The Sounding

In my opinion, this is a bible pusher. I stopped reading after

In my opinion, this is a bible pusher. I stopped reading after page 600
when it became obvious that this book is serving to teach the bible more
than tell a good story. I did like the actual story part with the super
power gal and her posse but in the end, got super sick of the over
extended 'teachings" that got more and more present as the story
continued. If you are into the whole God thing, you'll probably say
this book is the best thing ever...if you're like me and have a low
tolerance for bible preaching and converting the soul, you'll probably
throw this aside before the half way mark. Sucks that I got so far in
before realizing what a waste of time/money this book was for me. This
is a lot like scanning to a radio station in another town and hearing a
decent sounding song only to realize it's a Christian Rock tune. grrr.

2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

Story was interesting. As some noted, it was very heavy on b

Story was interesting. As some noted, it was very heavy on biblical references and perspectives, although I didn't necessarily feel it was preachy - ya got your good guys and your bad guys in anything like this. Some nice plot twists. Although it was 1600+ pages, it was a fast read, maybe because action was the primary plot mover and once the characters were established there wasn't much (Okay, one major diversion!) change to note.
The reasons I didn't rate it higher was that I felt it could have used some serious editing and proof reading - numerous spelling issues with homonyms (ex. heal versus heel, etc), problematic punctuation and some odd changes in character voice. Storytelling did drag in parts with what I felt was excessive description. Was really surprised to see in the acknowledgements how many people had read it without catching this stuff.
Hope the author gets a chance to put more finish/polish on her next work. Looking forward to it!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Ups and Downs

I think coming from a Christian backround is a big plus if you are reading this book. Your points of reference are already in place. I was hooked in the beginning and had an on and off reaction to the rest of the book. I had to finish it. I needed to know the ending. The characters were well etched and complete. I knew how they looked. I thought I knew how they would evolve with the plot. Surprise, the plot and characters did not turn out the way I anticipated. Long book. Be patient with this book. It is worth it.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

This is an amazingly well done debut book. Almost everyone beli

This is an amazingly well done debut book. Almost everyone believes the
world will end one day, and depending on your personal belief system you
might believe it will happen in a way that is related to the Book of
Revelation. Or you might believe in the 12.21.12 of the Mayan calendar.
While this book is using the story of Revelation you can still enjoy it
as a story in itself even without believing in it. If though that is
the belief system you follow it will most likely really make you think.
If its not its just a good story. The author takes the time to really
develop the characters and their beliefs in ways you can understand and
follow without it becoming too dull and overthought. You really get to
follow on their journey to save the world. And you can see how what are
normally ordinary people can come together to accomplish extraordinary
things. The book is a bit of a thrill ride all the way though as they
are continuously hunted by "the other" and do have a few fight
for their lives moments. But I have to admit the way the author brought
about the ending was a definite surprise. It worked well in the story
and in bringing about the conclusion but was unexpected. I recommend
this book to anyone who is enjoys end of the world stories, believes in
the Book of Revelation or is just looking for something interesting to
read. I am looking forward to what comes next from this writer.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

The story pulls you in quickly and I finished all 1600 pages fas

The story pulls you in quickly and I finished all 1600 pages faster than
any other book in recent years! The story flows smooth and crisp and
the characters just come to life.

The Sounding: Carrie Salo This book was provided to me, by the a

The Sounding: Carrie Salo
This book was provided to me, by the author, in Kindle format in exchange for an honest review.

Plot: 5/5 stars
I have to admit that I went through a tiny bit of a roller coaster with this plot. When I read the blurb I was instantly intrigued, by about 5% into the story I was a bit less interested and even stepped away from the story for a while to do other things but eventually I persevered and I am so glad that I did because by 15% I was HOOKED (line and sinker!) and the plot held onto me to the very last page and beyond. I can guarantee you have never encountered a plot even remotely similar to this one and if religion isn’t really your thing, don’t let that stop you from reading this book. It will blow you away!

Characters: 5/5 stars
When was the last time you picked up a book where the main characters included two priests and a MUTE monk?! On the originality scale these characters are off the charts. They are also likeable, believable, deeply written with their own very distinct personalities that they are true to from start to finish. Every line of dialogue, every action that the characters in this book perform (both primary and sub-characters) is completely true to who they are as individuals and that is not an easy thing for a writer to accomplish!

Writing: 5/5 stars
Narrative and Dialogue: I know, I’m starting to sound like a broken record here but this was also impeccable. By the first page you will, guaranteed, realize that this woman can WRITE! Her descriptions and similes are vibrant, brilliantly choreographed, and completely new to the world of writing. I almost got the impression that the author deliberately avoided any descriptive that is typical in books like “black as night” or “white as ivory” with painstaking attention to detail. Reading it, however, is easy and comfortable. Her method and tempo roll across the mind with ease and enrichment and the dialogue always remains interesting and entertaining.

Editing: 4/5 stars
I found a few typos here and there and there were some words that the author repeatedly used incorrectly (shown when it should have been shone); but I’m a typo nazi of the highest order and even I had no trouble looking past the few tiny mistakes here and there because the story itself is just that good! The formatting is flawless (read on Kindle).

Originality: 5/5 stars
This has to be one of the most unique book plots that I have ever read and I mean that with more conviction that I’ve ever felt for a book before. Although the story is nothing like the works of J.K. Rowling or John Grisham - and only hints at similarities with Dan Brown’s work - this author belongs on a list with these three as one of the most researched, original, deeply engrossing, and absolutely genius books ever written. I must have more! (I even read the ‘Thanks and Acknowledgements’ page at the back of the book because I wasn’t ready for it to end!

Overall: 500 stars - really a MUST READ!

Without giving away the story or reiterating what other reviewer

Without giving away the story or reiterating what other reviewers said in their detailed analysis, I will say you won’t be disappointed by this paranormal thriller.

Before starting The Sounding, I knew it was a novel about the final prophecy that leads to Armageddon and good versus evil. As one who is not religious, I had some concerns. Those concerns were quickly put to rest as I started the book. The storyline drew me in from the very beginning and kept me on the edge of my seat toward the end. The ending was shocking and not something I expected.

As a brand new author, Ms. Salo went above and beyond my expectations. It was well written and she certainly did her research before creating the story. Would I recommend it or read the book again? Absolutely yes!

The Sounding conjures up the question: What if this really could happen?

The appeal of a book can be judged two ways: Diligent research

The appeal of a book can be judged two ways:

Diligent research that sets the stage for the actors to perform.

Excellent writing that captivates readers and makes them wish the book would go on.

The measure of a book is how well research and writing is done. Carrie Salo does both superbly well. You will not regret choosing The Sounding, but you might find it difficult to put it down.

Lawrence G. Foster
Author of Robert Wood Johnson: The Gentleman Rebel

The sounding is a first rate action packed thriller. To say you

The sounding is a first rate action packed thriller. To say you won't be able to put this book down is an understatement! This novel will grab you from page one pulling the reader into an imaginative story that will amaze, inform and keep you sleeping with the light on!

The pace of this book is perfect, allowing just a few breaths before cascading into the next adventure. Salo's highly visual writing style allows the reader to fully immerse themselves in all the globe trotting action. I found the characters richly articulated. The subplot between Father Chris and Elise is expertly done, giving the story an unexpected tension and soul. The entire experience is highlighted with an ending that will amaze and satisfy the reader.

I highly recommend this novel for any fan of the horror/ supernatural/prophecy genre. I can't wait for the next offering from this highly talented writer!

I highly recommend this book. You are hooked from the first few

I highly recommend this book. You are hooked from the first few pages. Once you start reading it, you won't be able to put it down. Very gripping, you are in suspense throughout the whole book. You want to finish it to see what happens but also don't want it to end. You become very connected with the characters in the story. I could definitely see this made into a movie. Put it on summer your reading list, you won't be disappointed.

Elise always knew that she was a little different, but she had l

Elise always knew that she was a little different, but she had
learned at a young age to keep the difference to herself. She had
learned to look like everyone else, and act enough like her peers to
fit in. But she knew.

At the age of nineteen, she was in college and working on a degree
in psychology. Something happened. A thing that frightened her enough
to let her facade drop. She let her true self come through in an act of
self preservation. Someone died as a result. He died an horrific and ugly
death. He died in a way that no one had ever seen before. And there was a
witness.

Far away, in a small town to the north Father Chris Mognahan, priest in a small
parish heard the story. Father Chris, was also more than he appeared to be. He
was not just the lighthearted and cheerful parish priest. The Hetairia Melchizedek
was a secret society within the Catholic Church. They had studied omens, biblical
omens for many years. There was something about the college town murder that drew
them to investigate. Something that led them to believe that we were on the doorstep
of Armageddon. Something that led them to believe that Elise was the one taking us there.
Father Chris, Elise and the rest of their small band would forge a bond and face down
evil itself. It is well to remember that evil can be found in surprising forms and places.

This was an excellent story! It was fast paced and interesting. The characters were
well rounded and compelling. There was enough action to draw you in, but more than enough
story to keep you there. The ending dragged a bit for me. When it is time to get to the
climax of a story, it is time to get there. This one was a little too drawn out for me,
but not enough to ruin the story. And the ending, when you finally get there, is a bit of
a surprise and very satisfying.

This would, in my opinion make a wonderful movie, just the sort of thing I enjoy.

Recommended

Thrilling book!

My review:

The Sounding by Carrie Salo was a fascinating book. It was quite difficult read in that sense that it had a lot of biblical referrals and referrals to Catholic Church. It was a book which took me almost a week to read, because I had to really concentrate to understand all the details of the story. And details were very important in the book. It was well written, interesting book.

Regarding the plot:

The story is based on Book of Revelation from Bible, it¿s about prophecy of seven angels which will bring the world as we know it to the end. The Seventh angel is the last to blow her trumpet. The story is brought into contemporary world, where Catholic Church¿s secret society is checking up on the omens. Father Chris who is a member of the society is sent to a university campus to check a murder of a young student who is killed in a mysterious way. The story brings him to a young student Elise Moore, who is believed to be the seventh angel ¿ Remiel, an angel who can save the world from ending. Elise has some scary skills and she is haunted by an evil demon, so she decides to seek protection from the church ¿ from Father Chris.

Chris and another society member, monk Francis bring Elise to Adam, who is also a priest from the society. Adam starts to train Elise to use her abilities for the full range.

Elise¿s way to religion is hard; she has not been brought up as religious girl, but Adam is pushing her to keep trying to reach her limits ¿ both when it comes to her beliefs and also her skills.

When the story develops, Elise finds herself in Vatican and meets the higher officials of the Catholic Church, amongst others also the Pope who will together with Chris and Francis reveal Elise her ultimate task ¿ to assassin the person who is from David¿s blood and who will be coroneted as the King of Israel.

I liked to story. I loved the fact that The Book of Revelations was brought into contemporary settings. The book had many interesting facts about the Vatican and Catholic Church and the story about Elise and Remiel was fitted into the Book of Revelation quite nicely. I also enjoyed reading Elise¿s dreams ¿ they were a thrilling read.

There were also things what I disliked. When the Other was in its demon form, it seemed unbelievable to me. It was too close to the demons in movies. The Other was very scary and spooky when it was not described exactly, and I liked that much more than claws and sharp teeth. The second thing which I had difficulties with was how quickly Elise turned to believer. I would have wanted to see more internal conflicts in the middle of the book ¿ just like at the end of the book.

The ending of The Sounding was brilliant!

Regarding the characters:

The main characters were well-written. I enjoyed both Elise and Chris. I liked the tension, friendship and forbidden love what grew between them. It was interestingly written how they learned to trust and rely upon each other. The supporting characters like Alan, Francis, Lorenzo were captivating.

I think religion as such was also one of the characters and so was Vatican as an institution. I enjoyed reading about both and it was made very interesting by the author.

Generally:

The Sounding by Carrie Salo was a thrilling read! It¿s a must read for people who enjoy good thrillers with religious aspect and good characters. I loved it!

Armageddon and the Human Experience

The Sounding is a rare first novel that succeeds on multiple levels. On the surface, the story is a top-notch apocalyptic thriller that spans the Christian world through a taut, action-oriented plot. However, underneath is a nascent, star-crossed romance that provides the characters with depth and the conflict with a soul.

And underlying both of these are the philosophical underpinnings of the story: what is the true nature of free will, God's plans for this world, the role of good and evil, and the ability of one person, one soul to play a role in human destiny?

You can read The Sounding for the conflict, the characters, or the metaphysical questions, and indeed you must for they all work together to create an exciting, emotional, thought-provoking experience.

This book will creep you out -- and keep you turning the pages late into the night!

An ominous quote from Revelation sets the tone for the book in the prologue. What starts out as a couple college guys brooding over brewskies quickly turns into a brutal and peculiar murder. Readers know who the killer is right away, but WHAT the killer is unfolds gradually as the story progresses. The strange circumstances around the murder catch the attention of a secret Vatican Council charged with finding clues about a possible premature Armageddon. What they discover uncovers a series of events where Biblical prophesy is tested by the God-given free will of people halfway around the world, aided by one of the most chilling and demonic creatures ever written about. The Council team up with a Swiss bodyguard, a visionary monk and the killer with the goal of trying to stop the end of the world from happening before its prophesied time. HIGHLY recommended! The author has a very visual writing style and I hope someone makes this into a movie. Until then, your only choice is the read the book! Some of my other favorite books: Jurassic Park -- by Michael Crichton Relic (Pendergast, Book 1) -- by Douglas Preston The Shining -- by Stephen King Thank you for reading my review!