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E.o.A #2
The Descendants
A sect of half-breed "Descendants" with paranormal abilities looks to quell the investigations of disgraced Scotland Yard detective, Emma Brighton after she has a run-in with an Ourea: human looking creatures composed of the five elements. Known as the Elemental Knights, these beings were created by Zeus to assist in his war against Michael. Now Oreios, thought to be the last Ourea, must team up with Emma to save his creator, even if it means destroying his former allies and truly becoming the last of his kind.
- GenresScience Fiction
231 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 14, 2014
124 people want to read
About the author
Nathan Wall
8 books35 followersI am a husband, father, author and wanna-be part-time superhero (because new legislation limits the benefits and tax deductions I can receive as a full-timer) who lives in Texas. I’ve tried just about every self-starting venture known to man, and writing just happens to be one I don’t suck at...or do I? I don’t know, you be the judge.
I’ve been creating stories since before I can remember. I say creating stories, and not writing them, because - as a boy - I had a healthy addiction to superhero action figures, and used to stage my own homemade adventures/movies in my room. Long before the days of the Avengers, and the announcement of Bat-Fleck being in Man of Steel 2, superheroes all over creation were joining forces on my bed...wait, that was just last week.
I am a sports junky, travel enthusiast, and beer connoisseur. I’ve lived in Europe and all over the States, and I can tell where in the world a person grew up by whether or not they say “as well,” “also” or “too,” even though all three pretty much mean the same thing.
I hope you enjoy my writing as much as I do (though I doubt it), and images of my characters flying through the air and crashing through the roof of your local grocery store are forever painted on your mind while you’re in the checkout line. No? Am I the only one?
This was supposed to be an “about the author”, and turned into a rambling. Whatever. As Robbie Hart would say, “Well, I have a microphone (metaphorically) and you don’t. So you will listen to every damn word I have to say.”
I would love to hear from my supposed fans. You can find me here on Goodreads, or stop by the Evolution of Angels Facebook page, give it a like, and send me a message.
I’ve been creating stories since before I can remember. I say creating stories, and not writing them, because - as a boy - I had a healthy addiction to superhero action figures, and used to stage my own homemade adventures/movies in my room. Long before the days of the Avengers, and the announcement of Bat-Fleck being in Man of Steel 2, superheroes all over creation were joining forces on my bed...wait, that was just last week.
I am a sports junky, travel enthusiast, and beer connoisseur. I’ve lived in Europe and all over the States, and I can tell where in the world a person grew up by whether or not they say “as well,” “also” or “too,” even though all three pretty much mean the same thing.
I hope you enjoy my writing as much as I do (though I doubt it), and images of my characters flying through the air and crashing through the roof of your local grocery store are forever painted on your mind while you’re in the checkout line. No? Am I the only one?
This was supposed to be an “about the author”, and turned into a rambling. Whatever. As Robbie Hart would say, “Well, I have a microphone (metaphorically) and you don’t. So you will listen to every damn word I have to say.”
I would love to hear from my supposed fans. You can find me here on Goodreads, or stop by the Evolution of Angels Facebook page, give it a like, and send me a message.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
August 10, 2016
Having read Evolution of Angels in a group read on Goodreads, once I discovered there was a sequel to it, I decided to continue with the series.
Although The Descendants clearly happens after Evolution of Angels, it doesn't continue where we left. Most of the characters in the first book don't come back in the second; however, fans of Oreios, the elemental knight, will be happy to know that he plays a large part in this sequel. We learn a lot more about him and it helps flesh him out good. And while I liked Oreios in the first, I loved him in the sequel.
That said, I don't know if it was caused by my little brain, but like with EoA, I had problems getting into the story at first, not for the lack of action, there was plenty right from the start, but to be honest, in this one, I had a hard time with the names. Because of that, I spent a bit of time trying to understand what was happening.
I have to admit I had preconceived ideas and my mind tried to derive a conclusion. (If you read the first book, you'll understand why.) Therefore, it's entirely possible this was at the root of my problem. In that regard, I'm wondering if I would have enjoyed the story even more if I hadn't read them in sequence. Sure, sequels are always better read in order, but in this case, while there are references to a certain fight in Moscow from the first book, I don't see why someone who'd want to start with this book couldn't. Of course, having read the first, it's hard for me to tell for sure. Either way, in the end, I greatly enjoyed the story and I'm looking forward to read the next installment.
All I can say is if you liked the first book, you should love the sequel. Just like in the first installment, Nathan Walls is all about showing. He doesn't use the 'he said/she said' tags. Instead, he uses action tags, which helps the readers visualize the story even more. Another great trait about the author is that his stories are action packed and there is never a dull moment, but beware, it can make you dizzy at times.
Although The Descendants clearly happens after Evolution of Angels, it doesn't continue where we left. Most of the characters in the first book don't come back in the second; however, fans of Oreios, the elemental knight, will be happy to know that he plays a large part in this sequel. We learn a lot more about him and it helps flesh him out good. And while I liked Oreios in the first, I loved him in the sequel.
That said, I don't know if it was caused by my little brain, but like with EoA, I had problems getting into the story at first, not for the lack of action, there was plenty right from the start, but to be honest, in this one, I had a hard time with the names. Because of that, I spent a bit of time trying to understand what was happening.
I have to admit I had preconceived ideas and my mind tried to derive a conclusion. (If you read the first book, you'll understand why.) Therefore, it's entirely possible this was at the root of my problem. In that regard, I'm wondering if I would have enjoyed the story even more if I hadn't read them in sequence. Sure, sequels are always better read in order, but in this case, while there are references to a certain fight in Moscow from the first book, I don't see why someone who'd want to start with this book couldn't. Of course, having read the first, it's hard for me to tell for sure. Either way, in the end, I greatly enjoyed the story and I'm looking forward to read the next installment.
All I can say is if you liked the first book, you should love the sequel. Just like in the first installment, Nathan Walls is all about showing. He doesn't use the 'he said/she said' tags. Instead, he uses action tags, which helps the readers visualize the story even more. Another great trait about the author is that his stories are action packed and there is never a dull moment, but beware, it can make you dizzy at times.
March 8, 2016
This a fun book that successfully melds fantasy and crime fiction.
The author has created an imaginative and interesting world where old gods, like Zeus, are actually archangels on par with the Judeo-Christian archangels, like Michael. All of these archangels and their children/creations still exist and interact with us in our world (the story takes place in today's London).
The story has a strong opening that draws you in and the pace moves along quickly, especially in the first half of the book where the crime-story elements are the strongest.
It has a strong female protagonist, who is a former criminal investigator from Scotland Yard, yet the most memorable, charismatic character in the book is the anti-hero, non-human, "Oreios."
One thing the author does particularly well is switch between points of view. The jumps are very smooth and do not interrupt the flow of the story.
The Descendants is the second book in the series, but though I have not read any of the others, I had no trouble reading this as a stand-alone book, and was left curious to learn more about this world.
The author has created an imaginative and interesting world where old gods, like Zeus, are actually archangels on par with the Judeo-Christian archangels, like Michael. All of these archangels and their children/creations still exist and interact with us in our world (the story takes place in today's London).
The story has a strong opening that draws you in and the pace moves along quickly, especially in the first half of the book where the crime-story elements are the strongest.
It has a strong female protagonist, who is a former criminal investigator from Scotland Yard, yet the most memorable, charismatic character in the book is the anti-hero, non-human, "Oreios."
One thing the author does particularly well is switch between points of view. The jumps are very smooth and do not interrupt the flow of the story.
The Descendants is the second book in the series, but though I have not read any of the others, I had no trouble reading this as a stand-alone book, and was left curious to learn more about this world.
January 7, 2015
In the second installment of the E.o.A series, things move pretty fast. The Descendants is considerably shorter than its predecessor, but that's not to say it doesn't entertain, or carry its own weight.
If you've read the first novel, it's very obvious that the story takes place at the same time as Evolution of Angels. From the get-go there are numerous references to "Live" events that take place in the previous story, and several Easter eggs given about previous characters. Even if you haven't read the first book, there is a note at the very beginning telling you this is the case. If you've not read E.o.A, you should because it was awesome, though it won't necessarily hinder your reading experience of this book if you don't.
I found this "shared world" concept quite intriguing. I wondered from the start how it would work out, or if there would be a need to break outside the parameters of being "set between Episode 8 and 9." Also, I worried about wanting to know more about the other characters. After all, I spent all that time getting hooked on Jarrod, Lian and Austin, what in the world is going on with them? After the prologue, this wasn't the case.
The Descendants is all about Emma and Oreios - the new odd couple. Those who've read Evolution of Angels will recognize Oreios' name. He was in the first book, and he's one of two characters who make it back for this sort of sequel (the other being Zeus, but there isn't much of him in either).
Emma is the lead character, or at least it's presented that way from the beginning. The prologue is all about her and Jonas, and the first few chapters (not Episodes in this book) are focused on her narrative. She's a smart, cunning and persistent woman with a large chip on her shoulder. She sees things in very much black and white, and little can sway her otherwise. There is a clever misdirection at the beginning of the book where you think Oreios is the bad guy they're hunting down (he was a sort of villain in the first book, after all), but as the story progresses you see there is another Ourea. Which is a problem for Oreios because he thinks he's the last one.
This need for Emma to catch this bad guy, and for Oreios to find his "brother" drives the story. The two are searching for the same thing, but have vastly different motives. Knowing Oreios from the first book, I thought I knew how this would go. Emma would have it coming. After all, one of the things that made him my hands down favorite in the first book was his ruthless nature. He's always willing to make a deal and shift alliances when it suited his best interest.
However, in this book, he's tested more with not so much what is in his best interest, but what he wants personally. Another side to Oreios is presented that clashes heavily with the monster we grew to love in the first book. We see his attitude and behavior is just a front from being alone for thousands of years. It takes him from the funny mercenary, to the sympathetic anti-hero.
Oreios has been around the block for a while, and he sees everything in grey. Emma, being mortal, has considerably less experience and sees everything in black in white. By the end of the story, each has come to view things a little more from the others' perspective.
Not only do they both have this yin and yang relationship, but both have similar stories that drive them. They are both endlessly devoted to their fathers. Both have fathers who are unable to care for themselves. The gem of Durga could really help both of their fathers. Finally, both were sort of abandoned by their mothers. .
Another thing this book does well is jam-pack a bunch of new E.o.A mythos into a short space. Unlike the first book where several different plot lines form the story at the end, this one had one plot and two different narratives (it is considerably shorter), and there is never an empty calorie. Suffice to say, if you're not paying attention while reading both novels, you're going to miss something.
In the span of about 40 thousand words, we're introduced to two new "gods" or as they're known in this series: renegade angels. However, these angels are known as Architects. This is mentioned several times in the book, though their existence isn't made whole-heartedly important until the big reveal in the After Credits, or for Zeus to regain his power. .
We're also introduced to all sorts of Ourea. Fire, Water, Earth, Wind and Electricity/static. On top of that, Dr. Nambitu from the first After Credits is a major character in this book. So, we know what happens to him. We also know why those terrorists hunted him down and kidnapped him. They wanted the gem of Durga, which he unearthed and then lost, providing for the main conflict between good and evil in this story.
I feel like I can take a breath. After reading this book, I can tell the author put in painstaking hours to develop a cohesive story, and he runs a tight ship. This book may be short, but there is so much to say. The writing was a lot crisper, and the mystique is turned up to 11. There's considerably less action in this novel, and more of a puzzle to solve. It almost felt like a whole different tone, and certainly the things that made it worth reading are different than the things that made E.o.A #1 so great.
The After Credits scene, and the revelation that the next book WILL BE "Artificial Light" let me know I'm in store for quite the ride. After all, the previous book said "Jarrod will return in Artificial Light." It didn't say that was the next book. This one promised that. Shit is going to go down.
Oh, and before I forget, the ending will shock you. I really didn't see it coming. I should have known, though. The first book established that no one is safe. If this is ever turned into a series, there is more job security in the Walking Dead.
If you've read the first novel, it's very obvious that the story takes place at the same time as Evolution of Angels. From the get-go there are numerous references to "Live" events that take place in the previous story, and several Easter eggs given about previous characters. Even if you haven't read the first book, there is a note at the very beginning telling you this is the case. If you've not read E.o.A, you should because it was awesome, though it won't necessarily hinder your reading experience of this book if you don't.
I found this "shared world" concept quite intriguing. I wondered from the start how it would work out, or if there would be a need to break outside the parameters of being "set between Episode 8 and 9." Also, I worried about wanting to know more about the other characters. After all, I spent all that time getting hooked on Jarrod, Lian and Austin, what in the world is going on with them? After the prologue, this wasn't the case.
The Descendants is all about Emma and Oreios - the new odd couple. Those who've read Evolution of Angels will recognize Oreios' name. He was in the first book, and he's one of two characters who make it back for this sort of sequel (the other being Zeus, but there isn't much of him in either).
Emma is the lead character, or at least it's presented that way from the beginning. The prologue is all about her and Jonas, and the first few chapters (not Episodes in this book) are focused on her narrative. She's a smart, cunning and persistent woman with a large chip on her shoulder. She sees things in very much black and white, and little can sway her otherwise. There is a clever misdirection at the beginning of the book where you think Oreios is the bad guy they're hunting down (he was a sort of villain in the first book, after all), but as the story progresses you see there is another Ourea. Which is a problem for Oreios because he thinks he's the last one.
This need for Emma to catch this bad guy, and for Oreios to find his "brother" drives the story. The two are searching for the same thing, but have vastly different motives. Knowing Oreios from the first book, I thought I knew how this would go. Emma would have it coming. After all, one of the things that made him my hands down favorite in the first book was his ruthless nature. He's always willing to make a deal and shift alliances when it suited his best interest.
However, in this book, he's tested more with not so much what is in his best interest, but what he wants personally. Another side to Oreios is presented that clashes heavily with the monster we grew to love in the first book. We see his attitude and behavior is just a front from being alone for thousands of years. It takes him from the funny mercenary, to the sympathetic anti-hero.
Oreios has been around the block for a while, and he sees everything in grey. Emma, being mortal, has considerably less experience and sees everything in black in white. By the end of the story, each has come to view things a little more from the others' perspective.
Not only do they both have this yin and yang relationship, but both have similar stories that drive them. They are both endlessly devoted to their fathers. Both have fathers who are unable to care for themselves. The gem of Durga could really help both of their fathers. Finally, both were sort of abandoned by their mothers. .
Another thing this book does well is jam-pack a bunch of new E.o.A mythos into a short space. Unlike the first book where several different plot lines form the story at the end, this one had one plot and two different narratives (it is considerably shorter), and there is never an empty calorie. Suffice to say, if you're not paying attention while reading both novels, you're going to miss something.
In the span of about 40 thousand words, we're introduced to two new "gods" or as they're known in this series: renegade angels. However, these angels are known as Architects. This is mentioned several times in the book, though their existence isn't made whole-heartedly important until the big reveal in the After Credits, or for Zeus to regain his power. .
We're also introduced to all sorts of Ourea. Fire, Water, Earth, Wind and Electricity/static. On top of that, Dr. Nambitu from the first After Credits is a major character in this book. So, we know what happens to him. We also know why those terrorists hunted him down and kidnapped him. They wanted the gem of Durga, which he unearthed and then lost, providing for the main conflict between good and evil in this story.
I feel like I can take a breath. After reading this book, I can tell the author put in painstaking hours to develop a cohesive story, and he runs a tight ship. This book may be short, but there is so much to say. The writing was a lot crisper, and the mystique is turned up to 11. There's considerably less action in this novel, and more of a puzzle to solve. It almost felt like a whole different tone, and certainly the things that made it worth reading are different than the things that made E.o.A #1 so great.
The After Credits scene, and the revelation that the next book WILL BE "Artificial Light" let me know I'm in store for quite the ride. After all, the previous book said "Jarrod will return in Artificial Light." It didn't say that was the next book. This one promised that. Shit is going to go down.
Oh, and before I forget, the ending will shock you. I really didn't see it coming. I should have known, though. The first book established that no one is safe. If this is ever turned into a series, there is more job security in the Walking Dead.
April 21, 2015
I see much improvement in story and in content. His character development has improved as well, but could still use some work.
The book is still as brutal as the first. It has awesome action that can make any bro give their thumbs up and trademark nod of approval.
The book is in omniscient limited POV. Even though we are introduced to many other characters, the story mainly follows Emma Brighton, a dishonorably discharged Scotland Yard detective, and our favorite Ourea, Oreios.
The story and plot is amazing. There's something satisfying about the complexity of the story that adds a sense of sophisticated enjoyment to the reader. Nathan Wall has the story and plot down like a pro, but the characters could use a little more personality in their actions.
The dynamics within the dialogue is also a little uncertain.
Some of the characters speak a little old fashioned English like
"I've not killed us yet," she laughed with a slight grin and tightened her grip on the leather steering wheel.
Emma isn't old fashioned. She's playful and teasing and headstrong too. She even calls her father "Daddy." So there's a lack of consistency in tone and style of the character's dialogues.
As I've said before, this book has a pleasing complexity in the plot. That being said, the book may be a bit slow to some, but the action and witty characters picks up its momentum. It all pays off when everything connects perfectly.
Now the ending is absolutely outstanding. It hits you right in the feels! D':
That's enough information on the ending.
So yeah, the books has to do with angels, but it is far from "another angel book." This is a new take on the angel genre that pretty much sets it on a completely different league than other angel books. This is an angel book for grown ass men and people looking for an action packed and moderately complex plot read, not for adolescent girls wanting to read a YA Paranormal Romance.
Congratulations Nathan Wall. You've written yourself a damn good book.
FOUR STARS!!!!!!
The book is still as brutal as the first. It has awesome action that can make any bro give their thumbs up and trademark nod of approval.
The book is in omniscient limited POV. Even though we are introduced to many other characters, the story mainly follows Emma Brighton, a dishonorably discharged Scotland Yard detective, and our favorite Ourea, Oreios.
The story and plot is amazing. There's something satisfying about the complexity of the story that adds a sense of sophisticated enjoyment to the reader. Nathan Wall has the story and plot down like a pro, but the characters could use a little more personality in their actions.
The dynamics within the dialogue is also a little uncertain.
Some of the characters speak a little old fashioned English like
"I've not killed us yet," she laughed with a slight grin and tightened her grip on the leather steering wheel.
Emma isn't old fashioned. She's playful and teasing and headstrong too. She even calls her father "Daddy." So there's a lack of consistency in tone and style of the character's dialogues.
As I've said before, this book has a pleasing complexity in the plot. That being said, the book may be a bit slow to some, but the action and witty characters picks up its momentum. It all pays off when everything connects perfectly.
Now the ending is absolutely outstanding. It hits you right in the feels! D':
That's enough information on the ending.
So yeah, the books has to do with angels, but it is far from "another angel book." This is a new take on the angel genre that pretty much sets it on a completely different league than other angel books. This is an angel book for grown ass men and people looking for an action packed and moderately complex plot read, not for adolescent girls wanting to read a YA Paranormal Romance.
Congratulations Nathan Wall. You've written yourself a damn good book.
FOUR STARS!!!!!!
February 19, 2015
Once again Nathan Wall delivers an action packed story in this fast paced novella. The timing of "The Descendants" mostly takes place concurrently with the later chapters of "Evolution of Angels". It primarily follows two characters Emma, a disgraced former Scotland Yard detective, and Oreios an Ourea or elemental knight. Readers of "Evolution of Angels" should remember Oreios from that original story line.
In "The Descendants" we learn a great deal more about the nature and character of Oreios. I really liked that the author took this direction which gave us an opportunity to see a whole new side of an already entertaining character. There is interesting history revealed through Oreios' side of the tale regarding his relationship with his father Zeus, his siblings the other Ourea, and that some great battle apparently took place in the past.
Emma's side of the story takes us on a search for answer to her personal tragedies. Through her quest we are introduced to The Descendants, a new element of the Evolution of Angels story. With this novella Nathan Wall has continued to expand the mythos of his imagined world. It is clear from both books a large and complex plot is getting set to unfold. It will be fascinating to see the many moving pieces progress to whatever climax awaits.
My final assessment of this brief novella is that if you've read "Evolution of Angels" you definitely want to read "The Descendants". If you have yet to read anything from the series but are curious than check this fast read out. This series is full of action, adventure, sci-fi, and intrigue. You won't be sorry you read it.
April 8, 2015
I was confused. But I expected that when I read the advisement that was at the front(thank you for putting that). I read it as a standalone book. Luckily though, that was only at the beginning, as I got further into the book, things tended to explain themselves. It was good. I was kind of shocked at how when I finished it, I wanted to read the next one. The plot was interesting and things moved at a pace that wasn't too fast or dragging.
October 6, 2016
The Descendants Evolution of Angels Volume 2)
by Nathan Wall
I read the third one first and it was so good I bought this one and volume one.
This trilogy is intriguing. It is a unique blend of mythology, religion, and technology.
Angels that seem to depend on technology instead of being supernatural. Humans that may be supernatural under the right conditions. This is an interesting reversal of religion and mythology.
This book has lots of action, mystery, technology that's advanced enough to seem like magic, murder, mayhem, angelic revolution, betrayal, loyalty, etc.
This book is very hard to put down before finishing it.
I think everyone should read this.
by Nathan Wall
I read the third one first and it was so good I bought this one and volume one.
This trilogy is intriguing. It is a unique blend of mythology, religion, and technology.
Angels that seem to depend on technology instead of being supernatural. Humans that may be supernatural under the right conditions. This is an interesting reversal of religion and mythology.
This book has lots of action, mystery, technology that's advanced enough to seem like magic, murder, mayhem, angelic revolution, betrayal, loyalty, etc.
This book is very hard to put down before finishing it.
I think everyone should read this.
Read
December 15, 2014The second book in my E.o.A series.
Hope you enjoy it.
Hope you enjoy it.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews