The Brethren. Who are they and why are they here? Discover the origins of these enigmatic angels manifested on Earth for millennia. Lose yourself in their compelling stories of human salvation and triumph over Evil.
**This is an anthology of three short urban fantasy stories that were originally part of an online serial. It is meant to be a companion to the Brethren series, and not necessarily a stand alone, but can be read as such. It brings us closer to three of the nine Brethren, Gabriel, Nathanael, and Cassiel- who they are and what they do. There are more stories to come. There is no romance here, but plenty of hot-blooded angel!
Summary: In this Volume, you will learn the Origins of how the angels come to be, and meet three of them along the journey. Gabriel, who was sent to earth, but didn't enjoy it to much so chose to go back. However, he kept returning to Earth for missions. This last time he decided to stay. Gabriel is a Brethren Protector, so when the person he tasks things to do runs into problems, he makes it his mission to protect him and those around him as well as handling a few bad guys. Then there's Nathanael who is a Brethren Warrior. Bounty hunter extrordinare by day, Brethren Warrior by night, Nathanael is hired to hunt down three very bad guys who have escaped from prison. The final angel you meet is Cassiel who is a Brethren Savior. Cassiel uses his abilities as a doctor and heals kids. He is called in to help Joy, a young girl who was afflicted by an illness no other doctors could treat...for she isn't sick by the conventional means. Joy has the devil in her and Cassiel helps rid her of it but not before the devil wrecks havoc . But even after the devil is banished from Joy, Cassiel knows there is still trouble brewing on the horizon.
My thoughts: I fell in love with Deena Remiel's, Trinity. I mean seriously, who can resist her angels after that? This book doesn't have any of the romance that Trinity had. I personally loved reading the origins of how they came to be and seeing them on each of there journeys. These angels are fierce and sexy in their own right. Especially Nathanael who I say is my angel given to me by the lovely Deena Remiel. After reading bout him, im so intrigued to see where it will lead. Gabriel and Cassiel are just as fierce and sexy, and before you know it, your in a thrilling ride of seeing them at their best. I cant wait to meet the rest of the angels in the next volumes. Remiel outdid herself in yet another good read that I did not want to end and will be putting in my re-read section.
WOW. Double WOW! Now that I've regained my senses, can I quickly laugh? I know... not exactly the kind of reaction you'd think you'd get from me so let me explain. Having met Deena (SQUEE) and read her book, Trinity (SQUEE x2) I was excited for the chance to read Brethren Beginnings for the Menage A Blog Tour she was participating in. One of the first things Deena said was "But it has no romance!" and it's to that I now chuckle. Dear, dear Deena - yes, I love romance but I love just as passionately HUNKY, SEXY, TORTURED heroes and you gave them to me in a breathtaking fashion! Everyone... clear a space in your hearts because the Brethren have ARRIVED!
How can you not love Angels sent to earth to protect, serve and heal the inhabitants from the effects of Evil. These men put the W in Warrior and S in Swoonworthy. In Brethren Beginnings, Deena gives us a glimpse into the lives of three angels - Gabriel, Nathanael *insert dreamy sigh* and Cassiel. These men each have their own roles but all share the same purpose and I absolutely ADORED them! I couldn't read fast enough as I watched them face evil head on without hesitation but showed incredible mercy and compassion for those they were helping. I even made the comment that before this book I hadn't known it was possible to swoon in a NON romantic situation. Well I did and each story touched my heart.
So who was my favorite Brethren? Gabriel, who reached out and saved a group of young people caught up in the depravity of being under the control of a horrible pimp? Nathanael, the tortured angel worried he is losing his grip on the good in him as he delights in delivering justice to the unrighteous? Or Cassiel, the healer who brings joy to sick children and stops at nothing to protect them from the influence of evil? While I loved them all and each made me a little giddy, I confess... Nathanael stole my heart and claimed me his! Sure, I was swayed by the leather pants, boots and sword but it was the inner conflict he had, the despair he felt because he didn't feel quite "right" anymore. Being a defender of all that is good, he knew he was on a slippery slope and it was pointing down to Hell. So tortured, so delicious, so ready for me to swoop in a save him. I absolutely LOVED the conversation he had with E.L at the end, it gave me hope that Nathanael isn't as lost as he thinks he is and I can't wait to see him in future books.
Deena is one of my favorite new authors and one to look out for. She's a sneaky swoon attacker. You think you're safe, you think you know what's going to happen and then she blows you away and leaves you sighing. Make sure you also grab a copy of Trinity, a full length novel staring the angel Michael. Ahhhh so much to say about him but that's a review for another day. Can't wait for the next installment!
The Brethren, who are they and why are they here on Earth? Well let me tell ya!! Brethren Beginnings will deliver you into the origins of these magnificent, larger than life heavenly Angels who have manifested here on earth for eternity. When we as humans for various and different reasons began to separate ourselves into groups of “good” and “evil”, is when the Brethren first appeared on Earth. It wasn’t an entrance by grand fireworks of awesome brilliance, by no means what so ever!!! They simply and quietly appeared which a body just like yours and mine. (well almost) They knew instantly and with an understanding of their purpose, and that Earth was now their home, that they were here to heal, to protect and to fight for those here. The Brethren knew of each other before becoming individuals here on Earth; working together to fight against the evil, which now gaining a lot of power. To threatened to corrupt the human race in whole. The Brethren each had their own reasons for accepting and agreeing to their angelic mission. In The Brethren there are 9 Angels in all, (3) Saviors, (3) Protectors, and (3) Warriors. Each group had their own orders and powers but never, never crossing over without great penalty and also facing possibility to be banished. The SAVIORS: have the powers to heal those of the human race with severe injuries, and those who were facing death way too soon. The PROCTECTORS: are masters of working spells, performing great magic and creating “talismans” for the safety and protection of us. (human race). The WARRIORS: have strong minds for all levels of warfare, but their weapon of choice is their “blessed sword”. But be warned!! There is a catch, in order for any of The Brethren to perform or engage in their missions they had to be called upon, being done through a prayer for help, or a desperate plea for the help. So let the story begin: Enter Brethren Gabriel, who is a Protector Angel, his mission is to help a young man find the right path out of a corrupt world in which he worked. As the seeds to help/protect are laid the mission quickly escalades into one involving a group of about 20 people I need of protection/help. Gabriel must eliminate the evil corrupt man that ruled/owned on people. Caleb is the one who sends out a desperate cry for help which enables Gabriel to help. He tracks down the evil man (Manny) responsible for putting these young people in danger and through hell. So much damage had been inflicted on all of them, a swift and immediate action was necessary to take out Manny. Having secured their safety, Gabriel calls upon an other Brethren, Raphael who is a Savoir Angel to heal the injuries, souls and the minds of those now in his care. He sets out to deal with Manny, and deal with him de does. Fast forward: Enter Nathanael, who is a Warrior Angel, with his own mission of duties. He is called upon by Garrett Springer, the warden at Alpine State Penitentiary. Three inmates had escaped, but not before killing guards. They were the most dangerous of criminals with multiple homicides. (Jon, Sully and Daniel). Jon was taken care of first, very quickly and permanently. Justice served, three innocence saved in the process. Raphael was called upon once more to cleanse and healed the minds damaged by the corrupt evil caused by Jon. One down two to go. Sully was next to be dealt with. Sully proved to be more difficult to track down. Although Nathanael tracked by his senses, he was finding it hard to get a good read on Sully. Due to the fact that Sully himself was a victim all his childhood, being told that he had an evil minds for the thoughts/feelings. Tracked down to a cabin in the woods where two men were, Nathanael tried to stop Sully from killing the two men. Killing them for having/feeling the same way has he had all his childhood, but being told that they were evil thoughts and feelings. Nathanael was successful in saving the two men, but as he went to stop Sully from pouring oil and setting himself alight, the flame was lite. He wrapped his wings around Sully to put the flames out. Sully didn’t survive the burns, but instead of being condemned to hell, Nathanael chose to forgive Sully and gave him peace of mind, sending him into the light. Two down, one to go. Daniel was last. Daniel was pure evil, with no conscience at all for the torture that he dealt to those in his way. With only one thought on his mind, to get away fast no matter what. Three innocent were at stakes this time. A set a twins and their mom. Knowing directly where to go. Daniel was dealt with swiftly and permanently, the three innocent lives saved. Fast forward: Enter Cassiel, who is a Savior Angel who worked as a doctor a children’s cancer hospital.(I know I have been dragging this out but I will hurry) He’s partially fond of Jake. But there is one other child who had been sent home in the care of hospice, her name is Joy. Joy wasn’t terminally ill as thought by all the other doctors, but was possessed by pure evil and Satan. Cassiel has to save the girl as he does, but at what cost. Satan then goes after Jake and the others at the hospital that he had just left not to long before. He arrives to find Jake possessed by evil, but he is much stronger than the others. Jake was able to fight off Satan’s pull on him, he warns Cassiel that evil has taken over the others and that he must work fast because they were coming for him… to hurt him. Realizing that he was going to need a great deal of help with all the lives involved, Cassiel calls upon his fellow Brethren, six of them. Raphael, Zadkiel, Michael, Urie, Gabriel and Kemuel. Together they fought against the evil hold over them all. Winning of course.
I would recommend this to YA and above.
5/5 stars. I can’t wait for the next read, actually I’m almost done with it now. TRINITY.
I seriously meant to rate this long ago,so I ended up rereading this for a memory refresh.I have been a fan of the author whom I met at Arizona Dreamin before I read anything by her.But know this: her characters leap to life .I partly live her world of Arizona because I have lived here almost 40 years myself;but fans of the hunky,sexy,Angel warriors would love these stories anywhere they are set.So,like I stated,I read Trinity, Relic,and more,before this.Read this one for a closer look at the unique personalities of Nathanael,Cassiel,and others of the Brethren.
A small but intriguing glimpse into the lives of three angels you'll want to get to know better!
This short story introduces us to three angels, Gabriel, Nathanael and Cassiel, knows as The Brethren, who have been sent to protect humans from the incessant evil plaguing the earth. Each has been sent with their own purpose, but their fight to overcome evil and compassion for humanity is enough to make you fall in love with these characters. Their stories will touch your heart and crave more of these heavenly souls!
The author draws you in with her writing and really gives these angels an almost human quality that you connect with from the very beginning. Gabriel is the protector of the lost and exploited, Nathanael is the tortured hero and warrior, fighting injustice and then there's Cassiel, the healer who brings happiness and comfort to sick children. It's extremely difficult to choose just one but I'm a sucker for a tortured hero and Nathanael won me over with his bad ass warrior ways and conflicted soul!
Brethren Beginnings covers a lot of ground for a novella. It's beautifully written with well developed characters that come to life and take you along on their journey to vanquish evil and help the innocent. I'm a paranormal romance lover and even though this book lacked romance, I was just as invested in the story and its characters. Deena Remiel has captured my attention with her eloquent writing and sexy avenging angels which I plan on reading more of!
Brethren Beginnings Volume 1 by Deena Remiel (Goodreads Author)
Synopsis from Goodreads:
"The Brethren. Who are they and why are they here? Discover the origins of these enigmatic angels manifested on Earth for millennia. Lose yourself in their compelling stories of human salvation and triumph over Evil."
I have to admit I have never been a big fan of angel books; now don't go gasping at what some will call sacrilege, I just tend to like my reading right now a little on the dark side. I am, however, a very stubborn individual who set out to find a series that would change my mind and I am pleased to announce I have found it The Brethren are awesome; they are strong, manly men, working towards fighting evil, righting wrongs, and delivering final justice. Brethren Beginnings is a very short introduction into this world and a wonderful teaser that eggs you on to read the first full length novel Trinity. I certainly made me hungry for more and I am glad I had Trinity in my TBR pile so I could get started right away. My only complaint was it was too short and I wanted more, but I am a notorious glutton and once I sink my teeth into something I do not want to finish. I would recommend this short fun read to anyone interested in this genre and if you too are interested in challenging yourself to something a little different pick this up first and then read Trinity.
After reading Trinity and being first introduced to the Brethren, I was so excited to learn that Deena was writing little stories about them. I was even more excited when I got the inbox from Deena to review this book. Woohoo who would pass up a chance to read more about those gorgeous Brethren angels?!?!
Brethren Beginnings literally just blew my mind. The book is well written, Deena makes you feel like your there watching it all unfold right before your eyes. We learn how they came to be on earth and the lives they lived before we meet them in Trinity, what an adventure! Those angels in action really gets the blood pumpin.
First I was on a dangerous adventure with Gabriel, he's a protector. Then I was on a thrilling hunt with Nathanael, and then we went off to save a scary Joy with Cassiel. For a book that's less than 60 pages, there isn't a dull moment always something keepin you on the edge of your seat. I finished this book within an hour, I just couldn't stop reading it. I recommend everyone to give these Brethren Angels a read, you won't regret a single moment. I can't wait to read the next volume and get to know more of the Brethren. I'm up for another adventure....care to join me? *winks*
Brethren Beginnings Volume 1 by Deena Remiel Brethren Short Stories As Evil grew stronger on earth, the Brethren were sent to take on human form. The nine angels were either Protectors, Warriors or Saviors. Three of each. Here are some of theirs beginnings.
Gabriel Seeker had been on several missions to earth but always preferred to return to his angelic form. Until now. A new and exciting era to be a Brethren Protector. His first mission was very rewarding.
Nathanael’s Hunt Nathanael is a Brethren Warrior, an angel. When Assistant Warden Garrett calls to inform him about three dangerous convicts that have escaped, he's ready to serve justice. Nathanael has no trouble sending Evil souls back to Hell but is his life becoming a blur between Evil and Good?
Saving Joy Dr. Cassiel a Brethren Savior. His heart on healing children. He has to use slower methods along with medicine so it’s not so noticeable and he’s determined not to lose any of these young ones to Evil.
These are just tidbits about a few of the angels. Check out the Brethren Series for more. Book 1: Trinity -Michael D'Angelo's story. Book 2: Relic - Raphael's story. Book 3:Elixxir - Nathanael's story. http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/...
Wow Deena Remiel sure packs a punch into Evil with this comjpanion to The Brethren Series.... I have been wisked away to Heaven on Earth.. Delve into a world of Drop-Dead gorgeous Angels whom have a knack for protecting the humans from the throes of Satanic forces that roam the Earth.
The world building is consistant, very believable, crisp and clear, easy to follow writing style with twists and turns that make it the perfect bedtime read. I Love It..
I would recommend this series to thed 18+ Readers out there due its nature and mature content.
I was pleasantly pleased with this short novel. All of about 75 pages on my Nook it was a quick read and each chapter left me wanting to know more about that Brothers. From Gabriel, to Nathaniel to Cassiel, I so want to read more, plus what about Raphael and Zadkiel we don't even get to touch on their stories in this Volume. Totally ready for more. Very well written, not too much and not too little description, action, etc. Keeps you on the edge of your seat wanting more. If you are into angels, good versus evil, a quick pool side read, then this is for you!
This book contains a sample of the collective stories of Deena Remiel’s wonderful creations, The Brethren, Earthbound angels protecting humanity from evil. In this first volume, we are given the stories of Gabriel Seeker, a Protector angel, Nathaniel, a Warrior and Cassiel, a Savior. These are the three classifications of Brethren, each with a specific purpose and unique role in the ongoing war against evil.
What a great set of stories. Once I started reading I didn't put it down. I am used to reading PNR and this left me without the R but it was delightfully refreshing. I fell in love with all the angels instantly. Their personalities and witty remarks comes across quickly in these short stories. I look forward to reading more about these Brethren in the future. Definitely worth the time.
I have had this series on my to read list for a very long time. Now that I have started reading it I can't believe I waited so long! I just love stories about Angels and this one didn't let me down one bit. I won't read another series until I have finished this one! It is superbly written and full of uniqueness.