Book reviews from toayminator

"Coleman Luck�s ANGEL FALL is a captivating mix of J.R.R. Tolkien�s �Lord of the Rings� and Alice In Wonderland, with a touch of C.S. Lewis�s �Narnia Chronicles� thrown in for good measure. Creative and well-written, it paints the most vivid pictures in your mind while spinning a fascinating tale of the age-old struggle between the forces of good and evil. This is a dark fantasy. As is often the case in real life, the forces of Good appear in forms that are not easily recognized at first while the forces of Evil appear in forms that are appealing, enticing, alluring. It takes discernment from the Lancaster children (which comes too late for Alex, with horrifying results), and the reader, to �test the spirits� and decipher who is really good and who is really evil, who is trying to help and who is luring them to destruction. The �beautiful side of evil� is deceptive and that is what makes it so dangerous, both to the Lancaster family and all of us. The characters that populate Boreth are clever, unique and colorful. I particularly enjoyed Bellwind�s twisted syntax and turn of phrase. The Lancaster children- Alex, Tori and Amanda- have been through some hard times in their young lives. Their responses to the hand life has dealt them and to the surreal world they are thrust into are utterly believable. There are dark themes in play here, including one involving past abuse at the hands of a trusted adult. Frankly I�m not entirely sure that one is appropriate for the younger reading audience, however the payoff involving redemption and forgiveness is overwhelming- a powerful �teachable moment�. And a much needed lesson in today�s world. Amidst the adventure, there are insights scattered throughout this story that are profound and revealing, both to our protagonists and to the reader. Thought-provoking gems, such as the true nature and purpose of pleasure, and the subtle but destructive effects of pride, are reminiscent of C.S. Lewis and Tolkien, but set against a much darker, even hellish, backdrop. Choices have consequences. The story woven by the choices these characters made and make drew me in and wouldn�t let me go until I found out where it led them. As another reviewer put it quite aptly, Angel Fall takes you on a journey through �the world of the seen and the unseen. The physical and the spiritual.� Creative and fast-paced, Angel Fall is a compelling, intriguing, fascinating read. "