't being told in the past tense.
Telling the story from past tense point of view dulls the pain and the emotions that otherwise would have been flowing, and lately I've been looking for books that can make me feel something. A whole lot of something! And The days the angels fellwasn't making me feel anything.
I did enjoy many musing and truths that book was providing about death, life and everything in between - they were profound and very true.
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__________________________________________________
My copy from LibraryThing came in the mail.
I haven't read this yet, but I absolutely love the cover and the format that it's written in.
Hoping to get to it soon.
“Sometimes there are no words that fit into the space provided.”
I have started reading this book in August and it's February now, so I think it's way past time for me to go ahead and shelve it as DNF. I loved the premise and I adored the format and I enjoyed the writing, I just couldn't get into the plot - and it's nobody's fault.
I promised myself that I will be more picky and fierce with my reads this year (and by fierce I mean dnf-ing books when I'm not into them without feeling guilty, which I still do).
I read about 134 pages, so I had a pretty good idea where the book was going and what it was doing, but alas it just wasn't holding my attention. I kept going back to it because I loved the way it was written and I also loved the silky smooth pages and the design that ran through the whole book. But I can't read the book based on it's external beauty, can I?
“Some people are so blinded by what’s real that they’re not ready for what’s true.”
Not many things happened in those 134 pages and the plot seemed redundant, with things being repeated over and over again. I also thought that this book had potential to be very sad and heartbreaking, if only it wasn't being told in the past tense.
Telling the story from past tense point of view dulls the pain and the emotions that otherwise would have been flowing, and lately I've been looking for books that can make me feel something. A whole lot of something! And The days the angels fellwasn't making me feel anything.
I did enjoy many musing and truths that book was providing about death, life and everything in between - they were profound and very true.
My WEBSITE
My INSTAGRAM
My WORDPRESS BLOG
__________________________________________________
My copy from LibraryThing came in the mail.
I haven't read this yet, but I absolutely love the cover and the format that it's written in.
Hoping to get to it soon.
August 20, 2017
Thank you so much to Revell via netgalley for sending me an ARC copy of The day the angels fell by Shawn Smucker. The day the angels fell will be released on September 5, 2017.
The day the angels fell is partially told in the present with an elderly man and in the past when he was about 12.
Our main character is working through grief and battling good and evil over the tree of life.
I would have enjoyed the story more if we got the past first. Then everything he did would have had more meaning and depth. Seeing the old mans life and how he delt with things was still well written but i would have liked that extra knowledge first instead of being spoiled for the events we soon get to read.
The story was rich and full of life with its deep and emotional topics.
The day the angels fell is partially told in the present with an elderly man and in the past when he was about 12.
Our main character is working through grief and battling good and evil over the tree of life.
I would have enjoyed the story more if we got the past first. Then everything he did would have had more meaning and depth. Seeing the old mans life and how he delt with things was still well written but i would have liked that extra knowledge first instead of being spoiled for the events we soon get to read.
The story was rich and full of life with its deep and emotional topics.
June 26, 2015
This is a tough book for me to rate. On the one hand, I appreciated the double allegory of working through grief, and of the fight of good and evil over the Tree of Life. It was a story that felt rich and heavy in a good way; deep; important.
On the other hand, there is a stylistic your-mileage-may-vary aspect of the storytelling that prevented me from getting into the story -- YMMV because it's something that got in my way but others may like it. Smucker tells the story partly in the present, with the protagonist as an old man, and partly in the past, the summer he was 12, but the old man tells us the story from when he was a kid, spoiling the major events before they happen. I love to read the events of a book as the character is experiencing it. I want to be surprised. I want to feel their reactions as my reactions. But I can't do that if I know the major pieces of what's going to happen and if the storyteller keeps throwing in foreshadowing. It is a report, rather than an experience. I don't want to be told that a character thinks or wonders or feels something; I want the thoughts, the wonderings, the feelings presented without the filter of a teller looking into the past.
That said, I liked the old man's story a lot, especially his relationship to Caleb. And the teaser for the sequel is seriously intriguing; Abra is a great character. For me, I would have preferred the boy's story sections first, and then the old man's, so the boy's story gives richness to the old man's actions, rather than the old man giving away what was about to happen in the boy's story.
So, for me, the story was strong, but the storytelling was not what I prefer -- although others clearly do not have an issue with it.
(I hesitate to mention, but I will, that the book could have used another round of editing to remove high-value words repeated within sentences and paragraphs, and too many sentences in a row that start with the same word. I'd love to see the author do this super-fussy work in the next novel, because he's got a gift, and those details can take a work from good to great.)
On the other hand, there is a stylistic your-mileage-may-vary aspect of the storytelling that prevented me from getting into the story -- YMMV because it's something that got in my way but others may like it. Smucker tells the story partly in the present, with the protagonist as an old man, and partly in the past, the summer he was 12, but the old man tells us the story from when he was a kid, spoiling the major events before they happen. I love to read the events of a book as the character is experiencing it. I want to be surprised. I want to feel their reactions as my reactions. But I can't do that if I know the major pieces of what's going to happen and if the storyteller keeps throwing in foreshadowing. It is a report, rather than an experience. I don't want to be told that a character thinks or wonders or feels something; I want the thoughts, the wonderings, the feelings presented without the filter of a teller looking into the past.
That said, I liked the old man's story a lot, especially his relationship to Caleb. And the teaser for the sequel is seriously intriguing; Abra is a great character. For me, I would have preferred the boy's story sections first, and then the old man's, so the boy's story gives richness to the old man's actions, rather than the old man giving away what was about to happen in the boy's story.
So, for me, the story was strong, but the storytelling was not what I prefer -- although others clearly do not have an issue with it.
(I hesitate to mention, but I will, that the book could have used another round of editing to remove high-value words repeated within sentences and paragraphs, and too many sentences in a row that start with the same word. I'd love to see the author do this super-fussy work in the next novel, because he's got a gift, and those details can take a work from good to great.)
July 19, 2017
This is just a good book. It's a beautiful story weaving real life and tragedy with fantastical elements of epic proportions. It's a quick read because the story pulls you along, drawing you into the tale. I was left wanting more, and can't wait for the sequel to come out. Shawn is a master storyteller, and in this book, he shines.
Read
August 24, 2018I neglected all things for an entire day because I was so drawn into this story. I regret nothing. The Day the Angels Fell was worth it. I look forward to sharing this book with my kids in the next year or so. It is beautifully written with vivid imagery. I am eager for Smucker's next novel.
I can't recommend this book enough.
I can't recommend this book enough.
December 24, 2017
There are a lot of philosophical, quotable one-liners in this book about a young boy that loses his mother in a freak accident. If you are looking for a story that may help you or someone you know process death then I think The Day the Angels Fell is a good choice. Otherwise I'm not sure it's worth the read. It's very poignant and in places quite intense; but at no point did I really doubt what was going to happen.
The Story
Told in two parts; the first from the perspective of an old man, and the second, where we spend most of our time, from the perspective of the same old man as a boy. So there is never any doubt that our boy survives the bizarre and sometimes dangerous path he is following. I think Shawn Smucker intended for a 'reveal' at the end that makes you go, oh wow, and then cry. I did not get that and instead felt like the ending made good sense but wasn't anything super special.
The primary focus story centers around The Tree of Life. A tree that seemingly has the power to bring someone back from the dead. Of course our lead boy wants to find it so he can bring his just deceased Mom back. This is not a spoiler it happens in the first chapter. Surrounding him in this desire are of course the morales of what it means to be dead and if death is a 'good' thing or place. There are some men involved that try to mess things up and impose their will on our young man. And while both of these men appear to be really important; however in the end they are just props to move the plot forward, in my opinion. They say a lot but I'm not sure they are contributing in a valuable way as characters to the overall novel.
Quotable, but not enough
Overall someone could likely pull out a hundred quotes to use on mugs, posters, etc. from Smucker's debut novel; but for me that wasn't enough. While there is plot that consistently moves us forward in the story and characters that are interesting enough I just didn't care that much. I almost never felt sympathy or grief for our lead boy and so had a hard time connecting. Perhaps if you are in the throes of grief when you read this it would be more impactful? For me it just fell short of what I had hoped for.
For this and more of my reviews please visit my blog at: Epic Reading
Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.
The Story
Told in two parts; the first from the perspective of an old man, and the second, where we spend most of our time, from the perspective of the same old man as a boy. So there is never any doubt that our boy survives the bizarre and sometimes dangerous path he is following. I think Shawn Smucker intended for a 'reveal' at the end that makes you go, oh wow, and then cry. I did not get that and instead felt like the ending made good sense but wasn't anything super special.
The primary focus story centers around The Tree of Life. A tree that seemingly has the power to bring someone back from the dead. Of course our lead boy wants to find it so he can bring his just deceased Mom back. This is not a spoiler it happens in the first chapter. Surrounding him in this desire are of course the morales of what it means to be dead and if death is a 'good' thing or place. There are some men involved that try to mess things up and impose their will on our young man. And while both of these men appear to be really important; however in the end they are just props to move the plot forward, in my opinion. They say a lot but I'm not sure they are contributing in a valuable way as characters to the overall novel.
Quotable, but not enough
Overall someone could likely pull out a hundred quotes to use on mugs, posters, etc. from Smucker's debut novel; but for me that wasn't enough. While there is plot that consistently moves us forward in the story and characters that are interesting enough I just didn't care that much. I almost never felt sympathy or grief for our lead boy and so had a hard time connecting. Perhaps if you are in the throes of grief when you read this it would be more impactful? For me it just fell short of what I had hoped for.
For this and more of my reviews please visit my blog at: Epic Reading
Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.
December 1, 2017
First of all, look how gorgeous the cover is. I like covers like this one. :) :)
Anyway, the reason why I used Goodreads synopsis (for the first time) rather than making my own is because if iI make my own it would be as short as this:
I just reread Tuesdays with Morrie last month and couldn't help comparing the two books as both talks about Life and death and fear. As most of you are familiar with TwM which is a nonfiction, this one though is almost a fantasy. When Sam's mother died, he questions life and death and the answers he found are mostly up to you if you believe them.
The author really did a good job weaving this poignant tale, a mash-up of fantasy?mythology and the bible. Isn't it interesting. There are times, while reading this that I think the author includes myths for the sake of the story and it turned out to be very creative. Even though this is fantasy, i couldn't help but admire the depths of the wisdom engraved in each page of this book.
The character, Sam, made it even better because he was well-developed and characterized, making the whole story very real.
Overall, i recommend this book to everyone, Christian or non-christian both. :)
Happy Reading..
Thank you Netgalley for giving me an arc. :)
Anyway, the reason why I used Goodreads synopsis (for the first time) rather than making my own is because if iI make my own it would be as short as this:
This is the story of Sam, of his life after his mother's death when he was twelve, told by much older Sam.
I just reread Tuesdays with Morrie last month and couldn't help comparing the two books as both talks about Life and death and fear. As most of you are familiar with TwM which is a nonfiction, this one though is almost a fantasy. When Sam's mother died, he questions life and death and the answers he found are mostly up to you if you believe them.
The author really did a good job weaving this poignant tale, a mash-up of fantasy?mythology and the bible. Isn't it interesting. There are times, while reading this that I think the author includes myths for the sake of the story and it turned out to be very creative. Even though this is fantasy, i couldn't help but admire the depths of the wisdom engraved in each page of this book.
The character, Sam, made it even better because he was well-developed and characterized, making the whole story very real.
Overall, i recommend this book to everyone, Christian or non-christian both. :)
Happy Reading..
Thank you Netgalley for giving me an arc. :)
March 9, 2018
I read this book in one sitting (on a plane). I don't normally read YA or fantasy, but I'm so glad I did for this book. There is something really special about being willing to look beyond the world we see everyday, and peer into the spiritual realm where angels and fallen angels trod. This was a beautiful allegory that deeply resonated. It would be a great choice to read and discuss with teens or in your own book club.
March 24, 2018
This is Samuel's story, his past and his present. He is now an old man but when he was 12 his mother was killed in an awful accident. He tries to deal with his grief which leads him on a quest to find the tree of life. He is questioning life and death and his quest offers as many questions as it does answers.
Grief is always a tough subject and the author wrote it well. It is neat reading the experience from both times in Samuel's life. Everything takes on a new perspective when age and living a long life has come into play.
Copy given by NetGalley and the publisher for a fair and honest review.
Grief is always a tough subject and the author wrote it well. It is neat reading the experience from both times in Samuel's life. Everything takes on a new perspective when age and living a long life has come into play.
Copy given by NetGalley and the publisher for a fair and honest review.
August 23, 2024
This was a great story! I really enjoyed this and loved the message! Lots of quotable lines!
The one thing that bugged me was that the author told, rather than showed, nearly everything, which made it far less interesting than it could have otherwise been.
But overall a very good Christian magical realism book! No Content Warnings.
The one thing that bugged me was that the author told, rather than showed, nearly everything, which made it far less interesting than it could have otherwise been.
But overall a very good Christian magical realism book! No Content Warnings.
August 21, 2017
Original review here.
Thanks to the publisher for providing me an advance reading copy in exchange for an honest review. The Day the Angels Fell will be available on 5th September.
The most exasperating pitfall of children and Middle Grade books is when authors underestimate their young readers. They underestimate their emotional depth, their comprehension of love and loss, their intelligence, their ability to carry themselves with composure. Children are so used to being overlooked, they observe and surmise a lot more than adults would expect.
On intelligence:
For the entire middle third, I was not sure whether the author thinks his readers are that incompetent to not be able to piece together the blindingly obvious clues or if he wants his characters to seem that incompetent. Because my eight-year-old cousin would figure it all out stat. And Sam, our protagonist, was already 11 years old. Besides, his best friend was supposedly smart. Realistically, she would have figured it all out stat too. The only silver lining was that it provided some unintended eye-rolling humour.
If Smucker really wanted to make his book longer, instead of dragging on the dramatic irony for chapter after chapter, he could easily have developed the relationship between the elderly Sam and the young son of his tenant. When the novel ended, they still barely had any rapport, and in a book attempting to tackle the loss of innocence, it was an unfortunate waste.
On emotional depth:
Even more frustrating was how severely Smucker underestimated children’s cognisance of death. Yes, denial and fluctuating emotions are very realistic reactions. But Smucker’s contrived execution of Sam’s wilful blindness and moral dilemma did little to make him relatable – only forced and unsympathetic. He was mature enough to immediately understand how eternal life, without perpetual youth, would be torture. But the next moment he was bewilderingly desperate to give his mother such a life.
A more convincing and meaningful arc would have had Sam not recognise this tortuous consequence until later, perhaps after he came to terms with his anger and guilt (with a little help from Abra and Mr Tennin). Or the angels’ story could have been revealed later. Since Sam remained in denial for most of the book anyway, his primary dilemma could first have been deciding who to trust (after all, in the real world, distinguishing between good and evil is rarely packaged with such obvious pointers) or a much harder time finding the three materials (the symbolism of which could also have been better considered).
Instead, any intended poignancy was lost. A shame, because some elements of The Day the Angels Fell were reminiscent of the acclaimed A Monster Calls. What Patrick Ness understood was that his preteen readers can grasp more than the inevitability and finality of death. Instead, his character grappled with guilt – guilt over being tired of mentally clinging on to his mother, tired of feeling duty bound to dredge up more vain hope each time she tried a new treatment. Maybe many adults are doubtful that a child’s comprehension of death could be nuanced enough to factor in society’s implied ‘acceptable’ stance on cancer and death (i.e. the former should always be fought and the latter always avoided at all costs), let alone that the same child could be burdened by it. That’s frankly a little condescending, isn’t it?
Bottom line:
The Day the Angels Fell had potential, but turned out to be a disappointing misunderstanding of its own target audience.
Thanks to the publisher for providing me an advance reading copy in exchange for an honest review. The Day the Angels Fell will be available on 5th September.
“Children are caterpillars and adults are butterflies. No butterfly ever remembers what it felt like being a caterpillar.” – Cornelia Funke
The most exasperating pitfall of children and Middle Grade books is when authors underestimate their young readers. They underestimate their emotional depth, their comprehension of love and loss, their intelligence, their ability to carry themselves with composure. Children are so used to being overlooked, they observe and surmise a lot more than adults would expect.
On intelligence:
For the entire middle third, I was not sure whether the author thinks his readers are that incompetent to not be able to piece together the blindingly obvious clues or if he wants his characters to seem that incompetent. Because my eight-year-old cousin would figure it all out stat. And Sam, our protagonist, was already 11 years old. Besides, his best friend was supposedly smart. Realistically, she would have figured it all out stat too. The only silver lining was that it provided some unintended eye-rolling humour.
If Smucker really wanted to make his book longer, instead of dragging on the dramatic irony for chapter after chapter, he could easily have developed the relationship between the elderly Sam and the young son of his tenant. When the novel ended, they still barely had any rapport, and in a book attempting to tackle the loss of innocence, it was an unfortunate waste.
On emotional depth:
Even more frustrating was how severely Smucker underestimated children’s cognisance of death. Yes, denial and fluctuating emotions are very realistic reactions. But Smucker’s contrived execution of Sam’s wilful blindness and moral dilemma did little to make him relatable – only forced and unsympathetic. He was mature enough to immediately understand how eternal life, without perpetual youth, would be torture. But the next moment he was bewilderingly desperate to give his mother such a life.
A more convincing and meaningful arc would have had Sam not recognise this tortuous consequence until later, perhaps after he came to terms with his anger and guilt (with a little help from Abra and Mr Tennin). Or the angels’ story could have been revealed later. Since Sam remained in denial for most of the book anyway, his primary dilemma could first have been deciding who to trust (after all, in the real world, distinguishing between good and evil is rarely packaged with such obvious pointers) or a much harder time finding the three materials (the symbolism of which could also have been better considered).
Instead, any intended poignancy was lost. A shame, because some elements of The Day the Angels Fell were reminiscent of the acclaimed A Monster Calls. What Patrick Ness understood was that his preteen readers can grasp more than the inevitability and finality of death. Instead, his character grappled with guilt – guilt over being tired of mentally clinging on to his mother, tired of feeling duty bound to dredge up more vain hope each time she tried a new treatment. Maybe many adults are doubtful that a child’s comprehension of death could be nuanced enough to factor in society’s implied ‘acceptable’ stance on cancer and death (i.e. the former should always be fought and the latter always avoided at all costs), let alone that the same child could be burdened by it. That’s frankly a little condescending, isn’t it?
Bottom line:
The Day the Angels Fell had potential, but turned out to be a disappointing misunderstanding of its own target audience.
February 23, 2018
Reading The Day The Angels Fell reminded me of how I felt the first time I read the Narnia Chronicles. The stories are different but they're all tales as old as time. And similar to Narnia, I believe it has staying power.
I was swept away by the world-building and the mystery and how the plot ultimately wrestles with Big Picture issues.
The story is framed through the eyes of an adult Sam and then swings back so we can experience everything through 12 year old Sam. It manages to explore the concepts of good and evil, while showing the different effects grief can have on a family.
When Sam's mother dies, it's natural for him to want to do anything for her to come back. But what if he can do exactly that? As his friend Abra and others note, having the ability to do something doesn't mean we should actually do it. Thus begins the central thrust of the novel as Sam tries to find the Tree Of Life.
It was not always easy to watch Sam on this quest. Not only because of the danger he put himself in, as he's not the only human or creature after the Tree. But because of how the quest changes him in ways that are hard to take, like when he lashes out against Abra and ignores his better judgment by listening to Mr. Jinn.
In fact, my reaction to him reminded me of how I felt about Edmund in The Lion, The Witch, And The Wardrobe. Except instead of stupidly trading your family for gross Turkish Delight, Sam simply wants to have his mom back. And who can't relate to that?
Then ending left me with questions, chief among them: what happened between grown-up Sam and Abra?! I am sure this question will be answered in subsequent books. I'm very much looking forward to seeing how Shawn develops the series and can't wait to read The Edge Of Over There, out this July.
The Day The Angels Fell is richly layered. I loved the characters and the magical elements. The exploration of grief is relatable and there were some great insights along those lines.
Shawn Smucker is a friend of mine and after reading his first YA novel, I'm even more proud to know him. The writing is fantastic, as I knew it would be. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel. Most of the kids in my life aren't old enough to read this yet but I'm looking forward to sharing it with them someday.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher.
I was swept away by the world-building and the mystery and how the plot ultimately wrestles with Big Picture issues.
The story is framed through the eyes of an adult Sam and then swings back so we can experience everything through 12 year old Sam. It manages to explore the concepts of good and evil, while showing the different effects grief can have on a family.
When Sam's mother dies, it's natural for him to want to do anything for her to come back. But what if he can do exactly that? As his friend Abra and others note, having the ability to do something doesn't mean we should actually do it. Thus begins the central thrust of the novel as Sam tries to find the Tree Of Life.
It was not always easy to watch Sam on this quest. Not only because of the danger he put himself in, as he's not the only human or creature after the Tree. But because of how the quest changes him in ways that are hard to take, like when he lashes out against Abra and ignores his better judgment by listening to Mr. Jinn.
In fact, my reaction to him reminded me of how I felt about Edmund in The Lion, The Witch, And The Wardrobe. Except instead of stupidly trading your family for gross Turkish Delight, Sam simply wants to have his mom back. And who can't relate to that?
Then ending left me with questions, chief among them: what happened between grown-up Sam and Abra?! I am sure this question will be answered in subsequent books. I'm very much looking forward to seeing how Shawn develops the series and can't wait to read The Edge Of Over There, out this July.
The Day The Angels Fell is richly layered. I loved the characters and the magical elements. The exploration of grief is relatable and there were some great insights along those lines.
Shawn Smucker is a friend of mine and after reading his first YA novel, I'm even more proud to know him. The writing is fantastic, as I knew it would be. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel. Most of the kids in my life aren't old enough to read this yet but I'm looking forward to sharing it with them someday.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher.
September 4, 2017
A great read for anyone, boys especially. This book was so layered and well-written. It surprised me from the first two chapters and left me turning the pages until the very end. Then it left me hanging with a first look at the next book.
Well done, Shawn Smucker! This being your first novel speaks volumes about your skill with a pen.
I CANNOT WAIT FOR THE SEQUEL!
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher.
Well done, Shawn Smucker! This being your first novel speaks volumes about your skill with a pen.
I CANNOT WAIT FOR THE SEQUEL!
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher.
September 8, 2017
Read this basically in one sitting - engrossing story and good writing. The descriptions of rural Pennsylvania (my home state) made my heart so happy. Hoping there's a sequel!
July 23, 2017
The Day the Angels Fell by Shawn Smucker is a story of good versus evil and how one young person struggled with the very adult question of: Is there life after death? The story is told in the present and in the past, through the eyes of the protagonist as an old man and as a young boy.
Sam was twelve years old when it happened. The summer had been particularly bad for storms. On this day Sam’s new cat climbs the old oak tree in the front yard. When an ominous storm starts approaching Sam climbs up the branches to rescue it. Sam’s mother bargains with him, if he comes down and goes inside she will retrieve his cat. Then the lightening strikes and Sam’s mother is killed and his whole world changes.
Sam and his father are bereft with her passing. Just after the funeral a stranger, Mr. Tennin, arrives and starts working for his father on their farm. He tells the story of Adam and Eve and the Tree of Life whose fruit will give eternal life. He wisely advises Sam that death is a gift. Being twelve, all Sam wants is his mother back and he sees the Tree of Life as the way to achieve that. With the help of his friend Abra, he sets out to find the tree. Deep down Sam knows this is wrong but in his grief he struggles to accept what has happened. There will be consequences for his actions and in the end a price will be paid.
The story felt very real yet is woven with the supernatural. I loved how Sam struggled with questions that are as old as mankind. He was forced to grow up quickly and deal with loss and grief in a very adult way. The writing was superbly done. The plot is totally intriguing and the author hooks you early and pulls you along swiftly. I almost could not turn the pages fast enough.
I dislike being verbose and there are so many good elements to talk about. Therefore, I recommend that you read it and discover them for yourself. The story is simple yet complex and what I took away from it will be different than the next person. I think this story will appeal to all types of readers. Simply put, it was a joy to read.
I received a free copy from the publisher via Library Thing’s early reviewer program.
See other reviews, and author interviews, on my blog at www.thespineview.com.
Sam was twelve years old when it happened. The summer had been particularly bad for storms. On this day Sam’s new cat climbs the old oak tree in the front yard. When an ominous storm starts approaching Sam climbs up the branches to rescue it. Sam’s mother bargains with him, if he comes down and goes inside she will retrieve his cat. Then the lightening strikes and Sam’s mother is killed and his whole world changes.
Sam and his father are bereft with her passing. Just after the funeral a stranger, Mr. Tennin, arrives and starts working for his father on their farm. He tells the story of Adam and Eve and the Tree of Life whose fruit will give eternal life. He wisely advises Sam that death is a gift. Being twelve, all Sam wants is his mother back and he sees the Tree of Life as the way to achieve that. With the help of his friend Abra, he sets out to find the tree. Deep down Sam knows this is wrong but in his grief he struggles to accept what has happened. There will be consequences for his actions and in the end a price will be paid.
The story felt very real yet is woven with the supernatural. I loved how Sam struggled with questions that are as old as mankind. He was forced to grow up quickly and deal with loss and grief in a very adult way. The writing was superbly done. The plot is totally intriguing and the author hooks you early and pulls you along swiftly. I almost could not turn the pages fast enough.
I dislike being verbose and there are so many good elements to talk about. Therefore, I recommend that you read it and discover them for yourself. The story is simple yet complex and what I took away from it will be different than the next person. I think this story will appeal to all types of readers. Simply put, it was a joy to read.
I received a free copy from the publisher via Library Thing’s early reviewer program.
See other reviews, and author interviews, on my blog at www.thespineview.com.
September 1, 2017
A lot has changed since the first time I read this book, back when it was Kickstarter funded and self-published. I mean, the story itself is mostly the same, but my appreciation for young adult and middle grade fiction has grown.
So, it's no surprise that I enjoyed my second read of this book even more than my first. (I gave it 5 stars years ago, I wish I could give it more now. Also, I received a copy of the book from the publisher.)
What I said before is true: The Day the Angels Fell is a captivating debut novel from a talented author and blogger who takes time to see the world in a way few others do.
Part bedtime story, part fictional memoir, part adventure story, I loved this tale of Sam and Abra and what happened after Sam's mother died. I kept turning the pages because I had no idea what was going to happen next or how things were going to work out. (I didn't remember all the details from the first go-round this time, either.) As with Lord of the Rings, I couldn't be sure Sam would make the right decisions (or the ones I thought he should make) until the very end. And I liked how we got two perspectives on Sam's life--what happened when he was a boy, and him as an old man about to attend a funeral.
This is not an action-packed kind of page-turner but more like a walk through the woods with bends and curves and hills and valleys and you're never quite sure where the story is going but you keep following the path because the scenery is so beautiful and you're curious to discover where you'll end up.
Even though it's a young adult book, adults should be quick to scoop this one up because the themes are just as important for us to consider. I am now more eager for the sequel, which releases next summer, and just love how this book has blossomed in the hands of a traditional publisher.
So, it's no surprise that I enjoyed my second read of this book even more than my first. (I gave it 5 stars years ago, I wish I could give it more now. Also, I received a copy of the book from the publisher.)
What I said before is true: The Day the Angels Fell is a captivating debut novel from a talented author and blogger who takes time to see the world in a way few others do.
Part bedtime story, part fictional memoir, part adventure story, I loved this tale of Sam and Abra and what happened after Sam's mother died. I kept turning the pages because I had no idea what was going to happen next or how things were going to work out. (I didn't remember all the details from the first go-round this time, either.) As with Lord of the Rings, I couldn't be sure Sam would make the right decisions (or the ones I thought he should make) until the very end. And I liked how we got two perspectives on Sam's life--what happened when he was a boy, and him as an old man about to attend a funeral.
This is not an action-packed kind of page-turner but more like a walk through the woods with bends and curves and hills and valleys and you're never quite sure where the story is going but you keep following the path because the scenery is so beautiful and you're curious to discover where you'll end up.
Even though it's a young adult book, adults should be quick to scoop this one up because the themes are just as important for us to consider. I am now more eager for the sequel, which releases next summer, and just love how this book has blossomed in the hands of a traditional publisher.
November 25, 2017
Fantasy and the bible collide in this unusual tale of loss. An epic battle between good and evil ensues as twelve-year old Sam opens a proverbial Pandora's box in his quiet rural neighbourhood. Smucker has a lyrical writing style that reflects the air of a seasoned oral storyteller. He knows how to spin an intriguing tale that leaves the reader with more questions than answers by the conclusion.
Told entirely from Sam's point of view -- Sam as an old man -- both in present day and reminiscing that fateful summer when he was twelve. This was definitely an 'out of my comfort zone' read and while I enjoyed Smucker's writing style and cleverly crafted tale, I just couldn't connect with Sam at all. I couldn't reconcile the rather miserable recluse with the desperate young boy who lived through something so astounding. Lived through and was touched by it in a powerful way. And yet it seems like he didn't live his life reflecting that.
There's this huge gap between Sam's preteen self and the aged narrator. Frankly, I didn't like the glimpse of the man he became and that was a huge disappointment. And a tad depressing, though it did encourage me to ponder my own spiritual encounters and whether I have allowed them to reflect positively in my own life.
Book provided courtesty of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications.
Told entirely from Sam's point of view -- Sam as an old man -- both in present day and reminiscing that fateful summer when he was twelve. This was definitely an 'out of my comfort zone' read and while I enjoyed Smucker's writing style and cleverly crafted tale, I just couldn't connect with Sam at all. I couldn't reconcile the rather miserable recluse with the desperate young boy who lived through something so astounding. Lived through and was touched by it in a powerful way. And yet it seems like he didn't live his life reflecting that.
There's this huge gap between Sam's preteen self and the aged narrator. Frankly, I didn't like the glimpse of the man he became and that was a huge disappointment. And a tad depressing, though it did encourage me to ponder my own spiritual encounters and whether I have allowed them to reflect positively in my own life.
Book provided courtesty of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications.
February 20, 2018
Long story short, this book is "WOW." I could have finished quicker had school not deterred my attention to boring sociology lessons and weird forensic labs. But had it been my choice, I would have finished in a heartbeat. Because then I wouldn't have to worry about having to stop at a scary part and go to sleep. I don't get scared all too easily (that's a straight-up lie, wow I'm such a bad person), but this book. This book. It made me look up from its pages to glance around my room. It was that kind of scary. In many ways, it reminded me of Frank Peretti's "This Present Darkness," what with the whole demon and angel elements. It was very cool how the author incorporated Biblical with mythical so tastefully, and I appreciate his courage to brave such ground with so much skill.
full review at https://thrivinghope.blogspot.com/201...
full review at https://thrivinghope.blogspot.com/201...
Shelved as 'dnf'
August 24, 2017I was sent an ARC from Revell for a free and honest review:
I got about 5 chapters in and NOTHING was holding my interest! I was so bored and sadly it put me in a huge reading slump... so I decided to DNF for now. I wanted to be able to read it and review it before the Sept 5th release date but I don't think that's gonna happen... it's killing my reading vibe. Also super creepy fortune teller old ladies moment in the book and it was kinda weird. Sadly I wasn't into this one.
I got about 5 chapters in and NOTHING was holding my interest! I was so bored and sadly it put me in a huge reading slump... so I decided to DNF for now. I wanted to be able to read it and review it before the Sept 5th release date but I don't think that's gonna happen... it's killing my reading vibe. Also super creepy fortune teller old ladies moment in the book and it was kinda weird. Sadly I wasn't into this one.
August 25, 2017
Shawn Smucker's debut novel reads like your favorite Madeleine L'Engle story - gorgeous prose, compelling characterization, and a plot that you can't put down. I read this book in three days. I can't wait for the followup, and can't recommend it enough. Bravo, Shawn.
October 24, 2017
The summer he was twelve, Samuel Chambers had an amazing experience. It all started when his mother died when a lightning strike hit the tree she was standing in. When he learns of a way to grow a tree of life an possibly bring his mother back from the dead, he decides to do it, regardless of the consequences.
The Day the Angels Fell is a fascinating imagining of what happened to the Tree of Life from the Bible's Garden of Eden. The author spins a tale of an angel and his fallen counterpart as they fight over possession of the tree through the ages. And for this particular summer, its growth lands in the hands of young Samuel, immediately following his mother's death.
I loved the myths and Christian themes involved in this story. First, there is the Biblical context of the Tree and the angels. Then the author invents some mythology for the sake of the story - that story about the angels battling over the tree for ages. (Or does he? It could be a real myth I haven't heard of.) After that there are other mythological creatures and more Biblical symbolism. It is all very fascinating.
The author does a very good job characterizing and developing Samuel. He has very real questions and struggles. Wouldn't you do anything to save the person you love most in the world, especially as a preteen struggling to develop your own morals? It was all very real. I also appreciated that the frame for this story is an elderly Samuel reliving these events in his memory. It shows further his development. It also makes me really curious as to what happened to his friend and neighbor after their experience over the summer. I guess I'll have to wait for another book for that.
I really enjoyed this book. It had a lot of depth and addresses one of the fundamental fears of humanity: fear. I recommend it to Christians and non-Christians alike who enjoy a good adventure and are not afraid to dive deeply into the themes and symbolism.
I received a complementary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
The Day the Angels Fell is a fascinating imagining of what happened to the Tree of Life from the Bible's Garden of Eden. The author spins a tale of an angel and his fallen counterpart as they fight over possession of the tree through the ages. And for this particular summer, its growth lands in the hands of young Samuel, immediately following his mother's death.
I loved the myths and Christian themes involved in this story. First, there is the Biblical context of the Tree and the angels. Then the author invents some mythology for the sake of the story - that story about the angels battling over the tree for ages. (Or does he? It could be a real myth I haven't heard of.) After that there are other mythological creatures and more Biblical symbolism. It is all very fascinating.
The author does a very good job characterizing and developing Samuel. He has very real questions and struggles. Wouldn't you do anything to save the person you love most in the world, especially as a preteen struggling to develop your own morals? It was all very real. I also appreciated that the frame for this story is an elderly Samuel reliving these events in his memory. It shows further his development. It also makes me really curious as to what happened to his friend and neighbor after their experience over the summer. I guess I'll have to wait for another book for that.
I really enjoyed this book. It had a lot of depth and addresses one of the fundamental fears of humanity: fear. I recommend it to Christians and non-Christians alike who enjoy a good adventure and are not afraid to dive deeply into the themes and symbolism.
I received a complementary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
August 22, 2017
The Day the Angels Fell is a story of good versus evil, grief and life and death. The story is told in the through the eyes of the protagonist as an old man reflecting on the summer his mother died and as a young boy experiencing this loss. The characters, including my favorite, best friend Abra, are well written and easy to relate to. As Sam embraces a chance encounter as a way to bring his mom back, his struggles to identify good and evil, and which side he is on. I really enjoyed the story. The ending makes me think another story in this world will follow and I will happily keep an eye out for it.
I enjoyed the switching between perspectives of old and young Sam, but some might find it breaks up the story.
Full disclosure - I received a copy of the book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed the switching between perspectives of old and young Sam, but some might find it breaks up the story.
Full disclosure - I received a copy of the book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Read
May 20, 2020DNF at page 145.
April 11, 2021
This story was rather bizarre...but I still enjoyed it! Can't wait to read the sequel!
August 19, 2017
A surprisingly fresh take on the nature of life and death. Worth the read. Reminiscent of Madeline L'Engle's "A Wrinkle In Time."
June 16, 2018
Highly recommended by friends, I had to read this book. I'm so glad I did! Classified as a young adult book, I must say that every adult should read it. It broaches our deepest fears surrounding death, and how we approach that topic. The author integrates symbolism into the story in a beautiful and earthy manner. The beginning of time and the battle of good vs evil are strong points throughout this enchanting tale of seeking answers to the age old questions about life and death.
The Tree of Life is at the center of this amazing story of a young boy and his friend, and their quest for truth and what is right. The battles between good and evil become their fight for life. A fantastic journey in the eyes of a boy and his elderly self, this book kept me riveted to the story until the very end. I can hardly wait for the release of the second book in the series! This is a debut novel that surpassed all my expectations!
The Tree of Life is at the center of this amazing story of a young boy and his friend, and their quest for truth and what is right. The battles between good and evil become their fight for life. A fantastic journey in the eyes of a boy and his elderly self, this book kept me riveted to the story until the very end. I can hardly wait for the release of the second book in the series! This is a debut novel that surpassed all my expectations!
December 20, 2017
Twelve-year-old Samuel and Abra are best friends. Abra is there for Samuel when he's going through the worst imaginable time. Samuel's mother died in an awful way. Encouraged by his reclusive, slightly creepy neighbor and through information from a trio of fortune tellers Samuel starts looking for a way to bring her back. He needs the Tree of Life for this, but are the people who are helping him look for it actually trustworthy? Together with Abra Samuel continues his search. Who can he trust and if he finds the tree would it really be wise to make his mother return to life?
Could death also be a gift? What will Samuel do when he discovers the whole truth behind the Tree of Life and its powers. Is he willing to do anything to bring his mother back or are there consequences he isn't willing to face? What will Samuel's decision be once he has all the right information and which role will Abra play in his search?
The Day the Angels Fell is a beautiful story. I was immediately intrigued by Samuel's desperate mission and the question it raises. I love thought-provoking stories and this is definitely a good one. Samuel is a regular boy whose life is being turned upside down in one fatal moment. My heart ached for everything he has to miss. It's understandable that in such a situation it's easy to be influenced and I loved that there are two sides of the same story that are being given to him. I couldn't wait to find out what Samuel would do if he'd find the Tree of Life and read the book in one sitting because it made me curious and moved me at the same time.
Shawn Smucker's writing has a good natural flow. I love his clear descriptions of every important thing he writes about. He makes his settings come to life incredibly well and his emotions have multiple interesting layers. I like the way he deals with the topic of good and evil and how he writes about death in an honest, understandable, raw and fascinating way. It's mind-blowing and I was intrigued from beginning to end. The Day the Angels Fell is a fantastic book. It's a story filled with history, ancient battles, wisdom and questions. I absolutely loved this gorgeous story.
Could death also be a gift? What will Samuel do when he discovers the whole truth behind the Tree of Life and its powers. Is he willing to do anything to bring his mother back or are there consequences he isn't willing to face? What will Samuel's decision be once he has all the right information and which role will Abra play in his search?
The Day the Angels Fell is a beautiful story. I was immediately intrigued by Samuel's desperate mission and the question it raises. I love thought-provoking stories and this is definitely a good one. Samuel is a regular boy whose life is being turned upside down in one fatal moment. My heart ached for everything he has to miss. It's understandable that in such a situation it's easy to be influenced and I loved that there are two sides of the same story that are being given to him. I couldn't wait to find out what Samuel would do if he'd find the Tree of Life and read the book in one sitting because it made me curious and moved me at the same time.
Shawn Smucker's writing has a good natural flow. I love his clear descriptions of every important thing he writes about. He makes his settings come to life incredibly well and his emotions have multiple interesting layers. I like the way he deals with the topic of good and evil and how he writes about death in an honest, understandable, raw and fascinating way. It's mind-blowing and I was intrigued from beginning to end. The Day the Angels Fell is a fantastic book. It's a story filled with history, ancient battles, wisdom and questions. I absolutely loved this gorgeous story.
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