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The Oculus Gate #1
Heaven Came Down
Heavenly messengers, or deadly parasites?
In the chaotic aftermath of apocalyptic war, the strange lights in the sky heralding the coming of unearthly beings seemed like an answer to prayer. When the heavenly visitors entered selected people and transformed them into angels who demanded obedience in exchange for the restoration of order, the majority accepted their new rulers.
But Ben Garrison and his siblings, Jack and Trudy, have seen a dark side to these so-called angels. They join a rebel faction with one goal: destroy the invaders and free the world from their tyranny.
When the rebels catch wind of an angel plot to invade the resistance region and spread a deadly contagion, the Garrisons embark on a crucial mission to swap the angel troops’ vaccine with a fake injection, stealing the real vaccine to save the rebels. The catch: Ben and Trudy, in disguise as doctors, must volunteer to become implanted by angels and fake their implantation.
The rebels’ plan, however, is soon exposed, jeopardizing the mission and their lives. Their only hope for rescue lies in an odd bounty hunter, a young angel priestess, and a mysterious spy embedded among the angels—a woman whose identity the rebels have yet to discover.
In the chaotic aftermath of apocalyptic war, the strange lights in the sky heralding the coming of unearthly beings seemed like an answer to prayer. When the heavenly visitors entered selected people and transformed them into angels who demanded obedience in exchange for the restoration of order, the majority accepted their new rulers.
But Ben Garrison and his siblings, Jack and Trudy, have seen a dark side to these so-called angels. They join a rebel faction with one goal: destroy the invaders and free the world from their tyranny.
When the rebels catch wind of an angel plot to invade the resistance region and spread a deadly contagion, the Garrisons embark on a crucial mission to swap the angel troops’ vaccine with a fake injection, stealing the real vaccine to save the rebels. The catch: Ben and Trudy, in disguise as doctors, must volunteer to become implanted by angels and fake their implantation.
The rebels’ plan, however, is soon exposed, jeopardizing the mission and their lives. Their only hope for rescue lies in an odd bounty hunter, a young angel priestess, and a mysterious spy embedded among the angels—a woman whose identity the rebels have yet to discover.
310 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 15, 2020
21 people are currently reading
171 people want to read
About the author
Bryan Davis
98 books987 followersBryan Davis is the author several speculative-fiction series, including Dragons in Our Midst, Oracles of Fire, Children of the Bard, Dragons of Camelot, The Reapers Trilogy, The Time Echoes Trilogy, Tales of Starlight, Dragons of Starlight, the Oculus Gate, Not So Famous Dog Tales, Astral Alliance, and Wanted: Superheroes.
Bryan and his wife, Susie, have homeschooled their four girls and three boys.
Bryan was born in 1958 and grew up in the eastern U.S. From the time he taught himself how to read before school age, through his seminary years and beyond, he has demonstrated a passion for the written word, reading and writing in many disciplines and genres, including fantasy, theology, fiction, devotionals, poetry, and humor.
Bryan and his wife, Susie, have homeschooled their four girls and three boys.
Bryan was born in 1958 and grew up in the eastern U.S. From the time he taught himself how to read before school age, through his seminary years and beyond, he has demonstrated a passion for the written word, reading and writing in many disciplines and genres, including fantasy, theology, fiction, devotionals, poetry, and humor.
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May 30, 2020
What if a legion of beings claiming to be angels visited Earth in the aftermath of an apocalyptic war… but in exchange for restoring order, they demanded absolute obedience?
That’s the question asked by Heaven Came Down, the first in a sci-fi series called The Oculus Gate.
And boy, are you in for a mind-bending ride if you pick it up!
(Just look at that cover, for starters!)
I think I enjoyed this one even more than Let the Ghosts Speak, which—if you read my review of it a couple of months ago—is already one of my favorite Bryan Davis books.
Here’s what I loved:
Cast of Characters
As usual, the cast of characters is vibrant and varied, ranging from the steadfast Captain Barks to a young priestess on the run to a zany bounty hunter.
I especially loved the Garrison siblings and their interactions. Sibling stories are already one of my favorite things, but I feel like I haven’t read that many where the siblings are adults. Ben’s struggle between mercy and unflinching justice… Jack’s charismatic exterior overlaying deep hurt… Trudy’s tough-as-nails skills and desire to prove herself on the field… Each of them were unique, and I found their relationships both realistic and strong.
Eerily Relevant Themes
If words like “vaccine” and “contagion” in the blurb popped out at you, you’re probably already thinking, “Hmm, this sounds a bit like current affairs.” Bryan Davis states in the afterword that he wrote this story before the whole COVID-19 situation, and the parallels between the Garrisons’ world and our world became apparent during the final editing stages. Needless to say, whatever your stance on the issue, it’s interesting to fictionalize some of today’s questions and extrapolate them into something even deadlier!
Mind-Bending Plot Twists
A hallmark of Bryan Davis’s novels is complex character motivations, and that particular strength really shone here in Heaven Came Down. I can’t remember the last time a story contained so many double agents!
It kept me on my toes, not knowing who to trust. In fact, given the angels’ ability to implant themselves in human consciousnesses, the main characters had no idea who was all compromised. So… lots of guesswork, conflict, and some big reveals!
Impossible Situations
Pitting three humans against supernatural beings who can feign a normal appearance, read minds, or out-muscle and out-gun even the best soldiers? That’s insane. But that’s exactly what happens. The Garrisons stand as the remnant against mass evil, and though they face impossible odds at every turn, they possess the smarts, steely moral backbone, and deeply personal incentive to fight back.
This is how you write heroes you can cheer for, people!
Fast Pace
Not only does most of the story take place over the course of a single day and night, but the tension ratchets up with every chapter. Subterfuge, gunfights, chase scenes, and a fusion of sci-fi tech with supernatural events made for a potent brew indeed! Well-placed moments of quiet conversation and inner turmoil also serve to balance it out.
The Promise of More
After the whirlwind of plot twists, the story ends with just enough closure to be satisfying… and the right combination of unanswered questions and new threats to segue into the next book. This definitely promises to be a fantastic series! When I reached the final page, it reminded me of the feeling I got when I first read Bryan Davis’s Dragons in Our Midst and Oracles of Fire series, except this one is sci-fi instead of fantasy and seems more geared towards the adult/new adult market instead of YA.*
*That doesn’t mean it isn’t clean—it is! I’m talking about the age of the characters: mostly 20s and up.
And if I’m not mistaken, long-time fans of Bryan Davis’s work will find a subtle nod to another certain series of his involving a supernatural element. 😉 I’ll let you find this little Easter egg yourself!
Overall, it’s another 5-star read!
Expect moral dilemmas, danger, a ticking clock, and sacrificial bravery. And bring your brain, because you’ll need it to keep track of the constantly shifting stakes and motives!
That’s the question asked by Heaven Came Down, the first in a sci-fi series called The Oculus Gate.
And boy, are you in for a mind-bending ride if you pick it up!
(Just look at that cover, for starters!)
I think I enjoyed this one even more than Let the Ghosts Speak, which—if you read my review of it a couple of months ago—is already one of my favorite Bryan Davis books.
Here’s what I loved:
Cast of Characters
As usual, the cast of characters is vibrant and varied, ranging from the steadfast Captain Barks to a young priestess on the run to a zany bounty hunter.
I especially loved the Garrison siblings and their interactions. Sibling stories are already one of my favorite things, but I feel like I haven’t read that many where the siblings are adults. Ben’s struggle between mercy and unflinching justice… Jack’s charismatic exterior overlaying deep hurt… Trudy’s tough-as-nails skills and desire to prove herself on the field… Each of them were unique, and I found their relationships both realistic and strong.
Eerily Relevant Themes
If words like “vaccine” and “contagion” in the blurb popped out at you, you’re probably already thinking, “Hmm, this sounds a bit like current affairs.” Bryan Davis states in the afterword that he wrote this story before the whole COVID-19 situation, and the parallels between the Garrisons’ world and our world became apparent during the final editing stages. Needless to say, whatever your stance on the issue, it’s interesting to fictionalize some of today’s questions and extrapolate them into something even deadlier!
Mind-Bending Plot Twists
A hallmark of Bryan Davis’s novels is complex character motivations, and that particular strength really shone here in Heaven Came Down. I can’t remember the last time a story contained so many double agents!
It kept me on my toes, not knowing who to trust. In fact, given the angels’ ability to implant themselves in human consciousnesses, the main characters had no idea who was all compromised. So… lots of guesswork, conflict, and some big reveals!
Impossible Situations
Pitting three humans against supernatural beings who can feign a normal appearance, read minds, or out-muscle and out-gun even the best soldiers? That’s insane. But that’s exactly what happens. The Garrisons stand as the remnant against mass evil, and though they face impossible odds at every turn, they possess the smarts, steely moral backbone, and deeply personal incentive to fight back.
This is how you write heroes you can cheer for, people!
Fast Pace
Not only does most of the story take place over the course of a single day and night, but the tension ratchets up with every chapter. Subterfuge, gunfights, chase scenes, and a fusion of sci-fi tech with supernatural events made for a potent brew indeed! Well-placed moments of quiet conversation and inner turmoil also serve to balance it out.
The Promise of More
After the whirlwind of plot twists, the story ends with just enough closure to be satisfying… and the right combination of unanswered questions and new threats to segue into the next book. This definitely promises to be a fantastic series! When I reached the final page, it reminded me of the feeling I got when I first read Bryan Davis’s Dragons in Our Midst and Oracles of Fire series, except this one is sci-fi instead of fantasy and seems more geared towards the adult/new adult market instead of YA.*
*That doesn’t mean it isn’t clean—it is! I’m talking about the age of the characters: mostly 20s and up.
And if I’m not mistaken, long-time fans of Bryan Davis’s work will find a subtle nod to another certain series of his involving a supernatural element. 😉 I’ll let you find this little Easter egg yourself!
Overall, it’s another 5-star read!
Expect moral dilemmas, danger, a ticking clock, and sacrificial bravery. And bring your brain, because you’ll need it to keep track of the constantly shifting stakes and motives!
February 3, 2023
~~~~~~In Retrospect:~~~~~~~~~~~
Three or four years ago I plowed through every single Bryan Davis novel in just a few months. Out of all of those, this is one of the ones that stands out as being a favourite. This was one of his most unique (not that they aren't all unique and original). I've already read this one a couple of times and still this is the one that most pulls me back to reread...
So I'm taking the liberty of bumping up my old rating of four stars to five. Because when a book sticks with me like this one did, it's got to have five stars.
Also, book 4 has been announced! And that title! *gasps* I still haven't read book 3 (hides in guilty shame). At this point I feel like it's probably worth waiting the few extra months till it's been out a year so I can get it through interlibrary loan via my library. I've already supported Davis by buying pretty much every single other novel he wrote... I think I'm gonna save my money on this series, even though it's really good.
~~~~~~Original Review:~~~~~~~~~~
A must-read!
Bryan Davis never ceases to amaze me with his exciting and at the same time, uplifting, books. He is my favorite author, exceeding all other authors I have read by far. This is not because I have not read much. I am an avid reader, reading an average twenty books a month, and have read thousands of different books in my lifetime.
Bryan Davis’s newest novel, Heaven Came Down, is one of his best so far. Full of twist and turns, intrigue and mysteries, engaging protagonists and fearsome enemies, this book has all the ingredients of a good story. It is a perfect blend of the real and the supernatural. This was one of his most fast-paced books, yet he still managed to pack in all the elements of Christian truth that I have come to love from his books.
I loved the military resistance tone to this book, and all the different levels of agents and double agents. For most of the characters, it is unclear whether they are trustworthy, until the stunning close. Yet, I liked how the novel was led by a few characters who you knew you could always trust through the ever-shifting intrigue.
The whole mystery of the angels and the Oculus Gate was very captivating and eerie, a combination that I love. Most astounding of all is how Bryan Davis managed to wrap it all up in a very unexpected and yet well-foreshadowed close, that left me satisfied and longing for more, while making a way for much more to come.
This is one of my favorite books, and I have not been able to get my mind off it since I read it. I cannot wait for Bryan Davis to write book two!
Three or four years ago I plowed through every single Bryan Davis novel in just a few months. Out of all of those, this is one of the ones that stands out as being a favourite. This was one of his most unique (not that they aren't all unique and original). I've already read this one a couple of times and still this is the one that most pulls me back to reread...
So I'm taking the liberty of bumping up my old rating of four stars to five. Because when a book sticks with me like this one did, it's got to have five stars.
Also, book 4 has been announced! And that title! *gasps* I still haven't read book 3 (hides in guilty shame). At this point I feel like it's probably worth waiting the few extra months till it's been out a year so I can get it through interlibrary loan via my library. I've already supported Davis by buying pretty much every single other novel he wrote... I think I'm gonna save my money on this series, even though it's really good.
~~~~~~Original Review:~~~~~~~~~~
A must-read!
Bryan Davis never ceases to amaze me with his exciting and at the same time, uplifting, books. He is my favorite author, exceeding all other authors I have read by far. This is not because I have not read much. I am an avid reader, reading an average twenty books a month, and have read thousands of different books in my lifetime.
Bryan Davis’s newest novel, Heaven Came Down, is one of his best so far. Full of twist and turns, intrigue and mysteries, engaging protagonists and fearsome enemies, this book has all the ingredients of a good story. It is a perfect blend of the real and the supernatural. This was one of his most fast-paced books, yet he still managed to pack in all the elements of Christian truth that I have come to love from his books.
I loved the military resistance tone to this book, and all the different levels of agents and double agents. For most of the characters, it is unclear whether they are trustworthy, until the stunning close. Yet, I liked how the novel was led by a few characters who you knew you could always trust through the ever-shifting intrigue.
The whole mystery of the angels and the Oculus Gate was very captivating and eerie, a combination that I love. Most astounding of all is how Bryan Davis managed to wrap it all up in a very unexpected and yet well-foreshadowed close, that left me satisfied and longing for more, while making a way for much more to come.
This is one of my favorite books, and I have not been able to get my mind off it since I read it. I cannot wait for Bryan Davis to write book two!
July 1, 2020
Well, that was a wild ride. Not that I expected anything less from Bryan Davis, but I'm always caught off-guard by just how crazy and twisty his books can be.
Conceptually, Heaven Came Down was very cool — the idea of false "angels" appearing and taking over by promising world peace seems like something that could happen while still being a unique idea. I was a bit confused for a while by why anyone would volunteer to be implanted by the angels, but it made more sense by the end. In addition, the angel situation and a lot of the questions raised by it and the book's events were relevant to today's culture and climate without being so on-the-nose that it became unpleasant. (There's a reason I'm not reading contemporary lit, y'all.)
The plot of the story was very twisty and exciting, with new revelations every few chapters. The last several chapters were basically a constant stream of "OH STORMS. WHAT THE PUMPERNICKEL JUST HAPPENED. WHAT IS GOING ON. OH STARS." But, y'know, in a good way. (Also, I saw next to nothing coming! Also in a good way! So that's great!)
As per the usual, the characters are the one thing that could be called a weak point. While everyone is reasonably distinct, very few people actually sound distinct, and I had a harder time getting a read on different personalities than I would've liked. Still, I did manage to develop favorites (Jack!!! Also Iona and Leo!!!), so it's not a complete negative. Just something that I think could've been done better. And, y'know, your mileage may vary.
Overall, Heaven Came Down is another excellent addition to both Davis's body of work and your bookshelf. If you enjoyed his Reapers series or even his Reflection's Edge/Time Echoes series, you'll probably like this as well. As for me, I'll just be hanging out and waiting for book two (and also thinking of finally finishing the Reapers trilogy, because I think the two might be loosely connected, though I'm not 100% certain). So, yeah. Good book. Read it.
Conceptually, Heaven Came Down was very cool — the idea of false "angels" appearing and taking over by promising world peace seems like something that could happen while still being a unique idea. I was a bit confused for a while by why anyone would volunteer to be implanted by the angels, but it made more sense by the end. In addition, the angel situation and a lot of the questions raised by it and the book's events were relevant to today's culture and climate without being so on-the-nose that it became unpleasant. (There's a reason I'm not reading contemporary lit, y'all.)
The plot of the story was very twisty and exciting, with new revelations every few chapters. The last several chapters were basically a constant stream of "OH STORMS. WHAT THE PUMPERNICKEL JUST HAPPENED. WHAT IS GOING ON. OH STARS." But, y'know, in a good way. (Also, I saw next to nothing coming! Also in a good way! So that's great!)
As per the usual, the characters are the one thing that could be called a weak point. While everyone is reasonably distinct, very few people actually sound distinct, and I had a harder time getting a read on different personalities than I would've liked. Still, I did manage to develop favorites (Jack!!! Also Iona and Leo!!!), so it's not a complete negative. Just something that I think could've been done better. And, y'know, your mileage may vary.
Overall, Heaven Came Down is another excellent addition to both Davis's body of work and your bookshelf. If you enjoyed his Reapers series or even his Reflection's Edge/Time Echoes series, you'll probably like this as well. As for me, I'll just be hanging out and waiting for book two (and also thinking of finally finishing the Reapers trilogy, because I think the two might be loosely connected, though I'm not 100% certain). So, yeah. Good book. Read it.
October 9, 2020
Heaven Came Down is a non-stop, dystopian adventure. The novel is set in the future where the earth has been invaded by not-so-friendly angels, and a small rogue band stages one last attempt to free earth from the angels that implant themselves into humans and take them over. But the mission is doomed almost from the start, and the characters have to improvise for the human race to have a prayer.
I really liked that I was guessing to the very end of the story. Davis is a master storyteller and kept me on the edge of my seat. The ending was satisfying, except one major question went unanswered regarding the fate of two characters. I’ll have to wait for the sequel!
I really liked that I was guessing to the very end of the story. Davis is a master storyteller and kept me on the edge of my seat. The ending was satisfying, except one major question went unanswered regarding the fate of two characters. I’ll have to wait for the sequel!
May 29, 2020
What an amazing book! Mr. Davis has done it again! Heaven Came Down tells the story of Trudy, and Ben Garrison, two young adults in an unspecified time in the future. A force claiming to be good, but not actually acting as good as they seem come to Earth, calling themselves angels. Problem is, they aren't praising God. It's up to Trudy and Ben to stop the angels, and save humanity. The book ultimately asks "If an entity promised peace, would you blindly follow? If you like sci-fi adventure stories, or any of Mr. Davis' previous books, you'll love this one! I couldn't put it down! One minute I started reading, and it felt like the next thing I knew, it was bedtime!
July 2, 2020
The “angels” who came after the plague were more of an alien invasion than angelic saviors. They may have pretended to be God’s holy messengers, but they were far from holy, and the peace they brought came at the cost of freedom.
Ben, Trudy, and Jack know the angels have a plan to release a pathogen on those who oppose their rule. To stop it, they need to sneak into the angels’ base and switch the real vaccine for a fake one, but can the real vaccine be trusted?
Heaven Came Down is like a sequel to Mission Impossible where the hero failed in his last two missions. Now, the characters have to try to save the day that’s gone terribly wrong.
The story has a wide array of twists and turns, leaving the reader guessing as to what will happen, especially when there are so many characters.
While the book doesn’t seem to be set in the Tribulation, faith plays a part, with the characters being Christian, and the first scene in the book taking place in a church. Souls are trapped by the Gateway, unable to go to Heaven, and there is also an angel who might be a legitimate angel.
One minor issue I had with this book is that some areas seemed a little slow, and some of the characters too familiar. I suspect a large part of this is because I’ve read around thirty of Bryan Davis’s books and I know his writing style and characters pretty well. Someone who hasn’t read all his books would be much less likely to have this issue.
Even though the book was written before the current pandemic situation, it’s full of things that are relevant to today’s world, such as control versus freedom and rebel groups, making Heaven Came Down a timely addition to the shelf.
Ben, Trudy, and Jack know the angels have a plan to release a pathogen on those who oppose their rule. To stop it, they need to sneak into the angels’ base and switch the real vaccine for a fake one, but can the real vaccine be trusted?
Heaven Came Down is like a sequel to Mission Impossible where the hero failed in his last two missions. Now, the characters have to try to save the day that’s gone terribly wrong.
The story has a wide array of twists and turns, leaving the reader guessing as to what will happen, especially when there are so many characters.
While the book doesn’t seem to be set in the Tribulation, faith plays a part, with the characters being Christian, and the first scene in the book taking place in a church. Souls are trapped by the Gateway, unable to go to Heaven, and there is also an angel who might be a legitimate angel.
One minor issue I had with this book is that some areas seemed a little slow, and some of the characters too familiar. I suspect a large part of this is because I’ve read around thirty of Bryan Davis’s books and I know his writing style and characters pretty well. Someone who hasn’t read all his books would be much less likely to have this issue.
Even though the book was written before the current pandemic situation, it’s full of things that are relevant to today’s world, such as control versus freedom and rebel groups, making Heaven Came Down a timely addition to the shelf.
July 29, 2021
Allow me to summarize what’s wrong with this book by sharing a paragraph of it with you.
“What’ll happen to my soul if I don’t kill myself?”
The vaccine will force your soul out of your body, but before that happens, I will put you in a special container, a shield that will allow you to escape the Oculus Gate’s vortex. Once you are in spiritual flight into the ethereal cosmos, you can allow yourself to be drawn into the Neverending Highway. You will be able to speak to your wife and daughter there. When you find them, you can offer comfort by telling them escape is possible by destroying the vortex and the blockade, but you will have to return to earth to do so. You will not be able ot bring them out with you. I expect you will want to try to transfer your shield to them, but I warn you not to. If you manage to strip it off, it will dissolve, and you will be trapping in the Neverending Highway with them, unable to depart and do what is necessary to help them escape. Do you understand?
No. No I do not understand. Now I should share some context with you. In this conversation, fake angels (demons, though that word is never used) have taken over the earth and also blocked the entry of souls to heaven through this Oculus Gate. The vaccine it refers to is an injection that the fake angels are giving humans so that they can then take over the soulless body and send the soul to what is basically limbo with a maybe unstated goal of getting them to hell. (Though again, the words hell and demon are never said.)
Later, we get this gem of a conversation snippet.
“He’s in my brain,” Chantal said, “Please … please don’t ask … me to explain. Just know … that he loves you … and he is … risking his soul … to rescue you and Alana.”
“His soul?”
“Yes, his soul … is riding … in my brain … to help me … save you. If not for him … I would be … an angel robot. He is … a good man.”
Now I could mention that’s probably irresponsible to write a book about a vaccine forcing a person’s soul from their body given the general state of COVID vaccine hysteria. Davis does mention that he finished writing this pre-COVID, so at least if there’s an anti-vax message in the book, it’s not COVID specific.
I’ll give Davis credit that he takes an outlandish premise and plays it straight. It’s entertaining in a B-movie, so bad it’s good kind of way. None of it is believable, which makes all of it believable. Why do certain things happen? As Chantal says “please don’t ask … me to explain.” How does the science/magic work? Who knows? Who cares? The setting and pacing were the best parts of the story. It’s bright, flashy, and fast which makes it a little entertaining at least.
Reading the Goodreads reviews, Davis has his fans so he’s writing to them and that’s great, I guess. But for me, I’ve now read three wildly different Davis books and all of them have been misses for different reasons. He’s had a long career that seems somewhat successful, so good on him for finding an audience. I’m just not going to be one of them.
“What’ll happen to my soul if I don’t kill myself?”
The vaccine will force your soul out of your body, but before that happens, I will put you in a special container, a shield that will allow you to escape the Oculus Gate’s vortex. Once you are in spiritual flight into the ethereal cosmos, you can allow yourself to be drawn into the Neverending Highway. You will be able to speak to your wife and daughter there. When you find them, you can offer comfort by telling them escape is possible by destroying the vortex and the blockade, but you will have to return to earth to do so. You will not be able ot bring them out with you. I expect you will want to try to transfer your shield to them, but I warn you not to. If you manage to strip it off, it will dissolve, and you will be trapping in the Neverending Highway with them, unable to depart and do what is necessary to help them escape. Do you understand?
No. No I do not understand. Now I should share some context with you. In this conversation, fake angels (demons, though that word is never used) have taken over the earth and also blocked the entry of souls to heaven through this Oculus Gate. The vaccine it refers to is an injection that the fake angels are giving humans so that they can then take over the soulless body and send the soul to what is basically limbo with a maybe unstated goal of getting them to hell. (Though again, the words hell and demon are never said.)
Later, we get this gem of a conversation snippet.
“He’s in my brain,” Chantal said, “Please … please don’t ask … me to explain. Just know … that he loves you … and he is … risking his soul … to rescue you and Alana.”
“His soul?”
“Yes, his soul … is riding … in my brain … to help me … save you. If not for him … I would be … an angel robot. He is … a good man.”
Now I could mention that’s probably irresponsible to write a book about a vaccine forcing a person’s soul from their body given the general state of COVID vaccine hysteria. Davis does mention that he finished writing this pre-COVID, so at least if there’s an anti-vax message in the book, it’s not COVID specific.
I’ll give Davis credit that he takes an outlandish premise and plays it straight. It’s entertaining in a B-movie, so bad it’s good kind of way. None of it is believable, which makes all of it believable. Why do certain things happen? As Chantal says “please don’t ask … me to explain.” How does the science/magic work? Who knows? Who cares? The setting and pacing were the best parts of the story. It’s bright, flashy, and fast which makes it a little entertaining at least.
Reading the Goodreads reviews, Davis has his fans so he’s writing to them and that’s great, I guess. But for me, I’ve now read three wildly different Davis books and all of them have been misses for different reasons. He’s had a long career that seems somewhat successful, so good on him for finding an audience. I’m just not going to be one of them.
May 23, 2020
Bryan Davis has outdone himself again. With a thrilling and twisting plot, harrowing mysteries and questions that the reader must discover the answer to, and simply astounding characters, this book will satisfy any reader and leave them in awe. This plot was way more involved and intriguing than I could ever have expected, and wow did it deliver all of the excitement that the back cover blurb offered. This book 100% deserved a 5-star rating because of how thrilling and involved the plot was, the intense connection the reader feels with the characters, and the masterful execution of every well-developed plot point. I cannot wait for the rest of the series.
May 24, 2020
Bryan Davis's who is my favorite author has done it again. He is releasing another great book to his lineup of books he already has. If you love his work than I strongly suggest you add this book to your collection. It can be the first in a series of books or you can add it to you ever growing collection.
May 25, 2020
Another fantastic book from Bryan Davis. Fast-paced and thrilling, it will keep you on the edge of your seat. Davis proves he can write for the adult sci-fi market with just as much (or maybe more!) skill as for the youth fantasy genre.
July 15, 2020
No matter what Bryan Davis book I read, I devour it within two or three days. (It normally takes me a week to read a book.) The worlds in which he creates epic adventures are always captivating, his characters always multidimensional and his themes stir up courage from within. His newest release, Heaven Came Down, has all those qualities and more. It amazes that Davis can continue to create such great stories again and again!
In Heaven Came Down, freedom fighters Ben, Jack and Trudy are the main characters in a world controlled by angels. Evil angels. If you’ve read Davis’ previous books, you will remember that his stories can either be set in our world or a made up one. In this story, it’s our world in a futuristic setting. Kentucky even gets a shout out once in the story. However, I guarantee you won’t recognize the setting as our planet...and that makes the book so much better. *wink*
It doesn’t take too many chapters to find out that freedom plays a big role in this story, and most importantly, what freedom is. The setting in Heaven Came Down places people in a situation where people gave up freedom for peace, thinking it would result in the same thing. Instead, the whole world became a slave to someone else’s motives. The “evil angles” in this story, to me, represent the evil in this world that tells us to give up our minds, culture and individuality to a system that promises unity, but never delivers. Like the angels in this book, who came as deliverers to all earth’s woes - but actually made life worse - represent the things in our lives that promise peace but can actually be more harmful than the problem itself. Wow. If there’s a plot that speaks to what we’re walking through right now in life, this book is it. Through this story, we learn what freedom and the cost of it, truly is. This may be the most important book I read all year.
Another thing I really enjoyed were all the characters. When Davis writes book number one, you usually meet a lot of people who will play key parts in the length of the series. By the end of Heaven Came Down, I loved all the people that were a part of the story and can’t wait to see what they’ll be a part of in the coming books. I also really enjoyed that some of the characters were older. My favorite series from Davis is “Dragons of Starlight” that was more teen focused. In this book, there are younger characters like Iona but also older characters like Ben, who had been married and had a daughter. I thought the balance between the ages was great and added a realistic touch to the story.
Conclusion: Five stars, hands down. Once again, Bryan Davis delivers a battle between good and evil - teamwork between characters - and ingenuity of people who fight for freedom and do the impossible; all together in a book with an epic sci-fi feel. If fantasy/sci-fi is your thing, this book needs to be on your TBR!
In Heaven Came Down, freedom fighters Ben, Jack and Trudy are the main characters in a world controlled by angels. Evil angels. If you’ve read Davis’ previous books, you will remember that his stories can either be set in our world or a made up one. In this story, it’s our world in a futuristic setting. Kentucky even gets a shout out once in the story. However, I guarantee you won’t recognize the setting as our planet...and that makes the book so much better. *wink*
It doesn’t take too many chapters to find out that freedom plays a big role in this story, and most importantly, what freedom is. The setting in Heaven Came Down places people in a situation where people gave up freedom for peace, thinking it would result in the same thing. Instead, the whole world became a slave to someone else’s motives. The “evil angles” in this story, to me, represent the evil in this world that tells us to give up our minds, culture and individuality to a system that promises unity, but never delivers. Like the angels in this book, who came as deliverers to all earth’s woes - but actually made life worse - represent the things in our lives that promise peace but can actually be more harmful than the problem itself. Wow. If there’s a plot that speaks to what we’re walking through right now in life, this book is it. Through this story, we learn what freedom and the cost of it, truly is. This may be the most important book I read all year.
Another thing I really enjoyed were all the characters. When Davis writes book number one, you usually meet a lot of people who will play key parts in the length of the series. By the end of Heaven Came Down, I loved all the people that were a part of the story and can’t wait to see what they’ll be a part of in the coming books. I also really enjoyed that some of the characters were older. My favorite series from Davis is “Dragons of Starlight” that was more teen focused. In this book, there are younger characters like Iona but also older characters like Ben, who had been married and had a daughter. I thought the balance between the ages was great and added a realistic touch to the story.
Conclusion: Five stars, hands down. Once again, Bryan Davis delivers a battle between good and evil - teamwork between characters - and ingenuity of people who fight for freedom and do the impossible; all together in a book with an epic sci-fi feel. If fantasy/sci-fi is your thing, this book needs to be on your TBR!
June 13, 2020
Heaven Came Down
The Oculus Gate #1
By Bryan Davis
Their arrival brought hope to a world in pain. But before long those who looked beyond the beautiful facade presented to the world saw something else. The heavenly visitors who came to earth were heralded by many as angels sent by God. But those who refused to worship the angels were soon destroyed.
Rebellion has arisen but they are in danger of falling to these beings who demand everything - even the human soul. The Garrisons - Ben, Jack, and Trudy - have joined the rebellion, seeking to save humanity and the world they call home from these insidious beings who are enslaving everyone.
Word has come to the last bastion of rebels that they are about to be targeted by the angels by a toxin that will kill all who are within the dispersal zone. With a desperate plan to save their people from this latest attack the Garrisons target the enemy's headquarters. But all is not as it seems and soon Ben, Trudy, Jack find themselves facing a situation they never expected - becoming hosts for their enemy.
With little time to act and even less support, the battle for humanity and the human soul has entered a critical juncture - one that once begun there is no chance of going back. Sometimes saving the world calls for the ultimate sacrifice - a sacrifice that few have the strength to carry through. But has such a time come? Only time will tell...
Heaven Came Down is the first book in The Oculus Gate series, and if this book is any indication it will be a stellar reading experience. The fate of many depends upon the actions of a few and as a reader one just can't help wondering at times who can be trusted. The book has a steady pace with periods of action that kept this reader turning the page. This is different from Bryan Davis's previous works but still written with the same quality and attention to detail that one has come to expect from him. The book ends so that the reader is left with questions but not hanging from a cliff until book 2 is released which is on the author's part an incredible kindness.
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.
The Oculus Gate #1
By Bryan Davis
Their arrival brought hope to a world in pain. But before long those who looked beyond the beautiful facade presented to the world saw something else. The heavenly visitors who came to earth were heralded by many as angels sent by God. But those who refused to worship the angels were soon destroyed.
Rebellion has arisen but they are in danger of falling to these beings who demand everything - even the human soul. The Garrisons - Ben, Jack, and Trudy - have joined the rebellion, seeking to save humanity and the world they call home from these insidious beings who are enslaving everyone.
Word has come to the last bastion of rebels that they are about to be targeted by the angels by a toxin that will kill all who are within the dispersal zone. With a desperate plan to save their people from this latest attack the Garrisons target the enemy's headquarters. But all is not as it seems and soon Ben, Trudy, Jack find themselves facing a situation they never expected - becoming hosts for their enemy.
With little time to act and even less support, the battle for humanity and the human soul has entered a critical juncture - one that once begun there is no chance of going back. Sometimes saving the world calls for the ultimate sacrifice - a sacrifice that few have the strength to carry through. But has such a time come? Only time will tell...
Heaven Came Down is the first book in The Oculus Gate series, and if this book is any indication it will be a stellar reading experience. The fate of many depends upon the actions of a few and as a reader one just can't help wondering at times who can be trusted. The book has a steady pace with periods of action that kept this reader turning the page. This is different from Bryan Davis's previous works but still written with the same quality and attention to detail that one has come to expect from him. The book ends so that the reader is left with questions but not hanging from a cliff until book 2 is released which is on the author's part an incredible kindness.
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.
August 25, 2022
In the midst of an unforgiving, dystopian world where disobedience is crushed by "angels," the so-called protectors of mankind promising safety and security, Ben, Jack, and Trudy Garrison embark on a mission to save the last fragments of the resistance, uncovering horrible secrets along the way.
For the most part, I enjoyed this book. The plot seemed different and fresh compared to myriads of other YA fiction found on shelves these days. I appreciate that two of the main characters, Ben and Jack, are adults who are married--too many books rely on an unsuspecting chosen-one teenager to save the world from peril. I also liked picking out a couple of themes that ran through the story. What would happen if everyone traded their liberty for so-called "security?" What atrocities will people tolerate as long as they maintain personal safety? Is was also interesting to draw parallels from the vaccine and contagion to the real-life COVID-19 pandemic, though the ideas for this book were conceived before then.
An aspect I wasn't so fond of was the odd spiritual element that played a role in the book. The characters seem to believe in the God of the Bible, but mostly, the spiritual is used only in a way that is convenient for explaining certain aspects of the story, in a way that didn't sit quite right with me overall. As a Christian, I believe that when crafting fiction, we must be very careful about what we invent concerning the spiritual realm.
However, this book was certainly suspenseful and engaging, earning it four stars from me. I look forward to reading the next!
For the most part, I enjoyed this book. The plot seemed different and fresh compared to myriads of other YA fiction found on shelves these days. I appreciate that two of the main characters, Ben and Jack, are adults who are married--too many books rely on an unsuspecting chosen-one teenager to save the world from peril. I also liked picking out a couple of themes that ran through the story. What would happen if everyone traded their liberty for so-called "security?" What atrocities will people tolerate as long as they maintain personal safety? Is was also interesting to draw parallels from the vaccine and contagion to the real-life COVID-19 pandemic, though the ideas for this book were conceived before then.
An aspect I wasn't so fond of was the odd spiritual element that played a role in the book. The characters seem to believe in the God of the Bible, but mostly, the spiritual is used only in a way that is convenient for explaining certain aspects of the story, in a way that didn't sit quite right with me overall. As a Christian, I believe that when crafting fiction, we must be very careful about what we invent concerning the spiritual realm.
However, this book was certainly suspenseful and engaging, earning it four stars from me. I look forward to reading the next!
May 7, 2022
( I just realized my review is a LOT like the book says on goodreads. :( Sorry. All this is 100% my own)
Hi guys, I told you about the competition and here is another review to add points. I hope, you will email Bryan Davis and join the competition.
Okay so heaven came down is about three siblings (I borrowed from library, so forgotten their names) who discover the angels that take charge over the people, might not be good at all! They join the rebels, and when they hear rumors that the angel’s want to invade the resistance region, the three siblings go onto an adventure, wanting to swap a vaccine with their fake medicine, wanting to use it to save the rebels. Two of the siblings dress up as doctors, but are sadly found out. Will they survive the evil angels? Along with their friends, will they survive?
This book is good science Fiction for Christians aged 15+
(I don’t suggest it for people younger than that age as it was a little scary)
Bryan Davis is a good Author and he turns any boring plot or story into an amazing feature! Please feel free to check his books, at this website:
https://daviscrossing.com/
Buy this book from:
https://www.theauthorschair.com/.../p...
Thanks for reading guys!
Hi guys, I told you about the competition and here is another review to add points. I hope, you will email Bryan Davis and join the competition.
Okay so heaven came down is about three siblings (I borrowed from library, so forgotten their names) who discover the angels that take charge over the people, might not be good at all! They join the rebels, and when they hear rumors that the angel’s want to invade the resistance region, the three siblings go onto an adventure, wanting to swap a vaccine with their fake medicine, wanting to use it to save the rebels. Two of the siblings dress up as doctors, but are sadly found out. Will they survive the evil angels? Along with their friends, will they survive?
This book is good science Fiction for Christians aged 15+
(I don’t suggest it for people younger than that age as it was a little scary)
Bryan Davis is a good Author and he turns any boring plot or story into an amazing feature! Please feel free to check his books, at this website:
https://daviscrossing.com/
Buy this book from:
https://www.theauthorschair.com/.../p...
Thanks for reading guys!
May 19, 2022
Imagine a world where angels have descended from heaven, uniting mankind behind a common creed, ending war and crime. It sounds ideal--but there's a darker side. In Heaven Came Down, the first book in the Oculus Gate series, readers are introduced to a small band of freedom fighters who are desperate to free humanity from these 'angels.'
I've read most of Davis's previous books, but this series takes a different angle, more action-adventure than fantasy. It also takes place over a much shorter timespan, two or three days rather than weeks or months. The fast pace and growing tension kept me reading until I'd finished.
I've read most of Davis's previous books, but this series takes a different angle, more action-adventure than fantasy. It also takes place over a much shorter timespan, two or three days rather than weeks or months. The fast pace and growing tension kept me reading until I'd finished.
June 6, 2022
Life can change because of one choice, and sometimes there's no way to win, no matter how hard you try. But God has His hand in everything, and for Ben, Trudy, and Jack Garrison, that means a rough few days.
The only reason this took me two weeks to read was because I just have no time. Cover to cover, read time was around five or six hours.
The story moves quickly within a modern writing style and readers who enjoy dialogue intensive stories will appreciate that.
The only reason this took me two weeks to read was because I just have no time. Cover to cover, read time was around five or six hours.
The story moves quickly within a modern writing style and readers who enjoy dialogue intensive stories will appreciate that.
June 1, 2020
I was offered a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Premise:
In a time of chaos, creatures known as angels took over the world, enslaving humans as their hosts. A rebellion is desperate to get rid of the angels, but the odds are not in their favor. Even so, the rebels do everything possible to solve the problems in their way and complete their mission to free humanity.
Audience/Content Warnings:
Not many content cautions in this one. As implied by the angels mentioned in the book's synopsis, there are a few mentions and brief discussions of religious topics, but it shouldn't be too much for most people. And while this book features adult protagonists, the content is probably clean enough for both teens and adults.
Pros:
The idea of the angels and how they operated was easily my favorite aspect. It's nice that, instead of simply having their mission and trying to fulfill it, the plot requires the chars to learn interesting tidbits about the angels.
Another upside is that the story emphasizes platonic relationships instead of relying on a romantic subplot. There's nothing wrong with romance in stories, but sometimes it's nice to read tales where that isn't the focus.
There were several specific things I liked about the plot and angel design, but I won't get into them because they take place far later in the story and I want to avoid lacing this review with lots of spoiler warnings.
Cons:
The characters in this book weren’t as interesting as they are in some of Davis’ other tales. A few basics of their backstories and personality were there, including things commonly fit into action characters (losing/trying to save a spouse or child) but since the story didn't feel as rooted into the characters' perspectives, it was hard to connect with them beyond the initial acknowledgement that they were going through a hard time(just like any other set of action movie characters). And while there were differences and development for each character, those aspects felt more at a surface level of assigning a few beliefs/traits without using the narrative in a way that made us feel the pervasiveness of those traits. So it was harder to experience the full breadth of each person's perspective/relationships.
Some of the speech patterns and such also reminded me of several character types in Davis' other books. That isn't bad in and of itself since it can be a stylistic thing, but when combined with the lessened depth to character perspectives, those speech patterns felt a little recycled, rather than simply following a style.
Because of that, everything seemed centered mostly on the plot, action, and creature design of the angels. That’s actually not a bad thing. It’s perfectly valid for a book to emphasize the situation/mission/etc, rather than harping on the unique perspectives of the characters and their feelings. But since the book wasn't very long, it would have been nice to have a little more description and depth to character things and scenery.
Conclusion:
It's very rare for me to give five star reviews, and since the characters weren't as well developed as other Bryan Davis books I've read, I'm going to go ahead and rate this book as a three star. But it's not a bad book at all, and I do recommend it for people that prefer quick sci fi reads focused more on plot, action or creature design.
Premise:
In a time of chaos, creatures known as angels took over the world, enslaving humans as their hosts. A rebellion is desperate to get rid of the angels, but the odds are not in their favor. Even so, the rebels do everything possible to solve the problems in their way and complete their mission to free humanity.
Audience/Content Warnings:
Not many content cautions in this one. As implied by the angels mentioned in the book's synopsis, there are a few mentions and brief discussions of religious topics, but it shouldn't be too much for most people. And while this book features adult protagonists, the content is probably clean enough for both teens and adults.
Pros:
The idea of the angels and how they operated was easily my favorite aspect. It's nice that, instead of simply having their mission and trying to fulfill it, the plot requires the chars to learn interesting tidbits about the angels.
Another upside is that the story emphasizes platonic relationships instead of relying on a romantic subplot. There's nothing wrong with romance in stories, but sometimes it's nice to read tales where that isn't the focus.
There were several specific things I liked about the plot and angel design, but I won't get into them because they take place far later in the story and I want to avoid lacing this review with lots of spoiler warnings.
Cons:
The characters in this book weren’t as interesting as they are in some of Davis’ other tales. A few basics of their backstories and personality were there, including things commonly fit into action characters (losing/trying to save a spouse or child) but since the story didn't feel as rooted into the characters' perspectives, it was hard to connect with them beyond the initial acknowledgement that they were going through a hard time(just like any other set of action movie characters). And while there were differences and development for each character, those aspects felt more at a surface level of assigning a few beliefs/traits without using the narrative in a way that made us feel the pervasiveness of those traits. So it was harder to experience the full breadth of each person's perspective/relationships.
Some of the speech patterns and such also reminded me of several character types in Davis' other books. That isn't bad in and of itself since it can be a stylistic thing, but when combined with the lessened depth to character perspectives, those speech patterns felt a little recycled, rather than simply following a style.
Because of that, everything seemed centered mostly on the plot, action, and creature design of the angels. That’s actually not a bad thing. It’s perfectly valid for a book to emphasize the situation/mission/etc, rather than harping on the unique perspectives of the characters and their feelings. But since the book wasn't very long, it would have been nice to have a little more description and depth to character things and scenery.
Conclusion:
It's very rare for me to give five star reviews, and since the characters weren't as well developed as other Bryan Davis books I've read, I'm going to go ahead and rate this book as a three star. But it's not a bad book at all, and I do recommend it for people that prefer quick sci fi reads focused more on plot, action or creature design.
May 1, 2021
I read and rated this a while ago, but I don't see my review. Here is a much shortened version of it.
Have you watched Avatar? The cartoon. With air bending. Yes, that's the one. In the Fire Nation series, the cabbage farmer puts on a play in which the Avatar keeps telling love interest Kitara, "I love you like a sister." The mantra irritates them both.
Heaven Came Down was touted as Davis' graduation from YA to adult. But as I read, I kept hearing that refrain. "I love you as a sister."
The book has a sweetness to it that belies the evil being perpetrated around the characters. A sweetness that can't be explained by their faith.
The concept of the book is interesting, however. It reminds me of the series Earth: Final Conflict.
But I struggled to identify with the characters. And to overcome my disbelief. In the end, I likely won't read the next book. But I am glad to see that many of you will.
Have you watched Avatar? The cartoon. With air bending. Yes, that's the one. In the Fire Nation series, the cabbage farmer puts on a play in which the Avatar keeps telling love interest Kitara, "I love you like a sister." The mantra irritates them both.
Heaven Came Down was touted as Davis' graduation from YA to adult. But as I read, I kept hearing that refrain. "I love you as a sister."
The book has a sweetness to it that belies the evil being perpetrated around the characters. A sweetness that can't be explained by their faith.
The concept of the book is interesting, however. It reminds me of the series Earth: Final Conflict.
But I struggled to identify with the characters. And to overcome my disbelief. In the end, I likely won't read the next book. But I am glad to see that many of you will.
August 2, 2021
This has a fabulous premise, weird, and at times a little challenging to visualise but the notion of bad angels taking over earth by way of inserting themselves into humans’ brains is pretty out there. And then there’s the resistance of those few humans left who seek to destroy the entrance by which the angels invade – the Oculus Gate.
Our human remnant is a family of three: Ben, Trudy and Jack Garrison. All trained mercenaries of sorts who drive the story forward. The supporting cast provide some great comic relief with their engaging personalities: Iona, Leo and Chantal.
The story moves fast and at times I struggled to fully understand what was going on. There were quite a lot of sudden plot changes simply because the characters did unexpected things and the Garrisons plans kept being thwarted. There’s a contagion and a vaccine plus a fake vaccine and each does different things to humans. I found this at times a little confusing and wondered whether all of it was required.
Then we have the bad angels who can take over their human’s bodies and minds, partly or completely. The insert process was fun to read as was the extraction. Surprisingly simple. Gave me visions of the first Alien movie in how the angels tentacles locked onto humans’ brains in order to control them.
Davis’s story world is epic, and I had a good visual sense of it. This story was really driven by the plot and the action rather than the character development. However, as it is the first in the series, it is set up well for greater character development in book 2.
The Garrisons were continually thwarted by the angels and/or their lack of insight into the angels’ machinations and this leaves the reader guessing as to how it will all end up. They need to find a weapon that will wipe out the Gate and the angels want to find it first so they can destroy it. The ending isn’t what I expected, and it closes well, not with a cliff hanger, but with sufficient interest to want to read the sequel.
Our human remnant is a family of three: Ben, Trudy and Jack Garrison. All trained mercenaries of sorts who drive the story forward. The supporting cast provide some great comic relief with their engaging personalities: Iona, Leo and Chantal.
The story moves fast and at times I struggled to fully understand what was going on. There were quite a lot of sudden plot changes simply because the characters did unexpected things and the Garrisons plans kept being thwarted. There’s a contagion and a vaccine plus a fake vaccine and each does different things to humans. I found this at times a little confusing and wondered whether all of it was required.
Then we have the bad angels who can take over their human’s bodies and minds, partly or completely. The insert process was fun to read as was the extraction. Surprisingly simple. Gave me visions of the first Alien movie in how the angels tentacles locked onto humans’ brains in order to control them.
Davis’s story world is epic, and I had a good visual sense of it. This story was really driven by the plot and the action rather than the character development. However, as it is the first in the series, it is set up well for greater character development in book 2.
The Garrisons were continually thwarted by the angels and/or their lack of insight into the angels’ machinations and this leaves the reader guessing as to how it will all end up. They need to find a weapon that will wipe out the Gate and the angels want to find it first so they can destroy it. The ending isn’t what I expected, and it closes well, not with a cliff hanger, but with sufficient interest to want to read the sequel.
May 30, 2020
Heaven Came Down is my first try in a sci-fi world but not the first time I have read a dystopian series. I think it is a fantastic story with characters that are easy to connect and thoughts to ponder. Our world is divided in numerous ways. What would happen if another force claimed that they could bring peace and unity to everyone who followed them? I also found it interesting the author addressed God allowing free will and while stepping in with divine power seems nice and easy there still could be a different way. I am intrigued and excited for the second book to release! How will the characters recover? What other threat will they battle together?
June 7, 2020
A dystopian/supernatural read, it is book one in a trilogy. Having read other books by Bryan Davis, I was intrigued by the premise of beings claiming to be angles come down but they aren't what they seem and not good. What really kept my attention was, just when you thought you knew who was good, things changed. Not all that appear good are good and not all those that appear bad are truly bad. It mixes genres well - a bit of science fiction, a bit of supernatural, elements of dystopia, all grounded in military. The story kept me wanting to read on. I got to the end and wanted to keep going as I really wanted to know what happens next.
October 17, 2022
*Audio edition review*
Heaven Came Down is the first book in the Oculus gate series by Bryan Davis.
Although it kicks off a series, this book is self contained. The ending is satisfying. An open-ended ending yes, but not a cliffhanger.
I really enjoyed this book. It was an interesting sci-fi premise with an engaging ensemble cast of characters. It was also a great exploration of a soldier's mind. What is the line between sacrifice and suicide?
Daniel reads this audio version with an amazingly talented voice. Not only do his women voices sound like women, he doesn't repeat a voice once.
Hopefully, the next book will be in audio soon.
Heaven Came Down is the first book in the Oculus gate series by Bryan Davis.
Although it kicks off a series, this book is self contained. The ending is satisfying. An open-ended ending yes, but not a cliffhanger.
I really enjoyed this book. It was an interesting sci-fi premise with an engaging ensemble cast of characters. It was also a great exploration of a soldier's mind. What is the line between sacrifice and suicide?
Daniel reads this audio version with an amazingly talented voice. Not only do his women voices sound like women, he doesn't repeat a voice once.
Hopefully, the next book will be in audio soon.
December 10, 2020
The story was great! A dystopian story with seemingly insurmountable obstacles, with help from God when humanity needs it most! Forced to trust spies and double agents, the Garrisons must rely on their wits and each other to get them through this crisis.
The main things I have against it are the occasional use of curse words and the lack of trust in God from the Garrisons.
Otherwise, great book and highly recommended for anyone looking for a suspenseful dystopian adventure!
The main things I have against it are the occasional use of curse words and the lack of trust in God from the Garrisons.
Otherwise, great book and highly recommended for anyone looking for a suspenseful dystopian adventure!
March 5, 2021
This is an incredibly interesting premise and a very well-written story. I was engaged from the first chapter and intrigued to know more. Davis does an amazing job bringing the story to life. This was fun to read and really got me concerned about the characters.
Angels coming down and dwelling with man, only they aren't angels and they aren't holy. These beings are pure evil and mankind has to take a stand or be ruled.
5 Stars! I can't wait for book two!
Angels coming down and dwelling with man, only they aren't angels and they aren't holy. These beings are pure evil and mankind has to take a stand or be ruled.
5 Stars! I can't wait for book two!
February 8, 2025
all too relevant
I’m still waiting to read the second book to figure out what I think about the first book because I find most of Bryan Davis’ series to be awesome in the first book and increasingly mixed up and confusing in later books. Well weird too, but I can deal with weirdness if it’s not as confusing. I did find this book harder to get into than some of the other initial books. In the end, I thought it was good.
I’m still waiting to read the second book to figure out what I think about the first book because I find most of Bryan Davis’ series to be awesome in the first book and increasingly mixed up and confusing in later books. Well weird too, but I can deal with weirdness if it’s not as confusing. I did find this book harder to get into than some of the other initial books. In the end, I thought it was good.
September 26, 2020
Great book kept my interest all the way to end.
I enjoyed book. It was very different from previous books. I found it interesting that Bryan was doing final edit when covid started. His story line already had contagion in it. This fact makes book a bit too close to home. In our society many people would be deceived by false angels. I am eagerly waiting for the next book.
I enjoyed book. It was very different from previous books. I found it interesting that Bryan was doing final edit when covid started. His story line already had contagion in it. This fact makes book a bit too close to home. In our society many people would be deceived by false angels. I am eagerly waiting for the next book.
April 15, 2025
The world is on the brink of destruction and nothing is standing in the way except a small group of forces, but what happens when someone dies? Or the evil forces are nothing like they imagined? Join us for another epic spin chilling adventure, I dare you. You won’t regret it unless you favorite character dies…..
May 2, 2022
This book grabbed me from the first page! It was intense, and the ending left me satisfied, but ready for the next one!
February 24, 2023
I liked it
A good yarn that keeps you guessing until the end. I hope to see more of these. I suggest that you read it.
A good yarn that keeps you guessing until the end. I hope to see more of these. I suggest that you read it.
May 30, 2020
This is a pre-release review. For someone who was in the military, this military/resistance styled story is an amazing story. I have read Bryan Davis' works for years, and this is one of the best books he has written to date. The story will keep you guessing and just the opening chapter alone causes one to ask so many questions. The ending will be a surprise to even the most detailed of readers. I highly recommend this to anyone who likes his works, and for those that are fans of science fiction.
Again this is a great work. I wont say any more because I don't want to cause any spoilers for those who haven't had a chance to read it yet.
Again this is a great work. I wont say any more because I don't want to cause any spoilers for those who haven't had a chance to read it yet.
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