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robyn_thereader's review
5.0
I had the privilege of receiving an ARC copy of "They Call Me Angel," and I want to express my gratitude to Alexia Muelle-Rushbrook for this opportunity. Rest assured, my honest review remains uninfluenced by this.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
⭐ "They Call Me Angel" presents a unique and thought-provoking concept that had me captivated from the very beginning. The blurb itself is intriguing and sets the stage for an extraordinary narrative.
⭐ Angel, the central character, inhabits an afterlife that is neither fully alive nor entirely dead, and she becomes a serial observer of the seaside town of Adtoft. The characters she encounters are richly developed, from the artist painting on the beach to the paramedic who catches her attention. Her father's predicament in a loveless marriage adds layers to the story. It's a tapestry of lives, and Angel's perspective provides a haunting and insightful lens through which to view them.
⭐ Alexia's attention to detail is a standout feature of the book. It masterfully aids in visualizing the story, making every scene come to life with vivid clarity.
⭐ The book does address some challenging themes, and I appreciate that Alexia includes a trigger page, considering readers' sensitivities. The trigger warnings encompass domestic abuse, murder, drugs, death, and depression. I would also like to note that there are brief mentions of miscarriage on a couple of occasions, even though it did not go into detail in any way I do kind of wish this was on the trigger page too.
⭐ "They Call Me Angel" has all the elements that could make for an exceptional TV series adaptation. The narrative, with its intrigue and depth, is ripe for the screen. To the details to the storyline, this would truly be a captivating show.
⭐ The story leaves readers on a captivating cliffhanger, and whether Alexia chooses to continue it as a series or not, it undoubtedly stands as one of my best reads of the year. The book's unique concept, well-developed characters, and rich attention to detail make it a must-read for those who appreciate thought-provoking and immersive stories.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
⭐ "They Call Me Angel" presents a unique and thought-provoking concept that had me captivated from the very beginning. The blurb itself is intriguing and sets the stage for an extraordinary narrative.
⭐ Angel, the central character, inhabits an afterlife that is neither fully alive nor entirely dead, and she becomes a serial observer of the seaside town of Adtoft. The characters she encounters are richly developed, from the artist painting on the beach to the paramedic who catches her attention. Her father's predicament in a loveless marriage adds layers to the story. It's a tapestry of lives, and Angel's perspective provides a haunting and insightful lens through which to view them.
⭐ Alexia's attention to detail is a standout feature of the book. It masterfully aids in visualizing the story, making every scene come to life with vivid clarity.
⭐ The book does address some challenging themes, and I appreciate that Alexia includes a trigger page, considering readers' sensitivities. The trigger warnings encompass domestic abuse, murder, drugs, death, and depression. I would also like to note that there are brief mentions of miscarriage on a couple of occasions, even though it did not go into detail in any way I do kind of wish this was on the trigger page too.
⭐ "They Call Me Angel" has all the elements that could make for an exceptional TV series adaptation. The narrative, with its intrigue and depth, is ripe for the screen. To the details to the storyline, this would truly be a captivating show.
⭐ The story leaves readers on a captivating cliffhanger, and whether Alexia chooses to continue it as a series or not, it undoubtedly stands as one of my best reads of the year. The book's unique concept, well-developed characters, and rich attention to detail make it a must-read for those who appreciate thought-provoking and immersive stories.
pettyforsmutt's review
5.0
Woah this was fantastic! It gives Layla vibes, but completely its own paranormal vibes. The female main character is stuck in limbo between life and death trying to figure out what her purpose is. && The drama that comes out of this small town is mind blowing. I’m literally just sitting here after finishing the book like what no way?!?
Definitely a must read bonus with spooky season coming
Definitely a must read bonus with spooky season coming
hannahstromauthor's review
hopeful
inspiring
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
I really enjoyed her other books, but for me this one just wasn't for me. I didn't feel engaged enough to keep reading. However if you enjoy a supernatural slice of life, I think you'll enjoy this book. Again, I didn't find anything wrong with this book (the narration is still top-notch), it just wasn't moving fast enough for me.
DNF at 52%
DNF at 52%
amandastone88's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Alexia wrote a captivating story. The narrator did so amazing. She keeps you so focused on the story. Made it hard to have to pause to deal with real life tasks. I felt like I was in the scene as Angel, seeing and feeling as she was. There was just the right amount of scenery building. It didn't stretch too long to lose the interest of the plot. There are plenty of characters to care about and others to hope they get their karma. I loved that every character played a part in the story's plot as well. Definitely, some tear-jerking scenes tossed in the plot, too. It's not my usual genre, but I enjoyed it just as much.
Minor: Domestic abuse
mariasbooknook1's review
emotional
hopeful
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
antoinetteo's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
smcross1991's review
5.0
I got the audible version of the book. I loved listening to it. It’s amazing detailed I got lost in this world. It’s about a woman who was unalived by her husband, she is stuck in limbo and trying to make peace with being stuck and not being able to be seen, heard or touch. Till one day when a boy gets injured and she was able to touch him and help him. She continued to find meaning in being stuck in limbo and help as many people as could. Till a certain paramedic she felt connected to him at soul level. She finds out something about him she wish wasn’t true. It’s a slow burn, and amazing detailed plot that is long but oh so enjoyable. Will she choose to live or will she choose to go.
athenezadam's review
4.0
They Call Me Angel is about a woman who is murdered--a victim of domestic violence--who is still connected to the living world. An instant strong connection is formed between the reader and the main character, whose observations of the living are insightful and varied. Muelle-Rushbrook's storytelling conveys isolation, love, and grief. At times, it appears unclear where the story is heading, but events make sense in the climax. A novel like this can end in only so many ways, and yet the conclusion is satisfying. They Call Me Angel is a contemplative, emotional paranormal story.
*This review was left voluntarily, after receiving an Advanced Reader Copy.
*This review was left voluntarily, after receiving an Advanced Reader Copy.
boba_nbooks's review
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This novel is unlike anything I've ever read. It was a slow-moving plot that had plenty of character development and time to let the readers really drink in the story.
Our main character, Angel, died at the hands of her husband four years ago. Instead of passing on, she's stuck in a sort of limbo where she still exists within the boundaries of her hometown where she can watch everything that happens. But no one can see, hear, or touch her until one day, a boy on the verge of death sees her and finds comfort in her presence. With this realization, Angel goes on a journey to try and provide a sort of calm for people in their final moments. Angel's mission leads her to people she comes to consider friends and a man who is determined to know her. Through all of this, Angel learns about everything happening in the town from illicit affairs to drug deals, and she has to decide where her place is in all of this. And if she wants to live.
I loved the journey this novel took me on. It took a sort of science-fiction setting and added on an existential element that really made me think.
The ending was very ambiguous, and I'm really not sure if Angel lived or died! But either way, I loved the story and the journey it took me on.
Our main character, Angel, died at the hands of her husband four years ago. Instead of passing on, she's stuck in a sort of limbo where she still exists within the boundaries of her hometown where she can watch everything that happens. But no one can see, hear, or touch her until one day, a boy on the verge of death sees her and finds comfort in her presence. With this realization, Angel goes on a journey to try and provide a sort of calm for people in their final moments. Angel's mission leads her to people she comes to consider friends and a man who is determined to know her. Through all of this, Angel learns about everything happening in the town from illicit affairs to drug deals, and she has to decide where her place is in all of this. And if she wants to live.
I loved the journey this novel took me on. It took a sort of science-fiction setting and added on an existential element that really made me think.
Graphic: Death, Grief, and Death of parent
Moderate: Cursing, Domestic abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, and Alcohol