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Tear Down Heaven #5
Tear Down Heaven
Five thousand years of war and rebirth have all come down to this.
Bex and her army have made it to the precipice of Gilgamesh's Heaven. They've occupied the white mansions, taken the golden streets, freed the house slaves of Heaven's warlocks. The final fortress of the enemy stands right in front of them, but the demons' fight is far from over.
Though she defeated the Queen of War and freed her people from the Hells, Bex's sword is still silent, her horns are still missing, and her army is little more than a mob of terrified former slaves who can barely stand. What the demons need most are rest and recuperation, but time is not on their side. For all the battles they've won, Gilgamesh hasn't stopped racing toward the culmination of his grand—yet still unknown—ambition, and he's not about to let Bex's ragtag rebellion get in his way.
To save her people and reclaim their ancient home, the Queen of Wrath is going to have to take the fight to the enemy. It's finally time to end the war the Eternal King started five thousand years ago.
It's time to Tear Down Heaven.
Bex and her army have made it to the precipice of Gilgamesh's Heaven. They've occupied the white mansions, taken the golden streets, freed the house slaves of Heaven's warlocks. The final fortress of the enemy stands right in front of them, but the demons' fight is far from over.
Though she defeated the Queen of War and freed her people from the Hells, Bex's sword is still silent, her horns are still missing, and her army is little more than a mob of terrified former slaves who can barely stand. What the demons need most are rest and recuperation, but time is not on their side. For all the battles they've won, Gilgamesh hasn't stopped racing toward the culmination of his grand—yet still unknown—ambition, and he's not about to let Bex's ragtag rebellion get in his way.
To save her people and reclaim their ancient home, the Queen of Wrath is going to have to take the fight to the enemy. It's finally time to end the war the Eternal King started five thousand years ago.
It's time to Tear Down Heaven.
416 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 2, 2026
88 people are currently reading
92 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Aaron
37 books3,053 followersHello, my name is Rachel Aaron, and I write the Heartstriker books, a new Urban Fantasy series about misfit dragons, starting with Nice Dragons Finish Last. I also wrote The Legend of Eli Monpress fantasy series for Orbit Books about a wizard thief and the poor bastards who have to try and stop him. PLUS I'm also the author of the new, rolicking fun Science Fiction romance Fortune's Pawn under the name Rachel Bach.
I was born in Atlanta, but I currently live a lovely, nerdy, bookish life in Denver, CO with my lightspeed son, perpetually understanding husband, and far too many plants. Besides my own books, the internet knows me best for writing very fast. The best way to get to know me is probably to read my blog or follow me on Twitter.
I was born in Atlanta, but I currently live a lovely, nerdy, bookish life in Denver, CO with my lightspeed son, perpetually understanding husband, and far too many plants. Besides my own books, the internet knows me best for writing very fast. The best way to get to know me is probably to read my blog or follow me on Twitter.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
February 21, 2026
As always, this series was a super one and I was so grateful for a review copy from the author to finish it up. Rachel’s worlds always capture my heart and the characters draw me in, and this was no exception. For a series which really spans Heaven, Earth and Hell this does a great job of wrapping up all the previously opened threads and tying up the series. There’s a lot here which happens, as at this stage we’re in the midst of a life-altering battle for the good of the Demons of the world, but even though there is a lot of fighting and war this still felt like an approachable and emotional story, with little pockets of focused time with our characters to still keep us caring.
Adrian and Bec are still great characters in this one, along with the friends they have made during their adventures. I have nothing but positives to say about the two of them and the care they have for one another but also for their wider purposes and goals and how they try to support one another no matter what.
The world is largely focused on Heaven in this book due to the events which have already happened, and this made a stark change to the hell-focus we’ve had in prior parts of the series. It was pretty interesting to have a sneak around Gilgamesh’s palace, picking up clues about his family and his end goals as we went.
On the whole I really rated this series and it’s one I definitely think loads of urban fantasy readers would enjoy. Another very solid ending, 4.5*s and you know I’ll be picking up whatever Rachel releases next!!
Adrian and Bec are still great characters in this one, along with the friends they have made during their adventures. I have nothing but positives to say about the two of them and the care they have for one another but also for their wider purposes and goals and how they try to support one another no matter what.
The world is largely focused on Heaven in this book due to the events which have already happened, and this made a stark change to the hell-focus we’ve had in prior parts of the series. It was pretty interesting to have a sneak around Gilgamesh’s palace, picking up clues about his family and his end goals as we went.
On the whole I really rated this series and it’s one I definitely think loads of urban fantasy readers would enjoy. Another very solid ending, 4.5*s and you know I’ll be picking up whatever Rachel releases next!!
March 14, 2026
4.5 stars.
An epic and satisfying conclusion.
The worldbuilding in this urban fantasy is really quite unique as I've never seen demons portrayed in this manner before. In typical Rachel Aaron fashion, we have a cast of relatable and loveable characters in an effortlessly engaging story that has plenty of tense as well as feel-good moments. She's one of go-to authors for a reason, and that is because I've never finished one of her series without feeling that I wanted more - not because I wasn't satisfied, but because I thoroughly enjoyed being in the world and with the characters that she has created.
An epic and satisfying conclusion.
The worldbuilding in this urban fantasy is really quite unique as I've never seen demons portrayed in this manner before. In typical Rachel Aaron fashion, we have a cast of relatable and loveable characters in an effortlessly engaging story that has plenty of tense as well as feel-good moments. She's one of go-to authors for a reason, and that is because I've never finished one of her series without feeling that I wanted more - not because I wasn't satisfied, but because I thoroughly enjoyed being in the world and with the characters that she has created.
March 17, 2026
3.5 stars rounded down.
This was the most video game/anime fight sequence book I’ve read in a hot minute. The entire thing was a series of “fight the fight -> go to the next room -> fight the fight” through every remaining prince, king, and god. I was bored and that makes me sad because this world has a ton of potential for character-driven stories. Ah well. Ms Aaron I still love you.
This was the most video game/anime fight sequence book I’ve read in a hot minute. The entire thing was a series of “fight the fight -> go to the next room -> fight the fight” through every remaining prince, king, and god. I was bored and that makes me sad because this world has a ton of potential for character-driven stories. Ah well. Ms Aaron I still love you.
March 13, 2026
500/5 stars for the whole series.
The originality of this series was what really got me. In a world where we get countless retellings of the Greek and Roman mythos, it was such an absolute breath of fresh air to get one based off the Mesopotamian mythos. I adored the last installment of the series, seeing how everything fits together, how the story itself is to be wrapped up! I think I actually ended up finishing this in 2 days, unable to put it down.
The originality of this series was what really got me. In a world where we get countless retellings of the Greek and Roman mythos, it was such an absolute breath of fresh air to get one based off the Mesopotamian mythos. I adored the last installment of the series, seeing how everything fits together, how the story itself is to be wrapped up! I think I actually ended up finishing this in 2 days, unable to put it down.
March 12, 2026
Well, it was better than the last instalment but that’s not saying much. It pains me to say this because I usually enjoy the author’s headlong style but this was actually rather dull. Much like a console game, Bex fights boss battle after boss battle, levels up, gets more horns, levels up, gets a better sword etc etc, you get the picture.
I dutifully read to the end but it was never really in doubt. It’s hard to generate tension when the FMC is a god and essentially unkillable. Hopefully the author will return to more mundane concerns in future
I dutifully read to the end but it was never really in doubt. It’s hard to generate tension when the FMC is a god and essentially unkillable. Hopefully the author will return to more mundane concerns in future
February 23, 2026
This review was originally published on Before We Go Blog
We all know that endings can be scary when you have enjoyed a series this much, so I was honestly equal parts hyped and slightly terrified to see what Rachel Aaron would have in store in Tear Down Heaven. And you know what, she absolutely stuck the landing so gracefully in full demon queen fashion, we love to see it.
Now, we pick up literal seconds after where Hell Hath No Fury left off, and it's just non-stop chaos from page one till the end. We've got armies of freed slaves who are barely holding it together, Bex missing her horns and still dealing with a stubbornly silent sword, Adrian being brilliant and brave and occasionally stressed out of his mind, and king Gilgamesh who just refuses to stop being an evil bastard. At times my tiny pea brain was working overtime trying to keep track of the schemes and counter schemes, but somehow I was just along for the ride.
What I loved most about Tear Down Heaven (both the book and the overall series), is that I never once doubted that good would eventually win. This series has always carried that spark of hope, but I could never predict how we were going to get there. The road to toppling Heaven was steep, bloody, and emotionally brutal, which just happens to be exactly how I like it. Bex and Adrian hit some very low points and have to fight hard for every little victory, which just makes their journey feel so real, satisfying, and well-earned.
I also have to applaud how Aaron kept expanding this world without it collapsing under its own weight. We started in Chicago, descended into Hell, and now we are storming Heaven itself, and I loved how each new setting shifted the vibe just enough to keep things fresh. By the time we are marching down golden streets and occupying celestial mansions here, it somehow feels both completely wild and totally inevitable, which I really enjoyed.
That said, Tear Down Heaven is an epic finale, and you feel it. The pace is fast, the fights are huge, and the twists keep coming. And like, I get it, we are tearing down a divine system so of course it is going to be explosive. But honestly, I am a sucker for quiet character moments, and while I think Aaron does a great job of keeping all of this chaos grounded in the characters’ journeys, I did wish for a little more breathing room. Just give me my traumatized demons and witches sitting in exhausted silence, processing their trauma and holding hands, and I would be a happy gal.
Especially when it comes to Bex and Adrian, I just felt a tiny bit conflicted here in Tear Down Heaven. I mean, I adore them, don’t get me wrong. Their trust in each other, the way they respect each other’s strengths, the way they step in to protect when it really counts, it is all there and it is beautiful. But their romance often stays on the backburner because the apocalypse simply will not wait, and I wanted just a little more time to sit in their feelings. The same goes for the found family vibes, which are immaculate in theory and genuinely touching when they shine through, but they had to make room for yet another big magical showdown a few too many times for my liking.
Still, the sheer fun of this book cannot be denied, and I really enjoyed the whole “F the system” vibe of it all, because Gilgamesh had this coming for a long, long time. Familiar faces show up at the most chaotic moments, unexpected allies crash into the narrative with perfect timing, and there were multiple scenes where I was basically vibrating with adrenaline because I could not believe what Aaron had just pulled off. The surprises just kept on coming, and I loved how they always felt so earned and exciting instead of ever coming across contrived or like a wild cheap trick.
Even though the first book might still be my personal peak of the series, I am so glad I stuck with this journey. I am genuinely satisfied with how everything wrapped up here in Tear Down Heaven (that final chapter!!!), and Bex, Adrian, and the entire chaotic demon crew can live rent free in my head forever. This series is easily one of my favorite epic urban fantasy rides, and if you have not started it yet, please fix that immediately.
Thank you to the author for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. Tear Down Heaven is scheduled for release on 5 March 2026.
We all know that endings can be scary when you have enjoyed a series this much, so I was honestly equal parts hyped and slightly terrified to see what Rachel Aaron would have in store in Tear Down Heaven. And you know what, she absolutely stuck the landing so gracefully in full demon queen fashion, we love to see it.
Now, we pick up literal seconds after where Hell Hath No Fury left off, and it's just non-stop chaos from page one till the end. We've got armies of freed slaves who are barely holding it together, Bex missing her horns and still dealing with a stubbornly silent sword, Adrian being brilliant and brave and occasionally stressed out of his mind, and king Gilgamesh who just refuses to stop being an evil bastard. At times my tiny pea brain was working overtime trying to keep track of the schemes and counter schemes, but somehow I was just along for the ride.
What I loved most about Tear Down Heaven (both the book and the overall series), is that I never once doubted that good would eventually win. This series has always carried that spark of hope, but I could never predict how we were going to get there. The road to toppling Heaven was steep, bloody, and emotionally brutal, which just happens to be exactly how I like it. Bex and Adrian hit some very low points and have to fight hard for every little victory, which just makes their journey feel so real, satisfying, and well-earned.
I also have to applaud how Aaron kept expanding this world without it collapsing under its own weight. We started in Chicago, descended into Hell, and now we are storming Heaven itself, and I loved how each new setting shifted the vibe just enough to keep things fresh. By the time we are marching down golden streets and occupying celestial mansions here, it somehow feels both completely wild and totally inevitable, which I really enjoyed.
That said, Tear Down Heaven is an epic finale, and you feel it. The pace is fast, the fights are huge, and the twists keep coming. And like, I get it, we are tearing down a divine system so of course it is going to be explosive. But honestly, I am a sucker for quiet character moments, and while I think Aaron does a great job of keeping all of this chaos grounded in the characters’ journeys, I did wish for a little more breathing room. Just give me my traumatized demons and witches sitting in exhausted silence, processing their trauma and holding hands, and I would be a happy gal.
Especially when it comes to Bex and Adrian, I just felt a tiny bit conflicted here in Tear Down Heaven. I mean, I adore them, don’t get me wrong. Their trust in each other, the way they respect each other’s strengths, the way they step in to protect when it really counts, it is all there and it is beautiful. But their romance often stays on the backburner because the apocalypse simply will not wait, and I wanted just a little more time to sit in their feelings. The same goes for the found family vibes, which are immaculate in theory and genuinely touching when they shine through, but they had to make room for yet another big magical showdown a few too many times for my liking.
Still, the sheer fun of this book cannot be denied, and I really enjoyed the whole “F the system” vibe of it all, because Gilgamesh had this coming for a long, long time. Familiar faces show up at the most chaotic moments, unexpected allies crash into the narrative with perfect timing, and there were multiple scenes where I was basically vibrating with adrenaline because I could not believe what Aaron had just pulled off. The surprises just kept on coming, and I loved how they always felt so earned and exciting instead of ever coming across contrived or like a wild cheap trick.
Even though the first book might still be my personal peak of the series, I am so glad I stuck with this journey. I am genuinely satisfied with how everything wrapped up here in Tear Down Heaven (that final chapter!!!), and Bex, Adrian, and the entire chaotic demon crew can live rent free in my head forever. This series is easily one of my favorite epic urban fantasy rides, and if you have not started it yet, please fix that immediately.
Thank you to the author for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. Tear Down Heaven is scheduled for release on 5 March 2026.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I do not binge series. I can go weeks, months between reading book 1 and book 2 for most series. And I don't read series that are more than 3 books.
Well. I broke all my rules for this series. I read book 1 in July, and immediately bought the next two books and read those...only to realize that this was an unfinished series of 5 books. I am very grateful to Rachel Aaron for sending me eARCs of books 4 and 5 so I didn't have to wait *quite* so long.
Because this is not a series that rewards patience. No, this is a series that is non-stop forward motion and action. However, Aaron is excellent at pacing -- for the most part, I did not feel overwhelmed by the battles, and there were enough breathers to let the characters relax or recover enough for the next challenge. (Nothing annoys me more than truly non-stop action where there's no plausible recovery time or mechanism).
If you're reading this review, you've either read some or all of the rest of the series, or you're trying to decide if you want to read the series. If you're partway through and wondering if she sticks the landing: she does. One thing I love about Aaron's series is that each book is a satisfying story on its own, but the overall series also has a satisfying arc. The arc of each book builds towards the arc of the overall series. So if you're having fun so far, keep going.
And if you're deciding if you should start, I ask you: do you enjoy fun? Do you enjoy wildly competent (though not infallible) and passionate main characters who are utterly devoted to their cause? Do you like action?
Then you should read the series.
I simply think Rachel Aaron writes some of the funnest books you're ever going to read. They are fast, and they are epic, and the characters are intense in their commitment, competency, and determination. But at the heart of all of it is an absolute belief in good and the importance of connection with other people.
Well. I broke all my rules for this series. I read book 1 in July, and immediately bought the next two books and read those...only to realize that this was an unfinished series of 5 books. I am very grateful to Rachel Aaron for sending me eARCs of books 4 and 5 so I didn't have to wait *quite* so long.
Because this is not a series that rewards patience. No, this is a series that is non-stop forward motion and action. However, Aaron is excellent at pacing -- for the most part, I did not feel overwhelmed by the battles, and there were enough breathers to let the characters relax or recover enough for the next challenge. (Nothing annoys me more than truly non-stop action where there's no plausible recovery time or mechanism).
If you're reading this review, you've either read some or all of the rest of the series, or you're trying to decide if you want to read the series. If you're partway through and wondering if she sticks the landing: she does. One thing I love about Aaron's series is that each book is a satisfying story on its own, but the overall series also has a satisfying arc. The arc of each book builds towards the arc of the overall series. So if you're having fun so far, keep going.
And if you're deciding if you should start, I ask you: do you enjoy fun? Do you enjoy wildly competent (though not infallible) and passionate main characters who are utterly devoted to their cause? Do you like action?
Then you should read the series.
I simply think Rachel Aaron writes some of the funnest books you're ever going to read. They are fast, and they are epic, and the characters are intense in their commitment, competency, and determination. But at the heart of all of it is an absolute belief in good and the importance of connection with other people.
March 21, 2026
A Very Satisfying Conclusion
I have to admit that I am spoiled these days. It’s almost hard to remember how hard it could be to have to wait for each hardback book to be published and then wait again for it to be released in paperback (usually 1 year for each process). Nowadays, that has been condensed with the paperless printing down to one year or less, but with so many things being instantly available, it’s still hard to wait for a series to be finished. With some authors, I am willing to buy each new book as they come out - and Rachel Aaron is one of them - even if I have to wait and I have to say that this book was worth that wait. It finally wraps up the storyline about what Gilgamesh was trying to accomplish and what he did with the Gods. It also finishes Bex’s and Adrian’s fight against him and their fight for freedom from slavery. Sadly, this also means that we are done with all of them - although I’d love to still check in with them, I know that they definitely deserve their peace.
I have to admit that I am spoiled these days. It’s almost hard to remember how hard it could be to have to wait for each hardback book to be published and then wait again for it to be released in paperback (usually 1 year for each process). Nowadays, that has been condensed with the paperless printing down to one year or less, but with so many things being instantly available, it’s still hard to wait for a series to be finished. With some authors, I am willing to buy each new book as they come out - and Rachel Aaron is one of them - even if I have to wait and I have to say that this book was worth that wait. It finally wraps up the storyline about what Gilgamesh was trying to accomplish and what he did with the Gods. It also finishes Bex’s and Adrian’s fight against him and their fight for freedom from slavery. Sadly, this also means that we are done with all of them - although I’d love to still check in with them, I know that they definitely deserve their peace.
March 9, 2026
This is the end of another great series from Rachel. I am again amazed how she comes up with the concepts that underpin the storyline. There is some great world building in this series and some very good characters.
Rachel is very good at creating strong female leads and we have another in Bex who I liked from the start. She is surrounded by a stellar cast and I particularly liked Iggs.
In a similar style to the endings to the Eli Monpress and The Heartsriker series this series ended in a massive struggle for survival describing concepts that are hard to get your round.
Well worth a read and I look forward to the next series.
Rachel is very good at creating strong female leads and we have another in Bex who I liked from the start. She is surrounded by a stellar cast and I particularly liked Iggs.
In a similar style to the endings to the Eli Monpress and The Heartsriker series this series ended in a massive struggle for survival describing concepts that are hard to get your round.
Well worth a read and I look forward to the next series.
March 8, 2026
Whirlwind Finish
A brilliant conclusion to a fascinating series, this book doesn’t pause until the epilogue. I’m glad I read it on a rainy Saturday afternoon, as putting it down would have been difficult.
A brilliant conclusion to a fascinating series, this book doesn’t pause until the epilogue. I’m glad I read it on a rainy Saturday afternoon, as putting it down would have been difficult.
March 19, 2026
Great ending to a great series
Incredibly satisfying conclusion to this series. Each character brings their own unique brand of bravery to a near impossible fight. Great world building and relationships, Rachel does it again!
Incredibly satisfying conclusion to this series. Each character brings their own unique brand of bravery to a near impossible fight. Great world building and relationships, Rachel does it again!
March 7, 2026
Completed series! I really enjoyed the demons/witches/Gilgamesh world-buildng and the conclusion was nicely epic. Lots of action and magic with lovable characters.
March 11, 2026
Adrian deserves 5 stars.
March 13, 2026
First half felt like much of the same without that muc progression. Interesting development in the middle but finale fell a bit flat for me
March 15, 2026
Solid finish to a solid series. It isn't my favorite of all time from this author, but I had a fun time. Everything was wrapped up in a satisfying way and I enjoyed seeing the surprises at the end.
March 17, 2026
This book is truly amazing. At every turn something fascinating happens. Rachel Aaron’s writing style is intelligent and a pleasure to read. This has been an extraordinary series.
March 23, 2026
4 / 5
Solid conclusion to an entertaining series. I particularly enjoyed everything on the Blackwood/Adrian/witch side of things in the finale, as well as the resolution regarding the gods.
Solid conclusion to an entertaining series. I particularly enjoyed everything on the Blackwood/Adrian/witch side of things in the finale, as well as the resolution regarding the gods.
March 24, 2026
4.5 Enjoyable read. I did enjoy the conclusion though there are a couple of open issues..... can you say next book in series?
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews