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Righteous #5
Destroying Angel
As the reluctant new leader of Blister Creek, Dr. Jacob Christianson dares to hope he finally has delivered his people from the brutal Kimball clan—until his adopted son Daniel begins suffering from terrifying visions. Jacob knows all too well the mental illness that plagues the Kimballs, Daniel’s biological family, fueling their thirst for vengeance and power. Desperate for answers, Jacob immerses himself in the history of Blister Creek, plumbing its blood-soaked origins for something—anything—to save his beloved son from the path of evil.
All the while, the fugitive Taylor Kimball Junior is gathering the tattered remnants of his family, rallying them for one final assault on Blister Creek. Driven by the same dark angel fighting for Daniel’s soul, Taylor Junior won’t stop until he claims his rightful place as the prophet of Blister Creek—and wipes the Christianson bloodline from the earth forever.
All the while, the fugitive Taylor Kimball Junior is gathering the tattered remnants of his family, rallying them for one final assault on Blister Creek. Driven by the same dark angel fighting for Daniel’s soul, Taylor Junior won’t stop until he claims his rightful place as the prophet of Blister Creek—and wipes the Christianson bloodline from the earth forever.
346 pages, Paperback
First published March 5, 2013
33 people are currently reading
158 people want to read
About the author
Michael Wallace
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Michael also welcomes email from readers at m.wallace23(at)yahoo(dot)com.
Michael also welcomes email from readers at m.wallace23(at)yahoo(dot)com.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
March 17, 2013
I did not enjoy this installment of the series as much as the previous books. It was slow reading for half the book and now the end of the world is looming for the next book. I think it is time to move on to other things. Too often authors take a good thing, and instead of moving on keep writing when they just need to set a new course.
January 27, 2013
This is the fifth of Michael Wallace's Blister Creek "Righteous" series, and the third I have read. In this entry, reluctant Fundamentalist Latter-Day Saint Jacob Christianson has been named prophet in the wake of his father's death. He no longer believes in the teachings with which he was raised, but has been brought home to the FLDS compound in the wake of a series of murders by a rival FLDS sect led by the Kimball family.
Christianson has been given his great-great-grandmother's diaries to read by a woman who is now living in GGGrandma's little cottage (she found them in the floorboards) and getting a different perspective on the early days of the church -- and the paranoid schizophrenia that runs rampant through the Kimball family.
This has implications for his own life in two ways: his eldest child was born in the Kimball family and was adopted by him ... and the Kimball family scion, Taylor Junior, is determined to have revenge on the Christianson family for wrongs imagined and real.
The author not only puts us into the middle of the action, but also demonstrates the dangers of fundamentalism in very concrete ways. Women kept isolated and undereducated, men told that they have the power to do whatever they choose ... there are other examples. Some of the characters feel like they could have been torn right out of the headlines about the Warren Jeffs cult group.
This series is a fascinating look at both the dark side of religion and the challenges faced by those who try to walk away. Highly recommended.
(Review based on uncorrected advance proof.)
Christianson has been given his great-great-grandmother's diaries to read by a woman who is now living in GGGrandma's little cottage (she found them in the floorboards) and getting a different perspective on the early days of the church -- and the paranoid schizophrenia that runs rampant through the Kimball family.
This has implications for his own life in two ways: his eldest child was born in the Kimball family and was adopted by him ... and the Kimball family scion, Taylor Junior, is determined to have revenge on the Christianson family for wrongs imagined and real.
The author not only puts us into the middle of the action, but also demonstrates the dangers of fundamentalism in very concrete ways. Women kept isolated and undereducated, men told that they have the power to do whatever they choose ... there are other examples. Some of the characters feel like they could have been torn right out of the headlines about the Warren Jeffs cult group.
This series is a fascinating look at both the dark side of religion and the challenges faced by those who try to walk away. Highly recommended.
(Review based on uncorrected advance proof.)
October 11, 2014
Let me give rousing kudos to this entire series, for mesmerizing, fascinating, engrossing, and yes, educating, me!! I began with Book 7, HELL'S FORTRESS, as a review via NetGalley just a week ago. I was so enraptured that I then started with Book 1 to read the series in consecutive order. I'm now reading Book 6, THE GATES OF BABYLON, and will have to wait till January for Book 8, the final. (Oh, why does it have to end?)
Throughout out the series, the splinter Mormons who constitute the core focus and many of the protagonists have steadily awaited the predicted Last Days, the "end of the world" preceding "the great and terrible day of the Lord." Occasionally, a character will remind, "It's always the Last Days--until it really is." In DESTROYING ANGEL, we begin to see evidences of the latter times: a supervolcano in Indonesia altering global weather; agricultural uprisings in Iowa, Nebraska, and California. Closer to home for the polygamist community of Blister Creek, Utah, are earthquakes, a toxic gas-contaminated pond, and USDA exercising eminent domain (armed) over the harvest and food storage of Blister Creek.
My highest recommendation for every novel in this series; all are rereaders.
Throughout out the series, the splinter Mormons who constitute the core focus and many of the protagonists have steadily awaited the predicted Last Days, the "end of the world" preceding "the great and terrible day of the Lord." Occasionally, a character will remind, "It's always the Last Days--until it really is." In DESTROYING ANGEL, we begin to see evidences of the latter times: a supervolcano in Indonesia altering global weather; agricultural uprisings in Iowa, Nebraska, and California. Closer to home for the polygamist community of Blister Creek, Utah, are earthquakes, a toxic gas-contaminated pond, and USDA exercising eminent domain (armed) over the harvest and food storage of Blister Creek.
My highest recommendation for every novel in this series; all are rereaders.
March 24, 2013
Michael Wallace has skillfully woven his new book, Destroying Angel, into the series he's created without a break in the action. From the time I started reading Destroying Angel until I finished the last word, I don't think I took a breath. I know I had to stay up all night reading to finish - it just wouldn't let me put it down. I felt as if I put it down I might miss something, it's written that well. The characters, in Mr. Wallace's talented writing, continue to intrigue me - even his "evil" ones. Before starting the series, I had no idea what polygamy was or understood the idea behind it. Thanks to Mr. Wallace's skill with weaving this story through the series, I understand a little (whether I agree or not) and am fascinated with how the women could survive in that type of environment. The women of this series are shown as strong and only seem to get stronger as the series continues. I loved how the past came alive in the diaries throughout this book. It reminded me of how much our past shapes our future. I recommend this series, and this book especially, as something that would appeal to many with suspense, action, and some evil thrown in. Take a chance if you haven't read this series - it's not going to disappoint you!
June 29, 2018
Going in a strange direction
I like this series, have come to care for the characters... However my interest dropped during this book. Maybe I had gotten tired of the Taylor Jr storyline. We shall see what happens in the next novel.
I like this series, have come to care for the characters... However my interest dropped during this book. Maybe I had gotten tired of the Taylor Jr storyline. We shall see what happens in the next novel.
August 5, 2018
Riveting
As lol of the books in this series, it makes you think. I can’t wait to read the next the next one!
As lol of the books in this series, it makes you think. I can’t wait to read the next the next one!
March 31, 2021
Finally...
The Kim ball's are gone, for the most part, we hope. Farfetched drama between "the church" and nonbelievers. Good easy read.
The Kim ball's are gone, for the most part, we hope. Farfetched drama between "the church" and nonbelievers. Good easy read.
November 16, 2021
Another great book!
I enjoy reading the books in this series. They're exciting and believable, but always leave me wondering if there are FLDS followers really living this way.
I enjoy reading the books in this series. They're exciting and believable, but always leave me wondering if there are FLDS followers really living this way.
August 11, 2017
Fast-paced, action-packed, suspenseful thriller
This book was written with many twists and turns and betrayals. Michael Wallace keeps your attention wanting to know what happens next. Who is friend and who is foe? I am sure you will enjoy reading this book as much as I have. I am ready for the next book!
This book was written with many twists and turns and betrayals. Michael Wallace keeps your attention wanting to know what happens next. Who is friend and who is foe? I am sure you will enjoy reading this book as much as I have. I am ready for the next book!
March 17, 2013
This book took longer for me to get into than the earlier books although I still found the story exciting and interesting. Yet, by the end of the book I did not find myself satisfied. I think I will still follow the series if there are more books to come. There are new social dynamics coming into play at Blister Creek and possibly new/more enemies. I would like to know more about the history of Blister Creek that was introduced in this book. Yet, I'm not sure if I'm as engrossed as I once was with the storyline. Even unresolved plot lines did not leave me begging for more.
I'm sure I'll read other books by Michael Wallace, but maybe this story is coming to an end for me.
I'm sure I'll read other books by Michael Wallace, but maybe this story is coming to an end for me.
November 1, 2013
Polygamy practicing fundamentalists are outside of my realm of "normal." I've never read a book about their beliefs or way of life. So, this was a huge jump into the realm of "I've never been there."
Despite this, it was a good read. It was a little weird, but it remained believable and entertaining. The "Destroying Angel" character was even believable. It wasn't a huge leap to see deluded fanatics taking things to this extreme, nor was the response of the more moderate faction out of the ordinary.
Whether or not you are religious, Mormon, fundamentalist, or whatever, it's an entertaining novel. I recommend it.
Despite this, it was a good read. It was a little weird, but it remained believable and entertaining. The "Destroying Angel" character was even believable. It wasn't a huge leap to see deluded fanatics taking things to this extreme, nor was the response of the more moderate faction out of the ordinary.
Whether or not you are religious, Mormon, fundamentalist, or whatever, it's an entertaining novel. I recommend it.
March 22, 2013
I've read all of the books in this series and enjoyed each and every one of them. I don't believe in giving a synopsis of the book in a review or spoiling the book for someone who might lije to read it. some reviews are like cliff note versions. so I'll keace you with this, I love these books, I look forward to each release, I love the peek you get into polygamy and into Mormonism. these books are outstanding.
March 20, 2013
This is the fifth in the series, and brings some of the ongoing story lines to a conclusion. Have found the insights into the Mormon religion and its polygamous branches really interesting, which is perhaps why I keep reading. The intrusion of evil sprits and angels is not my thing, but the explanation the Jacob, trained as a doctor, offers, makes them more palatable. The author was apparently raised in such a community, and I find the thinking that sustains such a system of real interest.
April 2, 2013
I'm a huge fan of this series about an extreme polygamist Mormon sect and their struggles against other Mormons who try to destroy them. Once again, Jacob, the reluctant leader and his feisty sister Eliza must thwart the evil Kimball clan, but this time the end of the book makes it clear that the next enemy will be much bigger. I enjoyed this episode but I am definitely keen on the next one as a new phase of the story starts.
November 25, 2015
Much Much Better!!!!!
I found this part of the series fun and more exciting than book four, and the story stayed interesting and believable. I’m back into enjoying all the characters including the crazed one who had me more than entertained with their madness. The author gave me some hope now. After reading the previous book I thought I was gonna loose interest but I gave it another chance and I was not disappointed. Looking forward for the next up in this series.
I found this part of the series fun and more exciting than book four, and the story stayed interesting and believable. I’m back into enjoying all the characters including the crazed one who had me more than entertained with their madness. The author gave me some hope now. After reading the previous book I thought I was gonna loose interest but I gave it another chance and I was not disappointed. Looking forward for the next up in this series.
May 19, 2015
Love love these characters. Love the diary of Rebecca that is being read by Jacob off and on throughout, which definitely relates to the current characters who are related to them one way or another. A well written story, the characters are growing and changing. The mystery of Blister Creek continues, there is always a new evil doer to be gotten rid of. My favorite character is Eliza, who has killed two Kimball brothers. She has a crush on the FBI agent which moves forward in this book.
May 26, 2013
I read this book back in April and for some reason forgot to write about it. This is another author I'd recommend that I found on Amazon. Back to blister creek and more action as Jacob must figure out where the Kimball clan is hiding and how the terrors that are haunting his son will affect his family. Fast paced and more great details. I've really enjoyed this series.
April 23, 2013
Maybe 4 1/2. SPOILER ALERT! SPOILER ALERT! SPOILER ALERT! It is impossible to critique this book, indeed, the whole five book series, without a spoiler. If anyone had told me that a series of books on a breakaway polygamous LDS group with serious internecine fighting would end up about equality of men and women and almost gnostic evil vs. good, I would have laughed.
November 20, 2014
Not that good.
Sure was a waste of my time.I finally skipped the last 100 pages .I normally hang in and give a book a chance,but this just didn't do it for me.Will not read any more by this author.
Sure was a waste of my time.I finally skipped the last 100 pages .I normally hang in and give a book a chance,but this just didn't do it for me.Will not read any more by this author.
March 14, 2013
Still love this series and can't get enough.
July 21, 2013
This one did not seem to captivate me. Somehow I lost my "connection" with the characters.
August 31, 2013
This one took me forever to read. Probably the last of this series I will read.
April 24, 2014
I was a little surprised that this entire book was the culmination of one story line, but it was still a good read.
June 20, 2014
Not as good as the first 4 books in the series, go better towards the end.
April 17, 2015
Still not getting better, but I like the torture.
April 5, 2017
Mormons, paligamoy, cults, spirits, crazy people, romance, total world destruction, apocalypse, self destruction, and on and on. This series has it all.
With so many books, stories, movies, TV shows etc that portray the end of the world or the apocalypse this was a fresh new spin. I really enjoyed the flashbacks too the original women that settled the desert community. If you're looking for something different then zombies this series delivers with the Mormon doubting prophet Jacob, his family and all the residents of Blister Creek, Utah.
With so many books, stories, movies, TV shows etc that portray the end of the world or the apocalypse this was a fresh new spin. I really enjoyed the flashbacks too the original women that settled the desert community. If you're looking for something different then zombies this series delivers with the Mormon doubting prophet Jacob, his family and all the residents of Blister Creek, Utah.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews