Series: Celestial Creatures #2
Published by Raging Bear Publishing on May 1, 2019
Pages: 301
Amazon UK, Amazon US
Goodreads
Also by this author: Heavenward, Harbinger
Being one of the most formidable archangels with the power to end the world doesn't serve you well if you don't know how to use it.
Thrown into a battle of courts and factions, tangled in a web of intrigues and palatial games, naïve Ariel is surrounded by powerful angels, chasing their own agendas.
There's no one she can trust. Everyone stands to gain something from her death.
To avoid the bloody battle that Baza brought to her door at Uras, Ariel retreats back to Apkallu (Earth) to find her sister, but the Heavenly battles and intrigues she flees follow her, as Baza's immense hold on Apkallu forces Ariel and Rafe to make uncomfortable choices.
Ariel's fight for survival is far from over and it looks like it's going to be a deadly one.
Wow! Closing the tour today for Olga and Melanie! So make sure you check out Stacy @ Stacy is Reading and Before we go blog to see what fab things they have to say!
✮ My Review ✮
So straight after I finished Heavenwards, I had to jump straight back in with Hallow. I did not want to be apart from the characters or the action for too long! Ah, how long am I to wait for the next one though??
Anyway back to Ariel, she is still struggling with her inner demons and her good ole pal Rage is making a lot of appearances! Ariel hurt me near the opening of the book when she viciously attacked Rafe(verbally!). Now do not get me wrong, she is not coping, she is acting out and you really do forget how young she is but her words cut me like they did Rafe. If it was not for her inner turmoil after the event, despite her silly actions, I may not have forgiven her. Ariel is a “typical” struggling teenage girl, she not only has the usual angst in life, but she has to also has to try and cope with the essence of one of, if not the, most powerful angel! Not an easy task! Aside from her outbursts, she is such a strong girl and a force to be reckoned with. She is much stronger than she gives herself credit for, if only she had the belief because she has proven it over and over.
Despite this, her sister is missing and she has to find her, with Rafe help. There are some touching scenes and there are some horrifying scenes, ones I do not wish to re-imagine with the lizard men – seriously terrifying! I would love to know how Olga came up with them in her head!!!!!
Where I loved Heavenwards, the writing in Hallow just blows you away. Where Olga was seemingly learning her trade and characters, in Hallow she knocks it out the park with her writing and character development. For me, this was so strong, the characters are formed and you create such a bond for them, whether you like them or not!!!
I honestly can not do the book any justice it deserves. I can not find the right words to entice you to read it, I just hope you do. It deserves your attention! It may be classed as a “Fantasy and a Young Adults” book but it is truly so much more, the way it is written is done in such a way that it is so realistic every sound, dialogue, smell, backdrop is brought to life.
If you have not already, pick Heavenwards up here for free, and start this gorgeous story from the beginning.
Until next time xxx
So what were the lovely bloggers saying on tour?
A Mixed Up Mummy says
…the world Olga has created is simply beyond words. You get drawn in to all the fatastical things that are going on and the story is a real page turner. By the time you reach the end you’re left needing more and I honestly can’t wait to see where the next book takes us.
The Bookwormey says
This is a quite remarkable piece of fantasy writing by Olga Gibbs, the battles, the scouser and lizards are so well described you can almost smell the scouser’s fetid breath….great world building and likeable and distinctly unlikeable characters make this a thoroughly gripping, enthralling read….I love it…(and it’s been many years since I was YA)…
Books & Dachshunds says
The story took a turn I wasn’t expecting at all.. and left me sobbing quite a few time, alone in the darkness of my room
Even though i’m older than her, I kinda wish I’d have Ariel’s strength of mind – she really is an awesome character all over, even with her rage.
Hallow’s main strength is Heavenward’s main strength, the protagonist, Ariel. We accompany her on her journey, being made privy to her sass, sarcasm and selflessness along the way. We also see her weak and feeble in some harrowing and utterly memorable explorations of her and her family. This is well contrasted with her literal otherworldly strength, and instinctual ‘protective older-sibling’ mode. The range of emotion that we see Ariel express makes her a very well-developed character, and a compelling, realistic protagonist. Moreover, these emotions are depicted in vivid descriptions that makes Ariel especially relatable.
Fraser’s Fun House says
Olga has created a page-turner which takes you on a supersonic roller coaster ride that at times I found difficult to see how situations would play out – a rarity for me as I am awful for trying to predict plots! The love story line that featured in the first book has been side-lined in this new offering which for me was essential in order to allow for story development which Olga has executed perfectly. Alongside the introduction of added action this progression has allowed me as reader to learn more about and connect with the character’s that had already been established in Heavenward.
The Northern Witch’s Book Blog says
I do really like that the romance is very low-key. The attraction is there, and it’s acknowledged, but it doesn’t overwhelm the rest of the story. It’s so refreshing for a book not to devolve into slushiness!
Little Tinkable says
Olga doesn’t spare us from our feeling and instantly I am thrown into an emotional whirlwind and I won’t lie, a few tears escape while reading on through, being the ever emotional person that I can be. But more than that, Olga had once again instantly placed me into the mind and state of Ariel, were I felt what emotions where coursing through her at the time.
There’s Something about KM says
The balance between action, conversation, and detail is quite unique. The movement between each is not rushed, which can happen in a fast-paced narrative. The movement and the transitions in Hallow feel natural, bringing anticipation to even higher levels. Who can be trusted? What other unknowns are lying in wait? Did that really just happen?
Curled up with a good book says
Other than that I’m giving nothing else away! Again, Olga has bought us a fabulous YA Fantasy novel which had me completely sucked in and on the edge of my seat! I love Ariel, who at times can be a proper stroppy teenager, but she’s battling with so many things; not only the fact that she has only recently found out she’s an angel, but also issues from her past and her mental health struggles. She’s a character to look up to in many ways as no matter how many times she nearly hits rock bottom, she manages to pick herself back up, dust herself off and bring the fight that’s needed.
Emma’s Chapter says
Gibbs has an incredible way with description and creating an atmosphere for every scene and tone. I did think we got slightly descriptive heavy in the first couple of chapters, but as things got moving everything evened out and we were good. I did have to reread a couple of action bits o fully understand what was happening, but that could just be my habit of reading so fast and missing bits. However, Gibbs is doing a phenomenal job at creating a truly immersive and fantastical world with some amazing characters.
Just as in Heavenward, Gibbs is making us wait until the next book and has me waiting on pins and needles. There are some nice twists and unexpected turns, and I love that Ariel is such a believable teenager. People can forget as they grow older that being a teen is not easy and more than that some teens have problems that others will never even have to deal with as adults.
My favorite books, are those where I can imagine myself as the protagonist. I see myself in Ariel, but I’m not sure that I would be able to be as great as her. When I fall into the pits of mind, it takes sometime for me to “pick myself up” but not Ariel. She sees what she has to do, and who she needs to be, and becomes that person. I wish we all had the strength of Ariel. Olga, you’ve done an amazing job! I can’t wait to read for the next book!!
Floral Cars says
Not only is the world building extended upon, Gibbs’ writing feels almost poetic in “Hallow”. She picks the right words and goes a step further than calling something pretty just that. Instead it feels like she opened a Thesaurus and picked the most beautiful word. This creates an almost poetic and aesthetic scene even while drama unfolds. If you believe that the novel reads like it is written by snob, you are mistaken. She knows when to use this skill, and applies it only when needed.
Wild X Heart says
I like it when a character has some relatable characteristics because it helps you to connect with the book. Olga has done well writing Ariel, we all have things in our lives that we have to delve into to overcome and come out the other side, I like this about Ariel.
Gina Rae Mitchell says
Her words create intricate scenes brought vividly to life. The action is intense, gripping, and violent and yet there is always that touch of humanity, caring, and morals included. The essence of Uriel is explained in greater detail in Hallow. There are touching scenes with Rafe and Sam as well as battles of will with Baza. All this is necessary to carry the story forward but, it certainly makes for a fantastic story on its own.
Lozzys Things says
Ariel, our protagonist, goes through a lot in this novel and you can help but root for her. I really related to Ariel’s struggle throughout this novel. She is dealing with so much and her nature to preserve, to keep fighting is inspiring. Olga does a fantastic job of creating a balance between Ariel struggling, almost giving up, to her pushing through that and continue to fight. This is such a realistic approach and Olga does it so well.
As with any fantasy book, the story is fantastical. It creates excitement, especially with the twists at the end, and the romance we are met with at the beginning of the novel (one that developed in its predecessor) doesn’t detract from the overall plot as is common with many YA fantasy novels. Olga certainly gives Ariel her own story without being completely sidetracked by some forced, cliche love story.
There are aspects of the writing I fell in love with. Olga’s descriptions create imagery that cannot be ignored. Beautiful scenes and poetic descriptions makes it a wonderful read.
The Reading Chemist says
Once again, Olga delivers a fast-paced page turner filled with descriptive battles, magic, and plot twists! I can’t wait to see how the world of Celestial Creatures continues.
Herding Cats says
Above all, Ariel has been created, nurtured and brought to life by Olga in the same way a mother rears a child. Despite all the angel and other worldly shenanigans, Ariel is first and foremost a teenager. The first part of the book is heavily and importantly focused on Ariel’s battle with her self and her own inner demons such as guilt, blame, total mistrust for everyone and pure self loathing. As I was reading, I couldn’t help feeling that these are feelings that many teens (and often adults too) can identify with as they are prominent emotions of adolescence and they have been captured tenderly but with honesty. Ariel herself is a kick-ass young woman making the journey into adulthood (or in this story angelhood) and this second book really reflects this.
Ezzie’s Bookshelf says
Something that really popped out for me is how Olga Gibb’s writing improved so much. It was amazing in Heavenward, it completely hooked me to the story, but the writing in Hallow just shows that Olga has become more comfortable in her own writing. A truly amazing change.
Do also check out an Interview with Olga over at Fraternal Philosophising, What’s in my wonderland
Check an excerpt out over at Books in the skye
Thank you so much to Melanie at Fraser’s Fun House for the tour invite and the author for a copy of this book in return for my honest and unbiased review
Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
likeherdingcatsblog says
Fab review. I love how you round up other blogs. I’m so naff at that. It’s not that I dont want to I’m just usually rushing to get done.
Zoé says
You are not naff at all!! Thanks lovely. I just wanted to do something a bit different. Although I don’t always do it lol x
likeherdingcatsblog says
I love the idea
Zoé says
Thank you my love x
Susanne says
A great review. And ouch that scene with Rafa at the beginning hurt me as well.
Thanks for including a quote from my blog ❤️
Zoé says
You are so very welcome! Yours was a fab review! I know right, I was shocked lol <3