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When Angels Fall
On his way home from school, Kipling rush falls through some broken boards and lands on the strange boy Chemuel, whom he calls Crash for obvious reasons and their lives together begin.
What's not so obvious is who Chemuel is, why he's down there, or what lies ahead for them in this short story about the transformative power of selfless love.
What's not so obvious is who Chemuel is, why he's down there, or what lies ahead for them in this short story about the transformative power of selfless love.
46 pages, ebook
First published October 23, 2011
33 people are currently reading
745 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
November 6, 2019
Despite its shortness it packed a lot of feelings. Ms Maxfield subtly hinted at internal turmoil, told us quietly about deep pure love and sacrifice, showed us devotion and a hint of ethereal. I reread the ending several times, and every time was like first time - it took my breath away.
May 9, 2017
**4.5 stars**
What a beautiful short story by Z.A. Maxfield. It packed such an emotional punch in only 34 pages. It was an excellent story for the true romantic in me.
What a beautiful short story by Z.A. Maxfield. It packed such an emotional punch in only 34 pages. It was an excellent story for the true romantic in me.
December 14, 2011
4.5 stars
Did I regret? How could I? Regret seems to me as useless and foolish an invention as any that humans have ever conceived. Only those things we do and the choices we make exist. You were my choice, and I make it over again with every breath I take.
How THE HECK did I miss this one??! I need to hold someone accountable ...
I have only read few of Z.A. Maxfield's stories before. It ranges from 3 - 4 stars; I guess that means they're good enough but I have never been truly blown away, until this one. Coming in only 34 pages, this one is simply a masterpiece. It is completely different than those of hers I have read and it knocks them out of the park, easily.
It's stunningly profound ... a story about eternal love and soulmate. A love that can make an angel defies his immortal body to get what he wants. That first moment, when the angel Chemuel knows that their begins when the 10-year old Kip falls on broken board -- even if Chemuel knows that he will always belong to Kip. The words are poetic and OMG the imagery on that ending, it is so vivid, it is one of the most powerful endings I ever read on a short story.
If I have a complaint, is that the pace of the story feels a bit "rough". This story contains three important phases of Kip and Crash's life -- their first meet, their first lovemaking, and the ending -- but the switch from one phase to another is without "warning", and only mentioned in sentence for us, readers, to make the time-calculation.
But darn, if this is not the best of hers I read so far (and it's FREE!!).
Did I regret? How could I? Regret seems to me as useless and foolish an invention as any that humans have ever conceived. Only those things we do and the choices we make exist. You were my choice, and I make it over again with every breath I take.
How THE HECK did I miss this one??! I need to hold someone accountable ...
I have only read few of Z.A. Maxfield's stories before. It ranges from 3 - 4 stars; I guess that means they're good enough but I have never been truly blown away, until this one. Coming in only 34 pages, this one is simply a masterpiece. It is completely different than those of hers I have read and it knocks them out of the park, easily.
It's stunningly profound ... a story about eternal love and soulmate. A love that can make an angel defies his immortal body to get what he wants. That first moment, when the angel Chemuel knows that their begins when the 10-year old Kip falls on broken board -- even if Chemuel knows that he will always belong to Kip. The words are poetic and OMG the imagery on that ending, it is so vivid, it is one of the most powerful endings I ever read on a short story.
If I have a complaint, is that the pace of the story feels a bit "rough". This story contains three important phases of Kip and Crash's life -- their first meet, their first lovemaking, and the ending -- but the switch from one phase to another is without "warning", and only mentioned in sentence for us, readers, to make the time-calculation.
But darn, if this is not the best of hers I read so far (and it's FREE!!).
December 31, 2011
A stunning and beautiful tale of trust and acceptance. It's unique and so touching, in fact it was one of the most romantic love stories I have ever read. An exceptional and vividly told fantasy I really loved it. Thanks for the rec, Vlad I would have missed this gem if it wasn't for your review. Recommended.
March 31, 2015
Wow! That was so angelicly beautiful!!
I wish it was longer.
*sigh*
I wish it was longer.
*sigh*
November 10, 2013
Amazingly brilliant! The character's were memorable, the writing was very strong and the plot, though unoriginal, held a unique interpretation of celestial beings that was neither preachy nor self-righteous. If there's a story I'd like to be read to me before I sleep, this would be it.
My favorite part? The first time Kipling and Chemuel met. So freakin' adorable!
If you haven't read this story yet, I seriously feel sorry for you.
September 15, 2021
Gorgeous short story. Beautiful. Perfect. Perfectly beautiful. Thank you, Ms. Maxfield.
December 26, 2011
Oh,Crash! Not enough power to save them all? I know,they were not HIM but that made me sad...
Still a very beautiful short story!
Still a very beautiful short story!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
July 11, 2019Well. That was definitely different.
July 30, 2019
Wow - for such a short novella, this story is beautifully developed and wonderfully written. It's ethereal and just so different from other ZAM books I've read. Absolutely loved it. 5 stars.
Read
September 5, 2019DNF at 26%. The premise seems like I would enjoy it but so far there have been a fair number of problematic ideas that have me cringing and irritated.
August 2, 2019
4.5 stars, rounded up
This made me emotional 😭
This made me emotional 😭
August 4, 2014
3.5 stars
Kip meets a very special friend when he's ten years old; he nIcknames him 'Crash' when he lands on him in a nasty fall, when Kip lands on him with a crash. And they become inseparable friends.
Their story skips effortlessly ahead by ten year increments from grade school to college to adulthood with Kip never quite guessing just how special Crash is. Or maybe he doesn't want to figure it out, 'cause what really matters is that they are soul mates, that in Crash he has a best friend and guardian. Someone who loves him unconditionally.
This is a special little story. From the beginning when Crash simply declares to Kip, "I am simply yours," to the end when he states, "In all the world, there is only we."
I am happy for them but left a little confused by the ending, why it has to happen in that way and why others have to suffer for it.
Definitely glad I read this, though, and right on the heels of this author's most recent release, the novel Home the Hard Way, which I also very much enjoyed. And which only goes to prove the diversity of this talent.
March 19, 2012
What an interesting story, not all is explained, but it doesn't need to be.
Beautiful and imaginitively written!
Beautiful and imaginitively written!
December 25, 2011
Simply brilliant...unlike anything i have ever read before.
March 18, 2013
Beautiful, sacred and exquisite.
June 5, 2015
3.5 stars
Kipling "Kip" Rush and Chemuel (aka Crash) became friends at the tender age of 10 when Kip accidentally fell into a hole covered by rotten wood. Kip never really knew how Crash ended up in that dark hole with him, but at least he made a friend in the process.
Crash always looks out for Kip whether he needs protection, support or consoling. Through the years, Kip and Crash form a strong bond and become the best of friends. When Crash helps Kip out of a potentially terrifying situation, the two young men must come to terms with their feelings for one another and if they want to risk their already perfect relationship.
What a lovely story! The relationship between Kip and Crash is unwavering and incredibly sweet. Crash will win your heart with his blunt innocence and relentless love and adoration for his best friend. I enjoyed watching the progression of Kip and Crash's relationship, but I did have a few issues with the story.
1. The short story could have used an extra set of eyes to catch the typos that appeared here and there.
2. The time jumps were a little confusing, causing me to have to re-read passages to fully understand what was going on.
3. The ending fell a little flat. It seemed as though it was wrapped up too quickly, which left me wanting more.
All in all, this is a really sweet story and a quick read that will provide a little escapism while on the train or during a lunch break.
Kipling "Kip" Rush and Chemuel (aka Crash) became friends at the tender age of 10 when Kip accidentally fell into a hole covered by rotten wood. Kip never really knew how Crash ended up in that dark hole with him, but at least he made a friend in the process.
Crash always looks out for Kip whether he needs protection, support or consoling. Through the years, Kip and Crash form a strong bond and become the best of friends. When Crash helps Kip out of a potentially terrifying situation, the two young men must come to terms with their feelings for one another and if they want to risk their already perfect relationship.
What a lovely story! The relationship between Kip and Crash is unwavering and incredibly sweet. Crash will win your heart with his blunt innocence and relentless love and adoration for his best friend. I enjoyed watching the progression of Kip and Crash's relationship, but I did have a few issues with the story.
1. The short story could have used an extra set of eyes to catch the typos that appeared here and there.
2. The time jumps were a little confusing, causing me to have to re-read passages to fully understand what was going on.
3. The ending fell a little flat. It seemed as though it was wrapped up too quickly, which left me wanting more.
All in all, this is a really sweet story and a quick read that will provide a little escapism while on the train or during a lunch break.
December 18, 2011
This was amazing!
Kip was a sweet young boy, brave, funny and charming on first meeting Crash. Then an emotional teenager exploring his sexuality and discovering that his most secret fantasy came true despite his fears of it ruining his friendship. And finally, the last part of their journey, trusting and loving Crash.
It was so beautifully written. I only now understand the significance of Crash's real name. And it matches his existence so perfectly and his feelings for Kip.
Very touching story!
Kip was a sweet young boy, brave, funny and charming on first meeting Crash. Then an emotional teenager exploring his sexuality and discovering that his most secret fantasy came true despite his fears of it ruining his friendship. And finally, the last part of their journey, trusting and loving Crash.
It was so beautifully written. I only now understand the significance of Crash's real name. And it matches his existence so perfectly and his feelings for Kip.
Very touching story!
October 31, 2011
When Angels Fall is a tight, gorgeous story about angels, sacrafice, love, knowing and finding your soul mate. While this was short story, many of the images will stay with me for a long time to come. The stunning imagery of the final scene was thought-provoking and reassuring.
April 30, 2012
What a wonderful story this turned out to be. Although things were not explained, you could easily get and idea of what happened and who Crash really was. I loved the dialog, the emotions and the chemistry was HOT! A great read.
December 19, 2011
Truly beautiful. Amazing how so much can be said in so few pages. Really kind of breathtaking. This is such a wonderful short story about true love and friendship and the ultimate sacrifice. Kind of makes my heart ache a little bit.
October 3, 2015
Very sweet story, I loved it but the ending left me a bit empty. I mean, it was good, but it just wasn't quite right. I think a sentence or two clarifying a couple of things at the end would have made this a five for me. But it was still a nice story.
October 31, 2011
Everything a well written short story should be. Thank you ZAM. Thanks Damon for marking it "to read"
October 30, 2011
I knew she was good. I just didn't know she was that good.
September 15, 2017
I am not sure that I liked the ending. I am not saying that it was a "bad" ending, I am just not sure it was the ending I wanted. Hmmm...
As for the story itself? The writing style was intriguing and fresh and oh so poetic! Excellent read!
As for the story itself? The writing style was intriguing and fresh and oh so poetic! Excellent read!
July 11, 2018
4.5 stars
April 9, 2013
3.5 Stars
Solid Maxfield, adorable characterisation, simple plot with neat twist. While nothing special it is undeniably worth a read.
Characterisation:
Up to the typically high standards laid out by Maxfield. The bitter-sweet nature of (the brilliantly named) Kipling 'Kip' hints to the tough challenges young gay teens face. (Having been there myself, I enjoy the way Maxfield is able to refer without being coarse or blatant at LGBT identity struggles). And Crash? Well he is just adorable.
As always, I am left suspecting that Maxfield reads yaoi manga, and this perhaps shows in the characters
Plot:
Not the longest short I've ever read, but that doesn't count against it in any way. It is what it is. The plot itself is pretty simple, don't expect much from it - but the ending twist was unexpected, and typical bitter-sweet I've come to expect/crave/enjoy from this authors work.
Solid Maxfield, adorable characterisation, simple plot with neat twist. While nothing special it is undeniably worth a read.
Characterisation:
Up to the typically high standards laid out by Maxfield. The bitter-sweet nature of (the brilliantly named) Kipling 'Kip' hints to the tough challenges young gay teens face. (Having been there myself, I enjoy the way Maxfield is able to refer without being coarse or blatant at LGBT identity struggles). And Crash? Well he is just adorable.
As always, I am left suspecting that Maxfield reads yaoi manga, and this perhaps shows in the characters
Plot:
Not the longest short I've ever read, but that doesn't count against it in any way. It is what it is. The plot itself is pretty simple, don't expect much from it - but the ending twist was unexpected, and typical bitter-sweet I've come to expect/crave/enjoy from this authors work.
September 27, 2012
I was expecting- and hoping- for something light to read. And I didn't get that, but maybe I got something much much more.
I don't know what to say about this. That it was beautiful?
For something so short, it held so much weight. I don't know how something that -when you actually look at the story- is so happy, could feel so sad.
But the thing is, it wasn't sad. It just made me feel sad. Doesn't make sense, right?
It was a powerful and poignant story about the immense love of an angel who saw no other than what was his.
I don't know what to say about this. That it was beautiful?
For something so short, it held so much weight. I don't know how something that -when you actually look at the story- is so happy, could feel so sad.
But the thing is, it wasn't sad. It just made me feel sad. Doesn't make sense, right?
It was a powerful and poignant story about the immense love of an angel who saw no other than what was his.
January 2, 2012
I really needed this after some of the stuff I have been reading lately.
Such a heartwarming story that spans many years. So much said in only a few pages. Kip and Crash are perfect. Their story is perfect. I admit to reading the ending twice to make sure I got it. I only wish we readers could see what happens next.
I love the author and have read many of her books. But I must say that this is now my favorite.
Such a heartwarming story that spans many years. So much said in only a few pages. Kip and Crash are perfect. Their story is perfect. I admit to reading the ending twice to make sure I got it. I only wish we readers could see what happens next.
I love the author and have read many of her books. But I must say that this is now my favorite.
August 13, 2017
4.5 stars!
A free, super short read! The story managed to span a few decades and was really sweet. Kit and Crash had a strong bond. There weren't other side characters in this short story but it was all about Kit and Crash's journey and that was enough.
That ending confused me. But what mattered was, even then, they were together.
Overall, this was a really sweet read.
A free, super short read! The story managed to span a few decades and was really sweet. Kit and Crash had a strong bond. There weren't other side characters in this short story but it was all about Kit and Crash's journey and that was enough.
That ending confused me. But what mattered was, even then, they were together.
Overall, this was a really sweet read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews