In the heart of 10th Century Rome, where corruption thrives and dark forces play their wicked games, Kalili, a six-thousand-year-old demon, is handed a deceptively simple task: seduce a teenage boy named Octavianus, who possesses the potential to ascend to the papacy. But her world unravels when she discovers that an inexperienced angel named Faith has been sent to execute her, an unprecedented twist of fate that thrusts them into a battle they never anticipated. Fueled by their unusual connection and undeniable attraction, Kalili and Faith must navigate a treacherous path, their lives hanging in the balance as they uncover the shocking truth that they are the last Thirteens, destined to settle the age-old contest between good and evil. With Heaven and Hell both seeking their destruction, they must harness newfound powers, evade sinister adversaries, and unravel secrets that could alter the very fabric of existence. The consequences of their choices may change the course of history, as they embark on an epic journey in a gripping tale of love, destiny, and the ultimate battle between light and darkness. This is the beginning of a mesmerizing saga filled with unexpected alliances and discoveries, propelling them toward an uncertain and perilous future.
Adam Gaffen is the award-winning author of the Cassidyverse, a genre-blending universe where science fiction, fantasy, romance, and rebellion intertwine. His books span centuries and genres but share a common thread: characters with grit, stories with heart, and futures worth fighting for. Recognized across multiple indie award platforms, his work includes sweeping sagas, pulse-pounding missions, and mythic romances with cosmic consequences.
Every book stands on its own—each a gateway into a world where chosen family matters, love defies expectation, and change is always possible.
This novel took a while for the plot to get moving. IMO it struggles on its own until the last third of the book--then things start to get moving! I loved the last third 💛 the pacing was perfect for me--I need some plot with my romance, and the last third delivered!! I think the next books in the series will be great after the setup in this one 🤩 But unfortunately, the beginning half really fell flat. Most of the time we are listening to Kalili's thoughts and internal arguments with herself--in short, she's in her own head a lot. There's not a whole lot that actually happens to Kalili during this time, just a lot of internal monologue, which isn't my cup of tea. But this would be perfect for readers who enjoy a very deep understanding of a character's reasoning and their 'why' for their actions.
As for the characters as a whole: some of their actions seem a little unrealistic and inconsistent? I'm an avid fantasy and paranormal reader, so I know how to suspend belief. But some things just seem out of character for beings that have been around for thousands of years. For example, Kalili can't hold her own in a fist fight with a human after being alive for millennia?? But then two days later they fight their way through a group of armed men? A little suspicious to me 🧐
I do want to add that I love the dialogue between Kalili and Faith in this book 💛
Since the end was so good, I'll definitely be giving Book 2 a go! This might be one of those series that just gets better and better, and I want to see where the story takes us!
This book was decent there’s some long monologues that take place. The book has a great synopsis and it could be a lot better if there is some more depth to book two to explore what happens in book one. I’m really glad I got book two and I’m going to start reading that hoping for some more spice and better character depth.
Met the author randomly at Barnes and Noble and got to talking. Bought a signed copy and gave it a shot. It's not terrible. Quick read. The story line is good. Would like more world building and environment description. It talks about being really sexy and isn't that intense. I don't regret reading it but idk if I'm gonna read the next one.
Kalilli and Faith are amazing characters. Their story is believable if mythology is believed. Adam Gaffen has taken mythology to a whole new level weaving the 21st century mindset into a tale that fits with a few wiggles smack dab into it's timeframe
Wow. That's all I can say. I am gobsmacked. Highly Recommended 5/5
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
Absolutely hooked on this book if your into fantasy and a lot of other tropes you’ll love this book the characters and world has my entire heart from the world building to the way the characters develop to the way the storylines are told i’m absolutely hooked and i need more
This was one of the better-written books in our batch. It has a lot of energy, vivid characters, and a tongue-in-cheek tone. A demon and an angel come into conflict in 10th century Rome, but rather than killing each other, they fall in love. The story is told by the demon, Kalili, from her perspective in modern times, and the author (through the character) makes the decision to tell the story using modern day language, rather than trying to put on a faux historical tone. I think this was a good choice for this book, because it allowed the voice of the characters to be much more dynamic, which really is the only way to do it for this type of over-the-top story. The downside is that it does lose the strong sense of historical place, and I never really felt like it was happening in any particular time period.
There is a lot of on-page sex in this book, and that will undoubtedly put off quite a few fantasy readers, but if that’s not a problem for you, there’s a lot to enjoy in The Book of One. Personally, I enjoyed the book most when it was focused on the relationship of the characters, them falling in love, and trying to figure out why. I did lose a bit of interest when the ‘bigger’ story was introduced in the last quarter of the book. The stakes became more abstract and less personal. For me, the story became a little anticlimactic. It’s the first in a series, and it doesn’t really tie up the things brought up in book one. Book two is available, but I would have preferred a stronger conclusion to the first book. I thought this was probably strong enough to have been a semifinalist, but the combination of the humorous tone and the on-page sex means that it probably will not appeal widely enough.
In "The Book of One," Adam Gaffen crafts a riveting tale that explores the timeless conflict between angels and demons with depth and nuance. At the heart of the story are Kalili, a jaded demon, and Faith, a naive yet determined angel, whose unlikely encounter sparks a journey of self-discovery and transformation. As they navigate the complexities of their respective natures and the uncertain terrain of their forbidden bond, both characters undergo profound growth and introspection. Gaffen skillfully delves into their inner struggles, fears, and desires, imbuing them with complexity and authenticity. From Kalili's existential ennui to Faith's unwavering faith in her divine purpose, the characters resonate with depth and humanity, making them compelling protagonists in a world teetering on the brink of chaos.
Themes and Exploration:
"The Book of One" delves into themes of duality, redemption, and the nature of good and evil in a world defined by ancient enmities and cosmic conflicts. Gaffen deftly explores the intricacies of moral ambiguity and the blurred lines between light and darkness, challenging conventional notions of right and wrong. Through Kalili and Faith's unlikely alliance, the novel invites readers to question the dichotomies that govern our perceptions of the supernatural realm and the inherent complexities of the human experience. As the characters confront their own prejudices and preconceptions, "The Book of One" serves as a poignant meditation on the transformative power of empathy, forgiveness, and the pursuit of truth in a world rife with deception and illusion.
Plot and Pacing:
The plot of "The Book of One" unfolds with masterful precision and narrative momentum, weaving together elements of mystery, suspense, and supernatural intrigue to create a rich tapestry of intrigue and revelation. Gaffen expertly balances intricate world-building with pulse-pounding action sequences and moments of quiet introspection, ensuring that the story maintains a captivating momentum from start to finish. The pacing is brisk and dynamic, propelling readers through a labyrinthine plot filled with twists, turns, and unexpected revelations. From the labyrinthine streets of 10th Century Rome to the ethereal realms of the divine, the novel immerses readers in a vividly realized world that brims with intrigue and wonder.
Conclusion:
In "The Book of One," Adam Gaffen delivers a spellbinding fantasy epic that defies conventions and challenges readers to reconsider their perceptions of angels, demons, and the eternal struggle between light and darkness. With its richly drawn characters, intricately woven plot, and thought-provoking themes, the novel is a triumph of imagination and storytelling prowess. Fans of fantasy and paranormal fiction will find much to love in the enchanting world of "The Book of One," a timeless tale of love, redemption, and the enduring power of hope in the face of adversity. A captivating and immersive read that lingers in the mind long after the final page, "The Book of One" is a testament to Gaffen's narrative skill and visionary storytelling.
Awesome book! I wasn't sure since the cover didn't grab me like some. I have to admit the first 2/3 kind of lagged with the plot line. It's a lot of dialogue especially between Kalili and Faith. A lot of the first third is in the head of the demon Kalili as she shows us her inner thoughts and reactions to events and people. Faith unfortunately is portrayed as the ditzy blonde that's lived on earth for several 100 years yet understands very little. Fortunately the last third makes up for the slow burn set up. I don't want to ruin anything but reassure that the author did an amazing job setting up this series in the last of book 1. So if your looking for a heavy monologued, some vulgar language, slow burn demon/angel woman/woman love story with just a smidgen history this is it! Hold on because you are definitely going to want to continue the series!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I loved the fact the book started with a 'trigger warning page' made my day! I live for triggers! 🫦
'Arima bikia' - Celestial phrase for soulmate 😍
How cute?!
Damn hell for inventing paperwork!
The little tidbits of what a demon can do really made this book better. (Eg :'when we're in contact with a human, we can read their mind'- dirty thoughts)
I loved the dynamic duo Kal and Faith. They were just adorable together! This book has been written so well, I was drawn in within pages of the book. Such a fantastic read. Learning about the 'Makers'. Just incredible.
I loved that at the end of the book I found a playlist! I shall have to do a re read with the music. The world and character building was something else, absolutely incredible.
I cannot wait for book TWO! I loved the snippet for it. Now I need it.
This book is irreverent, adult content, vulgar language, and very unusual. That said, it's also very entertaining. Kalili is a demon, demonizing on earth for thousands of years- she's also the character that is most likeable, even with her shortcomings. Faith is an angel, supposedly around for forever, unfamiliar with the ways of earth, which adds to her ditsy, airheaded behavior in the beginning of the book which makes you say, "Enough already!" But don't give up because the book gets so much better when they leave Rome and try to figure out what's what. You will find a totally unique demon/angel origin story that I haven't read or heard about before, and this makes the rest of the book worth reading. I did get an ARC from BookSirens.
Interesting storyline. I loved the snark and banter between the 2 FMC's characters and particularly liked Kalili's way with words. Faith irked me a little with her cluelessness, but that just means she was portrayed the way Adam wanted. Both were likeable and I could happily relate to them in one way or another.
The writing was fun and easy to read. You can tell the author really enjoyed writing his world and characters and it just made the whole thing fun. It was very easy to visualize everything happening, the places visited and the characters described. The explicit scenes were also appropriately written and it was refreshing to see they weren't just thrown in for page fillers.
This has been my favourite pre-release to read so far this year.
The moment you get into this book, you're immediately hit with humor and tone unlike any other book I've read. My humor airs on the side of vulgar and this book wasn't afraid of jumping straight into the thick of it. My only gripe and why this isn't a 5/5 is the pacing, but beyond that the book is great!
Without any spoilers, I love how the characters develop through this story and change. The characters are endearing, each with their own unique personalities. What truly sets this book apart is its message of hope and resilience. As the characters face challenges and obstacles, they learn the importance of perseverance and love.
I am excited to check out the other books in this series, I definitely recommend giving this book a look.
I really wanted to love this book, I loved the idea of a connection between an angel & demon but this just didn’t do it for me.
The author is very well spoken and well written however I felt like the story was really lacking. There was a lot of names and details but I don’t feel like the story went very deep and it just never had me hooked. I believe the author really wanted to make the angel/demon world seem connected to reality but honestly I just couldn’t connect with it.
The spice was ok, but I was actually hoping for more.
I’m hoping the second book will dive deeper into a story line because I do like the connection between Faith and Kalili.
I have never read anything like this before. The character and world building are amazing, you can tell the author has put a lot of time and thought into everything. The characters themselves, both Faith and Kalili are very well written. Faith being unfamiliar with how the real work ticks, and Kalili with a never ending amount of sass who quickly became my favorite character of the story.
Personally as I was reading I found myself confused often at the start of the book, though as I read further it was less so. If you plan on reading make sure to keep reading even when things seem slower. It will pick back up again.
This was not my normal read but I was pleasantly surprised. World building occurs throughout the book and lots of detail provided for the thoughts/ reasoning/ motivations for the main characters. I did struggle with the slow build but I understand the need for detail. If you’re into demons, angels, imps and mythology you’ll appreciate it. Likeable FMC’s whose interactions/ banter is entertaining. Suddenly shifts from slow paced to it’s all happening; and then I didn’t expect the ending but it’s a nice little touch leaving us to need to read book 2.
I'm sorry to say that I wasn't very impressed with this book. I thought the synopsis sounded cool but unfortunately the book was filled with lengthy internal monologues and questionable dialogue. The characters felt sloppy and one dimensional. Kalili was snarky and Faith was clueless and that was about it. The immediate attraction felt so unrealistic. I think the author had some great ideas. It was definitely unique but I think the execution could have been a lot better.
This was my first taste of this author's writing and he didn't disappoint! I love the idea of an angel and demon fated to be together. He did a great job of world building since his spin on things was so unique from what I normally read. I appreciated the initial resistance to the bond so it wasn't too much 'insta love' since that usually rubs me the wrong way (just a me issue!). I enjoyed his twists along the way and can't wait to see the future challenges that this pair are going to face!
This book was decent there’s some long monologues that take place. The book has a great synopsis and it could be a lot better if there is some more depth to book two to explore what happens in book one. I’m really glad I got book two and I’m going to start reading that hoping for some more spice and better character depth.
I adored this WLW angel-demon romance 🫶🏼 Kalili and Faith’s relationship is the perfect #forbiddenlove #enemiestolovers #grumpysunshine trope and I don’t think anything screams #oppositesattract more than angels and demons. This book puts a creative spin on mainstream thinking of angels, demons and history and I am all for it. This book gave me all the feels and I devoured it so fast.
First let me say if you love demons and rebellion, mixed with some history and angels, then you'll probably enjoy this book! I think the author did a wonderful job at setting up the world building for the rest of the series. We got a feel of the characters and the plot. I'm excited to see what the author will do with the next book!
This is a slow beginning but a great ending book. You receive a lot of monologues however you know Kalilis internal thoughts throughout the whole book. The connection between Kalili and faith is strong and I can’t wait to see the growth of them in the next book.
If you enjoy demons, angels, and a medium amount a spice I recommend this book!
absolutely LOVED this book. I thought it was well set up with explaining feeling and the subtle shift of perspective. HISTORICAL ROMACE ✔️ LQBTQ+ ✔️ANGELS ANd DEMONS ✔️ I could not put this book down normally I'm not a fan of historical but this was just amazing. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Unfortunately, I just could not get into this story. The long inner monologues were killing me. There was also something about the tone of Kalili that I just didn't like. I tried to push through but ultimately ended up with a DNF at 24%.
I listened to this as an audiobook and it was an enjoyable listen. Has a pansexual main character who is witty and made me laugh aloud. I’ve never read anything like this before and found it entertaining.
Ok book. Started out a little slow but once it got going, it was better! It seemed like it would be more boring than it was. It did end up sucking me in. It’s well written even though the change of character point of view was semi frustrating at times.