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Kingdom Come #2
When Smoke Rains Down
- GenresFantasy
284 pages, Paperback
Published May 27, 2017
8 people are currently reading
323 people want to read
About the author
Cecelia Earl
9 books234 followersCecelia Earl credits her passion for penning fiction to a mandatory sixth grade study hall. She could have gotten her math done, but instead chose to write a teen mystery series, loosely inspired by Sweet Valley High, Trixie Belden, and Nancy Drew--her favorite series at the time. She never shared the stories with anyone, and time moved on. Sadly, she had no more mandatory study halls during which to write.
It wasn’t until she had three children, worked full-time as a teacher, and kept a home relatively tidy that she realized her passion for writing wasn’t something she had to give up with childhood and the end of study halls. Four years and five novels later, she wrote the first book in the Kingdom Come trilogy.
She lives with her husband, three sons, and male dog near enough to Green Bay, WI that her refrigerator is always stocked with cheese, and the first colors her children learned were green and gold. (She happily spends time with her female characters whenever the testosterone levels get too high in the house.)
She can usually be found snuggling her kids, reading on the couch, drinking strong coffee, or sipping Malbec. Once in a while she vacuums.
To receive a Kingdom Come series exclusive sneak peek collection and future book updates, notification about giveaways, and behind-the-scenes information, etc. sign up for Cecelia's newsletter! http://eepurl.com/cdvvIj
Learn more: http://www.ceceliaearl.com
Hang out with Cecelia on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/authorcecelia
Or find her on Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, and Pinterest @authorcecelia
It wasn’t until she had three children, worked full-time as a teacher, and kept a home relatively tidy that she realized her passion for writing wasn’t something she had to give up with childhood and the end of study halls. Four years and five novels later, she wrote the first book in the Kingdom Come trilogy.
She lives with her husband, three sons, and male dog near enough to Green Bay, WI that her refrigerator is always stocked with cheese, and the first colors her children learned were green and gold. (She happily spends time with her female characters whenever the testosterone levels get too high in the house.)
She can usually be found snuggling her kids, reading on the couch, drinking strong coffee, or sipping Malbec. Once in a while she vacuums.
To receive a Kingdom Come series exclusive sneak peek collection and future book updates, notification about giveaways, and behind-the-scenes information, etc. sign up for Cecelia's newsletter! http://eepurl.com/cdvvIj
Learn more: http://www.ceceliaearl.com
Hang out with Cecelia on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/authorcecelia
Or find her on Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, and Pinterest @authorcecelia
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
August 28, 2018
Cecelia Earl is amazing in putting valuable moral lessons on her books. Again, as with the first book, readers were taken through the roller coaster ride of Julia's emotions and thoughts as she learned the lesson of life and spirituality.
The storyline was fast-paced, the actions were enjoyable and fun to read. The worldbuilding, however, did not really impress me. And though the characters were distinct, I felt the briefing of each character were too short. So short that sometimes I could not really grasp the characters, therefore I could not feel bonded with the characters, including the main character. I did understand the main character's opinions, as the story was told from her perspective. But I could not feel more than that.
It was a really short read for me, perhaps too short for this kind of fantasy story. And I believe it will be a good read for young adults, especially if you want to plant religious (Christianity) lessons to your teenage children. Not just for Christians, It is also a good read to teach every kid all over the world about love, hope, and making peace with oneself.
This series is the subtle version of The Mortal Instruments ;).
Although regretfully, I did not see any diversity. I do not mean that diversity should be a checklist in every book but as a Chinese-Indonesian Catholic, I feel like the appearances of the angels and demons were "monotone." This is just a casual statement.
Overall, the easy writing, the worldbuilding, and the valuable moral lessons on this book deserve to be given a 3 star rating.
The storyline was fast-paced, the actions were enjoyable and fun to read. The worldbuilding, however, did not really impress me. And though the characters were distinct, I felt the briefing of each character were too short. So short that sometimes I could not really grasp the characters, therefore I could not feel bonded with the characters, including the main character. I did understand the main character's opinions, as the story was told from her perspective. But I could not feel more than that.
It was a really short read for me, perhaps too short for this kind of fantasy story. And I believe it will be a good read for young adults, especially if you want to plant religious (Christianity) lessons to your teenage children. Not just for Christians, It is also a good read to teach every kid all over the world about love, hope, and making peace with oneself.
This series is the subtle version of The Mortal Instruments ;).
Although regretfully, I did not see any diversity. I do not mean that diversity should be a checklist in every book but as a Chinese-Indonesian Catholic, I feel like the appearances of the angels and demons were "monotone." This is just a casual statement.
Overall, the easy writing, the worldbuilding, and the valuable moral lessons on this book deserve to be given a 3 star rating.
July 8, 2017
I am really enjoying this series!! SO looking forward to the novellas and of course book 3!
I Just love all of the twists in this book! There is the action, some romance and a great message. Like Julia, we battle each day to follow God and have faith. It can be challenging in the world we live in where the devil is constantly at work. I would highly recommend this book for many readers!!
I Just love all of the twists in this book! There is the action, some romance and a great message. Like Julia, we battle each day to follow God and have faith. It can be challenging in the world we live in where the devil is constantly at work. I would highly recommend this book for many readers!!
July 12, 2017
Full Review at: What's Beyond Forks?
There is some intense spiritual warfare going on, and now it's gotten more personal for Julia as it's affecting her family and friends even worse than before. It was a little slow to start, but once it got going, it was hard to put down. I wasn't ready for it to end, but I'm completely pumped for the next book!
When Smoke Rains Down by Cecelia Earl was kindly provided to me by YA Bound for review. The opinions are my own.
There is some intense spiritual warfare going on, and now it's gotten more personal for Julia as it's affecting her family and friends even worse than before. It was a little slow to start, but once it got going, it was hard to put down. I wasn't ready for it to end, but I'm completely pumped for the next book!
When Smoke Rains Down by Cecelia Earl was kindly provided to me by YA Bound for review. The opinions are my own.
July 24, 2018
Disclaimer: I was provided a free copy of the book thanks to JustReadTours and the author. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Rating: 4/5
Genre: Paranormal Fantasy Romance
Recommended Age: 15+ (violence, destruction, angels, demons, slight romance)
Pages: 346
Author Website
Amazon Link
Synopsis: In the aftermath of an explosion and Homecoming battle, Julia tries to form some semblance of a routine: work, study, and visit her brother who remains hospitalized. Unable to confide in anyone about her double life of being both human and angel, and fearful she'll bring more death and destruction to those she loves, she pulls away from her family and best friend.
When demons once again start to show up at every turn, seemingly bringing about her brother's deepening depression, she demands her sword from Nicholas. Ever the stern Guardian Angel, he forbids her from using it. Isolated, she takes protecting her brother into her own hands. But when demons show they have evils hidden within their weapons in addition to their ability to siphon souls from the living, Julia's not sure she knows the best way to handle saving him any longer. Especially when ash-colored lines begin to appear on humans, lines of demonic poison that travel through their veins toward their hearts and alter their moods.
Thrust into a dark world of conspiring demons, Julia is in more danger than she ever imagined possible. To stop evil from spreading and overtaking those she loves, she'll have to seek out the one person she mistrusts most--especially when a line appears on her own arm, and her apathy toward doing much of anything, including saving anyone, grows.
For a sequel this was actually better than the first one. I feel like I got to see the main character grow more and her character development was amazing. I felt the plot is more developed and the pacing is very consistent. The writing is still very well done and the author does very well at immersing the reader into the story.
However, I felt that the book kinda went too cliché for me personally. I felt that there was definitely a love triangle and I’m really over those. I also felt that some of the background characters weren’t that well developed and there are still some concepts from the first book that the book repeats, which is a tad annoying.
Verdict: Much better than the first book and an amazing continuation of our favorite angel/demon story.
Rating: 4/5
Genre: Paranormal Fantasy Romance
Recommended Age: 15+ (violence, destruction, angels, demons, slight romance)
Pages: 346
Author Website
Amazon Link
Synopsis: In the aftermath of an explosion and Homecoming battle, Julia tries to form some semblance of a routine: work, study, and visit her brother who remains hospitalized. Unable to confide in anyone about her double life of being both human and angel, and fearful she'll bring more death and destruction to those she loves, she pulls away from her family and best friend.
When demons once again start to show up at every turn, seemingly bringing about her brother's deepening depression, she demands her sword from Nicholas. Ever the stern Guardian Angel, he forbids her from using it. Isolated, she takes protecting her brother into her own hands. But when demons show they have evils hidden within their weapons in addition to their ability to siphon souls from the living, Julia's not sure she knows the best way to handle saving him any longer. Especially when ash-colored lines begin to appear on humans, lines of demonic poison that travel through their veins toward their hearts and alter their moods.
Thrust into a dark world of conspiring demons, Julia is in more danger than she ever imagined possible. To stop evil from spreading and overtaking those she loves, she'll have to seek out the one person she mistrusts most--especially when a line appears on her own arm, and her apathy toward doing much of anything, including saving anyone, grows.
For a sequel this was actually better than the first one. I feel like I got to see the main character grow more and her character development was amazing. I felt the plot is more developed and the pacing is very consistent. The writing is still very well done and the author does very well at immersing the reader into the story.
However, I felt that the book kinda went too cliché for me personally. I felt that there was definitely a love triangle and I’m really over those. I also felt that some of the background characters weren’t that well developed and there are still some concepts from the first book that the book repeats, which is a tad annoying.
Verdict: Much better than the first book and an amazing continuation of our favorite angel/demon story.
August 22, 2018
3.5 stars
Julia White has accepted her hybrid status—half angel, half human. And now she’s ready to wield her sword to protect her family.
When Smoke Rains Down, the second book in the Kingdom Come trilogy, reveals some growth in Julia. She’s no longer hyper focused on earning enough money to give herself and her family a better life. But...she’s a teenager. One who has experienced a loss. And like many young people, Julia’s rash decisions are often based on her emotions. She still believes she is the only one to save the people she lives and Shady Grove.
The demons are getting stronger and now have weapons no one is sure what to do with.
Some questions are answered only to leave more in their wake. But the progression and escalation of the fight between good and evil
While I’m not a huge fan of the small love triangle happening, at least Julia suspects it’s the emotions strain she’s under that draws her to each of her guardians for different reasons. And I do like Nicholas’s quiet steadfastness. The guy might be rigid and stoic, but when Julia needs him—to hold her hand or stand between her and a demon—he’s there.
I’m very interested to see more growth in Julia in the final book as well as discover how the fight plays out to the finale.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Julia White has accepted her hybrid status—half angel, half human. And now she’s ready to wield her sword to protect her family.
When Smoke Rains Down, the second book in the Kingdom Come trilogy, reveals some growth in Julia. She’s no longer hyper focused on earning enough money to give herself and her family a better life. But...she’s a teenager. One who has experienced a loss. And like many young people, Julia’s rash decisions are often based on her emotions. She still believes she is the only one to save the people she lives and Shady Grove.
The demons are getting stronger and now have weapons no one is sure what to do with.
Some questions are answered only to leave more in their wake. But the progression and escalation of the fight between good and evil
While I’m not a huge fan of the small love triangle happening, at least Julia suspects it’s the emotions strain she’s under that draws her to each of her guardians for different reasons. And I do like Nicholas’s quiet steadfastness. The guy might be rigid and stoic, but when Julia needs him—to hold her hand or stand between her and a demon—he’s there.
I’m very interested to see more growth in Julia in the final book as well as discover how the fight plays out to the finale.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
August 25, 2018
Oh boy. Book 2.
First off, thank you to the author and also JustReadsTours for providing me with this book in exchange for an honest review!
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Things get better with age and time. Julia has been learning more about herself and fighting the powers that be, all while trying to maintain normalcy. I can applaud that.
This is definitely better (for me) than book 1 as there’s more action and less build up to B I G stuff, because we’re smack in the middle of it all!
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I think I was spoilt by other angels/demons books and so that’s why I’m so harsh on this series. But looking at it for what it is: a story, it is pretty good.
First off, thank you to the author and also JustReadsTours for providing me with this book in exchange for an honest review!
-
Things get better with age and time. Julia has been learning more about herself and fighting the powers that be, all while trying to maintain normalcy. I can applaud that.
This is definitely better (for me) than book 1 as there’s more action and less build up to B I G stuff, because we’re smack in the middle of it all!
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I think I was spoilt by other angels/demons books and so that’s why I’m so harsh on this series. But looking at it for what it is: a story, it is pretty good.
June 20, 2017
I have really enjoyed reading this series. This book was even better than the first! I feel like I have learned so much more about this world of good versus evil and how it functions. I kept reading to find out more about Julia's father, the complicated relationships with guardian angels and Julia's family. I am really looking forward to reading the novellas and the next book in the series. I can't wait to see how the rest of the story will unfold!
June 11, 2017
When Smoke Rains Down
A stunning sequel full of love, courage and hope. I loved watching Julia's growth and journey. She's turning out to be a strong fierce woman. I look forward to seeing where she goes from here.
I enjoyed the twists and turns the story took. I can't wait to see what happens next!
This is definitely a sequel not to miss!
A stunning sequel full of love, courage and hope. I loved watching Julia's growth and journey. She's turning out to be a strong fierce woman. I look forward to seeing where she goes from here.
I enjoyed the twists and turns the story took. I can't wait to see what happens next!
This is definitely a sequel not to miss!
January 9, 2018
Julia tries to form some order in her life, while her brother is still in the hospital. A great continuation of the first.
April 25, 2017
Review to come.
February 27, 2018
This was an awesome book! Can't wait for the next book in the series.
August 2, 2017
I jumped in on this one because the premise was something I hadn't seen in a while and I was desperately in need of something refreshing and different. The thing is, I didn't really get that feeling as I was reading the first book in this series. I absolutely love all sorts of stories revolving around supernatural and paranormal concepts. This one reminded me of The Mortal Instruments, which I absolutely loved, so I figured why not jump in on something similar. Throughout the first book, though, I sort of felt like I was being hit over the head with the same concept and it wasn't even carried out as well as (or better than) the way Cassandra Clare did it. I have this hangup when I'm reading a story that's similar to something that went viral where I firmly believe that if you can't do it as well as or better than the original, you really need to go in a different direction entirely. So this series started out pretty slow for me.
This book picked up a bit more quickly for me than the first one did and I found that I liked a lot of the characters much better this time around. Maybe because of the difficulties they'd faced in the first book and the losses they experienced, they were just a bit more real this time around. Regardless of the reason, though, this one was a huge improvement over the first book for me and it kept my interest throughout. I like the concept and I felt like the author's skill developed between the first book and this one. So if you're thinking of giving the series a try, don't let the first book keep you from pushing on with the series. If the improvement between this book and the first is any indication, I'll be keeping up with this author's future work!
This book picked up a bit more quickly for me than the first one did and I found that I liked a lot of the characters much better this time around. Maybe because of the difficulties they'd faced in the first book and the losses they experienced, they were just a bit more real this time around. Regardless of the reason, though, this one was a huge improvement over the first book for me and it kept my interest throughout. I like the concept and I felt like the author's skill developed between the first book and this one. So if you're thinking of giving the series a try, don't let the first book keep you from pushing on with the series. If the improvement between this book and the first is any indication, I'll be keeping up with this author's future work!
August 11, 2017
A lot has happened since the night of the battle between the angels and demons at the Homecoming Dance. Julia's mum and brother are slowly recovering from the blast at the diner, whilst Julia is spending more time with Nicholas. He wants to train her to realise her potential as a Hybrid, but Julia is not sure what to do for the best. To make things more confusing, Cole has disappeared and another figure from her past makes a reappearance.
Another enjoyable read in this YA paranormal series. The fact that Cole wasn't such a heavy presence made it easier for Nicholas to feature more, and personally I definitely prefer Nicholas as a character for some reason. Plot-wise, it seems almost counter-intuitive for the angels to be struggling with conquering the demons, one thinks of them as all powerful almost, but it keeps things interesting.
I received a free ebook from the author and I am voluntarily giving an honest review.
Another enjoyable read in this YA paranormal series. The fact that Cole wasn't such a heavy presence made it easier for Nicholas to feature more, and personally I definitely prefer Nicholas as a character for some reason. Plot-wise, it seems almost counter-intuitive for the angels to be struggling with conquering the demons, one thinks of them as all powerful almost, but it keeps things interesting.
I received a free ebook from the author and I am voluntarily giving an honest review.
August 3, 2017
4.5 Stars!
When Smoke Rains Down continues where When Ash rains Down ended; with Julia facing more demons and more unanswered questions.
The plot was interesting and eventful. Even though the story started kinda slow, it then picked up. It was filled with action and also some mystery.
Julia is unsure who to turn to for help and unsure who she can trust when Noah's mood turns dark and gloomy after being in the hospital. She decides to take matters into her own hands to find a way to cure him and find out what happened to him.
I enjoyed getting to learn more about Nicholas and more about the angels. I also really liked Mitch as he was a great friend and understanding.
I'm looking forward to see what happens in the next book!
I would recommend this book to fans of fantasy, paranormal and angels!
When Smoke Rains Down continues where When Ash rains Down ended; with Julia facing more demons and more unanswered questions.
The plot was interesting and eventful. Even though the story started kinda slow, it then picked up. It was filled with action and also some mystery.
Julia is unsure who to turn to for help and unsure who she can trust when Noah's mood turns dark and gloomy after being in the hospital. She decides to take matters into her own hands to find a way to cure him and find out what happened to him.
I enjoyed getting to learn more about Nicholas and more about the angels. I also really liked Mitch as he was a great friend and understanding.
I'm looking forward to see what happens in the next book!
I would recommend this book to fans of fantasy, paranormal and angels!
June 26, 2017
Exciting second installment in the Kingdom Come series. Julia learns a lot about the battle between Heaven and Hell and about herself. Some people have commented that they don't like her in this or the first book but she learned from an early age to only count on herself—not even her mother, since Julia seems to have made herself Melissa's parent as well. The devotion to the people she loves is inspiring. I love Mitch's insistence on not being protected and I'm so glad Julia turned away from her less than brilliant ideas.
I can already see the beginnings of Book III in her observations and it's intriguing.
The descriptions are like something out of Revelations but in the end, there's the heart of a girl growing into her power. Go, Julia!
I can already see the beginnings of Book III in her observations and it's intriguing.
The descriptions are like something out of Revelations but in the end, there's the heart of a girl growing into her power. Go, Julia!
August 12, 2017
When "Smoke Rains Down" takes up "where Ash Rains Down" left off.
Julia is worried about her mother and little brother and Cole has disappeared. Nicholas has taken over as her guardian Angel and her training Angel. When is Julia going to fully commit to being the Angel hybrid that she is.
Julia get voted in for Prom Queen again this year with Nicholas as her prom King. Will this years prom go off without a hitch. who knows. Can't wait for the next book. This is one of my favorite series. I received an ARC copy for an honest review
Julia is worried about her mother and little brother and Cole has disappeared. Nicholas has taken over as her guardian Angel and her training Angel. When is Julia going to fully commit to being the Angel hybrid that she is.
Julia get voted in for Prom Queen again this year with Nicholas as her prom King. Will this years prom go off without a hitch. who knows. Can't wait for the next book. This is one of my favorite series. I received an ARC copy for an honest review
September 17, 2018
Well thought out with tons of character development! I thought the story was an interesting one, with some unique plot twists (some of which broke my heart!). This is a well written YA paranormal series that will have you speeding toward the end just to see how it resolves!
I received this book from JustRead tours. This is my honest review.
I received this book from JustRead tours. This is my honest review.
September 12, 2018
This is book 2 of the Kingdom Come series by Cecelia Earl and the series really needs to be read in order. If you haven't read the first book yet, this series is about angels fighting demons for the control of earth and how half angel-half human Hybrids (very rare) play into the salvation of the world. I fell in love with Nicholas and Cole (Warrior Angel and Guardian Angel, respectively) in the first book but wasn't feeling all that connected to Julia (one of three Hybrids left in the world). In this second installment, Julia becomes more real; the weight of her sorrow, confusion, and desire for justice is heartfelt and tangible. Her self-centeredness and negativity are still frustrating but she starts to grow as the defender of earth, even though she is without her sword for the beginning parts of this story. Her motivation for meting out justice morphs from vengeance and anger to desiring justice for others from love as she matures.
The dialogue is still snarky and fun. It is still written in first person limited point of view in the present tense from Julia's perspective. Nicholas does stand in bigger spotlight in this book and the more I learn about him, the more fascinated I become with this Warrior Angel. Cole's role is different in this book from the first.....so if you really loved Cole from the first book, just beware. Some questions are answered regarding Nicholas, Cole, and even Julia's dad, but more questions pop up for every intrigue that gets answered.
The plot has definitely gained momentum with this second novel. The demons are now siphoning the human's soul (called Grace) while they are still living, to feed the demon armies. The human soul of their beloved town of Shady Creek is being sucked dry and people are worshiping the embodiment of Lucifer and functioning as essential zombies. Lucifer is on the warpath and capturing Guardian Angels to siphon their Glory to further fuel his army. His minions are after Hybrids, particularly Julia, since they harbor both Grace and Glory and human-angel being. What will happen to Julia? What will happen to her brother, who is also a Hybrid? Will Julia's mom ever recover? What will happen to Cole? And Julia's dad? I need to finish the third book ASAP!!
I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher via JustReads Publicity Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
The dialogue is still snarky and fun. It is still written in first person limited point of view in the present tense from Julia's perspective. Nicholas does stand in bigger spotlight in this book and the more I learn about him, the more fascinated I become with this Warrior Angel. Cole's role is different in this book from the first.....so if you really loved Cole from the first book, just beware. Some questions are answered regarding Nicholas, Cole, and even Julia's dad, but more questions pop up for every intrigue that gets answered.
The plot has definitely gained momentum with this second novel. The demons are now siphoning the human's soul (called Grace) while they are still living, to feed the demon armies. The human soul of their beloved town of Shady Creek is being sucked dry and people are worshiping the embodiment of Lucifer and functioning as essential zombies. Lucifer is on the warpath and capturing Guardian Angels to siphon their Glory to further fuel his army. His minions are after Hybrids, particularly Julia, since they harbor both Grace and Glory and human-angel being. What will happen to Julia? What will happen to her brother, who is also a Hybrid? Will Julia's mom ever recover? What will happen to Cole? And Julia's dad? I need to finish the third book ASAP!!
I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher via JustReads Publicity Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
November 17, 2018
When Smoke Rains Down is book two in the series. In book one When Ash Rains Down readers are introduced to Julia and her family as they own a restaurant and live above it. Julia is ambitious and wants to graduate high school early, so she can help her mom more at the restaurant. Things get weird at school when Julia discovers she is prom queen. At the prom there is a spiritual awakening for Julia and her date. Her life is never the same.
Book two starts after the prom. Julia’s world is turned up-side down as her eyes are now open to the spiritual world, then again when she finds out the truth about her father.
This series is thought provoking, suspenseful as Julia and her family face a spiritual battle eyes wide open. This author gives a peek into that world through High Schooler Julia’s eyes. I was hooked from book one when Julia first encounters an angel. Book 2 goes more in depth as to Julia’s part in the fight.
Looking forward to reading book three When Fire Rains Down. This book would make for a great book club pick as there is so much to discuss.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins! www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine https://www.bookfun.org/page/past-iss...
SVP Promotion
Book two starts after the prom. Julia’s world is turned up-side down as her eyes are now open to the spiritual world, then again when she finds out the truth about her father.
This series is thought provoking, suspenseful as Julia and her family face a spiritual battle eyes wide open. This author gives a peek into that world through High Schooler Julia’s eyes. I was hooked from book one when Julia first encounters an angel. Book 2 goes more in depth as to Julia’s part in the fight.
Looking forward to reading book three When Fire Rains Down. This book would make for a great book club pick as there is so much to discuss.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins! www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine https://www.bookfun.org/page/past-iss...
SVP Promotion
September 23, 2018
Things are starting to look up for Julia. She's got her family, the diner is finished renovations and open part time,and she's trying to recultivate her friendship with her best friend Mitch. Things are relatively quiet in Shadey Creek,until it's not. Evil incarnated has rolled into with his minion demons in tow. Now with her Angelic eyes, Julia is seeing the damage the demons are doing to the citizens of her town and she's not going to take that sitting down. But things are off with her brother, angels are vanishing,Nicklous won't answer any of her questions or return her sword to her,and Cole is acting suspiciously, so Julia takes matters into her own hands but to do so she believes she has to push her friends and family away to keep them safe and oblivious to the spiritual battle happening around them. But she's playing a dangerous game that could get herself and her townspeople killed. Seeking out the one person she thinks can help her get answers, her father, could prove to be the most dangerous plan yet or end up being her and the town's salvation. Join Julia in the world of Angel's and demons, good verses evil to see if good really does triumph.
September 18, 2018
Book 2 in a series always makes me nervous. (I blame Tolkien's "The Two Towers" -- or, really, Peter Jackson's movie interpretation -- for that.) But "When Smoke Rains Down" is an absolutely solid second book in the Kingdom Come series. Win!
I so enjoyed learning more about each of the characters. Julia shows great promise and depth, and I look forward to seeing her story arc continue in Book 3. Nicholas is equally fantastic. But Cole ... oh, Cole. #weep Not sure how Book 3 is going to resolve all of this (but thankfully, I don't have to wait to find out).
There was a handful of swear words in the book, which was disappointing. I didn't find them necessary to the plot or true to the characters. But, thankfully, they didn't detract too much from the book as a whole.
I so enjoyed learning more about each of the characters. Julia shows great promise and depth, and I look forward to seeing her story arc continue in Book 3. Nicholas is equally fantastic. But Cole ... oh, Cole. #weep Not sure how Book 3 is going to resolve all of this (but thankfully, I don't have to wait to find out).
There was a handful of swear words in the book, which was disappointing. I didn't find them necessary to the plot or true to the characters. But, thankfully, they didn't detract too much from the book as a whole.
May 14, 2023
It’s good, but Julia irritates me with her self-righteous non-committal attitude. She wants to be an angel warrior? Awesome. She doesn’t want to commit to the angels? WTF? She’d rather be friends with demons? Seriously? No. There are good themes here and I get that her waffling between two sides is about the human condition, and that it’s good to explore these things, but I’m in a place where something is either right or wrong and you have to choose your side. So I’m not going to finish this series.
DNF 26%
DNF series
DNF 26%
DNF series
July 2, 2017
Spectacular world-building and excellent writing combine to make this a heart-thumping page-turner. A strong female main character who reminds me a bit of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Highly recommend to fans of paranormal (angels vs. demons). Great secondary characters as well and the seemingly innocent town that has been chosen as the location for the final battleground is brought to life through these characters.
July 28, 2017
Book 2 picks up about a month after book 1 ended, with Julia attempting to put er life back together after she learned that Angels and Demons are real, and she just happens to be part Angel. Not only is she trying to renovate her family restaurant that exploded from a demon attack, finish her senior year of high school, and not think about the missing boy she shouldn't like, but she is also trying to spend time with her best friend Mitch who should be grieving his girlfriend's death, but is instead oddly peppy, and her fun, easy going little brother has completely altered his personality since he was hospitalized, making him moody and unrecognizable. Julia is in way over her head, but soon she is going to have to make a stand and choose what she is willing to fight for.
I love angel stories and I am always on the prowl for new books about angels to read, and let's be honest, the covers on both book in the series(trilogy I think) are absolutely gorgeous (which always sways me to read)! I was curious to see how book 2 would be since I was kind of so-so about book 1, but figured the plot was interesting enough and I had lots of unanswered questions from the first book, so therefore I needed book 2. I liked that this was a totally new approach to angels and the fight against evil, without being too religions, and there were plenty of twists to keep me guessing.
I am still not in love with Julia as a character. I feel that she is strong and true when it comes to her love and devotion to her family and friends, her willingness to sacrifice herself for them if needed. Yet... I feel like she consistently did stupid things just because. She wanted her sword and instead of agreeing to her trainer's rules and reasonings, she wanted to do it her way and risked her life (which her trainer then had to save her, and let's not mention the danger her family would have been in if she died...) to try and go around his rules to get her way. Seriously, all he wanted was her word that she would fight with the angels, which technically she wanted to anyway, but she was stubborn and refused. I kinda wanted to shake her. She had some serious growing up to do here, and finally, she learned that anger is not the tool she needed. (Oh and ps, I am with Mitch and don't like her hair either).
There are kinda-sorta two love interests in this story- both her supposed Guardian Angles, Cole who she was instantly drawn to and Nicholas who she wanted nothing to do with yet is always there when she needs him. Cole was a big role in the last book and ere is is more an idea than a character since she thinks about him but he is actually missing, and I have my Cole suspicions. Nicholas was not in the first book 2 much , but everywhere within this story, and I kinda liked his reliability and stoniness, so we will see what happens next. I know who I root for (and yes, this was not a romance book really at all, but I personally like romance so I may have focused on it more) and I am interested to see what will come with Cole and Nicholas
I received this title in return for my honest review. Visit me at https://smadasbooksmack.blogspot.com/
I love angel stories and I am always on the prowl for new books about angels to read, and let's be honest, the covers on both book in the series(trilogy I think) are absolutely gorgeous (which always sways me to read)! I was curious to see how book 2 would be since I was kind of so-so about book 1, but figured the plot was interesting enough and I had lots of unanswered questions from the first book, so therefore I needed book 2. I liked that this was a totally new approach to angels and the fight against evil, without being too religions, and there were plenty of twists to keep me guessing.
I am still not in love with Julia as a character. I feel that she is strong and true when it comes to her love and devotion to her family and friends, her willingness to sacrifice herself for them if needed. Yet... I feel like she consistently did stupid things just because. She wanted her sword and instead of agreeing to her trainer's rules and reasonings, she wanted to do it her way and risked her life (which her trainer then had to save her, and let's not mention the danger her family would have been in if she died...) to try and go around his rules to get her way. Seriously, all he wanted was her word that she would fight with the angels, which technically she wanted to anyway, but she was stubborn and refused. I kinda wanted to shake her. She had some serious growing up to do here, and finally, she learned that anger is not the tool she needed. (Oh and ps, I am with Mitch and don't like her hair either).
There are kinda-sorta two love interests in this story- both her supposed Guardian Angles, Cole who she was instantly drawn to and Nicholas who she wanted nothing to do with yet is always there when she needs him. Cole was a big role in the last book and ere is is more an idea than a character since she thinks about him but he is actually missing, and I have my Cole suspicions. Nicholas was not in the first book 2 much , but everywhere within this story, and I kinda liked his reliability and stoniness, so we will see what happens next. I know who I root for (and yes, this was not a romance book really at all, but I personally like romance so I may have focused on it more) and I am interested to see what will come with Cole and Nicholas
I received this title in return for my honest review. Visit me at https://smadasbooksmack.blogspot.com/
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