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Tears of Heaven
In the past, the children of angels and humans, the Nephilim, were allowed to lead their lives as they willed. But they proved too strong, too ambitious, and too cunning for their own good. They became warlords, conquerors and emperors. They caused war and strife until the Throne stepped in and forced them to submit to Its will, or die. Unlike most of her fellows, Del, one of the first Nephilim, had no interest in conquest and domination. In the ancient past, prior to the Throne’s interdiction, she met and fell in love with Dami, a Mediterranean ship captain and trader. Together, they face down pirates and storms and try to create a future together. In the present, Del unwillingly works for the Throne, obeying the commands of the angel Ahadiel. She helps to keep the world safe from the horrors of escaped demons. At the same time, she keeps herself in the Throne’s good graces. Whenever a rogue demon breaks free from Hell, she and her partner, Marrin, another Nephilim, work together to banish it.
Thrilling danger, fast-paced adventure, high-seas action, and heart-warming romance fill this novel, with a page-turning story that won’t let you put it down.
Thrilling danger, fast-paced adventure, high-seas action, and heart-warming romance fill this novel, with a page-turning story that won’t let you put it down.
ebook
First published December 1, 2013
11 people are currently reading
92 people want to read
About the author
R.A. McCandless
11 books33 followersR.A. McCandless has been a writer both professionally and creatively for nearly two decades and recently became a publisher with Ellysian Press. He was born under a wandering star that led him to a degree in Communication and English with a focus on creative writing.
He is the author of the steampunk book THE CLOCKWORK DETECTIVE and urban fantasy TEARS OF HEAVEN and HELL BECOMES HER, short stories "And Into A Watery Grave" in In Shambles, "Grenadiers and Dragon's Fire" in Gears Gadgets and Steam, "Through the Sting of Fairy Smoke" in Nine Heroes: Heroic Fantasy anthology, and "He Who Tells the Tale" and "Holes Full of Dark" in Holes: An Indie Author Anthology.
He continues to research and write historical and genre fiction, battle sprinklers, and play with his three boys.
He is the author of the steampunk book THE CLOCKWORK DETECTIVE and urban fantasy TEARS OF HEAVEN and HELL BECOMES HER, short stories "And Into A Watery Grave" in In Shambles, "Grenadiers and Dragon's Fire" in Gears Gadgets and Steam, "Through the Sting of Fairy Smoke" in Nine Heroes: Heroic Fantasy anthology, and "He Who Tells the Tale" and "Holes Full of Dark" in Holes: An Indie Author Anthology.
He continues to research and write historical and genre fiction, battle sprinklers, and play with his three boys.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
December 23, 2013
I can honestly say that Tears of Heaven is one of the most original and affecting stories I have ever had the pleasure of reading.
Like any urban fantasy novel it is set in the real world involving the coexistence between humans and paranormal creatures.
As the author, McCandless, states in the story, meeting an angel is the scariest,
most life-altering moment of any mortal’s short existence. Del is a perfect example.
The plot unfolds on two planes - past and present. I confess I enjoyed the past story more. In past times, 223BCE, the main character Del, is a slave tall, proud, strong, beautiful, wearing only heavy shackles, traded to Damascus aka Dami for twenty-nine shekels.
In present day, Omedelia bar-Azazel, is an assassin for the Throne. In comparison with mortals, who bred and birthed like rabbits, there were only a few like her, half-breeds born of disobedience and lust. She hunts and kills rogue divinities. She receives a job that she doesn't like. Yet the Throne doesn’t care what Del likes or doesn’t like. The Throne’s interdiction made abundantly clear, likes or dislikes, failure or success, she existed so long as she was useful. Omnia glorium Solii- All for the glory of the Throne. Her fee will include exclusion from the List for an additional five years.
Del's hand-to hand combat and the pirate battles reminded me of the many beautiful role-play games I used to play, or of a dear to me series-Highlander.
Tears of Heaven is a gripping, dark, and gritty read that not only keeps you in suspense constantly, it psychologically melts you and your emotions with every chapter. As the plot thickens, you are compelled to read the next chapter, and it feels like at any second a major plot twist can happen. Tears of Heaven is an on the edge of your seat novel that keeps you begging for more. The entire book has a spontaneous energy that works very well because you never quite know what is going to happen next.
I was offered a book by the author, in exchange for an honest review.
Five Stars.
Like any urban fantasy novel it is set in the real world involving the coexistence between humans and paranormal creatures.
As the author, McCandless, states in the story, meeting an angel is the scariest,
most life-altering moment of any mortal’s short existence. Del is a perfect example.
The plot unfolds on two planes - past and present. I confess I enjoyed the past story more. In past times, 223BCE, the main character Del, is a slave tall, proud, strong, beautiful, wearing only heavy shackles, traded to Damascus aka Dami for twenty-nine shekels.
In present day, Omedelia bar-Azazel, is an assassin for the Throne. In comparison with mortals, who bred and birthed like rabbits, there were only a few like her, half-breeds born of disobedience and lust. She hunts and kills rogue divinities. She receives a job that she doesn't like. Yet the Throne doesn’t care what Del likes or doesn’t like. The Throne’s interdiction made abundantly clear, likes or dislikes, failure or success, she existed so long as she was useful. Omnia glorium Solii- All for the glory of the Throne. Her fee will include exclusion from the List for an additional five years.
Del's hand-to hand combat and the pirate battles reminded me of the many beautiful role-play games I used to play, or of a dear to me series-Highlander.
Tears of Heaven is a gripping, dark, and gritty read that not only keeps you in suspense constantly, it psychologically melts you and your emotions with every chapter. As the plot thickens, you are compelled to read the next chapter, and it feels like at any second a major plot twist can happen. Tears of Heaven is an on the edge of your seat novel that keeps you begging for more. The entire book has a spontaneous energy that works very well because you never quite know what is going to happen next.
I was offered a book by the author, in exchange for an honest review.
Five Stars.
January 28, 2014
Tears of Heaven by RA McCandless is brilliant.
The main character is the amazing Del. We read about her in the past and in the present.
In today’s world she’s angry and sad. She works for the Throne and she has to eliminate bad angels. But she hates it.
Then there is ancient Del, a very particular slave who works for Del on a ship. We follow Del’s surprising evolution.
I loved this book’s plot. I could feel Del’s emotions deep in myself. I never expected what was going to happen and everything was a true surprise for me. I appreciated the author’s writing style, simple and powerful. He has a great knowledge about ancient mythology and I loved the way he mixed modern and past elements together. Del’s psychology was very well developed.
The final fifty pages are just great and I couldn’t stop reading.
I would recommend this book to everybody.
The main character is the amazing Del. We read about her in the past and in the present.
In today’s world she’s angry and sad. She works for the Throne and she has to eliminate bad angels. But she hates it.
Then there is ancient Del, a very particular slave who works for Del on a ship. We follow Del’s surprising evolution.
I loved this book’s plot. I could feel Del’s emotions deep in myself. I never expected what was going to happen and everything was a true surprise for me. I appreciated the author’s writing style, simple and powerful. He has a great knowledge about ancient mythology and I loved the way he mixed modern and past elements together. Del’s psychology was very well developed.
The final fifty pages are just great and I couldn’t stop reading.
I would recommend this book to everybody.
June 23, 2014
An ancient Nephilim, SIG .45s and a whole lot of attitude!
This is an entertaining book filled with intense action, interesting historical flashbacks, great use of witticism and a supernatural protagonist who struggles with all too human problems and emotions.
Tears of Heaven is the story of Omedelia-bar-Azazel or “Del” and her fellow Nephilim who serve as agents of the Throne of Heaven, tasked with destroying fallen angels or “rouges” who have taken up residence upon the earth. While this mission is of the utmost importance, Del doesn’t do it out of a sense of loyalty or the kindness of her heart. She has a deep seeded anger towards the Throne and the mighty angels that constantly demand both her service and allegiance. Yet her conflict with Heaven doesn’t stop her from wielding her SIG .45s with deadly purpose against the rouges.
Fans of the books of Rob Thurman, Jim Butcher or of the “Supernatural” television series will greatly enjoy this book.
From the start of Tears of Heaven, the gun-toting Nephilim Del takes no prisoners as she does battle with the forces of darkness. Del is a strong, yet conflicted woman who personifies what it means to be a true heroine.
I really liked the way that McCandless painted a picture of angels who showed deference to the plight of humanity, at times even reaching a level of animosity towards them. The angels in this story are not the typical compassionate beings of light floating around the earth saving people. Instead, these angels are deadly warriors who kill without hesitation or regret. As the protagonist Del points out so clearly in the book, “People think they want to meet an angel, but they really don’t. The awful truth is that meeting an angel is the scariest, most life-altering moment of any mortal’s short existence.”
The flashbacks to Del’s much earlier life helps to illuminate the events that turned her into the hardened warrior she had become. This back story helped me connect to the character, as it described a much different time in her life, revealing a softer side of this deadly hunter.
“Tears of Heaven” by RA McCandless is a superb book that I highly recommend.
- Travis Ludvigson, author of the Nephilim Chronicles (Yare' Darkness Bound and Iron Song)
This is an entertaining book filled with intense action, interesting historical flashbacks, great use of witticism and a supernatural protagonist who struggles with all too human problems and emotions.
Tears of Heaven is the story of Omedelia-bar-Azazel or “Del” and her fellow Nephilim who serve as agents of the Throne of Heaven, tasked with destroying fallen angels or “rouges” who have taken up residence upon the earth. While this mission is of the utmost importance, Del doesn’t do it out of a sense of loyalty or the kindness of her heart. She has a deep seeded anger towards the Throne and the mighty angels that constantly demand both her service and allegiance. Yet her conflict with Heaven doesn’t stop her from wielding her SIG .45s with deadly purpose against the rouges.
Fans of the books of Rob Thurman, Jim Butcher or of the “Supernatural” television series will greatly enjoy this book.
From the start of Tears of Heaven, the gun-toting Nephilim Del takes no prisoners as she does battle with the forces of darkness. Del is a strong, yet conflicted woman who personifies what it means to be a true heroine.
I really liked the way that McCandless painted a picture of angels who showed deference to the plight of humanity, at times even reaching a level of animosity towards them. The angels in this story are not the typical compassionate beings of light floating around the earth saving people. Instead, these angels are deadly warriors who kill without hesitation or regret. As the protagonist Del points out so clearly in the book, “People think they want to meet an angel, but they really don’t. The awful truth is that meeting an angel is the scariest, most life-altering moment of any mortal’s short existence.”
The flashbacks to Del’s much earlier life helps to illuminate the events that turned her into the hardened warrior she had become. This back story helped me connect to the character, as it described a much different time in her life, revealing a softer side of this deadly hunter.
“Tears of Heaven” by RA McCandless is a superb book that I highly recommend.
- Travis Ludvigson, author of the Nephilim Chronicles (Yare' Darkness Bound and Iron Song)
October 2, 2014
Tears of Heaven is an urban fantasy novel, set in the real world that involves the coexistence between humans and paranormal creatures.
The author, McCandless, states in the story that meeting an angel is the scariest, most life-altering moment of any mortal’s short existence. The story unfolds on two planes - past and present. For me, the past story was the most compelling part of the book. In past times, the main character Del, is a slave. The tall, proud, strong, beautiful Del is traded to Damascus aka Dami for twenty-nine shekels.
In present day story, Omedelia bar-Azazel, is an assassin for the Throne. In comparison with mortals, who bred and birthed like rabbits, there were only a few like her, half-breeds born of disobedience and lust. She hunts and kills rogue divinities. She receives a job that she dislikes. Not that the Throne cares what Del likes or not. The Throne’s interdiction made abundantly clear, likes or dislikes, failure or success, she existed so long as she was useful. Omnia glorium Solii- All for the glory of the Throne. Her fee will include exclusion from the List for an additional five years. An interesting character here is Ahadiel, another good servant of the Throne.
Del's hand-to hand combat and the pirate battles are vivid and full of fast action.
Tears of Heaven is a gripping, dark, and gritty read that not only keeps you constantly in suspense; it psychologically melts you and your emotions with every chapter. As the plot thickens, you are compelled to read the next chapter, and it feels like at any second a major plot twist can happen. Tears of Heaven is an on the edge of your seat novel that will keep you turning the pages; you don’t know, you can’t guess what is going to happen next.
The author, McCandless, states in the story that meeting an angel is the scariest, most life-altering moment of any mortal’s short existence. The story unfolds on two planes - past and present. For me, the past story was the most compelling part of the book. In past times, the main character Del, is a slave. The tall, proud, strong, beautiful Del is traded to Damascus aka Dami for twenty-nine shekels.
In present day story, Omedelia bar-Azazel, is an assassin for the Throne. In comparison with mortals, who bred and birthed like rabbits, there were only a few like her, half-breeds born of disobedience and lust. She hunts and kills rogue divinities. She receives a job that she dislikes. Not that the Throne cares what Del likes or not. The Throne’s interdiction made abundantly clear, likes or dislikes, failure or success, she existed so long as she was useful. Omnia glorium Solii- All for the glory of the Throne. Her fee will include exclusion from the List for an additional five years. An interesting character here is Ahadiel, another good servant of the Throne.
Del's hand-to hand combat and the pirate battles are vivid and full of fast action.
Tears of Heaven is a gripping, dark, and gritty read that not only keeps you constantly in suspense; it psychologically melts you and your emotions with every chapter. As the plot thickens, you are compelled to read the next chapter, and it feels like at any second a major plot twist can happen. Tears of Heaven is an on the edge of your seat novel that will keep you turning the pages; you don’t know, you can’t guess what is going to happen next.
March 25, 2017
I read a lot of paranormal & urban fantasy romance so was excited to get this book. This is NOT a romance, it's a straight up urban fantasy with angels. It took me a while to warm up to this heroine, she's very edgy and abrasive. But I loved her partner Marrin, and the plot and world-building were stellar. Some great twists and turns. Author managed to surprise me - not an easy thing to do. There are two alternating time periods and it took me a while to put them together and figure out what was going on, But it all weaves together by the end. Nice job by a new author!
October 26, 2015
This book is really awesome. I love all of the characters, especially Del. This may be in part because she reminds me of one of my own characters, but mostly it's because I enjoy snark. And she's fierce to boot.
One thing that bothered me is the use of 'burn' and 'burning' as curse words. I'm not a big fan of the F-Bomb, but I feel like you either use it or you don't. It's like in those movies where they dub over the bad words with other words that are just ridiculous. I find it jarring. Also, there were a couple of transitions in the early half of the book that felt a bit abrupt to me and one incident that never did make any sense at all.
Despite those few flaws, this is still a five star read for me. I loved it. I liked seeing Del's past as well as her present. I will tell you if you're a crier like me (I cry when it's happy as much as when it's sad) you're going to need some tissues.
I highly recommend this to any fan of urban fantasy and I'm looking forward to picking up the sequel.
One thing that bothered me is the use of 'burn' and 'burning' as curse words. I'm not a big fan of the F-Bomb, but I feel like you either use it or you don't. It's like in those movies where they dub over the bad words with other words that are just ridiculous. I find it jarring. Also, there were a couple of transitions in the early half of the book that felt a bit abrupt to me and one incident that never did make any sense at all.
Despite those few flaws, this is still a five star read for me. I loved it. I liked seeing Del's past as well as her present. I will tell you if you're a crier like me (I cry when it's happy as much as when it's sad) you're going to need some tissues.
I highly recommend this to any fan of urban fantasy and I'm looking forward to picking up the sequel.
December 19, 2019
WINNER of the 2014 Best Science Fiction and Fantasy Preditors & Editors Reader’s Poll and a 2015 EPIC eBook finalist. Del, one of the last Nephilim, unwillingly works for the Throne, obeying the commands of the angel Ahadiel. With her partner, Marrin, she helps to keep the world safe from the horrors of escaped demons. At the same time, she keeps herself in the Throne’s good graces. Whenever a rogue demon breaks free from Hell, Del and Marrin work together to banish it.
July 15, 2014
This entertaining read is a unique approach to the story of the Nephilim.
Read full review in the 2014 June/July Double Issue of InD’tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2014 June/July Double Issue of InD’tale Magazine.
May 20, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Tears of Heaven which is book 1 in the Flames of Perdition series. It explores what happens after the Nephilim are given the task of keeping the world safe from demons. It is a difficult task and one in which their survival is at stake too. I was drawn into this fast-paced urban fantasy adventure. I could easily relate to the believable, well-rounded characters. The dialogue was smooth and even though this is not a usual genre for me, the interesting twists and turns in the plot kept me very captivated. I recommend it as a good read for readers of fantasy and action and readers that are happy to experiment unfamiliar genres by leaving their comfort zones. I was glad to have read this book and will gladly read the other books in this series and by this author.
September 2, 2020
„Tears of Heaven“ by R.A. Candless is an action-packed UF story that relies heavily on the action to carry the story. Written across two different time planes, the present and the early years of the 3rd century, following the live story of Del at the time when she still was a slave girl known as Dami and the events that turned her into her present incarnation as Del, who is in fact a Nephilim assassin, partnered with Marrin and tasked with hunting and killing falling angels, who have gone rogue. As Ahadiel, their angelic boss commissions them with hunting three rogues, who for reasons unknown have also kidnapped three children, things come full circle for Del, who has never forgiven the Throne for the murder of her own husband, as punishment for her going after the ban of procreate. This will be an assignment with unforeseen and lasting consequences.
While the story doesn’t add any new information to the angel/demons war lore, it offers a new perspective about the concept of good/evil, embedded in Del’s journey to self-revelation.
R.A. Candless has a unique writing style that set the story apart from the plethora of books dealing with the same archetypes, his world building is rich and full of detail, that sometimes gets lost into the overpowering action. Del is a sarcastic even cynical at times, extremely dangerous and the obvious driving force of the hunter duo, while Marrin is an ideal counterpoint to Del. This is an interesting start into the series, already intrigued to see how Del’s life develops in the upcoming books while expecting the ration action/story development to shift slightly in favour of the later.
While the story doesn’t add any new information to the angel/demons war lore, it offers a new perspective about the concept of good/evil, embedded in Del’s journey to self-revelation.
R.A. Candless has a unique writing style that set the story apart from the plethora of books dealing with the same archetypes, his world building is rich and full of detail, that sometimes gets lost into the overpowering action. Del is a sarcastic even cynical at times, extremely dangerous and the obvious driving force of the hunter duo, while Marrin is an ideal counterpoint to Del. This is an interesting start into the series, already intrigued to see how Del’s life develops in the upcoming books while expecting the ration action/story development to shift slightly in favour of the later.
September 2, 2020
This is such a great storyline. This book moves quickly and you see the past and present of Del. It develops the story admirably. You learn the basis for Del's choices and actions. You really get to know the characters intimately. I couldn't put this book down. You must read this awesome book. Received ARC copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.
November 30, 2014
Knowing Heaven is real, but being denied entrance would make for a difficult path. For a “woman” named Del in Tears of Heaven by RA McCandless, it’s even worse as she is denied eternal reward not for something she’s done, but for what she is.
Over thousands of years, Del has fought to maintain her own path and chart her own course. She wants to be free from the machinations of both Heaven and Hell, but that is no easy task.
Del is one of the first Nephilim, a child of an angel and a human. Unlike many of her brethren, Del had no interest in becoming a warlord or conqueror of the humans. The Nephilim became so powerful, the Throne of Heaven stepped in and decreed that Nephilim and human were not to interact.
Del’s near-divine nature has given her an astonishingly extended lifespan, but also locked her away from the birthright granted her angelic parent. She wanders the Earth, condemned to watch those humans she loves wither and die of old age while she continues on, her body untouched by the predations of time.
Her heart, though. . . Her heart feels each passing. And she know she must never put herself through the agony of watching another friend, another lover, die so soon after she finds them. And, yet, still she feels the pull of contact and love and once more trusts her heart to a human who will — who must — die and leave her alone once more.
Dami was one such human, a Mediterranean ship’s captain and trader. Before the Interdiction of the Throne, a seemingly young girl named Water Lilly is sold as a slave to Dami. In reality, Water Lilly is a downtrodden Del and Dami is much more than a simple trader. As their story continues, Water Lilly Del and Dami brave the dangerous seas and dream of a life together.
In the present day, Del is once more alone and in an even worse mood. The Throne holds even more tightly to its control of the Nephilim, forcing Del to work with Marrin. Working together, the two Nephilim track down demons escaped from Hell and banish them back to their dread home.
Moving down to somewhat parallel narrative tracks, “Tears of Heaven” weaves back and forth between the two timelines, telling what seems to be two barely connected stories. As it turns out, though, the two stories are connected far more closely than having a years-changed, but same main character.
Surprisingly, for an author with so few titles under his belt, McCandless performs some expert weaving as he moves back and forth between two seemingly disparate plots. Living over thousands of years, there’s simply no way that Del could remain the same person. McCandless does a tremendous job of showcasing two of those different sides, managing to somehow weave together vastly different aspects of her personality so we can see that this is the same person, even through the damages and changes wrought by the passing centuries.
RA McCandless shows a deft touch with dialogue, giving characters unique voices. Having different characters actually sound different from each other should be something expected as a base level of competence, but I’ve frequently found it to be something of a luxury item. Here, though, McCandless does a great job of letting readers understand who is talking before he even begins attributing the speaking bits.
Normally, I’m not a tremendous fan of religiously based urban fantasy, but I’m really glad I took the chance and read Tears of Heaven this time around. It was made easier for me to choose because I was given an electronic edition of the book in exchange for a fair review. Which was made even easier because I got to review a book I actually liked.
This book is well worth your time and money. Buy it. Enjoy it.
Over thousands of years, Del has fought to maintain her own path and chart her own course. She wants to be free from the machinations of both Heaven and Hell, but that is no easy task.
Del is one of the first Nephilim, a child of an angel and a human. Unlike many of her brethren, Del had no interest in becoming a warlord or conqueror of the humans. The Nephilim became so powerful, the Throne of Heaven stepped in and decreed that Nephilim and human were not to interact.
Del’s near-divine nature has given her an astonishingly extended lifespan, but also locked her away from the birthright granted her angelic parent. She wanders the Earth, condemned to watch those humans she loves wither and die of old age while she continues on, her body untouched by the predations of time.
Her heart, though. . . Her heart feels each passing. And she know she must never put herself through the agony of watching another friend, another lover, die so soon after she finds them. And, yet, still she feels the pull of contact and love and once more trusts her heart to a human who will — who must — die and leave her alone once more.
Dami was one such human, a Mediterranean ship’s captain and trader. Before the Interdiction of the Throne, a seemingly young girl named Water Lilly is sold as a slave to Dami. In reality, Water Lilly is a downtrodden Del and Dami is much more than a simple trader. As their story continues, Water Lilly Del and Dami brave the dangerous seas and dream of a life together.
In the present day, Del is once more alone and in an even worse mood. The Throne holds even more tightly to its control of the Nephilim, forcing Del to work with Marrin. Working together, the two Nephilim track down demons escaped from Hell and banish them back to their dread home.
Moving down to somewhat parallel narrative tracks, “Tears of Heaven” weaves back and forth between the two timelines, telling what seems to be two barely connected stories. As it turns out, though, the two stories are connected far more closely than having a years-changed, but same main character.
Surprisingly, for an author with so few titles under his belt, McCandless performs some expert weaving as he moves back and forth between two seemingly disparate plots. Living over thousands of years, there’s simply no way that Del could remain the same person. McCandless does a tremendous job of showcasing two of those different sides, managing to somehow weave together vastly different aspects of her personality so we can see that this is the same person, even through the damages and changes wrought by the passing centuries.
RA McCandless shows a deft touch with dialogue, giving characters unique voices. Having different characters actually sound different from each other should be something expected as a base level of competence, but I’ve frequently found it to be something of a luxury item. Here, though, McCandless does a great job of letting readers understand who is talking before he even begins attributing the speaking bits.
Normally, I’m not a tremendous fan of religiously based urban fantasy, but I’m really glad I took the chance and read Tears of Heaven this time around. It was made easier for me to choose because I was given an electronic edition of the book in exchange for a fair review. Which was made even easier because I got to review a book I actually liked.
This book is well worth your time and money. Buy it. Enjoy it.
February 25, 2014
Tears of Heaven, by RA McCandless, is a fantasy novel with a different and interesting approach. While fantasy novels are common, most are based on Greco-Roman, Nordic, Asian, or Western European mythology. True, you can find them based on almost any mythic system, but the others are rare.
McCandless’ Tears of Heaven is one of the rare ones, based on Judeo-Christian mythology. No, not the over-used end-of-days nonsense. He takes specific passages from the Old Testament, targeting sections people who’ve never read the Bible would be surprised at and many who’ve read it prefer to pretend aren’t there.
Angels are shown not as protectors of humankind, but as the Old Testament presented them, heaven’s hit man. At times they’ve been presented in such a way in fiction, but not often, not usually as well, and seldom in ways as carefully based on Biblical passages. McCandless quotes some of the passages he bases his novel on.
Tears of Heaven centers around one of the Nephilim, a child of a human woman fathered by an angel. In this novel the Nephilim have life spans of thousands of years. Del, a Nephilim, is employed by The Throne (call it heaven, God, a powerful angel, whatever) to eliminate rogues, fallen angels trying to gain power on earth. It isn’t the first time such a device has been used, but I’ve never seen it handled better.
She isn’t happy with the job, but The Throne has blackmailed her into doing it. The surface plot is simple enough. She finds a rogue, has a vicious fight with it, and banishes it. The concept could be boring, but McCandless doesn’t let it. Del’s mental conflicts, her interactions with other major characters, and the carefully-crafted personalities of those involved keep the reader interested and make Del a sympathetic protagonist.
The action scenes, and there are plenty of them, are exceptionally well done. It’s a pleasure to find an author like McCandless who understands that the laws of physics are real. Mass is mass, velocity is velocity, and a few pistol bullets aren’t going to send a man-sized being flying backward or stop a charging demon. Kill it, maybe, but not before it has time to reach you.
Actually Tears of Heaven is two novels combined, one dealing with Del in the ancient past, one set in modern times. Both are excellent and well interwoven, showing ways her earlier life influences her today. A few brief forays into ethics, philosophy, and theology, are somewhat pedantic if taken by themselves, but ultimately help explain Del’s character and behavior.
If you like a well-constructed, fast-moving fantasy with interesting twists, I think you’ll enjoy Tears of Heaven by RA McCandless.
McCandless’ Tears of Heaven is one of the rare ones, based on Judeo-Christian mythology. No, not the over-used end-of-days nonsense. He takes specific passages from the Old Testament, targeting sections people who’ve never read the Bible would be surprised at and many who’ve read it prefer to pretend aren’t there.
Angels are shown not as protectors of humankind, but as the Old Testament presented them, heaven’s hit man. At times they’ve been presented in such a way in fiction, but not often, not usually as well, and seldom in ways as carefully based on Biblical passages. McCandless quotes some of the passages he bases his novel on.
Tears of Heaven centers around one of the Nephilim, a child of a human woman fathered by an angel. In this novel the Nephilim have life spans of thousands of years. Del, a Nephilim, is employed by The Throne (call it heaven, God, a powerful angel, whatever) to eliminate rogues, fallen angels trying to gain power on earth. It isn’t the first time such a device has been used, but I’ve never seen it handled better.
She isn’t happy with the job, but The Throne has blackmailed her into doing it. The surface plot is simple enough. She finds a rogue, has a vicious fight with it, and banishes it. The concept could be boring, but McCandless doesn’t let it. Del’s mental conflicts, her interactions with other major characters, and the carefully-crafted personalities of those involved keep the reader interested and make Del a sympathetic protagonist.
The action scenes, and there are plenty of them, are exceptionally well done. It’s a pleasure to find an author like McCandless who understands that the laws of physics are real. Mass is mass, velocity is velocity, and a few pistol bullets aren’t going to send a man-sized being flying backward or stop a charging demon. Kill it, maybe, but not before it has time to reach you.
Actually Tears of Heaven is two novels combined, one dealing with Del in the ancient past, one set in modern times. Both are excellent and well interwoven, showing ways her earlier life influences her today. A few brief forays into ethics, philosophy, and theology, are somewhat pedantic if taken by themselves, but ultimately help explain Del’s character and behavior.
If you like a well-constructed, fast-moving fantasy with interesting twists, I think you’ll enjoy Tears of Heaven by RA McCandless.
December 27, 2013
This book will intrigue and beguile you. It tells the tale of Del, a half god, who is in the employment of The Throne and is required to fight the Rogues that are trying to destroying our world. The story straddles two eras in history; one a few hundred years B.C. and the other, today.
Our hero is a strong and powerful woman who battles with a life she is forced to live and seems to have little choice over. We find her being sold as a slave, Del is strong and stalwart. She doesn't bend to the slave masters and refuses to appear submissive to her new owner. Her captors bind her in chains forged in such a way she cannot free herself using her super strong powers. However, she is lucky enough to be bought by a Sea Captain who doesn't want to use her to breed, unlike many of the other women for sale. Instead, they share a fascination for each other that softens our perspective of the hard, battle-weary Del.
She soon wins her freedom by defeating pirates and utilizing her "super" powers to save the ship, the Wavedancer, from pirates.
In the modern world, however, we share events with Del that lead us to thinking that things must have gone wrong for her in the past. By presenting the two differing plot lines in this way, R.A. McCandless keeps his readers interested and compelled to finish the book.
Sharpened by years of deception and disappointment, Del's reactions to those she is suppose to work with are sharp and border on brutal. Underlying her sense of self preservation is an unnerving habit she has of self harming through substance abuse. This dichotomy is an interesting technique McCandless uses in his action packed novel.
The fights and battle scenes are highly descriptive and vibrant. They would be much loved by anyone who is a fan of this genre. As well, the minor characters are likeable and offer a more 'human' juxtaposition to the god-like powers of our main character.
I am happy to recommend this book and look forward to reading more from the author.
Our hero is a strong and powerful woman who battles with a life she is forced to live and seems to have little choice over. We find her being sold as a slave, Del is strong and stalwart. She doesn't bend to the slave masters and refuses to appear submissive to her new owner. Her captors bind her in chains forged in such a way she cannot free herself using her super strong powers. However, she is lucky enough to be bought by a Sea Captain who doesn't want to use her to breed, unlike many of the other women for sale. Instead, they share a fascination for each other that softens our perspective of the hard, battle-weary Del.
She soon wins her freedom by defeating pirates and utilizing her "super" powers to save the ship, the Wavedancer, from pirates.
In the modern world, however, we share events with Del that lead us to thinking that things must have gone wrong for her in the past. By presenting the two differing plot lines in this way, R.A. McCandless keeps his readers interested and compelled to finish the book.
Sharpened by years of deception and disappointment, Del's reactions to those she is suppose to work with are sharp and border on brutal. Underlying her sense of self preservation is an unnerving habit she has of self harming through substance abuse. This dichotomy is an interesting technique McCandless uses in his action packed novel.
The fights and battle scenes are highly descriptive and vibrant. They would be much loved by anyone who is a fan of this genre. As well, the minor characters are likeable and offer a more 'human' juxtaposition to the god-like powers of our main character.
I am happy to recommend this book and look forward to reading more from the author.
July 15, 2019
This is likely a five-star read if you're a fan of this genre. I'm not particularly fond of novels with long battle scenes, but even I can't deny the beauty of McCandless's writing. I really enjoyed the alternating points of view. I found myself more deeply engrossed in past-Del's story, I think because she felt more interesting and relatable. Though she was a powerful and formidable woman, she was also soft, loving, and compassionate. I sorely missed these traits in present-day Del (infallible bad-assery tires me after awhile) but the narration does provide a good backstory to explain why modern-Del is so callous.
Other things I loved about this story: Del's witticism, the creative-take on angels/rogues, the invented curse words (such as 'rutting'), the way Del slowly softens toward Marrin, the clever little twist during the last fight scene (did NOT see that coming), and the choice Del makes at the end. The end of the book makes me fly and I love how it is tied with the loss experienced by past-Del.
In a nutshell: Intricate world-building, awesome characters, and witticism throughout.
Other things I loved about this story: Del's witticism, the creative-take on angels/rogues, the invented curse words (such as 'rutting'), the way Del slowly softens toward Marrin, the clever little twist during the last fight scene (did NOT see that coming), and the choice Del makes at the end. The end of the book makes me fly and I love how it is tied with the loss experienced by past-Del.
In a nutshell: Intricate world-building, awesome characters, and witticism throughout.
February 13, 2014
This was an amazing book! I don't think I have ever read a more compelling take on the Nephilim before. There was lots of action in this book as well which I really like when it comes to these type of books and I really enjoyed the main character, her snarky and rebelling attitude kept me quite entertained throughout.
The book jumps from the past to the present which can be a little off setting at first but you quickly get the gist what all the jumping around is all about. R.A. McCandless is a strong author who makes stories that his audience can grasp a hold of and identify with even within a world of fiction. This book book is a greatness among the world of Nephilim and Fallen Angel books out there.
Del has lived for centuries carrying out the Thrones plans, hunt the rouges and take them out. In her world it is the only choice afforded the Nephilim, work for the Throne, or be destroyed by it. Her new assignment won't be so simple and has never been done before, three rouges are working together and have kidnapped children. Together with her sometimes partner Marrin, another Nephilim, they must track them down and save the children's lives or forfeit their own.
Centuries ago Nephilim lived in peace, unhindered by the Throne. They got greedy with their blood lust they proved too strong, too ambitious, and too cunning for their own good. They became warlords, conquerors and emperors. They caused war and strife until the Throne stepped in and forced them to submit to Its will, or die. Del loved and lost back then for she had no use for power as the others, she is one of the first Nephilim.
Del will prove to the Throne that can do this task set before her, that she is not weak. For she is one of the first, and she will prevail if it is the last thing she does.
The book jumps from the past to the present which can be a little off setting at first but you quickly get the gist what all the jumping around is all about. R.A. McCandless is a strong author who makes stories that his audience can grasp a hold of and identify with even within a world of fiction. This book book is a greatness among the world of Nephilim and Fallen Angel books out there.
Del has lived for centuries carrying out the Thrones plans, hunt the rouges and take them out. In her world it is the only choice afforded the Nephilim, work for the Throne, or be destroyed by it. Her new assignment won't be so simple and has never been done before, three rouges are working together and have kidnapped children. Together with her sometimes partner Marrin, another Nephilim, they must track them down and save the children's lives or forfeit their own.
Centuries ago Nephilim lived in peace, unhindered by the Throne. They got greedy with their blood lust they proved too strong, too ambitious, and too cunning for their own good. They became warlords, conquerors and emperors. They caused war and strife until the Throne stepped in and forced them to submit to Its will, or die. Del loved and lost back then for she had no use for power as the others, she is one of the first Nephilim.
Del will prove to the Throne that can do this task set before her, that she is not weak. For she is one of the first, and she will prevail if it is the last thing she does.
October 4, 2014
"Tears of Heaven" by RA McCandless is an intriguing flight with the angels, not the cuddly kind, but the ones who fight to the death defending The Throne. The story begins in 223 BCE when Del - also called Omedelia bar-Azazel ,but only if you are an angel of the first three tiers and value your life- was being sold as a slave to the highest bidder. However, beneath a very feminine exterior was a fierce fighting machine and traits linking her to the Nephilim. If only these mortals hadn't shackled her with cold-forged irons, she'd have made her captors regret ever meeting her. To her surprise, her new owner turned out to be a selfless merchant, Damascus, or Dami as his friends called him. During an attack on his ship by pirates, she defended him and his crew instead of tearing her owners apart, leaving with the enemy. Believe me, it could have easily gone the other way. Soon afterward, an romantic relationship develops between Del and Dami, between Nephilim and human.
The story also brings you to current day battles when Del is asked to destroy rogues, angels gone bad. Ahadiel, an angel from one of the highest angelic tiers, gave Del her marching orders. She doesn’t want to fight battles anymore, but it's her job...for eternity. She takes Marrin, another Nephilim and one thousand years her junior, to fight alongside her. It's one exciting battle scene after the next with some endearing storylines.
While reading the story, I wished the entire book had remained in 223 BCE with the second in the series focused on the modern day battles. I needed more time with the Del of the past to fully bond with the Del of the present.
All in all, this was a very good read. I recommend this book and look forward to others by this author.
The story also brings you to current day battles when Del is asked to destroy rogues, angels gone bad. Ahadiel, an angel from one of the highest angelic tiers, gave Del her marching orders. She doesn’t want to fight battles anymore, but it's her job...for eternity. She takes Marrin, another Nephilim and one thousand years her junior, to fight alongside her. It's one exciting battle scene after the next with some endearing storylines.
While reading the story, I wished the entire book had remained in 223 BCE with the second in the series focused on the modern day battles. I needed more time with the Del of the past to fully bond with the Del of the present.
All in all, this was a very good read. I recommend this book and look forward to others by this author.
April 7, 2014
RA McCandless’s Tears of Heaven is an urban fantasy tale, that’s also an action adventure story. I never really gave this genre much thought. I had read it before, but put the books into other categories. This one is a can’t put down story that keeps you turning pages to find out what happens next.
We meet Del in the far past and know something is special about her from the start. She stands out from those around her, and we know that she isn’t what she appears to be. Bought in a slave auction by Dami, we know he isn’t your usual slave owner either. He doesn’t know what he’s just brought onto his ship and that she will change his life in ways he never thought of.
The story moves to the present and we once again join Del. We find out that she is one of Nephilim—a mix of angel and human, and she has a job to do—reluctantly she must serve the throne. If she doesn’t she will become the hunted, much like those she hunts.
The demons we meet are what we expect, nasty, out for the kill, and out for power. The angels on the other hand are not at all the white robe wearing winged creatures everyone thinks they want to meet. And Del is not the sort of protector anyone would want to meet, especially if you have done the throne wrong and gotten on their bad side.
I loved the characters in this book, the settings and descriptions are vivid without overdoing it. The book is a fast paced read, moving along in a way that it is hard to put down. My only complaint was that it came to an end, I wanted to spend more time with these characters and in the world RA McCandless created.
We meet Del in the far past and know something is special about her from the start. She stands out from those around her, and we know that she isn’t what she appears to be. Bought in a slave auction by Dami, we know he isn’t your usual slave owner either. He doesn’t know what he’s just brought onto his ship and that she will change his life in ways he never thought of.
The story moves to the present and we once again join Del. We find out that she is one of Nephilim—a mix of angel and human, and she has a job to do—reluctantly she must serve the throne. If she doesn’t she will become the hunted, much like those she hunts.
The demons we meet are what we expect, nasty, out for the kill, and out for power. The angels on the other hand are not at all the white robe wearing winged creatures everyone thinks they want to meet. And Del is not the sort of protector anyone would want to meet, especially if you have done the throne wrong and gotten on their bad side.
I loved the characters in this book, the settings and descriptions are vivid without overdoing it. The book is a fast paced read, moving along in a way that it is hard to put down. My only complaint was that it came to an end, I wanted to spend more time with these characters and in the world RA McCandless created.
December 24, 2013
Heathers Review
First off, I want to say that I’m ashamed at myself for putting this book off for so long. Not sure why I couldn’t make myself actually start it, supernatural is right up my alley, for whatever unknown reason I procrastinated but once I started it, I truly could not put it down.
Tears is an amazing blend of character development and storytelling, using many elements to create an intriguing tale that I think will easily appeal to both male and female readers, especially those who love supernatural/fantasy genre. I found it immensely interesting, and enjoyed, the author’s use of ideology (or what some might consider theology a more accurate term) to further both the character and story advancement. I often found myself wondering about things in my own life or how I look at parts of life but at no time did I feel that the author was preaching to me or trying to make me think about life.
I find it rare to find a book that so evenly blends so many genres and actually make it work. There is action, adventure, history, mythology (some might narrow it down to theology), and romance that leaves you wanting more and feeling complete all at once.
As someone who has been reading science fiction/fantasy since birth practically, I’ve never had a difficult time with the odd names and terminology but I know that many can. I found the author’s writing style took a lot of that odd feeling away and you feel like you’re reading everyday names and terms.
Rating: Five out of five Honey Pots
First off, I want to say that I’m ashamed at myself for putting this book off for so long. Not sure why I couldn’t make myself actually start it, supernatural is right up my alley, for whatever unknown reason I procrastinated but once I started it, I truly could not put it down.
Tears is an amazing blend of character development and storytelling, using many elements to create an intriguing tale that I think will easily appeal to both male and female readers, especially those who love supernatural/fantasy genre. I found it immensely interesting, and enjoyed, the author’s use of ideology (or what some might consider theology a more accurate term) to further both the character and story advancement. I often found myself wondering about things in my own life or how I look at parts of life but at no time did I feel that the author was preaching to me or trying to make me think about life.
I find it rare to find a book that so evenly blends so many genres and actually make it work. There is action, adventure, history, mythology (some might narrow it down to theology), and romance that leaves you wanting more and feeling complete all at once.
As someone who has been reading science fiction/fantasy since birth practically, I’ve never had a difficult time with the odd names and terminology but I know that many can. I found the author’s writing style took a lot of that odd feeling away and you feel like you’re reading everyday names and terms.
Rating: Five out of five Honey Pots
March 7, 2016
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review and I have to admit that it took me a while to warm up to Del, the main character (about half the book, actually). I'm not a big fan of angry female leads that just want to smash and snark. But, I'd really enjoyed the excerpt I'd read before accepting and the story was so well written - in both timelines. I suspected there was a good reason for her personality and that those reasons would be revealed. They were. They made sense. It was totally worth reading to find out.
I appreciate that Del is smart and experienced without being pretentious or infallible. Having parallel stories that show Del in the present and in the past brought the balance and softness needed to keep Del likable. This technique doesn't work for all books, but it was a brilliant way to craft this particular story.
I enjoyed the author's tone and humor in storytelling very much. The characters are well crafted and I fell in love with a few of them during their highs and lows. The established lore is clearly defined and adhered to. A basis for a sequel was easily established without leaving crucial story points dangling - bonus points to Mr. McCandless for that skill.
Urban Fantasy has been flooded with fallen angel stories in the past few years - to the point that agents and publishers are starting to by-pass them. So, kudos to Mr. McCandless for crafting such a detailed and unique mythos. I look forward to reading more of his books.
I appreciate that Del is smart and experienced without being pretentious or infallible. Having parallel stories that show Del in the present and in the past brought the balance and softness needed to keep Del likable. This technique doesn't work for all books, but it was a brilliant way to craft this particular story.
I enjoyed the author's tone and humor in storytelling very much. The characters are well crafted and I fell in love with a few of them during their highs and lows. The established lore is clearly defined and adhered to. A basis for a sequel was easily established without leaving crucial story points dangling - bonus points to Mr. McCandless for that skill.
Urban Fantasy has been flooded with fallen angel stories in the past few years - to the point that agents and publishers are starting to by-pass them. So, kudos to Mr. McCandless for crafting such a detailed and unique mythos. I look forward to reading more of his books.
March 10, 2014
Like other reviewers I wasn’t sure what to expect from the cover – my first thought was an androgynous Xena princess warrior. Then I began to read and was instantly drawn into the Nephilim (half angel/half human) character Del, a female warrior indeed whose weaponry and fighting skills carry out the orders of the Throne, as well as, her need to defend herself and those she loves. The Throne are angels of the Third Order/Choir who give the orders to the Nephilim to extinguish rogues - evil selfish divinities who prey on the weaknesses of mortals and cause chaos. Many Nephilim in the past rebelled against the Throne, though not Del. However, the Throne does not care. For Nephilum the only option is to carry out the Throne's bidding or be destroyed.
Flipping from Del's life in the 223BCE to the present, the author tells of the great loss Del suffers in the past and the reader gets a sense of understanding the gritty and weariness that has created the Del in the present and the deeper meaning of the mission she is assigned.
The plot and movement of this book are extremely compelling. I like a book with dialogue and thoughts italicized. The interaction of Tears of Heaven’s characters even in detailed violent situations is mastered well by RA McCandless. I feel this book has mass broad appeal for readers of multiple genres.
Flipping from Del's life in the 223BCE to the present, the author tells of the great loss Del suffers in the past and the reader gets a sense of understanding the gritty and weariness that has created the Del in the present and the deeper meaning of the mission she is assigned.
The plot and movement of this book are extremely compelling. I like a book with dialogue and thoughts italicized. The interaction of Tears of Heaven’s characters even in detailed violent situations is mastered well by RA McCandless. I feel this book has mass broad appeal for readers of multiple genres.
April 28, 2014
R. A. McCandless's badass demi-angel bears a grudge nearly two dozen centuries old. She makes effective use of her displaced aggression by dispatching rogue divinities, presumably making the world safer for the rest of us, albeit in ways we oblivious mortals will never fully comprehend or appreciate.
Omedelia-bar-Azazel, Del for short, is impressively sexy as a 21st-Century death dealer and as slave-wife to a swash-buckling, happy-go-lucky, Roman-era sea captain. Her roles confine her not at all, but her obligation to the Throne--a debt she has incurred through no fault of her own--renders her incapable of knowing freedom.
McCandless navigates an arcane range of settings, styles and sensibilities with convincing poise. If he skips over several centuries worth of rogue warfare, we understand that neither bloodlust nor addiction has ever done much to blunt the pain inflicted on Del's soul when she once sought to deny what she is in an attempt to lead a marginally more normal existence. Her story pivots on that pain, her darkness balanced by the equanimity of her deadly protege and sidekick, Marrin.
Tears of Heaven delivers enough controlled firepower to leave your ears ringing long after you put down this angelpunk thriller.
(Review submitted in exchange for a free digital copy.)
Omedelia-bar-Azazel, Del for short, is impressively sexy as a 21st-Century death dealer and as slave-wife to a swash-buckling, happy-go-lucky, Roman-era sea captain. Her roles confine her not at all, but her obligation to the Throne--a debt she has incurred through no fault of her own--renders her incapable of knowing freedom.
McCandless navigates an arcane range of settings, styles and sensibilities with convincing poise. If he skips over several centuries worth of rogue warfare, we understand that neither bloodlust nor addiction has ever done much to blunt the pain inflicted on Del's soul when she once sought to deny what she is in an attempt to lead a marginally more normal existence. Her story pivots on that pain, her darkness balanced by the equanimity of her deadly protege and sidekick, Marrin.
Tears of Heaven delivers enough controlled firepower to leave your ears ringing long after you put down this angelpunk thriller.
(Review submitted in exchange for a free digital copy.)
October 17, 2014
Review of Tears of Heaven by author R A McCandless by Dorothy A. Bell
I received a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Tears of Heaven is a masterfully woven novel, blending the world of the Gods and the small band of combat angels they marshal, into the present day. I’m not a theologian, so the references from the bible, and biblical times were lost on me, although they added antiquity and color to the tale. As I read, I asked myself what would it be like to live through millennium after millennium, constantly doing battle, dying but not dying, living but not living, never at home, never knowing family or love? That is Del’s existence. She thrives on battle, and dreads it at the same time. It feeds her lust and saps her strength. Immediately, she begins anew, her body healing wounds that would kill a mere mortal, mending over and over again. How long can she continue this cycle of existence? She hates taking orders from the superior entities that use her to do their bidding. You read and read and fight alongside her, hoping this time she will find a way out of her hellish existence. But, her existence is not hers to chart, and there lies the rub.
Tears of Heaven takes the reader into another plane. I don’t know how else to explain it. Mr. McCandless has left me scratching my head. I think I’ll have to read it again, it was that good.
I received a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Tears of Heaven is a masterfully woven novel, blending the world of the Gods and the small band of combat angels they marshal, into the present day. I’m not a theologian, so the references from the bible, and biblical times were lost on me, although they added antiquity and color to the tale. As I read, I asked myself what would it be like to live through millennium after millennium, constantly doing battle, dying but not dying, living but not living, never at home, never knowing family or love? That is Del’s existence. She thrives on battle, and dreads it at the same time. It feeds her lust and saps her strength. Immediately, she begins anew, her body healing wounds that would kill a mere mortal, mending over and over again. How long can she continue this cycle of existence? She hates taking orders from the superior entities that use her to do their bidding. You read and read and fight alongside her, hoping this time she will find a way out of her hellish existence. But, her existence is not hers to chart, and there lies the rub.
Tears of Heaven takes the reader into another plane. I don’t know how else to explain it. Mr. McCandless has left me scratching my head. I think I’ll have to read it again, it was that good.
November 9, 2015
This is R.A McCandless' debut novel, an urban fantasy with flashbacks to ancient times tying the story together through history.
The world he has created is a fascinating, unique one taking aspects of Biblical narrative and turning them into a fantasy setting in which the Nephilim (half-angels) still walk the earth, immortal and incredibly powerful. They serve The Throne, the creator, working to fight and destroy either "rogues" (essentially demons, fallen angels) or fellow Nephilim who have broken the rules.
Tears of Heaven follows one such Nephilim named Del (for short) who is millennia old, having been born a few hundred years before Christ. She is essentially an assassin for heaven, given missions by angels and working to teach a somewhat younger Nephilim the tricks of the trade. Angry, bitter, frustrated, and harsh, she is still likable, but difficult to get close to.
In a series of alternating storylines, Del's past and the source of her growing animosity toward the world is revealed, and this first book does an excellent job establishing the strange, yet familiar world she lives in.
Well-written and well-plotted, the book has a satisfying arc of events and characters that lacked any absurd contradictions or failures in logic and events that so many modern books fall prey to. There is a sequel on the way which will continue Del's story, which I look forward to.
The world he has created is a fascinating, unique one taking aspects of Biblical narrative and turning them into a fantasy setting in which the Nephilim (half-angels) still walk the earth, immortal and incredibly powerful. They serve The Throne, the creator, working to fight and destroy either "rogues" (essentially demons, fallen angels) or fellow Nephilim who have broken the rules.
Tears of Heaven follows one such Nephilim named Del (for short) who is millennia old, having been born a few hundred years before Christ. She is essentially an assassin for heaven, given missions by angels and working to teach a somewhat younger Nephilim the tricks of the trade. Angry, bitter, frustrated, and harsh, she is still likable, but difficult to get close to.
In a series of alternating storylines, Del's past and the source of her growing animosity toward the world is revealed, and this first book does an excellent job establishing the strange, yet familiar world she lives in.
Well-written and well-plotted, the book has a satisfying arc of events and characters that lacked any absurd contradictions or failures in logic and events that so many modern books fall prey to. There is a sequel on the way which will continue Del's story, which I look forward to.
March 23, 2018
I'm not a huge urban fantasy fan, but I do know when it is done well. In TEARS OF HEAVEN, R.A. McCandless' debut, there is a lot for urban fantasy fans to like.
The overarching story is about how the Nephilim, sons and daughters of god-human pairing, grew too strong in ancient times, and were suppressed by the Throne, as the all powerful force in Heaven is known. By modern times, Del is one of the few remaining Nephilim, and she makes an excellent bad-ass heroine.
There is some switching back and forth between ancient times and modern times, which does a good job of showing Del's evolution, but which is a little disconcerting as her character has grown more bitter.
I don't want to give away much of the plot, but basically Del is being used by the Throne to fight rogue demons hell-bent on destroying the modern world. In classic urban fantasy style, the heroes aren't all that pure and everybody's motives are suspect.
I found the author's tendency to use specific brand names and other very "our world" terms a little distracting, as they felt out of place, but I assume that is more accepted in an urban fantasy.
Overall, this is a strong debut and will be liked by those who like their heroes a little jaded, their action fierce and frequent, and their Heaven a little closer to Hell than usual.
The overarching story is about how the Nephilim, sons and daughters of god-human pairing, grew too strong in ancient times, and were suppressed by the Throne, as the all powerful force in Heaven is known. By modern times, Del is one of the few remaining Nephilim, and she makes an excellent bad-ass heroine.
There is some switching back and forth between ancient times and modern times, which does a good job of showing Del's evolution, but which is a little disconcerting as her character has grown more bitter.
I don't want to give away much of the plot, but basically Del is being used by the Throne to fight rogue demons hell-bent on destroying the modern world. In classic urban fantasy style, the heroes aren't all that pure and everybody's motives are suspect.
I found the author's tendency to use specific brand names and other very "our world" terms a little distracting, as they felt out of place, but I assume that is more accepted in an urban fantasy.
Overall, this is a strong debut and will be liked by those who like their heroes a little jaded, their action fierce and frequent, and their Heaven a little closer to Hell than usual.
February 25, 2014
Tears of Heaven R A McCandless two stories with two different time periods, one in the third century BC and the other in a contemporary world. We follow the path of the heroine, Del, in both stories. We meet her being sold at slave market to Dami, the ship captain. What he doesn't know is that he just purchased a demi-goddess, literally. Not just for her looks. Then the story jumps to present day and we learn that Del works for this "The Throne", some kind of regulatory body for demi-gods, to which they report to and they obey. She must fight rogues who are trying to destroy the world.
The story goes from present, back into the past and then to present again, and so on. I found that the scenes in the past flown better, but that could be just me, since in those scenes Del falls in love with Dami, so there's some romance there, plus I love historical novels.
In the scenes that take place in the present, Del is portrayed as substance abusive, doesn't trust anyone, not even her apprentice when he's saving her life. In general, she just doesn't give a damn. All she cares is to complete the newly appointed task for the Throne and be done with it.
It a well written book, the characters are interesting and the plot is kept at fast pace.
The story goes from present, back into the past and then to present again, and so on. I found that the scenes in the past flown better, but that could be just me, since in those scenes Del falls in love with Dami, so there's some romance there, plus I love historical novels.
In the scenes that take place in the present, Del is portrayed as substance abusive, doesn't trust anyone, not even her apprentice when he's saving her life. In general, she just doesn't give a damn. All she cares is to complete the newly appointed task for the Throne and be done with it.
It a well written book, the characters are interesting and the plot is kept at fast pace.
April 22, 2016
I was hesitant to pick up a book about Angels, but in “Tears of Heaven”, the piety is reserved for the meek and the action doesn’t stop! It didn’t take long for me to remember that as per their mythos, Angels and their assorted hosts and hierarchies are more often than not, the messengers of divine judgment brought down, and terrible to behold. Guns, blades, and the steely strength of these divine messengers that know no quarter, flash!
Unfolding in timelines split between the ancient past and the modern day, the sense of continuity for these immortals in the ephemeral world of man, stretches across the centuries. Del, although half divine, wrestles with her own darkness, living an endless life nearly shunned from the heavenly host that is her kin. Does she seek her own redemption or does she plunge headlong into oblivion? A great action story and a great unstable hero with a depth that, surprisingly, left me wanting more.
In the vein of this story, I will say that “only God can make a perfect thing”, and give it four enthusiastic stars. The alternating timelines were a bit choppy right at the start, but the tale is well worth reading through those first few pages. I’m already eyeing the sequel as the next book on my read list!
John A Webb
Unfolding in timelines split between the ancient past and the modern day, the sense of continuity for these immortals in the ephemeral world of man, stretches across the centuries. Del, although half divine, wrestles with her own darkness, living an endless life nearly shunned from the heavenly host that is her kin. Does she seek her own redemption or does she plunge headlong into oblivion? A great action story and a great unstable hero with a depth that, surprisingly, left me wanting more.
In the vein of this story, I will say that “only God can make a perfect thing”, and give it four enthusiastic stars. The alternating timelines were a bit choppy right at the start, but the tale is well worth reading through those first few pages. I’m already eyeing the sequel as the next book on my read list!
John A Webb
December 10, 2013
Tears of Heaven kept me wanting more! It's been a long time since I have been caught up in a world where I was picking a side and sharing the emotions of the characters along the way! The author's writing is engaging and the characters quiet moments of thought are relateable. McCandless does a seamless job of gauging reader interest and immersing any bookworm into a world you're sad to see end at the last page. His reverse historic interpretation of angels is thrilling! He takes something angelic and inspiring to most people and turns it into something more than a palpation of fear and dread. Encountering an angel is downright fatal! I was anticipating character development throughout the read and I offer kudos to the author for opting unique names for each. Typical names tend to lend themselves to typical and uneventful story lines and that is far removed with Tears of Heaven! Each name fits the persona and you're not left disappointed!
I would strongly recommend this book to anyone who wants to dive into a world that redefines what we know to be glorious. It is perfectly paced with each page turn and invites the reader to forget our world and blend into next!
I would strongly recommend this book to anyone who wants to dive into a world that redefines what we know to be glorious. It is perfectly paced with each page turn and invites the reader to forget our world and blend into next!
May 11, 2015
"All potholes lead to Rome!"
This fantasy adventure is filled with colorful characters, comedy, and it references all my favorite movies and television shows. Ok, most of them. This author has a brilliant sense of humor and a talented grasp of dialogue.
“By Hera’s toenails…”
This novel chronicles a long lifetime, switching from the past, circa 221 BC to modern day. The story follows the life of Water Lily AKA Del, a seven-foot woman sold as a slave. Our unlikey heroine is not helpless. Her pirate shipmates are convinced she is Ares in female form. Her origin is a mystery; her power is awesome.
Eventually, the timeline from the past catches up with the plotline of the future. All is revealed in the last twenty-five percent of the book in a twisted mind bender. I love stories with a strong female character, and Del does not disappoint. I expected glorious fight scenes and battles on the high seas. I was surprised to find a beautiful love story. Well done. The book is rightfully named Tears of Heaven. It ends with an intriguing cliffhanger. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
This fantasy adventure is filled with colorful characters, comedy, and it references all my favorite movies and television shows. Ok, most of them. This author has a brilliant sense of humor and a talented grasp of dialogue.
“By Hera’s toenails…”
This novel chronicles a long lifetime, switching from the past, circa 221 BC to modern day. The story follows the life of Water Lily AKA Del, a seven-foot woman sold as a slave. Our unlikey heroine is not helpless. Her pirate shipmates are convinced she is Ares in female form. Her origin is a mystery; her power is awesome.
Eventually, the timeline from the past catches up with the plotline of the future. All is revealed in the last twenty-five percent of the book in a twisted mind bender. I love stories with a strong female character, and Del does not disappoint. I expected glorious fight scenes and battles on the high seas. I was surprised to find a beautiful love story. Well done. The book is rightfully named Tears of Heaven. It ends with an intriguing cliffhanger. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
January 30, 2014
Tears of Heaven is a delightful page-turner that presents the reader with two different time periods, one in the third century BC and the other in a contemporary dystopic world. In both periods the Throne is the divine power that rules the world, and our heroine, Del, is a hunter of rogue demons. Del's adventurous life in the past involves, among other things, a love story. As her tale gradually unfolds, we begin to see why Del's life in the modern world is not everything that she would like it to be.
Both the ancient and the contemporary stories are exciting and eventful. Del is a great character--strong and rebellious, sardonic and bitter, courageous (despite her amusing fear of modern airplane travel) and passionate. Although she struggles with the seemingly capricious decisions and demands of the Throne, she eventually gains the chance to redeem a mistake that led to a tragic loss from her past.
I very much enjoyed this novel. Great characters, plenty of action, wit and intelligence all combined to make it a delicious read.
Both the ancient and the contemporary stories are exciting and eventful. Del is a great character--strong and rebellious, sardonic and bitter, courageous (despite her amusing fear of modern airplane travel) and passionate. Although she struggles with the seemingly capricious decisions and demands of the Throne, she eventually gains the chance to redeem a mistake that led to a tragic loss from her past.
I very much enjoyed this novel. Great characters, plenty of action, wit and intelligence all combined to make it a delicious read.
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