Laurice Elehwany Molinari, a veteran film and TV writer in Hollywood for over two decades, has penned over thirty scripts for various studios and networks. Her very first feature script, written while a fellow at the American Film Institute, became Columbia Picture’s critically acclaimed children’s classic, My Girl. She went on to pen The Brady Bunch Movie and The Amazing Panda Adventure. Laurice lives with her husband and two children in Los Angeles, the City of Angels, where her lifelong love for our heavenly guardians inspired her to write a book about them in the ETHER series.
ETHER SERIES REVIEWS
Laurice Elehwany Molinari, known for the critically acclaimed "My Girl" classic, introduces Vero Rising February 4th, the book that debuts "The Ether" series. It's an action-packed fantasy wrapped in the magical adventures of twelve-year-old Vero Leland reminiscent of the award winning "Harry Potter" books, a series I think readers of all ages will identify with and want more of.
Vero lives with his parents and year-older sister, Clover in a typical Maryland suburb yet his compelling attraction to heights and flying is anything but typical and often gets him in trouble. Such as the time he climbed the ladder to the roof when he was four and deliberately fell "backwards," convinced he could fly. Instead, a "powerful force" caught him midair, lowered him to the ground and a voice said, "Vero, that's enough with the flying."
In time Vero discovers he's a fledging guardian angel destined to train in the land of Ether at a school named "Cathedral of Angels for Novice Development, Learning and Edification," known as C.A.N.D.L.E. He soon meets Ada, Pax, Xavier X, Kane and Greer, kids like him, who live normal earth lives until they find themselves traveling back and forth to the land of The Ether, a spiritual realm between heaven and hell populated by angels who train them and demons who intend to kill them.
Thus begin the exciting escapades of fledgling angels-in-training, taught by angels Raphel and Raziel and supervised by archangels Uriel and Michael. Join them as they learn to fly, usually from a running start, learn to recognize, listen for and trust "God's voice" and other extra sensory powers that include thought communication.
All of these attributes and more are needed when the group is challenged by the "Wicked One" and the "Malture's," demonic beings who do his bidding not to mention their battles with the Leviathan sea monster. Or when they find themselves in the "Pit of Acid" confronted by "Golems, huge, unthinking beings" only whispered about in centuries past. Yet all of these horrific beings pale when Vero comes face-to-face with Abaddon, king of the locust-like creatures who guard the bottomless pit from Revelation 9:11. His is the face of pure evil not unlike what Harry Potter faced.
While "Vero Rising" and "Harry Potter" series share similar other-worldly settings, characters and plots, their world-views are quite different. Harry's powers come from an unknown source in a narrative driven by magic, warlocks, witches, wizards and spell casting. Vero's world-view is Christian, his powers from God, and he's taught by guardian angels, warrior angels and fallen angels who prepare them to do battle with forces of good and evil.
Although I'm long-past the targeted age range of 9-12 I enjoyed every word, from the exceptional characterizations to the imaginative plot to the cliff-hanger chapter endings. The intense action and fast pace deliver an enjoyable story appropriate for all ages that also offers a Christian based alternative to those with objections to the dark arts of the Harry Potter series. Best of all, it's just good story telling and a serious contender for readers of Harry Potter.
-Gail Welborn (The Examiner)
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Veteran Hollywood film and TV writer Laurice Elehwany Molinari bursts into the children’s book world with an outstanding debut novel, The Ether: Vero Rising—a fantastical middle grade story on good vs. evil.
As a baby, Vero had been left abandoned at a hospital. Under very unusual circumstances he was adopted by a loving family, Nora and Dennis Leland and their daughter Clover. Although his mother, Nora, does her best to provide the most normal family experiences possible, it is clear that Vero is anything but. Throughout his childhood, Vero has had the most incredible sense that he can fly. When the urge becomes so strong that he steps off the roof of his house, his life changes forever as his destiny to become a guardian angel begins to manifest. After some dangerous and otherworldly experiences, he finds himself in a surreal place known as the Ether, the spiritual realm that surrounds Earth, where he must go through training and practice skills like flying and listening to his inner voice. While these activities sound angelic and blissful, competition between budding guardian angels (fledglings), battles against mythical creatures, as well as demons known as maltures, keep Vero and readers on the edge of their seat challenging the spiritual and moral mind.
Molinari does a wonderful job building tension, drama, and suspense as Vero is transported back-and-forth between the Ether and Earth. With her carefully plotted storytelling, readers come to realize that there is a connection between what Vero needs to accomplish in the Ether and in his life on Earth if he is to become fully actualized as a guardian angel—and possibly not just any guardian angel, but a Chosen One meant to fulfill an even bigger prophecy.
This is a book for children that live for action and excitement. Molinari has created a well-developed protagonist to connect with, and kids ready to take on Vero’s spiritual journey will not be disappointed—they’ll be more than ready for the next book in what’s shaping up to be an exciting series.
-Children's Book Review
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Vero Leland wants to fly, and not just that, he feels like he should fly, like it’s a natural state for him. An adopted child of a nurse and an analyst, Vero at 12 is smarter, stronger, faster, and better than most of the kids he goes to school with, and it shows. He understands college-level writing assignments and can leap multiple hurdles in a single bound. Truly, Vero is different. But it’s only when he’s trapped by evil creatures that he realizes how different: he is destined to become a guardian angel. He can escape into the mystical Ether to learn how to fly and defend his future charges, along with other fledgling angels, and more adventure is surely on its way. His family and friends are mostly unaware, but Vero believes in his future and has faith. This book has definite Christian and spiritual themes, though they are carefully measured and not totally overpowering. It may not appeal to all adventure and fantasy readers, but despite the potentially heavy-handed good-versus-evil plot, it’s an easygoing read.--- Stacey Comfort (Book List)
*************************************************************************************
Readers are given a glimpse into the world of angels and demons in this tale of adventure. Vero Leland, a 12-yearold boy with a passion for flight, discovers he’s a guardian angel after saving a classmate’s life. Vero is literally thrown into an ancient battle of good versus evil as he struggles to accept his calling and finally finds his wings. Molinari provides a stimulating plot alongside a fascinating view of angelic duties. The action is well-balanced and exciting. Although character development feels a bit rushed, motivations and dialogue remain within the realm of belief. Potential readers should be aware that Jewish theology is prevalent throughout the story. This book is a good fit for older kids and young teens, especially boys.
-KLK (Church Libraries)
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My thoughts: My nine year old read it during Christmas break and thoroughly enjoyed it. He finished the 348 pages in two days, he probably would have had it done in one except that I made him put it done so he could do his chores and spend time with the family. He is anxiously awaiting more in the series. His best parts are when Vero is fighting the Maltures (demonic creatures), when he fell of the 9 story building, and when he tried to fly when he was younger. I asked him if it taught him anything and he replied "To listen to God all the time." Any book that can capture my son's attention and teach him that, is a plus in my eyes!
-Margaret McLaughlin (Frugal-Shopping)
Laurice Elehwany Molinari, known for the critically acclaimed "My Girl" classic, introduces Vero Rising February 4th, the book that debuts "The Ether" series. It's an action-packed fantasy wrapped in the magical adventures of twelve-year-old Vero Leland reminiscent of the award winning "Harry Potter" books, a series I think readers of all ages will identify with and want more of.
Vero lives with his parents and year-older sister, Clover in a typical Maryland suburb yet his compelling attraction to heights and flying is anything but typical and often gets him in trouble. Such as the time he climbed the ladder to the roof when he was four and deliberately fell "backwards," convinced he could fly. Instead, a "powerful force" caught him midair, lowered him to the ground and a voice said, "Vero, that's enough with the flying."
In time Vero discovers he's a fledging guardian angel destined to train in the land of Ether at a school named "Cathedral of Angels for Novice Development, Learning and Edification," known as C.A.N.D.L.E. He soon meets Ada, Pax, Xavier X, Kane and Greer, kids like him, who live normal earth lives until they find themselves traveling back and forth to the land of The Ether, a spiritual realm between heaven and hell populated by angels who train them and demons who intend to kill them.
Thus begin the exciting escapades of fledgling angels-in-training, taught by angels Raphel and Raziel and supervised by archangels Uriel and Michael. Join them as they learn to fly, usually from a running start, learn to recognize, listen for and trust "God's voice" and other extra sensory powers that include thought communication.
All of these attributes and more are needed when the group is challenged by the "Wicked One" and the "Malture's," demonic beings who do his bidding not to mention their battles with the Leviathan sea monster. Or when they find themselves in the "Pit of Acid" confronted by "Golems, huge, unthinking beings" only whispered about in centuries past. Yet all of these horrific beings pale when Vero comes face-to-face with Abaddon, king of the locust-like creatures who guard the bottomless pit from Revelation 9:11. His is the face of pure evil not unlike what Harry Potter faced.
While "Vero Rising" and "Harry Potter" series share similar other-worldly settings, characters and plots, their world-views are quite different. Harry's powers come from an unknown source in a narrative driven by magic, warlocks, witches, wizards and spell casting. Vero's world-view is Christian, his powers from God, and he's taught by guardian angels, warrior angels and fallen angels who prepare them to do battle with forces of good and evil.
Although I'm long-past the targeted age range of 9-12 I enjoyed every word, from the exceptional characterizations to the imaginative plot to the cliff-hanger chapter endings. The intense action and fast pace deliver an enjoyable story appropriate for all ages that also offers a Christian based alternative to those with objections to the dark arts of the Harry Potter series. Best of all, it's just good story telling and a serious contender for readers of Harry Potter.
-Gail Welborn (The Examiner)
*********************************************************************************************************
Veteran Hollywood film and TV writer Laurice Elehwany Molinari bursts into the children’s book world with an outstanding debut novel, The Ether: Vero Rising—a fantastical middle grade story on good vs. evil.
As a baby, Vero had been left abandoned at a hospital. Under very unusual circumstances he was adopted by a loving family, Nora and Dennis Leland and their daughter Clover. Although his mother, Nora, does her best to provide the most normal family experiences possible, it is clear that Vero is anything but. Throughout his childhood, Vero has had the most incredible sense that he can fly. When the urge becomes so strong that he steps off the roof of his house, his life changes forever as his destiny to become a guardian angel begins to manifest. After some dangerous and otherworldly experiences, he finds himself in a surreal place known as the Ether, the spiritual realm that surrounds Earth, where he must go through training and practice skills like flying and listening to his inner voice. While these activities sound angelic and blissful, competition between budding guardian angels (fledglings), battles against mythical creatures, as well as demons known as maltures, keep Vero and readers on the edge of their seat challenging the spiritual and moral mind.
Molinari does a wonderful job building tension, drama, and suspense as Vero is transported back-and-forth between the Ether and Earth. With her carefully plotted storytelling, readers come to realize that there is a connection between what Vero needs to accomplish in the Ether and in his life on Earth if he is to become fully actualized as a guardian angel—and possibly not just any guardian angel, but a Chosen One meant to fulfill an even bigger prophecy.
This is a book for children that live for action and excitement. Molinari has created a well-developed protagonist to connect with, and kids ready to take on Vero’s spiritual journey will not be disappointed—they’ll be more than ready for the next book in what’s shaping up to be an exciting series.
-Children's Book Review
*********************************************************************************************************
Vero Leland wants to fly, and not just that, he feels like he should fly, like it’s a natural state for him. An adopted child of a nurse and an analyst, Vero at 12 is smarter, stronger, faster, and better than most of the kids he goes to school with, and it shows. He understands college-level writing assignments and can leap multiple hurdles in a single bound. Truly, Vero is different. But it’s only when he’s trapped by evil creatures that he realizes how different: he is destined to become a guardian angel. He can escape into the mystical Ether to learn how to fly and defend his future charges, along with other fledgling angels, and more adventure is surely on its way. His family and friends are mostly unaware, but Vero believes in his future and has faith. This book has definite Christian and spiritual themes, though they are carefully measured and not totally overpowering. It may not appeal to all adventure and fantasy readers, but despite the potentially heavy-handed good-versus-evil plot, it’s an easygoing read.--- Stacey Comfort (Book List)
*************************************************************************************
Readers are given a glimpse into the world of angels and demons in this tale of adventure. Vero Leland, a 12-yearold boy with a passion for flight, discovers he’s a guardian angel after saving a classmate’s life. Vero is literally thrown into an ancient battle of good versus evil as he struggles to accept his calling and finally finds his wings. Molinari provides a stimulating plot alongside a fascinating view of angelic duties. The action is well-balanced and exciting. Although character development feels a bit rushed, motivations and dialogue remain within the realm of belief. Potential readers should be aware that Jewish theology is prevalent throughout the story. This book is a good fit for older kids and young teens, especially boys.
-KLK (Church Libraries)
*************************************************************************************
My thoughts: My nine year old read it during Christmas break and thoroughly enjoyed it. He finished the 348 pages in two days, he probably would have had it done in one except that I made him put it done so he could do his chores and spend time with the family. He is anxiously awaiting more in the series. His best parts are when Vero is fighting the Maltures (demonic creatures), when he fell of the 9 story building, and when he tried to fly when he was younger. I asked him if it taught him anything and he replied "To listen to God all the time." Any book that can capture my son's attention and teach him that, is a plus in my eyes!
-Margaret McLaughlin (Frugal-Shopping)
My almost 12-year old loved this story and read it super fast because he couldn’t put it down. This book doesn’t actually come out until February 4th, but he is ready for the next one!
- Courtney of "Crunchy Beach Mama"
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