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2010 Book Prizes Chunkster Science Fiction Thriller Uncategorized

Angelology – Danielle Trussoni

Angelology takes place in a world where angels walk among us. Their wings are tied flat beneath their clothing so you have no way of knowing who they are, but these angels have been breeding with humans to create dangerous hybrids called Nephilims. Unlike the immortal angels these nephilims are dying and so are trying to do everything within their power to get hold of the angelogogist’s research in the hope it will reveal a cure for their disease.

Angelology is a fast paced thriller, which I’d describe as a well written hybrid of The Da Vinci Code, The Historian and Twilight – so if you enjoyed these three books then you are bound to love this one.

I loved the atmospheric descriptions:

The angelologists examined the body. It was intact, without decay, the skin as smooth and as white as parchment. The lifeless aquamarine eyes gazed heavenward. Pale curls fell against a high forehead and sculptural shoulders, forming a halo of golden hair. Even the robes-the cloth woven of a white shimmering metallic material that none of them could identify exactly-remained pristine, as if the creature had died in a hospital room in Paris and not a cavern deep below the earth.

This initial scene setting was quite slow, but the pace soon sped up. I enjoyed the beginning, but about 100 pages in I began to lose interest. The plot was convoluted, meandering and never reached any real conclusion. There was a lot of history added to the book, but as most of it was made up this didn’t hold the same appeal as other pieces of historical fiction.

The central character in the book is a young nun called Evangeline, but she never really engaged me. I felt as though I was carried along by the fast flow of the words, rather than any real desire to know what happened.

The book is being made into a film by Sony and I am sure that this will be a  much better medium for the story – especially once the plot has been condensed into a two hour time slot!

The lack of a fully resolved ending means that I’m sure there will be a sequel, but I’m in no rush to read it – I am happy to wait until its inevitable DVD release!

Overall I found it to be a fast paced, inventive book, but I just didn’t care what those fictional angel-hybrids were doing.

This book is getting very mixed reviews, but I am sure it will be a massive hit – especially after its release in paperback.

…an incredible novel that I can’t recommend highly enough. S. Krishna’s Books

….in the end Angelology falls far short of its potential. Muse Books Review

…too many weak points to the overall story for me to end up really invested in the story. Fantasy & SciFi Lovin’ News and Reviews

I loved the world Trussoni has created with its mixture of the esoteric, history and myth and not least for Trussoni’s quality prose. Chasing Bawa

Do you think you’ll enjoy Angelology?

52 replies on “Angelology – Danielle Trussoni”

The reviews on this one are so confusing! Talk about bi-polar opinions! I have read alot of Anne Rice in my past, so I am fairly sure I would like this, but still! There was a review I read yesterday that said it was a DNF!!! What to do?

Sandy, I haven’t read anything by Anne Rice, so am not sure how the two compare. I have to admit that there were a few points where this book almost became a DNF for me, but I am pleased that I eventually made it to the end as it is nice to be able to get involved in the the conversations about this book. I think you’ll enjoy this book more than me, so go for it!

Sandy, you know I LOVED Angelology and I actually made the comparison to Anne Rice in another comment I posted about the book. I said it’s been a very, very long time since I was so engaged in a fictional, gothic world created by an author that I really couldn’t put it down. And I think the last time I enjoyed a book like that was when I was reading Anne Rice’s witch trilogy, The Mayfair Witches. Like that series, there’s all the complexity of genealogies, family histories and inherited ‘gifts’ and the back and forth through history. I wouldn’t be surprised if Danielle was inspired by Anne Rice.

It’s a very literary novel, an intelligent read, and I think the “bi-polar” opinions are coming from the less-than-literary type of readers who want fast, simple, stories. They can’t handle the complexities, and that’s their problem — not the author’s.

It’s not a book for people with a 9th grade reading level, if you know what I mean

I don’t even know what a “DNF” is, but from the gist, I said ignore it. Why do people who are not even into gothic reads, angels, and maybe learning something they didn’t know, feel compelled to “review” books that are all the things that are not their interest?

I would be bored stiff reading a novel about a baseball player and the life of pro ball. Does that make it a bad book, or just something I’m not into? You know what I mean.

I have a feeling Danielle is evoking a lot of jealousy in the book world too — what with bidding wars over her first novel and all. I think some of the negative stuff is “planted” by her competitors. Ignore it! Read and enjoy!

And if you think you’ll like Angelology, try the True Life story of Eddie Benitez and the angels he claims to know and talk to and learn from!

Angels on My Stage: The True Story of Eddie Benitez.
It’s on Kindle books.

I swear Danielle could have used it for reference, except they came out about the same time!

Yes, there’s definitely a lot of hype about this book. I liked it, but agree the ending probably wasn’t satisfactory. But I just assumed there will be a sequel (which there is) so wasn’t too bothered about it. For me, I think it made me feel again what I felt when I first read Anne Rice’s vampire books. Thanks for the link.

Sakura, I didn’t realise that a sequel had been confirmed, but I’m not surprised. It sounds as though I’m missing out by never having read any Anne Rice 🙂

I am intrigued by the mixed reviews, so I borrowed the audio book (something like 18 discs) and copied them onto my iPod for a future time. Thanks for your review Jackie

I thought I was swinging in the breeze on my own on this one. I have been struggling to get through this book for the last 2 weeks. I’m determined to finish it. I had such high hopes for it, but it’s been disappointing. I, too, find Evangeline quite bland for a main character. Glad I’m not alone in my disappointment.

Michele, It is good to know I’m not alone. There are some great bits in this book so I do think it is worth persevering to the end, but I understand your frustrations – there are a lot of long dull bits too 😉

I’ve had this in mind for the Horns & Halos contest, but I’m not sure whether I’m actually going to read it. I don’t like the title so much, and as well I feel like the world is trying to make angels the new vampires, which, again, I do not like.

I have this book and have to admit I am finding it hard to get in to. I read the first few chapters but then set it aside. I am a little disheartened hearing that you weren’t a huge fan, but glad to hear that you say it picked up. I’m hoping to get back to it in the next couple of weeks.

I keep wavering on this book! I really want to read it but it looks like I shouldn’t buy it in hardcover after all the mixed reviews. I’m not really into thrillers so I probably shouldn’t risk it.

Meghan, If you enjoyed The Historian then you will probably enjoy it. I’m sure the library will have loads of copies of this one – perhaps that would be a good way to try it?

I have to admit I also fell for the cover in the bookshop a few weeks ago but I’ve read such mixed reviews (you’ve given it a higher rating than some) that I’m just going to leave this one.

Jessica, I think this will fall along similar lines to Twilight. Anyone who loves Twilight will love this, but those who had issues with Twilight will have issues with it. I didn’t get on with Twilight, but enjoyed Dan Brown’s books – I think that is why I fall down the middle on this one!

I’ve read two positive reviews of this and now your less so one, which I’m glad to have done before getting it because I was very tempted the other day. I think I’ll still read it, but won’t worry about it any time soon.

Charlie, I’m just really nosy and want to know what everyone is talking about! Congratulations on resisting temptation – I’m too impulsive to do that!

I’ve read so many mixed reviews on this one that I have moved it a bit further down my list of “to be read” books. And I haven’t read Twilight, The Historian, or Da Vinci Code, so I’m not sure what my frame of reference will be for what to expect. That being said, I was always fascinated by the mention of the nephilium (spelling?) in the Old Testament so maybe this book would satisfy my curiosity that way.

Kathleen, The fact you haven’t read any of those books makes me think this book isn’t for you, but perhaps your interest in Nephilims will swing things in your favour?

The review for this book have been all over the place. I was not a huge fan of Twilight, I haven’t read The Historian, and although I enjoyed Angels & Demons, I was not a big fan of The Da Vinci Code (I’m convinced Dan Brown readers like the one they read first and then proceed to see the rest as redundant). The premise of this book does nothing for me, and I do not like the cover. I’ve read some glowing reviews, and I was surprised because I assumed it was pop fiction. I really appreciated your review. I don’t need books with sequels that choose to end ambiguously or with a cliffhanger. If I want to read them, I often wait until the sequel is out too. Thank you!

nomadreader, I think this is firmly in the mainstream fiction area and it will be very popular with the majority of readers. I agree that Dan Brown’s novels are quite similar so you are less likely to enjoy the first one you read most. If you enjoyed one Dan Brown book then you’ll probably find this OK, but there are a lot of better books out there!

I was almost going to buy a copy of this the other day (I have to admit mainly for the cover which I think looks gorgeous!) but then I remembered it was on your TBR list so I thought I would wait to see what Jackie thinks! I’m so glad I did – I have to admit I am still interested in the idea of the book but it sounds like a disappointing read over all. Maybe it needed a really good edit??

Karen, Thank you! I’m flattered that you’d wait for my opinion.

I’m no expert on editing, but I think this book could have benefitted from being much shorter. It had some good sections, but overall was just OK. I agree that the cover is fantastic though!

I always value your opinion on your reads Jackie – I know you will be honest with your thoughts and for the most part I think we have a very similar reading style so I am pretty sure that if you like a book so will I!

i have a copy of this book on its way to me. i have a feeling that i will enjoy it, but that i will fall somewhere in my mid-range for a rating, though i could be wrong. i have read both The DaVinci code and the Twilight series and both of those fell into my mid-range, as well.

i’m trying to avoid reading too much of the hype, positive or negative, but it’s pretty obvious that this is a hot topic book right now.

thanks for the honest review!

the little reader, I enjoyed Dan Brown (Da Vinci Code gets a 4/5 from me) but hated Twilight and couldn’t finish it. It does sound as though you’ll fall into the mid range for this, but you’ll never know until you try! I look forward to your thoughts on it.

Priscilla, Thanks for the comments on the review excerpts. I have tried to do it recently, but find that most books I’ve read haven’t had enough reviews, or everyone agrees! I like seeing the range of opinion too and will try to keep doing the review excerpts.

I love the concept of the book. But your review does not sound very enthusiastic, at the same time I think Swapna and I have similar choices, I might just wait for the DVD.

I did really enjoy Angelology and I think that it will make an excellent film. I think I was interested in the mythology running through the story more than anything.

There does seem to be a lot of hype around this book, but I’m not yet convinced that it is for me. Reading that you didn’t enjoy it much either didn’t help on that score.

The premise of this book really attracts me. I know so many folk who hated The Da Vinci Code and think it was dreadful writing but I, Philistine extraordinaire, really liked it and found Angels and Demons even more enjoyable as it was so ridiculously far fetched – I think trouble begins when authors take themselves too seriously! I thought The Historian dragged a lot in parts. I’ll keep this one on the wishlist. Thanks for a thoughtful review, Jackie.

Teresa, I really enjoyed The Da Vinci Code too (although the film was terrible!) I enjoyed The Historian too, although did think it was a bit long. Perhaps you’d like this one?

I’m listening to the audio book right now. And I have to say I’m glad that I didn’t buy the book. I would recommend anyone who is thinking of buying this book to seriously think about it and see if you can borrow it from the library or download the audio book.

Personally the book is very long with lots of detail. There is this large section about the past of the main character’s mother’s past and thus I’ve grown no attachment to the main character. Seriously I could let my audiobook run for 20min and not pay attention and still catch up.
If there is any positive points it’s that it’s very, very well researched and if you’re interested in angels this book would be wonderful for you. In general I would say the author did wonderful research but perhaps it wasn’t the best way to storytell.

Ada, Thanks for commenting on my blog for the first time 🙂

I’m surprised you are recommending the audio book – I find it impossible to skim sections on audio and so the speed really frustrates me when the plot is dragging. Perhaps we should agree that people borrow this one from the library?!

I agree that it is very well researched – anyone with an interest in angels will be in heaven!

Thank you for writing a review!
I wanted to find people who had an opinion about the book and that was non bias and presented both sides.

Perhaps I came off slightly negative however that was not my intentions at all. The book itself is verily expensive and my intention was to suggest that anyone interested should try to read several chapters etc. before buying it.
Undoubtedly I would encourage anyone that is interested should read it but be weary before buying it. 🙂

A much better review than mine!

I enjoyed Angelology, but did find that one particular chapter seemed to go on and on… it’s just a case of getting past that bit, I think.

Nikki-ann, Thanks for commenting on my blog for the first time! I didn’t have a problem with any chapter in particular – several bits went on and on…. 😉

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