Archangel

by Justin Hart Crary

Kael Clark is a seventeen-year-old foster kid from Nebraska with the exceedingly rare condition of having a heterochromatic purple eye. He’s also a King gifted with the power to manipulate reality with his words, though he doesn’t usually bring that last part up in conversations. 

You might think that, like most teenagers with superpowers, Kael would use his for good. But Nebraska’s juvenile courts would have to disagree. After stealing the car of an old Chinese man named Shen in a small town called Kearney, and then being fostered by him, Kael learns his new guardian is actually a real-life angel bent on training him for much greater things than grand theft auto. 

There are only two problems… Kael doesn’t believe in angels. And he doesn’t want to be meant for anything great. 

Now attending Kearney High School for the first time, Kael has to choose between trusting this old man who’s obsessed with making movie references (and talking to his pet black cat Thackery) or running away from his destiny like he always has before. However, after meeting a girl named Laney Lessenger and realizing things with Kearney’s townspeople may not be what they seem, he finds himself in the middle of a battle for not just his life but the lives of everyone in town—with Laney right at the center of all of it.. 

Archangel is the first novel from the mind and pen of Justin Hart Crary and promises to be an entertaining and thrilling adventure

448 pages, Paperback

Published January 30, 2022

Reviews

[Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t think I was gonna like this book at first. As I said, Christian YA isn’t really my style, but I knew it was gonna morph into something completely nerdy with a Christian elemental undertone, and it was exactly that. It wasn’t overwhelmingly Christian, and wasn’t underwhelmingly Christian. It was just the perfect amount of religious drama to make a fantastic storyline.
I’ve never read a religious novel that centres on demons. Normally they stray away from such a controversial and unspoken topic, yet Crary embraces it, and tells it how it is: demons are manipulative, cruel and dangerous— especially for non-believers.

Superhero element is important in a story like this, and Kael Clark was full of it. The boy was an atheist who met Shen after an accident. He was rebellious, and wanting nothing to do with certain extremes, such as Shen’s secrets. Even the bare minimum as attending classes at high school had Kael angry and uncooperative. He got the stereotypical training all heroes do, yet he still had flaws; both physically and mentally. His beliefs were holding him back, and Crary worked with this very well to formulate an emotional, relatable character for the readers.

My favourite character is Lee Muramasa. He’s the stereotypical Japanese teenager: the parental stresses throughout high school very evident in his life. He’s a geeky, funny and quick-witted individual that only Kael and Laney (another cool main character) could love. He’s brave and willing to do anything for those he loves. He is a coward at the same time though, and it creates some comedy for the story, which I always appreciate. The cowards turning brave because they love someone— I eat that crap UP!

CAN WE TALK ABOUT THAT KAEL CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT????
Man’s didn’t care about ANYONE in his immediate and distant life, yet he grows to care for Lee, Laney, and especially Shen. He even embraced and cared for the older man when he was breaking down over the past. Totally wholesome. THEN KAEL HANGS OUT WITH SHEN FOR SOME FATHERLY-SON BONDING OVER MOVIES,,,??? CRYING-

I didn’t think I was gonna like Kael originally— he was arrogant, cocky, and didn’t care about any of his actions. He grew into such a phenomenal character. He was relatable, too!
Not to mention that Crary made a perfect bridge to more books in this series. It gave off ‘The Last Jedi’ vibes from the Star Wars movies, where the kid uses the force to grab the broom. Hopefully Crary uses his bridge unlike Disney *eye roll*

To my old teacher, Mr. Crary, this was an absolutely phenomenal story. It’s so cool and heartwarming to see an old teacher succeed at something he’s been working towards for years. Well done, Mr. C. I can’t wait to see what else you put out in the King of Kings series!

[C.S. Wachter · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Kael decides to steal a vintage muscle car in his bid to escape the police, he has no idea that decision will lead him face to face with an actual angel and change his life forever. The self-centered orphan must grow through a series of experiences. Will he finally let go of his myopic vision and accept his destiny?

Lee Muramasa, said angel, is a wonderful character. Who would have thought … a movie-buff angel? Well done.

Laney. Beautiful neighbor and school mate with a deep secret and destiny.

Shen. Not one of the popular students, he talks nonstop and worms his way into Kael’s heart.

Exciting. Moving. Well written. My only negative would be some of the theology is questionable. But it is fiction, and I will accept it as such. The story does a great job of presenting basic Christian truths like self-sacrifice and forgiveness well.

All in all an enjoyable read.

[Catrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

An exciting and engaging story filled with fun, relatable characters! In this refreshing work of Christian fiction, Crary does an excellent job addressing important questions of faith without being “preachy”—all while exploring the supernatural realm of angels and demons. If you enjoy authors such as Ted Dekker, Frank Peretti, and Bryan Davis, you will love this book.

[Brittany Parsons · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was simply amazing! I hadn’t read in years and I finished this book in 3 days! I am not a bookworm but this book definitely is worth reading! Once you start you can’t put it down!! It will make you laugh, surprise you, it will send you through a ton of emotions! You won’t regret reading this book!!

[Elizabeth Fogartie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Archangel" introduces Justin Crary to the world of writing. The book is an interesting blend of fantasy, superheros, and a coming of age saga. This is a great read for both young people and adults - interesting and layered. Crary exhibits the wonderful imagination of a gifted storyteller. Can't wait for his next offering!

[Lilly Fauber · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is by far the best book I have ever read. This book has opened my eyes to many new ideas. The suspense and adventure is unreal. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time I was reading this book. This book I would read over and over again. I feel that I can connect with the characters. This book shows a roller coaster of emotions throughout the whole thing. 100% love this book! :)

[Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, couldn't put it down. Very thought provoking and captivating story. It was a very interesting narrative that allowed for great character development as the story progressed. Very illustrative writing, making this a great book for all ages. Definitely recommend!

[Joey Rader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best book I’ve ever read! The characters were developed so well and I loved how many twists there were! I also really liked how the ending was so perfect! This whole book was amazing and I would definitely read it again! -Joey R

[Cecelia Burton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could literally not put this book down I am so pumped for the next book whenever that’s coming!

[Tyler Totten · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this book is one of the best i have read in the last three years of school

[Carolyn Baldwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mr. Crary was my son’s favorite teacher in middle school. I also knew (with no complaints) that Mr. Crary inspired my son Cody to stand strong in Faith through his lessons, the studied literature and their personal conversations. I was speaking to Cody, now a 10th grader, tonight about the story of Paul (formerly Saul) as it relates to Charlie Kirk’s tragic passing and how God wants the best for even the worst of us. He knew and remembered Saul’s story because Mr. Crary shared it with him. I saw Mr. Crary was having a book signing last spring and discovered this novel. I read the book in 2 days. It checks all the literary boxes but the underlying themes of strength, perseverance, building confidence and making right decisions in a world filled with good and evil are what my child and many others could use in these critical years. It YAL but it was a nice break from anything adult on the shelves today. I’m thankful that people like Charlie Kirk and Mr. Crary inspired my son to follow Christ. Highly recommend this book for adults and teens alike!

[Scott Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book... It opened the door to reading for me, the detail, the most amazing imagery I've ever experienced within pages of a novel. The way the author leaves so much out but also gives so much detail at the same time keeps the reader wanting more. It is a constant flow throughout the plot without many stops along the way, the twists and turns taken as well as the many lessons to learn as the reader.
The character's are all relatable in some ways more than others, though this'll vary from person to person. I hope this book finds its mark, so that we can see more of Mr. Justin Crary's work come to life within the pages just like it did within this book. I urge you, if you're comtemplating about getting this, this is your sign. This is a wonderful book, and a very high recommendation. I'll be waiting patiently for more of Justin's work. I hope you all will too!

[Elayna Hutsenpiller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was an amazing book and definitely a must read! I really enjoyed everything in this book from how it was Christian based for teens, action filled, the friendships Kael made along the way, and how he turned his life around. I especially enjoyed how there were many twists and turns, you never really knew what was going to happen. As I was reading Archangel, I never wanted to put it down because it always kept me wanting to read more! I'm very excited for the next book to come out!

[Sydney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing in so many ways. Im not a Christian or religious in any way but this book really caught my attention. You can definitely see the Christian elements but the author puts it in a way where it isn't to preachy. The characters, especially the main one, are super relatable and a book is always better when you can connect to the characters. The story is well written and in general the book is great. Definitely worth your time

[James Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read with a good story. It’s appropriate for teen readers as well

[Delaney Rumer · Rating 5 out of 5]

100% recommend this. He is an amazing author and has created an amazing book. This was a great book.

[Julia Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was really good! Highly recommend. I would read it again.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is excellent. I recommend everyone read this book.