Broken Wing

Requiem #0.5

by Christine Fonseca

Mikayel lives by one rule—obey the orders of the angelic Council at all costs. That is, until he and his friends, Azza and Demi, are sent to Earth. Assigned as Watchers while they await their decision of which angelic order to serve, the three assume the bodies of teenagers and experience life as human. The sensations are overwhelming as the angels experience a host of human emotions—rage, terror, love—and come ever closer to breaking one of the unbreakable rules—never fall in love.
But being human isn’t the only problem facing the three angels. Unbeknownst to the Council, demonic activity is on the rise, threatening to break a tenuous peace that has existed for a millennia; a peace Azza seems bent on destroying.

Caught in a struggle for power with unseen demonic forces and Azza, and fighting against his rising emotional attachment to Demi, Mikayel must now decide how much he is willing to sacrifice for his new found love—a decision that could reignite an ancient war and will threaten the only thing that matters to the angels, the survival of humanity.

***PREVIOUS PUBLISHED AS DIES IRAE***

Genres: Angels, Young Adult, Paranormal, Demons, Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, Novella

Unknown Binding

First published January 25, 2012

About the author

Christine Fonseca is a bestselling author, licensed educational psychologist, and mentor for deep-feeling creatives. For more than three decades, she has guided artists, writers, and visionaries to embrace their emotional intensity, reclaim their creative fire, and cultivate a practice that is both sustainable and soulful.

Renowned for her pioneering work in emotional intensity, creative empowerment, and somatic writing, Christine dismantles the myth that sensitivity is weakness. Instead, she reveals it as a source of artistry, leadership, and transformation. Her voice is equal parts poetic and practical, timeless and magnetic — inviting readers into a deeper relationship with their art, their body, and themselves.

Christine’s books and teachings have touched audiences across the globe and been featured in Psychology Today, Parents.com, The Neurodiversity Podcast, and on international stages. She is the author of multiple bestselling works, including Nevertheless, Create: Art, Intensity, and the Practice of Showing Up; Write Through: Feeling Your Way to the Page; and Emotional Intensity in Gifted Students: Helping Kids Cope with Explosive Feelings

For more information, visit her website - www.christinefonseca.com

Reviews

[Heather McCorkle · Rating 5 out of 5]

When reading this I dreamed about angels and flying, something that only happens when I read a book that reaches deep inside and touches me on a visceral level. Christine's writing is haunting and beautiful. I highly recommend anything by her. And yes, I got a sneak peek before it released. ;)

[Brooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would like to thank the author, Christine Fonseca, for providing me with a copy of this novella for review.
This review can be seen on my blog:
http://thecovercontessa.blogspot.com/
And at the following websites:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dies-...
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007...
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/...
Mikayel lives to serve the council. He lives to ensure the safety of humanity. But his emotions are starting to get in the way and, as an angel, this is unacceptable. Unless he can get these emotions under control, he will fail at his purpose. He and his friends, Demi and Azza, are sent to earth as Watchers to wait until they are told which angelic order they will serve. But things are complicated by Mikayel's feelings for Demi, and the demonic presence threatening to invade the realm of earth and break a long held treaty.
I have to say that this was so interesting to read after I had read Lacrimosa (Requiem #1). While it may have been interesting to know the exact relationship between Azza and Mikayel before reading Lacrimosa, I think reading this after opened my eyes as to Mikayel's purpose. It demonstrated that he understood so much more of what Nesy and Ayden were going through then he let on. And it brought to mind questions of what this will mean in the second novel of the Requiem series. It demonstrated that there was so much more to the story behind Azza and Mikayel's falling out, more than either of them was willing to share with Nesy and Ayden in Lacrimosa.
I love how the story revolves around saving Mikayel; that he is destined for greater things than he can even recognize. I love that his friends are willing to sacrifice themselves for him, so that humanity can ultimately be saved.
It was interesting to watch Azza's transformation. I have to say that his anger at the end seemed a little out of place, at first. But, having read Lacrimosa, and understanding what the marks ultimately do to their holder, I was able to piece together how this would happen. How he would forget where he came from and only know that Mikayel and the other angels need to be defeated.
I have to say that I would have liked to see a little more of Demi's character in this book. But, seeing as she was Mikayel's reason for having to overcome emotions, it makes more sense to see it from his point of view.
Once again, Fonseca has a way with words. They flow off the page and into your soul. They grab your heart and pull you in. You feel each and every emotion the characters are experiencing. You feel the angst Mikayel is unable to overcome. You feel the power Azza encounters as he embraces his emotions, something an angel is not ever supposed to do. You feel the sorrow that invades Demi as she makes her final decision to leave Mikayel.
Thank you, Christine, for creating a world so real, so full of sacrifice and emotion, so full of issues that can tear us apart. The experience is otherworldly, and I wouldn't have it any other way!

[Zuleeza · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review is also available on my blog, Qwerty

Oh my God!!! This book is full of tragedies, it reminded me a lot of Shakespeare's plays.

If fact, I think I'm not fit to continue on with Lacrimosa anytime soon. I'm depressed enough with my exams coming soon

Oh yes, I can be that melodramatic.

First of all, can't be have a better cover art than that? Please pwetty, please...

Second, I think the writing was just stunning. But I won't lie, I did expect Maggie Stiefvater's level of awesomeness when I read my GR friends' reviews but well, I'm more than happy with this level of writing.

I don't know about you, but this book just fell short from getting the full five stars because I was a bit annoyed with one after another big mistakes committed by every single character in the story. It felt like those mistakes weren't fully justifiable, yet the author decided to throw them in to make the story more tragic. It felt overdone for me, so...yeah.

Another thing, I'm a bit disturbed by the premise that 'nothing good would come out of all these human emotions'. I mean, there must be something, anything that these angels could learn while inhabitating their human hosts, they couldn't be all bad, could they?

[Nisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ho. ly. wow. Talk about a whirlwind of emotions. This is just a taste (novella) of the series to come and I cannot wait to read the rest. It's dripping with emotion. Betrayal, confusion, heartbreak, desire, they don't seem to be strong enough words to describe it. This book is both powerful and dynamic. I'm hereby dubbing (Yes, I have that authority!) Christine Fonseca the queen of conveying emotion. She painted a picture with words that was so vivid, I felt as if I could see into the very soul of her characters and what was there was captivating. I highly recommend this book and look forward to reading the rest of this series as it is released.

[Nata Romeo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christine Fonseca is a truly talented writer! Dies Irae is a fast paced story that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Once you set your eyes on this book you will find it very and I mean very difficult to walk away from. It overflows with emotion: love, anger, and lust. I am honored to be a part of Christine's blog tour.

[Sherri Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

looking forward to the next one! The characters and emotions sure stick with you. I found myself thinking about them all day along with the questions of feelings being a strength or weakness, and being more than you believe. Good thought provoking ideas.

[Michelle McLean · Rating 5 out of 5]

perfect prequel to LACRIMOSA. If you haven't read LACRIMOSA yet, this is a great way to intro the series and a great way to get some background story on your favorite characters if you read LAC first. Two thumbs way up :)

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

PDF format loaded to Kindle (**free from author for honest review)


This book is a prequel to Lacrimosa and is about three angels that are on Earth to learn how to control their emotions. Mikayel is the leader out of the three and has the most trouble with his emotions. He is in love with Demi, even though he is not supposed to be letting this emotion get this far. It is affecting how he does his work and is putting him in danger. There is a truce between the angels and the demons, but Mikayel and his friend Azza do something that will put this truce in danger. They go looking for Jinn, demons that are not supposed to be on Earth, but are. Now, if they would have just gone to find them, that was one thing, but Mikayel and Azza go one step further, against the advice of Demi, and fight the Jinn. All three angels are then brought back to Gabriel and told to leave it alone. Azza convinces Mikayel that leaving it alone is not the right thing to do, and that they need to start a war.

Things spiral out of control after Mikayel tells Demi about how he feels for her. She says they can’t go down that emotional road at all. Mikayel starts leading and acting on emotion instead of the head of a leader. Him and Azza go back to find the Jinn and fight them once again, only this time the situation gets out of control quickly. Before they know it they are back with Gabriel and are Demi is offering to be stripped of her angel wings and become mortal so Mikayel can do what he is meant and destined to do for the Council. Gabriel takes her offer, but to the despair of Mikayel. He now has a new goal, become mortal himself to be with Demi again. Azza will do anything to make sure this won’t happen because he knows his best friend is destined to lead as part of the Council. Azza makes a decision that changes everything and turns much upside down. He decides it is best that Demi cease to exist so Mikayel can focus better. Demi agrees with this logic and lets Azza kill her. When Mikayel is sent for one last talk with Demi before he can no longer see her, he finds her dying on the floor from a serpent bite, the bite he thinks was done to her by Iblis (leader of the demons). He is now after Iblis for Demi’s death, but will Azza tell him the truth? That he killed her and not Iblis? What will happen if he doesn’t? Or will it be worse if he does? What will become of the two angels if truth is brought to light?

This is a prequel, as I said, so there is much left at the end to make you very excited for the upcoming book. I really enjoyed this book and read it in one sitting. It had great element to it and was a fantastic read. It made me very excited to read the next book that is for sure. It may have been shorter, but was full of action and adventure in those short pages that’s for sure. The author did a wonderful job with the plot as well as developing the characters into ones that were easy to like right away, or dislike, depending on the character.

5/5 Stars!

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

DIES IRAE is short, exhilarating and packed with emotion. I read it in literally one night, mainly because I loved the writing and characters—but what I really love the most is the visceral emotions pulsing not very far under the skin of her fascinating characters. This is not surprising since Christine is a school psychologist who has written numerous nonfiction books about gifted individuals (link here). Emotions are her stock and trade.

But what I found so gripping about this book was the timeless and epic quality of the story. Set in the distant past, in a vaguely Greek or Middle Eastern locale, the story thrums with a sense of mythic foreboding. Right away, the reader gets the sense that they are about to become witnesses to the cataclysmic event with seismic consequences. The tale is told from the point of view of two brothers in arms, angels Mikayel and Azza, both incredibly compelling and conflicted characters with deep ties and heartbreaking desires. They choices they make ultimately forces an upheaval to their way of life with devastating results.

Christine writes with a terse style that made these two larger than life individuals blaze from the pages in crackling detail. I don’t want to give too much away, but you get the sense from this book that nothing is ever black and white, that the good carry a seed of evil in them and the evil, a seed of good.

If anything, I wish the book was longer. That the build up to the crazy thrilling climax was a little slower and more layered. But this is a novella, so I’m okay with that. DIES IRAE a fascinating parable, vivid and gut-wrenching, and I am so excited for the next books in the series! Way to go, Christine! I’ve been your friend a long time, but now I am a FAN!

[Mello ❣ Illium ✮Harry✮ ☀Myrnin☀ Torin Ichimaru · Rating 5 out of 5]

So sad, but this gave some background of what happened quite some time before the events of . I found it rather enjoyable, which, makes me wonder why I didn't enjoy Lacrimosa all that much when I originally read it. Maybe I wasn't in the right head space or something when I read that book. I'm going to have read it again one of these days.

Anyway, this book was all about good intentions and people trying to prevent Bad, Bad Things and bringing said awful times into existence. Now I understand more why it is that Mikayel had such hate for Azza in Lacrimosa and why he was so harsh on Nesy because she couldn't detach from her emotions. Seems like it was a thing he seriously struggled with as well.

A group of three friends first had such a nice relationship and then it all goes to hell, quite literally. It's actually a bit difficult for me to see Azza as a bad guy because he honestly thought he was doing the right thing. He had moments of serious douchedom, but in the end, he thought he was helping his friend, helping Celestium. His motives are partially selfish, yes, but he was trying. Honestly, I just ended up feeling bad for all of them. A bad situation just kept getting worse and then concluded in the worst way possible. One day and best friends that despise each other.

Looking forward to see what becomes of all of this when the final book comes out. While either Mikayel or Azza be left standing?

[Bookish Indulgenges with b00k r3vi3ws · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an introductory Novella to the Author’s Requiem Series…

The author gets to the point and into the plot right from the beginning. It is narrated alternately between Mikayel and Azza. It is really a wonder to read two completely different reactions to human emotions. Mikayel tries to ignore it but cannot and Azza actually feels strengthened by it. But they do not really get much time to deal with it as they come across ‘Jinns’ who are not really in the mood to be sidelined by these angels or to keep the peace. As for Demi, she realizes what she wants and what is right are two complete different things – how she deals with it is really mind-blowing!

Since this is a novella, I was expecting it to be a fast read. And it is! Not only because of its length, but also because of its action packed nature. It is filled with action, emotion and drama! The last chapter has a big surprise waiting for its readers…

It has created a great base for the Series to be built on and I, for one, am going to get my hands on Lacrimosa (Requiem #1) as soon as possible. I am quite sure that it is going to be as intense and dark as the introduction.

[Ahri · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't know what I was expecting when I started reading this novella, but it honestly surpassed anything I had expected since this has been the best one I've read so far this year.

DIES IRAE is an action and drama packed read, which means there was never a dull moment for me while reading it. Although it doesn't really show how two of the characters fell in love, and I would have loved to read more about it, I could tell it was something that had been simmering under the surface for a while. And thinking for just how long he had been trying to suppress those feelings only to loose her like that at the end was very heart-wrenching. At the end, it wasn't surprising how Azza became the Dark One since the emotions he seemed to embrace the most had always been the "negative" ones; rage and lust.

The only problem I had at the beginning was the sentences feeling a bit clipped. There were too many too short sentences, but as the story progressed, and I found myself deeper and more interested in it, this stopped being a problem for me. Otherwise, I loved the way Christine Fonseca told the story of these three characters. Now I can't wait to read the first book.

[Kelly Hashway · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was different from other angel books I've read. While Mikayel, Demi, and Azza are angels, they are using human host bodies while they uphold their duties as Watchers. But being in human form allows them to experience human emotion, and this is extremely difficult for all of them. They experience feelings of love and rage, which cause them to act in ways that angels shouldn't. And with the possibility of war looming in the air, these emotions are the last things the three need.

Fonseca lets you see the struggles these three go through and the reader in me was screaming for more. The writer in me, however, understood that what she gives is the most realistic for the story. Wanting to see the feelings in action more is exactly what the characters want, too. In a way, Fonseca's approach gives great insight to how the characters are feeling limited and torn by their two forms--angel and human. Oh, and the ending... loved it! I'm looking forward to the rest of the books in this series.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mikayel, Demi, and Azza are Angels sent to Earth to live in Human bodies as Watchers. They are in the Human bodies so they can learn to experience emotion and then control it. However, all three continue to have problems with being dispassionate and unemotional. There is betrayal, forbidden love, and epic battles in this prequel to Lacrimosa.

I enjoyed the novel as it gave more insight into why and how Azza became the leader of the UnHoly, and why Mikayel seems so hard on Nesy in the future. There are many parallels between them-forbidden love, experiencing emotions, being the "best and brightest" of the Sentinals..

The writing is exceptional as always. The only criticism I might have is it being a novella, I didn't get the true impact of Mikayel and Demi's relationship-there just wasn't time enough to really fall in love with the characters and root for them like I did in Lacrimosa.

However, I truly enjoyed getting my "fix" of the Lacrimosa world and look forward to the release of Libera Me this fall.

[Tom · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 for this novella. What an unexpected start to a series. I was debating between 4 and 5 because of it being a novella and the world building was done seamlessly and it was a very entertaining read. I gave it a 5 because of positive comments from the author on a less than flattering review for another one of her books. Major street cred in my book. Enough so that I will read the next novella in the series.


Not sure what to recommend. I am leaning towards recommending you read this after Lacrimossa. I think I would have enjoyed the main novel better if I read this afterwards. Dies Irae I would have loved before or after reading Lacrimosa.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! A lot happened in this short story. It was totally not what I was first expecting. It was so much better! It sets up the background for Lacrimosa perfectly. This is going to be an intense, dark, and super awesome series. I just know it.

This is just a short 0.5 type of story to give the readers some extra insight and information on the characters. I was so sad to see the one of the characters die. And I will admit that I wanted ...to be continued

[Adriana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Firstly thankyou to the author Christine Fonseca for giving me the opportunity to read and review this awsome book.

This is the prequal novella of Lacrimosa and it tells the story of Mikayel and Azza. Its a great as it explains the history between Azza and Mikayel and you get to understand why Mikayel is the way he is and what made Azza who he has become now.

Once again Christine pulls you in and you feel what the characters feel every emotion every conflict. I loved every moment of it..

[Mona · Rating 4 out of 5]

With Dies Irae, the clash between good and evil has a new twist. The evil (and the good) is inside every one of us and it's up to us which side will win over our hearts. This is a fun jaunt through passion, doing what's right, and the ultimate sacrifice. Can't wait to read the rest of the series!

[Ali Cross · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dies Irae is the perfect introduction to Christine Fonseca’s Requiem series. The beauty of the words will tempt you, the tragedy of the story will break you, and the love, woven throughout like music through the trees, will haunt you for days afterward. Dies Irae promises a tale unlike any you’ve read before

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is fun to read all the different takes writers have about angels. That being said, this series is one of my favorite! Christine's descriptions are so beautifully written, she drags you into the story and doesn't let go until the end or beyond. I read book 1 first and I now cannot wait for the next book. Just wonderful!

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't stop reading, much to the dismay of my children, who kinda wanted breakfast. The writing draws you in, insisting you continue. This novella has me anxiously awaiting the release of the first book in the series later this year. Can't wait.

[Tasha Seegmiller · Rating 4 out of 5]

This set up the story of what is to come so well. I found myself cheering and hoping for success for each of the characters, and even after learning of their decisions. The emotions behind each decision, the sacrifices that have already happened...so glad I read this, can't wait for Lacrimosa.

[Christine Fonseca · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of Azza and Mikayel deepened my understanding of these characters...something I am so thankful for.

[Shelly Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahhhh! Talk about dangling the carrot!!! I am so captivated by these characters and this story! I can't wait to find out what happens next. -Anxiously awaiting Lacrimosa!

[Kathy White · Rating 4 out of 5]

No spoilers here....but...What an ending! I can't wait to read the next. Dies Irae is a great beginning to the series!

[Jody · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the prequel novella to LACRIMOSA. Its a gothic tale about angels and demons and so much happened in the 14 chapters. It was crazy! Looved it :)

[Tiffany Holme · Rating 4 out of 5]

Angels aren't supposed to feel emotions or are they? Mikayel has been sent to Earth and has taken on the body of a human host in order to try and figure this all out. Along with his friends Azza and Demi. However living as a human is much more difficult than any of them ever imagined. There is so much to feel and how are you supposed to detach from your emotions when they only seem to be growing stronger. The story is through the eyes of both Mikayal and Azza, powerful friends that would do anything for one another.


Mikayel is meant for great things and that is made clear at every turn of this book. This gives you a feeling of such urgency to see if he will manage to become what he is supposed to or if it will be an end that no one is suspecting. The feeling that he has for Demi is really such a challenge and you want to know if he will let it out or hide it for what he is meant to be.


Azza thought that this would be easy. He never felt anything before why should this be any different? However taking on a human host and the things that come with it a proving to be a little bit more difficult than he originally pictured. Will he over come all he feels and be able to help his friend or will he become a part of all he never thought he would.


This is novella is such an emotion packed read and what I would call a strong start of what promises to be an amazing series. Christine writes such beautiful and powerful emotions you can't help but want to know what will come up on the next page. My only issue was that I never really felt like I knew the characters. However this never made my interest waver as I read it. I am excited to get started on Lacrimosa and more of Christine's amazing take on angels.

[Naomi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won Dies Irae and Lacrimosa through Christine Fonseca’s blog, and it is the first time I have read either of the books so I am reading them in order. I must say that so far, I am not disappointed, and I can’t wait to start Lacrimosa!!

Dies Irae is a Novella and the first story in the Requiem series.
Angels are sent to earth, in human disguises to observe how humans deal with their emotions. There has been no war between angels and demons for a thousand years.

Mikayel, Azza and Demi are three Angels that have been sent to live in a small Human town. They have been put here to learn how to detach from their human and angel Feelings, but they are primarily here as Watchers, observing Humans, as directed by the Angel Council. While they are on Earth they come across some Demons living in the mountains. The choices they make here will direct how their lives will go in the future.

It is a fabulous story, showing us how difficult it can be trying to be an Angel. Learning how to deal with their teenage feelings and emotions, and showing us how easy it can be to become a Fallen Angel. I think that this Novella shapes how the characters and the story will unfold in the following books.

[Anna Serra i Vidal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won Dies Irae on an event at Christine's blog and I am very grateful to her for sending it to me so graciously.
I have not read Lacrimosa, so this was my first contact with Michael and Azza. Even though the names do give some hints, the building of the relationship between the three main characters is engaging at the beginning. The three of them live in a small village during unknown time, that can be always giving it a sense of eternity that goes well with the theme.
Even though I could see what was coming from almost the beginning, still the ending affected me more than I thought it would.
The only thing that didn't work for me is Azza's motivation and his quick turn around. But maybe it will be more explored in Lacrimosa. Feeling like I should add it to my TBR pile :)
Written in chapters alternating the POV from Azza to Michael, this helps deepen what each of them thinks and how he reacts to the turn of events.

[Darlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

A whirlwind of emotion. That is how I perceived this short story. Since I read most of my books using the text-to-speech feature on my Kindle 2, I found the normal setting in this case way... too... slow! There was so much going on along with the emotions of the Angels flying about, I had to speed my poor robot voice up. I think, had there been a faster setting, I could have used it. Exciting.

This was the best way to introduce the characters. I think. As much as I enjoyed this mini-book, I feel I will enjoy it even more after I get into the next books in the series. I may have to re-read this after and see if I maintain or can improve my ratings.