Cover of the first novel | |
Angelfire Wings of the Wicked Shadows in the Silence | |
Author | Courtney Allison Moulton |
---|---|
Country | United States |
Language | English |
Genre | Urban fantasy, young adult fiction |
Publisher | HarperCollins |
Published | February 15, 2011 |
Media type | Print (hardcover) |
Angelfire is a series of young adult urban fantasy novels by author Courtney Allison Moulton, beginning with the inaugural entry of the same name. The story follows a teenager named Ellie, who learns that she is actually the reincarnation of a powerful warrior, tasked with aiding angels in their battles against demons on Earth. Amidst this conflict, the tale follows her challenges in adjusting to her newfound role.
Angelfire introduces Ellie Monroe, a teenager who discovers that the monstrous beings in her dreams, called reapers, are real. A boy named Will reveals that Ellie is the reincarnation of an ancient warrior known as the Preliator, continuously reborn (after falling in battle) to aid angels in their fight against the reapers. With each reincarnation, she becomes more human, though she fails to remember her past lives. Will also reveals himself to be a mystical soldier sent to assist Ellie, having served as her guardian for centuries. Wielding twin khopesh swords, and an immense power called angelfire, Ellie begins a slow journey of adjustment to her role. [1] [2]
Prior to Angelfire, Courtney Allison Moulton's creative background consisted of artwork and photography. [3] She has claimed to draw inspiration from a variety of sources, including film, music, martial arts, and Eastern cultures. Moulton has also noted the influences of R. L. Stine's Goosebumps and Naoko Takeuchi's Sailor Moon , having grown up a fan of both. [2]
While watching a film adaptation of The Time Machine , Moulton became curious about writing a character "who wouldn't stop trying to save the person he loves." [2] This led to the creation of Ellie's longtime guardian, Will. "It's his job to protect her even though she's doomed, but she means more to him than just his charge because he's in love with her. He has always kept this secret from her throughout the centuries because he fears how it might complicate their mission and also because it is forbidden by the one who gave him this responsibility," she said. [4]
Prior to creating Ellie, Moulton developed a fondness for stories about "quirky, but strong heroines who have these enormous supernatural destinies". [2] The story of reincarnation was largely rooted in Eastern religion. [1] Being a longtime horror fan as well, the author sought to make monsters the primary antagonists. [5] Building upon these elements, she established Ellie as the central heroine in an ongoing conflict between angels and demons. At the beginning of the series, however, Ellie is presented as a spoiled girl with seemingly questionable priorities. Moulton has stated that her protagonist "is a bit of a reluctant heroine at first, but she really steps up to the plate when she needs to." [2]
Angelfire is noted for cinematic fight scenes. [6] In a review of the opening novel, Books Complete Me called the action "unparalleled in YA". [7] While developing the combat, Moulton researched Egyptian and Acadian weapons, ultimately equipping Ellie with a pair of khopesh swords. [1] She has also claimed to draw inspiration from action movies and martial arts, regularly adding her own touch to the finished work. "My characters use a lot of moves I've picked up through watching various martial arts disciplines, but they have many of their own signature moves as well. They each have a bit of their own style, a way of fighting that works best for them and whatever situation they're in." [8]
Moulton has noted music as a significant factor of her work, citing songs which have facilitated her writing. Regarding Globus's "Preliator", the author has stated, "I write most of my fight scenes to this song." [9] She has also noted Leona Lewis's cover of "Run" while describing the relationship between Ellie and Will. [10] Amidst the release of Angelfire, her Website listed numerous tracks which Moulton recommended listening to during portions of the story, along with links to services which offered such tunes. 15 of these songs were featured in a weekly contest which preceded the release of Angelfire. [3] [11]
Prior to the series's debut, Moulton was asked about thematic elements in Angelfire. Her response was as follows:
If I had to decide on a theme for Angelfire, it would definitely be freedom and strength of humanity. In a lot of fantasy books, human beings are seen as pathetic and weak in a supernatural world filled with creatures who have supernatural strength. While humans may be physically weaker than other creatures, we have great strengths in so many other ways. We're passionate and reckless and our ability to love is infinite. For the most part, we are free to [choose] our own paths in life and love whom we love. We take all of that for granted and don’t realize the freedom we have until it’s gone. [4]
Book # | Title | US release | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Angelfire | February 15, 2011 | |||
A teenager named Ellie discovers that she is actually a reborn warrior, tasked with aiding angels in their fight against demons. Allied with a mystical love interest named Will, Ellie joins the battle, but begins a slow adjustment to her newfound role. [12] | |||||
2 | Wings of The Wicked | January 31, 2012 | |||
As the battle against the reapers continues, Will and Ellie begin growing closer. [12] | |||||
3 | Shadows in the Silence | January 29, 2013 | |||
In the series finale, Ellie prepares for her role in the climactic battle. [12] |
In anticipation of the series's debut, HarperCollins produced a video interview with the author, while an Internet book trailer was also released. [1] [13] Publishers Weekly reported "strong interest" in the opening novel at the 2010 Bologna Children's Book Fair. [14] In addition, multiple Websites presented contests for advance copies of Angelfire. [15] [16] A large amount of artwork was also created, with several images appearing on bookmarks, cards, the author's Website, and other means of promotion. Many of the images were produced by a DeviantArt user named Yue Wang, while Moulton herself also contributed illustrations. [17]
In a review of the first novel, Publishers Weekly commended the "clarity of the fight scenes," likening them to moments from Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon . The review called the angelic lore "a bit garbled", and stated that "Ellie can be maddeningly slow on the uptake, but this is one heroine who's happy to take matters (and angelic swords) into her own hands." [6] Kirkus found the story mediocre, conceding that it had a "convoluted but interesting angel angle", but criticizing it for an overabundance of minutiae, exposition, and action. [18] A review from The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books noted the "intensity and adrenaline" of the action scenes, and stated that "Ellie is likable both as a high-octane heroine and a regular girl coping with family and social drama." The review also called the Biblical mythology "compelling". [19]
The first novel has also received feedback from several young-adult fantasy writers. In an advance review, Cynthia Hand labeled Angelfire "a wild ride and a joy to read." [20] Jodi Meadows applauded the book for exploring both sides of Ellie's life, citing the character's "unwavering loyalty" toward the human friends she protects. She further stated, "I also really, really appreciated that she has to take the time to train, in spite of her natural gifts. And Ellie's friendships remain constant, in spite of a hot supernatural romance budding." She also noted the "exciting" action, and summed up the novel as "solid and mature." [21] Sarah J. Maas described the reincarnation story as "riveting. Riveting and heartbreaking and beautiful". She concluded that "Angelfire has everything you could want in a YA novel—action, romance, humor, realistic teen behavior, incredible world-building—and a lot more." [22] Author Scott Tracey had similar acclaim for the story, stating that "Angelfire has a little bit of everything". [23]
Laurell Kaye Hamilton is an American fantasy and romance writer. She is best known as the author of two series of stories.
Urban fantasy is a genre of fiction, a subgenre of fantasy in which the narrative uses supernatural elements in a 19th-century to 21st-century urban society. It usually takes place in the present day.
Woken Furies (2005) is a science fiction novel by British writer Richard Morgan. It is the third novel featuring the anti-hero Takeshi Kovacs and is the sequel to Broken Angels.
Kim Harrison is a pen name of American author Dawn Cook. Kim is best known as the author of the New York Times #1 best selling Hollows series, but she has written more than urban fantasy and has published over two dozen books spanning the gamut from young adult, accelerated-science thriller, anthology, and a unique, full-color world book, and has scripted two original graphic novels set in the Hollows universe. She has also published traditional fantasy under the name Dawn Cook.
Rebecca Soler is an American voice actress based in the New York City area. She has voiced on several audiobooks; her most notable voice work has been the narrator for The Lunar Chronicles series by Marissa Meyer. In anime, she voiced title character Miu Nomura in Piano: The Melody of a Young Girl's Heart, Reanne in Ojamajo Doremi and Battia in Outlanders. In animation, she voiced in Huntik, Viva Piñata, and Winx Club. She has worked with 4Kids Entertainment, NYAV Post, Media Blasters, Central Park Media and DuArt Film & Video. On stage, she has participated in various theater projects including a play called Becoming Cuba, and she is also a producer of a web series called With Friends Like These.
Nadine Jolie Courtney is a Circassian-American novelist, a lifestyle writer, and a former reality TV personality. She is the author of critically acclaimed YA novel All-American Muslim Girl, Romancing the Throne, Beauty Confidential: The No Preaching, No Lies, Advice-You'll-Actually-Use-Guide to Looking Your Best, and Confessions of a Beauty Addict. Her blog Jolie in NYC received international press in 2005 after Courtney, a former beauty editor, was outed and dooced for anonymously blogging about the beauty industry. The New York Post subsequently dubbed her "the poster girl for the blogger generation".
Elena Jane Goulding is an English singer and songwriter. Her career began when she met record producers Starsmith and Frankmusik, and she was later spotted by Jamie Lillywhite, who later became her manager and A&R. After signing to Polydor Records in July 2009, Goulding released her debut extended play, An Introduction to Ellie Goulding later that year.
Need is a series of young adult urban fantasy novels by American author Carrie Jones, beginning with the inaugural entry of the same name. The focus of the story is a teenage girl named Zara, who joins a struggle against a society of malicious pixies. As the books progress, Zara encounters a series of personal challenges, and bonds with new friends and romantic interests.
Carrie Jones is an American author, known for her work in young adult fiction. She has written both fantasy and non-fantasy novels, including the paranormal series Need. Jones has received multiple awards and appeared on the New York Times Best Seller list.
Paranormalcy is a series of young adult urban fantasy novels by American author Kiersten White, beginning with the inaugural entry of the same name. The story focuses on a girl named Evie, a member of a special international police force assigned to paranormal cases. As the tale progresses, Evie's professional duties begin to conflict with her growing desire for a normal life.
Angelfire is an Internet service.
Unearthly is a series of young adult urban fantasy novels by American author Cynthia Hand, beginning with the inaugural entry of the same name. The story follows a teenager named Clara, who learns that she is part angel and has a purpose to fulfill on Earth. While seeking answers about her role, Clara encounters friends, enemies, and romantic interests amidst her journey.
Kelly Gay is an American author, known for her work in the science fiction/fantasy genre, particularly urban fantasy. Gay has written books in both the adult and young adult genres, penning the latter under the name of Kelly Keaton. She is particularly known for the Charlie Madigan series, a story about a police officer who attempts to balance paranormal cases, across three different worlds, with life as a single mother. Her works have received critical acclaim and award recognition, and have been translated into several different languages. Gay has also been a recipient of the North Carolina Arts Council's Fellowship Grant in Literature.
The Charlie Madigan series is a collection of urban fantasy novels by author Kelly Gay. The books present a future in which humanity has discovered two vastly different dimensions, making Atlanta a crossroads for various supernatural beings. The protagonist, Charlie Madigan, is a police officer who attempts to balance her paranormal cases with life as a single mother.
Winslow Eliot, also known as Ellie Winslow, is an American novelist and nonfiction writer. She is the author of ten novels, which have been translated into twelve languages including Greek, Swedish, French, Italian, and Japanese, and have been published in twenty countries.
Kim Gruenenfelder is an American author and screenwriter. She became known for writing women's fiction, specifically romantic comedy fiction, novels.
A Discovery of Witches is a 2011 historical-fantasy novel and the debut novel by American scholar Deborah Harkness. It follows the story of Diana Bishop, a history of science professor at Yale University who, after accidentally finding an elusive, long-thought-lost manuscript, is compelled to embrace the magic in her blood that she has sought to keep out of her life and engage in a forbidden romance with charming vampire Matthew Clairmont.
Dani Harper is an American author of paranormal fantasy and paranormal romance and a member of the Romance Writers of America, the Published Authors Network and the Fantasy, Futuristic, and Paranormal sub-chapter of the Romance Writers of America. She is best known for her Changeling series, the Grim series and the Dark Wolf series.
Courtney Allison Moulton is an American fantasy author. She wrote the acclaimed and bestselling Angelfire which was published by Katherine Tegen Books, an imprint of HarperCollins.
"Form and Void" is the 2nd episode of the paranormal drama television series Supernatural's season 11, and the 220th overall. The episode was written by Andrew Dabb and directed by executive producer Phil Sgriccia. It was first broadcast on October 14, 2015 on The CW. In the episode, Dean takes Jenna to her grandmother's house with the baby Amara, unaware that she is the Darkness, whom Crowley is looking for so he can use her power. Meanwhile, Sam works on a cure for the virus while Castiel is tortured by angels for Metatron's whereabouts.