Charlie Green prays for God to take away her abusive father so she can finally start living her life. But what she gets is far more than she bargained for.
After a string of brutal murders shakes her hometown of Echo Hill—and both her parents mysteriously vanish—Charlie is thrust into a world she never knew existed. Her guide? A fierce, enigmatic Guardian Angel named Michael, who leaves her questioning everything she thought she knew about heaven, hell, and herself.
When Lucifer sets his sights on her soul, Charlie and Michael must fight to survive against the forces of darkness—while resisting a bond that defies the laws of angels and humans and stretches across eternity.
I’m going to look at this book from a fantasy perspective even though it is a romantasy, because I’m fairly indifferent to the romance. It works well as a lighter contrast to some of the heavier elements in the story, but it isn’t the main reason I enjoyed the book.
This is a fast-paced, short read that feels more like a fantasy thriller than a conventional romantasy. The way the plot is structured keeps you turning pages, wanting to see how everything fits together. I couldn’t put it down and finished it in less than 24 hours.
It definitely gives Cassandra Clare Shadowhunters vibes, which immediately worked in its favour.
There is plenty of lore and context to sink your teeth into if you enjoy that side of fantasy, and it’s done in a way that feels accessible and cleverly written. You can follow and understand the plot perfectly well without engaging with every layer, but there’s a lot there for readers who like depth.
I also really appreciated the inclusion of biblical references, which added extra context to the story without ever feeling heavy-handed or overwhelming.
My favourite aspect of the book is how religion is handled. Religious elements are made human and approachable without being disrespected or disregarded. It’s refreshing to see fantasy draw from Christianity in a way that feels thoughtful and intentional.
If you’ve read my reviews before, you’ll know I enjoy a good quote, and while there weren’t many, the ones I highlighted were excellent.
What an amazing book. I devoured it in a day. This book sees a return to more traditional fantasy. Charlie is a strong FMC with a troubled past. She hopes that God will answer her prayers but gets more than she bargained for in the guise of her guardian Angel. This book has everything: forbidden love, epic adventure and a girl who will stop and nothing to save those she loves.
I literally stumbled across this book after coming across one of Natalie Horner’s lives on TikTok and, as someone who absolutely loves anything angel-related, (& not the fluffy winged, cherub-types 🤪) I immediately bought it - and I’m so glad I did.
The story follows Charlie Green, a girl trapped in an abusive home life (note: nothing majorly horrific is detailled!) who prays for God to take her father away so she can be released from his control and finally begin living her own life.
What she gets instead is a life she never could have imagined...
Charlie is thrown headfirst into a hidden world where God, demons, and angels truly exist and she begins to navigate this new world guided by her very own Guardian Angel, Michael.
I really did enjoy this book. It was such a page-turner that I finished it in just two days.
The writing was detailed, fast-paced, and constantly left me wanting more.
One thing I especially loved was how well each character was developed. They each had their own distinct personalities and qualities and I genuinely felt like I got to know each of them individually.
I also loved the religious elements that were woven throughout the story. They felt informative and immersive without ever becoming overwhelming or preachy.
The fantasy aspect was also balanced really well - despite being centred around angels and demons, it never felt too over-the-top or difficult to follow.
There’s a touch of romance throughout the book too which I personally enjoyed and this wasn’t overshadowed by too much 'spice' - it was there - a tiny bit - and it added to the story without taking over it.
The only slight downside for me was that parts of Charlie and Michael’s relationship felt a little rushed and they went from nothing to everything in a heartbeat. But then again I suppose discovering your entire reality isn’t what you thought it was would make anyone cling to the first entity who makes them feel safe...
Overall, I had a great time reading this book and I would recommend it.
I’ll definitely be picking up Book 2 when it's out (Come on Natalie!! 🙂).
To start this review off, I have to say it. I NEED a Michael. When you read this book, you’ll understand and you too, will want a Michael.
I really enjoyed the pace of the book, it was slow, but not slow at the same time when getting to the fantasy aspect of the book. It wasn’t so slow that you were bored reading it. It was quite the opposite where you felt like you had to keep reading.
I found that the character’s were easy to learn. Their personalities and their dynamics between each other were written amazingly. Each character had a good depth of personality which made them more relatable and made you remember who they were early on.
It’s not heavy on the world building, in the sense of you’re not having to learn a new planet or names of places. I found that I did guess a few parts correctly, but the plot was written so well, I was still taken by surprise.
Also, we love a strong, independent FMC. Her attitude, her defiance, her strength… Chef’s kiss.
I just really enjoyed this book. It was a great read and I would say it’s a great introduction to the Romantasy genre. Not too crazy and overwhelming in fantasy, and not overly smutty for the romance. It was a perfect mix between the two.
The only thing I’m mad about is the ending. Nat NEEDS to hurry up with book two, otherwise we’re gonna have a problem.
From the very first chapter, the story pulls you into a world filled with mystery, destiny, and unfolding secrets. The pacing is strong, keeping you engaged as the prophecy reveals itself piece by piece.
The characters are compelling and well-developed, especially the protagonist, whose journey of self-discovery, strength, and courage is both inspiring and relatable. Horner does a wonderful job weaving themes of identity, trust, and sacrifice throughout the story, adding emotional depth to the action and fantasy elements. The world-building is vivid without being overwhelming, making it easy to become fully immersed.
This book is perfect for fans of prophecy-driven fantasy and stories about hidden power and transformation. I couldn’t put it down and can’t wait to see where the series goes next. Highly recommended.
This is about a girl who after her abusive dad dissapears and her mother leaves her to protect her she meets her guardian angel who has to tryband save her from the pits of hell without telling her why as she needs to figure it all out herself.
I was so caught up in this book I couldn't put it down at all!!, every page had me wanting to know more!, you feel all the emotions in this with the characters, sadness, empathy, grief, happiness, fear its such a impactfull read that unlike the fact its about a guardian angel it isnt religious.
Natalie you have wrote this book so well!! you kept me engaged throughout and completely invested in this story, well done to you, such a powerful read!! and like i said to you I NEED BOOK 2 IMMEDIATELY...
A truly lovely, beautiful piece of writing from Natalie Horner. This is not my typical book to read,but I wanted to try a different genre,and I was not disappointed at all. The story is wonderful paced and the characters are all fleshed out perfectly,letting you get to know the characters completely. The romance side is handled perfectly and with maturity and comes across just right for the story. The book does deal with a tough subject to some people,heaven Vs hell,good Vs evil,angels Vs demons,but it's done so well you never once think this is preaching or that it goes too far,it is all done with perfect respect. If you have never tried this type of book I suggest you give this a try,it's a book that gives you almost everything, written with great pace,understanding and love. I give no spoilers with this review but the ending was a classic it caught me out completely,really good read.
A thrilling fast paced debut novel that I devoured in just a couple of days. I was recommended this by a friend and glad to have read it. The modern world setting worked extremely well and I was a little surprised after seeing so many romantasy books being set in Fae courts. The FMC was strong, independent and kicked butt. I liked the build up of the romance, it wasn't too much and the action was great. The ending...wow did not see that coming and i cannot wait to read the second one to find out what happens. A very well written, easy read and a breath of fresh air.
This was the first time I had ever read a Romantasy. Thoroughly enjoyed the book from start to finish. Loved the story and the characters. A quick and easy, intriguing read. Ready for book two!
If you like a delicious slow burn, found family, with angels & demons then you will love this book!
Character wise, the main characters of Charlie (MFC) & Michael (MMC), were were engaging & relatable with their development progressing throughout the book - however I would like to see a prequel or novella on Charlies parents & their relationship, as I think that would be really interesting!
Pacing was middle of the road, so kept you moving through the plot line well without thinking you were on a rollercoaster! There are a few hard hitting triggers detailed in the book - physical & mental abuse along with dealing with grief, so make sure you are ok with those before reading.
I found the few bible references actually enhanced the overall theme of the book (well you are talking angels & demons), rather than feeling like you were being preached at in Sunday school + for me it gave an addition depth to the overall story line.
Overall an engaging & addictive page turner I literally read this book in a day as I couldn't put it down! So, if that isn't recommendation enough I don't know what is!