Author, Jack Cavanaugh's follow-up book to "Kingdom Wars I: A Hideous Beauty" returns the main characters from the first novel in another spiritual boaut between the forces of evil and good. The main characters are given more depth and complexity with some surprises and personal developments . The new characters add to the story plot but stay in their lanes.
Semyaza, the demon and foe of Grant Austin, the nephillim son of Azazel returns to asail Grant. Another demon, Belial has a diabolical and unconventional plan to destroy the divinity and integrity of Jesus. He does this by introducing false historical documents and to introduce a false Messiah. The plot to destroy God's redemptive promise is contrived but countered by Abdiel and the DivineWarrior, Jesus. It is up Grant, Sue Ling, Professor Forsythe, and the emboldened Jana Torres to stand up against the demonic powers attempting to usurp gods's plan.
A major subplot is the developing spiritual warrior nature of Grant. He is mentored by Abdiel in girding himself for the coming battle against the Tartarans, the powerful demons imprisoned by God after their sin against mankind and God's balance. Grant's develiping nephilim abilities (dimensional travel, dematerialization, and having a spiritual sword are spotlighted and addressed. His position as a hybrid (angel & human) who is discovering and developing his abilities is a major concern for the demonic forces. Grant's stand against Lucifer's minions, his tutelege under Abdiel from whom he learns of the angelic wars, and his desire to address God areintegral to the plot.
There are times, this novel gets far-fetched and comical but the author manages to lasso it back to make this a good thriller. He inserts climaxes throughout the novel and develops his main characters to reveal their strengths and weaknesses. One of the best scenes are when Grant journeys to Shoel to battle the two demons determined to destroy him. Like all good Christian thrillers, this one has scripture and the ever-present benovolence of the Lord and His angels. In the hands of another this may have appeared shallow and trite but Jakc Cavanaugh is a master story teller. While I would not rank this book with his best, it is a satisfyingly good read. Overall, I would recommend this book but only to the mature Christian who appreciates fantasy.