Apocalypse Rising

by Eric Swett

Long ago, an Angel surrendered his memories and his power when he left Heaven behind, so that he could make a difference in the real world. A couple thousand years walking amongst the teaming masses of humanity has left him disillusioned, but he refuses to give up. He spends his time with the forgotten souls of an urban slum, making a difference wherever he can.

When Justin witnesses the brutal murder of a woman at the hands of a ruthless business tycoon, he must run before his eternal life is cut short. Justin must swallow his pride in order to save himself, and the one friend he has left. The journey back to the fold is filled with danger and discovery as he finds himself in a race towards the end of the world.

193 pages, Paperback

First published May 22, 2012

About the author

My name is Eric Swett. I’m a writer. I’ll even go so far as to say I’m an author since I have published a book and some short fiction. I am the keeper of this blog and its contents. I originally started this as a place to share my writing, but it has grown into something more. From here I have written four books with another one on the way. I write book reviews and share little tidbits of my life along the way.

Writing is not all that I do though. I work in IT and do a little web design on the side, but believe it or not there is even more to me than my passion and my job.

Above all of that I am a husband and father. I have a beautiful wife named Tracy and three fabulous children (Zachary, Connor, and Kaitlyn). Between the four of them I have absolutely everything I really need in this world. If everything else went away and I still had them, I could die and count myself a fortunate man.

I’m a Christian that believes in science and following the example set by Jesus rather than some odd evolution (see what I did there) of the faith that has publicly strayed from its beginnings.

I’m a self-proclaimed Geek and I do not adhere to a single form of geekdom. I like roleplaying games, tabletop games with painted miniatures, video games, comic books, science fiction and fantasy, Star Wars, Star Trek and Doctor Who. I could fill up this page with all of the geekery I enjoy, but this short list will suffice for now.

Reviews

[Teresa Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

When one of my authors suggested that I read Eric's book (and talked about it as much as her own manuscript while he was working on it) I was looking forward to adding it to the reading pile and reading it cover to cover. I was expecting a twist on Angels that I enjoyed as much as M.C.A. Hogarth's A Rosary of Stones and Thorns, but I was not expecting quite the roller coaster as what he wrote. Bravo Eric. It kept me up til 3 AM reading, because otherwise I would have just laid there wondering what happens next.

There are some mythological/folklore beings in this book too. I was very happy to see both sides of the elven coin represented. These elves aren't the "modern" version, but much much more true to the original ones before they were glamorized. These elves you can fear, respect, and call friend. These elves were also once stewards of the earth, so there is a lot of room for pondering.

The story takes us to meet Justin, who is a fallen angel, but he's got a secret, even from himself. That alone I found interesting. Then we get to find out WHY and who he REALLY IS. Fans of unique takes on Death will like this one. In this, Lucifer's already been dealt with. This doesn't mean that all's going to be smooth though. God's missing, and there's someone that wants to set up angels as gods--and it's sure not Justin.

Can Justin bring on the Apocalypse and save the world (something that most would see as rather counterproductive)? I hope Eric finished up the sequel, and quickly, in what is to be a trilogy (going by what I hear).

[Naomi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an amazing start to the series! It is action packed from the very beginning and kept me in suspense the whole way through. Eric Swett has written a marvellous novel which has a fantastic plot and great character development.

Apocalypse Rising has an interesting twist, as the end of the world may be near, we follow the days of one Fallen Angel, Justin, who has forgotten his life prior to falling. He is now on the run and we watch him rediscover himself again. There are plenty of people who don’t want him to regain his memories because he may have a huge affect on the world and the future!

Justin is a very strong willed character and very serious. He has always wanted to save people, even before he fell. He has a kind heart and always puts others before himself. I really liked reading about Justin as he doesn’t jump head first into anything, he takes his time, looks at all options before making his decisions. He will have a huge impact on whether we all survive or not!!

We meet lots of interesting characters from Elves to Warlocks, Demons and other Fallen Angels from the Host and we discover their roles in the prophecy which may be coming true. It has a bit of a biblical feel, as God has left his throne and Heavens Gates are closed, so Justine has a massive role to play in saving the world. The story takes plenty of unexpected twists and turns and will keep you enthralled to the very end!!

[Burnett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Apocalypse Rising is a powerful and imaginative blend of urban fantasy, spiritual conflict, and edge-of-your-seat suspense. Eric Swett delivers a story that is as emotionally resonant as it is thrilling, beginning with an unforgettable premise: an Angel who gave up his power and memories to live among humanity, now worn down by centuries of struggle yet still determined to help the forgotten. Justin is a compelling protagonist, deeply flawed, weary, but still driven by a core of compassion that makes him impossible not to root for. When he witnesses a brutal murder by a man whose evil reaches far beyond normal corruption, the story erupts into a tense, fast-paced chase that never lets up. Swett builds a world where celestial beings, human cruelty, and ancient secrets collide, creating a sense of danger that grows with every chapter.

[Rich Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the very first chapters, this book pulls you into a world that feels both broken and strangely hopeful. The fallen Angel’s quiet determination and Justin’s fight for survival give the story a strong emotional core. The tension builds naturally, and the themes of sacrifice, loyalty, and redemption are handled with depth and care. It’s more than just a fantasy story, it feels reflective, emotional, and meaningful. The ending leaves a quiet impact that stays with you long after you finish reading.

[Estelle Gaia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story surprised me in the best way. The idea of an Angel giving up his memories and power to live among forgotten people is deeply moving, and the emotional weight stays with you throughout the book. The pacing is strong, the world feels real, and Justin’s journey adds a sense of urgency and danger that keeps the pages turning. About halfway through, I found myself genuinely grateful that Bethany Stone shared this book with me, because it’s one of those stories that feels thoughtful, meaningful, and hard to forget. It balances darkness and hope beautifully, leaving a lasting impression.

[Eliane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this story. From the very first page, you pulled me into Justin’s weary, aching world, a world where hope is fragile, but never fully extinguished. The idea of an angel who willingly relinquished his power to walk among humanity is already fascinating, but what truly elevates this book is how deeply and compassionately you explore the cost of that choice.

[C.p. Bialois · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve always been a fan of biblical based stories because, in their own way, they make you think about what’s accepted and what’s not. I’m an inquisitive type and I want to know everything, with only a few exceptions. Anyway, The idea of the story fascinated me for the simple reason it’s centered around a fallen Angel.

Two thousand years earlier, Justin chose to walk among humanity feeling he could do more good with us instead of from Heaven. After witnessing a brutal murder, he takes his friend Lily and tries to get away before their found by the person responsible. During their escape, Justin begins to discover he’s more than he remembered. After meeting a race of people long forgotten, his memory is restored and he finds himself the focus of attention he never imagined before then.

A very good story of rediscovery and friendship, I found Apocalypse Rising to be a fun read with its energy, good pace, and writing style. I’m a fan of pushing the envelope and the author delivered by offering an interesting and exciting view of our world. I think it’s safe to say that if you’re a fan of fantasy and urban stories, this is something for you. I’m looking forward to reading more from the author.