18 Sept 2012

SPIRIT OF LOST ANGELS.

SPIRIT OF LOST ANGELS by LIZA PERRAT.


Her mother executed for witchcraft, her father dead at the hand of a noble, Victoire Charpentier vows to rise above her poor peasant roots.

Forced to leave her village of Lucie-sur-Vionne for domestic work in Paris, Victoire suffers gruesome abuse under the ancien rĂ©gime. Can she muster the bravery and skill to join the revolutionary force gripping France, and overthrow the corrupt, diabolical aristocracy?


Spirit Of Lost Angels traces the journey of a bone angel talisman passed down through the generations. The women of L'Auberge des Anges face tragedy and betrayal in a world where their gift can be their curse. Amidst the tumult of revolutionary France, this is a story of courage, hope and love.

..... Outer back cover.

FIRST SENTENCE (Prologue): The early light burns Victoire's cheeks, like a beacon warning her this summer day will bring something special.

MEMORABLE MOMENT (Page 19): 'When is papa coming home?'
'Your father will return any day soon, Victoire,' Maman said. 'Now the harvest is over and the season of hedgehogs is upon us.'

MY THOUGHTS: Who would have thought this was a debut novel? Written with great confidence and hauntingly beautiful, Spirit of Lost Angels is the first in a series of historical novels which, set both in a rural village and the city of Paris, charts a peasant woman's struggles against the abuse and corruption that is the aristocracy of 18th century France.

Perhaps stronger on character portrayal than plot which for me did not always flow as well as it might, in penning Victoire Charpentier the author has created a wonderful heroine who captures both the heart as well as the imagination.

Well researched, the sights, the sounds, the smells and, yes, even the mentality of the people are all brilliantly recreated by Liza Perrat, an author who is undoubtedly skillful in her use of language.

DISCLAIMER: Read and reviewed on behalf of the author I was merely asked for my honest opinion, no financial compensation was asked for nor given.   


16 comments:

Liza Perrat said...

Thanks so much for the time you put into reviewing my novel, Tracy; it is much appreciated!

Felicity Grace Terry said...

It was my pleasure Liza, I look forward to reading the next book.

Liza Perrat said...

Ok, I'll keep you in mind, Tracy. I recently finished the second in L'Auberge des Anges series - Wolfsangel - which is now with my agent. I forgot to say, as per your policy, I don't mind at all if you give away your copy of Spirit of Lost Angels, to friend, charity, whatever. No problem!
Cheers, Liza

Crazy Life of a Writing Mom said...

This sounds awesome! And right up my alley too :)

Suko said...

This sounds excellent. Your memorable moment is wonderful.

Natasha said...

This sounds really good! Yet another book to add to my ever growing list. Thanks for the kind words too, Patch was more than just a guinea-pig, and he'll be sorely missed. xxx

The Bookworm said...

It sounds great, I like that memorable moment too.

Yvonne @ Fiction Books Reviews said...

Hi Tracy,

I can't believe that you managed to find a book with a reference to 'The Hedgehog Season' in it!! I had to chuckle about that!

The book itself sounds great, although it sounds as though it is going to be a series that will need to be read in order, so I had better try and bag myself a copy of 'Spirit Of Lost Angels' very soon.

The book has received some excellent reviews on Amazon and whilst I was there, I visited the author page and came across this book, which she has also written. It seems to reflect exactly what you were saying about 'Lost Angels' being very character driven. This also sounds like a book that I would be keen to try.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Friends-Family-Strangers-Downunder-ebook/dp/B007GNIFBU/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpi_2

Thanks for the recommendation,

Yvonne

Gina said...

Nice job on the review! I really like the opening sentence, very descriptive... evokes a very serene image and yet that warning can't help but make me wonder what's in store.

Melissa (Books and Things) said...

Oh I like a debut novel that just takes you by surprise. This does sound like something I would enjoy.

DMS said...

The fact that the book didn't seem like a debut book is impressive. The storyline sounds interesting and I like that the characters are well developed. Thanks for sharing!
~Jess

Shooting Stars Mag said...

sounds like a very well-done novel. How wonderful!

Akila said...

Oh nice review

Arti said...

Thats a wonderful review. Indeed sounds very good for a debut novel. Loved the characters.
Have a nice day Tracy :)

A Lady's Life said...

Oh I love books like this full of mystery and history and intrigue

Betty Manousos said...

oh, it really sounds great, i also love your memorable moment.
wonderful!

xx