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Familiar Love #1
Familiar Angel
One hundred and forty years ago, Harry, Edward, and Francis met an angel, a demon, and a sorceress while escaping imprisonment and worse! They emerged with a new family—and shapeshifting powers beyond their wildest dreams.
Now Harry and his brothers use their sorcery to rescue those enslaved in human trafficking—but Harry’s not doing so well. Pining for Suriel the angel has driven Harry to take more and more risks until his family desperately asks Suriel for an intervention.
In order for Suriel to escape the bindings of heaven, he needs to be sure enough of his love to fight to be with Harry. Back when they first met, Harry was feral and angry, and didn’t know enough about love for Suriel to justify that risk. Can Suriel trust in Harry enough now to break his bonds of service for the boy who has loved his Familiar Angel for nearly a century and a half?
Now Harry and his brothers use their sorcery to rescue those enslaved in human trafficking—but Harry’s not doing so well. Pining for Suriel the angel has driven Harry to take more and more risks until his family desperately asks Suriel for an intervention.
In order for Suriel to escape the bindings of heaven, he needs to be sure enough of his love to fight to be with Harry. Back when they first met, Harry was feral and angry, and didn’t know enough about love for Suriel to justify that risk. Can Suriel trust in Harry enough now to break his bonds of service for the boy who has loved his Familiar Angel for nearly a century and a half?
200 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 20, 2017
40 people are currently reading
271 people want to read
About the author
Amy Lane
204 books3,489 followersAmy Lane dodges an EDJ, mothers four children, and writes the occasional book. She, her brood, and her beloved mate, Mack, live in a crumbling mortgage in Citrus Heights, California, which is riddled with spiders, cats, and more than its share of fancy and weirdness. Feel free to visit her at www.greenshill.com orwww.writerslane.blogspot.com, where she will ride the buzz of receiving your e-mail until her head swells and she can no longer leave the house.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
January 6, 2019
I may end up being in the vast minority here, but as much as I was dying for this story to be one of those "love for the ages" tales, like Deacon and Crick's from "Keeping Promise Rock" (because *swoon*), it never quite gelled for me in that way.
There were tons of elements of the story which I enjoyed, like the relationship between the brothers, and the few parts where they practiced magic; however, this book had a *lot* of moving parts, with plenty of backstory that we're *told* about, but not truly *shown* in any great depth.
In addition to the love between Harry and Suriel that couldn't be for a century and a half, we also had developing relationships for the other two brothers, lots of brotherly "meow time" in cat form, tons of death-defying escapades of rescuing human trafficking victims, a Big Bad made immortal due to others' fears, plus a few other things that I'm sure I've left out.
Which was a lot. Too much for me.
The book felt about 20% deep, meaningful relationship building for Harry and Suriel and 80% "everything else," which I wasn't really in the mood for this time out.
Don't get me wrong, the writing was stellar and the story line interesting, but I just wanted fewer rescues and quite a bit more romance. : (
There were still unresolved HEA's for both Edward and Francis, so I wouldn't be overly shocked if this wasn't the first book of a trilogy, which I will most likely read; however, I'm hoping that most of the world building was covered in this book, allowing the follow-up stories to concentrate more on the actual romances and feels.
I'd rate "Familiar Angel" at 3.25 stars and recommend it for those looking for a paranormal adventure story more than a bone-deep romance. Oh, and feline enthusiasts, instead of canine lovers, such as myself. ;- )
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My ARC copy of the book was provided by the publisher in exchange for a fair, unbiased review.
See All My Latest Reads (Review Quick-Links)
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There were tons of elements of the story which I enjoyed, like the relationship between the brothers, and the few parts where they practiced magic; however, this book had a *lot* of moving parts, with plenty of backstory that we're *told* about, but not truly *shown* in any great depth.
In addition to the love between Harry and Suriel that couldn't be for a century and a half, we also had developing relationships for the other two brothers, lots of brotherly "meow time" in cat form, tons of death-defying escapades of rescuing human trafficking victims, a Big Bad made immortal due to others' fears, plus a few other things that I'm sure I've left out.
Which was a lot. Too much for me.
The book felt about 20% deep, meaningful relationship building for Harry and Suriel and 80% "everything else," which I wasn't really in the mood for this time out.
Don't get me wrong, the writing was stellar and the story line interesting, but I just wanted fewer rescues and quite a bit more romance. : (
There were still unresolved HEA's for both Edward and Francis, so I wouldn't be overly shocked if this wasn't the first book of a trilogy, which I will most likely read; however, I'm hoping that most of the world building was covered in this book, allowing the follow-up stories to concentrate more on the actual romances and feels.
I'd rate "Familiar Angel" at 3.25 stars and recommend it for those looking for a paranormal adventure story more than a bone-deep romance. Oh, and feline enthusiasts, instead of canine lovers, such as myself. ;- )
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My ARC copy of the book was provided by the publisher in exchange for a fair, unbiased review.
See All My Latest Reads (Review Quick-Links)
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October 3, 2017
3.5 Stars
Familiar Angel was such a cute story of magic and angels and demons and cats. Yes, cats. There was a ton of world-building and not as much romance as I would have liked, but I've got to say, I do love Amy Lane's vast imagination. It had a "once upon a time..." feel to it, and I rather enjoyed the storytelling.
Familiar Angel is not only the story of Harry and Suriel, but also is used to introduce a cast of secondary characters and build out the world. The MC's aren't together for all that much of the story, but I could still feel their connection and their longing. It takes 140 years before they are able to be together for more than a few hours at a time, and Harry spends those decades learning how to live and love and overcome his past and help others to do the same.
Suriel is an Angel -- beautiful, caring, and protective, but bound by duty. He loved Harry, and had since the moment they met, but he needed to wait before falling. Harry wasn't ready. And Suriel wasn't ready. Spending time with Harry comes with a painful price, but no amount of suffering could keep Suriel away for long, so they danced around each other for decades. Until it was time to choose. Everything has a price and being together comes with a steep one.
When they finally get their chance, Suriel and Harry were so so sweet. I loved just how sure Suriel was and how now matter the outcome, they both decided to take the chance on love.
Familiar Angel is about, not only facing your fears, but conquering them. It's about learning that love is worth the risk and pain of losing. It's about believing in yourself and those you love.
This is not the heavy, angsty, Amy Lane story. No, Familiar Angel is much more lighthearted in its execution and was delightful. I loved the world-building and it does look like at least two other books have been set up for the other two brothers, so I have something to look forward to!
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ARC of Familiar Angel was generously provided by the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.
Familiar Angel was such a cute story of magic and angels and demons and cats. Yes, cats. There was a ton of world-building and not as much romance as I would have liked, but I've got to say, I do love Amy Lane's vast imagination. It had a "once upon a time..." feel to it, and I rather enjoyed the storytelling.
Familiar Angel is not only the story of Harry and Suriel, but also is used to introduce a cast of secondary characters and build out the world. The MC's aren't together for all that much of the story, but I could still feel their connection and their longing. It takes 140 years before they are able to be together for more than a few hours at a time, and Harry spends those decades learning how to live and love and overcome his past and help others to do the same.
Suriel is an Angel -- beautiful, caring, and protective, but bound by duty. He loved Harry, and had since the moment they met, but he needed to wait before falling. Harry wasn't ready. And Suriel wasn't ready. Spending time with Harry comes with a painful price, but no amount of suffering could keep Suriel away for long, so they danced around each other for decades. Until it was time to choose. Everything has a price and being together comes with a steep one.
When they finally get their chance, Suriel and Harry were so so sweet. I loved just how sure Suriel was and how now matter the outcome, they both decided to take the chance on love.
Familiar Angel is about, not only facing your fears, but conquering them. It's about learning that love is worth the risk and pain of losing. It's about believing in yourself and those you love.
This is not the heavy, angsty, Amy Lane story. No, Familiar Angel is much more lighthearted in its execution and was delightful. I loved the world-building and it does look like at least two other books have been set up for the other two brothers, so I have something to look forward to!
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ARC of Familiar Angel was generously provided by the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.
Read
August 25, 2019I am stopping at 22% for now. I loved every book by Amy Lane I have read so far, but this one is just odd. It's a bit jumbled, and I am not enjoying it at all. Time line goes to past then present than back again. It's hard to read especially when I don't really care for any characters. Hmmm. Maybe I will return to it one day. No rating.
January 9, 2018
Have you ever wondered what would happen if an angel, a demon and a witch became friends...
It's been a hundred and forty years since Harry, Edward and Francis found themselves in the wrong place at what turned out to be the right time for them.
Life in a brothel was neither safe nor good for the three boys and Harry and Edward were determined to keep Francis safe from the darker side of brothel life. When things became too dangerous Harry and Edward knew that the only way to keep Francis safe was to flee. Trapped in a grove and hiding among some bushes the boys are witness to a meeting of supernatural beings...an angel, a witch and a demon and his protege. As events unfold what the boys come to think might be their undoing turns out to be their salvation and they are swept away to begin a life that none of them had ever dared to hope they would be a part of.
This was also the first time that Harry would meet the angel, Suriel. Over the next 140 years as the boys learn magic and what it's like to truly have a family and they come to find what they believe to be their purpose in the world...to save those who have been enslaved.
Throughout the intervening years Suriel remains a part of their lives and slowly he and Harry develop their own special bond and for the most part 'Familiar Angel' is their story, but it's also a lot more than that because there's so much more to this story than just a love story between Suriel and Harry. There's a lot of background in this story for all of the characters this story covers the beginnings as a family for Harry, Edward, Francis, Emma (the witch), Leonard (the demon & Emma's lover) and Bel (Emma & Leonard's son). As well we are given Suriel's background and a glimpse of Mullins (Leonard's protege).
My only real reservation with this one was that I truly would have liked more and not just because I was enjoying the story and...well, I am greedy that way...no this time I actually have a valid reason and it's because was well as being Harry and Suriel's story 'Familiar Angel' is also giving the background for this story and laying the groundwork for future stories and this is a story that feels like it's big and it just needs a little more than some other stories might need. I'm not talking about hundreds of pages here I just feel like a little more background and groundwork for future stories would have been nice and I acknowledge it could be that I'll get it in future stories and maybe, I'm just being a bit impatient since I have to admit that while I wanted more I also wasn't left feeling like I was missing anything...so maybe, I was just being greedy but you know angels, witches, demons...can you blame me?
'Familiar Angel' delivers a story that while based on a concept that we're all familiar with (no pun intended) that of a witches and their familiars, it delivers the relationship from a fresh perspective and in a new way.
I loved the sense of family that grounds this story and while Suriel and Harry are the MCs in this story there's also a stronger sense of an ensemble cast contained within. While the story jumps back and forth between the past and the present it's well done and I didn't have a problem with following events and where they belonged on the timeline and as always Ms Lane has created not just one or two characters who caught my attention and left me wanting more along with the characters mentioned there was a trio that we got a glimpse of Tucker, Josh and Angel and would I love to know their story...oh, hell yeah! these guys totally piqued my curiosity and would I love a book about them...even a long story...well of course...please and thank you.
I was enchanted with this one and have my fingers crossed that the wait for Edward and Francis's stories aren't too far away.
*************************
An ARC of 'Familiar Angel' was graciously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
It's been a hundred and forty years since Harry, Edward and Francis found themselves in the wrong place at what turned out to be the right time for them.
Life in a brothel was neither safe nor good for the three boys and Harry and Edward were determined to keep Francis safe from the darker side of brothel life. When things became too dangerous Harry and Edward knew that the only way to keep Francis safe was to flee. Trapped in a grove and hiding among some bushes the boys are witness to a meeting of supernatural beings...an angel, a witch and a demon and his protege. As events unfold what the boys come to think might be their undoing turns out to be their salvation and they are swept away to begin a life that none of them had ever dared to hope they would be a part of.
This was also the first time that Harry would meet the angel, Suriel. Over the next 140 years as the boys learn magic and what it's like to truly have a family and they come to find what they believe to be their purpose in the world...to save those who have been enslaved.
Throughout the intervening years Suriel remains a part of their lives and slowly he and Harry develop their own special bond and for the most part 'Familiar Angel' is their story, but it's also a lot more than that because there's so much more to this story than just a love story between Suriel and Harry. There's a lot of background in this story for all of the characters this story covers the beginnings as a family for Harry, Edward, Francis, Emma (the witch), Leonard (the demon & Emma's lover) and Bel (Emma & Leonard's son). As well we are given Suriel's background and a glimpse of Mullins (Leonard's protege).
My only real reservation with this one was that I truly would have liked more and not just because I was enjoying the story and...well, I am greedy that way...no this time I actually have a valid reason and it's because was well as being Harry and Suriel's story 'Familiar Angel' is also giving the background for this story and laying the groundwork for future stories and this is a story that feels like it's big and it just needs a little more than some other stories might need. I'm not talking about hundreds of pages here I just feel like a little more background and groundwork for future stories would have been nice and I acknowledge it could be that I'll get it in future stories and maybe, I'm just being a bit impatient since I have to admit that while I wanted more I also wasn't left feeling like I was missing anything...so maybe, I was just being greedy but you know angels, witches, demons...can you blame me?
'Familiar Angel' delivers a story that while based on a concept that we're all familiar with (no pun intended) that of a witches and their familiars, it delivers the relationship from a fresh perspective and in a new way.
I loved the sense of family that grounds this story and while Suriel and Harry are the MCs in this story there's also a stronger sense of an ensemble cast contained within. While the story jumps back and forth between the past and the present it's well done and I didn't have a problem with following events and where they belonged on the timeline and as always Ms Lane has created not just one or two characters who caught my attention and left me wanting more along with the characters mentioned there was a trio that we got a glimpse of Tucker, Josh and Angel and would I love to know their story...oh, hell yeah! these guys totally piqued my curiosity and would I love a book about them...even a long story...well of course...please and thank you.
I was enchanted with this one and have my fingers crossed that the wait for Edward and Francis's stories aren't too far away.
*************************
An ARC of 'Familiar Angel' was graciously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
August 29, 2018
3.75 stars
Amy Lane’s paranormal books always have an epic feel to them. ‘Familiar Angel’ is no different, delivering a grand story of adventure and action, angst and pain, family, and romance.
Gomez Pugh did an excellent job with the narration. I’ve listened to his work before, so I knew I’d be in for a good listen!
‘Familiar Angel’ tells the story of Harry, a boy forced into prostitution and abuse, who did what he could to protect his brothers, Edward and Francis. Escape from their horrible situation came in the form of a sorceress, a demon, and angel.
The brothers were transformed into shapeshifters, and gained magical longevity. With a new family and home, they decided to use their new lives to help other victims of trafficking.
I would say this book is first and foremost an adventure tale. There is a lot of page-time given to the brothers’ rescue efforts, and interacting with other members of their network.
The addition of paranormal aspects to a modern-day issue, and the connection of the major conflict to Harry’s backstory, made for an interesting read.
There’s also a lot of focus on family. The brothers, and their adoptive parents Emma and Leonard, aren’t related by blood. But their bond stems from something deeper.
Through Harry’s POV, readers see what family means to him, and how it became his lifeline after being freed from the brothel. The book also leaves room for sequels for Edward and Francis, which I wouldn’t say no to!
That’s not to say the romance here isn’t strong. Through the decades, one being captured Harry’s heart and never let go. Suriel, an angel, has loved Harry for over a century.
But neither of the two admitted their feelings to each other. Instead, they captured fleeting moments together when they could.
Suriel and Harry have all the classic hallmarks of an Amy Lane romance. They’re absolutely devoted to each other, with a fatalistic edge. While readers are more so told than shown the build-up of their relationship, there’s no doubting that the two are meant for each other.
The big stumbling block in their union are Suriel’s status and responsibilities as an angel. It added a fair dose of angst to the relationship, but made the happy ever after all the more sweet.
Overall, this was an entertaining MM paranormal read, and an excellent audiobook, which leaves a lot of potential for a series!
Amy Lane’s paranormal books always have an epic feel to them. ‘Familiar Angel’ is no different, delivering a grand story of adventure and action, angst and pain, family, and romance.
Gomez Pugh did an excellent job with the narration. I’ve listened to his work before, so I knew I’d be in for a good listen!
‘Familiar Angel’ tells the story of Harry, a boy forced into prostitution and abuse, who did what he could to protect his brothers, Edward and Francis. Escape from their horrible situation came in the form of a sorceress, a demon, and angel.
The brothers were transformed into shapeshifters, and gained magical longevity. With a new family and home, they decided to use their new lives to help other victims of trafficking.
I would say this book is first and foremost an adventure tale. There is a lot of page-time given to the brothers’ rescue efforts, and interacting with other members of their network.
The addition of paranormal aspects to a modern-day issue, and the connection of the major conflict to Harry’s backstory, made for an interesting read.
There’s also a lot of focus on family. The brothers, and their adoptive parents Emma and Leonard, aren’t related by blood. But their bond stems from something deeper.
Through Harry’s POV, readers see what family means to him, and how it became his lifeline after being freed from the brothel. The book also leaves room for sequels for Edward and Francis, which I wouldn’t say no to!
That’s not to say the romance here isn’t strong. Through the decades, one being captured Harry’s heart and never let go. Suriel, an angel, has loved Harry for over a century.
But neither of the two admitted their feelings to each other. Instead, they captured fleeting moments together when they could.
Suriel and Harry have all the classic hallmarks of an Amy Lane romance. They’re absolutely devoted to each other, with a fatalistic edge. While readers are more so told than shown the build-up of their relationship, there’s no doubting that the two are meant for each other.
The big stumbling block in their union are Suriel’s status and responsibilities as an angel. It added a fair dose of angst to the relationship, but made the happy ever after all the more sweet.
Overall, this was an entertaining MM paranormal read, and an excellent audiobook, which leaves a lot of potential for a series!
July 6, 2018
Well if it's not broken than don't fix it......
I really enjoyed this one when it was first released and listening to the audio book narrated by Gomez Pugh has done nothing to change how I felt than, so honestly I'm not about re-inventing the wheel so my current review for this story still stands...
*************************
An audio book of 'Familiar Angel' was graciously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this one when it was first released and listening to the audio book narrated by Gomez Pugh has done nothing to change how I felt than, so honestly I'm not about re-inventing the wheel so my current review for this story still stands...
It's been a hundred and forty years since Harry, Edward and Francis found themselves in the wrong place at what turned out to be the right time for them.The only thing that was going to make this one better for me was having it on audio and narrated by someone who could give voice and live to the characters that the author has created and Gomez Pugh has solidly accomplished this task bringing to life a collection of characters that for me are definitely among Ms Lane's most interesting and unusual. I'm looking forward to enjoying this one again...soon.
Life in a brothel was neither safe nor good for the three boys and Harry and Edward were determined to keep Francis safe from the darker side of brothel life.
When things became too dangerous Harry and Edward knew that the only way to keep Francis safe was to flee. Trapped in a grove and hiding among some bushes the boys are witness to a meeting of supernatural beings...an angel, a witch and a demon and his protege. As events unfold what the boys come to think might be their undoing turns out to be their salvation and they are swept away to begin a life that none of them had ever dared to hope they would be a part of.
This was also the first time that Harry would meet the angel, Suriel. Over the next 140 years as the boys learn magic and what it's like to truly have a family and they come to find what they believe to be their purpose in the world...to save those who have been enslaved.
Throughout the intervening years Suriel remains a part of their lives and slowly he and Harry develop their own special bond and for the most part 'Familiar Angel' is their story, but it's also a lot more than that because there's so much more to this story than just a love story between Suriel and Harry. There's a lot of background in this story for all of the characters this story covers the beginnings as a family for Harry, Edward, Francis, Emma (the witch), Leonard (the demon & Emma's lover) and Bel (Emma & Leonard's son). As well we are given Suriel's background and a glimpse of Mullins (Leonard's protege).
My only real reservation with this one was that I truly would have liked more and not just because I was enjoying the story and...well, I am greedy that way...no this time I actually have a valid reason and it's because as well as being Harry and Suriel's story 'Familiar Angel' is also giving the background for this story and laying the groundwork for future stories and this is a story that feels like it's big and it just needs a little more than some other stories might need. I'm not talking about hundreds of pages here I just feel like a little more background and groundwork for future stories would have been nice and I acknowledge it could be that I'll get it in future stories and maybe, I'm just being a bit impatient since I have to admit that while I wanted more I also wasn't left feeling like I was missing anything...so maybe, I was just being greedy but you know angels, witches, demons...can you blame me?
'Familiar Angel' delivers a story that while based on a concept that we're all familiar with (no pun intended) that of witches and their familiars, it delivers the relationship from a fresh perspective and in a new way.
I loved the sense of family that grounds this story and while Suriel and Harry are the MCs in this story there's also a stronger sense of an ensemble cast contained within. While the story jumps back and forth between the past and the present it's well done and I didn't have a problem with following events and where they belonged on the timeline and as always Ms Lane has created more than one or two characters who caught my attention and left me wanting more.
*************************
An audio book of 'Familiar Angel' was graciously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
February 1, 2019
My experience with Amy Lane has mostly been good with a just a handful of misses I can count on one hand. Unfortunately this was one of those misses.
Somehow I missed this when it was first released and only noticed it was the previous book to Familiar Demon which I'm interested in so I decided to read this to "get my head in the game" so to speak. However, this book left me not much better than how I started.
The whole book was a bit all over the place. There was no proper structure with the past and present switching places frequently in a way that was quite confusing. For a first book in a PNR series, it is imperative that it has adequate world building to give the reader an understanding of the world being introduced.With that in mind, this book had none of that.
We got presented with a sorceress, a former demon, cat familiars, dog familiar(was he even a familiar? it wasn't said) an old villain and an angel. We got all of these supernatural beings but not even a sentence about how all of that is possible. I mean how wide does the paranormal go in this world? Are there mermaids? Vampires? Werewolves? Elves? Do they live in separate community? Are they hunted? So many questions, absolutely no answers given.
Additionally, the story itself had nothing really going on between the event at the beginning and the one at the end.t was was slow moving and instead of us getting to know Harry better during that time, we were stuck in his head reading his repetitive thoughts that bored me from the very first chapter. I thought Edward and Francis would spice things up but I they were also very bland and not very relatable.
Now to our MCs, I found their romance difficult to understand. I got how Harry fell in love with Suriel(sense of safety) but I did not grasp what Suriel saw in Harry. We were told that they loved each other but really, nothing shown to us backed that up.
I don't know how this book went so wrong but this was not the Amy Lane I know and love. Hopefully, the next book is better than this.
*** This Review Copy Was Graciously Provided By DreamSpinner Press In Exchange For An Honest, Unbiased, Review ***
Somehow I missed this when it was first released and only noticed it was the previous book to Familiar Demon which I'm interested in so I decided to read this to "get my head in the game" so to speak. However, this book left me not much better than how I started.
The whole book was a bit all over the place. There was no proper structure with the past and present switching places frequently in a way that was quite confusing. For a first book in a PNR series, it is imperative that it has adequate world building to give the reader an understanding of the world being introduced.With that in mind, this book had none of that.
We got presented with a sorceress, a former demon, cat familiars, dog familiar(was he even a familiar? it wasn't said) an old villain and an angel. We got all of these supernatural beings but not even a sentence about how all of that is possible. I mean how wide does the paranormal go in this world? Are there mermaids? Vampires? Werewolves? Elves? Do they live in separate community? Are they hunted? So many questions, absolutely no answers given.
Additionally, the story itself had nothing really going on between the event at the beginning and the one at the end.t was was slow moving and instead of us getting to know Harry better during that time, we were stuck in his head reading his repetitive thoughts that bored me from the very first chapter. I thought Edward and Francis would spice things up but I they were also very bland and not very relatable.
Now to our MCs, I found their romance difficult to understand. I got how Harry fell in love with Suriel(sense of safety) but I did not grasp what Suriel saw in Harry. We were told that they loved each other but really, nothing shown to us backed that up.
I don't know how this book went so wrong but this was not the Amy Lane I know and love. Hopefully, the next book is better than this.
*** This Review Copy Was Graciously Provided By DreamSpinner Press In Exchange For An Honest, Unbiased, Review ***
January 6, 2019
3.5 Stars
Other than adding how much I really did like Gomez Pugh's narration (which, for once, didn't bring Victor Bayne to mind), Todd points out so well what I enjoyed and what I felt was missing. And how much the world-building seemed to overshadow this "epic" love story.
I, too, will definitely read (or listen to) additional books if AL were to make this into a trilogy, though...especially since those would be more likely (?) to be more romance focused with the 'verse securely established in this one.
Other than adding how much I really did like Gomez Pugh's narration (which, for once, didn't bring Victor Bayne to mind), Todd points out so well what I enjoyed and what I felt was missing. And how much the world-building seemed to overshadow this "epic" love story.
I, too, will definitely read (or listen to) additional books if AL were to make this into a trilogy, though...especially since those would be more likely (?) to be more romance focused with the 'verse securely established in this one.
October 7, 2018
DNF 35%
This book just isn't working for me and honestly it's pretty difficult for me to say exactly WHY. The story feels a bit "fogy", a lot of missing pieces confusing facts concerning the world building. Not to mention our hero, as well as his two best friends turned somewhat siblings are all CAT shifters. I don't like cats - AT ALL - so them being sort of the main heroes isn't really that appealing to me, not to mention they behave like FAR more than your regular house cats (which they are). I'm not sure if it's the magic abilities they have or some other enhancement but I REALLY have a hard time imagining some of the scenes with cats being SO brutal they can take a man down or a wild boar. No. Nope. No way.
Harry did his best to shield his two friends Edward and Francis from the horrible man who owned them (as young prostitutes in a brothel). Trying to escape they stumble upon a scene which changed their lives forever. They became the familiars of a witch and her significant other, practically their kids as they spent time with them, raised them and kept them safe. Well, as best as they can since now they are 3 men-cats operation of saving girls and boys from the likes of men who enslaved them all those years ago.
For all of them life is pretty great, yet Harry is missing one thing - one person - Suriel, the angel who enabled their escape (when they turned into cats-shifters). He has been coming and going from their lives for years and years but there is a price to be made and also there is a limit.. Suriel is becoming TOO human and now he has to decide either not return to earth or stay as a mortal. But he won't do that unless Harry ADMITS that's what he wants as well..
This is quite a complicated story "world wise" so I guess you need to be up to a pretty strange story with cat-heroes in it. It wasn't for me, which is why I decided to put it down on the 35% mark.. But it might totally be for someone a bit more open-minded than me ;)
More Reviews HERE
This book just isn't working for me and honestly it's pretty difficult for me to say exactly WHY. The story feels a bit "fogy", a lot of missing pieces confusing facts concerning the world building. Not to mention our hero, as well as his two best friends turned somewhat siblings are all CAT shifters. I don't like cats - AT ALL - so them being sort of the main heroes isn't really that appealing to me, not to mention they behave like FAR more than your regular house cats (which they are). I'm not sure if it's the magic abilities they have or some other enhancement but I REALLY have a hard time imagining some of the scenes with cats being SO brutal they can take a man down or a wild boar. No. Nope. No way.
Harry did his best to shield his two friends Edward and Francis from the horrible man who owned them (as young prostitutes in a brothel). Trying to escape they stumble upon a scene which changed their lives forever. They became the familiars of a witch and her significant other, practically their kids as they spent time with them, raised them and kept them safe. Well, as best as they can since now they are 3 men-cats operation of saving girls and boys from the likes of men who enslaved them all those years ago.
For all of them life is pretty great, yet Harry is missing one thing - one person - Suriel, the angel who enabled their escape (when they turned into cats-shifters). He has been coming and going from their lives for years and years but there is a price to be made and also there is a limit.. Suriel is becoming TOO human and now he has to decide either not return to earth or stay as a mortal. But he won't do that unless Harry ADMITS that's what he wants as well..
This is quite a complicated story "world wise" so I guess you need to be up to a pretty strange story with cat-heroes in it. It wasn't for me, which is why I decided to put it down on the 35% mark.. But it might totally be for someone a bit more open-minded than me ;)
More Reviews HERE
February 25, 2019
Familiar Angel by Amy Lane
Get through the intro and into the first chapter and you won’t regret it.
It took me three tries to get past the subject matter but know this is a “rescue” and romance.
It’s touching. It’s heartbreaking. It romantic. It’s a rebuilding.
There’s a bit of mystical. There’s detailed consensual M/M romantic sex.
There’s deep familiar love and support. There’s faith.
A love story.
A complex multilevel story.
Get through the intro and into the first chapter and you won’t regret it.
It took me three tries to get past the subject matter but know this is a “rescue” and romance.
It’s touching. It’s heartbreaking. It romantic. It’s a rebuilding.
There’s a bit of mystical. There’s detailed consensual M/M romantic sex.
There’s deep familiar love and support. There’s faith.
A love story.
A complex multilevel story.
October 24, 2017
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.25 stars
Amy Lane is one of my favorite authors and I consider her an auto buy. So I was psyched to see this release, especially as it appeared to lean towards the angsty side, something Lane excels at. There is no doubt I enjoyed Familiar Angel. I just didn’t love it. The story does have a ton to recommend it, so let’s start there. Harry and his brothers are bound by something far deeper than blood and their unique bond is really at the core of the story. The nature of their banter and ease with one another is endearing and wonderfully sweet. Their adoptive parents, Emma and Leonard, are equally important and it’s easy to see how such a strong bond formed between this chosen family. Their crusade to help children and teens escape the horrors of the sex slave trade is admirable and at the heart of who they are as people. Harry as the eldest is something of the natural leader, but his self-destructive behaviors threaten the relationship he wants with Suriel. As an angel, Suriel’s job is to suffer. To suffer for humanity and for Harry specifically. The weight of this burden is made realistic and devastating in Lane’s deft hands. Her writing, as always, is superb and aside from a bit of purple prose, the moments that matter are written with depth and an amazing array of emotion.
So my biggest frustration with Familiar Angel came from feeling as though I’d been dropped into a story already in progress. I was always struggling to find my balance and grasp a hold of the narrative. Lane excels at immersive story telling, but rather than being a part of the story, with Familiar Angel I felt like I was merely a spectator and often a confused one. Because of this my connection to Harry and Suriel suffered a bit. While well drawn and constructed, I never felt that I knew them in the way I needed to in order to fully appreciate the story. Perhaps it’s simplest to say the story didn’t flow quite as smoothly as I expected and lacked a measure of cohesion that it needed to soften the edges.
Read Sue’s review in its entirety here.
4.25 stars
Amy Lane is one of my favorite authors and I consider her an auto buy. So I was psyched to see this release, especially as it appeared to lean towards the angsty side, something Lane excels at. There is no doubt I enjoyed Familiar Angel. I just didn’t love it. The story does have a ton to recommend it, so let’s start there. Harry and his brothers are bound by something far deeper than blood and their unique bond is really at the core of the story. The nature of their banter and ease with one another is endearing and wonderfully sweet. Their adoptive parents, Emma and Leonard, are equally important and it’s easy to see how such a strong bond formed between this chosen family. Their crusade to help children and teens escape the horrors of the sex slave trade is admirable and at the heart of who they are as people. Harry as the eldest is something of the natural leader, but his self-destructive behaviors threaten the relationship he wants with Suriel. As an angel, Suriel’s job is to suffer. To suffer for humanity and for Harry specifically. The weight of this burden is made realistic and devastating in Lane’s deft hands. Her writing, as always, is superb and aside from a bit of purple prose, the moments that matter are written with depth and an amazing array of emotion.
So my biggest frustration with Familiar Angel came from feeling as though I’d been dropped into a story already in progress. I was always struggling to find my balance and grasp a hold of the narrative. Lane excels at immersive story telling, but rather than being a part of the story, with Familiar Angel I felt like I was merely a spectator and often a confused one. Because of this my connection to Harry and Suriel suffered a bit. While well drawn and constructed, I never felt that I knew them in the way I needed to in order to fully appreciate the story. Perhaps it’s simplest to say the story didn’t flow quite as smoothly as I expected and lacked a measure of cohesion that it needed to soften the edges.
Read Sue’s review in its entirety here.
November 8, 2017
~ 3.5 Stars ~
I have loved many of Amy Lane’s stories and while this one, Familiar Angel, had much going for it, I must say that I often felt as though I was running behind the story trying to catch up to it. Let me begin with a quick recapping and some highlights that I really enjoyed about this novel, overall.
Harry and his two “brothers” have been, essentially, enslaved in a brothel, and at the mercy of an abusive psychopath named Big Cass, for far too long. Harry is ill but still does everything he can to shield both Edward and Francis from Cass. While trying to escape, they meet Emma, a sorceress who is trying to retrieve her lover from hell. Using the three boys as vessels to hide her magic, she also gives them shape-shifting abilities, and more. Over the next 140 years, this small family makes it their mission to save others who are being trafficked for sex. Now, in modern times, Harry comes face-to-face with his past—Cass—long thought dead but somehow reincarnated due to Harry’s deep-seated fears of the man, and the past he shares with him.
Because of Cass and his abuse, Harry thought he had lost all his faith, his trust in others, and in love. But the angel, Suriel, the same one who helped the boys and Emma so long ago, has always been there to save Harry, and now has more to offer him—his love. But loving Harry comes at a great price to Suriel. Not only will it mean he must break his bond with heaven and survive the torture that entails, but he will also become human like Harry. Harry must decide if he can let go of his past, his fears, and place his trust in Suriel and the love he has to offer.
If there was one outstanding element in this story, it was the relationship between Harry and Suriel. You could literally feel their connection jumping off the page at you; theirs was a beautiful romance that made the heart ache for more, and drew you into the story when it seemed so difficult to maintain a link to the action. When I felt as though I had lost my way in the storyline, because it seemed as though I had been thrown in to the middle of the action, it was the exchanges between Harry and Suriel that would ground me and remind me how beautiful this book really could be.
Unfortunately, all too often I felt as though I was missing vital backstory, that pieces of the plot had already been told but left out of this novel, which led to the feeling that I was always a step behind the action that was currently happening on the page. Those 140 years that went by with the turn of a page should have informed the drama that was unfolding. Instead, I had no idea of what had happened to cause the current dilemma the boys found themselves in. Consequently, I felt that the story itself was lacking and that I never really got a complete grasp on who these boys were and what all they had endured at the hands of Cass, or how it had influenced who they had become in adulthood.
In the end, Familiar Angel relied too much on the reader concentrating on just the love story aspect, and being okay with a rather murky and unfinished storyline. I am hoping that we may get the stories of Edward and Francis in future novels, and with them, a clearer picture of the brothers’ past lives. Until then, I can say that as romances go, Harry and Suriel were quite magical, but overall, this book was a bit too fast and loose with world building and timeline structuring to make it a top-notch story.
Reviewed by Sammy for The Novel Approach
I have loved many of Amy Lane’s stories and while this one, Familiar Angel, had much going for it, I must say that I often felt as though I was running behind the story trying to catch up to it. Let me begin with a quick recapping and some highlights that I really enjoyed about this novel, overall.
Harry and his two “brothers” have been, essentially, enslaved in a brothel, and at the mercy of an abusive psychopath named Big Cass, for far too long. Harry is ill but still does everything he can to shield both Edward and Francis from Cass. While trying to escape, they meet Emma, a sorceress who is trying to retrieve her lover from hell. Using the three boys as vessels to hide her magic, she also gives them shape-shifting abilities, and more. Over the next 140 years, this small family makes it their mission to save others who are being trafficked for sex. Now, in modern times, Harry comes face-to-face with his past—Cass—long thought dead but somehow reincarnated due to Harry’s deep-seated fears of the man, and the past he shares with him.
Because of Cass and his abuse, Harry thought he had lost all his faith, his trust in others, and in love. But the angel, Suriel, the same one who helped the boys and Emma so long ago, has always been there to save Harry, and now has more to offer him—his love. But loving Harry comes at a great price to Suriel. Not only will it mean he must break his bond with heaven and survive the torture that entails, but he will also become human like Harry. Harry must decide if he can let go of his past, his fears, and place his trust in Suriel and the love he has to offer.
If there was one outstanding element in this story, it was the relationship between Harry and Suriel. You could literally feel their connection jumping off the page at you; theirs was a beautiful romance that made the heart ache for more, and drew you into the story when it seemed so difficult to maintain a link to the action. When I felt as though I had lost my way in the storyline, because it seemed as though I had been thrown in to the middle of the action, it was the exchanges between Harry and Suriel that would ground me and remind me how beautiful this book really could be.
Unfortunately, all too often I felt as though I was missing vital backstory, that pieces of the plot had already been told but left out of this novel, which led to the feeling that I was always a step behind the action that was currently happening on the page. Those 140 years that went by with the turn of a page should have informed the drama that was unfolding. Instead, I had no idea of what had happened to cause the current dilemma the boys found themselves in. Consequently, I felt that the story itself was lacking and that I never really got a complete grasp on who these boys were and what all they had endured at the hands of Cass, or how it had influenced who they had become in adulthood.
In the end, Familiar Angel relied too much on the reader concentrating on just the love story aspect, and being okay with a rather murky and unfinished storyline. I am hoping that we may get the stories of Edward and Francis in future novels, and with them, a clearer picture of the brothers’ past lives. Until then, I can say that as romances go, Harry and Suriel were quite magical, but overall, this book was a bit too fast and loose with world building and timeline structuring to make it a top-notch story.
Reviewed by Sammy for The Novel Approach
October 22, 2017
I like these books that she pours her heart into a lot better than the instalove fluff pieces she does. If she has to do those to recharge to do these, then I will honor the process.
November 2, 2017
REVIEWED FOR LOVE BYTES
3.5 Stars
Familiar Angel has all the elements in a story that you would expect from Amy Lane – lots of angst, well written characters and an enthralling plot, the one thing it was missing though in my opinion was any depth in the relationship between Suriel and Harry. Their relationship takes over a century to fall into place and when it finally, finally happens the story quickly ends.
Harry and Suriel meet in the strangest off ways whilst Harry is running for his life. That night changes Harry in many ways and as always Amy takes the reader on a tumultuous ride as they slow down their aging, turn into cats and learn how to use magic. There are also dangerous situations and heroic rescues and slowly over the years Harry’s risk taking becomes too much for his family to bear and they ask for angelic intervention.
The secondary characters here are really important to the story and they all evolve into a ragtag kind of family group. For those readers who like well written paranormal books with the focus more on the story rather than the romance then I think this will be a hit. With the way it ends and the characters it has introduced I wouldn’t be surprised to see further stories about Harry and his family and where their adventures lead them to next in the future.
3.5 Stars
Familiar Angel has all the elements in a story that you would expect from Amy Lane – lots of angst, well written characters and an enthralling plot, the one thing it was missing though in my opinion was any depth in the relationship between Suriel and Harry. Their relationship takes over a century to fall into place and when it finally, finally happens the story quickly ends.
Harry and Suriel meet in the strangest off ways whilst Harry is running for his life. That night changes Harry in many ways and as always Amy takes the reader on a tumultuous ride as they slow down their aging, turn into cats and learn how to use magic. There are also dangerous situations and heroic rescues and slowly over the years Harry’s risk taking becomes too much for his family to bear and they ask for angelic intervention.
The secondary characters here are really important to the story and they all evolve into a ragtag kind of family group. For those readers who like well written paranormal books with the focus more on the story rather than the romance then I think this will be a hit. With the way it ends and the characters it has introduced I wouldn’t be surprised to see further stories about Harry and his family and where their adventures lead them to next in the future.
March 31, 2019
Wow, what a bore. Only my compulsion to finish a book stopped me from abandoning this one midway. The premise was so interesting, I couldn't point to where it went wrong but wrong it went. It was just so boring. Harry was a martyr, Edward was interesting but didn't show up enough, Francis was so damaged and already paired with Bel without much more detail. The story felt too fast and too slow at the same time, sometimes I felt like there was something missing. I may not be the sharpest tool in the box, but some of the dialogue made no sense (specially around the times that they knew what the other meant without anything being said - sorry you will need to spell it out for me!).
I really wanted to read Edward's book, but I am too afraid that it'll will be just like this one.
I really wanted to read Edward's book, but I am too afraid that it'll will be just like this one.
Read
October 30, 2017DNF @ 27%
April 9, 2020
2.75/stars
December 13, 2018
This was a story that I enjoyed but I felt that it was just not quite making it there at times. There was a lot of time where things felt a bit jumbled up, or it seemed that one storyline was getting forgotten but to pop unexpectedly, that made it seem as though this didn't quite come together cohesively as a book.
There is a good bit of backstory and world building as we learn about how this little family, the Youngbloods, came to be. From learning about the boys past to the event that brought them together it was an exciting and fast paced start to the story. Then it launches into the next one hundred years....sort of. Things keep jumping between talking about one hundred yeas passing, talking about one hundred years later, talking about the present, and jumping back to talk about immediately after the event. It felt a bit scrambled and it made it a bit more muddled.
The romances of this book are both the core of it and very secondary. In some ways family, and the job that the family does, were the core. After all, it was love and family that saved the boys on the fateful night at the beginning of the book, and family is what has kept them safe and happy for all these years since. But then there is so much about Suriel and what he means to Harry that that is very much the core of the story and what is (sort of) moving it forwards. But that romance is something with trials (which I didn't entirely get the angel trials) and with fears and concerns holding it back. Much of the romance is about having faith when Suriel is gone, and figuring out how t get past the fears tat Harry has. While they were obviously in love and it was very much important to the story, it sometimes felt that it had instead become a secondary thing which tempered my enjoyment.
While the romances are happening and the world is being built, there is the fact of the trafficked women which comes up and the new kidnappings. This was a big thing to find out because of the perpetrator, and yet it seemed that it wasn't a resolved storyline. There is no mention of whether the true perpetrator was ever found and I can't tell if it will be revisited in future stories.
This was a good story, but too many disparate elements kept it from being a great story. I am curious to see how the other brothers books go.
There is a good bit of backstory and world building as we learn about how this little family, the Youngbloods, came to be. From learning about the boys past to the event that brought them together it was an exciting and fast paced start to the story. Then it launches into the next one hundred years....sort of. Things keep jumping between talking about one hundred yeas passing, talking about one hundred years later, talking about the present, and jumping back to talk about immediately after the event. It felt a bit scrambled and it made it a bit more muddled.
The romances of this book are both the core of it and very secondary. In some ways family, and the job that the family does, were the core. After all, it was love and family that saved the boys on the fateful night at the beginning of the book, and family is what has kept them safe and happy for all these years since. But then there is so much about Suriel and what he means to Harry that that is very much the core of the story and what is (sort of) moving it forwards. But that romance is something with trials (which I didn't entirely get the angel trials) and with fears and concerns holding it back. Much of the romance is about having faith when Suriel is gone, and figuring out how t get past the fears tat Harry has. While they were obviously in love and it was very much important to the story, it sometimes felt that it had instead become a secondary thing which tempered my enjoyment.
While the romances are happening and the world is being built, there is the fact of the trafficked women which comes up and the new kidnappings. This was a big thing to find out because of the perpetrator, and yet it seemed that it wasn't a resolved storyline. There is no mention of whether the true perpetrator was ever found and I can't tell if it will be revisited in future stories.
This was a good story, but too many disparate elements kept it from being a great story. I am curious to see how the other brothers books go.
December 16, 2017
This was certainly a departure from what I normally read and most definitely a departure from stories I’ve read from Amy Lane, one of my favorite authors. The main reason it’s a departure is that it’s fantasy-based and that’s not my favorite genre; there’s also a historical element, a lot of world-building, and a huge family dynamic with relationships out of the norm—it’s a family of the heart rather than a family of origin—so even understanding all those intertwining relationships took some time and concentration to get me into the rhythm of the story. Was it a romance? Well, there’s an MM romance within the book but I would hesitate to recommend this one to someone looking strictly for an MM romance because it’s only about 20% of the story, and actually, once the angel is in corporeal form, it’s only about 10%.
But I digress. Here’s the background: A sorceress and a demon—Emma and Leonard—are ill-fated lovers and while being pursued/hunted, they take the time for the sorceress to prepare a spell to humanize the demon and to get them away from their pursuers. During the incantation, she looks across the clearing and sees three young boys who are running for their lives from Big Cass, a whoremaster, rapist, brothel-keeper. She includes the boys—Harry, Edward, and Francis—in the spell and when the dust settles, the demon is now human, and she’s still alive but has given some of her power away to change the three boys to her familiars who are now able to assume cat form. All have become immortal, though they will age very slowly over time. To the boys, the important thing is that they will be together and they’ve escaped Big Cass. Then they discover both the safety they feel and the fun they can have in their cat forms and remain in those forms more often than not over the first year or so after they’ve been changed.
The family establishes itself in California and when the boys later hear of a group of young people being sold into slavery, they determine they are going to rescue them. Thus starts a hundred year plus journey during which the family specializes in finding, rescuing, and redirecting young women and men being trafficked. Over time, Harry and the angel, Suriel, who is Heaven’s angel doomed to suffer for those bound against their will, become very close. In fact, almost from the beginning, Harry loves Suriel and Suriel loves Harry, so much so that he comes down from Heaven a few times over the years to save Harry’s life. Each time, he suffers more when he returns to Heaven. It’s a price he pays for helping Harry—a price he gladly pays.
I’m not sure I’m doing justice to the world the author built here as it was complex so somewhat confusing to me, but I liked the fact that in the latter parts of the story, the characters recounted some of their adventures so it helped to put their view of the world and the events that brought them together into perspective.
I wish there had been more time for Harry and Suriel on page. Though the depth of their love for one another was clear at the end, their earlier years together were told as flashbacks, and in some cases, assumptions, so the strength of their bond was not as apparent as it was in the last chapters. And maybe Harry wasn’t quite as lovable a human as I would like. I’m not sure. He spent a lot of time in his head and looking out for his brothers—a typical oldest child. There is a nice setup for both brothers to have their stories: Edward, the middle brother, is apparently in love with a demon who has helped them off and on through the years; and Francis, the youngest brother is in love with the child born to Emma and Leonard who is now at college age and about to be sent off to Oxford. I found it odd that though none of the rest of them are aging, the child of the sorceress and former demon grew and aged at a human pace up to this point. Will that continue or will his progress slow so that he can keep pace with his lover, Francis, the youngest of the familiars who at this point is immortal? Hmm, inquiring minds want to know.
Overall, though, I did enjoy this story from the fertile imagination of Amy Lane. I do recommend it to those who enjoy angels and demons and the world they live in and to those who want to get in on the ground floor of what could turn out to be a long-term, engaging, and intriguing MM romance series.
ARC provided by the publisher through Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words in exchange for an impartial review.
But I digress. Here’s the background: A sorceress and a demon—Emma and Leonard—are ill-fated lovers and while being pursued/hunted, they take the time for the sorceress to prepare a spell to humanize the demon and to get them away from their pursuers. During the incantation, she looks across the clearing and sees three young boys who are running for their lives from Big Cass, a whoremaster, rapist, brothel-keeper. She includes the boys—Harry, Edward, and Francis—in the spell and when the dust settles, the demon is now human, and she’s still alive but has given some of her power away to change the three boys to her familiars who are now able to assume cat form. All have become immortal, though they will age very slowly over time. To the boys, the important thing is that they will be together and they’ve escaped Big Cass. Then they discover both the safety they feel and the fun they can have in their cat forms and remain in those forms more often than not over the first year or so after they’ve been changed.
The family establishes itself in California and when the boys later hear of a group of young people being sold into slavery, they determine they are going to rescue them. Thus starts a hundred year plus journey during which the family specializes in finding, rescuing, and redirecting young women and men being trafficked. Over time, Harry and the angel, Suriel, who is Heaven’s angel doomed to suffer for those bound against their will, become very close. In fact, almost from the beginning, Harry loves Suriel and Suriel loves Harry, so much so that he comes down from Heaven a few times over the years to save Harry’s life. Each time, he suffers more when he returns to Heaven. It’s a price he pays for helping Harry—a price he gladly pays.
I’m not sure I’m doing justice to the world the author built here as it was complex so somewhat confusing to me, but I liked the fact that in the latter parts of the story, the characters recounted some of their adventures so it helped to put their view of the world and the events that brought them together into perspective.
I wish there had been more time for Harry and Suriel on page. Though the depth of their love for one another was clear at the end, their earlier years together were told as flashbacks, and in some cases, assumptions, so the strength of their bond was not as apparent as it was in the last chapters. And maybe Harry wasn’t quite as lovable a human as I would like. I’m not sure. He spent a lot of time in his head and looking out for his brothers—a typical oldest child. There is a nice setup for both brothers to have their stories: Edward, the middle brother, is apparently in love with a demon who has helped them off and on through the years; and Francis, the youngest brother is in love with the child born to Emma and Leonard who is now at college age and about to be sent off to Oxford. I found it odd that though none of the rest of them are aging, the child of the sorceress and former demon grew and aged at a human pace up to this point. Will that continue or will his progress slow so that he can keep pace with his lover, Francis, the youngest of the familiars who at this point is immortal? Hmm, inquiring minds want to know.
Overall, though, I did enjoy this story from the fertile imagination of Amy Lane. I do recommend it to those who enjoy angels and demons and the world they live in and to those who want to get in on the ground floor of what could turn out to be a long-term, engaging, and intriguing MM romance series.
ARC provided by the publisher through Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words in exchange for an impartial review.
October 24, 2017
Amy Lane tends to be a sure bet for me. Winter Ball was the only other book I couldn‘t finish. Unfortunately, the characters and their developing relationship didn‘t work for me - at all. The characters sounded interesting in theory, but remained flat and lifeless. They lacked that relatable authentic core which I love so much about Amy‘s writing. The author seemed more invested in the setting (which works well enough), but that‘s not what I read an Amy Lane book for.
November 6, 2017
not my favorite from Amy, whom I love, but I finally finished. Don't think I will be reading the follow-up books about the brothers. Just not my type of story I guess.
As always though, well written, good characters, full story.
As always though, well written, good characters, full story.
July 19, 2020
[Trigger warning: rape, abuse, rape of children, human trafficking]
At the beginning I felt a bit lost, it took me quite a while to get into the story, the relationship between Harry and Suriel wasn't very clear. Do they love each other? Do they know that the other is also in love? What exactly makes this so dramatic and keeps them apart? Do they actually have some kind of history? I just didn't know what the situation was and that took some of the fun away.
I didn't think that there should have been more romance to this story, we already have two characters who experienced insta-love 140 years ago but could never act on their feelings because of the harm it would cause, they weren't ready yet. The story starts with them at a point of no return where they have to decide what they want and what they can live with. And both (Harry more so than Suriel) have some growing and self-finding to do or they will never see each other again. For me there was romance aplenty and that quite dramatic. Suriel wasn't really a fleshed out character, maybe that's why other reviewers bemoan the lack of romance?! What I did like very much was the focus on the family and their love for each other.
I would have probably rated it higher had there been more action (or simply more detailed action), I really liked their family business and hidden viciousness >.<
The world building was interesting, but lacking. Outside of the little family bubble only one wizard is mentioned and they briefly meet one other angel. Sooo, no mention of the paranormal world or why exactly our sorceress was so damn powerful that she could share her powers and lifespan with five other people and still live for centuries!
The mixture of not enough/ glossed over action and lacking world building is what disappointed me the most and why even though this is a good book, it's nothing special.
The writing was good, but very poetic at times and it felt like the author really wanted to shove the moral of the story in your face. Yes, it's good to face your fears, to accept hope, to be vulnerable, to care for yourself and so forth, yadda yadda, I get it.
Okay, it wasn't actually as bad as I made it sound, it just got my attention, probably because the MC's thoughts were a bit repetitive.
And even though there was lots of drama and angst - no wonder with three victims of rape and their fight against human trafficking - the atmosphere was quite light. As someone who isn't into too much drama, I was very thankful for that.
At the beginning I felt a bit lost, it took me quite a while to get into the story, the relationship between Harry and Suriel wasn't very clear. Do they love each other? Do they know that the other is also in love? What exactly makes this so dramatic and keeps them apart? Do they actually have some kind of history? I just didn't know what the situation was and that took some of the fun away.
I didn't think that there should have been more romance to this story, we already have two characters who experienced insta-love 140 years ago but could never act on their feelings because of the harm it would cause, they weren't ready yet. The story starts with them at a point of no return where they have to decide what they want and what they can live with. And both (Harry more so than Suriel) have some growing and self-finding to do or they will never see each other again. For me there was romance aplenty and that quite dramatic. Suriel wasn't really a fleshed out character, maybe that's why other reviewers bemoan the lack of romance?! What I did like very much was the focus on the family and their love for each other.
I would have probably rated it higher had there been more action (or simply more detailed action), I really liked their family business and hidden viciousness >.<
The world building was interesting, but lacking. Outside of the little family bubble only one wizard is mentioned and they briefly meet one other angel. Sooo, no mention of the paranormal world or why exactly our sorceress was so damn powerful that she could share her powers and lifespan with five other people and still live for centuries!
The mixture of not enough/ glossed over action and lacking world building is what disappointed me the most and why even though this is a good book, it's nothing special.
The writing was good, but very poetic at times and it felt like the author really wanted to shove the moral of the story in your face. Yes, it's good to face your fears, to accept hope, to be vulnerable, to care for yourself and so forth, yadda yadda, I get it.
Okay, it wasn't actually as bad as I made it sound, it just got my attention, probably because the MC's thoughts were a bit repetitive.
And even though there was lots of drama and angst - no wonder with three victims of rape and their fight against human trafficking - the atmosphere was quite light. As someone who isn't into too much drama, I was very thankful for that.
October 19, 2017
This was such an amazing read. I truly enjoyed this book so much. Once I started this book I could not put it down. It was just that good.
Harry, Edward, and Francis at a young age figured out that there is cruel people in the world. People who will use and abuse you for their own greed for money and for their own cruel pleasure. Being the oldest two Harry and Edward made a pack that they would do whatever was possible to get out of the brothel where they have been used many times over before that pain, heartache, and abuse can reach and touch their youngest brother Francis. When it becomes apparent that Cass (the man who has caused all their torture) has set his sights on Francis, Harry and Edward know that it is time to run.
What neither of them expected was too run into a scenario that was about to change their lives forever. When they ran, they ended up in the middle of something magical and out of this world. This is where they met who becomes their mother and father, Emma and Leonard.
It is hard to trust the unknown but hat is exactly what theee three boys do when they accept what turns out to be an amazing gift that Emma gives them. Not only do they accept the ability to be able to Shift and become a familiar and the Magic that comes along with it but they also accept the amazing gift of family. Something they never bought they would have.
Now 140 years later Harry is starting to get reckless and not heed the danger that he constantly in so his family intervenes and calls down the one person that could heal he rest of Harry's heartache from the past....Suriel, one of the angels that watches over this family.
With the possibilities of Suriel and Harry finally admitting their feelings for the other, life for both of here men becomes not only better but in some ways worse.
What will happen when a human and an angel fall for one another? Can they find a way to be together or is it all just a pipe dream?
This book was full of excitement and adventure. Not to mention danger. Any Lane did an incredible job on this book. I really hope she is going to write Edward and Francis' stories because if I had to guess Jose would be some incredible reading also. This is definitely a book on my highly recommended read list.
Was given this galley copy for free for an open and honest review
Harry, Edward, and Francis at a young age figured out that there is cruel people in the world. People who will use and abuse you for their own greed for money and for their own cruel pleasure. Being the oldest two Harry and Edward made a pack that they would do whatever was possible to get out of the brothel where they have been used many times over before that pain, heartache, and abuse can reach and touch their youngest brother Francis. When it becomes apparent that Cass (the man who has caused all their torture) has set his sights on Francis, Harry and Edward know that it is time to run.
What neither of them expected was too run into a scenario that was about to change their lives forever. When they ran, they ended up in the middle of something magical and out of this world. This is where they met who becomes their mother and father, Emma and Leonard.
It is hard to trust the unknown but hat is exactly what theee three boys do when they accept what turns out to be an amazing gift that Emma gives them. Not only do they accept the ability to be able to Shift and become a familiar and the Magic that comes along with it but they also accept the amazing gift of family. Something they never bought they would have.
Now 140 years later Harry is starting to get reckless and not heed the danger that he constantly in so his family intervenes and calls down the one person that could heal he rest of Harry's heartache from the past....Suriel, one of the angels that watches over this family.
With the possibilities of Suriel and Harry finally admitting their feelings for the other, life for both of here men becomes not only better but in some ways worse.
What will happen when a human and an angel fall for one another? Can they find a way to be together or is it all just a pipe dream?
This book was full of excitement and adventure. Not to mention danger. Any Lane did an incredible job on this book. I really hope she is going to write Edward and Francis' stories because if I had to guess Jose would be some incredible reading also. This is definitely a book on my highly recommended read list.
Was given this galley copy for free for an open and honest review
September 23, 2025
3.5 stars
The writing in the beginning was incredibly awkward. It sounded like a Creative Writing 101 story. The characters’ reactions made no sense from the start. Three boys are changed into cat familiars without permission and they were not told before it happened or afterward, what it meant to their lives. They just go along with it, no anger, no confusion, no fea4. Once the story gets going, the writing gets better but the characters are compartmentalized.
I thought it had been written early on in Lane’s career but no; one of the boys was wearing a t-shirt that said “Dump Trump” (which I have to say was both bold and awesome).
I felt the whole premise was disjointed. The foundation of the story was about kids being trafficked by the truckload. But they were all girls. There are gobs of boys trafficked in the same way but in the book only boys taken from their homes and put in unsafe situations are forced into prostitution. None are taken to other countries or the other side of the US where they wouldn’t be identified.
The main characters escaped by becoming a sorcerer’s familiar. We’re told this later so the beginning made more sense but still, how they reacted was the way the author wanted them to do so not a way that was more likely.
The romance plot was kind of icky to me. This immortal and old Angel falls for a teenage boy and waits for him to become a man. He endures horrific hardships to help the family (the boys, the witch and her partner) every couple of years. It’s gross. I’ve never understood the immortal falls for a human trope but at least if it’s a vampire they might have stopped developing at the age they died. This was different. The angel read as much, much older.
Anyway, the plot didn’t work for me but I can’t really express why. There was danger and near-death but it was gone very quickly and there was no bedside vigil which made me sad. (If you’ve read my reviews, this should not surprise you.)
I’ll continue to read Amy Lane’s books but this was definitely not one of her best.
The reader, Gomez Pugh, was great. I think he had a cold when he recorded this, well controlled by cold medicine with just a little being heard. But his voices were varied and excellent, his intonation and onomatopoeia great.
The writing in the beginning was incredibly awkward. It sounded like a Creative Writing 101 story. The characters’ reactions made no sense from the start. Three boys are changed into cat familiars without permission and they were not told before it happened or afterward, what it meant to their lives. They just go along with it, no anger, no confusion, no fea4. Once the story gets going, the writing gets better but the characters are compartmentalized.
I thought it had been written early on in Lane’s career but no; one of the boys was wearing a t-shirt that said “Dump Trump” (which I have to say was both bold and awesome).
I felt the whole premise was disjointed. The foundation of the story was about kids being trafficked by the truckload. But they were all girls. There are gobs of boys trafficked in the same way but in the book only boys taken from their homes and put in unsafe situations are forced into prostitution. None are taken to other countries or the other side of the US where they wouldn’t be identified.
The main characters escaped by becoming a sorcerer’s familiar. We’re told this later so the beginning made more sense but still, how they reacted was the way the author wanted them to do so not a way that was more likely.
The romance plot was kind of icky to me. This immortal and old Angel falls for a teenage boy and waits for him to become a man. He endures horrific hardships to help the family (the boys, the witch and her partner) every couple of years. It’s gross. I’ve never understood the immortal falls for a human trope but at least if it’s a vampire they might have stopped developing at the age they died. This was different. The angel read as much, much older.
Anyway, the plot didn’t work for me but I can’t really express why. There was danger and near-death but it was gone very quickly and there was no bedside vigil which made me sad. (If you’ve read my reviews, this should not surprise you.)
I’ll continue to read Amy Lane’s books but this was definitely not one of her best.
The reader, Gomez Pugh, was great. I think he had a cold when he recorded this, well controlled by cold medicine with just a little being heard. But his voices were varied and excellent, his intonation and onomatopoeia great.
July 26, 2018
I’m having a tough time reviewing this.
On the one hand, I enjoyed it – as I do nearly every Amy book I’ve ever read, and like those of hers I’ve read a million times.
Amy is very good at giving us clear, crisp writing with just the right amount of show versus tell. The back story for our boys is delivered in a bits and pieces with only small amounts of flash backs to fill in the gaps.
We’re shown the budding relationships between all 3 boys with telling glimpses rather than overt smacks to the face. Sometimes, however, the subtlety got a bit too murky.
It’s obvious that Suriel and Harry are falling/have fallen for one another, but I really missed that moment when it happened … and the reasons why they have to be apart are a little vague and I wasn’t always sure why the things that happened … did.
I loved the cat-ness in this story! The back and forth and the human manifestations of the feline persona were priceless!
The chemistry between Harry and Suriel isn’t as “warm” as some of her other couples, and – in fact – if we get to see the other brother’s stories – I’m sensing a lot more heat between them and their partners already than I did between Suriel and Harry. Instead, theirs felt more like a blanket than a fire – if you know what I mean. They wanted one another, and the passion was talked about – but I don’t know that I felt it much.
I absolutely loved the world building and the “moral of the story” with big Cass and all the “powers” and magic.
I’m really looking forward to the next books in the series!
4 of 5 stars
Audio
I Loved Gomez’ interpretation of this! He was easy to listen to and made me love the story even more than I had when reading it. I definitely think our mood influence our opinions of things and I must have been feeling better this time around because I loved this – full stop! Highly recommended with no reservations!
5 of 5 stars
Overall 5 of 5 stars
On the one hand, I enjoyed it – as I do nearly every Amy book I’ve ever read, and like those of hers I’ve read a million times.
Amy is very good at giving us clear, crisp writing with just the right amount of show versus tell. The back story for our boys is delivered in a bits and pieces with only small amounts of flash backs to fill in the gaps.
We’re shown the budding relationships between all 3 boys with telling glimpses rather than overt smacks to the face. Sometimes, however, the subtlety got a bit too murky.
It’s obvious that Suriel and Harry are falling/have fallen for one another, but I really missed that moment when it happened … and the reasons why they have to be apart are a little vague and I wasn’t always sure why the things that happened … did.
I loved the cat-ness in this story! The back and forth and the human manifestations of the feline persona were priceless!
The chemistry between Harry and Suriel isn’t as “warm” as some of her other couples, and – in fact – if we get to see the other brother’s stories – I’m sensing a lot more heat between them and their partners already than I did between Suriel and Harry. Instead, theirs felt more like a blanket than a fire – if you know what I mean. They wanted one another, and the passion was talked about – but I don’t know that I felt it much.
I absolutely loved the world building and the “moral of the story” with big Cass and all the “powers” and magic.
I’m really looking forward to the next books in the series!
4 of 5 stars
Audio
I Loved Gomez’ interpretation of this! He was easy to listen to and made me love the story even more than I had when reading it. I definitely think our mood influence our opinions of things and I must have been feeling better this time around because I loved this – full stop! Highly recommended with no reservations!
5 of 5 stars
Overall 5 of 5 stars
November 5, 2017
The book start off with a bang. In so many ways. From when the boys made their escape. Then they meet the other four and things progress very quickly from there.
For me, this felt a bit unusual to read. Since Now, I will confess that I am not quite buy the romance... It was probably qualified for insta-love trope, just that the couple waited for a long time for the right time.
The... perhaps first third of the book was about rescuing the trafficked victims.
I did noticed the theme of defying authorities throughout the book. Which was said to be personal
trait of Ms. Lane.
I did enjoy this book, however, I was more into the non-romance parts of the book. The various characters interactions and their dialogues, more than the actual romance parts between Harry and Suriel. All of which had their own importance and significant.
So, if you like Amy Lane books, this one won't disappoint you. This wasn't a hard angst one. But there are many sad parts all around.
There will be two more books, as you can glean from the story, I am looking forward to those.
For me, this felt a bit unusual to read. Since Now, I will confess that I am not quite buy the romance... It was probably qualified for insta-love trope, just that the couple waited for a long time for the right time.
The... perhaps first third of the book was about rescuing the trafficked victims.
I did noticed the theme of defying authorities throughout the book. Which was said to be personal
trait of Ms. Lane.
I did enjoy this book, however, I was more into the non-romance parts of the book. The various characters interactions and their dialogues, more than the actual romance parts between Harry and Suriel. All of which had their own importance and significant.
So, if you like Amy Lane books, this one won't disappoint you. This wasn't a hard angst one. But there are many sad parts all around.
There will be two more books, as you can glean from the story, I am looking forward to those.
October 19, 2017
Review by Gloria Lakritz Sr Reviewer and Review Chair for the Paranormal Romance Guild
5*****Stars
Novel: Familiar Angel
Author: Amy Lane
Publisher: Dreamspinner
Rated: Mature
Genre: Paranormal
Page Count: 193
Release Date: October 20 2017
I have been reading Amy Lane books forever. This young lady knows no boundaries, her abilities are endless! Did you know before she became ‘published and famous’ she began with stories that were like Fables?……A different land, different people that did good, struggled for hearth and home? I own those originals before she was acclaimed and had publishing and custom covers and edits. There was Whim, and Truth in the Dark, and Hammer and Air, after the Bitter Moon Series, Little Goddess….Few and far in-between her fabulous Contemporary works that you all know Amy’s talent is creating a Fable.
Familiar Angel is woven on a canvas that is a work of art. Harry, Edward and Francis are brothers of the heart. Running from an Ogre, Edward and Harry protecting baby Francis
find themselves turned into three baby kittens by Emma using witchcraft trying to save her love Leonard. Whisked away in a handbag the three were in the right place at the right timeto begin an adventure that you only find in storybooks.
There is magic, and love and sharing and working hard For one hundred and forty years we watch Emma and Leonard raise their adopted ‘kids’ as the boys powers emerge. Suriel, a bound angel comes to Earth called by Emma to be a teacher to the boys. He doesn’t come often but Harry waits for the next visit patiently. Now it is 140 years of wanting, yearning. Will Harry be enough for Suriel to fall?
This book is totally not what you may expect from Amy Lane. I wait for these, cherish them and hope for more. A Masterpiece
5*****Stars
Novel: Familiar Angel
Author: Amy Lane
Publisher: Dreamspinner
Rated: Mature
Genre: Paranormal
Page Count: 193
Release Date: October 20 2017
I have been reading Amy Lane books forever. This young lady knows no boundaries, her abilities are endless! Did you know before she became ‘published and famous’ she began with stories that were like Fables?……A different land, different people that did good, struggled for hearth and home? I own those originals before she was acclaimed and had publishing and custom covers and edits. There was Whim, and Truth in the Dark, and Hammer and Air, after the Bitter Moon Series, Little Goddess….Few and far in-between her fabulous Contemporary works that you all know Amy’s talent is creating a Fable.
Familiar Angel is woven on a canvas that is a work of art. Harry, Edward and Francis are brothers of the heart. Running from an Ogre, Edward and Harry protecting baby Francis
find themselves turned into three baby kittens by Emma using witchcraft trying to save her love Leonard. Whisked away in a handbag the three were in the right place at the right timeto begin an adventure that you only find in storybooks.
There is magic, and love and sharing and working hard For one hundred and forty years we watch Emma and Leonard raise their adopted ‘kids’ as the boys powers emerge. Suriel, a bound angel comes to Earth called by Emma to be a teacher to the boys. He doesn’t come often but Harry waits for the next visit patiently. Now it is 140 years of wanting, yearning. Will Harry be enough for Suriel to fall?
This book is totally not what you may expect from Amy Lane. I wait for these, cherish them and hope for more. A Masterpiece
January 14, 2020
3.5 STARS.
I’m not sure if I’m an atheist. I see death as freedom, full stop. I do t believe in a higher power, in fact have a very heated dislike of the Catholic organisation which trickles into most others, as I have yet to come face to face with a religion that doesn’t preach love and acceptance with a heavy side order of intolerance. They are so swamped—*breath* I do however believe it allows people to be free from the fear of death which allows them a freedom to live and as long as no one pushes their religious views onto me I won’t to them.
This has angels, and God and all that’s sort of wrapped in that. It’s actually a very nice book, says all the right things that prove how I feel, only it’s still about angels and demons and god and I just find it hard to get lost in these types of stories.
Of course this book is actually about healing and love and it is beautiful and yet I’m still sitting, reading these things on a surface level I know I shouldn’t be because even though it isn’t really about religion, my warped view on the whole thing makes it hard for me to separate them.
I think maybe it’s something I need to work on.
I’m not sure if I’m an atheist. I see death as freedom, full stop. I do t believe in a higher power, in fact have a very heated dislike of the Catholic organisation which trickles into most others, as I have yet to come face to face with a religion that doesn’t preach love and acceptance with a heavy side order of intolerance. They are so swamped—*breath* I do however believe it allows people to be free from the fear of death which allows them a freedom to live and as long as no one pushes their religious views onto me I won’t to them.
This has angels, and God and all that’s sort of wrapped in that. It’s actually a very nice book, says all the right things that prove how I feel, only it’s still about angels and demons and god and I just find it hard to get lost in these types of stories.
Of course this book is actually about healing and love and it is beautiful and yet I’m still sitting, reading these things on a surface level I know I shouldn’t be because even though it isn’t really about religion, my warped view on the whole thing makes it hard for me to separate them.
I think maybe it’s something I need to work on.
October 14, 2020
That's surprisingly tender.
I'm going to be honest, the synopsis initially put me off. I mean, I don't understand what it's saying. It seems packed with plot and I have no context to understand it. So I set this book away for a while.
Imagine my surprise when I started reading this book, I found that I liked it a lot. I don't know what I'd expected when I first started it, but it sure wasn't this heartfelt story about found family and soulmate. I like the coming-of-age aspect to it because we're seeing as Harry grew from a boy, a teen, into an adult. His fears were very real and there must have been a metaphor or symbol somewhere in there that his fear became reality. I enjoyed it a lot.
I like the tender relationship Harry has with his brothers and his adopted parents. There's a lot about sacrifices being talked about here and how some sacrifices were worth the prize. I also like that they're the kind of immortal who didn't just lie around enjoying their wealth, but the kind that tried to save people in needs. It's really good and fresh.
I'm going to be honest, the synopsis initially put me off. I mean, I don't understand what it's saying. It seems packed with plot and I have no context to understand it. So I set this book away for a while.
Imagine my surprise when I started reading this book, I found that I liked it a lot. I don't know what I'd expected when I first started it, but it sure wasn't this heartfelt story about found family and soulmate. I like the coming-of-age aspect to it because we're seeing as Harry grew from a boy, a teen, into an adult. His fears were very real and there must have been a metaphor or symbol somewhere in there that his fear became reality. I enjoyed it a lot.
I like the tender relationship Harry has with his brothers and his adopted parents. There's a lot about sacrifices being talked about here and how some sacrifices were worth the prize. I also like that they're the kind of immortal who didn't just lie around enjoying their wealth, but the kind that tried to save people in needs. It's really good and fresh.
October 8, 2017
Cover Love.- I could see this model as Suriel and it with the cat I could see where familiar comes in.
One hundred and forty years ago, Harry, Edward, and Francis barely escaped their fate at a brothel. A sorceress was rescuing her lover from hell and performing the spell she turned the three boys into her familiars and they all became a family. Now they use their powers to save people from human trafficking. Harry was in love with the Angel Suriel the moment he saw him.
This was a very intriguing story. I liked the combination of characters, sorceresses, Angels, demons, and the shifting cats. The storyline is also fast paced, action packed and keeps you turning the page.
If you are looking for a great paranormal, urban fantasy book for your October reading this one is a fabulous choice!
One hundred and forty years ago, Harry, Edward, and Francis barely escaped their fate at a brothel. A sorceress was rescuing her lover from hell and performing the spell she turned the three boys into her familiars and they all became a family. Now they use their powers to save people from human trafficking. Harry was in love with the Angel Suriel the moment he saw him.
This was a very intriguing story. I liked the combination of characters, sorceresses, Angels, demons, and the shifting cats. The storyline is also fast paced, action packed and keeps you turning the page.
If you are looking for a great paranormal, urban fantasy book for your October reading this one is a fabulous choice!
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