December 18, 2015
Angel of Song
Master of Illusion Book Three
Additional Info for Reviewers & Staff
I have previously sent manuscripts to agents and publishing houses to no avail. I quickly realised that if I want my dream to come true, rather than continuously chasing someone else to publish it, I could do it myself. I was fortuitously put in touch with a freelance editor and designer (Web Etch Design and Editing) and she helped me realise my dreams. I have now published three books in paperback and ebook.
I used a freelance editor who has expertise across substantive editing, copy editing, proofreading and typesetting. I was able to get it all in one place! My editor is a member of IPED. Although I was given her name via word-of-mouth, you can find editors like her through their website, too.
Dear Yvonne
I have decided to choose you as my potential reviewer because of your obvious love of music (with music such an integral part of The Wheelhouse Cafe) and your expertise in romance writing.
The book I am referring to you for review, Angel of Song, is part of a series (Master of Illusion) that is centered around the power of music and musical talent in a Historical Romance setting. In Angel of Song, the occupants of the Opera Magique of Paris are facing the threat of the Great War. The star soprano, Angelique, is an unlikely weapon that the Allies use to motivate their soldiers. It turns out that the magic of her voice provides inspiration to the soldiers of the Western Front and she becomes a key to the battles' success.
Although the novel is the third in a series, it does stand-alone and can be assessed individually. You are also welcome to review the earlier two releases in the series, if you wanted (Master of Illusion Book One and Book Two).
As a side, I am inspired by authors such as Georgette Heyer and Agatha Christie. Other reviewers of Angel of Song have mentioned that it is similar to the writing style of Kristin Hannah in The Nightingale.
Thank you for taking time to consider my novel. Hopefully it is something that you find a great interest in.
Warm Regards,
Anne Rouen
Amazon e-book: $4.99
Amazon hard copy: $24.99
Editing, Production, Marketing & Sales
Edited by Web Etch Design and Editing
Cover design by Web Etch Design and Editing
Formatted by Web Etch Design and Editing
Published Through Amazon Createspace – KDP
Marketed by Web Etch Design and Editing
Distributed by Amazon
Scheduled for review – the information below will be filled out slowly. It will not be visible to the public until it is published on our magazine.
It’s 1913, and 17 year-old debutante Angelique de Villefontaine lives a sheltered life even though she is the star soprano of Opera Magigue of Paris. When her guardian the marquis du Bois agrees to tell Angelique her Godmama’s story, she is bombarded with harsh realities – from the idea that a different set of rules apply to those in power to the horrific notion that asset matches trump love in the noble class. These undercurrents make Angelique aware of the complex relationships surrounding her, and set the stage for the tides of confusion and loss that swell ever-swiftly as World War I draws near.
Appreciation for her talent and beauty crescendos, and the cadence of Angelique’s life accelerates. Soon her mentors can no longer shield her from the lure of the limelight. As the marquis du Bois fervently works behind the scenes to fortify Paris for the battles on the horizon, Angelique is unaware of his efforts and focuses on her career and the tour that promises to make her notoriety surge to new heights.
When an assassination highjacks her plans, Angelique’s life is turned upside down. Traumatized by all she has felt and observed, and still in the dark about her mentor’s role in her current reality, she discovers that helping the wounded is a salve for staying sane. During these dark days, Angelique learns about love and the power of letting go. She also becomes known as the embodiment of her name, an angel whose voice soothes the wounded and inspires troops.
As the Allies struggle to defeat their ruthless enemy, will Angelique’s voice become the secret weapon they’ve been searching for?
The third tale in Anna Rouen’s MASTER OF ILLUSION series can also stand alone, and for readers drawn to historical fiction, intrigue and romance, ANGEL OF SONG is a novel hat trick. Rouen weaves many layers into the fabric of the story — from Angelique’s journey of self-discovery and the complexities of love and loss to the chaos of war and the transformative power of music. While a bit slow at times, ANGEL OF SONG’s well-developed plot and rich character relationships will keep readers turning pages with anticipation.
The Rundown
It’s 1913, and 17 year-old debutante Angelique de Villefontaine lives a sheltered life even though she is the star soprano of Opera Magigue of Paris. When her guardian the marquis du Bois agrees to tell Angelique her Godmama’s story, she is bombarded with harsh realities – from the idea that a different set of rules apply to those in power to the horrific notion that asset matches trump love in the noble class. These undercurrents make Angelique aware of the complex relationships surrounding her, and set the stage for the tides of confusion and loss that swell ever-swiftly as World War I draws near.
Appreciation for her talent and beauty crescendos, and the cadence of Angelique’s life accelerates. Soon her mentors can no longer shield her from the lure of the limelight. As the marquis du Bois fervently works behind the scenes to fortify Paris for the battles on the horizon, Angelique is unaware of his efforts and focuses on her career and the tour that promises to make her notoriety surge to new heights.
When an assassination highjacks her plans, Angelique’s life is turned upside down. Traumatized by all she has felt and observed, and still in the dark about her mentor’s role in her current reality, she discovers that helping the wounded is a salve for staying sane. During these dark days, Angelique learns about love and the power of letting go. She also becomes known as the embodiment of her name, an angel whose voice soothes the wounded and inspires troops.
As the Allies struggle to defeat their ruthless enemy, will Angelique’s voice become the secret weapon they’ve been searching for?
The Recommendation
The third tale in Anna Rouen’s MASTER OF ILLUSION series can also stand alone, and for readers drawn to historical fiction, intrigue and romance, ANGEL OF SONG is a novel hat trick. Rouen weaves many layers into the fabric of the story — from Angelique’s journey of self-discovery and the complexities of love and loss to the chaos of war and the transformative power of music. While a bit slow at times, ANGEL OF SONG’s well-developed plot and rich character relationships will keep readers turning pages with anticipation.
The Rating
4 Stars (out of 5): Recommended. For the right audience, this book is a great read. It can hold its own against any traditionally published novel in its genre.
The Pros & Cons
Pros: Characterization, Strong World-BuildingCons: Slow in Places
Author’s Summary
From award-winning author Anne Rouen, comes the third novel in the Master of Illusion series. Angel of Song is a historical romance set in France during the Great War.
Born into the halcyon era of the Belle Époque, Parisian debutante Angelique de Villefontaine has been shielded all her young life by her influential guardian, the marquis du Bois, and his lifelong companion, Madame Dupont. Despite the protection of her mentors, the allure of her ethereal beauty and surpassing talent cannot be restrained, and Angelique’s life becomes a frenetic whirl of performance and social engagement, peppered with the seduction of fame and adulation. Though she has a voice of an angel, she is not without her demons.
Unbeknownst to Angelique, her guardian is frantically attempting to bring the antiquated French Military into the twentieth century. Acutely aware of growing political tensions and paranoia sweeping Europe, the marquis’ efforts are rebuffed. Despairing, he sends his protégé on a mission hitherto unthinkable. Oblivious to this seething political clime, Angelique embarks on the most important tour of her budding career, only to be turned back by a murder that plunges the world into darkness.
Rendered hysterical by the horrors of war, Angelique rallies to help the wounded. Amidst rumours of an angel whose voice can inspire, soothe and heal, an eminent general makes an astonishing request. And the marquis must use all his ingenuity to protect his ward from enemies, both within their own military and without.
In the particular hell of the trenches, soldiers sacrifice their lives to hold their posts against insurmountable odds; and as the French search for inspiration to counter the nihilistic policy of an implacable enemy, they find they already have a secret weapon —their own Angel of Song.
Short Description
Angel of Song is a historical romance set in France during WWI. In the hell of trenches, the Allied soldiers sacrifice their lives to hold their posts against insurmountable odds. Looking for inspiration, the French believe they’ve found a secret weapon from an unlikely source, the Angel of Song.
Catchphrase
The Allies have a secret weapon to fight against the Kaiser.You might also like...
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