Angel Pecking Order
Researching for EMBRACE, I discovered the entire subject of Angelology to be truly fascinating. In the end, I chose to go with the most popular theory, that there are 3 choirs of angels and within each choir, 3 ranks.
At the top of the angel hierarchy sit the Seraphim. They are the angels that are supposed to burn with an all-consuming white flame and who perform the all-important role of maintaining the source of Existence within the physical world.
Following the Seraphim come the Cherubim, and Thrones. I always like the descriptions of the Thrones – bringers of justice.
In the second choir are Powers, Dominations and Virtues. And in the third choir – Principalities, Archangels and Angels (guardians).
In writing EMBRACE, discovering each of these ranks and their purpose on earth was what led to the development of my characters powers. Each character is specifically placed within a rank of angels and then given powers accordingly. For example: Griffin is parented by a Seraph angel, meaning he is a leader and his unique power is a mind power (that of reading and delivering truth) to correlate with the description of the Seraphim’s function in the universe. It is a great way of keeping order to the power pool!
Each angelic rank also has a different appearance and different color that represent them and I found this really interesting. Any time I describe an angelic image, it relates back to this research in some way. Additionally, combining this research with things like the Chakra has led me to the use of color as a representation of power and also gemstones as a link to old mythology. For example: Phoenix’s hair is like opal – so black that it shimmers with purple and it catches the light exposing streaks of dazzling silver. First, I loved the idea of his hair being different, but also, it linked to the significance to his power, and his heritage in the story.
Basing the story around the bones of angel mythology and hierarchy gives me a solid structure to use as my foundation. It anchors the story and gives me direction any time I think the story might be straying.
Also, it allowed me to develop one of the big mysteries within the series: what rank is Violet from?
One person will win a finsihed copy of Embrace sent from the publisher Sourcebooks fire. US/Can only!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
I absolutely love angel books and this one sounds amazing! Thanks for the giveaway! :)
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ReplyDeleteShana @ Sizzling Reads
I love angel books and this one sounds unique and different.
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DeleteI'm looking forward to Embrace because it just sounds so good!
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ReplyDeleteBrianne @ memoriesovertakingme.blogspot.com
Why am I looking forward to Embrace? Well it's because I love the mystical world of angels, and romance. Most YA books don't do romance very well, so I'd like to think that Embrace will prove me wrong! :D Thanks so much for the giveaway!
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ReplyDeleteAshelynn @ Gypsy Book Reviews.
I love angel books and I've heard a lot about this book.
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ReplyDelete~Paige
http://paigebradish1996.blogspot.com/
Though it's been said, I can't deny it, I love books about angels. Thanks for the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteWell, firstly, I'm starting to like angels. Hallowed really got me hooked. So this seems good, I've seen it over on Goodreads. It looks good.:D
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ReplyDeletethis looks like such a great read and the cover is so pretty!
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ReplyDeleteAside from being a voracious book reader and hoarder for my own personal library, I'm interested in reading about the angel hierarchy that the author talks about in this book! Please, please---I hope I win!!! C'mon, Rafflecopter!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks,
Zara D. Garcia-Alvarez
zgarcia(dot)alvarez(at)gmail(dot)com
On Twitter: @ZaraAlexis
It looks like it's going to be an amazing book!
ReplyDeleteEmbrace looks like it will be quite different for me. I usually go for contemporary but there's something about the cover that makes me think it will be a good starting point.
ReplyDeleteI haven't read a good Angel book in awhile and I'm excited to learn about the different choirs of Angels.
ReplyDeleteI love angel books and this one sounds fantastic! I've heard a lot of great things about it. Thanks for the guest post and giveaway!
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ReplyDeleteWhy are you looking forward to Embrace?
ReplyDeleteI'm a huge fan of angel books. . .the first book I ever read was Fallen by Lauren Kate had to do with fallen angels. I've seen nothing but great reviews of Embrace . . but, I want the chance to read it :) I really appreciate the chance to win it!