Official Review: Angel Academy by R.W. Verner

[Cecilia_L]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Angel Academy" by R.W. Verner.]

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2 out of 4 stars

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Tiger Kobayashi is extremely thankful to be in heaven but is also concerned about those he couldn't help. Not long before he was raptured with Jesus, Tiger had been an atheist. He fears his parents have been left behind. Now, Tiger joins Ethan Parker, Sameer Gupta, David Ward, and Lucy Garcia-Ward; as Watchers, they must go back into the world during the Great Tribulation to witness and document the actions of the Antichrist, Frederico Profeta. Angel Academy: The Fate of the Watchers Book III is the final book in the trilogy by R.W. Verner and is a fictional account of world events during the Great Tribulation based on the biblical books of Daniel and Revelation. As Profeta unleashes his evil plans upon the world, will the Watchers be able to help people receive salvation through Jesus Christ before it is too late?

Life during the Great Tribulation seems to be a popular topic among authors of Christian fiction. As a fan of the Left Behind series, I was excited to dig into this book. I appreciated the author's use of scriptures to support the plot and his clever solution for providing hidden cell phones for the Watchers, though I won't elaborate further to avoid exposing any spoilers. Also, the book appears to have been professionally edited.

Unfortunately, the author's writing style demonstrated the practice of telling rather than showing the story. Character development was also lacking. I would have liked to have seen more personality from the characters as individuals instead of only their roles as Watchers.

My biggest issue with the book is its lack of general background information pertaining to the Watchers. While the author makes occasional references to their past, I don't feel he provides sufficient details about the Watchers to inform readers who haven't read the first two books. Why were they chosen? What were some of the Watcher's previous assignments? As relevant details aren't included in the third book, I don't consider it one that stands on its own. Since this book is slightly over 100 pages, and the first two are in the 200-page range, readers who prefer to read the entire trilogy may appreciate the fact that it isn't a lengthy series.

Due to all of the above reasons, I rate the book 2 out of 4 stars. Previously, when I've reviewed books that were part of a series, at least a brief preface was included for reference. A similar addition would improve the overall reading quality of the book. I can appreciate the author's desire for readers to complete the trilogy, but personally, this omission left me dissatisfied and less likely to read the first two books.

Even so, the book will appeal to readers who enjoy Christian fiction related to the Tribulation and the Second Coming of Christ. Readers of the first two books in the Angel Academy trilogy will also appreciate it. Those who don't enjoy reading scriptures will prefer to pass on this book.

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Angel Academy
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[Anthony__]

Very nice descriptive review. It obvious I would first read the first earlier published book before reading this one. I appreciate your sincere review.

[Cecilia_L]

Thanks for your comment.

[MsTri]

I very very rarely read books out of order, so as intriguing as the premise was, I passed when I saw it on the selection list. Having read your review, I'm very glad that I did, though I would definitely be interested in starting with book one.

[kandscreeley]

I think I've read too many stories about the tribulation. I'm kind of over it. With the telling and lack of character development, I especially won't be reading it. Thanks anyway.

[Jessacardinal]

This sounds like an interesting book! I agree a backstory included at the beginning of the third book in the series would help many readers. However, if I accidentally read a book that is part of a series, I rarely go back to read the first few books after finishing the most recent piece.

[Cecilia_L]

I very very rarely read books out of order, so as intriguing as the premise was, I passed when I saw it on the selection list. Having read your review, I'm very glad that I did, though I would definitely be interested in starting with book one.

You made the right choice. Thanks for your comment.

[Cecilia_L]

I think I've read too many stories about the tribulation. I'm kind of over it. With the telling and lack of character development, I especially won't be reading it. Thanks anyway.

I know what you mean. I feel like it's a subject that's been covered well more than once, so authors who tackle the topic have deep shoes to fill.

[Cecilia_L]

This sounds like an interesting book! I agree a backstory included at the beginning of the third book in the series would help many readers. However, if I accidentally read a book that is part of a series, I rarely go back to read the first few books after finishing the most recent piece.

Thanks for your comment, Jessa.

[kdstrack]

I liked your insightful questions about the characters. It is difficult to start from the end of a series. I have found myself going back to read the first books of a series just to clear up confusion. I appreciate that you took the time to research the first two books and give some helpful information about their length. Thanks for reviewing this book.

[Kristy Khem]

As soon as you mentioned the 'Left Behind' series, I thought this was going to be a great book because I liked those books! Too bad about the poor writing style and the lack of background information in this one. Great review!

[Cecilia_L]

I liked your insightful questions about the characters. It is difficult to start from the end of a series. I have found myself going back to read the first books of a series just to clear up confusion. I appreciate that you took the time to research the first two books and give some helpful information about their length. Thanks for reviewing this book.

Thank you. I appreciate your comment.

[Cecilia_L]

As soon as you mentioned the 'Left Behind' series, I thought this was going to be a great book because I liked those books! Too bad about the poor writing style and the lack of background information in this one. Great review!

Thank you, Kristy.

[Faithmwangi]

The fact that I haven't begun this series from the first book will be an issue. Also, the book doesn't stand on its own which makes it more difficult to read. However, I did enjoy the insightful review.

[Cecilia_L]

The fact that I haven't begun this series from the first book will be an issue. Also, the book doesn't stand on its own which makes it more difficult to read. However, I did enjoy the insightful review.

Thanks for your comment.