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Celestial Downfall #1
Fallen to Grace
Angels have ruled for too long... it'll take one of their own to stop them.
Azrael's a wingless angel, and if that wasn't bad enough, she's the only one with a functioning conscience. Her bi-color eyes mark her as a moral hybrid, and when she breaks her enslavement to Manor Saffron by making a deal with a demon, she doesn't expect to become Queen. She’ll have to survive her new royal magic, convince a legion of angels she’s worth fighting for, and find the breach in her Faustian deal, or risk a new master with horns.
Awarded a Writers After Dark Chapter of Excellence Award (Silver)
Azrael's a wingless angel, and if that wasn't bad enough, she's the only one with a functioning conscience. Her bi-color eyes mark her as a moral hybrid, and when she breaks her enslavement to Manor Saffron by making a deal with a demon, she doesn't expect to become Queen. She’ll have to survive her new royal magic, convince a legion of angels she’s worth fighting for, and find the breach in her Faustian deal, or risk a new master with horns.
Awarded a Writers After Dark Chapter of Excellence Award (Silver)
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First published September 23, 2016
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About the author
A.J. Flowers
55 books273 followersA.J. Flowers is a fantasy author, book blogger, and automotive engineer in Detroit. She loves her writing, her work, and above all, her faith and family. When not writing or designing, you can find her saving the world from annihilation on her favorite video games side-by-side with her Dutch husband and princess Blue Russian kitty named Mina.
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August 9, 2017
I received a free copy of the audiobook for review. As you can probably tell from my somewhat unenthusiastic review, all opinions are my own.
My headphones are jammed in my ears. With some difficulty, I managed to listen to this while squished in an airplane seat on a 13 hour ride home. My sister was vomiting beside me and the stranger sitting behind me had thought it appropriate to put their feet up on my arm rest. Spoiler alert: it wasn't. Hoping to block out all of this noise, I turned to my phone and popped on an audiobook.
Now, I mean no ill will to the narrator here, but there was ABSOLUTELY NO ENTHUSIASM in her voice. It was like listening to a well versed robot in a time where androids reign. Uncomparable and old fashioned. She spoke in a constant monotone, and where there should have been emotion in her voice, the words instead found themselves becoming longer. It wasn't I'm angry! it was I'm anggrrryy like a bored, insecure tween.
Had it been applied correctly, I'm sure that her voice would have made for an excellent reading of the book. It was a beautiful, flowery voice that you could have listened to for ages – but the emphasis was all wrong. Please excuse my french, but it was like watching a pretty person taking a shit. I'm sure that kind of thing is enjoyable to some people, but I just couldn't hack it.
Statements were phrased as questions. Proclamations of murder were unsure of themselves. I'm pretty sure that THEY WEREN'T SUPPOSED TO SOUND LIKE THAT, and that constant niggling doubt in my mind just kind of ruined it all for me. Which is disappointing, because what I did manage to catch over my recurring internal wincing, sounded like an interesting book.
My headphones are jammed in my ears. With some difficulty, I managed to listen to this while squished in an airplane seat on a 13 hour ride home. My sister was vomiting beside me and the stranger sitting behind me had thought it appropriate to put their feet up on my arm rest. Spoiler alert: it wasn't. Hoping to block out all of this noise, I turned to my phone and popped on an audiobook.
Now, I mean no ill will to the narrator here, but there was ABSOLUTELY NO ENTHUSIASM in her voice. It was like listening to a well versed robot in a time where androids reign. Uncomparable and old fashioned. She spoke in a constant monotone, and where there should have been emotion in her voice, the words instead found themselves becoming longer. It wasn't I'm angry! it was I'm anggrrryy like a bored, insecure tween.
Had it been applied correctly, I'm sure that her voice would have made for an excellent reading of the book. It was a beautiful, flowery voice that you could have listened to for ages – but the emphasis was all wrong. Please excuse my french, but it was like watching a pretty person taking a shit. I'm sure that kind of thing is enjoyable to some people, but I just couldn't hack it.
Statements were phrased as questions. Proclamations of murder were unsure of themselves. I'm pretty sure that THEY WEREN'T SUPPOSED TO SOUND LIKE THAT, and that constant niggling doubt in my mind just kind of ruined it all for me. Which is disappointing, because what I did manage to catch over my recurring internal wincing, sounded like an interesting book.
December 20, 2016
I have a confession to make: this was the absolute first angel book I've read. It's just never been something that I've come across much in my book searches. (Or if I have come across them, no description had captured my interest enough make me read the book.)
So yes, Fallen to Grace is an angel book. And yet it's different from what I expected. Because Azrael is a different sort of angel. She's an abomination, she's not supposed to exist--she's a hybrid. And that puts her in a tricky spot with the rest of the Windborns: female Windborns are hybrids between angels and demons--they are fallen angels of a type. But this gives Azrael a unique ability to see both sides of a situation, both good and evil. The other Windborns do not have this ability, and so they are more innocent and pure. Azrael is unique in more than just this ability though, for no other hybrid has made it to adulthood without giving into their demon. It seems inevitable then that Azrael will succumb to her demon, and in a sense, she does. But she has good cause, and it's this conflict that drives the story.
This is an interesting book, full of complicated backstory and minor plot twists. The prose is lyrical, at times perhaps a touch overwritten. Azrael is a compelling character, much more human than one would expect with a demon/angel hybrid sort of character, but she did at times seem a little too perfect to me, a little flawless.
Overall, I was a little disappointed by how much setup this book appeared to contain, ultimately setting us up for what will probably be a more interesting and more action-packed second book. I do think this "disappointment" of mine comes from disliking series and trilogies as a whole--I don't like being strung along. Because the male Windborns in the beginning of the book all but disappear as the story goes on, despite their being well characterized in early chapters, I felt a bit like I was getting invested in the wrong aspect of Azrael's life, one that I couldn't be satisfied with in this book. (Perhaps the male Windborns return in book 2 though?)
Instead, book 1 focuses on Azrael's Acceptance, wherein she is transformed with the hope of becoming the next Queen. While she does show initiative and create the opportunity to become the next Queen, the Acceptance, unfortunately, makes her a rather passive character, who didn't do much but recover from the Acceptance process throughout the rest of the book. Still, she does show great depth of character in attempting to fight for those female Windborns who are sold, even though what she learns of this problem (and her desire to change it) is not fully realized in this book, and we must wait until book 2 or 3 to have those problems addressed.
Despite those minor issues, there were moments of beautiful writing, and no page bored me. I didn't have to push my way through, even with a slower moving plot, instead, I was drawn on by the characters and words on the page. That's so much easier said than done, so I applaud A.J. Flowers for having written a book that can accomplish that task.
Rating: 3.5/5 because while I didn't fall in love, I did find it easy to read and enjoyable and it pulled me along.
So yes, Fallen to Grace is an angel book. And yet it's different from what I expected. Because Azrael is a different sort of angel. She's an abomination, she's not supposed to exist--she's a hybrid. And that puts her in a tricky spot with the rest of the Windborns: female Windborns are hybrids between angels and demons--they are fallen angels of a type. But this gives Azrael a unique ability to see both sides of a situation, both good and evil. The other Windborns do not have this ability, and so they are more innocent and pure. Azrael is unique in more than just this ability though, for no other hybrid has made it to adulthood without giving into their demon. It seems inevitable then that Azrael will succumb to her demon, and in a sense, she does. But she has good cause, and it's this conflict that drives the story.
This is an interesting book, full of complicated backstory and minor plot twists. The prose is lyrical, at times perhaps a touch overwritten. Azrael is a compelling character, much more human than one would expect with a demon/angel hybrid sort of character, but she did at times seem a little too perfect to me, a little flawless.
Overall, I was a little disappointed by how much setup this book appeared to contain, ultimately setting us up for what will probably be a more interesting and more action-packed second book. I do think this "disappointment" of mine comes from disliking series and trilogies as a whole--I don't like being strung along. Because the male Windborns in the beginning of the book all but disappear as the story goes on, despite their being well characterized in early chapters, I felt a bit like I was getting invested in the wrong aspect of Azrael's life, one that I couldn't be satisfied with in this book. (Perhaps the male Windborns return in book 2 though?)
Instead, book 1 focuses on Azrael's Acceptance, wherein she is transformed with the hope of becoming the next Queen. While she does show initiative and create the opportunity to become the next Queen, the Acceptance, unfortunately, makes her a rather passive character, who didn't do much but recover from the Acceptance process throughout the rest of the book. Still, she does show great depth of character in attempting to fight for those female Windborns who are sold, even though what she learns of this problem (and her desire to change it) is not fully realized in this book, and we must wait until book 2 or 3 to have those problems addressed.
Despite those minor issues, there were moments of beautiful writing, and no page bored me. I didn't have to push my way through, even with a slower moving plot, instead, I was drawn on by the characters and words on the page. That's so much easier said than done, so I applaud A.J. Flowers for having written a book that can accomplish that task.
Rating: 3.5/5 because while I didn't fall in love, I did find it easy to read and enjoyable and it pulled me along.
November 30, 2016
“Sometimes it takes a little bad to do the right thing.”
– Fallen to Grace by A.J. Flowers
(I received an ARC copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.)
Azrael is a hybrid, a wingless angel with a green eye and a blue eye. With her bi-colored eyes, she could see the good and the bad in all things. She’s an outcast and wants more to life than what is expected of her and so she makes a deal with a demon. What she didn’t expect was that this deal would make her queen and there’s a chance she might not survive the transition. Her deal wasn’t one-sided and the darkness keeps seeping its way in. She will have to trust her moral compass to fight her way through. What will win, the light or the dark?
I loved this book. You start off thinking that the queen and the angels are these perfect beings but then you realize that not everything is perfect. Even Celestia has its flaws and it’s funny because I feel like those who embrace their flaws are able to see things much better than everyone else. Azrael was definitely one of those characters. She wasn’t ignorant and she set out for change. I loved that she was a hybrid. The way she had both good and bad in her made her feel more human to me and very relatable. We all fight battles with our own inner demons. We get to really see Azrael grow throughout the whole ordeal. She becomes so strong, determined and ready to fight for what she feels is right. She’s very strong-willed and her heart is in the right place, despite the times she feels like she’s doing more harm than good. When it comes to romance, I like that it’s very subtle and not too focused. The story revolves more around her friendship with Meretta and Queen Ceres. I don’t even know where to start with the world development. Everything was so beautifully detailed and it made me want to be there and see the divine material embedded in the walls.
If you are looking for a book that keeps you at the edge of your seat, look no further. I loved everything about this story and I can't wait for the release of its sequel!
I give this book a 5 out of 5 rating!
– Fallen to Grace by A.J. Flowers
(I received an ARC copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.)
Azrael is a hybrid, a wingless angel with a green eye and a blue eye. With her bi-colored eyes, she could see the good and the bad in all things. She’s an outcast and wants more to life than what is expected of her and so she makes a deal with a demon. What she didn’t expect was that this deal would make her queen and there’s a chance she might not survive the transition. Her deal wasn’t one-sided and the darkness keeps seeping its way in. She will have to trust her moral compass to fight her way through. What will win, the light or the dark?
I loved this book. You start off thinking that the queen and the angels are these perfect beings but then you realize that not everything is perfect. Even Celestia has its flaws and it’s funny because I feel like those who embrace their flaws are able to see things much better than everyone else. Azrael was definitely one of those characters. She wasn’t ignorant and she set out for change. I loved that she was a hybrid. The way she had both good and bad in her made her feel more human to me and very relatable. We all fight battles with our own inner demons. We get to really see Azrael grow throughout the whole ordeal. She becomes so strong, determined and ready to fight for what she feels is right. She’s very strong-willed and her heart is in the right place, despite the times she feels like she’s doing more harm than good. When it comes to romance, I like that it’s very subtle and not too focused. The story revolves more around her friendship with Meretta and Queen Ceres. I don’t even know where to start with the world development. Everything was so beautifully detailed and it made me want to be there and see the divine material embedded in the walls.
If you are looking for a book that keeps you at the edge of your seat, look no further. I loved everything about this story and I can't wait for the release of its sequel!
I give this book a 5 out of 5 rating!
August 21, 2022
Wow. Thoroughly impressed with the character development. I loved the new story line full of twists, angels, demons, creatures, a new world with new laws. And my favorite thing... good and bad can coexist inside. Sometimes it takes seeing the bad to know what good needs to be done.
October 26, 2017
Wow! I am so ready for the second book in this series. Since reading S.L. Jenning's Se7en Sinners Series, I've been on a little Angels and Demons kick. This only made it worse!
I was completely captivated from the very beginning. The world building and the complex characters really keep the pages turning! It's a fast paced easy read if I ever saw one.
This isn't your typical take on Angels, Demons and those in between. The wingless are sold, the Demons destroy and the Angels protect those they wish. I really couldn't put this down. Even when it moved to two POV's, the transition was smooth and there were never any moments where you wondered who you were reading.
This is an ARC review.
I was completely captivated from the very beginning. The world building and the complex characters really keep the pages turning! It's a fast paced easy read if I ever saw one.
This isn't your typical take on Angels, Demons and those in between. The wingless are sold, the Demons destroy and the Angels protect those they wish. I really couldn't put this down. Even when it moved to two POV's, the transition was smooth and there were never any moments where you wondered who you were reading.
This is an ARC review.
September 18, 2017
An interesting and unusual audiobook that has a really unique take on angels and demons. With winged and wingless angles, hybrids, demons and an uncaring Celestia, this story will enthrall. Azrael is a great character and you cannot help but like and feel for her as she suffers. She is not perfect but she works to overcome her flaws. This story illustrates well that good and bad co-exist and it often takes seeing and understanding the bad in order to be able to know what good needs to be done. The narrator had an angelic type voice that fit the story well but I did find her intonation a little flat and it took some of the tension and excitement away from the action scenes. Overall it is a unique story and I will look forward to the next instalment.
September 14, 2017
This is the first YA Fantasy by this author that I've read. It kept my interest even though it was a totally different type of book for me. I really enjoyed it and it didn't take me long to read.
December 5, 2016
Favorite quote: What could reach me here? What evil could possibly find me in this beautiful nothingness, this place of joy that surged from my heart and gave my wings flight?
Fallen to Grace is about Azrael, a hybrid who was chosen to become Queen of Manor Saffron. She must undergo an acceptance in order to become the queen. Since she was a hybrid, during her acceptance—a rite that is performed to make her a pure angel and for her to get wings, demons and angels fought for who takes ownership of her. If the angels win she will become one of the them, if darkness wins she would become a demon.
Azrael is an interesting character. She was chosen out of the blue and she accepted the responsibility in order to secure a good future for her race or other hybrids.
The story is well written. It is not one of those books that has so many things about the world forced into the first chapter. The author knew what is to come and pulled out the plot points from the hat one at a time.
The writing is clear and at chapter 2, I understood the story world and couldn’t put the book down.
The descriptions were vivid and on point. When the Hallowed entered into the celestial gate, I felt as if transported to the Divine. I even heard the voice that said “yes”.
The description of the Celestial got me thinking if this was truly what happened to the demons and the angels.
I wore my author-reader trust hat while reading the book. Even when I read lines that got me thinking why Queen Ceres was thinking this or why she was saying that, I trusted the author and truly, I found all the answers before the book ended.
The characters especially Ceres, Uriel and Gabriel acknowledged their weaknesses; this makes them so real to me. The acceptance was described vividly, it was fast-paced and the transition from one scene to another and one chapter to another was great.
As a writer, this book taught me a lot about writing with clarity. The plot points were spot on.
Overall, it was a good read. Readers who love stories about angels and demons would find this book outstanding. It's a 5 out of 5 stars for me!!! she's simply a great writer!
(I received an ARC copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.)
Fallen to Grace is about Azrael, a hybrid who was chosen to become Queen of Manor Saffron. She must undergo an acceptance in order to become the queen. Since she was a hybrid, during her acceptance—a rite that is performed to make her a pure angel and for her to get wings, demons and angels fought for who takes ownership of her. If the angels win she will become one of the them, if darkness wins she would become a demon.
Azrael is an interesting character. She was chosen out of the blue and she accepted the responsibility in order to secure a good future for her race or other hybrids.
The story is well written. It is not one of those books that has so many things about the world forced into the first chapter. The author knew what is to come and pulled out the plot points from the hat one at a time.
The writing is clear and at chapter 2, I understood the story world and couldn’t put the book down.
The descriptions were vivid and on point. When the Hallowed entered into the celestial gate, I felt as if transported to the Divine. I even heard the voice that said “yes”.
The description of the Celestial got me thinking if this was truly what happened to the demons and the angels.
I wore my author-reader trust hat while reading the book. Even when I read lines that got me thinking why Queen Ceres was thinking this or why she was saying that, I trusted the author and truly, I found all the answers before the book ended.
The characters especially Ceres, Uriel and Gabriel acknowledged their weaknesses; this makes them so real to me. The acceptance was described vividly, it was fast-paced and the transition from one scene to another and one chapter to another was great.
As a writer, this book taught me a lot about writing with clarity. The plot points were spot on.
Overall, it was a good read. Readers who love stories about angels and demons would find this book outstanding. It's a 5 out of 5 stars for me!!! she's simply a great writer!
(I received an ARC copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.)
November 30, 2016
Azrael is one of the Windborn - a wingless angel. She is a moral hybrid, able to see both good and bad, unlike most of her kind. When she makes a deal with a demon to change her future, the last thing she expects is to become Queen. Fallen to Grace, the first instalment of the Celestial Downfall Trilogy, tells the tale of Azrael's fight to survive her new royal magic, resist the call of the demon within her, and avoid losing everything to the darkness.
Fallen to Grace is a good story. A.J. Flowers gives a version of angels and demons that I haven't seen before, with interesting characters like the Hallowed who is both creepy and kind of likeable. There is a slight romantic aspect, (although this was brought in quite suddenly with little build up) but the story focusses mainly on Azrael's relationships with the Queen and her best friend, Meretta, and Azrael's struggle to survive through the Acceptance of the Divine Material she must receive to become queen.
I liked the overall story and feel of the book, but Azrael really bugged me. She blames herself for literally everything and thinks that she is responsible for saving everyone when she's really not. She's just there to undergo the Acceptance and learn about becoming queen. Sure, when she is queen she'll be more responsible, but until then protecting everyone is just not her problem. So yeah, I found that pretty annoying which made it hard to connect with her. Other than that though, the book was good. I liked the original take on angels and the other characters. I'm interested to see how the series will develop.
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Fallen to Grace is a good story. A.J. Flowers gives a version of angels and demons that I haven't seen before, with interesting characters like the Hallowed who is both creepy and kind of likeable. There is a slight romantic aspect, (although this was brought in quite suddenly with little build up) but the story focusses mainly on Azrael's relationships with the Queen and her best friend, Meretta, and Azrael's struggle to survive through the Acceptance of the Divine Material she must receive to become queen.
I liked the overall story and feel of the book, but Azrael really bugged me. She blames herself for literally everything and thinks that she is responsible for saving everyone when she's really not. She's just there to undergo the Acceptance and learn about becoming queen. Sure, when she is queen she'll be more responsible, but until then protecting everyone is just not her problem. So yeah, I found that pretty annoying which made it hard to connect with her. Other than that though, the book was good. I liked the original take on angels and the other characters. I'm interested to see how the series will develop.
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
December 1, 2016
Azrael is Windborn, and a hybrid, setting herself apart from all the other Windborn at Manor Saffron, where the not-quite-angels train for a life in the real world. Her hybrid status makes her able to see not only light (like all other Windborn), but dark. The unjust death of another hybrid in the Manor sparks Azrael into action–into making a deal with a demon. Smartly, she only asks it to change her fate–anything more specific and she’d be dancing too near the possibility of the demon overtaking the deal.
Her fate changes immediately. The Manor is in need of a new Queen, and Azrael has been chosen by divine power. But Azrael quickly learns that being Queen is a life full of new secrets, new friends (real angels with agendas of their own) and new powers. Flowers paints a realistic picture of a world where angels remain an open secret (special chairs for wings, anyone?), and I was impressed with the imaginative version of light and dark magic.
The juxtaposition of angels with normal flaws just makes sense, too. Angels are always depicted as perfect beings, and as a human reader myself, the angel characters clicked perfectly. Not to mention the swoon-worthy descriptions of wings and other celestial details. I’m a sucker for description.
I did find myself craving an ordinary day in the life in the Manor, though–but Azrael has no trouble keeping up with one turn after another. We end the book with a seriously motivated Azrael, and plenty of intrigue to have you looking for the release date of the next book. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Her fate changes immediately. The Manor is in need of a new Queen, and Azrael has been chosen by divine power. But Azrael quickly learns that being Queen is a life full of new secrets, new friends (real angels with agendas of their own) and new powers. Flowers paints a realistic picture of a world where angels remain an open secret (special chairs for wings, anyone?), and I was impressed with the imaginative version of light and dark magic.
The juxtaposition of angels with normal flaws just makes sense, too. Angels are always depicted as perfect beings, and as a human reader myself, the angel characters clicked perfectly. Not to mention the swoon-worthy descriptions of wings and other celestial details. I’m a sucker for description.
I did find myself craving an ordinary day in the life in the Manor, though–but Azrael has no trouble keeping up with one turn after another. We end the book with a seriously motivated Azrael, and plenty of intrigue to have you looking for the release date of the next book. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
December 1, 2016
First, high praise to the cover designer. It's beautifully designed and drew my attention right away. It was a hint to the quality of writing and story within this exciting YA novel.
The main character, Azrael is a wingless angel with a conscience. Things start to get interesting when she makes a deal with a demon. "Perhaps to bring good into the world, she needed to mix a little evil in it first." Soon after, she is offered the option to become queen of the Wingborn, but she must pass the Acceptance first. If she doesn't pass, she will die a slow, agonizing death. Having made a deal with a demon to get so far, she agrees to move forward.
From then on, her magical powers begin to take form, and the story is completely gripping. There are many novels that deal with the paranormal, but I found this author created a unique world, with an imaginative and fresh take on angels, demons and how they conduct themselves. I was completely enthralled throughout. It's quick read that stays on plot without any extra "fluff" which keeps the pace perfect and exciting.
I would recommend this book to mature young adults and older. Just as a note, this is Part 1 of the story, and there is more to come. I look forward to the next volume!
The main character, Azrael is a wingless angel with a conscience. Things start to get interesting when she makes a deal with a demon. "Perhaps to bring good into the world, she needed to mix a little evil in it first." Soon after, she is offered the option to become queen of the Wingborn, but she must pass the Acceptance first. If she doesn't pass, she will die a slow, agonizing death. Having made a deal with a demon to get so far, she agrees to move forward.
From then on, her magical powers begin to take form, and the story is completely gripping. There are many novels that deal with the paranormal, but I found this author created a unique world, with an imaginative and fresh take on angels, demons and how they conduct themselves. I was completely enthralled throughout. It's quick read that stays on plot without any extra "fluff" which keeps the pace perfect and exciting.
I would recommend this book to mature young adults and older. Just as a note, this is Part 1 of the story, and there is more to come. I look forward to the next volume!
November 4, 2018
Fallen to Grace was a wonderfully unique book about angels and demons. It was captivating. I loved the plot line so much that I read it in one sitting. I am very much looking forward to the rest of the series!
November 17, 2017
This book was not what I expected. In more than one way, even. I bought this thinking it was an urban fantasy type story with angels and demons running around on Earth. One of the Amazon reviews mentioned "fallen angels" so I thought it would be a new and hopefully original take on that theme.
But it's completely not that at all. It's a much more original concept. The author has developed a completely new fantasy world that doesn't relate to Christian mythology at all, except for the coincidence of names and perhaps in the general theme of good and evil.
The world-building is top notch. The descriptions are informative, detailed, and not distracting. In this world (simply referred to as Terra) there are multiple creator-gods (though none appear or are even named in the book). Instead of heaven we get Celestia, a floating city somewhere *up there* that is mentioned often but isn't really part of the tale (book two, probably). The story takes place in "The Manor", which is part of the world of humans but also apart from it.
The Manor is a sort of orphanage for foundling "Windlings" who both are and are not angels (too many details would be spoilerish).
The term "fallen angel" is misleading if you relate it to Christian dogma. It's nothing to do with having rebelled against God. It's used here only to give a vague sense of shared heritage between wind-born and angels.
Now on to the actual story and characters...
The main char isn't much of a "pro"tagonist. She's incredibly passive and just let's things happen to her rather than having goals and trying to achieve them. But it's written such that it's easy to sympathize with the char so it isn't as much a detriment as it could have been.
The book suffered from the same Flaw that plagues the pages of many self-trained authors. As the first book in a series, the author focuses too much on world-building and leaves the plot to flounder. There are too many unresolved threads and at the end it actually seems that the main char has completely forgotten most of her earlier goals. But the ending isn't a cliffhanger so it's not so bad.
Overall I'd say it isn't for everyone but will appeal strongly to those who like good fantasy world-building.
I would rate this a solid 6 out of 9, but in a five-star system that's about a 3½, so I'll round up to 4 because I did enjoy it.
I wasn't planning to buy the next book in the series but I looked at the blurb and apparently in book two she is forced to reconcile and ally with her worst enemy. This is a theme that appeals to me so I've gone and bought it anyway.
But it's completely not that at all. It's a much more original concept. The author has developed a completely new fantasy world that doesn't relate to Christian mythology at all, except for the coincidence of names and perhaps in the general theme of good and evil.
The world-building is top notch. The descriptions are informative, detailed, and not distracting. In this world (simply referred to as Terra) there are multiple creator-gods (though none appear or are even named in the book). Instead of heaven we get Celestia, a floating city somewhere *up there* that is mentioned often but isn't really part of the tale (book two, probably). The story takes place in "The Manor", which is part of the world of humans but also apart from it.
The Manor is a sort of orphanage for foundling "Windlings" who both are and are not angels (too many details would be spoilerish).
The term "fallen angel" is misleading if you relate it to Christian dogma. It's nothing to do with having rebelled against God. It's used here only to give a vague sense of shared heritage between wind-born and angels.
Now on to the actual story and characters...
The main char isn't much of a "pro"tagonist. She's incredibly passive and just let's things happen to her rather than having goals and trying to achieve them. But it's written such that it's easy to sympathize with the char so it isn't as much a detriment as it could have been.
The book suffered from the same Flaw that plagues the pages of many self-trained authors. As the first book in a series, the author focuses too much on world-building and leaves the plot to flounder. There are too many unresolved threads and at the end it actually seems that the main char has completely forgotten most of her earlier goals. But the ending isn't a cliffhanger so it's not so bad.
Overall I'd say it isn't for everyone but will appeal strongly to those who like good fantasy world-building.
I would rate this a solid 6 out of 9, but in a five-star system that's about a 3½, so I'll round up to 4 because I did enjoy it.
I wasn't planning to buy the next book in the series but I looked at the blurb and apparently in book two she is forced to reconcile and ally with her worst enemy. This is a theme that appeals to me so I've gone and bought it anyway.
January 14, 2018
This was an amazing book I loved all the characters the writing was beautiful I can't wait to start the next one
November 2, 2017
This was an interesting story, with some nicely written sections and beautifully created characters. A slight departure from my usual reading material, but I was engrossed from page one and thoroughly enjoyed the read! Will be reading the rest in the series, for sure.
May 8, 2018
The most interesting parts of this book where when the author was describing the demons. Its a pity that kind of enthusiasm was not carried through the rest of the book. We had the typical amazing female main character that is to be the strongest of her kind. Yet she spends most of her time in bed resting or comatose because its all too much for her. The times when she needs to pull her powers together to fight the demons she allows someone else to take over her body and do all the hard work. I did however enjoy the descriptions of Azrael getting her wings.
October 29, 2017
This book pulled me in and did not let me go. I was mesmerized by the different types if angels. This author definitely breathed new life into a subject that is as old as time and has been written about countless times, angels and demons. You won't regret picking up this book. I had never before read anything by A.J. Flowers but I am a fan for life now. Can't wait for the next book in this series to come out. Fantastic and beautifully written!
December 6, 2016
The novel introduces an interesting world filled with winged angels, fallen angels without wings, demons, and divinities. I liked that even though demons are the ultimate villains, there are also angels and fallen angels that aren't exactly good. There's corruption and it's not all black and white.
There were a lot of details regarding the hierarchy and characteristics of each angel. It took me a while to grasp how it all worked because it was a bit confusing and when I thought I got the whole mythology, something new was added. This made the book feel too much like an introduction at times. There was a lot of talk about hybrids and how girls were the only ones touched by demons, which I'm not sure how to take! But as it is the first book I've read that focuses on angels, I found it unique and I'd like to learn more about this whole world in book 2.
The plot itself felt almost non-existent. Azrael, our main character, has to endure a process called the Acceptance to become Queen, which is getting a tattoo with Divine Material that takes a few sessions. Because of this, the book felt repetitive. She suffered, recovered, learned about the world, and then the cycle started again. Obviously there was more than that, but looking back, that's how the plot can be summarized and I was expecting a lot more action. Don't get me wrong, I think the overall concept was cool and that it made sense how tough it was for Azrael, but I also think it shouldn't have taken so long. When the book was coming to an end, things definitely started to get more interesting.
The characters were okay. Azrael was loyal and seeking justice, but also pretty naive and with a lot to learn. It was particularly great to see such a strong female friendship between her and Meretta. The Queen was very complex and Gabriel was kind, but it always makes me uncomfortable when there's romance involving supernatural beings that hold a huge age difference. The rest of the characters I would have like to get to know more, especially the Hallowed and his apprentice.
Overall, Fallen to Grace was an introduction to a very interesting world. I would have liked more action within the plot and that the secondary characters were more explored, but now I'm curious to see what we will learn about them in the next books.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this ARC from the author for an honest review.
There were a lot of details regarding the hierarchy and characteristics of each angel. It took me a while to grasp how it all worked because it was a bit confusing and when I thought I got the whole mythology, something new was added. This made the book feel too much like an introduction at times. There was a lot of talk about hybrids and how girls were the only ones touched by demons, which I'm not sure how to take! But as it is the first book I've read that focuses on angels, I found it unique and I'd like to learn more about this whole world in book 2.
The plot itself felt almost non-existent. Azrael, our main character, has to endure a process called the Acceptance to become Queen, which is getting a tattoo with Divine Material that takes a few sessions. Because of this, the book felt repetitive. She suffered, recovered, learned about the world, and then the cycle started again. Obviously there was more than that, but looking back, that's how the plot can be summarized and I was expecting a lot more action. Don't get me wrong, I think the overall concept was cool and that it made sense how tough it was for Azrael, but I also think it shouldn't have taken so long. When the book was coming to an end, things definitely started to get more interesting.
The characters were okay. Azrael was loyal and seeking justice, but also pretty naive and with a lot to learn. It was particularly great to see such a strong female friendship between her and Meretta. The Queen was very complex and Gabriel was kind, but it always makes me uncomfortable when there's romance involving supernatural beings that hold a huge age difference. The rest of the characters I would have like to get to know more, especially the Hallowed and his apprentice.
Overall, Fallen to Grace was an introduction to a very interesting world. I would have liked more action within the plot and that the secondary characters were more explored, but now I'm curious to see what we will learn about them in the next books.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this ARC from the author for an honest review.
April 2, 2018
I don't, by in large, go in for Angel books. They're not my thing since...well I get weird feelings about Angels and religion and how it all relates. That said I've READ other ones before, and I think this one is a start of a promising series.
Azrael being a hybrid meant that no matter which way she turned she wasn't accepted. The demons scoffed at her angel side, the angels were dismissive of her demon side and in the end you get a character who is all the shades of gray on the morality scale while trying to prove that she's more than that.
My main gripe is that as a first book this felt painfully like a set up book. Azrael is much more reactive than proactive to what is happening to her and while she has a definitive idea of what she wants to accomplish it doesn't pick up steam til the end of the novel. While I can appreciate a book that wants to keep you hooked, I wish there had been a resolution with less passivity. Much of the book is taken up by Azrael's almost martyr like complex to take on the burden of saving the world.
I enjoyed the complexity of the world building, but the very nature of Azrael going through this process to become the next Queen meant that it felt fragments and not as fully explained. I appreciated the fact that Azrael had a strong friend in Meretta. Coming off a book where the heroine's best friend forever had been betraying her for a good decade or more, I was SO PLEASED to see how supportive Meretta was of Azrael and vice versa.
I'm intrigued where this is going and look forward to reading the next books!
Azrael being a hybrid meant that no matter which way she turned she wasn't accepted. The demons scoffed at her angel side, the angels were dismissive of her demon side and in the end you get a character who is all the shades of gray on the morality scale while trying to prove that she's more than that.
My main gripe is that as a first book this felt painfully like a set up book. Azrael is much more reactive than proactive to what is happening to her and while she has a definitive idea of what she wants to accomplish it doesn't pick up steam til the end of the novel. While I can appreciate a book that wants to keep you hooked, I wish there had been a resolution with less passivity. Much of the book is taken up by Azrael's almost martyr like complex to take on the burden of saving the world.
I enjoyed the complexity of the world building, but the very nature of Azrael going through this process to become the next Queen meant that it felt fragments and not as fully explained. I appreciated the fact that Azrael had a strong friend in Meretta. Coming off a book where the heroine's best friend forever had been betraying her for a good decade or more, I was SO PLEASED to see how supportive Meretta was of Azrael and vice versa.
I'm intrigued where this is going and look forward to reading the next books!
January 13, 2019
There was a lot to commend about this book. The writing was good, the prose beautiful, at times. The author clearly has skill at weaving together almost poetic descriptions, which make you feel like you are really there with the character, experiencing what they are experiencing.
My issues were mainly with the story itself and not the writing. I feel like contextually we weren’t given much to really be investing in the story. The world seemed small, with the majority taking place in the Manor. We know Azrael is to be Queen, but queen of what exactly? If she has no experience outside the manor, no interactions with those she is to rule... it felt disjointed at times.
The characters were good, if a bit one dimensional. Azrael has so much potential to be more... the concepts were good, but for me, the execution fell a bit flat. However, I’m sure that many, many people will enjoy this book. As mentioned before, the author is a very good writer and poet. The talent for the craft is certainly there. For me, I think this was more about preference than anything else. Fantasy, for me, must be expansive and sweeping, with characters who have multiple layers and motivations. I suppose this is why I tend to stick to epic fantasy as opposed to paranormal or angelic. But props to the writer for a well-developed skill at writing.
My issues were mainly with the story itself and not the writing. I feel like contextually we weren’t given much to really be investing in the story. The world seemed small, with the majority taking place in the Manor. We know Azrael is to be Queen, but queen of what exactly? If she has no experience outside the manor, no interactions with those she is to rule... it felt disjointed at times.
The characters were good, if a bit one dimensional. Azrael has so much potential to be more... the concepts were good, but for me, the execution fell a bit flat. However, I’m sure that many, many people will enjoy this book. As mentioned before, the author is a very good writer and poet. The talent for the craft is certainly there. For me, I think this was more about preference than anything else. Fantasy, for me, must be expansive and sweeping, with characters who have multiple layers and motivations. I suppose this is why I tend to stick to epic fantasy as opposed to paranormal or angelic. But props to the writer for a well-developed skill at writing.
March 30, 2018
This book was somewhat inconsistent, there were lots of good ideas, an interesting start to the world building and some promising characters, but it didn't all come together as well as you would expect with those good building blocks and I think the main issue for me is that it felt like being book one of a series was more important than being a good book in its own right.
The world of this book offers a fresh take on the conflict of angels and demons and their interactions with the Windborn who are something in between with the primary focus of the book being on Azrael, who it seems will be the designated 'chosen one' for this series and to be fair she does develop nicely through this book.
I thought that the narrator of this book gave a pleasant enough reading doing a good job on the whole, albeit some of the supporting characters would have probably benefited a little from being voiced more distinctly to enhance their characters.
Overall, this series seems like it is a promising one and with the extensive setup in this first book I would be interested in listening to the subsequent ones in the series.
[Note - I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.]
The world of this book offers a fresh take on the conflict of angels and demons and their interactions with the Windborn who are something in between with the primary focus of the book being on Azrael, who it seems will be the designated 'chosen one' for this series and to be fair she does develop nicely through this book.
I thought that the narrator of this book gave a pleasant enough reading doing a good job on the whole, albeit some of the supporting characters would have probably benefited a little from being voiced more distinctly to enhance their characters.
Overall, this series seems like it is a promising one and with the extensive setup in this first book I would be interested in listening to the subsequent ones in the series.
[Note - I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.]
August 20, 2018
It is interesting, getting a feeling that Azrael may be jealous of humans. Who and what is Azrael? Who are the Wildborn boys? What have they done that angers Azrael? WHo is Michael and what does he say and do about what has happened? What did the little girl do? Who is Meretta? What are hybrids? Things get really interesting when Azrael meets Gabriel. Why does this meeting take place? What is the rite of Acceptance? What does it mean for the future? Who's future does it mean something for? Who and what is Mita? How is this important to the story? Who is Uriel? We know there is a war coming, at least that is what I am gathering just from what happened in this book. I think I like Alexandria. I KNOW I love Meretta. I have even come to admire Queen Ceres. I hope you enjoy this book! I certainly did. Please know there is a bit of a cliff-hanger at the end of this, but book two is already out.
RECEIVED THIS BOOK AS A GIFT FOR A FAIR/HONEST REVIEW and REVIEWER FOR Bloggin' With M. Brennan.
RECEIVED THIS BOOK AS A GIFT FOR A FAIR/HONEST REVIEW and REVIEWER FOR Bloggin' With M. Brennan.
January 16, 2018
I don't usually read many sci-fi books, but this one was interesting.
So interestingly enough, babies fall from the sky and they are all blue eyed males. If a demon touch's the baby's soul, it turns into a female child with green eyes. There is the odd child that becomes a hybrid, who is always a female. A hybrid female has had an extremely powerful demon touch their soul and if that demon were to take hold, the child would fie or go insane, so 1 green eye and 1 blue eye. Blue eyed males are light, or untainted. Azrael is a hybrid and our main character.
I'm not going to go into this to much, because I don't want to leave spoilers. This book has Angels, demons, seraphim, celestials who shoot light from there body or control emotions. It also has a spunky female character who wants to change things such as having to sell her people into slavery. I think this has something for everyone. It's the first book in a series and it leaves us with a cliffhanger. It's well written with an interesting plot.
So interestingly enough, babies fall from the sky and they are all blue eyed males. If a demon touch's the baby's soul, it turns into a female child with green eyes. There is the odd child that becomes a hybrid, who is always a female. A hybrid female has had an extremely powerful demon touch their soul and if that demon were to take hold, the child would fie or go insane, so 1 green eye and 1 blue eye. Blue eyed males are light, or untainted. Azrael is a hybrid and our main character.
I'm not going to go into this to much, because I don't want to leave spoilers. This book has Angels, demons, seraphim, celestials who shoot light from there body or control emotions. It also has a spunky female character who wants to change things such as having to sell her people into slavery. I think this has something for everyone. It's the first book in a series and it leaves us with a cliffhanger. It's well written with an interesting plot.
March 21, 2018
I found the idea behind this story really interesting but hte execution left me confused at times. At the end of the book I was left wondering how all the pieces go together and what it's all supposed to mean. Perhaps that was intended by the author but I found it a bit frustrating that so much was left unresolved. Of course there are other books in the series that will probably explain everything but I'm not feeling drawn to get the next book.
It's a shame because the writing is vivid and clear and flowed nicely. Perhaps I missed something, or failed to connect some dots, not sure. I don't regret listening to it, I'm just not looking for more.
I'm not a fan of the narration, I found it mono-tone and lacking in emotion, it detracted from the story. Although the character voices were fine.
I received a free copy of this book from the author and/or narrator and/or publisher and I voluntarily wrote this honest review.
It's a shame because the writing is vivid and clear and flowed nicely. Perhaps I missed something, or failed to connect some dots, not sure. I don't regret listening to it, I'm just not looking for more.
I'm not a fan of the narration, I found it mono-tone and lacking in emotion, it detracted from the story. Although the character voices were fine.
I received a free copy of this book from the author and/or narrator and/or publisher and I voluntarily wrote this honest review.
August 24, 2017
In FALLEN TO GRACE, Azreal is a hybrid, an abomination, but she dreams of becoming so much more. Those dreams didn't involve becoming queen though. When she is the next chosen, she must go through the Acceptance to become the next queen and her body must accept the change.
The Acceptance is extremely painful, but Azreal has the support of the angel Gabriel and her best friend Marietta. However, she didn't realize demons would be coming after her in her time of weakness, before she can become her true self.
Betrayal leads to a devastating end, but Azreal gets her wings whether it was worth the price or not. Now only she can lead the angels and hybrids into a better future and protect them from the demons.
Final Verdict: I would recommend this to fans of angel stories, but this one is slightly different since it focuses on her becoming queen more than a romance.
The Acceptance is extremely painful, but Azreal has the support of the angel Gabriel and her best friend Marietta. However, she didn't realize demons would be coming after her in her time of weakness, before she can become her true self.
Betrayal leads to a devastating end, but Azreal gets her wings whether it was worth the price or not. Now only she can lead the angels and hybrids into a better future and protect them from the demons.
Final Verdict: I would recommend this to fans of angel stories, but this one is slightly different since it focuses on her becoming queen more than a romance.
December 27, 2017
This book is a fantastic good book about Azrael, a hybrid with one and one blue eye that gives her the opportunity to see both good and evil. I love (and belive in )Angels so when I started reading it I have serious problem that the Author had done Azreal to a female Angel (as she turn out to be. The windborn are angels that grow up on earth not knowing that angels exist) since my Azrael is an old man looking little like Dumbeldore but after a few pages I was totally hooked up in the book. I love books about angel and demon that sound realistic and this book does. Azrael does a deal with a demon and are suddenly the first hybrid to have a chance to be Queen. As all know dealing with demons and the devil is never without problems and there are a lot of things that happens during her way on the road to be the next queen. I really looking forward to the next book and maybe Azrael change to a male then.. This is on top 5 of my best read book this year
May 26, 2018
ONE TANTALIZING READ!!!
I feel the need to warn you guys of something so you'll be prepared for this excellent tale. It has all of the drama, complexedly, action packed into such a smooth flowing storyline that captured my attention from the from the first paragraph. The characters and scenes are so realistic with such graphic detailed descriptions that really brings this read to life. This exciting page turning, complex plot that Flowers has weaved around me so much so, that everything else ceases to exist. Drawn deeper into her imagination with all the talents for one fantastic tale that will leave you reeling. Remarkable job bringing this read together beautifully. Great job Flowers and thank you for sharing this little guy with us.
I feel the need to warn you guys of something so you'll be prepared for this excellent tale. It has all of the drama, complexedly, action packed into such a smooth flowing storyline that captured my attention from the from the first paragraph. The characters and scenes are so realistic with such graphic detailed descriptions that really brings this read to life. This exciting page turning, complex plot that Flowers has weaved around me so much so, that everything else ceases to exist. Drawn deeper into her imagination with all the talents for one fantastic tale that will leave you reeling. Remarkable job bringing this read together beautifully. Great job Flowers and thank you for sharing this little guy with us.
July 13, 2018
**Daughter's review**
A.J. Flower’s Fallen to Grace is a fantasy novel featuring angels and demons, but it isn't a Christian/Fantasy novel. Instead of God, we have the Divine, which are pretty much the gods of all that is good. Being the first in a series, it ends on a cliffhanger.
Azreal is a Hybrid Windborn, which means that she is a fallen angel with a demon. Female Windborns are sold for, well, slavery. Azreal makes a deal with her demon to change her fate and set her free. And her fate goes from slave to Divine princess.
But her new position comes with danger, and she may not last long enough to become queen. Filled with interesting characters, and feelable emotions, Fallen to Grace will have you hooked.
A.J. Flower’s Fallen to Grace is a fantasy novel featuring angels and demons, but it isn't a Christian/Fantasy novel. Instead of God, we have the Divine, which are pretty much the gods of all that is good. Being the first in a series, it ends on a cliffhanger.
Azreal is a Hybrid Windborn, which means that she is a fallen angel with a demon. Female Windborns are sold for, well, slavery. Azreal makes a deal with her demon to change her fate and set her free. And her fate goes from slave to Divine princess.
But her new position comes with danger, and she may not last long enough to become queen. Filled with interesting characters, and feelable emotions, Fallen to Grace will have you hooked.
March 24, 2018
AJ Flowers presents the battle of angels vs. demons in a brand new way. Azrael, half angel, half demon, makes a deal with a demon to try and make changes in her life and to better the world around her. She develops magical skills and a determination that does not quit. She is a character who rises to the challenge as needed in a world presented with such beautifully detailed descriptions that make you lose yourself in the pages. I feel like I was sucked into this world and didn't want to leave.
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