What do you think?
Rate this book
The Books of Raziel #3
Angelus: The Books of Raziel
The heart-pounding conclusion to the Books of Raziel trilogy, a gothic supernatural tale about a girl who discovers that she holds the keys to both Heaven and Hell—and that angels, demons, and all the creatures in between will stop at nothing to possess her and control the power she holds
“These angels can be vindictive and cruel, more human than you might expect and oozing supernatural abilities. . . . If you think you have the guts . . . pick it up.”—Boulder Examiner on Archon
The war begun by three powerful angel siblings—Raziel, Lucifel, and Israfel—has divided the kingdoms of both Heaven and Hell, and the destruction is spilling over into the human world.
The last hope for a crumbling world is the Archon—the human Angela Mathers who has the power to control the supernatural universe. Angela alone can successfully oppose Lucifel and open Raziel’s Book, to use its power for good. But to do so would mean murdering her best friend, a sacrifice Angela refuses to contemplate.
Angela sits on the throne of Hell, fulfilling a prophecy of ruin. But ruin does not always mean destruction—sometimes it means revolution. Time is running out for both Angela and the universe, and former enemies are eager to see her fail. As she enters the Angelus duel for the crown of Heaven, she can only pray that she’ll see her friends again.
“These angels can be vindictive and cruel, more human than you might expect and oozing supernatural abilities. . . . If you think you have the guts . . . pick it up.”—Boulder Examiner on Archon
The war begun by three powerful angel siblings—Raziel, Lucifel, and Israfel—has divided the kingdoms of both Heaven and Hell, and the destruction is spilling over into the human world.
The last hope for a crumbling world is the Archon—the human Angela Mathers who has the power to control the supernatural universe. Angela alone can successfully oppose Lucifel and open Raziel’s Book, to use its power for good. But to do so would mean murdering her best friend, a sacrifice Angela refuses to contemplate.
Angela sits on the throne of Hell, fulfilling a prophecy of ruin. But ruin does not always mean destruction—sometimes it means revolution. Time is running out for both Angela and the universe, and former enemies are eager to see her fail. As she enters the Angelus duel for the crown of Heaven, she can only pray that she’ll see her friends again.
368 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 10, 2015
13 people are currently reading
471 people want to read
About the author
Sabrina Benulis
4 books128 followersSabrina Benulis lives in the Pocono mountains of PA with her husband, daughter, and a spoiled but sweet cockatiel. When she isn't writing or cooking up another story to tell, she's learning to be super Mom.
Her third book in The Books of Raziel series, Angelus, is scheduled for release on February 9, 2016.
Find her on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/SabrinaBenulis
Her third book in The Books of Raziel series, Angelus, is scheduled for release on February 9, 2016.
Find her on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/SabrinaBenulis
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
February 13, 2016
WOW! Read the book in 3 days!!!! Having followed this series, I can say that Ms. Benulis did a fantastic job of wrapping up a unique story about angels, demons and everything in between. Much has been said over the years, but this last book answers all of the questions I had from the beginning about main character Angela Mathers and those who surrounded her. Suffice it to say when you finally close the book the imagery Ms. Benulis paints will haunt you for some time. Relationships are solidified, dissolved and the underlying emotions will leave you happy, sad, and at times shocked. Without spoiling, I was cheering at the timely and truly creative method of demise of a major player.....This book is fast-paced and I believe the trilogy is movie worthy!
In an earlier post about Archon, the first book in the series, I said the book was for serious readers who are looking for a new take on a subject that has been beaten to death. The second book , Covenant, opened up the pace and now Angelus is a fantastic closer. I would suggest that they be read in order to get a clear understanding of the trilogy's plot line and characters, the charcters relationships to each other and the evolution of the setting.
Can't wait for more books to come out from this author!
In an earlier post about Archon, the first book in the series, I said the book was for serious readers who are looking for a new take on a subject that has been beaten to death. The second book , Covenant, opened up the pace and now Angelus is a fantastic closer. I would suggest that they be read in order to get a clear understanding of the trilogy's plot line and characters, the charcters relationships to each other and the evolution of the setting.
Can't wait for more books to come out from this author!
November 30, 2020
I'm really not sure what to say about this book...I enjoyed how Angela's story played out and built on the other two books in the series, plus I found the book to be well written, the characters on point, and loved finding out how Angela and some of her friends actually fit into the world, but, and it's kind of a big but, I thought the ending could have been better (as in I was searching for more pages; pretty sure Hubby heard me complain "What? Is that it?!")
All in all, a good read, and a decentish end to the trilogy, but will I go back and re-read these books? Based on how this book ended, no, no I won't, which makes this book a little disappointing, as when I'm totally in love with a book, I am happy to read it again and again.
All in all, a good read, and a decentish end to the trilogy, but will I go back and re-read these books? Based on how this book ended, no, no I won't, which makes this book a little disappointing, as when I'm totally in love with a book, I am happy to read it again and again.
October 5, 2019
A fitting end to a series that’s revolved in my head for years now. I finally sat down and cracked the cover for an ending that I could not have predicted nor would I have guessed. Angela’s story finally came to a conclusion with a few open strings just in case you imagination needed to stretch a bit. I loved this even more than the first two!
January 5, 2019
A revolution
The story ends with, of course, sadness and loss alongside victory and reform. A very satisfying conclusion, although I wish that Israfel had gotten a better break.
The story ends with, of course, sadness and loss alongside victory and reform. A very satisfying conclusion, although I wish that Israfel had gotten a better break.
February 21, 2020
Third book in a great series that doesn't leave you wanting for a fitting ending for the trilogy.
March 29, 2024
Best of the three books.
February 3, 2016
Five heart-pounding hearts...
Sabrina really keeps you on the edge of your seat while wrapping up the Books of Raziel. There are a few threads that have been waving in the wind that she brings in a little closer to you throughout the book, but the wind picks them up again and takes them away from you again and then finally you are able to make the connection...
When Israfel and Lucifel fight in Hell in Israfel's final attempt to save Angela, the Archon from Lucifel's clutches and plans, they are sent back to Heaven and Angela is trapped in Hell. She is crowned and put on the Throne and is the new Prince of Hell. However she is tricked into drinking Angel Blood by Lilith and her memories are removed. She doesn't remember her purpose and she begins to forget her true purpose and wears the mantel of the Prince of Hell well, although now she is Lilith's puppet. Along with the loss of her purpose, she's lost the knowledge of how to open the Book of Raziel. Sophia and Kim are still by her side and now have decided that it's best to make a deal with the demon Python. Kim forfeits his life to Python in exchange for Angela's memories. Of course Python's deal is not so simple and along with her memories returning, he eavesdrops and learns how to open the Book of Raziel, so Angela's life becomes less important and Python no longer requires her to live. Sophia and Angela fight to escape and try to use an ancient portal back to Luz as there are very few portals back since the Realms are merging. In the meantime Troy and Kim are also trying to fight their way back if such a thing is possible. Unknown to Troy until she's about to strike Kim, her niece the New Jinn Queen has decided to pardon Kim for his so-called crimes so now they must work together if they are to both escape Hell and Python. Once Angela makes it to Luz, things aren't much better, she's immediately attacked and her and Sophia barely escape. She learns that Israfel hasn't been seen, Lucifel sits on the Throne of Heaven. Lucifel is collecting human souls but the purpose is unclear and Mikel has convinced all the people of Luz that Angela must die. All the blood-heads are being rounded up and killed and their blood collected. Angela feels like there is no hope. Sophia tells her there is always hope, she just must figure it out. Has too much time passed while she was in Hell or can Angela still turn this around and beat back Lucifel and save the Realms from colliding? Or will she truly fulfill the awful prophecy and become the Ruin?
***Reviewer for Romance Authors That Rock.****
Sabrina really keeps you on the edge of your seat while wrapping up the Books of Raziel. There are a few threads that have been waving in the wind that she brings in a little closer to you throughout the book, but the wind picks them up again and takes them away from you again and then finally you are able to make the connection...
When Israfel and Lucifel fight in Hell in Israfel's final attempt to save Angela, the Archon from Lucifel's clutches and plans, they are sent back to Heaven and Angela is trapped in Hell. She is crowned and put on the Throne and is the new Prince of Hell. However she is tricked into drinking Angel Blood by Lilith and her memories are removed. She doesn't remember her purpose and she begins to forget her true purpose and wears the mantel of the Prince of Hell well, although now she is Lilith's puppet. Along with the loss of her purpose, she's lost the knowledge of how to open the Book of Raziel. Sophia and Kim are still by her side and now have decided that it's best to make a deal with the demon Python. Kim forfeits his life to Python in exchange for Angela's memories. Of course Python's deal is not so simple and along with her memories returning, he eavesdrops and learns how to open the Book of Raziel, so Angela's life becomes less important and Python no longer requires her to live. Sophia and Angela fight to escape and try to use an ancient portal back to Luz as there are very few portals back since the Realms are merging. In the meantime Troy and Kim are also trying to fight their way back if such a thing is possible. Unknown to Troy until she's about to strike Kim, her niece the New Jinn Queen has decided to pardon Kim for his so-called crimes so now they must work together if they are to both escape Hell and Python. Once Angela makes it to Luz, things aren't much better, she's immediately attacked and her and Sophia barely escape. She learns that Israfel hasn't been seen, Lucifel sits on the Throne of Heaven. Lucifel is collecting human souls but the purpose is unclear and Mikel has convinced all the people of Luz that Angela must die. All the blood-heads are being rounded up and killed and their blood collected. Angela feels like there is no hope. Sophia tells her there is always hope, she just must figure it out. Has too much time passed while she was in Hell or can Angela still turn this around and beat back Lucifel and save the Realms from colliding? Or will she truly fulfill the awful prophecy and become the Ruin?
***Reviewer for Romance Authors That Rock.****
May 26, 2016
*I was given this book by the publisher for my honest review*
Angelus by Sabrina Benulis is the third book in “The Books of Raziel” series. I have not read the first two so I thought I would be lost in this one. I was amazed at how much I was able to piece together about the previous two books from the characters recollections. (Spoiler) The main character, Angela, has memory loss so much of the back story is her trying to figure out what happened and her friends, Kim and Sophia, telling her what happened.
The story has many of the typical YA elements: angels, demons, jinn, heaven, hell, and semi-clueless humans. It also has names that most YA readers should recognize: Lillith, Raziel, Lucifel, and Israfel. These names come up in nearly all YA books with demons and angels.
The story is that a human contains the soul of a Supernal (god) and she has to set the future course of the world. She can choose destruction or salvation. Of course, the angels and demons all want a piece of the action and set about trying to kill or persuade her. She is put through many trials by the demons, the angels and the human followers of each. In the end she finally gets all the information she needs and theoretically makes the right choice.
What I liked about the book:
even though I had not read the previous two I followed along pretty well with the story
the god soul reincarnated into a human was new to me
her take on the Jinn was entirely new to me, also I am assuming is more like the actual folk lore of the Jinn/genies and not the happy, friendly lamp type
What I didn’t like about the book:
overall it was a lot like most other YA books with angels and demons
the humans knew way too much about the angels and demons to seemingly do nothing to stop any of the bad stuff from happening
For a YA book it has some unique ideas and is a fresh take on the typical good vs evil fare. Overall I would recommend it to anyone who likes supernatural YA fiction.
Angelus by Sabrina Benulis is the third book in “The Books of Raziel” series. I have not read the first two so I thought I would be lost in this one. I was amazed at how much I was able to piece together about the previous two books from the characters recollections. (Spoiler) The main character, Angela, has memory loss so much of the back story is her trying to figure out what happened and her friends, Kim and Sophia, telling her what happened.
The story has many of the typical YA elements: angels, demons, jinn, heaven, hell, and semi-clueless humans. It also has names that most YA readers should recognize: Lillith, Raziel, Lucifel, and Israfel. These names come up in nearly all YA books with demons and angels.
The story is that a human contains the soul of a Supernal (god) and she has to set the future course of the world. She can choose destruction or salvation. Of course, the angels and demons all want a piece of the action and set about trying to kill or persuade her. She is put through many trials by the demons, the angels and the human followers of each. In the end she finally gets all the information she needs and theoretically makes the right choice.
What I liked about the book:
even though I had not read the previous two I followed along pretty well with the story
the god soul reincarnated into a human was new to me
her take on the Jinn was entirely new to me, also I am assuming is more like the actual folk lore of the Jinn/genies and not the happy, friendly lamp type
What I didn’t like about the book:
overall it was a lot like most other YA books with angels and demons
the humans knew way too much about the angels and demons to seemingly do nothing to stop any of the bad stuff from happening
For a YA book it has some unique ideas and is a fresh take on the typical good vs evil fare. Overall I would recommend it to anyone who likes supernatural YA fiction.
January 31, 2016
Finished copy provided by the publisher for review consideration
Before I get into the review proper, I'm going to do something I don't normally do and gush about the book cover. I was fortunate enough to receive a finished copy from the publisher, and man, the photograph doesn't really do it justice. The cover itself is almost completely matte, the grays are nice and saturated so the blood-red color of her hair and the hourglass all really stands out. The lettering also has the barest hint of a shine to it too that helps makes it stand out. All told, it's quite eye-popping and probably one of my favorite covers in quite some time.
Of course, while a catchy cover can catch your eye, it doesn't mean that the heart of the book itself can slack, and I don't think it has. As before, Angelus picks up not too long after we left off and the End is basically here with Angela running out of time to open the Book of Raziel and save all mankind. She is still trapped in Hell at the beginning and the book is largely her journey to not only escape, but to see if there any way she can open the Book without Sophia, while of course trying to avoid being killed by Lucifel or the humans on earth who have been convinced that she is the new devil.
Again, as always the series places its emphasis on action more than anything else. We do get story dolled out, but it's as Angela and her friends/allies dart from place to place. I still personally wish that there was more character development and I still feel like this would make an amazing television series where you could really bring all the great visuals to life.
The story does get wrapped up satisfactorily, and there's a great (and grisly) end for one of our primary antagonists that did make me cheer, and I think fans of the series should be quite pleased with this ending.
Before I get into the review proper, I'm going to do something I don't normally do and gush about the book cover. I was fortunate enough to receive a finished copy from the publisher, and man, the photograph doesn't really do it justice. The cover itself is almost completely matte, the grays are nice and saturated so the blood-red color of her hair and the hourglass all really stands out. The lettering also has the barest hint of a shine to it too that helps makes it stand out. All told, it's quite eye-popping and probably one of my favorite covers in quite some time.
Of course, while a catchy cover can catch your eye, it doesn't mean that the heart of the book itself can slack, and I don't think it has. As before, Angelus picks up not too long after we left off and the End is basically here with Angela running out of time to open the Book of Raziel and save all mankind. She is still trapped in Hell at the beginning and the book is largely her journey to not only escape, but to see if there any way she can open the Book without Sophia, while of course trying to avoid being killed by Lucifel or the humans on earth who have been convinced that she is the new devil.
Again, as always the series places its emphasis on action more than anything else. We do get story dolled out, but it's as Angela and her friends/allies dart from place to place. I still personally wish that there was more character development and I still feel like this would make an amazing television series where you could really bring all the great visuals to life.
The story does get wrapped up satisfactorily, and there's a great (and grisly) end for one of our primary antagonists that did make me cheer, and I think fans of the series should be quite pleased with this ending.
February 29, 2016
*Warning: Book 3 in the series and they do need to be read in order. Possible spoilers if you didn't read books 1 and 2*
I don't even know where to begin with this. So much has happened to Angela/the Archon, Sophia, Kim and the 'gang' over the past couple of years the emotional roller coaster is exhausting - even as a reader!
With Angela taking over Lucifel's throne in Hell and not opening the Book of Raziel/Sophia, the worlds are literally colliding and melding more everyday. Once Angela comes out of her trance (being fed angel blood by Lilith) she and Troy escape Hell to try to find alternative to cutting Sophia to pieces. The Angelus, the song of the Angels used to separate the worlds is in Sophia, but there are 2 stanzas missing. Some people, sadly, don't make it, yet with everyone going through Hell, Heaven, and back again it's a miracle anyone survives.
It's a little sad at the end b/c one of my favorite characters died and I was very much hoping they didn't. But so many things are revealed in this book, so many events occur and so many relationships were built.
One of the most esoteric book series I've ever read - a series for a real READER! Perhaps one day we'll get stories from some of the other characters POVs.
I don't even know where to begin with this. So much has happened to Angela/the Archon, Sophia, Kim and the 'gang' over the past couple of years the emotional roller coaster is exhausting - even as a reader!
With Angela taking over Lucifel's throne in Hell and not opening the Book of Raziel/Sophia, the worlds are literally colliding and melding more everyday. Once Angela comes out of her trance (being fed angel blood by Lilith) she and Troy escape Hell to try to find alternative to cutting Sophia to pieces. The Angelus, the song of the Angels used to separate the worlds is in Sophia, but there are 2 stanzas missing. Some people, sadly, don't make it, yet with everyone going through Hell, Heaven, and back again it's a miracle anyone survives.
It's a little sad at the end b/c one of my favorite characters died and I was very much hoping they didn't. But so many things are revealed in this book, so many events occur and so many relationships were built.
One of the most esoteric book series I've ever read - a series for a real READER! Perhaps one day we'll get stories from some of the other characters POVs.
February 28, 2016
Angelus was really enjoyable and a pretty exciting conclusion to the trilogy. We finally started to get some answers to the questions that had been popping up in the previous two books. There were some things that weren't directly answered, which I liked. It was fun to come up with my own explanations and my own ideas about some things. There were still some parts that left me a bit confused and feeling like I had missed some piece of information in one of the books. I really loved how everything ended for some of the more villainous characters. It was fantastic and everything I could have hoped for.
I gave Angelus a 4/5 because I still felt like I was missing a few important pieces of information. I don't know if I just missed it while I was reading or if it information that we were never provided. There was so much content in the books that it was easy to miss or forget stuff. Otherwise it was a great book that I really enjoyed. Sabrina Benulis had a really cool idea about angels, heaven, and hell. Definitely worth reading.
I gave Angelus a 4/5 because I still felt like I was missing a few important pieces of information. I don't know if I just missed it while I was reading or if it information that we were never provided. There was so much content in the books that it was easy to miss or forget stuff. Otherwise it was a great book that I really enjoyed. Sabrina Benulis had a really cool idea about angels, heaven, and hell. Definitely worth reading.
April 6, 2016
It had been a while since reading book two in this series so I wasn't sure what to expect. After a few chapters I remembered most of what was going on and excited to see some of my favorite characters. After a few more chapters, all I could think about was how boring it all was. It took me four days to read this 374 page book because I kept falling asleep. Don't even get me started on the lackluster ending. Disappointed.
February 22, 2017
The last book was kind of boring to me and dragged on foreverrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr. How many times can Angela fall asleep in one book? She was literally passing out every chapter.
I didn't really like the ending either. I don't understand why Angela was somewhere else and didn't remember anything, maybe I missed something.
I didn't really like the ending either. I don't understand why Angela was somewhere else and didn't remember anything, maybe I missed something.
September 11, 2016
Amazing. Breath-taking and addictive! Loved this series and loved the character of Israfel. Hated the ending! What?!?
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews