Customer Reviews

The Song of an Emerald Dove

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I borrowed "The Song of an Emerald Dove" and read it in two days -- which my friend says has to be a record! I didn't really think that I would have a single thing in common with a group of New England witches! Turns out, I feel like we were living parallel lives. I bought my own copy.

The women in this story lead normal lives, hold down jobs, and raise children -- except for one minor detail. They are all witches. Not the ridiculous nose-wrinkling ones from early television and definitely not the hook-nosed ones in the Halloween displays. They are decent, caring women who are trying their damnedest to save the planet -- and that's not as far-fetched as you'd think -- not today!

Granted that it took a while to feel comfortable being drawn into the rituals in this book, but I have to say that once I got used to it -- it felt good! These women have gotten psychic messages that the world is being threatened. They are as dubious as I was, but that soon changed.

In a world where more and more television and film introduces us to after-death contacts, magic, and the supernatural, I think this book deserves a look-see by anyone who enjoys good writing, a well-handled plot, and hard-won victories. I want to see more stories from Xanna Vinson.

And while I'm at it, let me tell you to also pick up Dr. Jean Bolen's newest book, "Urgent Message from Mother." Look it up here on Amazon and you'll see what I'm driving at. "Dove" makes you feel good about women feeling empowered. "Message" shows you how to do it yourself!

But you're going to have to buy your own -- I'm never parting with either of them!

I loved the suspense - and the way the author draws you into the lives of these women and their amazing journey. It is the power of the women who make this novel work - not trickery or supernatural forces. We like them and care about what happens to them. I stayed up all night to finish this book.

(hmmmmm .. .will there be a sequel?)

Not only is it a great read, but anyone who reads this book with an open mind is sure to be enlightened about wiccan culture. I know I was! I am not wicca - though I am intrigued by the power of faith. This author writes with passion and intelligence on a subject that is vastly misunderstood.

This book combines exciting and suspenseful adventure with a fine sensibility, and a really knowledgeable awareness of Wicca.

Ok, at the risk of sounding inane, The Song of an Emerald Dove, by Xanna Vinson, is a bewitching tale of modern-day Wiccans. Too strong? How about spellbinding? Charming? I could go on...but I'll spare you my craftiness.

If one has the mental fortitude to withstand a slightly-too-lengthy set-up, Dove is a wonderful read about heroes (complete with capes, though not the same kind super-heroes sport) who just want to serve their Goddess, saving Earth in the process. The Ladies of the world realize, through the guidance of their High Priestess, that they must somehow stop a global disaster from annihilating most of the world's populace. By tying in actual events that occurred in recent years, i.e. the Unibomber, the Twin Towers, the USS Cole, etc, to the coven's mission, the actual threat can be felt by the reader.

The main characters of this short novel are women from all walks of life, who have to deal with real issues; jobs, relationships, aging, etc. Vinson does a great job of fleshing out these women to make them seem as real as the girl next door, as well as that girl's mother and grandmother! Followers of the Wiccan path will also be pleased to note the fine detail that the author puts into the ritual scenes, without making them seem cheap or cheesy.

The single issue that I had with this book was with the introduction of the military presence. Whose side were they on? It felt like Vinson needed an antagonist so she went with the old standby, only with a new twist. Secret military projects are always a bonus in my estimation, especially ones that hold a ring of truth to them, but the tie-in to the main plot of the story falls a bit short.

Overall, I would recommend Dove as an interesting read, resplendent with beautiful imagery and a heartfelt message of Peace on Earth. Not just for humanity's sake, but for that of Mother Earth as well.

Not only does the story itself grab you, but the twist and turns of the plot keep drawing you in. One of the things I found particularly intriguing was how the timeline was handled. The author managed it in such a way that is essential to the story yet doesn't make the reader go back and forth to catch up. I could rant enthusiastically about other features of the book and the way it's written but it would give away too much.

It certainly spoke to the Witch side of me even though I don't practice the way the characters do. But that didn't put me off in the least. In fact it made it that much more intriguing. However anyone that enjoys a good story that keeps you wondering what's going to happen next will have a good read in this one. Witchy or not.

I'm so happy to see that there is a publisher out there like Harvest Shadows who promotes not only this kind of story but the format too. It's about time that these kinds of books are given a chance to reach readers who are hungry for intelligent, well written stories that are not of the boring, mainstream, cookie cutter genre.

This plot draws you in that you'll find it difficult to put the book down. You just want to know what will happen next to these women. A great story!

I had trouble putting this book down. The intriguing plot draws the reader forward into the lives of these characters. I particularly liked the chapter format, showing date and location of the action. A must read.

Beyond the suspense, the well crafted narrrative,and character development,the events that unfold stay on your mind...maybe never to leave. The characters, especially the main character, leaves an imprint that feels at once familiar and at the same time, life-altering........

This is one to read and keep ..to circulate extra copies of...to share..to act upon and to get others to act upon..

Don't wait...snatch this one up and get reading!

This book is compelling, it will draw you in. Read it with an open mind.

Vinson is a master at description. You feel like you're there and that helps you get drawn into the mysterious happenings and visions in her small circle of friends. Why are they getting these visions? What are they supposed to do with them? Why do they seem to be related to some of the headlines they're seeing -- WE're seeing? Great read.