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The Alex Trueman Chronicles #3
Angelic Upstart
Alex Trueman’s adventures in the time-frozen world of Intersticia and the angelic realm of Elysium were recounted in the first two books in this trilogy, ‘Caught in a Moment’ and ‘Worm Winds of Zanzibar’. In the latter volume Alex and his friends were forced to navigate the complexities of life in a world that resembled nineteenth century East Africa, escaping from the vengeance of a crazed despot whilst a strange natural cataclysm gathered around them. At the same time Alex was obliged to evade the clutches of malevolent angels who had recognised a strange latent power in him with the potential to affect the fate of the universe.
In ‘Angelic Upstart’ Alex begins to explore the parameters of this evolving power. Forbidden by archangels to use his powers on Earth, Alex is nevertheless faced with the severest of temptations. New encounters and new friendships disclose to him the pleasures of angelic existence and the almost unimaginable potential of angelic power. Alex takes his first faltering steps into a new world and a new phase of his existence but in so doing places his own world under a threat that threatens its very survival.
In ‘Angelic Upstart’ Alex begins to explore the parameters of this evolving power. Forbidden by archangels to use his powers on Earth, Alex is nevertheless faced with the severest of temptations. New encounters and new friendships disclose to him the pleasures of angelic existence and the almost unimaginable potential of angelic power. Alex takes his first faltering steps into a new world and a new phase of his existence but in so doing places his own world under a threat that threatens its very survival.
- GenresFantasy
484 pages, Paperback
Published November 2, 2024
470 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
January 15, 2015
***I received the eBook free as a review copy from the author in exchange for an honest review***
I have found that when the ending to a book was exceptionally good, and the writing beforehand didn’t match I still can’t give it a high rating, so I think the 5 stars I gave Angelic Upstart speaks for itself!
I was enraptured in the amazing story right from the start of this book, back even to the start of the first in the trilogy Caught in a Moment (which I highly recommend). All the way through to the end my attention never wavered and I was even more interested than when I originally picked the series up. This book in particular, as it was in my eyes the perfect conclusion staying true to the characters; I couldn’t have asked for more.
I have witnessed the characters develop so much through the pages that I felt connected not only to them but their journeys, and I can safely say they’ve been on some amazing adventures! Alex has faced his fair share of problems but it isn’t over yet; in Angelic Upstart there are new battles to be fought with new players who try and twist the rules until Alex and his friends have no idea where they stand, except that it’s not a safe place.
The stakes are higher than ever as our old friends try to win against a villain who has no conscious, and no regard for human life the way he should. His character was undeniably interesting (even when he was being an evil dictator/murderer), but in a way that only enhanced it!
Angelic Upstart is an epic finale that combines the knowledge of Intersticia (the moment between moments), Elysium (the angel’s dwelling and the world’s pivotal point) plus even more, parallel universes. They mix together to create a thrilling must-read for teenagers and adults alike where no one’s safe, not even the world.
So I want to thank the author Martin Dukes for allowing me the chance to read his books, and be the first to review Angelic Upstart; something I won’t forget. He’s even been kind enough to give me a copy of the first book in The Alex Trueman Chronicles book: Caught in a Moment, to giveaway so make sure to keep checking back on my blog as it’ll be coming soon!
Posted on: http://www.enchantedbyya.blogspot.co.uk/
I have found that when the ending to a book was exceptionally good, and the writing beforehand didn’t match I still can’t give it a high rating, so I think the 5 stars I gave Angelic Upstart speaks for itself!
I was enraptured in the amazing story right from the start of this book, back even to the start of the first in the trilogy Caught in a Moment (which I highly recommend). All the way through to the end my attention never wavered and I was even more interested than when I originally picked the series up. This book in particular, as it was in my eyes the perfect conclusion staying true to the characters; I couldn’t have asked for more.
I have witnessed the characters develop so much through the pages that I felt connected not only to them but their journeys, and I can safely say they’ve been on some amazing adventures! Alex has faced his fair share of problems but it isn’t over yet; in Angelic Upstart there are new battles to be fought with new players who try and twist the rules until Alex and his friends have no idea where they stand, except that it’s not a safe place.
The stakes are higher than ever as our old friends try to win against a villain who has no conscious, and no regard for human life the way he should. His character was undeniably interesting (even when he was being an evil dictator/murderer), but in a way that only enhanced it!
Angelic Upstart is an epic finale that combines the knowledge of Intersticia (the moment between moments), Elysium (the angel’s dwelling and the world’s pivotal point) plus even more, parallel universes. They mix together to create a thrilling must-read for teenagers and adults alike where no one’s safe, not even the world.
So I want to thank the author Martin Dukes for allowing me the chance to read his books, and be the first to review Angelic Upstart; something I won’t forget. He’s even been kind enough to give me a copy of the first book in The Alex Trueman Chronicles book: Caught in a Moment, to giveaway so make sure to keep checking back on my blog as it’ll be coming soon!
Posted on: http://www.enchantedbyya.blogspot.co.uk/
November 5, 2024
Angelic Upstart is the fifth and final installation of the adventures of Alex Trueman. I would recommend reading the previous books before picking this one up as there are some key characters and information you need to know.
What an ending! Our main character Alex has been travelling through time and dimensions on his journeys. In Angelic Upstart we continue with Alex back in the ‘normal’ world where he is forced to go to school and carry on life as if everything is normal. However, how can any teenage boy ignore the power hidden inside him?
I loved the character development we see from Alex in this final book. I was very frustrated at his lack of attention to the real world, school problems and home life but what teenager wouldn’t be distracted with the power to stop time and travel? Alex is forced to pay attention to the world when he becomes the one and only person who can stop its destruction. I felt as a reader that I was watching him grow and develop as a person.
We have the introduction of Nathaniel, an archangel who seems hell bent on chaos and pushing Alex to his limits. I was absolutely distraught when the deaths started as I felt that all our main characters would be protected. However, the author does enjoy a bit of heartbreak 😉 and it really worked for the story.
I’m not going to completely spoil the ending, you have to read it to find out what happens to our young hero but I can say it was the perfect ending and I shed a few tears!
I’d highly recommend this book and the entire series to all those who enjoy a bit of urban fantasy and science fiction.
What an ending! Our main character Alex has been travelling through time and dimensions on his journeys. In Angelic Upstart we continue with Alex back in the ‘normal’ world where he is forced to go to school and carry on life as if everything is normal. However, how can any teenage boy ignore the power hidden inside him?
I loved the character development we see from Alex in this final book. I was very frustrated at his lack of attention to the real world, school problems and home life but what teenager wouldn’t be distracted with the power to stop time and travel? Alex is forced to pay attention to the world when he becomes the one and only person who can stop its destruction. I felt as a reader that I was watching him grow and develop as a person.
We have the introduction of Nathaniel, an archangel who seems hell bent on chaos and pushing Alex to his limits. I was absolutely distraught when the deaths started as I felt that all our main characters would be protected. However, the author does enjoy a bit of heartbreak 😉 and it really worked for the story.
I’m not going to completely spoil the ending, you have to read it to find out what happens to our young hero but I can say it was the perfect ending and I shed a few tears!
I’d highly recommend this book and the entire series to all those who enjoy a bit of urban fantasy and science fiction.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 19, 2025
Angelic Upstart is a stunning read, a real page turner with plenty to keep you interested. A really gripping read, I found myself speed reading some parts are I needed to know what was happening.
The 5th and unfortunately final book about Alex Trueman.
Recommended read
The 5th and unfortunately final book about Alex Trueman.
Recommended read
June 20, 2015
In "Angelic Upstart" Alex Trueman after returning from his latest exploit ignores the angelic warning about using his power on earth, especially after meeting the enigmatic archangel Nathaniel and his protége Caprice, a beautiful young girl who's drawn to the young adventurer. Bored with the mundane normalcy of his life on earth, refusing to conform to rules at school and loving the excitement of his time in Elysium with his newest friends, Alex makes an irrevocable decision to have Nathaniel enhance his brain. As he begins to explore his evolving powers, he discovers that the repercussion of his selfish desire may not only destroy his world but those he loves.
In an innovative and imaginative plot Alex's power and choices are tested as he not only begins to explore his evolving powers, but also the flaws and faults keeping him aloof and arrogant with his friends and disloyal to Kelly. The action never stops as Alex faces giant killer rats, gun-toting teddy bears and flying golden eggs in a race to save the earth from destruction. With every twist and turn Martin Dukes weaves a story that not only follows the struggles of Alex and his friends as they try to save their world from the psychotic evil of an archangel, but also the angels who desperately try to find and help him in his fight. In a well-written story of epic proportions the thrills and adventure continually mount until ending in an intense and compelling conclusion. Although the violence and tragedy in the final chapter in Alex's story seems never-ending, its diluted with the strength of friendship, a mother's unconditional love and a boy's courage in the face of formidable odds.
Alex Trueman in this story seems older in mind and spirit, his nature changing with his power. On his return to earth after momentous adventures and with a power that could affect the multiverse Alex becomes defiant, restless, and distant from his friends. He has no compunction about cheating on his exams or on his girlfriend Kelly. Yet with time, hardships and tragedy Alex's humanity, integrity and selflessness shine through transforming him into a hero. Kelly McCluskie is his fearful, angry but brave girlfriend while Caprice is Nathaniel's sweet, innocent creation who's very open with her feelings. But it's Nathaniel (aka Los) the archangel who adds a chill to the plot with his lack of conscience, need to be stimulated, capriciousness and vivid imagination. All the characters and many more add power, passion, and emotional intensity to the mesmerizing drama.
After being introduced to Alex Trueman's adventure in "Worm Winds of Zanzibar" I knew I had to read this fascinating trilogy from start to finish. You can't put down this well-developed series with its unforgettable characters and adventure that sweeps the reader from reality to parallel worlds like Intersticia (where time stops) and Elysium ( the angelic home world). "Angelic Upstart" is the thrilling last episode in this riveting saga which left me spell-bound and a fan of Martin Dukes. I can't wait to see what he has in store for his readers next.
In an innovative and imaginative plot Alex's power and choices are tested as he not only begins to explore his evolving powers, but also the flaws and faults keeping him aloof and arrogant with his friends and disloyal to Kelly. The action never stops as Alex faces giant killer rats, gun-toting teddy bears and flying golden eggs in a race to save the earth from destruction. With every twist and turn Martin Dukes weaves a story that not only follows the struggles of Alex and his friends as they try to save their world from the psychotic evil of an archangel, but also the angels who desperately try to find and help him in his fight. In a well-written story of epic proportions the thrills and adventure continually mount until ending in an intense and compelling conclusion. Although the violence and tragedy in the final chapter in Alex's story seems never-ending, its diluted with the strength of friendship, a mother's unconditional love and a boy's courage in the face of formidable odds.
Alex Trueman in this story seems older in mind and spirit, his nature changing with his power. On his return to earth after momentous adventures and with a power that could affect the multiverse Alex becomes defiant, restless, and distant from his friends. He has no compunction about cheating on his exams or on his girlfriend Kelly. Yet with time, hardships and tragedy Alex's humanity, integrity and selflessness shine through transforming him into a hero. Kelly McCluskie is his fearful, angry but brave girlfriend while Caprice is Nathaniel's sweet, innocent creation who's very open with her feelings. But it's Nathaniel (aka Los) the archangel who adds a chill to the plot with his lack of conscience, need to be stimulated, capriciousness and vivid imagination. All the characters and many more add power, passion, and emotional intensity to the mesmerizing drama.
After being introduced to Alex Trueman's adventure in "Worm Winds of Zanzibar" I knew I had to read this fascinating trilogy from start to finish. You can't put down this well-developed series with its unforgettable characters and adventure that sweeps the reader from reality to parallel worlds like Intersticia (where time stops) and Elysium ( the angelic home world). "Angelic Upstart" is the thrilling last episode in this riveting saga which left me spell-bound and a fan of Martin Dukes. I can't wait to see what he has in store for his readers next.
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December 8, 2014ANGELIC UPSTART is the stunning conclusion to the Alex Trueman Chronicles. Alex and his friends are back on Earth after their adventures in Intersticia, Elysium, and Zanzibar. While Alex should be focusing on his studies, he can’t but further explore his growing powers. He catches the attention of an angel from Elysium who finds Alex fascinating. This angel decides to set up a capricious game – he wants to destroy Earth and sets Alex as Earth’s savior. ANGELIC UPSTART is a clever and well-written novel, wrapping up the series nicely. Alex is faced with a truly psychotic adversary, worse than any he’s gone up against before. At first, I was upset with Alex because he didn’t seem to care about anything in the normal world anymore, not even his friends. He was pulling away from his family, friends, and even Earth itself. He was spending a lot of time in Elysium, with new friends. Yet when the chips are down, Alex steps up as best he can to save his world. ANGELIC UPSTART finished strong and I was pleased with how it all turned out.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews