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Heaven Falls #1
The Road to Hell: The Book of Lucifer
My name is Lucifer and I was first… …and, yes, I am that Lucifer. Fall from Heaven, Prince of Darkness, ruler of Hell, Satan, the Devil, the Adversary, and a thousand other names. Your book leaves out some key elements. I think it’s time to tell my side of the story. From the very beginning. I should I was the beginning. Before me was the Father and before the Father there was nothing. Forget what you think you know. You’ve never heard this story before—not from me. Others have tried. None of them got it right. No one seems to understand my motivations. See, I don’t want you. I’ve never wanted you. I want Him. Everyone else is just in the way…
286 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 9, 2011
48 people are currently reading
1249 people want to read
About the author
Christopher C. Starr
2 books54 followersChristopher C. Starr is the founder of Sanford House Press, the home of Stories Without Limits, and the author of the Heaven Falls series. He lives in Austin with The Wife, his kids – the Boy and the Honey Badger, and a pack of dogs. Chris has a sense of humor like a Gremlin, a trash TV fetish, and telling stories is absolutely what he was meant to do.
christophercstarr.com
christophercstarr.com
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
August 8, 2012
I received a free copy of this book for review.
I agree with the sentiments of another reviewer....simply WOW! This is a book like none I have read in quite some time. You feel the story rather than just read it. The imagry is simply amazing.
Told from the point of view of Lucifer, Michael, and Gabriel mainly we see the story unfold from the very begining when Lucifer was first created and was the only being and how he lived in communion with God.
After a time Lucifer began to question himself and ask if this was all he was to be. There are many actions that lead to the creation of heaven and other angels and inevitably the war that led to Lucifer's fall. All of this is told in beautiful imagry and brings this awesome story to life like no other. You feel what each being is feeling and you can see the changes that take place. You understand how pain and jealousy can eat someone from the inside and cause them to change.
This book is absolutely awesome and its so much so that its almost difficult to put into words how emotional and alive it is. I would recommend this to any one that enjoys religious fiction, mythology, or stories with strong imagry. Its one that I plan on reading again. Loved it!!!
I agree with the sentiments of another reviewer....simply WOW! This is a book like none I have read in quite some time. You feel the story rather than just read it. The imagry is simply amazing.
Told from the point of view of Lucifer, Michael, and Gabriel mainly we see the story unfold from the very begining when Lucifer was first created and was the only being and how he lived in communion with God.
After a time Lucifer began to question himself and ask if this was all he was to be. There are many actions that lead to the creation of heaven and other angels and inevitably the war that led to Lucifer's fall. All of this is told in beautiful imagry and brings this awesome story to life like no other. You feel what each being is feeling and you can see the changes that take place. You understand how pain and jealousy can eat someone from the inside and cause them to change.
This book is absolutely awesome and its so much so that its almost difficult to put into words how emotional and alive it is. I would recommend this to any one that enjoys religious fiction, mythology, or stories with strong imagry. Its one that I plan on reading again. Loved it!!!
February 28, 2020
This is a book to remember. Fantastic. Indeed.
Like another reviewer said: "thinking outside the box to tell a story".
Christopher Start conveys how Heaven & Hell came to be with Lucifer as being the first angel (keeper of light and at the end prince of darkness), created by the Father. An epic battle and struggles with his brothers: angels Gabriel, Azazel, Emmanuel, Raphael and Michael (the Peace Maker); the plot was seamless and the story was told from Lucifer's point of view.
" You were the First One, majestic and in splendor with beauty like no other, Keeper of Light; now, you'll be the Last One, deformed in chaos, burning in eternity, and in complete DARKNESS!"
A voice whispered.The voice of the Father.
Like another reviewer said: "thinking outside the box to tell a story".
Christopher Start conveys how Heaven & Hell came to be with Lucifer as being the first angel (keeper of light and at the end prince of darkness), created by the Father. An epic battle and struggles with his brothers: angels Gabriel, Azazel, Emmanuel, Raphael and Michael (the Peace Maker); the plot was seamless and the story was told from Lucifer's point of view.
" You were the First One, majestic and in splendor with beauty like no other, Keeper of Light; now, you'll be the Last One, deformed in chaos, burning in eternity, and in complete DARKNESS!"
A voice whispered.The voice of the Father.
September 18, 2020
I read the story because Lucifer is my enemy, the Prince of Lies, and the author of the pandemonium we see around us. He is remorseless, the pinnacle of pride, bent on dragging down all whom he can. His character in this book quickly conformed to my expectations and I credit the author with taking me closer to the Prince of this World than I really wanted to go. I once was one of Lucifer's slaves, and when I tried to extricate myself, Lucifer tried to destroy me. That did it, and I walked away from a great career to start a new one. Shortly thereafter, I met Lucifer's Enemy and never looked back. Again, I credit the author and admire his craftsmanship in having done his homework on his protagonist. I bailed out when I smelled the smoke. I give five stars for the characterization.
August 9, 2012
Before I delve too deeply into my review I want to say something about this book. First, it’s awesome. Secondly, I love when people think outside of the box. Third, it’s a story! This is not a “here’s how it really happened”, it’s not supposed to be taken as gospel (ha I made a punny), it’s supposed to be enjoyed as a story of fiction. And seeing Lucifer’s side of things is quite an interesting story! Don’t let yourself miss this one because you think it’s religious when it’s really technically not. There’s blood, lots of it, there’s also profanity. Not quite as much as say, Clive Barker’s Books of Blood, but up there enough to keep my attention.
Ok, I don’t want to say too much. But I will say I loved so much about this book. I knew exactly what was going on and where they were. Christopher C. Starr has a way of not only setting a stage but putting you on that stage. The scenery is set in such a way that I felt like I was watching a movie. His imagination truly holds no bounds, he was able to get into the mind of how it would feel to be God and into the mind of how it would feel to be Lucifer and the other Angels that God makes and he lets us into their psyches. Not only is the scenery AWEsome but the fights are epic.
The plot was also seamless. Although I kind of knew what the outcome was going to be but only because we all know this story. But this could easily have went either way, he writes it that well. The only criticism I may have is about the characters. I fell in love with Sela and funnily enough Lucifer, my heart went out to him throughout the entire story, but the other characters were a bit two dimensional for me. That being said I knew why each character did something because even though we didn’t get a lot about each of them, Christopher gives us enough to know why they believe the way they do. So most of their choices make sense.
Christopher’s writing style is very fun but I am probably a bit biased because I do tend to lean more towards first person. But he writes fiercely, delving into the heart of the story and grabbing it by the throat, as well as us and he never lets go! Definitely a very fun read and one that I plan on reading again and recommending to friends. The only downside, the second is not out yet! But we heard it straight from Christopher’s mouth (well really fingers) in the interview that comes out today:
For my fans, hang out with me, the sequel is coming. Promise. And if you want to know where we’re going, just ask. Let’s talk about it. For those who haven’t read my book, check it out. It’s unlike anything you’ve read before—like Lucifer says, “You’ve never heard this story before—not from me. Others have tried. None of them got it right.” Check it out, join the conversation.
Ok, I don’t want to say too much. But I will say I loved so much about this book. I knew exactly what was going on and where they were. Christopher C. Starr has a way of not only setting a stage but putting you on that stage. The scenery is set in such a way that I felt like I was watching a movie. His imagination truly holds no bounds, he was able to get into the mind of how it would feel to be God and into the mind of how it would feel to be Lucifer and the other Angels that God makes and he lets us into their psyches. Not only is the scenery AWEsome but the fights are epic.
The plot was also seamless. Although I kind of knew what the outcome was going to be but only because we all know this story. But this could easily have went either way, he writes it that well. The only criticism I may have is about the characters. I fell in love with Sela and funnily enough Lucifer, my heart went out to him throughout the entire story, but the other characters were a bit two dimensional for me. That being said I knew why each character did something because even though we didn’t get a lot about each of them, Christopher gives us enough to know why they believe the way they do. So most of their choices make sense.
Christopher’s writing style is very fun but I am probably a bit biased because I do tend to lean more towards first person. But he writes fiercely, delving into the heart of the story and grabbing it by the throat, as well as us and he never lets go! Definitely a very fun read and one that I plan on reading again and recommending to friends. The only downside, the second is not out yet! But we heard it straight from Christopher’s mouth (well really fingers) in the interview that comes out today:
For my fans, hang out with me, the sequel is coming. Promise. And if you want to know where we’re going, just ask. Let’s talk about it. For those who haven’t read my book, check it out. It’s unlike anything you’ve read before—like Lucifer says, “You’ve never heard this story before—not from me. Others have tried. None of them got it right.” Check it out, join the conversation.
March 4, 2013
This book had the potential to be a fantastic book. The writing seemed rushed and the characters were underdeveloped. There seems to have been A LOT of mistakes overlooked in terms of the writing. There were so many grammatical errors, it was at times distracting. Better proof reading before being released is recommended.
October 25, 2011
The imagery that Christopher Starr uses in The Road To Hell is of such ethereal quality, describing so eloquently the happenings in the heavenly places, that reading his work brings to mind CS Lewis’ Screwtape Letters and the like. But what makes The Road To Hell unique even in that vein, is the plunge it takes into the mysterious and foggy arena of theology’s greatest unknown – the circumstances surrounding the fall of Lucifer and how it could have happened.
Starr crafts a world where angels are more akin to our concept of mythological gods (which may have been fallen angels), the universe feels like a whimsical dimension subject to the will of those angels, and all of existence takes place in the hand of God. This story leaves our concept of such unseen worlds to be greatly pondered.
The Scriptures are strangely silent when it comes to Lucifer’s fall – in that we are given no idea as to “how” it could have happened. We are told that he wanted to be like God and led a rebellion against God with a great multitude of angels, but how could that happen? Why would Satan want to be like God, how could things in heaven have brought him to such a place of rebellion? And how could he possibly have turned so much of God’s host? These questions provide the framework for Starr’s story. I found his concept interesting and thought-provoking, and rather enjoyed his timeline of events.
The story is told through the eyes of Lucifer, Michael, Gabriel, and other angels, and really tries to make you “feel” the circumstances that lead to war in heaven… and the universe.
Not a theological treatise by any means, we are given the ability to imagine what might have been, how it could have went down, and that freedom to wonder is The Road To Hell’s most valuable attribute. That Starr’s writing so mystically represents the metaphysical world of angels, demons, and creation itself, only helps us to imagine all the more.
Starr crafts a world where angels are more akin to our concept of mythological gods (which may have been fallen angels), the universe feels like a whimsical dimension subject to the will of those angels, and all of existence takes place in the hand of God. This story leaves our concept of such unseen worlds to be greatly pondered.
The Scriptures are strangely silent when it comes to Lucifer’s fall – in that we are given no idea as to “how” it could have happened. We are told that he wanted to be like God and led a rebellion against God with a great multitude of angels, but how could that happen? Why would Satan want to be like God, how could things in heaven have brought him to such a place of rebellion? And how could he possibly have turned so much of God’s host? These questions provide the framework for Starr’s story. I found his concept interesting and thought-provoking, and rather enjoyed his timeline of events.
The story is told through the eyes of Lucifer, Michael, Gabriel, and other angels, and really tries to make you “feel” the circumstances that lead to war in heaven… and the universe.
Not a theological treatise by any means, we are given the ability to imagine what might have been, how it could have went down, and that freedom to wonder is The Road To Hell’s most valuable attribute. That Starr’s writing so mystically represents the metaphysical world of angels, demons, and creation itself, only helps us to imagine all the more.
May 20, 2021
I was granted complimentary access to The Road to Hell as part of a call for reviews via Lola's Blog Tours, and I would like to sincerely apologize for taking so long to get to it! It was a victim of my effort to condense different schedule spreadsheets back in the winter. Thank you for the opportunity! My thoughts are my own and my review is honest.
The Road to Hell is a unique take on a subgenre I've always loved to dive into: The Devil as a relatable character. I must admit that after reading the few reviews that already existed when I first agreed to this book, I wasn't sure what to expect. Some people seemed to expect something holier and let their hopes colour their experience. This is a wonderfully written work of fiction placing both Lucifer and the angels in morally grey roles. It's based on Christian teachings but this is most definitely not a Bible story retelling! (And to be clear, I'm glad it isn't, because that's absolutely not what I was looking for.)
This book is packed with emotional scenes and emotional writing. You'll feel like you ARE the characters sharing their POV throughout the book, and you'll understand completely how war came to Heaven and lead to one angel's fall all the way down to hell. Lucifer definitely ended up being my favourite character, but the angels are well written as well.
If you love humanized, empathetic representations of Lucifer and angels like Crowley and Cas in Supernatural, this just might be your next must-read.
The Road to Hell is a unique take on a subgenre I've always loved to dive into: The Devil as a relatable character. I must admit that after reading the few reviews that already existed when I first agreed to this book, I wasn't sure what to expect. Some people seemed to expect something holier and let their hopes colour their experience. This is a wonderfully written work of fiction placing both Lucifer and the angels in morally grey roles. It's based on Christian teachings but this is most definitely not a Bible story retelling! (And to be clear, I'm glad it isn't, because that's absolutely not what I was looking for.)
This book is packed with emotional scenes and emotional writing. You'll feel like you ARE the characters sharing their POV throughout the book, and you'll understand completely how war came to Heaven and lead to one angel's fall all the way down to hell. Lucifer definitely ended up being my favourite character, but the angels are well written as well.
If you love humanized, empathetic representations of Lucifer and angels like Crowley and Cas in Supernatural, this just might be your next must-read.
March 17, 2021
I enjoyed it so much. I always enjoy the books regarding history and especially religion. Those are a very rare find for me since I stick with fiction but this book is amazing. It is well written and it give you the point of view on the most talked angels in religion. Michael, Lucifer and Gabriel which are the most act out in films. It was well written. The development of the characters was well written. Since it is the beginning it gives you a descriptive detail about how things are created. It gives good detail on how Lucifer became the fallen angel. You get to hear the emotional turmoil that he had when he was fallen and how he tries to destroy everything because of what happen to him .there was so much written that was beautifully explained and detailed. If you enjoy religion fiction, mythology or so this book is for you.
November 5, 2020
“You rejected the life I gave you. … You were ungrateful.”
The Road to Hell is a story of fiction, told in the point of view of Lucifer. Lucifer tells an interesting, captivating story of a Heaven that is darker, grittier, angry place. It has quite a bit of rage, jealousy, and vengeance. There are rebellions, wars and blood. I don’t know about you, but that’s not how I picture Heaven, which makes this such a unique read. The writing is so descriptive I felt like I was watching the story instead of reading. This is not my normal go-to read genre. I’m really not a fan of fantasy type stories. I was presented a chance to give it a read and I’m so glad I did. It’s a interesting spin of Lucifer.
PS: The Road to Hell 10th Anniversary edition cover is stunning!
The Road to Hell is a story of fiction, told in the point of view of Lucifer. Lucifer tells an interesting, captivating story of a Heaven that is darker, grittier, angry place. It has quite a bit of rage, jealousy, and vengeance. There are rebellions, wars and blood. I don’t know about you, but that’s not how I picture Heaven, which makes this such a unique read. The writing is so descriptive I felt like I was watching the story instead of reading. This is not my normal go-to read genre. I’m really not a fan of fantasy type stories. I was presented a chance to give it a read and I’m so glad I did. It’s a interesting spin of Lucifer.
PS: The Road to Hell 10th Anniversary edition cover is stunning!
September 12, 2022
As with many great epic-fantasy novels, there is battle! The detailed action is riveting and terrifying. The angels of heaven can be monsters and presented in a thrilling horror. Although if any of these characters were asked, they would surely defend their actions as necessary.
This story arouses the irony of everything.
The Road To Hell references some religious teachings that the reader may find familiar. An incredibly written and absolutely entertaining read. The author’s style, and interpretation of these details, is brilliant.
This book takes place before creation. It describes the jealousy of heaven’s angels. If it is true that mankind is created in the mirror image of the creator, then a lot is explained. How the human condition in fact can be the very thing that turns the best of us into monsters.
Lucifer was loved. He was the first and deeply in love with the father. It was Lucifer’s jealousy that got the ball rolling. And then, perhaps poor parenting skills on the father’s part. Damn me for even suggesting a thing, right? If this book gets anyone twisted in a bunch, it might be that it reveals Lucifer as wounded. Then explains how an obsessive need for attention and love can turn to a dark desire of destruction. And all of this happens so seamlessly in The Road To Hell.
I loved it! When I first read the title I did have reservations about reading it for a review. It is a beautiful cover and it did strike my interest right away. However, I knew I would not be into a religious read. And, I also knew any mention of the devil in any capacity, would drive some folks out of their mind.
It is a mistake to pass this book up due to the title or what one may think the story is about. It is a richly written epic-fantasy. These characters, these holy, heavenly creatures literally rip each other apart in the name of their father and for what they believe. They do it with love for him, for peace and for the good of each other. Although fantasy books are for entertainment purposes, this read reflects the horrors of humanity quite well.
I purchased both kindle books The Road To Hell and Come Hell Or High Water on Amazon. I’m looking forward to reading the second book. When I noticed the audible for The Road To Hell, I purchased it too. Listening to this story is an incredible experience.
This story arouses the irony of everything.
The Road To Hell references some religious teachings that the reader may find familiar. An incredibly written and absolutely entertaining read. The author’s style, and interpretation of these details, is brilliant.
This book takes place before creation. It describes the jealousy of heaven’s angels. If it is true that mankind is created in the mirror image of the creator, then a lot is explained. How the human condition in fact can be the very thing that turns the best of us into monsters.
Lucifer was loved. He was the first and deeply in love with the father. It was Lucifer’s jealousy that got the ball rolling. And then, perhaps poor parenting skills on the father’s part. Damn me for even suggesting a thing, right? If this book gets anyone twisted in a bunch, it might be that it reveals Lucifer as wounded. Then explains how an obsessive need for attention and love can turn to a dark desire of destruction. And all of this happens so seamlessly in The Road To Hell.
I loved it! When I first read the title I did have reservations about reading it for a review. It is a beautiful cover and it did strike my interest right away. However, I knew I would not be into a religious read. And, I also knew any mention of the devil in any capacity, would drive some folks out of their mind.
It is a mistake to pass this book up due to the title or what one may think the story is about. It is a richly written epic-fantasy. These characters, these holy, heavenly creatures literally rip each other apart in the name of their father and for what they believe. They do it with love for him, for peace and for the good of each other. Although fantasy books are for entertainment purposes, this read reflects the horrors of humanity quite well.
I purchased both kindle books The Road To Hell and Come Hell Or High Water on Amazon. I’m looking forward to reading the second book. When I noticed the audible for The Road To Hell, I purchased it too. Listening to this story is an incredible experience.
May 28, 2015
This book left me speechless
It was amazing... I haven't said that about a book in a very long time. It gets you thinking about the fall of Lucifer and why would he ever want to turn away from God...
What I got out of the message or this book was God giving us each the free will to choose, he loves us that much.
My heart ached for the ArcAngel Michael, you felt his pain, his belief in The Father was strong, but he found himself questioning God at times.
The author was able to write in such a way, that you were pulled in emotionally. I would recommend this book many times over.
What I would really like to know how Lucifer became a fallen angel, to become Satan and rule over hell. Not much is said in the bible about it.
I feel part of the message the author was trying to send was:
Is that Jealousy can slowly start to eat away at your heart, clouds your mind and judgement. You start second guessing yourself and others, leaving room for doubt to open up until it starts to consume you, takes over, ruins your life. Your mind plays tricks, you fall for lies more easily, and start to question the truth.
Then again... Maybe you will disagree! I'll leave that up to you.
I am a Christian, I also under stand this book IS NOT FACT. Geez people!
If that's why you are thinking about reading it don't. The author never claimed this to be fact.... It's fiction people! You want fact read the bible.
It was amazing... I haven't said that about a book in a very long time. It gets you thinking about the fall of Lucifer and why would he ever want to turn away from God...
What I got out of the message or this book was God giving us each the free will to choose, he loves us that much.
My heart ached for the ArcAngel Michael, you felt his pain, his belief in The Father was strong, but he found himself questioning God at times.
The author was able to write in such a way, that you were pulled in emotionally. I would recommend this book many times over.
What I would really like to know how Lucifer became a fallen angel, to become Satan and rule over hell. Not much is said in the bible about it.
I feel part of the message the author was trying to send was:
Is that Jealousy can slowly start to eat away at your heart, clouds your mind and judgement. You start second guessing yourself and others, leaving room for doubt to open up until it starts to consume you, takes over, ruins your life. Your mind plays tricks, you fall for lies more easily, and start to question the truth.
Then again... Maybe you will disagree! I'll leave that up to you.
I am a Christian, I also under stand this book IS NOT FACT. Geez people!
If that's why you are thinking about reading it don't. The author never claimed this to be fact.... It's fiction people! You want fact read the bible.
July 14, 2012
Wow...simply wow. The story of Lucifer has never been told like this. Very well written, very striking. I want to read more. Couldn't put it down once I started and was so sad when it was over, just because I wanted to read what happened next.
Currently reading
October 30, 2020This book is is the essence of a dream. A labor of love, in the effort of writing and the story that lives in the pages. It is a love story, honestly--a love story that talks about the destructive power of a broken heart. How jealousy can lead to rejection, how revenge becomes rebellion. Murder. War.
The Road to Hell is angels and demons, Michael and Lucifer, but in a way you've never heard. These angels (and one devil) tell their story in their voices, their words. They are honest and raw, angry and brutal, and have crises of faith and doubt.
I hope you find what you're looking for!
The Road to Hell is angels and demons, Michael and Lucifer, but in a way you've never heard. These angels (and one devil) tell their story in their voices, their words. They are honest and raw, angry and brutal, and have crises of faith and doubt.
I hope you find what you're looking for!
January 23, 2022
An excellent audiobook version available on Audible. All depictions of the angels are true enough to their tale. However! Who is Sayla?! This angel has been added without any reference. I did not know this story before and was gripped from start to end. But, this 'Sayla' the Architect Archangel does not exist. What is the point of telling a great story from such a amazing perspective to just make up a character that does not belong? Please someone tell me.
December 2, 2020
I found this to be a unique and outside the box telling of Lucifer's story. It was interesting, entertaining, and a great introduction into the world the author is building. An easy well flowing read. Would recommend to others.
*was received as part of a goodread giveaway*
*was received as part of a goodread giveaway*
Read
July 29, 2023DNF about a third in. I just couldn't get with it. It wasn't bad or anything but I kept not being able to pay attention to the story and after a while I just decided to give up
July 16, 2016
I am a fan of stories involving Satan/ Lucifer/ whatever you want to call him, but I just couldn't get into this particular book. It had the potential to be good, but it was just boring to me.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews