Fall from Grace

by Matthew Munson

A debut novel by Matthew Munson, 'Fall From Grace' follows the lives of three friends who find themselves somehow caught in middle of the wars in Heaven which started over two thousand years ago. Paul, an ex-priest, feels his life is passing him by since he left his calling, and the increasing frequency of his dreams doesn't help. He can't even shake the feeling after talks with Joseph, his best friend and sceptic extraordinaire. Joseph's sister Lauren is happy with her new post as a Psychologist at the local university, but just wishes her long-suffered mental absences would stop. As their true identities are revealed, Paul, Joseph and Lauren must venture to the Ruling Chamber itself to come face to face not only the Almighty himself, but with those who started the rebellion over two millennia ago.

Genres: Fantasy

308 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 25, 2011

Reviews

[Greyson Wolf · Rating 4 out of 5]

The are a few theological mistakes, however they are easily overlooked. A great book to get people talking.
Matthew Munson is a fantastic person to talk to about writing, always willing to share his experiences in the journey of writing books.

[Lin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book - it was an easy read, with characters and a storyline that held my interest well. I felt the plot worked well, and I now need to go do some background reading on one particular character!
I was concerned as to how the writer would handle the religious aspects, but need not have worried. The setting - local to me (at least the earthly parts) added to the fun, and I sympathised greatly with Paul, Lauren and Joseph.

[Craig Hallam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great story, good characters. A really refreshing take on the Judeo-Christian mythology which has been done to death recently. But Fall From Grace has plenty of surprises up its sleeve. As a debut novel, this is a great piece of work. I will definitely read Munson's next one!

[Shelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very well written. An interesting read, very refreshing. I found myself learning a few things as well as enjoying the story. Loved the switching to different POV's occasionally, the characters and their relationships and the different take on "fallen angels".

[Tom Challis]

I bought this yesterday. I love it already! :-)

[Tom · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorites :-)

[Matthew Munson]

Well, I wrote this book, so you would hope I liked it :-) I welcome feedback on this book!

[Tracey Madeley · Rating 4 out of 5]

If I was disappointed by Leap of Faith, Fall from Grace was better. My disappointment was partly my fault for reading the second book first, but this first book is more coordinated and together.

In this book, we are introduced to Paul, Lauren and Joseph, three friends dealing with life, love and spirituality. Paul is coming to terms with leaving the priesthood and is finding it difficult to adjust to a day job. Lauren is the psychologist completing her PhD but suffering from recurring headaches, which, on further investigation, reveal a tumour. The tumour becomes the vessel containing the angelic spirit banished from heaven following a rebellion. At around the halfway point, the book goes back to explain the angelic rebellion, Metatron and the banishment. Would I have put the heavenly rebellion first, possibly, but it does feed into the final battle and it may have been awkward to return to the heavenly conflict following the events on earth.


This book is filled with warm characters dealing with doubt, friendship and loyalty. Theologically, it may not be accurate, but it poses interesting questions about power, loyalty and compassion. The traditional good triumphing over evil provides a satisfying ending.

[Danni The Girl · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was quite a different read to what I have read before. The writing didn't grip me, but the idea of the story was interesting to me. Paul and his friends are experiencing weird things happening to them, they obviously seek medication attention, but then soon realise this is all too much to be coincidence between the friends, and it must be something else.

Really interesting and original story.