I loved how this book ended it had a good story throughout and the fact that Camael went aganist god's will at the end priceless was not expecting that!! SO is he falling in love with Devi?? Lets face it, it seems that way. Furthermore, I was surprised that OZ is standng by her yeah yeah he loves her but is the reason he fell not because he loves the world so much and humans!! hmmm I don't know but still my favourite character is Forneus i just think he's class and just says it how it is! But i do think there's a softer side to him that we are yet to see, and I cnt wait to see what happens now that Devi and Oz have both made deals with him INTERESTING
I was hooked throughout this book, however I was disappointed with this one. I thought there would be some ground made in the Devi and Camael dynamic but the gray areas became darker gray...I really enjoyed the newer approach to the fallen angels genre, but there was some contradiction and it became more of a situation of gray versus good and evil. I will read the next one, hoping there will be some sort of resolution and a positive end. I am so confused about Devi and Oz...
It was a slow paced sequel with much of the action happening in the end. I didn't really like the parts where Oz was a girl. Just was weird and lame and slowed the story down. I mean I get that he has no gender identity but it clearly freaked out Devi. It felt weird not interesting.
It's been over a decade since Beloved Purgatory came out, and with no word from the author since, I think it's safe to say book three isn't happening. Which is a shame, because while this sequel didn't fully stick the landing, it raised enough interesting questions that I would've followed Devi's story further if I could.
Where After Eden was a quirky blend of dark angelic lore and supernatural sitcom energy, Beloved Purgatory leans harder into the emotional fallout. We get more about Devi's importance in the Heaven/Hell cosmic chess match, and while that's appreciated, it also comes with a heavier, murkier tone. Sometimes for the better. Sometimes not.
Devi continues to be… a lot. Her grief, guilt, and general confusion are understandable, but by the halfway mark I was mentally handing her a notepad titled "Things You've Already Been Told Five Times." She spends a good chunk of the book refusing to accept information that has been laid out to her in neon lights. The result isn't mystery, it's mild narrative exhaustion.
That said, I did appreciate the exploration of her compassion. Even when she's annoying, Devi's love for her brother and her empathy toward those she shouldn't care about kept me grounded in her perspective. I just wish her arc showed more growth instead of just spiraling in place.
As for the romantic dynamics, if you were hoping for payoff between Devi and Oz, you might come away disappointed. There are a few moments, but the relationship feels like it's in a holding pattern, like the book was saving the real development for the third installment that never came. The addition of Camael complicates things, but not always in a good way. The tension between the three of them is more awkward than romantic, and the whole Camael situation feels like emotional purgatory in more ways than one.
Still, Oz remains a highlight. His patience, protectiveness, and dry humor make him the most consistent emotional anchor in the book. His love for Devi is never in question, which only makes the lack of romantic momentum that much more frustrating.
There are some genuinely intriguing reveals about Devi's origins and purpose, and the book thrives when it leans into the scheming, shifting alliances between angels, demons, and the morally gray in between. Beloved Purgatory shines most when it's exploring the cost of free will and loyalty in a war where even the "good guys" might not deserve your trust.
But the execution is uneven. Some conversations feel like filler. Certain scenes come off disjointed or overly vague. And the pacing dips in places where it should be building tension. I found myself re-reading passages not because they were deep, but because they were confusingly worded or emotionally inconsistent.
It's not a bad book, but it is a frustrating one. There's enough here to keep you reading, especially if you're invested in Oz and the broader mythos, but the lack of closure and character stagnation holds it back. This feels like the middle book in a trilogy that needed a proper end, and now we'll probably never get it.
If you liked After Eden, this is worth reading for the world alone. Just lower your expectations and brace for unfinished business.
Since Beloved Purgatory is a sequel to After Eden, the first book in the Fallen Angels Series I recommend reading After Eden, book 1, before this review as it may have spoilers. I try not to spoil anything, but with sequels that can be hard.
Beloved Purgatory was a wonderful continuation of the unearthly drama featured in After Eden. I am absolutely in love with this series and the characters, especially Oz, that Katherine has created. As this story progresses so does the drama and disaster. I feel like Devi is venturing deeper into darkness for the ones she loves.
In Beloved Purgatory Devi discovers a lot of truths about herself and her purpose. She also meets some new and interesting characters, but those characters from book 1 join in on the fun as well. The relationship between Devi and Camael, her guardian angel, while still a bit tense at times grows a lot in this book and I just know he's not as emotionless and void as Devi thinks he is. He has some surprises up his sleeve I'm sure. Oz is still cat loving Oz and his love for Devi, no matter what she's capable of, is beautiful.
I do find some of the scenes between Jasmine and Devi kind of awkward. You'd have to read the book to understand. It's not enough to make me crazy, but just enough to make me think of it when expressing my thoughts on the story. Overall it's no biggie, but when reading it I could see others agreeing.
One of the things I love about Katherine's story is while it's a book about God and Angels, and how Devi fits in. I never feel like I'm being swayed into believing anything. It's a story, an amazing story, and I said the same thing about After Eden it's not a preachy book.
This author is great at pacing her books, the story starts off at full speed, slows for a little, then picks right back up. Trapping the readers into the story and keeping them involved and interested. Never a dull moment for Devi.
I love this book, I love this series and was so excited when Katherine asked me to review this book! If you have read this one and the previous book check out Katherine's blog post about book 3, I can't wait! If you enjoy paranormal romance, especially angel books, this series is definitely for you! Thank you to the wonderful author for the chance to read and review Beloved Purgatory!
Beloved Purgatory is the second book in the Fallen Angels series, following After Eden. Much like the first book, I was completely drawn into the story from the moment it began. The use of angels and demons and devils is unique, not following all of the stereotypes associated with those beings. There is an interesting underlying theme of morality and the ambiguity of "good" vs."evil", and all the gray areas in between. I liked that lack of delineation because it added layers to the plot.
I love Devi as a the heroine of the story. She has had a life of misery and has never really known what it is like to be truly happy. There is a sense of optimistic hopelessness about her character, an oxymoron, I know. It is as if, no matter the constant sense of sadness, she has hope that someday, around some corner, happiness exists. Oz, her boyfriend (and a demon) doesn't fit any of the stereotypes that pop culture holds about demons. He is funny, sexy, caring, and more than a little wacky and can't help but love him. But he also is dark and mysterious, with secrets and sadness of his own. All of the characters are perfectly created and truly make the story.
Like the first book, I couldn't put the book down once I started. There was less romance in this book between Oz and Devi, but much more suspense and action. Many of the blanks about Devi were filled in over the course of the book, telling much more of her story. One of my favorite subplots was the interplay between Devi and her mom, bringing a little of the mundane emotional drama in alongside the paranormal.
The third book will be out some time in 2012 and I can't wait for it!
I was really excited when I bought this book on Christmas. I loved the first book in the series and was anxious to read what was going to happen to Devi and Oz.
I admittedly enjoyed After Eden more but Beloved Purgatory was a good follow up. I only grew extremely tired of how Devi was constantly getting gross looking and dirty. Or how self-loathing she was and feeling undeserving of anything and her constantly “not getting it” and saying “I don’t understand.” How many times and ways can someone explain the same thing to her? I wish she was a little less dense.
I get not wanting a heroine to be like catnip to guys but there has to be a happy medium. She doesn’t have to be drop dead gorgeous but can she also not be covered in puke and hideous?
Back to how much I loved the story. I like all the twist, the scheming and betrayal. I think dealing with Angels, the Fallen, devils and Demons would involve all those things. You’d never know who to trust and Beloved Purgatory shows that extremely well. I mean seriously, can there truly be good guys when dealing with devils and demons?
A good book leaves you sighing with resolution and reeling with questions anew…Book 2 in the Fallen Angels series does that swimmingly.
I thought the book itself was good however, I found that the writing was confusing! I sometimes found myself reading and re-reading because it just wouldn't make sense what Devi said sometimes. Also, Devi, what's up with her? I understand the anguish and pain the author wants to portray- especially when it comes to her animosity towards Camael- but her attitude sometimes is wayyyyyyy too bipolar. I mean seriously she spazzes at every little thing and that just made her annoying to me sometimes. In the long run, I admire her love for her brother and how she is compassionate about the pain of others-even her enemies. Over all, my favorite character is obviously, Oz. However, I like his actual name- Azazel- muchhhh better. It sounds sexier and mysterious. COnclusion, pretty good book. Waiting anxiously for the third installment.
I loved this book!!! It was amazing! I liked that you got to know Devi more and everything that haunts her and Oz was awesome too! I love the relationship that Devi forms with her Guardian Angle Cameal it was so funny watching her try to explain things to him because so much of Devi is emotion based and he just didn't get that. I love that Oz loves her still even after he finds out not gonna say what cause I don't want to spoil the surprise. I love the dialogue between Oz and Devi and Devi and Cameal and all three of them. Oz is amazing and Devi is worthy of him which you don't often see in books!!! Kathrine Pine did an amazing job I laughed I cried I was on the edge of my seat waiting to find out what happens next and cried laughed at some points. This book is amazing!!!
I really liked After Eden, but have struggled with this second installment. I've got 20% in and am just not getting the bug with this one. The writing just isn't flowing this time and i feel like i'm going through scenes not really getting much understanding of what's happening. Devi is confusing me with odd inconsistencies in what freaks her out about her demon boyf and angel...hmmmmm....I hate not finishing things, so I'm not going to rate this now. I'll take a break and come back to it again, just in case it's me.
Still disappointed. But, I love Oz and Camael! I could fall I love with a devil and an angel. I think this book gave more background on what was going on with the whole picture. I still wish that the whole original soul and holy spirit theory was explained a little bit more. I felt that it was rushed. It was better than the first book. I hope that the author develops the story line more. This could really turn into a great series. The dynamics are good, the delivery is just off. Looking forward to the next(fingers crossed).
I have no clue why I read this book when I thought the first one was so bad. I wonder if this author published this herself because it obviously was not reviewed by an editor. There were so many, not only grammatical errors (lots and lots) but also the story it self had inconsistencies. It would go from saying something happened to one of the male characters to calling that male character a she. The way the actual story line developed left so many holes it just was painful... Maybe the author thought we were inside her head and could fill in the holes but dang, it was just that bad.
I thought this book was amazing! Devi and Oz's relationship grew and you got to meet Camael and learn more about him. In all honesty…I think Camael is my favorite character. Even though he can't feel emotions, I feel like he was so sweet and protective, even though it's his job. I feel like Devi and Camael started to grow a relationship during the book. Camael started to show signs of his affection and I hope he keeps it up. I think Camael and Devi would be a better couple than Oz and Devi. Just saying!
I'll admit it i sort of don't like the first book, after eden, but guess what ? I will never regret that I read this book. The second book is much, very much more amazing than the first one :) .. I really really like this book, I like the way Devi, Camael and Forneus tell things, the way they talk about things. I love the way Forneus think, especially when he tricked Lucifer out.. And I love how the author describe the disgusting scenes like those pulling of intestines, and sort of. I badly want to read the 3rd book !
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Ok I gave this one a shot, and though it had some great moments, there was so much weighed it down. It was depressing read, and for me, a true escapist reader, hope is a huge ingredient for me. The choices the main character made seemed quite foolish, and though she obviously means well, she lacked a strength of will that I look for in a protagonist. She is a bit silly, I hoe she "wises up" in the next novel.
I was expecting a lot when I first read this and I was a little disapointed. I loved Oz and Devi but I was not impressed with the meaningless some of the conversations. Not a lot of romance between the two if you're looking for that. It does however have information on Devi and why she is important to heaven and hell. Having Camael in the story was a little awkward for the three of them but he does grow and I'm interested in where he goes from there. I look forward to what's next.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
The book is quite enjoyable and fascinating. It opens to the reader unknown world of already known creatures. Sometimes Devi's behaviour in company of an angel and a demon is weird, but it makes the book real and natural (how would each of us treat both of them if we happend to be on her place?).I mean, the author doesn`t idealize the main character. That is very important. The main point, however, is the ending. It`s worth reading the whole book.
LOVED that the one answer I was looking forward to was finally answered~ :) So picking up the next one in the series. What a great read. Devi may not be a butt kicking heroine, but she does what she can and has a good heart. Also a bit of sass~ What I mean is, she has some semblance of a back bone and is willing to sacrifice for others.
This book picks up the pace and fills in the blanks that linger after book one. Found myself laughing out loud several times as Devi comes to grips with having her angel around ALL the time. I wish she was a bit stronger and spoke her mind more but I can relate to her doubts and insecurities. Forneous is full of surprises and I'm looking forward to the next book.
Again Ms.Pine has outdone herself. I could not put the book down from start to finish! It was worth the wait for this book. I am only sad that I again am now int he waiting period. I am in serious love with Oz :)
This story really does touch you heart ,u just want her to be happy find her brother ,for the curse to be taken from oz,to be able to love freely.and th whol thing with angel camael is soo sad to,such a well writen touching and very tense book
I loved this book. I love Devi and Oz together, and it was nice learning more about why Devi has no soul. It was also nice seeing her and her angel interact more. I can't wait to read the next book.
This was good.... well a little boring at first, but then it got All good at the end and middle. all the action i waz like "THATS WAT I TALKIN ABOUT:)" i dont thinl it waz as good as the first book, but still waz good