A Kiss Before the Apocalypse (Remy Chandler, #1)

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A Kiss Before the Apocalypse (Remy Chandler #1)

3.59 of 5 stars 3.59 · rating details · 1,792 ratings · 192 reviews

Boston P.I. Remy Chandler has many talents. He can will himself invisible, he can speak and understand any foreign language (including the language of animals), and if he listens carefully, he can hear thoughts. Unusual, to say the least, for an ordinary man.

But Remy is no ordinary man; he's an angel. Generations ago, he chose to renounce heaven and live on Earth. He's fou...more

Paperback, 290 pages

Published May 6th 2008 by Roc Trade

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Oct 14, 2009 Dorie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy-sci-fi

An excellent book I enjoyed a lot. Remy Chandler may look like an ordinary private detective, but he's actually the angel Remiel disguised and living among humans. After the battle in Heaven that resulted in the fall of Morningstar (Lucifer), Heaven was no longer the paradise it had been for the angel Remiel and he found he couldn't bear staying there. Despite disguising himelf as human, Remy is immortal and still has all his powers. But his wife of 50 years is in a care home dying of cancer. An...more

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Sep 28, 2011 Xenophon Hendrix rated it 1 of 5 stars

For a novel that's given the trappings of a fantasy detective mystery, the main character is strangely ineffectual and passive. The big clue that cracks the case just wanders into his living room. He receives it through no effort of his own.

The action starts when Remy Chandler is alerted that something strange is happening when two people who should be dead don't die. Given that he is a seraph (not a spoiler) one would think such an astonishing event should put him on full alert and fill him wit...more

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Feb 10, 2009 Alethea rated it 1 of 5 stars

I read this book on my husband's enthusiastic recommendation, and in spite of rather than because of the blurb on the cover from Christopher Golden. I find Golden to be like Simon Green only moreso, someone whose imagination I can admire but whose ability to tell a story leaves me absolutely cold--and in Golden's case, his writing style also has nothing to recommend it; Green at least has a marked prose style that renders his books more or less palatable to me.

Sniegoski, unfortunately, falls squ...more

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Apr 18, 2009 Vicki rated it 4 of 5 stars

I did like this book. I am a little shy huge number of paranormal books flooding the market recently. Everyone wants to use the Christian mythos, it seems. Some of them even get it right.

This book combines the PI format with the mythos of the Book of Revelations, aka the Apocalyse. The PI story is pretty straight forward and well told in the spirit of Chandler and Hammett though the characters are, well, although earthbound, they are other worldly.

The basic story is that the angel of death has...more

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Sep 28, 2010 Colleen McGlashen rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: angels, comedy-fiction, fiction, sniegoski, favorite

Great Book! Definitely my type of book. Angel wars...gotta love em. This book made me laugh a lot and cry a little. I'm just so excited that there are two more books in the series.

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Feb 02, 2013 Nick rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: urban-fantasy

I really wanted to like this, from having read some of the author's other work, but I had a couple of problems that kept me from giving it a fourth star.
The first was that, like a lot of other first-volumes, this one was unrelenting in terms of throwing back-story at the reader. It was far from the worst example that I've encountered, but the book starts several thousand years into the life of the main character, and several decades into his modern career. So, the reader has a lot of catching u...more

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Jan 13, 2013 Darcy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2013, angels, uf, private-security-investigator

I will fully admit that I would never have picked up this one on my own, but it was picked for a BOM for one of my groups, and I would have missed a great read!

I think my favorite part of this one was the conversations between Remy and Marlow. Marlow's not understanding about Maddie and then when Remy had to be blunt about what was going on made me tear up. It had the same effect in reverse when Marlow tried to explain to Remy about where Maddie was. I have to believe that the revelations from M...more

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Jan 07, 2013 Dark Faerie Tales rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: reviewed-by-sheila

Review courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales

Quick & Dirty: An angel that had turned his back on Heaven must now do its dirty work in order to save humanity and all he holds dear.

Opening Sentence: It was an unusually warm mid-September day in Boston.

The Review:

Angels have held our fascination for ages untold. These etheric creatures that seem to encapsulate the beautiful horror nestled within the primitive part of our imaginations. Is it their complete lack of humanity that grabs our attention? Is i...more

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Aug 30, 2012 J.A. Dalley rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Fans of the Dresden Files or Urban Fantasy

Shelves: urban-fantasy, angels

Why did I pick this book? I had just finished all the so far published Dresden books and this book looked very similar ... and I was right. If you like the Dresden Files you're almost guaranteed to like this one.

Overall story ... I'd give it a four. It's a good detective yarn, fun story, good characters. But the reason I gave it a five star review is because of the world that Thomas created. Thomas creates a rich world with wonderful background history, and awesome detail. I would love to just e...more

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Aug 27, 2012 Doris rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites

This is an excellent book, and is actually a precursor to another story featuring many of the same characters, including P.I. Chandler. In the series, Remy is actually the Seraphim (high ranking member of the Heavenly Host, aka angel)Remiel. He has chosen to live as a human, and has married one, Madeline, who ages where he does not. The book's theme centers around their love, and his devotion to her, even though she has aged and appears to be his mother rather than his beloved wife.

He is approac...more

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Apr 24, 2012 Fangs for the Fantasy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Remy is a private detective, making his bread and butter following cheating spouses and similar petty investigations. One such investigation leads him to a pair who commit suicide, driven to the edge by the apocalyptic dreams the man is plagued by. They commit suicide but, miraculously, they don’t die.

Except it’s not miracle – and Remy should know, because he is an Archangel. Disillusioned with heaven, he hasn’t so much Fallen as withdrawn from Heaven, turning his back on a paradise he no longer...more Remy is a private detective, making his bread and butter following cheating spouses and similar petty investigations. One such investigation leads him to a pair who commit suicide, driven to the edge by the apocalyptic dreams the man is plagued by. They commit suicide but, miraculously, they don’t die.

Except it’s not miracle – and Remy should know, because he is an Archangel. Disillusioned with heaven, he hasn’t so much Fallen as withdrawn from Heaven, turning his back on a paradise he no longer wishes anything to do with.

He has little choice when the pattern continues and people stop dying. Their souls screaming for release, they’re trapped in their bodies. Israfil, the Angel of Death, has gone missing and his job is undone. And if that weren’t bad enough, Israfil is the guardian of 5 scrolls that begin the apocalypse – should their seals be broken.

Remy has to find Israfil and his scrolls in an investigation that takes him through the dregs that
Heaven and Hell both don’t touch; Fallen Angels, Shunned Angels, Banished Angels and disgruntled immortals.

On a personal note, Remy’s own family is falling apart. His wife of several decades is old and dying slowly from cancer. Of course, she can’t die until Israfil is found – but is Remy really ready to let her go?

The author has clearly done a lot of research. There is an enormous amount of angelic lore here, from angel names to the different choirs – there’s a vast amount of work gone into this and it’s really wonderful to see. It shows in the story – the world building is truly excellent and you can feel the mythology behind it. I really can’t stress enough how well done this world is and how real it feels.

Similarly, Remy is a very good character. He has strong connections to his family with really well represented emotional bonds – even with Marlowe (a talking dog that is really well done as well – you can believe this is a dog. It’s not funny or witty but exactly how you’d expect a dog to think and talk). His reasons for Falling are reasonable, his friendships true and his actions make sense and really fit with who and what he is. Like the world, he feels very real and very well put together.

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Apr 10, 2011 Nikki rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: mystery, angels, post-apocalyptic

Eighth book for the readathon? Less sleepy now -- I was having to force myself to read the seventh book, but this was fun and absorbing, so I had no problems with falling asleep.

As might be predicted for me, I loved the references to Raymond Chandler (the detective is called Remy Chandler; his dog is Marlowe). I also loved the fact that in my head, Remy totally looked like Castiel from Supernatural, as portrayed by Misha Collins.

A Kiss Before the Apocalypse is basically the story of a sort-of-fa...more

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Mar 18, 2011 Kathy Davie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal

First in the Remy Chandler paranormal series. I came across this series after reading his short story, Noah’s Orphans (Remy Chandler, 1.5) in the anthology, Mean Streets.

Remiel is a former member of the Seraphim, the most on-high cadre of angels in God’s grace. When the battle between Lucifer Morningstar and God’s Heavenly Hosts was over, Remiel was fed up with all the killing and decided to become a human, to learn more about them. So, for 6,000 years, Remy has been wandering Earth as a human f...more

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Mar 13, 2011 Ryan rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, series, mystery, detective, angels

It seems that one of the latest trends in fantasy (besides vampire smut) is a combination of fantasy and the noir/private eye/detective genres. The most common and famous, of course, is the Harry Dresden series. In these types of books you have a private investigator who investigates the paranormal. The twist is that the investigator is a wizard/vampire/ghost/elf/alien or whatever. In "A Kiss Before the Apocalypse" the main character and private detective is an angel who has repudiated heaven an...more It seems that one of the latest trends in fantasy (besides vampire smut) is a combination of fantasy and the noir/private eye/detective genres. The most common and famous, of course, is the Harry Dresden series. In these types of books you have a private investigator who investigates the paranormal. The twist is that the investigator is a wizard/vampire/ghost/elf/alien or whatever. In "A Kiss Before the Apocalypse" the main character and private detective is an angel who has repudiated heaven and now lives among humans. I couldn't help but wonder if this book was inspired by the tv series "Angel" which was about a Vampire Private Detective named Angel.

The book has an interesting premise and this intrigued me from the beginning. The story is confusing and is kind of a jumble. There are several different groups of angels and supernatural persons involved. It was difficult to keep all the different angels separate. Also, the story was interesting overall, but didn't have the strong emotional connection I was hoping for. However, once I got past the slow beginning I was enraptured by the text to find what would happen next.

The writing seemed amateurish which surprised me since Thomas E. Sniegoski has quite a resume. The prose was choppy and difficult to read at times. There were long passages without dialogue that just weren't very interesting. Also, whole sections of dialogue with a dog were included which were excruciating to read and felt like an author trying to write an accent he doesn't really know. I don't know why he made the dog speak like Scooby-Doo. To top it all off there was a conversation with a cat. I don't know why this angel didn't talk to more humans. I appreciate David Eddings more who was able to write dialogue with wolves in a natural, flowing manner but still giving them a unique voice. Perhaps, Sniegoski is still finding his voice but I hope his future books don't have more dialogue with animals.

The book was also not marketed well. The tagline on the front was "Meet Remy Chandler, he's on our side..." WHAT? That doesn't tell me anything. I cringed every time I looked at the front of the book. The other blurb on the front said "The most inventive novel you'll buy this year". It's not. It's a detective book mixed with angel mythology. It's not really that inventive. To be fair, there were parts of the story that I really liked, but it's not THAT inventive overall.

Based on this review it may seem like I hated the novel but I didn't. I liked it, but I wanted something more. I'm going to read the sequel (I believe there are four total out right now) and see if I want to read the whole series.(less)

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Jan 11, 2011 Ithlilian rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: urban-fantasy, urban-fantasy-male-protagonist

The end of the world is coming, and only one man/angel can stop it. Remy is an angel who chooses to live on earth as a human private investigator. At the beginning of the story he is investigating an unfaithful spouse and hears gun shots. Quickly, he runs up to see what is happening, not really thinking about the danger. He walks in on a dead body and a crazed husband who shoots himself. But wait, they aren't really dead, and it turns out the husband was seeing visions of the end of the world. A...more

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Jan 08, 2011 Yolanda Sfetsos rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: urban-fantasy

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Wow, just wow! This is one seriously awesome book. I enjoyed it heaps.

Remy Chandler is a PI from Boston, but he used to be so much more. He used to be known as Remiel, one of the Seraphim. Now, he's decided to take on the guise of a human, living among them. Of course, he's still kept a few of his angelic traits--he can make himself invisible, speak with animals, and sense preternatural things a normal human can't. I especially enjoyed reading his conversations with his lovely labrador, Marlowe....more Wow, just wow! This is one seriously awesome book. I enjoyed it heaps.

Remy Chandler is a PI from Boston, but he used to be so much more. He used to be known as Remiel, one of the Seraphim. Now, he's decided to take on the guise of a human, living among them. Of course, he's still kept a few of his angelic traits--he can make himself invisible, speak with animals, and sense preternatural things a normal human can't. I especially enjoyed reading his conversations with his lovely labrador, Marlowe.

His latest case, which first appears to be a standard wife-suspects-her-husband of cheating situation, turns out to be the beginning of the Apocalypse. See, the couple he's just found cheating in a motel wind up dead. Well, at least they should be dead. But they're not. Actually, all around the world people are dying, but their souls aren't leaving their bodies.

Soon, Remy figures out that the Angel of Death has stopped doing his job. And instead, every dead person and animal in the world is left undying. Their souls begging for release. Yet, there are forces that don't want the Death Angel to do his job, and instead are trying to entice him to break the seals and bring the wrath of the Four Horsemen onto the world.

As Remy digs deeper into what's going on, he finds himself in the middle of an angelic situation that's darker than anything a demon would conjure.

This is such an awesome idea, and so well told that it's addictive. I found every single moment of this book to be not just entertaining, but amazing. It drew me in so deeply that I could hardly put it down. Remy's an awesome narrator with a very long history, and his dog Marlowe is a gorgeous animal. Not to mention all of the other weird and wonderful creatures introduced in this very excellent world. Oh, and the story between Remy and his wife was absolutely heart-breaking. :(

Yep, this one's going straight to my keeper shelf. Actually, I've just ordered the second book in the series, and pre-ordered the third. Can't wait to find out what else Remy and Marlowe get up to in future books...(less)

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Dec 30, 2010 Karissa rated it 4 of 5 stars

I read a short story with Remy Chandler in it and was intrigued by the character. So, I decided to pick up the first book in this series. It was a good book with an interesting premise.

Remy used to be Remiel part of the Seraphim host. He decided to suppress his angelic nature and live with humans. Now his lives with his dog Marlowe, his wife (who is in a nursing home) and runs his own PI agency . On a investigation that should have been a straight case of infidelity things go awry when the man b...more I read a short story with Remy Chandler in it and was intrigued by the character. So, I decided to pick up the first book in this series. It was a good book with an interesting premise.

Remy used to be Remiel part of the Seraphim host. He decided to suppress his angelic nature and live with humans. Now his lives with his dog Marlowe, his wife (who is in a nursing home) and runs his own PI agency . On a investigation that should have been a straight case of infidelity things go awry when the man being investigated shoots himself in the head and dies, but then regains his pulse. Something weird is going on, people all over the world are getting fatal injuries but not dying. Remy finds out that the Angel of Death is missing. The Seraphim want Remy to investigate and try to find the Angel of Death. Time is definitely not on Remy's side because as hospitals fill with people who should be dead, the four horsemen of the Apocalypse are getting restless. If Remy can't find the Angel of Death it could mean the end of the world.

Overall this was a good book. Remy is an interesting character. Sniegoski does a good job of dealing with angelic and demonic nature without getting too weird about all the religion behind it; which I really appreciated. There is a lot of action in this book and the plot moves along quickly. The world being on the edge of destruction really propels the book forward. There is some humor, but more heartbreak in this book than I was expecting. The side characters are well filled out and were interesting to read about. The writing is straight-forward, nothing exceptional but very easy to read and engaging. I also liked that Sniegoski dealt with how these disasters were affecting the whole world and not just Remy's little corner of it.

Despite the fact that this is technically a well-written novel I had a bit of trouble getting into the characters. The characters had depth, but they were a little fuzzy around the edges. The action scenes were well-written but didn't really grab me and make me feel like I was there. So, I guess, everything felt a little softer than it should have been and didn't have the hard definition that I expect from an investigative novel. I also expected more witty banter and humor than I got, really most of this novel deals with heartbreak. Remy is a character who deals with love in the toughest forms. The novel wasn't very uplifting (not that I expected it to be), I was almost in tears a number of times.

So, I guess this was a paranormal PI novel with heart. Unfortunately I wanted something with a bit more humor and well-defined action. For me this was one of those books that I kind of like, but was kind of disappointed in. I wasn't exactly sure what was missing but I have described it as well as I can above. I do think this could be an excellent series; this book may just be suffering from the first book syndrome a lot of paranormal books seem to suffer from. It was an easy read and engaging; so I will be picking up the next book to read and see how I like that one. (less)

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Sep 27, 2010 Vic rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: format-audiobook, tag-urban-fantasy, reviewed

I think this is more 2.75 but I rounded up for Marley (the dog)! The premise and world-building seemed interesting in theory and some of it really was in the reading of it. But there were a lot of dry parts that dragged. I was hauled off to church quite a bit in my teens and so I didn't feel that all the religious background was drivel or overkill but I can see folks who don't believe in the premise of God buying into this world (based on other reviews of this book I read).

Also, I hate the use...more

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Nov 01, 2009 David rated it 3 of 5 stars

Picked this up back in August while on a trip, but packed it away while finishing something else. Got around to finally reading it just last month. When I picked this up, it caught my eye and stood-out from the other UF books, in that it didn't feature the "indestructible hot female" which seems to be the flavor of the weak.

Well, there is familiarity to Butcher's Dreseden books - which isn't a bad thing, necessarily. Remy being an an ex-Angel is at the core of the story, which I can't really say...more

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Jul 11, 2010 MissM rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-2010

The idea was neat but I just didn't like the book. First off, it was very "Christian." Lots of full-on biblical and religious dogma that I just don't need in a fantasy book. Reads like a Christian Fantasy book; everything in it was presenting Christianity's beliefs as facts; as a given. I'm not Christian and I don't need a book with 27 different ways of saying, "god" including "Lord of Lords" and "All-Father" etc. Gag.

Plus the plot just wasn't very good or original. You mean the angels are pisse...more

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Oct 14, 2009 Jeffrey rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: urban fantasy fans who are tired of vampire books

Shelves: supernatural, urban-fantasy, read-in-2009

This short 268 page book in paperback is a pretty good mystery set in the urban fantasy landscape that is increasingly the vogue in current fantasy novels. Unlike most of these books, the main character is neither a wizard (ala Dreslin) or a vampire killer etc. Instead he is an angel, an angel who has cast off or suppressed his supernatural powers so that he can live amongst humans. An interesting part of the novel is that Remy is not single. The novel takes place as his wife is dying of some un...more

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Mar 19, 2011 Ami rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: urban-fantasy-with-male-protagonist

Remy Chandler is an ex-angel who turned human and works as private investigator. One day, when he is following a man who is suspected to cheat on his wife, the case turns bad when the man shoots himself (and his lover). Before the man does so, he can see Remy as his old self, an angel. Things get more muddled when the man is declared as still alive, despite his brain matters splattered all over the wall. Remy is perplexed ... then Seraphim comes visit him in his office, telling him that he gets...more

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Nov 30, 2009 Lisa rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: angels, urban-fantasy

My thoughts and feelings on this book are a bit perplexing. In some ways, I've ended up with more questions than answers.

Although this is not religious fiction, the dogma of the coming apocolypse is there, and anyone with even the most rudimentary knowledge of the book of Revelations can follow that part of the story.

I enjoyed the character interactions - Madeline, Marlowe (Remy's dog) and Francis - were all complimentary characters to Remy, the protagonist. The love story between Remy and Made...more

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Aug 08, 2011 Jaime rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: urban-fantasy

Remy Chandler is a private investigator. Oh, and he's an Angel - radiant light, wings and all that. An angel does make a unique protagonist in an urban fantasy setting, especially one that is not fallen. Remy buries his angelic side beneath a human shell. It's not easy, and the angel within fights to get out, and does on occasion. It's a nice departure from the more common paranormals. And the plot possibilities have great potential. When the Angel of Death decides to try out humanity as Remy do...more Remy Chandler is a private investigator. Oh, and he's an Angel - radiant light, wings and all that. An angel does make a unique protagonist in an urban fantasy setting, especially one that is not fallen. Remy buries his angelic side beneath a human shell. It's not easy, and the angel within fights to get out, and does on occasion. It's a nice departure from the more common paranormals. And the plot possibilities have great potential. When the Angel of Death decides to try out humanity as Remy does, with the consequence that nothing can die, the end of the world really becomes a factor.

Though the idea is very good, I had two issues with the book. First is a problem I've encountered before when Angels are taken out of heaven. Usually, God is so glorious, so loving, so everything that it's punishment just to be away from His presence. Same here. Still, Remy chose to leave. Yes, Lucifer's war among Angels was horrifying. Yes, killing his brothers was shattering. But still, how can he bear to be away from God? It's almost a paradox. I think I would have preferred Remy be on Earth as punishment, curiosity, just about anything else. Like Francis. A fallen angel sent to Earth to suffer penance who becomes a hired hit man? Oh, the possibilities. Second problem is sometimes, just sometimes, I get tired of protagonists who are consumed by guilt or other issue that makes them depressing. It's hard to laugh when they crack jokes because you just don't believe they're capable of humor. Not only is Remy guilt-ridden, but his wife is dying. Angels don't age, but humans do. Plus, he doesn't carry weapons, resists using his angelic powers, and so got his butt kicked. Twice.

Despite these issues, the book does have a lot going for it. The world-building is well done, blending familiar angelic/religious lore with original ideas to create something new. Francis is a great character and with a little more fleshing out, Remy's cop friend will be too. It's cool that Remy can talk to animals. And if he ever gets to the point of self-acceptance, the angelic powers will be awesome. Overall, I was somewhat disappointed in the execution (and the climax dragged and dragged), but I became invested in the characters and story anyway. I have already started book 2. Recommended to urban fantasy fans.(less)

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Apr 04, 2011 Dorothy rated it 1 of 5 stars

Some other reviewers were kind enough to give a synopsis of the book, so this review is basically for folks with a similar attitude to mine who may benefit by the heads up. I will simply say, that I didn't like *A kiss before Apocalypse*, The first book in the Remy Chandler series and here's why - This is yet another first book in a series, that starts off without a decent character introduction. I rather feel like the reader needs to be part of the character development required for an Angel to...more Some other reviewers were kind enough to give a synopsis of the book, so this review is basically for folks with a similar attitude to mine who may benefit by the heads up. I will simply say, that I didn't like *A kiss before Apocalypse*, The first book in the Remy Chandler series and here's why - This is yet another first book in a series, that starts off without a decent character introduction. I rather feel like the reader needs to be part of the character development required for an Angel to leave heaven and form lasting relationships with humans. There needs to be some work done to get the reader to a place where that character makes sense. But as I read a few chapters in to this book, after a few vague allusions to back-story,(that would have been insightful had it been fleshed out) I kept getting the feeling that I'd started the second book first by accident. This appears to be a trend that I've run across it a few times of late, mostly in books that are released as part of an, "A (Character name here) novel", series. To me jumping in to the story without character exposition is a kind of cheap short hand that I find just tolerable in movies and TV shows. In books; I don't much like it. I really wanted to like this book; the story idea is very appealing - what happens when an angel of the Lord settles on earth and starts making a living as a Private investigator? Unfortunately I found the scanty introduction to the main character and his cronies to be off putting in its approach and brevity. I really want to know what happened to make THAT happen before we settle in to the action of the second reel. I read to chapter nine of nineteen where, finally, almost a full chapter of back story was on offer; but no still real character revelation. There may be hope for the subsequent books in this series, but no hope for my reading them. I didn't throw *A kiss before Apocalypse* across the room, (The fate of those most evil of writings) but I didn't finish it either (rather a bit like book purgatory…)(less)

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Mar 11, 2013 Jim rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy-sci-fi-and-horror

Tom Sniegoski is a talent in the graphic novel medium, so I figured I would like this book. I wanted to like it, and it had some decent moments, but mostly I was disappointed.

I found it flat. The dialog was a bit long-winded, too often taking the place of exposition. I kept thinking, "No one talks like that." Even though the protagonist Remy Chandler is an erstwhile angel he seems too perfect. Despite efforts to portray Remy as tortured by the mortality of his wife and angelic PTSD from fightin...more

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Jul 02, 2011 Rjsmommy rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: adult-angel-roamnce

I enjoyed this book due to the main character, his quirky friends and the plot. I like that the plot had some fairly original twists to it. The main character Remy Chandler isn't what you would typically expect...that the angel was disgraced and fallen to earth as punishment. Instead, he chose to come to earth because he became disgusted at what was going on in heaven. Since he left by choice, he still maintains his angelic abilities but chooses to suppress them all and live as a regular human a...more

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Aug 21, 2012 E. rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: urban-fantasy

I am not a big fan of post-apocalyptic books...and I guess I don't like 'just before apocalypse' books that much either but I cannot deny that this was an interesting read. Remy has lived as a human for decades and has suppressed his angelic nature but has not quite shed all of the ties attendant with his previous role. It turns out that his actions are more closely pertinent to his former colleagues than he realized and when the Angel of Death disappears, he discovers that the Apocalypse may be...more

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Jun 25, 2011 Anne rated it 4 of 5 stars

I got this book after reading a positive review on a blog. It's a good, solid urban fantasy read. Unlike some of the other reviewers, I did not mind the religious references. The main character is an angel after all. I found the book (and books 3&4, haven't read 2)has no more religious aspects than the tv show Supernatural. I was pleasantly surprised at how sensitive the writing was that I cried a tad near the end. (I am not a crier.) So few words were used to convey the feeling.

I liked the...more

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Feb 05, 2011 Awallens rated it 5 of 5 stars

I have to admit that this book isn't one I would normally pick up and read. But a book club I was involved in chose this book to read next month and I had an audio copy that looked OK so off I went. This book is one of the best books I've read this year.
The premise: Remy Chandler is an angel, but not just any angel. He is a private investigator who never ages and can talk to animals— his black lab Marlow is the perfect character— and he has a so-called in with the spiritual world. He can corres...more

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Who's Your Author?: January BOM: A Kiss Before the Apocalypse	15	86	Jan 22, 2013 08:12am

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Fantasy > Urban Fantasy

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Fantasy

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Paranormal > Angels

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Fantasy > Paranormal

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Mystery

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Fantasy > Supernatural

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Paranormal > Demons

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Adult

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Science Fiction Fantasy

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Mystery > Detective

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About Thomas E. Sniegoski

THOMAS E. SNIEGOSKI is the author of more than two dozen novels for adults, teens, and children. His teen fantasy YA series Fallen was adapted into a trilogy of monstrously successful TV movies by ABC Family Channel. His other books for teens include Sleeper Code, Sleeper Agenda, and Force Majeure, as well as the upcoming series The Brimstone Network. The author's first adult novel, A Kiss Before...more

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Books by Thomas E. Sniegoski

The Fallen and Leviathan (The Fallen, #1-2)

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BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2915837-a-kiss-before-the-apocalypse?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1347664241l/2915837.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2915837-a-kiss-before-the-apocalypse?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]A Kiss Before the Apocalypse by Thomas E. Sniegoski[/url]

A Kiss Before the Apocalypse (Remy Chandler #1)

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