Find out the latest indie author news. For FREE.

ADVERTISEMENT

Formats
Ebook Details
  • 12/2022
  • 978-0-9876222-6-6 B0B8SL82J6
  • 288 pages
  • $0.99
Paperback Details
  • 12/2022
  • 9780987622259 B0B8SL82J6
  • 288 pages
  • $29.99
Angel A
Author
Holy Parrot
Angel A, author

The compelling mystery of phenomenal paranormal events occurring in the Caribbean fishing village of Buritaca.

Buritaca, Colombia: Mary, sixteen, insisted the parrot, known as Gabriel, told her she would be the mother of the new Christ. She said she was a virgin. Pablo, suspected as being the child's father, mysteriously disappeared. Leo Lumière, a student from Australia, was torn between exposing a crime and protecting Maria from harm. Was Maria lying to hide a despicable secret? Or was she birthing the leader of the new millennium? Phenomenal events unfolded as millions united, chanting one phrase - 'Loro Santo': Holy Parrot.

Plot/Idea: 9 out of 10
Originality: 10 out of 10
Prose: 9 out of 10
Character/Execution: 9 out of 10
Overall: 9.25 out of 10

Assessment:

Plot/Idea: A 16-year-old girl combats domestic abuse from her father by creating a new leader of religion, becoming the mother of a new Christ, and amassing a following of thousands of people. Starting with a mysterious hook, the story successfully engages the readers from the beginning.

 

Prose: Angel A presents a beautiful writing style, with words that fully display the exotic settings and applies detailed descriptions of the protagonist's thoughts about religion to add a bitter ironic tone to the story.

Originality: By blending the elements of mystery and religion, the story stands out from both traditional mystery and religious fiction.

Character/Execution: Both the main characters and supporting characters impress the readers with their authenticity and relatability. The protagonist's thoughts ultimately uncover both the mystery and the essence of the religion.

 

Date Submitted: April 18, 2023

Reviews
Angel A’s bold second novel, after Mary Poser, chronicles Australian research student Leonard Lumière’s head-spinning time in Buritaca, on Colombia's Caribbean coast, and a case of parrot-proclaimed divinity. Maria Santos, sixteen and claiming to be a pregnant virgin seeks refuge in Leo’s lab after escaping her father Gustavo’s violent reaction to the news. Gabriel, Maria’s “holy parrot,” attests that Maria is nothing less than the mother of a new savior. As news of the pregnancy spreads, people belonging to different religions arrive in the tiny village to seek Maria’s blessings. Robin O’Leary, a mythologist, guides Maria to ‘channel’ Gabriel’s divine messages, turning her into a spiritual leader and healer. Among Maria’s detractors is her former boyfriend Pablo’s family. When the divine parrot disappears, Maria’s life too seems to be in danger.

In smooth and polished prose, Angel A compellingly examines the myriad and sometimes opposing ways in which humans deal with the challenges of life and faith, questioning our over reliance on science and scientific methods and our doubt and distrust about more traditional streams of knowledge, especially those of non-European origin. Leo is the skeptical man of science, a “sucker for certainty” always looking for proof. In contrast is Robin, the mystic whose mind is attuned to the mysterious and unfathomable, searching for a religion that will bring all believers together. In between is Maria, sweet, innocent and trusting with wells of strength and power she never knew she possessed.

Angel A achieves the tricky feat of exploring the clash of different belief systems through an engaging plotline and the thoughtful interactions of an agreeable cast. The plot moves forward at a brisk pace, despite the heady questions, and the characters are well-etched and entirely believable. The premise might sound fantastical, but each twist of the story proves plausible and revealing, while several burning questions—such as the identity of the father of Maria’s child—simmer strongly enough to keep the pages turning.

Takeaway: Readers fascinated by questions of faith and belief will enjoy this probing novel.

Great for fans of: Diane Schoemperlen’s Our Lady of the Lost and Found, Anne Ostby’s Pieces of Happiness.

Production grades
Cover: B+
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A

A ‘Wishing Shelf’ Book Review of Holy Parrot

An engaging novel with a fascinating premise: a talking parrot tells of the coming messiah! Highly original and very enjoyable.

It´s not often I´m surprised by a novel. And I read A LOT! But, in the case of Holy Parrot, I thought, “Yes, that´s a remarkably original plot.” It´s the story of a pregnant sixteen year old girl (Maria) living in a small fishing village. But who´s the father? Well, according to the girl, she´s a virgin and her parrot told her the baby was the coming messiah! Soon, word spreads, and tens of thousands of ´worshipers´ flock to the village to see the girl and, of course, her all-knowing bird.

I must say, this is a compelling novel, helped along by an accessible, well-paced writing style, and a small number of unforgettable characters. I particularly enjoyed getting to know Leo, an Australian scientist who´s working for a pharmaceutical company and who´s trying to discover the secret behind the longevity of the local residents. Although his interest in a sixteen year old was a little bit concerning!

All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. I liked the mystery element of the story, trying to work out if girl is innocent - or not so innocent. And I thought the author did a superb job of interlocking philosophy, science, and even religious hysteria.

So, yes, I´m very happy to recommend this skilfully plotted book. I think most readers who enjoy novels rich in setting and in depth of character will find this compulsive reading. And, let´s face it, you´ll not find a lot of books with prophesising parrots in it!

A Cultural Anthropologist's 5-Star review on Amazon

What an intriguing story! As I usually read in a somewhat different genre, it took me a while to get into the author’s cadence, but once I did, the story flowed smoothly.

As with any good book, Holy Parrot contains multiple layers. If you are interested in world religion, world peace, and the conflict between religious and scientific thought, you’re in the right place! Trained as a cultural anthropologist, I felt on familiar turf, but some readers may get a little lost in the longer religious passages. That said, they are worth a read and a reread. And, of course, even if you just keep reading to find out who the father of Maria’s baby is and what she is going to do with her newfound fame, it’s worth sticking with it.

It was refreshing to follow the development of the relationship between Maria and Leo. It is not cookie-cutter romance, that’s for sure.

The mystery of who the father of Maria’s baby remains a mystery, depending on how you look at it. And that is one of the points of the book-the world is as we view it.

As an avid reader, I appreciated Angel’s way with words and insights into human nature. Here are just a few phrases I enjoyed:

‘. . .from the prison of your own mind, it’s difficult to admit who it is that’s guarding the gate. . .’
‘. . .life catches up with every escape plan. . .’
. . .Her aunt smiled at me the way people do when they don’t understand a conversation but wish to appear supportive. . .’

Last, but not least, the ending is satisfying and original. For all of these reasons and more, I recommend Holy Parrot!

Amy's Bookshelf Reviews Holy Parrot

"A Great Read

What a grand story in Holy Parrot by Angel A. I am honored to read another story from Angel A. This story is a unique and intriguing read. The story takes place in Buritaca, Colombia, and the reader meets Mary. Mary swears that this Parrot whose name is, Gabriel, said she would have a child, the new Christ. It's an interesting story that brings in religious beliefs, and faith, and maybe a bit of deception. Not everyone believes Mary, especially when the self-proclaimed virgin is pregnant. The characters had a lot of depth and were very realistic. The story brings in the believable, even if almost impossible. This journey was very unpredictable. This is a totally inspirational title. This author is a great storyteller. Definitely an unpredictable story, my favorite kind! A wonderous trail of words. Holy Parrot is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. I read this book to give my unbiased and honest review. Amy's Bookshelf Reviews recommends that anyone who reads this book, to also write a review."

Authors Reading reviews Holy Parrot

Holy Parrot by Angel A is a captivating journey of faith and self-discovery. Set in Buritaca, Colombia, readers follow Maria on her unexpected path through doubt and temptation when Gabriel – an enigmatic parrot that speaks with divine power – tells her she will bear the new Christ.

In this fascinating cross-cultural novel, we meet Leo Lumière, a science student from Australia who ventures to the Caribbean village of Buritaca, expecting an ordinary assignment. However, what awaits him is nothing short of a series of phenomenal events. While Leo is working in a small Colombian village, he finds himself embroiled in the complicated life of Maria and her family. Maria is purportedly a virginal teenager, but she claims to be pregnant with the next great religious leader. Her family goes along with the idea, but other people rumor that a young man named Pablo is actually the father. What results is a fascinating examination of science, faith, belief, and human emotion.

Author Angel A knows how to deliver a superb range of dramatic highs and lows that come from some surprising and eye-opening clashes of opinion and belief. The literary style of the work gives us a critical and highly amusing attitude with which to approach the story. The often hapless Leo slowly watches the family boil over and wonders wholeheartedly what he can do to help. He also begins to have romantic feelings for Maria. This is paired nicely with the family and Maria herself, sticking firmly to their convictions and unable to be swayed. Maria's parrot  promises she will be "the mother of a saviour." Before long, Leo is caught up in mysterious circumstances between revealing a crime and protecting Maria. At the same time, tens of thousands converge on the Magdalena region with only one phrase resonating throughout: 'Loro Santo' - Holy Parrot.

Leo is officially on a mission to discover what contributes to the long and healthy lives of the inhabitants of Maria's village. But, while performing scientific tests and experiments with his lab equipment to unravel the secret behind their unusually long life expectancies, Leo also finds himself immersed in the magical tales about his extraordinary surroundings. No matter how hard he works for this impossible assignment given by a pharmaceutical company. It is clear there will always be more than meets the eye when seeking true enlightenment. Holy Parrot explores human behavior and the powerful dynamics at play when we encounter the mysterious. In its center is Gabriel, the enigmatic parrot whose words spark chaos and inspire intense admiration. This novel is captivating and thought-provoking for those eager to discover something new through skillful storytelling! Holy Parrot is an unpredictable read that celebrates the human spirit over conventional skepticism. We recommend it for readers wanting something distinctively crafted by a gifted author.

Goodreads

What an absolutely compelling read! The author was so descriptive and detailed in their storytelling that I felt transported to Columbia and was actually living the story with the characters. I got caught up in Mary's world and developed a deep admiration for her inner beauty, courage, and naivety. The suspense that was created had me racing to the end, which was both satisfying and yet left you wondering. So many genres were very cleverly entwined in this entertaining and captivating read.
I highly recommend getting hold of a copy, but make sure you can put a few days aside because you won't be able to put it down.

Goodreads

Angel A has created a mystifying story with a viewpoint character similar to that of The Great Gatsby. While not in the same class of writing talent as F. Scott Fitzgerald (who is?), this story of a girl who claims to be carrying a Christ child, is told via an undergraduate student from Australia who is studying genetics in the Columbia village of Buritaca. Leo Lumiere is fascinated by Maria. My sense is that Leo sees her almost as another species, something/one so different from him.

So science vs. faith, clearly, but Angel A has introduced many ambiguous details that propel the story -- Maria supposedly had a boyfriend, could she still be a virgin? Maria’s virginal pregnancy is announced by her pet parrot, who repeats “every day is a good day.” Maria’s father, enraged when learning of Maria’s pregnancy is easily persuaded by Maria’s explanation that the parrot told her of her virginal pregnancy in a dream (a parrot named, fittingly, Gabriel). Leo himself watches with growing consternation, and possibly desire to believe, the throngs of people of various denominations and from around the world who come to bask in Maria’s presence.

Leo’s scientific investigations, funded by a huge pharmacy company seeking the source of the villagers’ longevity, revolve around a single goal: “discover something special in the region.” Is that actually Maria, rather than some enzyme? Told in simple language, the novel resonates with truths that may be lies, secrets potentially never revealed, and the young Maria’s unaffected simplicity and unquestioning embrace of everything she has been given.

Goodreads

Leonard is a student of science who lives in Buritaca in order to find out why the people there live so long. Then one day, he meets Maria, who is expecting to have a baby that will be a future leader. There is nothing like this masterclass to keep your attention from beginning to end. There are a lot of life lessons worth reflecting upon. It's a book that should be read again and again. I personally would recommend it to everyone without any hesitation. Thanks to the author and Voracious Readers.

IndieBRAG reviews Holy Parrot

When Australian college student Leonard Lumiére goes to a small fishing village in Columbia to research what is enabling the natives to live so long, he gets involved with Maria, a young woman who claims to be pregnant with the new Christ child. The author of “Holy Parrot” does an admirable job writing this book in first-person peripheral POV where the narrator (Leonard) is not the protagonist (Maria). This method of storytelling can be tricky, but the author pulls it off beautifully. Vivid descriptions of the Columbian terrain and culture are used to pull readers into the story. People, places, and events are consistently portrayed in a manner that is easy to visualize. The Leonard and Maria characters are unique, well-developed, believable, and memorable. Layers of personality and complexities define who they are and how they feel, making them relatable and worthy of empathy. While the plot is intricate and compelling, it is these two characters who draw readers into the depth of the story. The author weaves together many story elements in an organized manner, with a rich vocabulary and a good balance of description, dialogue, action, and back story. The pace is quick and appropriate to the narrative. The chapter beginnings are enticing. The chapter endings will make readers want to turn the page to see what happens next. “Holy Parrot” is a well-written, well-structured novel that is engaging, entertaining, and educational of the Columbian culture.

IndieReader 5-Star Review

When a pharmaceutical firm engages Leonard to go to a small fishing village in Columbia to research native longevity, he doesn’t expect to get tangled up with a young woman who claims to be pregnant with the new Christ child.

 

Australian college student Leonard Lumiére sets up a small, makeshift lab in a remote Columbian fishing village to work on a research project for Pravus, a pharmaceutical company interested in developing a life-lengthening elixir based on what it is that allows these particular Columbians to live so long. It is here where he meets Maria who shares with Leonard that she is pregnant–although she claims to be a virgin–and that her father is furious about it. She looks to Leonard for comfort and protection. When she explains to him that she has made a spiritual connection with a macaw parrot, a messenger from God, who tells her she is carrying the new Christ child, Leonard tries to keep an open mind but in his heart knows it can’t be possible. Once the word gets out in the village about Maria’s Divine pregnancy, they bring her gifts and worship her. Leonard continues to help and support her but doesn’t know what to think. And when a Cardinal priest from the Vatican arrives to meet Maria, he is dumbfounded.

Author Angel A has written HOLY PARROT in first-person peripheral POV (point of view), i.e., the narrator (Leonard) is not the protagonist (Maria). Leonard witnesses, and in some cases experiences, Maria’s story and conveys it through his POV. This style of storytelling is risky—it can be very effective if done properly, or it can be disastrous if not. Angel A does an exemplary job using this concept in the HOLY PARROT narrative. Vivid descriptions will pull readers into the Columbian terrain and culture. Leonard’s reactions to the bizarre things that go on around him are described in expressive detail that copiously illustrate the array of emotions he is feeling at the time. People, places, and events are consistently portrayed in a manner that is easy to visualize. The Leonard and Maria characters are unique, well-developed, believable, and memorable–and while the plot in HOLY PARROT is intricate and compelling, it is these two characters who draw readers into the depth of the story. Layers of personality and complexities define who they are and how they feel, making them relatable and worthy of empathy. The author weaves together many story elements in an organized manner, with a rich vocabulary and a good balance of description, dialogue, action, and back story. The pace is quick and appropriate to the narrative, the chapter beginnings are enticing and the chapter endings will make readers want to turn the page to see what happens next.

Angel A’s HOLY PARROT is a well-written, compelling novel with an engaging story line and characters with depth, interesting motivations, and lots of personality.

~Florence Osmund for IndieReader

IndieReader Discovery Awards

Through their Australian protagonist’s eyes, Angel A takes readers on a wonderful journey into Latin American magical realism with HOLY PARROT. The Colombian setting, with its jungles and beaches, forms a perfectly lush backdrop to all the bold and vibrant characters populating the book. The meshing of Indigenous traditions with Catholic – and Gnostic – mysticism is perfectly primed to stick in the reader’s mind for days afterwards.

Indies Today reviews Holy Parrot

Buritaca, Columbia, is home to one of the few recognized blue zones in the world. It is here that Leo Lumière, an undergrad science student, works to figure out just what it is that contributes to the longevity of the locals. But rather than uncovering some protected regional herb or a soil sample that promises health and long life, Leo discovers Maria Angelica Santos. Maria is unremarkable in her own right, a sixteen-year-old Catholic girl growing up in a small seaside town known for little more than fresh fish and plump coffee beans. But when a wild parrot comes to Maria proclaiming a modern-day immaculate conception, she slowly becomes a symbol of hope. People travel from near and far to catch a glimpse of or to bestow a gift upon this soon-to-be mother of the new Christ. And it isn’t just Christian believers who are inspired by Maria’s seemingly divine pregnancy. Devotees, congregants, acolytes and worshipers of many religions are moved by Maria’s joyful tidings. But not everyone is convinced, and there are elements bent on her demise. Despite his own misgivings, Leo stands by her side through it all. Leo’s involvement shifts from cautious observer to staunch defender, and even his scientific research can’t account for his epiphanic shift in perspective. Whether the pregnancy is of divine origin or is an elaborate ruse, small-town Maria never imagined herself becoming the spark of fervor that sets the world ablaze.

If you’re looking for a novel featuring a fantastically unique premise, a lush, tropical landscape, and a glimmer of mystery, then look no further than Holy Parrot. An interesting intersection of religion and secularism, faith and science, Holy Parrot doesn’t tread carefully, so much as pleasantly on a road that is often rutted with fanatical disagreements. It might seem that Maria and her divinely inspired bird ought to occupy center stage in this thought-provoking story, but the author assigns the job of narration to rational Leo. Delivered from his first-person perspective, the divinity of Maria’s claims is explored from Leo’s scientific vantage, adding balance and a sense of stability to the novel. Marginal character development prevents readers from fully connecting on a deep level, however, the intriguing plot is more than enough to keep one’s attention. True, audiences may not be moved by the spirit, but Maria’s light-hearted story will certainly have readers reevaluating their humble place in the grand scheme of things after experiencing the phenomenon that is Holy Parrot.

Literary Titan 5-Star Review

Leonard is, by his own description, a “twenty-one-year-old nerd” in Columbia on a research grant from Australia. Maria is a sixteen-year-old local claiming to be a pregnant virgin, set to give birth to a new Christ, as prophesied by her pet parrot. Despite having exactly nothing in common, a chance meeting brings the two together to form an instant, unexplainable bond that neither could have imagined. Over the course of their friendship, Leonard is forced to question everything he has ever believed about the conflicting ideologies of religion and science. Maria also must confront new ideas and experiences as she faces an ordeal far beyond her years.

Holy Parrot, by Angel A, is a beautiful and thought-provoking novel set in the lush, idyllic landscape of Buritaca, Columbia. The friendship between Leonard and Maria is established almost immediately while treated in a delicate tone that never comes across as either inappropriate or predatory, despite their age difference. It’s easy to understand how Leonard is so quickly spellbound by both Maria and his surroundings, as both are written in such a way that creates a heady atmosphere. Soon Robin is introduced, and he fills out the trilogy of main characters with a group of people who are so incredibly different yet complement each other wonderfully. There are actually few books where each and every character brings the perfect amount of support to a story, but this one manages that feat quite well. Every character, no matter how minor, is a necessary addition to this miraculous tale.

Holy Parrot covers many ideas and themes throughout its pages, including love, loss, religion, faith, and family. At its core, it could be argued to be a story about destiny, setting your own path while finding your true self amid past pain and present conflict. Leonard positively shines as the story’s narrator, slowly revealing himself to be a character with an incredible amount of depth, stepping outside his comfort zone time and time again in the unexpected role of protector. Even as he struggles to justify his own actions, Leonard never fails to stand up for Maria or stand beside Robin, all the time traveling toward a better understanding of what it truly means to live a fulfilled life.

This book gets an easy 5 out of 5 stars from me. It was extremely hard to put down, and the characters became as familiar as old friends. Even though I would love to know more about their lives after these events, I think the book ended in the most perfect way it could have. In addition, the ideas presented in regard to faith left plenty to consider far beyond the pages of the book without weighing it down with a glut of religious dogma. It was a perfect balance in every way!

Maincrest Media

BOOK TITLE: Holy Parrot

PLOT: The story is original, engaging and well-paced. The book follows a clear and logical narrative arc. The writing includes information to make a reader want to continue reading and stretch their imagination.

SCORE: 16 / 20

CHARACTER: The characters are memorable and believable and their goals and motivations have been well established. The characters’ strengths, weaknesses, backstory and conflicts evoke a strong emotional response in the reader.

SCORE: 16 / 20

THEME: The book has a strong, unifying theme. The book presents new and original ideas. The book appeals to the reader in an emotional or logical manner. The theme is relevant to the author’s genre of writing.

SCORE: 18 / 20

STYLE: The author’s word choice, sentence fluency, voice and tone have been well established. The author uses descriptive imagery where appropriate. The author’s use of language enhances the overall reading experience.

SCORE: 16 / 20

APPEAL TO TARGET AUDIENCE: The target audience of the book is clear and the contents of the book is in line with other highly regarded books in its genre. The book has a professional interior layout and typeface. The book includes relevant front and back matter to explain key elements of the plot, characters and setting to enhance a reader’s overall experience. The book is free from grammatical, spelling and punctuation errors.

SCORE: 16 / 20

With a score of 82 out of 100, this book has been selected for a Maincrest Media Book Award in the Multicultural Fiction category.

Midwest Book Review of Holy Parrot

In Holy Parrot, Maria is a pregnant teen virgin and the possible future mother of a saviour. Angel A sweeps readers into this multifaceted story with a plethora of insights that reveal just how special Maria is, opening with Maria's pregnancy and thwarted attempt to marry in order to preserve her reputation and name. As events unfold in Buritaca, a small fishing village in Columbia, they are narrated from the point of view of Leonard Lumière, an undergrad science student who meets Maria and comes to adore her. Leo's job is to "to discover something special in the region," but he had no clue that this special discovery would involve both genetic research and a possible second coming. Leo's charge is clear: he's to find out why the people of this particular village live so long. The answer is not the science-based reality he's come to embrace, but offers powerful insights into life, death, and spirituality as Leo probes this "blue zone" for its secrets (blue zones are defined here as "regions where the resident population appeared to live long, healthy lives beyond the normal expectations of other world territories."). As Leo's involvement with Maria challenges his science, his perceptions of God, and his other relationships, Holy Parrot embraces a myriad of thought-provoking themes that weave an intense story of closely-held secrets, truths and lies, social and cultural changes, and one young girl's world-changing mystery. Maria's evolving mystique captivates a growing, wide audience as Leo learns from her, supports her, and takes bigger risks than he's ever made before in his life. Angel A creates a compelling story replete with life-changing moments and revelations: "A distinct chill rippled down my spine. I looked across to Robin, who clearly knew exactly what was going on. He had mentioned the air baptism, “to know thyself.” Was this what he was referring to? Was Maria about to share revelations with each one of us about our personal identities that we may have never contemplated previously?" The tension is well-developed, as is the captivating aura surrounding Leo and Maria and the paths they forge that change belief systems and values alike. Spiritual readers who enjoy stories of beacons of hope, paradigm-changing experiences, and social and personal transformation will find Holy Parrot vivid and involving. While libraries strong in spiritual novels will be the ideal audience for Holy Parrot, it ideally will assume an active role in any book club or reader group interested in the intersection between science and faith, the resulting drive for a better life, and the miracles that can power such convictions.

Readers' Favorite 5-Star Review

Holy Parrot is a work of fiction in a literary style in the interpersonal drama sub-genre. It is best suited to the general adult reading audience and was penned by author Angel A. In this fascinating cross-cultural novel, we meet Leo, an Australian student working in a small Colombian village, who finds himself embroiled in the complicated life of Maria and her family. When the purportedly virginal teenage Maria claims to be pregnant with the next great religious leader, her family keenly goes along with the idea, but other people are not so sure, believing that the runaway Pablo is actually the father. What results is a fascinating examination of science, faith, belief, and human emotion.Author Angel A knows how to keep readers in the palm of his hand, delivering a superb range of dramatic highs and lows that come from some really surprising and eye-opening clashes of opinion and belief. The literary style of the work gives us a critical and highly amusing attitude with which to approach the story, with the often hapless Leo slowly watching the family boil over and wondering wholeheartedly what he can do to help. This is paired nicely with the family and Maria herself, sticking firmly to their convictions and unable to be swayed. At the center is Gabriel, the enigmatic parrot causing trouble whenever he opens his beak. The subsequent fallout, causing mass worship, was so fascinating. The reader is left to unpick and understand why it’s in our nature as people to behave this way. Overall, I would recommend Holy Parrot for readers seeking something totally unique to explore from the fresh perspective of an engaging author.

The Chrysalis Brew Project

“Overall, Holy Parrot is a flawless book with a lot to offer. I highly recommend Angel A’s Holy Parrot to anyone and everyone. People who love reading about culture, history, religion, science, and nature will love this captivating novel.”

Kajori Sheryl Paul at The Chrysalis BREW Project

News
02/20/2023
Amy Shannon interviews Angel A about Holy Parrot

Amy Shannon of the After Show conducts an in depth interview with author Angel A. They discuss the challenges and techniques of story telling, the world of book reviews and author life.

02/03/2024
Australia – Angel A’s “Holy Parrot” receives the BREW Book Excellence Aw

Angel A’s multi-award-winning “Holy Parrot” has set the standard for excellence and innovation in writing. 

Australia: In celebration of literary excellence, The Chrysalis BREW Project announces the winners of the BREW Book Excellence Award 2024 and BREW Readers’ Choice Award 2024. The prestigious awards, held annually, aim to spotlight remarkable works that captivate readers and contribute to the world of literature.Angel A’s multi-award-winning “Holy Parrot” has been recognized as the BREW Book Excellence Award 2024 Multicultural Book of the Year. The novel weaves a captivating tale set against the backdrop of Colombia’s Caribbean coast. Through the eyes of Australian protagonist Leonard Lumière, readers are taken on a journey into magical realism, exploring themes of culture, history, religion, science, and nature. People who love reading about culture, history, religion, science, and nature will love this captivating novel. The novel has also received the following awards and accolades:2023 The Brew Seal of Excellence2023 Literary Titan 5-star book award2023 Readers' Favorite 5-star book award2023 Indie BRAG Medallion2023 Firebird Book Award Winner (three categories)2023 Nautilus Silver Book Award Winner2023 International Impact Book Awards Winner2023 Hawthorn Prize Finalist2023 Maxy Awards Finalist2023 London Book Festival Runner-Up2023 New York Book Festival Runner-Up2023 Paris Book Festival Runner-Up2023 Awesome Indies 5-star book award2023 Awesome Indies Seal of Excellence2023 Florida Authors And Publishers Association bronze award2023 COVR Visionary Fiction Award Winner2023 San Francisco Book Awards Honorable Mention2023 Living Now Silver Evergreen Book Medal For Fiction2023 NYC Big Book Award Distinguished Favorite2023 Readers' Choice Book Awards Finalist2024 The Brew Book Excellence Award

01/30/2024
Award-Winning Author Angel A Announces Maincrest Media Book Award For Holy Parro

Award-winning author, Angel A, announced today that Holy Parrot has been named a Maincrest Media Book Award Winner in the Multicultural Fiction category.

The Maincrest Media Book Award Program establishes the benchmark for excellence in books and the publishing community as a whole. Each book entered into the Maincrest Media Book Award Program is rigorously evaluated by an esteemed panel of seasoned industry professionals provide valuable insight into what influences book buying decisions in today’s marketplace.

A captivating mystery that seamlessly weaves elements of culture, religion, science, and human emotion. Set in the idyllic Caribbean coast, the novel resonates with truths that may be lies and secrets potentially never revealed. Australian scientist, Leo, must either protect Maria and her astonishing claim or reveal the truth in his head-spinning tale of divine intervention.

People who love reading about culture, history, religion, science, and nature will love this captivating novel. It has also received the following awards and accolades:

2023 The Brew Seal of Excellence
2023 Literary Titan 5-star book award
2023 Readers' Favorite 5-star book award
2023 Indie BRAG Medallion
2023 Firebird Book Award Winner (three categories)
2023 Nautilus Silver Book Award Winner
2023 International Impact Book Awards Winner
2023 Hawthorn Prize Finalist
2023 Maxy Awards Finalist
2023 London Book Festival Runner-Up
2023 New York Book Festival Runner-Up
2023 Paris Book Festival Runner-Up
2023 Awesome Indies 5-star book award
2023 Awesome Indies Seal of Excellence
2023 Florida Authors And Publishers Association bronze award
2023 COVR Visionary Fiction Award Winner
2023 San Francisco Book Awards Honorable Mention
2023 Living Now Silver Evergreen Book Medal For Fiction
2023 NYC Big Book Award Distinguished Favorite
2023 Readers' Choice Book Awards Finalist

Angel A’s Holy Parrot has set the standard for excellence and innovation in writing. This award is a testament to the talent, creativity, and vision of its authors.

"It is such an honor to receive the Maincrest Media Award for Holy Parrot. The awards and the wonderful reviews are greatly appreciated. With all the world is going through, I truly believe there is a message of hope for humanity in the pages of Holy Parrot. "

A full list of winners can be found at www.maincrestmedia.com.

ABOUT ANGEL A

Angel A is an Australian writer and filmmaker who shares insights and experiences of varied cultures through narratives that are compelling, inspiring and insightful. Mary Poser was Angel's highly awarded steamy, inspirational and revealing first novel. The second novel, Holy Parrot, is a captivating mystery that seamlessly weaves together elements of culture, religion, science, and human emotion. Angel's passion for story reveals a richly diverse world of conflict, love and hope.

Website: www.angelsleap.com

https://www.facebook.com/angelsleap

https://twitter.com/Angelsleap

https://instagram.com/Angels_leap

https://www.youtube.com/angelsleap

https://www.linkedin.com/company/2154424

02/01/2024
Congratulations BREW Book Awards 2024 Winners

The Chrysalis BREW Project has unveiled its remarkable winners of the BREW Book Awards 2024, each a testament to the power of storytelling and the diverse voices that enrich the world of literature.

“Holy Parrot” by Angel A

  • Multicultural Book of the Year

Angel A’s “Holy Parrot” takes readers on a captivating journey into Latin American magical realism, where indigenous traditions intertwine with Catholic and Gnostic mysticism. This bold novel, set against the backdrop of Colombia’s Caribbean coast, captivates lovers of culture, history, religion, science, and nature.

04/24/2023
Holy Parrot awarded first place in three categories: Firebird Book Awards

Holy Parrot by Angel A has been awarded first place winner in three categories of the Firebird Book Awards. The categories are Multicultural, Mythology and Spiritualism.

01/25/2023
Holy Parrot awarded Indie BRAG Medallion

When Australian college student Leonard Lumiére goes to a small fishing village in Colombia to research what is enabling the natives to live so long, he gets involved with Maria, a young woman who claims to be pregnant with the new Christ child. The author of “Holy Parrot” does an admirable job writing this book in first-person peripheral POV where the narrator (Leonard) is not the protagonist (Maria). This method of storytelling can be tricky, but the author pulls it off beautifully. Vivid descriptions of the Colombian terrain and culture are used to pull readers into the story. People, places, and events are consistently portrayed in a manner that is easy to visualize. The Leonard and Maria characters are unique, well-developed, believable, and memorable. Layers of personality and complexities define who they are and how they feel, making them relatable and worthy of empathy. While the plot is intricate and compelling, it is these two characters who draw readers into the depth of the story. The author weaves together many story elements in an organized manner, with a rich vocabulary and a good balance of description, dialogue, action, and back story. The pace is quick and appropriate to the narrative. The chapter beginnings are enticing. The chapter endings will make readers want to turn the page to see what happens next. “Holy Parrot” is a well-written, well-structured novel that is engaging, entertaining, and educational of the Colombian culture.

05/02/2023
Holy Parrot is a COVR Visionary Awards Finalist

Holy Parrot by Angel A has been listed as a COVR Visionary Awards Finalist in the category of Visionary Fiction. Winners will be announced at INATS, The Tradeshow for Conscious Living. Purchase your tickets to the COVR Visionary Awards Banquet on June 10th, 2023 6 pm MT in Denver.

04/19/2023
Holy Parrot is a Maxy Awards Finalist

Holy Parrot by Angel A had been nominated as A Maxy Awards Finalist in the category of Mystery and Crime.

05/14/2023
Holy Parrot named in the Short List of the 2023 Hawthorne Prize

Holy Parrot by Angel A has been named in the Short List of the 2023 Hawthorne Prize. Finalists for this year's competition will be announced one week from today on Sunday, May 21st. One week after that on May 28th, the 2023 Hawthorne Prize Winner, the 'first among equals,' will be declared. 

11/01/2022
Indie Reader 5 Star Review

"Angel A’s HOLY PARROT is a well-written, compelling novel with an engaging story line and characters with depth, interesting motivations, and lots of personality."

~Florence Osmund for IndieReader

Read the entire review at IndieReader

12/01/2022
IndieReader Interviews Angel A

What inspired you to write the book? A particular person? An event?

 

Read more at IndieReader

10/26/2022
Literary Titan awards Holy Parrot it's 5-Star Review Award

"This book gets an easy 5 out of 5 stars from me. It was extremely hard to put down, and the characters became as familiar as old friends."

11/16/2022
Literary Titan Interviews Angel A

Holy Parrot follows three people who form an unlikely friendship and bond while struggling with their own beliefs and dark secrets. What was the inspiration for the setup to your story?

Read the interview at Literary Titan

08/05/2023
Local Author Receives National Recognition

Lake Buena Vista, FL (8/5/2023)—The 2023 Annual Florida Authors and Publishers Association President’s Book Awards recognized Holy Parrot by Angel A, in the categoryof Mystery/Suspense, as a Bronze medal winner.

 

Hosted by the Florida Authors and Publishers Association, this prestigious national award was open to books published between 2021 and 2023. The judges for this national competition are librarians, educators, and publishing professionals.

 

The FAPA President’s Book Awards recognizes book publishing excellence and creativity in design, content, and production for authors, illustrators, cover designers, and publishers. This contest isn’t limited to Florida; it is open to anyone worldwide, as long as the book is written in English. We hope to encourage entries from all who share our complex and wonderful language. 

Holy Parrot is a fiction novel, published by Angel’s Leap, which Through their Australian protagonist’s eyes, Angel A takes readers on a wonderful journey into Latin American magical realism with HOLY PARROT. The Colombian setting, with its jungles and beaches, forms a perfectly lush backdrop to all the bold and vibrant characters populating the book. The meshing of Indigenous traditions with Catholic – and Gnostic – mysticism is perfectly primed to stick in the reader’s mind for days afterwards.

 

“I wish to congratulate all of our winners. Our book awards program is vital to the publishing industry because it serves to recognize excellence and creativity not just for authors, but for publishers and everyone involved in creating the book. It also serves as a tremendous boost of confidence for beginning authors who win. This year, we had the finest quality books in recent memory. The competition was exceptionally close and scores were unusually high. Our judges had a difficult time narrowing down the finalists. Earning a medal is a remarkable accomplishment and a testament to each winner’s skill and talent,” said FAPA’s President, Robert Jacob.

 

The Florida Authors and Publishers Association is an organization for authors, publishers, illustrators, editors, printers, and other professionals involved in the publishing industry. Its mission is to provide information, resources, professional development, and networking opportunities to the writing and publishing community throughout Florida, the United States, and the world.

12/01/2022
Sasha Laghonh interviews Angel A on Sasha Talks Radio

An in-depth discussion about novel creation, the narrative arc, story motivation and the personal journey of the author who wrote the compelling story of 'Holy Parrot'.

Formats
Ebook Details
  • 12/2022
  • 978-0-9876222-6-6 B0B8SL82J6
  • 288 pages
  • $0.99
Paperback Details
  • 12/2022
  • 9780987622259 B0B8SL82J6
  • 288 pages
  • $29.99
ADVERTISEMENT

Loading...