I am missing her tremendously every second. Participation in this program helped me to be more positive and less angry on issues surrounding her departure. I am still very very sad, but I can plan and manage my life much easier in order to continue my life without the "apple of my eyes. She does what she says and sticks to her word like no other. After my feeling betrayed by other coaches, therapists, and yoga teachers throughout my life, Michelle has restored my faith in her as a conscientious, aware, and human healer.
That is a good start for me. But I really questioned spending the money because there are a lot of other things I could have done with it. I feel better physically, mentally and spiritually. I am more confident and more open with my feelings. I have a clear plan of what my next steps are and what I need to do to keep this happening. I had just gone through four therapists and was in despair of finding someone who could help me. I met her through the recommendation of a mutual friend.
Our connection was immediate. She completely understood my pain, fear and anxiety. Slowly and with the baby steps I required, she patiently helped me overcome these challenges. She provided insightful coaching, practical exercises, relevant readings, uplifting music, spiritual texts, phone calls, group support and whatever else was needed. I have progressed a great deal and am a happier, more confidant and more complete person today. Are you suffering from the loss of someone dear? Do you feel immobilized by thoughts about death and dying? Are you exhausted and at your wits end from the care of a dying loved-one?
Something else can emerge, Like the phoenix rising from the ashes, The being you really are and the purpose for why you are here. A whole new way of living your life? Latest Articles Getting Unstuck. The characters could have all been developed more fully, including Kelley and Dee. When you write about historical figures, they better pop with life, and these did not.
I was disappointed in this novel because its synopsis was so enticing. Its pacing is both too abrupt and too slow, if that makes any sense. I received a free advanced reader's copy of this book through Goodreads First Reads.
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A girl is found dead with strange symbols written all over her body. Is it murder, suicide, a ritual gone wrong, or perhaps a combination of all of these things? In a parallel story, Edward Kelley is in Europe with his master, Dr. They have been tasked with saving the life of a noble woman who is descended from a "cursed" family. The Secrets of Life and Death starts out a bit like I received a free advanced reader's copy of this book through Goodreads First Reads. The Secrets of Life and Death starts out a bit like a Dan Brown book but quickly distinguishes itself as its own novel through a uniquely envisioned magic system and some well-placed, gripping, 16th century flashbacks.
The strength of this book is in the magic: I thought that the author's interpretation of Enochian magic was believable and spine tingling. I think she absolutely nailed the characterizations of Edward Kelley and John Dee in the historical fiction portions of the story. They researched and performed questionable "angelic" magic during a time period when they could have easily been killed by the church for heresy. How would they have justified those acts to themselves and those around them? How did Kelley feel when the beings were speaking through him? Alexander does a great job crafting these ideas into a story.
The Secrets of Life and Death
My only moment of disbelief, as far as the story line goes, occurred when the girl Sadie was "saved". Maggie's motivation for creating Jack which I won't share here because I don't want to spoil the story , I can understand, but why create more beings when the only purpose seems to be to prolong life. I don't consider this a necessarily "evil" aim, but it does go against the natural order of things and creates an assumption that life here is more precious than what comes after. She had her reasons for changing the destiny of the first, but those reasons felt less compelling after her initial crisis was over.
I believe her struggle of conscience which the story didn't go into much, but could have tied into those of Kelley and Dee. Were the powers that she and they were able to control of demonic or angelic persuasion and should it matter? Were those on "borrowed time" meant to be as they are by divine order or were they "abominations"? Is free will ever really free or are we just living out the roles and destinies assigned to us?
The Secrets of Life and Death spawned a host of existential questions in my mind as it unfolded. Fans of Dan Brown or folks who enjoy reading about the occult will probably love this book. Nov 12, Michelle added it. On the surface, there should be much to enjoy about The Secrets of Life and Death. There is magic, witches, the occult, science, adventure, history, and mystery. However, that which should make it interesting instead makes it too overwhelming.
There is simply too much occurring at any given point in time, and a reader does not have time to absorb one set of information before bouncing to the next scene. To make things even more complicated, the characters are thin and ill-defined. There is no backstory for any of the characters. The sheer number of characters in the story makes the lack of details more egregious in that there is very little to distinguish between them or make them memorable in any fashion. The story moves so rapidly from the moment the story opens that the gaping holes left by the lack of definition or development are glaring in their obviousness.
One will wish Ms. Here, readers have the benefit of historical context. For this reason, the historical scenes are more compelling because there is much greater background information on which to base them. Alexander acknowledges that she twists history to create her own story, there is enough factual basis to provide a better foundation for this section of the novel.
The Secrets of Life and Death suffers mostly from ambition and clutter. The supernatural police crime melodrama character-driven historical fiction thriller love story elements which it contains do not blend well together. One cannot have a character-driven story without strong characters, and there are none in the novel.
The rest creates a jumble of impressions that never settle into one cohesive story. It also suffers from a predictability that lessens the suspense and diminishes the impact of the big reveals. Throughout the novel, one glimpses potential. As previously stated, the sections with Kelley and Dee are very interesting for their historical details and more developed characters. However, these are only glimpses of potential unrealized. The rest is a disappointing tangle of story-telling that moves too quickly with too little explanation for readers to be able to follow with ease and excitement.
Oct 09, Shelley rated it really liked it Shelves: I found this story entertaining, fascinating, mysterious, and will definitely continue on to the next installment. The character depth is remarkable, as is the different settings of and modern day London. It's always fun to intermingle infamous historical characters with contemporary fictional characters. Published October 7th by Broadway Books Samaan aikaan yliopiston professori Felix Guichard avustaa poliisia mystisen kuolemantapauksen parissa.
It's alright ma, it's only witchcraft!
A gripping tale with an intriguing plotline that's richly detailed and well researched, makes this a thoroughly entertaining read! A richly detailed, complex tale that deftly interweaves historical with contemporary fiction This book is a conglomeration of varying genres that spans across varying timeframes, forming an utterly unique story of vast scope and magnitude. The attention to detail and authenticit A richly detailed, complex tale that deftly interweaves historical with contemporary fiction This book is a conglomeration of varying genres that spans across varying timeframes, forming an utterly unique story of vast scope and magnitude.
The attention to detail and authenticity is sublime, bringing the past vividly to life in all its gruesome glory and gritty realism. The quality of the writing and the beautiful descriptive passages makes the narrative standout as something memorable and highly distinctive. This poignant, noteworthy novel I will not be forgetting in a hurry as I just relished the compelling storyline and enthralling plot. I was captivated by the intricacy of the exquisite plot, and how both timeframes connected and merged together so cleverly.
But perhaps the cure will prove more terrifying than the alternative England, Jackdaw Hammond lives in the shadows, a practitioner and purveyor of occult materials. But when she learns of a young woman found dead on a train, her body covered in arcane symbols, there's no escaping the attention of police consultant Felix Guichard.
Together they must solve a mystery centuries in the making, or die trying… This is a tale of Alchemy, magic, myth and ancient traditions that explores our views on Witchcraft both today and many years ago. It is a story that delves into our past to uncover secrets and hidden mysteries, whilst ultimately contemplating the meaning of life. Fuelled by passion and assured premise, I was most impressed by this outstanding first novel of a planned series.
The characters are believable and wonderfully complex, who bring colour and depth to the overall plot. Rebecca Alexander is an author to watch and this is a book that I would highly recommend!
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Feb 08, Krista CubicleBlindness Reviews rated it really liked it. An urban fantasy about tying the soul to the body after death and the consequences. It jumps from Krakow in the year and England in the year The story begins with a young girl's dead body found on a train that has been covered in sigil's. A local professor is called in by the police to help with the case regarding these symbols and if it can lead them to some answers regarding her death.
Felix Guichard has studied some texts from by Dr John Dee and Edward Kelley who had been An urban fantasy about tying the soul to the body after death and the consequences. Felix Guichard has studied some texts from by Dr John Dee and Edward Kelley who had been summoned by the royal court Bathory to help with her ailments.
The professor also tracks down the seller of some new merchandise that has just been sold that was a possession of the Dr. Jackdaw Hammond is not only connected to the merchandise, she is dead yet still connected to her body. What I loved about this story was the different time periods, the initial intentions of 2 gentleman trying to obey orders as well as educate themselves in the power behind different symbols and people's beliefs.
Jack's side of the story brings in the mystery of how one ritual can stand the test of time and the secret behind it's performance. This story has an array of very enjoyable characters and their connections beyond just friends to being a family. Loyalty to each other plays a strong role in the outcome and the fact that an unknown terror is after them brings in that element of suspense that really makes this story fun to read.
The writing and unraveling of the story points is well done through the jumping back and forth of time periods I personally enjoyed the historical recounts the most, but the climax that takes place in is fantastic and had me on the seat of my seat. This is a story I would recommend for those who enjoy Urban Fantasy and Witchcraft. It has very little romance but a handful of great characters and fun read. Sep 07, Marjolein rated it liked it Shelves: Read all my reviews on http: This said, I really liked the beginning. I had no idea where the story was going but in a good way Read all my reviews on http: I had no idea where the story was going but in a good way.
Everything involving the circles and the many rules that are linked to 'borrowing' time, suggest that behind the story there is a complicated set of rules for the magic, which is something I always appreciate. Unfortunately, since this is Urban Fantasy, we didn't get to see as much of it as I would have liked. Half of the chapters are however set in the seventeenth century and breathe a more traditional Fantasy air.
I was a bit confused though with the main character's name being Jack as she was female but I got used to it. What annoyed me more was the romance. It felt, once again, forced and didn't add anything to the story. Sure, Felix is a nice enough guy, but instalove isn't going to solve the problem as to why he is so determined to help them. Even though it's obviously not save.
The end was less original unfortunately, which I thought was a pity since I enjoyed the first part so much. It was however still a very nice read and I will definitely check Rebecca Alexander's next book. Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Menneisyyden tarina oli paljon koherentimpi.
Oct 08, Beth rated it it was ok. Jackdaw is dead - at least, she is mostly dead. If it weren't for a witch and some potions, she would be completely dead. Instead, she is what's known as a "borrowed timer" - someone whose destiny it was to die, but was instead able to be brought back. As Jack tries to save another borrowed timer, things begin to get crazy. One girl dies, the police get called in, and a power Jack has never before encountered begins to haunt her steps to take the very girl she's trying to save.
The story of Count Jackdaw is dead - at least, she is mostly dead. The story of Countess Bathory is an intriguing one, so that was originally what drew me to this book. I was curious how that would tie into a novel set at least partly in modern-day England. The way she is woven into the book was fairly successful, but I have to say that the book itself seemed to go on longer than it should - particularly the parts related to Dr. John Dee and his assistant.
In all, I would say the take on the Countess of Bathory is a new and slightly different one, and was an interesting read, but it's probably not something I would hurry to recommend to others.
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Nov 14, Georgette rated it liked it. It's sorcery and a murder mystery from centuries ago, and tying it into a current time, date and mystery. Jackdaw Hammond is an intriguing concept for a female lead, but she piddles and you feel like no answer will ever satisfy her. Felix, the detective, is far more intriguing.
Once the mystery of the Countess' death is unraveled, most of the plot follows. I did end up liking it, because for a good portion of it, I kept waiting for something to happen, and thinking I was going to chuck it from exasperation. I liked it, just didn't love it. And that's disappointing, because it had such an intriguing plot concept and the reviews were smashing. Maybe her next book.
Oct 08, Gabrielle rated it liked it. I really did enjoy this book. The synopsis is intriguing, and the story was written well.
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However, I had a problem with the different story lines in different time frames. The modern portion of the story was really intriguing and very mysterious. I enjoyed Jackdaws character and I was fully committed to find out the mystery in this story. I didn't really like the past portion of this story that intriguing. Though it was tied to the mystery in the present. I really did enjoy this book, but I felt I really did enjoy this book. I really did enjoy this book, but I felt it took me an ungodly amount of time to connect with the story. I would still recommend this to someone who is really into paranormal urban fantasies.
I received this from blogging for books for free in exchange for an honest review. Rebecca Alexander's use of language was smooth and I'd certainly check out any future books she writes. The reason I am giving this book 3 stars is because I didn't enjoy it very much.
It was an easy enough read but I didn't like how it was structured, nor the fact that the horror wasn't. Structurally we have a character in the past and characters in the present. I wasn't drawn into the adventures of Dee and friends in the past, and the I wish most of the story had been told from the perspective of the college professor in the present.
His character was great. You could base an entire series on him, but he didn't get enough 'air time' to carry the book for me. The Secrets of Life and Death is rich with historical fiction, mystery, urban fantasy, and magic. Rebecca Alexander created an intriguing, well-written novel that is unique and riveting.
It could have been executed a bit better in certain aspects, and I found certain areas to be a bit dull or dragging, but overall I enjoyed this novel. I was completely engrossed in the histori The Secrets of Life and Death is rich with historical fiction, mystery, urban fantasy, and magic. I was completely engrossed in the historic and urban fantasy, which I thoroughly enjoyed.