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And In The Beginning
Armageddon comes… but it’s not what they think.
Sumer is a world blessed. Her people carry the secrets of the Universe, chosen to guide their fellow civilisations to an enlightened, peaceful existence.
The Universe was theirs, until a festering jealousy made them lose it. Now all that can save the great Sumerian legacy is the end.
There are seven, perhaps more.
The Prophecy is clouded, but one thing is clear: unless this seven meet at the final place, all will be lost.
Nasaru wants to save his people – and his soul, but first he must ignite a fire and watch them burn. Luma is scared. Too scared for the darkness ahead of her, too afraid of the future she yearns for. The third? Raphael is the best healer earth has ever seen. But heartache never comes easy for an immortal, and she keeps herself distant from her charges. Number four? Azrael, the harbinger of death has a thankless job he completes with diligence, hoping to make his father proud. As for numbers five and six… Well, Levi, is the man with nothing left to lose, the one who lost his entire future with the violent slash of a blade. And his nemesis, the assassin Rian, whose hand is forced when his own life takes an unexpected turn, and a contract he can’t say no to lands firmly in his lap.
Oh, and seven?
God himself.
But the creator has been missing for centuries, and not even the Archangels know where to find him.
Sumer is a world blessed. Her people carry the secrets of the Universe, chosen to guide their fellow civilisations to an enlightened, peaceful existence.
The Universe was theirs, until a festering jealousy made them lose it. Now all that can save the great Sumerian legacy is the end.
There are seven, perhaps more.
The Prophecy is clouded, but one thing is clear: unless this seven meet at the final place, all will be lost.
Nasaru wants to save his people – and his soul, but first he must ignite a fire and watch them burn. Luma is scared. Too scared for the darkness ahead of her, too afraid of the future she yearns for. The third? Raphael is the best healer earth has ever seen. But heartache never comes easy for an immortal, and she keeps herself distant from her charges. Number four? Azrael, the harbinger of death has a thankless job he completes with diligence, hoping to make his father proud. As for numbers five and six… Well, Levi, is the man with nothing left to lose, the one who lost his entire future with the violent slash of a blade. And his nemesis, the assassin Rian, whose hand is forced when his own life takes an unexpected turn, and a contract he can’t say no to lands firmly in his lap.
Oh, and seven?
God himself.
But the creator has been missing for centuries, and not even the Archangels know where to find him.
- GenresFantasy
485 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 28, 2024
7 people are currently reading
38 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
February 19, 2024
I don't think I'm supposed to review my own book, but hey, five stars for the audacity. Minus one for the anxiety it gave me.
April 23, 2024
At first I was very afraid that I was going to have to DNF. I’m not well versed in science fiction and so the beginning took me a minute to understand (no fault of Manna’s I just don’t read Sci-Fi usually so it took me a sec.) HOWEVER halfway through, it turned into a murder mystery with angels and I was FLOORED. This turned into one of my favorite reads of the year and I need book 2 IMMEDIATELY. For anyone who doesn’t read sci-fi I say stick it out! This was such a fun introduction to the genre.
February 26, 2024
I adored the first part of the book. Sci-fi is one of my favorite genres and while there was some worldbuilding it was generally easy to understand. Luna is my favorite character in the entire book with Raphael being a close second.
The middle was a very abrupt shift for me and I had to push through a little because I was convinced that it connected somehow.
I’m glad I got to the end. It was interesting to see two very different stories connect through these tiny threads. I still have a ton of questions and I can’t wait for book 2 😁
The middle was a very abrupt shift for me and I had to push through a little because I was convinced that it connected somehow.
I’m glad I got to the end. It was interesting to see two very different stories connect through these tiny threads. I still have a ton of questions and I can’t wait for book 2 😁
February 27, 2024
This book is for the sci fi lovers out there as well as a love for thrillers. your taken on a journey through space and time, while trying to figure out where it's going next, with a huge cliffhanger at the end!!!
April 2, 2024
And in the Beginning follows two story lines. The first is a stunning scifantasy story encompassing a war between two galactic races. Luma is apprehensive about ascending but finds herself thrusted into immortality and stranded on earth. The second story line is that of an urban crime mystery. When they assemble, can the team work together before Armageddon?!
I would say this work, at first, compared to a Star trek vibe with an etherial civilization on a planet being attacked by a power hungry and ambitious captain. Then it reminded me of the tv show Lucifer because there are angels (sin vs virtue) and crime mystery, and it is very urban and modern. It also gave me Good Omen vibes, which I only saw the TV show and that’s what I’m referring to. I love Lucifer and Good Omens so this was really fun. Even though I’m not a treky it was really cool to read that part too.
Things I really enjoyed: What an elaborate story. The author really took her time sewing this world together to make it real. In the beginning it is very much a well fleshed out civilization with clearly defined rules and unique social norms and rich customs. The rules of magic are very clear. Lumas journey was really interesting and it is easy to become invested in her. Ever since I started reading it I keep getting news articles on my Google page and Alexa about asteroids and I’m like 👀Luma, that you, boo? This book is by far one of the most original books I’ve had the pleasure to read. Not only is the concept and framework completely unique but it is quite literally doing things that, to my knowledge, have never been done before. The characters have their own spirits, their own struggles and their own voices. They complement each other well. And also the cover is stunning. I am really thankful that this author who is from Australia made the book relatable to any English reader. It isn’t heavy on any specific vernacular or region specific slang, so it makes it palatable for anyone. The multiple POV can be hard but it didn’t bother me too much because the characters have their own voice. There are books that you can read with your brain off and books that you have to be immersed in. This is an immersion book, and I appreciate the time and creativity in it.
Also something that deserves its own nuanced discussion, and is bound to be a hot topic for debate, is the Genre hoping. I am a genre hopper in the sense that I will read a murder mystery one day and a spicy fantasy the next. I’ve never seen it done all in one book before, until now. Genre hoping inside of a book is a very unique and new thing, and sometimes what is unfamiliar can seem jarring. Sure. Familiar is comfortable, new is unknown. If people are not expecting this drastic shift I can see how it would throw them for a loop because it does feel like two completely different books in one. BUT I don’t at all think it is a bad thing; I think the main opportunity is marketing more explicitly that the genre hopping is intentional and purposeful. I found it surprising and pretty cutting edge. I think Manna Clark is paving the way for authors to explore how that can be done in the future more seemlessly and And In The Beginning is the seed that will grow that concept into perfection. That being said, any first time thing will have it’s challenges because you have to figure out how to make that work in a way that meshes well with the readers experience. I think in this case it was a bigger challenge because not only did she take on the innovation of genre hoping but she also tackled a big time gap, multiple POV’s, multiple subplots and so many other moving parts. This was obviously not an easy thing to pull off and I think she did it well with all of that considered. I commend her for her boldness on this and look forward to seeing how or if book two carry’s this theme. I’m also looking forward to seeing if other authors follow her lead and how this could possibly change literature.
Things that weren’t for me are basically all things that have to do with the type of reader I am, and don’t have much to do with the authors skillset. I was wondering how the two story lines would tye together but Manna has been very thorough in sewing this story together. You have to trust the story and the author. I personally have zero concept of delayed gratification so that was hard for me. I wish I could have sat down and read this story in one shot without having the distractions of work and a 2 year old because that posed a challenge when reading a book this intricate. This is the type of story you should cut out time to read with annotations tabs. I think the lifestyle of a reader is going to effect how they read any book and with this book, readers who have time to sit down and digest large chunks at a time, will have a better experience and connection. I was sad that Luma dropped off for a hot minute because Manna did a great job getting readers to care about her. I do wish we had more context for why she wasn’t in the second act. That part felt slightly disjointed but it was worth it.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes to genre hop, loves the TV shows Lucifer Good Omens and Star Trek, who like to be fully immersed in a story with prophecy’s and adventure and devastation. If you don’t mind cliffhangers that leave you waiting for the next book, this is also for you. This book will be most compatible with those who enjoy intricate plots, and have a solid reading schedule with long stretches of time available.
I look forward to following Manna Clark’s work and congratulate her on such an epic debuts novel.
4/5
I would say this work, at first, compared to a Star trek vibe with an etherial civilization on a planet being attacked by a power hungry and ambitious captain. Then it reminded me of the tv show Lucifer because there are angels (sin vs virtue) and crime mystery, and it is very urban and modern. It also gave me Good Omen vibes, which I only saw the TV show and that’s what I’m referring to. I love Lucifer and Good Omens so this was really fun. Even though I’m not a treky it was really cool to read that part too.
Things I really enjoyed: What an elaborate story. The author really took her time sewing this world together to make it real. In the beginning it is very much a well fleshed out civilization with clearly defined rules and unique social norms and rich customs. The rules of magic are very clear. Lumas journey was really interesting and it is easy to become invested in her. Ever since I started reading it I keep getting news articles on my Google page and Alexa about asteroids and I’m like 👀Luma, that you, boo? This book is by far one of the most original books I’ve had the pleasure to read. Not only is the concept and framework completely unique but it is quite literally doing things that, to my knowledge, have never been done before. The characters have their own spirits, their own struggles and their own voices. They complement each other well. And also the cover is stunning. I am really thankful that this author who is from Australia made the book relatable to any English reader. It isn’t heavy on any specific vernacular or region specific slang, so it makes it palatable for anyone. The multiple POV can be hard but it didn’t bother me too much because the characters have their own voice. There are books that you can read with your brain off and books that you have to be immersed in. This is an immersion book, and I appreciate the time and creativity in it.
Also something that deserves its own nuanced discussion, and is bound to be a hot topic for debate, is the Genre hoping. I am a genre hopper in the sense that I will read a murder mystery one day and a spicy fantasy the next. I’ve never seen it done all in one book before, until now. Genre hoping inside of a book is a very unique and new thing, and sometimes what is unfamiliar can seem jarring. Sure. Familiar is comfortable, new is unknown. If people are not expecting this drastic shift I can see how it would throw them for a loop because it does feel like two completely different books in one. BUT I don’t at all think it is a bad thing; I think the main opportunity is marketing more explicitly that the genre hopping is intentional and purposeful. I found it surprising and pretty cutting edge. I think Manna Clark is paving the way for authors to explore how that can be done in the future more seemlessly and And In The Beginning is the seed that will grow that concept into perfection. That being said, any first time thing will have it’s challenges because you have to figure out how to make that work in a way that meshes well with the readers experience. I think in this case it was a bigger challenge because not only did she take on the innovation of genre hoping but she also tackled a big time gap, multiple POV’s, multiple subplots and so many other moving parts. This was obviously not an easy thing to pull off and I think she did it well with all of that considered. I commend her for her boldness on this and look forward to seeing how or if book two carry’s this theme. I’m also looking forward to seeing if other authors follow her lead and how this could possibly change literature.
Things that weren’t for me are basically all things that have to do with the type of reader I am, and don’t have much to do with the authors skillset. I was wondering how the two story lines would tye together but Manna has been very thorough in sewing this story together. You have to trust the story and the author. I personally have zero concept of delayed gratification so that was hard for me. I wish I could have sat down and read this story in one shot without having the distractions of work and a 2 year old because that posed a challenge when reading a book this intricate. This is the type of story you should cut out time to read with annotations tabs. I think the lifestyle of a reader is going to effect how they read any book and with this book, readers who have time to sit down and digest large chunks at a time, will have a better experience and connection. I was sad that Luma dropped off for a hot minute because Manna did a great job getting readers to care about her. I do wish we had more context for why she wasn’t in the second act. That part felt slightly disjointed but it was worth it.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes to genre hop, loves the TV shows Lucifer Good Omens and Star Trek, who like to be fully immersed in a story with prophecy’s and adventure and devastation. If you don’t mind cliffhangers that leave you waiting for the next book, this is also for you. This book will be most compatible with those who enjoy intricate plots, and have a solid reading schedule with long stretches of time available.
I look forward to following Manna Clark’s work and congratulate her on such an epic debuts novel.
4/5
March 17, 2024
I had the privilege of being an arc reader for Manna Clarke "And the Beginning" . I'm not gonna lie, I forgot I had signed up to arc read this. Maybe it helps that since signing up for this book everything's been a blur.
The first 3% of the story reminded me of Star Trek, the way it felt the need to describe the setting and its characters. As a trekkie, I liked the descriptions of where exactly these characters were.
Okay..so..this isn't an author problem but rather a me problem..when I read this it was to/from work..which meant reading over the detailed story hadn't latched into my mind and it just felt like an overload of words.
Again..this isn't an author problem. This is a ME problem. But for some reason this book felt very technical. It felt like this would've been easier to imagine if it was a TV show or a movie but for some reason reading the words, my mind was struggling to picture every little detail the author was trying to describe. Like I said,not an author problem.
At the 25% mark, I got a bit confused. There's three characters to follow in the beginning and they get caught in a war than disappear. Now we're following military on a planet and one of them is human than jumps forward and reveals that person is an angel. I'm a bit lost. Sorry. What happened to the space war characters?
At the 27% mark I started to feel lost. There's another character introduced. With these four characters, it feels like they should've had their own story rather their hijack this book. It almost felt difficult to follow because none of the characters read as a reason to overlap.
By the end of the book, I was struggling to latch onto any of these characters. I felt like the space characters in the beginning of the book took a while to re-appear and when they did, I sat there going “Who are you?” and “why do I need to care?” I know each of these characters are all connected to each other, cause it reveals it throughout the whole book but it just felt like the book was more focused on Levi and Rian, while the other characters were just there to fill words on a page.
Even as it got towards the final end pages, I was going “huh?”. There was something about the ending that I just really struggled with.
I’d like to try another Manna Clarke book in the future, preferably not while I’m reading it before/after work.
The first 3% of the story reminded me of Star Trek, the way it felt the need to describe the setting and its characters. As a trekkie, I liked the descriptions of where exactly these characters were.
Okay..so..this isn't an author problem but rather a me problem..when I read this it was to/from work..which meant reading over the detailed story hadn't latched into my mind and it just felt like an overload of words.
Again..this isn't an author problem. This is a ME problem. But for some reason this book felt very technical. It felt like this would've been easier to imagine if it was a TV show or a movie but for some reason reading the words, my mind was struggling to picture every little detail the author was trying to describe. Like I said,not an author problem.
At the 25% mark, I got a bit confused. There's three characters to follow in the beginning and they get caught in a war than disappear. Now we're following military on a planet and one of them is human than jumps forward and reveals that person is an angel. I'm a bit lost. Sorry. What happened to the space war characters?
At the 27% mark I started to feel lost. There's another character introduced. With these four characters, it feels like they should've had their own story rather their hijack this book. It almost felt difficult to follow because none of the characters read as a reason to overlap.
By the end of the book, I was struggling to latch onto any of these characters. I felt like the space characters in the beginning of the book took a while to re-appear and when they did, I sat there going “Who are you?” and “why do I need to care?” I know each of these characters are all connected to each other, cause it reveals it throughout the whole book but it just felt like the book was more focused on Levi and Rian, while the other characters were just there to fill words on a page.
Even as it got towards the final end pages, I was going “huh?”. There was something about the ending that I just really struggled with.
I’d like to try another Manna Clarke book in the future, preferably not while I’m reading it before/after work.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 20, 2024
I went into this book having only read a small sample to help promote the author. I was absolutely drawn in by the sample and excited to read more.
The sample I read was from near the beginning of the story, dealing with the sci-fi/fantasy blend of a war between two races across different planets. From there, the book shifts quite abruptly to a whole new set of characters, what feels like a completely different story, and a complete genre shift to a more crime/Mystery plot while still keeping some fantasy elements with personifications of sins and virtues and angels.
The story was well written and absolutely takes you on an adventure. The reason I rated it 4/5 stars is because the characters from the beginning few chapters don't make a return until the very end and didn't seem to have a heavy impact on the story. Re-introducing them though makes me very interested in the next installment in the series and where the story will go.
The sample I read was from near the beginning of the story, dealing with the sci-fi/fantasy blend of a war between two races across different planets. From there, the book shifts quite abruptly to a whole new set of characters, what feels like a completely different story, and a complete genre shift to a more crime/Mystery plot while still keeping some fantasy elements with personifications of sins and virtues and angels.
The story was well written and absolutely takes you on an adventure. The reason I rated it 4/5 stars is because the characters from the beginning few chapters don't make a return until the very end and didn't seem to have a heavy impact on the story. Re-introducing them though makes me very interested in the next installment in the series and where the story will go.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 1, 2024
PEAK SCI FI WRITING
Manna knows exactly what she's doing. I was so excited to read this when it came out, and it did NOT disappoint. One of the most creative story settings I've read in ages. Keep it up! Book two can't come soon enough!
Manna knows exactly what she's doing. I was so excited to read this when it came out, and it did NOT disappoint. One of the most creative story settings I've read in ages. Keep it up! Book two can't come soon enough!
March 1, 2024
'In the beginning' is a thrilling story that builds an entire world, culture and religion only to, quite literally have it blow-up in our faces and leaves us with our hearts in our throats worried about characters we just started to love.
Between getting attached to the characters with all their quirks and secrets, and a story that leaves us perpetually wondering what's going on while on the edge of our seats waiting for answers I fell in love with a fantasy world set so closely to our own that it echoes my own love of Angels and the "Sins" of humanity.
The story itself is set in a modern day Earth and drags us through tales of love and loss, grief and hope as we follow the stories of assassins and Sins, serial killers and the FBI, Angels and their missions, all the while trying to wrap our heads around how they're all connected.
The way we're trickle-fed the lore and how it slowly brings everyone together is just enough for us to start to grasp a concept of the situation at hand before the story really takes off and the world opens up in front of us like that first cutscene in a video game when you've spent the last several hours playing only to find that you've only completed the prologue and NOW the game really begins.
Throw in the aching heart the prologue leaves us with and the seeds of hope and love that are so subtly scattered in the hearts of all our would-be heroes, this book leaves me impatiently waiting for the next one.
March 29, 2024
I am beyond thrilled to have had the opportunity to ARC read Manna Clarke's novel And in the Beginning . This is a genre I am just delving back into so I was excited to read a different kind of crime thriller. A science fiction, paranormal crime thriller. Sign me right the heck up!
Leave it to Clarke to keep you on your toes throughout the first quarter. After that, the book shifts and delves into the meat and potatoes. Keep waiting for the transition, because it happens after a literal shift that happens in the plot. It won't feel like a crime thriller at first but I promise you, keep following Luma along in her story.
Clarke makes sure to keeps readers invested throughout Luma and Raphael's story. She uses the expedition of the book to build up our strong FMC and her history. The combining of different worlds is done so well and vividly with modern day fantasy elements. A favorite element of mine that Clarke used was the Sin and the Virtue. Having done much of my own research and having my outside knowledge on them really helped me connect more with Clarke's intentions.
The ending made me almost want to throw my kindle. And in the Beginning is a book I could not put down. Reading it at work was a hassle due to the outside interruptions getting in the way of my reading. Therefore I recommend reading it uninterrupted the best you can. Thank you Manna for great start to the Armageddon's Blade series. I cannot wait for Book 2!!!
Leave it to Clarke to keep you on your toes throughout the first quarter. After that, the book shifts and delves into the meat and potatoes. Keep waiting for the transition, because it happens after a literal shift that happens in the plot. It won't feel like a crime thriller at first but I promise you, keep following Luma along in her story.
Clarke makes sure to keeps readers invested throughout Luma and Raphael's story. She uses the expedition of the book to build up our strong FMC and her history. The combining of different worlds is done so well and vividly with modern day fantasy elements. A favorite element of mine that Clarke used was the Sin and the Virtue. Having done much of my own research and having my outside knowledge on them really helped me connect more with Clarke's intentions.
The ending made me almost want to throw my kindle. And in the Beginning is a book I could not put down. Reading it at work was a hassle due to the outside interruptions getting in the way of my reading. Therefore I recommend reading it uninterrupted the best you can. Thank you Manna for great start to the Armageddon's Blade series. I cannot wait for Book 2!!!
May 26, 2024
Presenting an ambitious plot spanning what seems like thousands of years, this first book introduces us to a deadly feud between two faraway alien species. But after some thrilling, yet psychotic early action, these characters disappear into the background and suddenly re-emerge towards the book's end to provide the linkage heading into this series' next instalment.
The plot fast-forwards timewise to Earth, where the aliens make their last early appearance, to shift perspective to a urban crime setup. This escalates and somehow the Earth-bound characters end up having their narratives intersect with one of the aliens - who is being set up as a main villain. What drives this villain is however unclear and the way things fall apart will come across as confusing - hopefully to be clarified in the second book.
While I'm a fan of multiple plotlines running in parallel that eventually merge into a single narrative which ends up being far richer than the sum of its parts, this book doesn't convince me yet how the intertwining will be captivating. There are no real stakes to be considered or danger beyond the vague alien villain. These points not made clear is the main reason why I feel the first book fails to live up to its promise as the writing is otherwise excellent.
The plot fast-forwards timewise to Earth, where the aliens make their last early appearance, to shift perspective to a urban crime setup. This escalates and somehow the Earth-bound characters end up having their narratives intersect with one of the aliens - who is being set up as a main villain. What drives this villain is however unclear and the way things fall apart will come across as confusing - hopefully to be clarified in the second book.
While I'm a fan of multiple plotlines running in parallel that eventually merge into a single narrative which ends up being far richer than the sum of its parts, this book doesn't convince me yet how the intertwining will be captivating. There are no real stakes to be considered or danger beyond the vague alien villain. These points not made clear is the main reason why I feel the first book fails to live up to its promise as the writing is otherwise excellent.
March 6, 2024
I got this book from the author to review so thank you.
I rated this book 3,5 stars ⭐️
I love how the book started with the quick and easy to understand world building. But then about 30% in the. book take such a switch in tone and storytelling it took me until about 55% in to start liking it again.
The beginning it was an exciting sci-fi struggle and a kind off spoiled pov but still cute and naive. Then the main part off the story starts and suddenly it's more of a FBI thriller which is not something I personally enjoy. so when it start up again with the sci-fi elements I was getting back into the story.
the writing and storytelling is clear and consitent. there was one part where I was just annoyed because the idea off wealth must come across but so then it's decided to name drop some brands which for me where more tacky then scream wealth. That could just be the parts off the world we life in.
Anyway good book and why is there a need for an cliffhanger I need to know more
I rated this book 3,5 stars ⭐️
I love how the book started with the quick and easy to understand world building. But then about 30% in the. book take such a switch in tone and storytelling it took me until about 55% in to start liking it again.
The beginning it was an exciting sci-fi struggle and a kind off spoiled pov but still cute and naive. Then the main part off the story starts and suddenly it's more of a FBI thriller which is not something I personally enjoy. so when it start up again with the sci-fi elements I was getting back into the story.
the writing and storytelling is clear and consitent. there was one part where I was just annoyed because the idea off wealth must come across but so then it's decided to name drop some brands which for me where more tacky then scream wealth. That could just be the parts off the world we life in.
Anyway good book and why is there a need for an cliffhanger I need to know more
March 17, 2024
This book has such an interesting and unique story I was happy I got to enjoy it and am looking forward to continuing the series…Which I think you would have to do since this debut novel reads a lot like a prologue to a much bigger story.
The book does feel like two entirely different stories, the first being light sci-fi, and the second part a crime drama. The sudden change does throw you off for a bit, but the crime mystery plays to the author’s strengths, and is worth sticking with. As an avid reader of science fiction, I would not classify this book as sci-fi , I think it fits perfectly in the paranormal genre. If I picked this up expecting sci-fi, I would likely not finish it.
My favorite characters are Rian and Levi. The evolution of their relationship is captivating and entertaining, and I look forward to hearing more from them and unraveling their part in this adventure.
Overall, I found this to be worth the read even if it left more questions than answers to start with.
I received this book as an Arc from the author.
The book does feel like two entirely different stories, the first being light sci-fi, and the second part a crime drama. The sudden change does throw you off for a bit, but the crime mystery plays to the author’s strengths, and is worth sticking with. As an avid reader of science fiction, I would not classify this book as sci-fi , I think it fits perfectly in the paranormal genre. If I picked this up expecting sci-fi, I would likely not finish it.
My favorite characters are Rian and Levi. The evolution of their relationship is captivating and entertaining, and I look forward to hearing more from them and unraveling their part in this adventure.
Overall, I found this to be worth the read even if it left more questions than answers to start with.
I received this book as an Arc from the author.
March 17, 2024
Admittedly I haven't read much of the book so I'll keep this short and sweet. I do just wanna preface this by saying how proud i am of Manna. The amount of time and effort she has put into this is insane and that's something I can highly respect and admire. I've watched you (physically and metaphorically) go through the motions of hours of creativity and months of writers block to land exactly where you are right now, publishing your first novel in your trilogy, and I couldn't be more proud of you and I am right now.
I loved the flash to earth, and am super excited to see how that pans out. The attention to detail is incredible. Anything you need to set the scene is right there and waiting for you. First impressions of Nasaru, he sounds kinda hot ngl hehe. But all in all I can't wait to read the rest and I will update my review once I've finished the whole book.
I loved the flash to earth, and am super excited to see how that pans out. The attention to detail is incredible. Anything you need to set the scene is right there and waiting for you. First impressions of Nasaru, he sounds kinda hot ngl hehe. But all in all I can't wait to read the rest and I will update my review once I've finished the whole book.
March 23, 2024
Starting off with my favourite lines "A flash of late afternoon sunlight reflecting off dark hair. The smell of his own sweat... And a near miss by the ocean rose unbbiden in his mind. I know you"
Well we got a ⚠️ Cliffhanger... Okaaaaay, I truly have no words, because I want, no scratch that, I need book 2. You don't leave me hanging like that, well in this case soaring, lol, IYKYK 😉 We got angels, aliens, the Sins & Virtues as celestial beings, all on earth, serving different purposes to humanity as they await Armageddon. The switch from sci-fi to urban fantasy with a twist of crime mystery had me intrigued and on my toes, a very unusual blend, but worked well together (like fries and ice-cream, lol) I can't wait for the next book, because I need answers to my questions, especially with that soaring ending... 😭❤️🔥 Find me in the future 🏃🏼♀️
Well we got a ⚠️ Cliffhanger... Okaaaaay, I truly have no words, because I want, no scratch that, I need book 2. You don't leave me hanging like that, well in this case soaring, lol, IYKYK 😉 We got angels, aliens, the Sins & Virtues as celestial beings, all on earth, serving different purposes to humanity as they await Armageddon. The switch from sci-fi to urban fantasy with a twist of crime mystery had me intrigued and on my toes, a very unusual blend, but worked well together (like fries and ice-cream, lol) I can't wait for the next book, because I need answers to my questions, especially with that soaring ending... 😭❤️🔥 Find me in the future 🏃🏼♀️
March 2, 2024
I just finished "And in the beginning" and didn't want to take a breath before sharing my thoughts. Manna Clarke does an amazing job of building a sense of urgency and tension in the story as she takes the reader on a roller coaster journey through time and space.
She weaves together a combination of mystery and fantasy in a story that begins many light years away from modern day Earth only to collide here with angels, exile and prophecy that could alter history and the future all in one.
I was unable to put it down! "And in the beginning" is a spellbinding tale that will leave readers on the edge of their seats until the very last page.
She weaves together a combination of mystery and fantasy in a story that begins many light years away from modern day Earth only to collide here with angels, exile and prophecy that could alter history and the future all in one.
I was unable to put it down! "And in the beginning" is a spellbinding tale that will leave readers on the edge of their seats until the very last page.
August 20, 2024
I need the rest of the series like now! I have so many questions.
Sci-fi fantasy isn't normally my jam, but this had me hooked. A war between 2 ancient races, a time jump, and destruction and deception on Earth.
An unsolved murder spree over 10 years and 28 known victims with no explanation. A contract killer with a conscience and Archangels deviating from the plan to save 2 seemingly important humans.
This book packs a lot into its pages, with numerous threads that start to converge by the ending but with plenty of intrigue to keep you on your toes.
The world and character building is amazing, and I can't wait to see what happens in books 2 and 3.
Sci-fi fantasy isn't normally my jam, but this had me hooked. A war between 2 ancient races, a time jump, and destruction and deception on Earth.
An unsolved murder spree over 10 years and 28 known victims with no explanation. A contract killer with a conscience and Archangels deviating from the plan to save 2 seemingly important humans.
This book packs a lot into its pages, with numerous threads that start to converge by the ending but with plenty of intrigue to keep you on your toes.
The world and character building is amazing, and I can't wait to see what happens in books 2 and 3.
March 20, 2024
I’m not a huge sci-fi reader, in fact I think the closest I’ve ever gotten was reading Ender’s Game and watching The Orville
but I am so glad I gave this one a shot!
Manna Clarke has created a very unique story and world that had me intrigued from the very first page. While the sudden shift from sci-fi to crime originally caught me off guard, I absolutely LOVE how Clarke weaved these two storylines together and she left me craving more.
Thank you for sharing your world with us, Manna, and I can’t wait for more!
but I am so glad I gave this one a shot!
Manna Clarke has created a very unique story and world that had me intrigued from the very first page. While the sudden shift from sci-fi to crime originally caught me off guard, I absolutely LOVE how Clarke weaved these two storylines together and she left me craving more.
Thank you for sharing your world with us, Manna, and I can’t wait for more!
December 31, 2024
Quite enjoyed reading 'And in the beginning' a little different to my usual genres but I liked the adventure and would recommend this read to others. Very descriptive. I look forward to checking out Manna's other works too.
April 2, 2024
Book was amazing i loved this book but hate i have to wait
May 5, 2024
At the time i was in a not want it read mood. I did read it i love it. I plan on reading it again.
April 19, 2024
4.5⭐
Adult but no real spice
Overall I enjoyed the story, the ideas and the characters. I was a little confused when there was a time shift and new characters added, however everything came together in the end to paint a unique picture. I'm excited to see where this goes and learn more about the characters and this world!
Adult but no real spice
Overall I enjoyed the story, the ideas and the characters. I was a little confused when there was a time shift and new characters added, however everything came together in the end to paint a unique picture. I'm excited to see where this goes and learn more about the characters and this world!
March 29, 2024
an intelligent and creative story that leaves you longing for more
Im actually rating this book a 4.99 star… im subtracting .01 stars because I HAVE TO WAIT FOR THE NEXT BOOK
It’s been a long time since I’ve read a book that captured my attention utterly and wholly.
This book did. It’s not a story you can just flippantly read on an afternoon. It demands you to find a corner, grab your favorite tea or coffee, and curl up. Immerse yourself.
It starts out as a fantastic sci-fi… introducing a race of alíens, and main character Luma. Things get intense fast, and then next thing you know … the planet is blown up and Luma is peeling herself out of a crater that hit the earth.
She’s the crater. Pulling herself back together from being smashed to smithereens because she’s immortal.
THEN the whole dang book changes… and now you’re following a crime thriller… and what the heck is going on?? But stay with it, follow the threads, enjoy the tapestry being woven because you’ll get to love the archangels you’re now learning about!
And little by little, piece by piece this EPIC story starts to pull little threads together … not enough to give you all the answers you want, but enough to fill in some of the questions and still lead you like pup following your master…. As you hunger for MORE!!!! Gaaaaahhhhhhhhh
A virtue and a sin, who are FRIENDS?
Archangels who are polar opposites but twins??
And a little morose sad detective with a tragic past.
And then Poor immortal Luma. It all fits together but the end only barely starts the puzzle and I EAGERLY … albeit irritatedly wait… for the next delicious book!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️😭😭😭😭
Im actually rating this book a 4.99 star… im subtracting .01 stars because I HAVE TO WAIT FOR THE NEXT BOOK
It’s been a long time since I’ve read a book that captured my attention utterly and wholly.
This book did. It’s not a story you can just flippantly read on an afternoon. It demands you to find a corner, grab your favorite tea or coffee, and curl up. Immerse yourself.
It starts out as a fantastic sci-fi… introducing a race of alíens, and main character Luma. Things get intense fast, and then next thing you know … the planet is blown up and Luma is peeling herself out of a crater that hit the earth.
She’s the crater. Pulling herself back together from being smashed to smithereens because she’s immortal.
THEN the whole dang book changes… and now you’re following a crime thriller… and what the heck is going on?? But stay with it, follow the threads, enjoy the tapestry being woven because you’ll get to love the archangels you’re now learning about!
And little by little, piece by piece this EPIC story starts to pull little threads together … not enough to give you all the answers you want, but enough to fill in some of the questions and still lead you like pup following your master…. As you hunger for MORE!!!! Gaaaaahhhhhhhhh
A virtue and a sin, who are FRIENDS?
Archangels who are polar opposites but twins??
And a little morose sad detective with a tragic past.
And then Poor immortal Luma. It all fits together but the end only barely starts the puzzle and I EAGERLY … albeit irritatedly wait… for the next delicious book!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️😭😭😭😭
December 31, 2024
I was privileged to read as an arc and took the book with me on holiday. I was engrossed from the outset and found Manna's voice easy to follow and her stories woven together with enough ambiguity to keep me turning the pages, eager to absorb every detail. The characters are delivered thoughtfully and build the narrative across a burgeoning timeline and expanding world. As an Australian, I personally enjoyed the nods to our cities and regions while also relishing the world-building of alien places and cultures. I am definitely going to read this again to lock in the story while eagerly anticipating the next instalment.
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