Musical Moments: Guest Post: Mercy Series Soundtrack by Rebecca Lim

It is with great pleasure I welcome Rebecca Lim to Book Angel Booktopia today, you may have noticed my reviews this week [ ;D ], with the soundtrack to the Mercy Series it is very eclectic: Over to Rebecca:

When I was writing the books in the Mercy series (Mercy, Exile, Muse and Fury) I had a few songs on high rotation on my iPod, and even name check a few of the choral pieces in some of the books (for those readers who happen to be ex-choir nerds like me!).

The following list isn’t exhaustive, but listening to some of these worked like hanging a magic amulet around my neck when I needed to drop straight into the mood of the storyline:

Symphony No. 8 in E-flat major by Gustav Mahler has a starring role in the first book, Mercy, because it’s the reason Carmen Zappacosta (whose body Mercy is “inhabiting”) has been drawn to Paradise in the first place.

Standing Outside a Broken Phone Booth with Money in My Hand by the Primitive Radio Gods. Chris O’Connor and the band were kind enough to let me extract a portion of the lyrics at the start of Exile as a kind of “mood setter” for the book.

The Flower Duet (Sous le dôme épais) from Léo Delibes' opera Lakmé crops up in Mercy and in Muse as a kind of indicator of how far Mercy’s memory has returned between books 1 and 3.

If This is It by Newton Faulkner. Listen to the bit about “slings and stones and fire” and you’ll get why I loved listening to this.

Anything by the early music group Hesperion XX. Their stuff can instantly transport you to another time.

The Last Day on Earth by Kate Miller-Heidke, an Aussie singer-songwriter. An absolutely haunting song about lost love.

The album Science and Faith by The Script.

Walk On by U2, written about and dedicated to Aung San Suu Kyi.

The 16^th century Corpus Christi Carol (author anonymous). Benjamin Britten as interpreted by Jeff Buckley. Spine-tingling.

Huge thanks to Rebecca for sharing. My favorites are If This Is It which I will be adding to my ipod this evening and I adore The Script, I chose that particular video because I think it goes fabulously with the ending of the series [ ; D ]

Mercy Review HERE                         Exile Review HERE

Muse Review HERE                           Fury Review HERE

Review: Fury by Rebecca Lim

Title: Fury

Series: Mercy #4

Author: Rebecca Lim

Publisher: Harper Collins Children's Books

Publication Date: 29 March 2012

Source: Review Copy

Rating: 4/5

Synopsis from Goodreads

Hell hath no fury like an angel scorned…

Heartbreak. Vengeance. Truth. Betrayal.

Everything that has happened to Mercy over millennia has made her who she is. Now she and The Eight wage open war with Luc and his demons, and the earth is their battlefield.

Ryan’s love for Mercy is more powerful than ever, her guiding light in the hour of darkness. But the very love that sustains her, now places Ryan in mortal danger.

Two worlds collide as Mercy approaches her ultimate breathtaking choice.

Hell hath no fury like Mercy

REVIEW

Please bear in mind that this is the last book in the series and the review may therefore contain spoilers for the previous books.

Let me start by saying that there could have been no other possible ending for his series. Although in some ways it can be seen as predictable the accomplishment in bringing all the elements together for the ending was unexpected and should not be diminished. As I stated in my review of Exile (HERE)  all the clues are placed within the narrative to pick up on, oh the benefit of hindsight is a powerful thing.

My favorite thing about this book was the way  'humans' are depicted. Generally dismissed by both angels and demons as inferior; their ingenuity, resourcefulness, adaptability and perseverance are the qualities lacking in the angels and demons; it is these human qualities that really shine through the narrative aiding the fight for good exponentially.

Seeing the world as the devils playground is shudder inducing yet it is nice in a way to be able to lay the blame of the worlds atrocities on the shoulders of an external entity rather than mankind's ability to destroy, hate and hurt.

The way in which the peripheral characters from the previous books that were able to 'see' Mercy for who she really was plays a vital part in the plot in this book. Providing a very clever way of advancing the plot, tying up loose plot threads and developing all the characters. It also highlighted the point that Mercy had touched the lives of the people around her at a fundamental level.

The different countries used in the setting were richly described adding to the world building. It really did feel as if you were seeing the countries through the eyes of the characters themselves. It really did bring the saying ' You can travel the world in a book' to technicolor life. The inclusion of the native Peruvian tribe added depth to the narrative. The detail into their lifestyle and belief system was a comprehensive addition to both the imagery and the plot.

Although I really enjoyed the series I can appreciate the complaints about the large holes within the plot. For one thing Mercy is initially portrayed as Luc's consort in all things evil for which she has to atone. Althugh this plot thread is used extensively in the first two books it did fizzle out in the latter part of the series replaced by a promise that Luc made Mercy before The Fall that binds them together. Again this is another gap in the plot as the promise that binds Luc to Mercy is never fully revealed. Also the reason for keeping Mercy's true name hidden is not fully explained, yes we know something bad will happen but what, to who and why?

So yes the series isn't perfect but it is heart-warming, action packed and optimistic for the future of mankind.  For these reason alone its well worth reading.  

Review: Muse by Rebecca Lim

Title: Muse

Series: Mercy #3

Author: Rebecca Lim

Publisher: Harper Collins Children's Books

Publication Date: 27 Oct 2011

Source: Review Copy

Rating: 4/5

Synopsis from Goodreads

An angel searching for answers, for her destiny…

In the third MERCY paranormal romance, Mercy wakes in a new unknown host, her love for Ryan and Luc burning stronger than ever. But who will she make the ultimate sacrifice for?

There's something very wrong with me. When I wake up, I could be anyone…

Mercy is thrust into the excessive world of fashion when she awakes in the body of a troubled Russian supermodel, Irina: bitchy, hot-tempered and known to be dabbling in things she shouldn’t, Irina is on the verge of a very public breakdown.

Against the glamorous background of opulent Milan, Mercy continues her increasingly desperate search for Ryan to lead her back to her immortal lover, Luc. But this time Mercy is aware that her memories and powers are growing ever stronger – and she begins to doubt Luc as The Eight reveal more of her mysterious past. Are Luc’s desires as selfless as her own or does he want her for a more terrifying purpose?
The grand scale celestial battle for Mercy’s soul builds to an incredible stormy crescendo as archangels and demons clash in a cataclysmic showdown that not all will survive…

REVIEW

Please bear in mind that this is the third book in the series and may therefore contain spoilers for the previous books.

Following the dramatic ending of Exile (Review HERE) there isn't much time to place Mercy into a new host. When Mercy awakens in the body of Russian super-model Irina she has regained most of her memory. Her own thoughts and feelings although she enigma of Luc and why she is on earth is yet to be revealed. The background detailing into Mercy's character, angels and the interactions of angels, fallen ones and humans really filled out the plot.

 
The insight into the fashion industry especially the life of a super-model was amazing. No wonder some models act like such divas when people fawn over themselves to so anything for you no matter how degrading. How every little detail of your life is made public, true or not, all on display for media vultures to pick over. Plus the tedium they have to endure would be enough to drive me over the edge.

The theme of looks being deceiving is dramatically portrayed. The imagery within this book was outstanding, not only the glitz and glamor of the fashion industry hiding depravity.The use of the weather reflecting the actions and battle of good versus evil was a stroke of imagery genius.

Revelations come thick and fast in this book, the action speeds up as Mercy remembers more and more of her own history. The background into Mercy's confinement and the necessity of keeping her hidden from Luc comes together piece by piece. Sympathy for Mercy abounds through these revelations,  trapped in other peoples bodies to atone for something she had no control over, her only 'sin' being naivety especially where Luc was concerned. 

The introduction of two pivotal characters in this book provided a fresh appreciation of the main characters and their actions as viewed from an outside perspective. I especially adored Gia, Irina's PA, although Irina treats her like dirt she comes bouncing back, not because she adores Irina its because she is an absolute professional. Gia is tough and genuinely likeable especially for her straight forwardness. Gia is very perceptive and identifies Mercy underneath Irina pretty quickly. Her efficiency is something I covet (lol), her decency shines through as well as her optimism (although she tries to hide it under a coating of snark)  Gia really is a terrific character and addition to the book as a whole.

This is probably my favorite book in the series so far.

Mini-Review: Exile by Rebecca LIm

Title: Exile

Series: Mercy #2

Author: Rebecca Lim

Publisher: Harper Collins Children's Books

Publication Date: 9 June 2011

Source: Bought

Rating: 4/5

Synopsis from Goodreads

There's something very wrong with me. When I wake up, I could be anyone…

An angel in exile, Mercy is doomed to return repeatedly to Earth, taking on a new human form each time she does. Now she "wakes" as unhappy teen Lela, a girl caring for a dying mother but never herself.

As her shattered memory begins to return, Mercy remembers Ryan, the boy she fell in love with in another life, and Luc, the angel haunting her dreams. Will Mercy risk Lela’s life to be reunited with her heart’s true desire?

REVIEW

I must start by saying that this is book 2 in the series and this review may therefore contain spoilers to Book 1 Mercy (Review HERE). I will also state that I am writing this review after finishing the whole series, therefore I have added insight into the plot due to the benefit of hindsight ( my superpower of need alongside time travel [ ; D ] ) 

There is very important information revealed in this book, something that doesn't automatically click into place until the very end. In this book Mercy finds herself in the body of Lela, desperately unhappy with her life, stuck in a dead end job taking care of her terminally ill mother. Underneath all the misery and despair in Lela's life you can tell that she generally cares for people. Mercy heightens this quality and it is heart warming to follow just how Mercy touches peoples lives. Improving not only the quality of life but putting their futures back on track, in essence saving them from themselves. It is this essential goodness that enables people to see beneath the surface of the body Mercy is inhabiting to the real her.

Although Mercy is starting to remember fragments of 'her' life there are still huge gaps in her memory. She is still unaware of what she truly is and therefore who Luc is. The introduction of more of the archangels and background details as to their powers and place in the world not just guarding Mercy, really add depth to the plot. The connection and similarity between Ryan and Luc has yet to be fully explored, keeping the continual tension within the plot.

The seedier side of life is unerringly depicted and unfortunately all to realistic. The inner workings of a psychopaths mind were disturbingly portrayed. The undercurrent of evil being hidden is a continuing theme flowing through the books.

The way random acts of kindness benefit society as a whole via their ripple effect was amazing to picture similar to that of the butterfly effect (the theoretical physics not the movie) A truly fantastic concept that would benefit the world if it was put into practice. 

There is still so much more to be revealed about Mercy herself, the circumstances of her 'imprisonment', her relationships and the battle of good versus evil even on the smallest scale. A terrific addition to the series.

Spotlight: Guest Post: Happily Ever Afters by Kerrianne Coombes

It is with pleasure I welcome Kerrianne Coombes to Book Angel Booktopia today to share her love of Happy Ending (me too). Over to Kerrianne:

I am here to celebrate my new release called The One That Got Away And as part of the celebration, I am offering one commenter a chance to win a copy of the novella.

So what are you waiting for - leave a comment [ : D ] 

Why I love a happily ever after…

We live our lives reaching for something, right? Every day we wake up, go to work and try to have a great day. We try our hardest and sometimes even that is not enough. Your boss is either being difficult, or your kids drive you mad. Not every day is perfect. Sometimes you just need to close off your mind from the piles of bills, and the messy house. Sometimes you just need to stop for a while.

That is where my books come in.

I don’t know about you, but reading is a form of escapism. I love nothing more than to sink into a great book and be swept up into a world where the bad guys get their comeuppance, and love always wins. If I choose to read a book, I don’t want to come away feeling disappointed, angry or even depressed. I guess that is my choice—but I want to put a book down and sigh happily. If life cant be perfect outside of a book, it doesn’t mean that it shouldn’t be inside the book. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not all roses and plane sailing in my books, but you will always get a happily ever after.

Synopsis from Author

When William Adams is forced to return to his home village to bury his drunk, violent father, memories of his first love rise. Driven from his childhood home at eighteen, William had begged his girlfriend Cammy, to go with him. With only a bag of clothes and a twenty pound note, he had nothing to offer her, except his love and devotion. When she refused to flee with him, Will was crushed. He left his town and his first love and vowed never to return.

Ten years later, regret and unfinished business force him to rescind his vow.

Camilia Jones, pub owner and bitter singleton is stuck in a rut. Constantly hurt by the popular misconception that she is miserable and surly, and not able to move past the attack that ruined her life and left her permanently scarred. She is tired, broken and utterly alone. When William Adams, the man who stole her heart arrives back in the village, Cammy feels her old self come back to life

Mini-Review: Fins Are Forever by Tera Lynn Childs

Title: Fins are Forever

Series: Fins #2

Author: Tera Lynn Childs

Publisher: Templar

Publication Date: 1 April 2012
Source: Review Copy
Rating: 3/5

Synopsis from Goodreads

On Lily Sanderson’s eighteenth birthday she’ll become just a girl—still a mer girl, true, but signing the renunciation paperwork will ink Princess Waterlily of Thalassinia out of existence. That leaves plain old Lily living on land, dating the boy she loves, and trying to master this being human thing once and for all.

Now that Lily and Quince are together, mer-bond or not, she’s almost content to give up her place in the royal succession of Thalassinia. But just when she thinks she has everything figured out, Lily’s father sends a certain whirlpool-stirring cousin to stay with her on land. What did Doe do to get herself exiled from Thalassinia and stuck in terraped form, when everyone knows how much she hates humans? And why why why is she batting her eyelashes at Lily’s former crush, Brody?

The seafoam on the surf comes when a merboy from Lily’s past shows up. Tellin asks Lily for something that clouds her view of the horizon. There’s a future with Quince on land, her loyalty to the kingdom in the sea, and Lily tossing on the waves in the middle. Will she find a way to reconcile her love, her duty, and her dreams?

REVIEW

I loved the first book in the series Forgive My Fins (Review HERE) unfortunately Fins Are Forever didn't live up to the ideals I had in my head. My rating reflects my opinion that this book had a 'middle book' feel about it.The fairy-tale parallel is still in place with the mermaid princess giving everything up for her human boyfriend. Although I did feel that the characters personalities were lacking from what they had been in Book 1, I really missed the banter between Lily and Quince, the romantic element was a little bit saccharine for my tastes. 

The inclusion of Dosinia and her machinations against Lily took the plot in a completely different direction, I hated Dosinia with a passion, which is probably what was expected. Even as the story progresses and revelations are made regarding Dosinia's hatred of humans although I felt sorry for her I never really warmed to her in the slightest, even after the revelations and altered perspective to humans.

Tellin's addition to the list of characters added another dimension to the plot although I am not sure how I feel about him either. He puts duty first which is an admirable quality. However, there is something I do not trust about him at all. Actions at the end of the book did not really fit with the characters personalities that have been seen til now. I honestly would have liked to have seen this aspect handled differently and am hoping that book 3 will bring the cute story I loved back to the forefront.

The main theme of the book debates whether humans can co-exist peacefully with other species or would the need for humans to dominate other species take precedence. Scientific experiment alongside climate change and its affect on the worlds oceans and weather fronts are all touched upon within the narrative, giving far more depth to the story-line. This is one of the things I would really like to see expanded in the third book, less Dosinia please.

Although I was a little disappointed with this book I am definitely going to continue with the series and I am hoping to fall in love with Quince and Lily again. As well as unravel the mysteries behind Dosinia and Tellin. Bring on Just For Fins [ : D ]

Other Reviews:

Book Passion For Life

Mundie Moms

On My Library Wishlist

As usual Mundie Moms have enticed me with their reviews of Middle Grade books to add it to the list of books I would love to see in the library. Read their amazing review HERE

Title:Winterling

Series: Winterling #1

Author: Sarah Prineas

Publisher: Quercus

Publication Date: 8 Nov 2012

Synopsis from Goodreads

With her boundless curiosity and wild spirit, Fer has always felt that she doesn’t belong. Not when the forest is calling to her, when the rush of wind through branches feels more real than school or the quiet farms near her house. Then she saves an injured creature—he looks like a boy, but he’s really something else. He knows who Fer truly is, and invites her through the Way, a passage to a strange, dangerous land.

Fer feels an instant attachment to this realm, where magic is real and oaths forge bonds stronger than iron. But a powerful huntress named the Mor rules here, and Fer can sense that the land is perilously out of balance. Fer must unlock the secrets about the parents she never knew and claim her true place before the worlds on both sides of the Way descend into endless winter.

Sarah Prineas captivates in this fantasy-adventure about a girl who must find within herself the power to set right a terrible evil.

This one again is again down to the fabulous Mundie Moms read their review HERE

Title: The False Prince

Series: The Ascendance Trilogy #1

Author: Jennifer A Nielsen

Publisher: Scholastic

Publication Date: 7 June 2012

Synopsis from Goodreads

THE FALSE PRINCE is the thrilling first book in a brand-new trilogy filled with danger and deceit and hidden identities that will have readers rushing breathlessly to the end.
In a discontent kingdom, civil war is brewing. To unify the divided people, Conner, a nobleman of the court, devises a cunning plan to find an impersonator of the king's long-lost son and install him as a puppet prince. Four orphans are recruited to compete for the role, including a defiant boy named Sage. Sage knows that Conner's motives are more than questionable, yet his life balances on a sword's point -- he must be chosen to play the prince or he will certainly be killed. But Sage's rivals have their own agendas as well.

As Sage moves from a rundown orphanage to Conner's sumptuous palace, layer upon layer of treachery and deceit unfold, until finally, a truth is revealed that, in the end, may very well prove more dangerous than all of the lies taken together.

An extraordinary adventure filled with danger and action, lies and deadly truths that will have readers clinging to the edge of their seats.