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campychick001's review
adventurous
slow-paced
2.0
**Thanks to @prbythebook for providing me a copy of these books to review**
While out on a mission, celestial warrior Gladriel kills a demon (a rare occurence) and is now being targeted by all demons. One day her best friend and partner is attacked by demons. The Almighty asks her to put her faith in him and not to exact revenge. When she doesn't listen, she is expelled from heaven and becomes a fallen angel. She is enrolled in the ruthless Morningstar Academy to get her on board with Lucifer's mission. Glad is unable to stray from her beliefs and rebels against all the school's rules. Can her new classmates help her adjust?
This was a very unique reading experience. While I would totally categorize this as an urban YA fantasy, there are many mature themes discussed. The series relies heavily on religious ideology and veers into controversial religious and political topics. Aside from the Christianity discussions, the other topics are addressed very superficially which is appropriate for a YA story. I did find it interesting that the celestial warriors and fallen angels did not seem to be well versed in the Bible - maybe this is something that will be addressed in the final book. I did enjoy this fantasy world and it's unique "heaven" system but I do wish there was more focus on world building. The Morningstar Academy was a cool idea but felt like an afterthought. I was excited to see a budding romance with the main characters but it felt forced and then a love triangle felt randomly thrown in. A lot of conflicts seemed to be easily resolved which I can forgive in a YA story. This series is so far three books long and I felt like the content could have been condensed into one book - a lot of the dialogue felt repetitive. It appears that there is one final book left and i will read it because I am interested to see the resolution. I did like that the author included a comprehensive recap at the beginning of each book - even though I read these back to back.
While out on a mission, celestial warrior Gladriel kills a demon (a rare occurence) and is now being targeted by all demons. One day her best friend and partner is attacked by demons. The Almighty asks her to put her faith in him and not to exact revenge. When she doesn't listen, she is expelled from heaven and becomes a fallen angel. She is enrolled in the ruthless Morningstar Academy to get her on board with Lucifer's mission. Glad is unable to stray from her beliefs and rebels against all the school's rules. Can her new classmates help her adjust?
This was a very unique reading experience. While I would totally categorize this as an urban YA fantasy, there are many mature themes discussed. The series relies heavily on religious ideology and veers into controversial religious and political topics. Aside from the Christianity discussions, the other topics are addressed very superficially which is appropriate for a YA story. I did find it interesting that the celestial warriors and fallen angels did not seem to be well versed in the Bible - maybe this is something that will be addressed in the final book. I did enjoy this fantasy world and it's unique "heaven" system but I do wish there was more focus on world building. The Morningstar Academy was a cool idea but felt like an afterthought. I was excited to see a budding romance with the main characters but it felt forced and then a love triangle felt randomly thrown in. A lot of conflicts seemed to be easily resolved which I can forgive in a YA story. This series is so far three books long and I felt like the content could have been condensed into one book - a lot of the dialogue felt repetitive. It appears that there is one final book left and i will read it because I am interested to see the resolution. I did like that the author included a comprehensive recap at the beginning of each book - even though I read these back to back.
charliadams's review
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
3.0
I have read nothing about angels, demons, or the fallen. When I heard about this one, I thought about trying it. I like the concept, but there needed to be more. I understand this is the first book in a series, so I try to give leeway.
Gladriel is annoying. Normally I dislike these types of characters, but it works for this story, and I love her. She is a well-written character. I love her stubborn and sassy personality. I cannot wait to see her arc progress.
The author wrote the rest of the cast just as well. They each assist the story and Gladriel’s arc. I hope to see them and their stories progress in the series.
The author did a great job in world building. The author described Heaven as three parts. Third Heaven was where the Devine (or God) was and where the author introduced our protagonist and first half of our cast. Second Heaven is where the fallen angels go and where our second half of our cast was introduced. I liked the simplicity of third Heaven along with an elegance about it. There was a lot going on, but an uncomplicated understanding.
I wish there was more time spent with Second Heaven. We spent so much time in Third Heaven, Second Heaven and the Academy felt a little flat. I was not as satisfied. And we should have stayed in Morningstar Academy more so, instead of flipping back and forth constantly. I understood why, but at this point in the story, it felt choppy and rushed.
I enjoyed this story. I am looking forward to continuing this adventure. The pacing was quick, and the story held my interest. There were a few things I would change, but overall, the story was good.
I would recommend this to anyone who likes stories with angels, demons, young adult, mystery, religious beliefs, and religious mythology.
*I received an ARC from the author, and this is my honest opinion.
You can find this and other reviews on my website:
https://www.charliadamswriter.com
Gladriel is annoying. Normally I dislike these types of characters, but it works for this story, and I love her. She is a well-written character. I love her stubborn and sassy personality. I cannot wait to see her arc progress.
The author wrote the rest of the cast just as well. They each assist the story and Gladriel’s arc. I hope to see them and their stories progress in the series.
The author did a great job in world building. The author described Heaven as three parts. Third Heaven was where the Devine (or God) was and where the author introduced our protagonist and first half of our cast. Second Heaven is where the fallen angels go and where our second half of our cast was introduced. I liked the simplicity of third Heaven along with an elegance about it. There was a lot going on, but an uncomplicated understanding.
I wish there was more time spent with Second Heaven. We spent so much time in Third Heaven, Second Heaven and the Academy felt a little flat. I was not as satisfied. And we should have stayed in Morningstar Academy more so, instead of flipping back and forth constantly. I understood why, but at this point in the story, it felt choppy and rushed.
I enjoyed this story. I am looking forward to continuing this adventure. The pacing was quick, and the story held my interest. There were a few things I would change, but overall, the story was good.
I would recommend this to anyone who likes stories with angels, demons, young adult, mystery, religious beliefs, and religious mythology.
*I received an ARC from the author, and this is my honest opinion.
You can find this and other reviews on my website:
https://www.charliadamswriter.com
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