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Afterlife Inc. #1
Fury's Bridge
If you knew the gods worked from a building in Santa Monica, California, would it change you?
Avenging fury Alectho (Alec) Graves has been tasked with saving the world, when she isn’t out seeking justice for those innocents who suffer at the hands of evil-doers. If she fails in her mission, those she loves will cease to exist.
Selene Perkton is a philosophy professor in Los Angeles. She lives an ordinary, well scheduled life, and knows her place in it. When Alec appears, the world she thought she knew becomes a very different place.
Can Alec and Selene put aside their differences, or will the evil lurking in the shadows manage to pull them apart?
Cover Artist: Sheri Halal
Avenging fury Alectho (Alec) Graves has been tasked with saving the world, when she isn’t out seeking justice for those innocents who suffer at the hands of evil-doers. If she fails in her mission, those she loves will cease to exist.
Selene Perkton is a philosophy professor in Los Angeles. She lives an ordinary, well scheduled life, and knows her place in it. When Alec appears, the world she thought she knew becomes a very different place.
Can Alec and Selene put aside their differences, or will the evil lurking in the shadows manage to pull them apart?
Cover Artist: Sheri Halal
240 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2017
17 people are currently reading
385 people want to read
About the author
Brey Willows
19 books107 followersBrey Willows is a longtime editor and writer. Her passion is literature and the classics, and she has published a variety of short stories as well as more than ten novels, all sapphic speculative fiction romantasy of some design. She's a coffee fiend, loves long walks in the woods or on the beach, and is terribly clumsy. *She also writes sapphic romance under Ally McGuire*
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
March 3, 2017
3 1/2 Stars. This is Willows debut book, and a good one at that. It may be because she is an editor, but it is obvious that she knows how to write. The book was well written, well imagined, and polished. I am a huge paranormal fan, which may make me overly critical at times. This was a good book that I enjoyed, I just didn't love it.
The story is about Selene, a non-religious philosophy professor. She believes in things she can see, not things other people have faith in. Selene, has always felt a little odd in her life, like she doesn't quite belong. When she starts having the feeling someone is watching her, she doesn't know how to act. The being that has been watching her, is Alec a fury. Alec is an ancient being created right out of Greek mythology. She spends her time working with other gods and mythological beings, dolling out justice to the worst of the worst. Her new task is different. Instead of meting out justice, she is suppose to get close to Selene. The gods are fading and Selene is the key to saving them all. Can Selene actually help, or will challenging everything she believes in prove too much to save them all?
This book was really well imagined and very different. I have only read one other book that had beings fade if they weren't believed in. Never do I remember a book that had so many beings/gods from every different possible religion. I thought the answers Willows gave for why things are they way they are, was pretty well done. Things made enough sense, for the story to actual work. And while this book does deal with a lot of religion, it does not force any beliefs down your throat. If anything it encourages you to believe in whatever you do believe in, since they are all true in a way. It was a nice sentiment, and as someone who is not very religious, I liked how it worked.
The book is not all religion, philosophy and mythical beings, at the heart is a nice romance. While the couple didn't have a ton of chemistry, no sparks jumping off the pages, I enjoyed them as a couple, and believed in their connection. Alec, was a great character and really well described. I could just picture her folding her wings around Selene as they kissed. It was a sweet romance.
The reason why I didn't rate this higher had to do with the climax of the book. The world is on the line, and I thought it was resolved a little too quickly, and too off camera. It was a little bit of a let down after everything building up to it. It was not a bad ending by any means, I was just really hoping for more excitement. I love excitement in my paranormal stories.
Overall, I thought this was a good and enjoyable story. It is very well done for a debut book, and I feel confident to recommend it to other paranormal fans. With the kind of imagination Willows has, I'm very much looking forward to reading more from her, in the future.
An ARC was given to me by BSB, for a honest review.
The story is about Selene, a non-religious philosophy professor. She believes in things she can see, not things other people have faith in. Selene, has always felt a little odd in her life, like she doesn't quite belong. When she starts having the feeling someone is watching her, she doesn't know how to act. The being that has been watching her, is Alec a fury. Alec is an ancient being created right out of Greek mythology. She spends her time working with other gods and mythological beings, dolling out justice to the worst of the worst. Her new task is different. Instead of meting out justice, she is suppose to get close to Selene. The gods are fading and Selene is the key to saving them all. Can Selene actually help, or will challenging everything she believes in prove too much to save them all?
This book was really well imagined and very different. I have only read one other book that had beings fade if they weren't believed in. Never do I remember a book that had so many beings/gods from every different possible religion. I thought the answers Willows gave for why things are they way they are, was pretty well done. Things made enough sense, for the story to actual work. And while this book does deal with a lot of religion, it does not force any beliefs down your throat. If anything it encourages you to believe in whatever you do believe in, since they are all true in a way. It was a nice sentiment, and as someone who is not very religious, I liked how it worked.
The book is not all religion, philosophy and mythical beings, at the heart is a nice romance. While the couple didn't have a ton of chemistry, no sparks jumping off the pages, I enjoyed them as a couple, and believed in their connection. Alec, was a great character and really well described. I could just picture her folding her wings around Selene as they kissed. It was a sweet romance.
The reason why I didn't rate this higher had to do with the climax of the book. The world is on the line, and I thought it was resolved a little too quickly, and too off camera. It was a little bit of a let down after everything building up to it. It was not a bad ending by any means, I was just really hoping for more excitement. I love excitement in my paranormal stories.
Overall, I thought this was a good and enjoyable story. It is very well done for a debut book, and I feel confident to recommend it to other paranormal fans. With the kind of imagination Willows has, I'm very much looking forward to reading more from her, in the future.
An ARC was given to me by BSB, for a honest review.
July 16, 2017
This was a really different kind of paranormal read that had more to do with gods and religion than vampires and werewolves.
I went into this read blind, not knowing what to expect and, I think the experience was better for it. The author lets us know that *something* outside of our normal existence is happening but as to what remains a mystery until about half way through the book. There are some deeper ideas between philosophy, religion, and reason that I thought the author did a decent job with. And, as an atheist reader, I still enjoyed the spiritual representations given in the book since they were given a lighter, quirky, and entertaining bend. Also, there was no spiritual or non-spiritual preference given precedence over any other which I liked.
As for the romance between Alec and Selene, it was okay. There was enough chemistry to keep me engaged but I wouldn't necessarily say it was crackling, either.
On the whole, this was an above average read that I found to be entertaining and interesting but I felt it lost steam the further along I went. I can't quite put my finger on why but I think it has to do with Selene's character and her seeming to shift away from her original depiction some and the climax basically being an anti-climax.
I give it points for originality and put this in the high 3 stars somewhere.
I went into this read blind, not knowing what to expect and, I think the experience was better for it. The author lets us know that *something* outside of our normal existence is happening but as to what remains a mystery until about half way through the book. There are some deeper ideas between philosophy, religion, and reason that I thought the author did a decent job with. And, as an atheist reader, I still enjoyed the spiritual representations given in the book since they were given a lighter, quirky, and entertaining bend. Also, there was no spiritual or non-spiritual preference given precedence over any other which I liked.
As for the romance between Alec and Selene, it was okay. There was enough chemistry to keep me engaged but I wouldn't necessarily say it was crackling, either.
On the whole, this was an above average read that I found to be entertaining and interesting but I felt it lost steam the further along I went. I can't quite put my finger on why but I think it has to do with Selene's character and her seeming to shift away from her original depiction some and the climax basically being an anti-climax.
I give it points for originality and put this in the high 3 stars somewhere.
April 23, 2017
Is it just a massive coincidence that all three books I've read about women and ancient deities ended up on my favorites list, or do I simply have a fondness for such tales. More likely, I got lucky and really good authors wrote them. There's The 100th Generation, Coils and now, Fury's Bridge. All three share a similar theme about ancient goddesses (and gods) facing a common dilemma in this modern age of reason and science--being forgotten by their worshippers, and worse, rejected by modern-day folk as pure mythology. Each of the books have their own charm. Ibis had a rich historical and fantastical world, Coils was a rollicking Underworld adventure, and Fury's bridge--it has Selene. ;)
Passed around in foster homes as a child, Selene has overcome huge odds to become an tenured professor of philosophy. She may be an atheist by heart, but she's a firm believer of the live-and-let-live school, allowing people their own beliefs and superstitions. While accomplished, Selene never felt like she fit in socially anywhere--at home, in school or at work. So her universe is suddenly upended when she finds herself pursued by an otherworldly colleague and an atheist Youtube philosopher. Little does she know that she's gonna be caught between the forces of light and darkness--in a tug-of-war for the ages--that will determine the ultimate fate of mankind. Phew...that's a huge burden to place on anyone's shoulders, let alone Selene's slender ones. So her journey from mild-mannered, somewhat insecure, conformist college professor to whatever she is destined to be....that's the highlight of the book.
The "Afterlife Inc." in the book's series title refers to the association of gods and goddesses who've decided to work together to further man's (and of course, their own) ends. Debut author Bryce Willows has adorned this 'other world' with the trappings of modern society: a corporate setup, gleaming offices, gadgets, email, SUVs, etc. The ancient deities though, are still who they had always been, with their ancient powers and weapons intact. The dichotomy was occasionally jarring, but most of the time, it was fun to read about just how the ancient gods might have lived it up in our physical dimension. (I'd be surprised if they didn't get gadget envy, especially with our gizmos getting more powerful and sexier with every iteration. Thuderbolts and tridents are so...last millenia :) The world-building isn't perfect. For instance, fury interventions.
On the other hand, I loved that the author did not shy away from the truly sticky questions...questions that inevitably arise when the createe gets a chance to meet their creator and isn't going to be smitten with fire for speaking up. Quesions about faith, belief, afterlife, prayer. And the trickiest of them all (imho): why do bad things happen to good people? There are also some serious philosophical discussions on the underlying theme of the book--whether religion is good or bad for humans. Not too much that I'd zone out, but enough to ground the book in reality and give it some gravitas.
Overall though, most of the book is about Selene and how she deals with her life-changing situation. And that's why I've put the book on my favorites list, because these also happen to be the best parts of the book. Selene's character is so well-drawn. Her reactions, so spot-on. Her convictions, so sensible and true. She doesn't just carry the future of godkind and mankind on her shoulders, she carries the book as well.
4.5 stars
ARC from Netgalley.
Passed around in foster homes as a child, Selene has overcome huge odds to become an tenured professor of philosophy. She may be an atheist by heart, but she's a firm believer of the live-and-let-live school, allowing people their own beliefs and superstitions. While accomplished, Selene never felt like she fit in socially anywhere--at home, in school or at work. So her universe is suddenly upended when she finds herself pursued by an otherworldly colleague and an atheist Youtube philosopher. Little does she know that she's gonna be caught between the forces of light and darkness--in a tug-of-war for the ages--that will determine the ultimate fate of mankind. Phew...that's a huge burden to place on anyone's shoulders, let alone Selene's slender ones. So her journey from mild-mannered, somewhat insecure, conformist college professor to whatever she is destined to be....that's the highlight of the book.
The "Afterlife Inc." in the book's series title refers to the association of gods and goddesses who've decided to work together to further man's (and of course, their own) ends. Debut author Bryce Willows has adorned this 'other world' with the trappings of modern society: a corporate setup, gleaming offices, gadgets, email, SUVs, etc. The ancient deities though, are still who they had always been, with their ancient powers and weapons intact. The dichotomy was occasionally jarring, but most of the time, it was fun to read about just how the ancient gods might have lived it up in our physical dimension. (I'd be surprised if they didn't get gadget envy, especially with our gizmos getting more powerful and sexier with every iteration. Thuderbolts and tridents are so...last millenia :) The world-building isn't perfect. For instance, fury interventions.
On the other hand, I loved that the author did not shy away from the truly sticky questions...questions that inevitably arise when the createe gets a chance to meet their creator and isn't going to be smitten with fire for speaking up. Quesions about faith, belief, afterlife, prayer. And the trickiest of them all (imho): why do bad things happen to good people? There are also some serious philosophical discussions on the underlying theme of the book--whether religion is good or bad for humans. Not too much that I'd zone out, but enough to ground the book in reality and give it some gravitas.
Overall though, most of the book is about Selene and how she deals with her life-changing situation. And that's why I've put the book on my favorites list, because these also happen to be the best parts of the book. Selene's character is so well-drawn. Her reactions, so spot-on. Her convictions, so sensible and true. She doesn't just carry the future of godkind and mankind on her shoulders, she carries the book as well.
4.5 stars
ARC from Netgalley.
August 10, 2018
Wow! This was amazing.
I know very little about religion, mythology and philosophy but this was a very interesting read and certainly left me thinking. The wonderful main characters Selene and Alec are very unique and I had no idea what a Fury was until I learned from this wonderful story. And what an adventure it took me on!
The story of Selene and Alec is not only romantic but thrilling, with lots of exciting twists and turns as Selene has to come to terms with something she has always denied but not can’t not believe. There really is such truth in the saying ‘you’ll believe it when you see it’ when it comes to this book. A very imaginative subject to build a story around and an instant draw that will pull you in and leave you lost in the fact that this book is very addictive. I really struggled to put it down!
I am very much looking forward to reading the rest of the Afterlife Inc series, to discover more about what is learned in Fury’s Bridge, and to see how Selene and Alec’s relationship continues to grow and develop!
A fantastic read, with action, emotion and just beautifully written. I absolutely adored it!
I know very little about religion, mythology and philosophy but this was a very interesting read and certainly left me thinking. The wonderful main characters Selene and Alec are very unique and I had no idea what a Fury was until I learned from this wonderful story. And what an adventure it took me on!
The story of Selene and Alec is not only romantic but thrilling, with lots of exciting twists and turns as Selene has to come to terms with something she has always denied but not can’t not believe. There really is such truth in the saying ‘you’ll believe it when you see it’ when it comes to this book. A very imaginative subject to build a story around and an instant draw that will pull you in and leave you lost in the fact that this book is very addictive. I really struggled to put it down!
I am very much looking forward to reading the rest of the Afterlife Inc series, to discover more about what is learned in Fury’s Bridge, and to see how Selene and Alec’s relationship continues to grow and develop!
A fantastic read, with action, emotion and just beautifully written. I absolutely adored it!
February 21, 2017
*I received this book from NetGalley, and Bold Strokes Books in return for a fair review.*
Genre/tags: Fantasy
Location: Earth; USA; California; Santa Monica, Los Angeles, Cal State
Characters: Main - Selene Perkton (philosophy professor at Cal State, specifically a trans-human philosophy person), Alectho 'Alec' Graves (Avenging fury)
Side characters : Zed (Alec's boss); Tis & Meg (sisters of Alec); Frey Falconi (famous philosopher dude who a) 'makes philosophy accessible to the masses' and b) wants to start a movement with Selene); Mika (Selene's long term (multiple year) girlfriend who is very logical, coldish, and 'exact' (7 means 7, if Mika arrives somewhere she is expected at 7 and she arrives at 6:42, she'll stand outside starring at her watch until 7).
Storyline: The furies wander around 'punishing' the bad, one of Alec's jobs. Selene is teaching while struggling with her cold logical robot, I mean girlfriend; and with a man who wants her to join him in a 'movement' (Frey). Unbeknownst to Selene, she is also 'needed' by the furies, and that's one of Alec's main jobs - to 'get her'.
This is not your normal kind of urban/paranormal fantasy. At least not mine. Most of the urban/paranormal fantasies I’ve read include such things as vampires, shifters (mostly werewolves, but occasionally others) and the occasional other ‘odd-ball’. Most of those, even the few that include demons and angels (oddly enough) do not actually delve that deeply into religious matters. Oh, there might be the occasional comment by a vampire about churches, or crosses or the like, but mostly in a ‘that’s fiction, this is real life’ kind of way. This book here is different – religion plays a massive role in this book.
Selene Perkton is a philosophy professor and is involved in attempting to ‘raise up’ humans, to get them to evolve to the next level. Something that doesn’t have to ‘rely’ on the ‘superstitious crutches of the past.’ This is why she was contacted by a fast rising pop-philosophy star, Frey Falconi. Falconi also wants to help break humans free from the taint of religion, in his words (Selene is less ‘breaking free from taint’ and more ‘letting people live their lives, those that believe believe, but making sure everyone has the full information’), and he wants Selene to join him in his mission. Frey, and to a certain lesser extent Selene, see humans as basically good – and freed from religion, can reach great heights (which, in its way, seems odd – since one of the major reasons they wish to break people away from religion is because so much ‘bad stuff’ has been done by ‘bad people’ pretending to be acting in ‘insert deity’s name here’ name; remove deities, they’d use some other cloak/cover for their bad actions).
And there has been a relatively steady decrease in believers. Which is somewhat unfortunate, at least it is for a certain group of people who happen to work out of an office building just off the beach in Santa Monica California. They work for Afterlife Inc. And they are gods, goddess, and various other assorted religious types. And they are starting to fade – actually many have already faded. There is this prophesized oracle, though, indicating that a certain someone will save them. That someone being Selene – the ‘rational thinking atheist’. The other lead in this story is sent out to ‘get her’ to join their side – that being Alectho Graves, one of the three furies.
This was a very interesting story. Quite enjoyable. Not one I’ve read a million different versions of under different names, but something more unique. Though, no, it isn’t completely original. I thought as I read that I’ve read some similar things. Like Bill Willingham’s Fables series
Another thought I had while reading the book – this work did not seem like it was the first thing the writer had written. Quite well written and stuff. And I had the impression that this was the author’s first work, though I now see that ‘she has published a large handful of short stories’ part in her biography.
Rating: 4.68
Publication Date: March 1 2017
Review: February 21 2017
Genre/tags: Fantasy
Location: Earth; USA; California; Santa Monica, Los Angeles, Cal State
Characters: Main - Selene Perkton (philosophy professor at Cal State, specifically a trans-human philosophy person), Alectho 'Alec' Graves (Avenging fury)
Side characters : Zed (Alec's boss); Tis & Meg (sisters of Alec); Frey Falconi (famous philosopher dude who a) 'makes philosophy accessible to the masses' and b) wants to start a movement with Selene); Mika (Selene's long term (multiple year) girlfriend who is very logical, coldish, and 'exact' (7 means 7, if Mika arrives somewhere she is expected at 7 and she arrives at 6:42, she'll stand outside starring at her watch until 7).
Storyline: The furies wander around 'punishing' the bad, one of Alec's jobs. Selene is teaching while struggling with her cold logical robot, I mean girlfriend; and with a man who wants her to join him in a 'movement' (Frey). Unbeknownst to Selene, she is also 'needed' by the furies, and that's one of Alec's main jobs - to 'get her'.
This is not your normal kind of urban/paranormal fantasy. At least not mine. Most of the urban/paranormal fantasies I’ve read include such things as vampires, shifters (mostly werewolves, but occasionally others) and the occasional other ‘odd-ball’. Most of those, even the few that include demons and angels (oddly enough) do not actually delve that deeply into religious matters. Oh, there might be the occasional comment by a vampire about churches, or crosses or the like, but mostly in a ‘that’s fiction, this is real life’ kind of way. This book here is different – religion plays a massive role in this book.
Selene Perkton is a philosophy professor and is involved in attempting to ‘raise up’ humans, to get them to evolve to the next level. Something that doesn’t have to ‘rely’ on the ‘superstitious crutches of the past.’ This is why she was contacted by a fast rising pop-philosophy star, Frey Falconi. Falconi also wants to help break humans free from the taint of religion, in his words (Selene is less ‘breaking free from taint’ and more ‘letting people live their lives, those that believe believe, but making sure everyone has the full information’), and he wants Selene to join him in his mission. Frey, and to a certain lesser extent Selene, see humans as basically good – and freed from religion, can reach great heights (which, in its way, seems odd – since one of the major reasons they wish to break people away from religion is because so much ‘bad stuff’ has been done by ‘bad people’ pretending to be acting in ‘insert deity’s name here’ name; remove deities, they’d use some other cloak/cover for their bad actions).
And there has been a relatively steady decrease in believers. Which is somewhat unfortunate, at least it is for a certain group of people who happen to work out of an office building just off the beach in Santa Monica California. They work for Afterlife Inc. And they are gods, goddess, and various other assorted religious types. And they are starting to fade – actually many have already faded. There is this prophesized oracle, though, indicating that a certain someone will save them. That someone being Selene – the ‘rational thinking atheist’. The other lead in this story is sent out to ‘get her’ to join their side – that being Alectho Graves, one of the three furies.
This was a very interesting story. Quite enjoyable. Not one I’ve read a million different versions of under different names, but something more unique. Though, no, it isn’t completely original. I thought as I read that I’ve read some similar things. Like Bill Willingham’s Fables series
Another thought I had while reading the book – this work did not seem like it was the first thing the writer had written. Quite well written and stuff. And I had the impression that this was the author’s first work, though I now see that ‘she has published a large handful of short stories’ part in her biography.
Rating: 4.68
Publication Date: March 1 2017
Review: February 21 2017
August 26, 2017
Wow! For a debut novel this really felt very well rounded (she must have written other stuff). The subject matter is highly interesting (to me at least) and I was sucked into the story immediately.
I liked the two main characters Selene and Alec and many of the side characters as well. I thought the story was original and certainly not the usual paranormal shifter/demon fantasy fare. There is a hefty dose of phylosophy, religion and mythology in this book but the subject matter is written with a light touch and makes for a charming and whitty read. Also there was no religious or non- religious preference, bashing or preaching.
I am really looking forward to dive into book 2 of the series.
4.2 stars
I liked the two main characters Selene and Alec and many of the side characters as well. I thought the story was original and certainly not the usual paranormal shifter/demon fantasy fare. There is a hefty dose of phylosophy, religion and mythology in this book but the subject matter is written with a light touch and makes for a charming and whitty read. Also there was no religious or non- religious preference, bashing or preaching.
I am really looking forward to dive into book 2 of the series.
4.2 stars
did-not-finish
October 3, 2021DNF. Too much of a cerebral wank fest. The whole thing can be presented as: Philosophy is great, organized religion sucks, people these days are full of greed and consumerism, while technology and food makes you lazy and want instant gratification, and everyone is just using everyone for an agenda, and everyone sucks, unless they are "enlightened" but even their enlightening bullshit reads like an organized religion - so their hypocrisy in their lack of even getting that, leads to WTFuckery.
It's like a stale American Gods that takes itself far too seriously. It's morelike a series of woke blogpost rants, trying to legitimize it with a storyline about a philosopher who is a demigod and other ancient 'God' characters working with/for humanity, but humanity sucks and even the Gods are giving up on us, just as fellow humans are giving up, too. Oh yeah - hella positive vibes, right? The whole thing was just depressing, really.
I also didn't like the idea presented that mental illness = bad people who did something wrong and need to be punished for it. I know that is probably (I hope) not what the author intended, but that's essentially how it came across with the fury, Alec 'punishing' evil doers with insanity.
So it's a HUGE freaking NO from me.
It's like a stale American Gods that takes itself far too seriously. It's morelike a series of woke blogpost rants, trying to legitimize it with a storyline about a philosopher who is a demigod and other ancient 'God' characters working with/for humanity, but humanity sucks and even the Gods are giving up on us, just as fellow humans are giving up, too. Oh yeah - hella positive vibes, right? The whole thing was just depressing, really.
I also didn't like the idea presented that mental illness = bad people who did something wrong and need to be punished for it. I know that is probably (I hope) not what the author intended, but that's essentially how it came across with the fury, Alec 'punishing' evil doers with insanity.
So it's a HUGE freaking NO from me.
February 1, 2017
*The copy provided by NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books Inc. in exchange for an honest review*
Now, this is how you write paranormal genre, spiced with mythological facts and creatures. This was so fun to read, a pure joy! It's so witty, fun, charming; it's has a perfect amount of humor in it... Both Selene and Alec are great characters, fantastically written, and the minor ones are no less fun. I just loved this book, and I'm not a great fan of paranormal genre in general; so, having me charmed and seduced by this book speaks volumes itself! Congratulations to the author for being able to transform her imagination into words with such success. 5 stars from me!
Now, this is how you write paranormal genre, spiced with mythological facts and creatures. This was so fun to read, a pure joy! It's so witty, fun, charming; it's has a perfect amount of humor in it... Both Selene and Alec are great characters, fantastically written, and the minor ones are no less fun. I just loved this book, and I'm not a great fan of paranormal genre in general; so, having me charmed and seduced by this book speaks volumes itself! Congratulations to the author for being able to transform her imagination into words with such success. 5 stars from me!
January 10, 2025
3.6 ⭐️ Sapphics with wings is always a win 🙂↕️
This was an interesting read. It’s a fantasy/romance but I wouldn’t say the romance focus is the main pull of the plot. Instead it follows a lot of philosophy/theology themes.
I don’t want to give any spoilers, and won’t, but one MC is a fury and there’s a lot of world building going on in regards to how belief/religion operates and affects things.
There is a small dash of spice also.
I did feel like the pacing was a bit rushed at times, especially some scenes towards the end, and definitely wanted to see some areas of the world explored more given the fantasy elements were one of the main intrigues for me.
Rep// lesbian MC, Sapphic Fury MC (she’s got protective vibes going on that I’m here for.)
TW’s listed below, please skip if you don’t want vague spoilers.
TW// homophobic attack, homophobic slur, themes of parental abandonment in past.
This was an interesting read. It’s a fantasy/romance but I wouldn’t say the romance focus is the main pull of the plot. Instead it follows a lot of philosophy/theology themes.
I don’t want to give any spoilers, and won’t, but one MC is a fury and there’s a lot of world building going on in regards to how belief/religion operates and affects things.
There is a small dash of spice also.
I did feel like the pacing was a bit rushed at times, especially some scenes towards the end, and definitely wanted to see some areas of the world explored more given the fantasy elements were one of the main intrigues for me.
Rep// lesbian MC, Sapphic Fury MC (she’s got protective vibes going on that I’m here for.)
TW’s listed below, please skip if you don’t want vague spoilers.
TW// homophobic attack, homophobic slur, themes of parental abandonment in past.
August 1, 2019
This was a very well-written book with a clever premise and a sweet romance.
My one quibble is a personal preference, so I didn't take any points away in my rating.
However, I loved the world-building, and the writing, and I'll be reading the next book in the series shortly.
My one quibble is a personal preference, so I didn't take any points away in my rating.
However, I loved the world-building, and the writing, and I'll be reading the next book in the series shortly.
October 6, 2017
Great. This was my first FF-paranormal and I enjoyed it. I'm not big on paranormal and fantasy stuff though, I didn't have any second to feel bored. It was a Don't judge a book by its cover experience. I think I can try other paranormal stories or some fantasies.
I appreciate people who wrote honest reviews and gave me this opportunity.
I appreciate people who wrote honest reviews and gave me this opportunity.
March 7, 2017
*ARC provided by Netgalley and the Publisher for an honest review*
I really didn't know what to expect from this book but I'm really glad I read it. I love books about mythology and supernatural beings so I had to read this book after reading the description and I can honestly say that I wasn't disappointed.
This isn't your normal book about the supernatural which is refreshing and the premise of this book is something I have never come across before. There is a bit of action and drama but the focus in this book isn't fighting the bad guys but something that is more relevant in today's society, religion or rather a lack thereof.
The author doesn't aim to bash religion nor does she advocate for it, instead she tries to reconcile logic and religion through an interesting and slightly humorous story.
I especially loved Selene's interactions with the gods and how the author portrays each God in a modern day setting. The author also doesn't rely solely on the use of popular gods but uses new and obscure gods in her story which showed that her story was well researched.
I couldn't give this book five stars because although I enjoyed it I felt like there was something missing, especially at the end because the author spent the entire book building up a storyline around Selene and Alec but their role at the end didn't live up to the created expectations and I hope the next book ( assuming there will be another) rectified this.
3.8 stars
I really didn't know what to expect from this book but I'm really glad I read it. I love books about mythology and supernatural beings so I had to read this book after reading the description and I can honestly say that I wasn't disappointed.
This isn't your normal book about the supernatural which is refreshing and the premise of this book is something I have never come across before. There is a bit of action and drama but the focus in this book isn't fighting the bad guys but something that is more relevant in today's society, religion or rather a lack thereof.
The author doesn't aim to bash religion nor does she advocate for it, instead she tries to reconcile logic and religion through an interesting and slightly humorous story.
I especially loved Selene's interactions with the gods and how the author portrays each God in a modern day setting. The author also doesn't rely solely on the use of popular gods but uses new and obscure gods in her story which showed that her story was well researched.
I couldn't give this book five stars because although I enjoyed it I felt like there was something missing, especially at the end because the author spent the entire book building up a storyline around Selene and Alec but their role at the end didn't live up to the created expectations and I hope the next book ( assuming there will be another) rectified this.
3.8 stars
June 27, 2025
Fury's Bridge by Brey Willows is part one of the Afterlife, Inc. series. It is a unique urban fantasy set in a modern world in which a multitude of gods secretly coexist alongside humanity, provided that humanity continues to believe in them. Because of the rise in humanism, the gods have begun to fade. The Fates have delivered an oracle naming a “savior” who will bridge the worlds of mortals and gods to save them all.
This is the first book I have read by Brey Willows, and, as I understand, it is also her debut novel. I found it to be well-written, with fantastic world-building and an original concept. One of the author's strengths lies in her ability to construct an absurd world with genuine plausibility. I love the variety of characters, the central conflict, and the sapphic romance. It is so creative, with plot and dialogue that flow seamlessly. It is engaging from beginning to end.
I love the main pairing. Both are complex and strong yet vulnerable women with a driving sense of morality. There are sweet moments, touch-her-and-die scenes, and satisfying spice.
The end resolves the primary conflict with more to come and leaves the couple on a happy note. I am excited to read more about the world of Afterlife.
#urbanfantasy #religion #gods #sapphicromance #monsterlove #oppositesattract #philosophy #collegeprofessor #fury #LosAngeles #Venice #California #winterseason #worldbuilding #spice #touchheranddie #butch/femme #HEA #fosterkid #demigod
I received a free ebook copy from the author. This is my honest opinion.
This is the first book I have read by Brey Willows, and, as I understand, it is also her debut novel. I found it to be well-written, with fantastic world-building and an original concept. One of the author's strengths lies in her ability to construct an absurd world with genuine plausibility. I love the variety of characters, the central conflict, and the sapphic romance. It is so creative, with plot and dialogue that flow seamlessly. It is engaging from beginning to end.
I love the main pairing. Both are complex and strong yet vulnerable women with a driving sense of morality. There are sweet moments, touch-her-and-die scenes, and satisfying spice.
The end resolves the primary conflict with more to come and leaves the couple on a happy note. I am excited to read more about the world of Afterlife.
#urbanfantasy #religion #gods #sapphicromance #monsterlove #oppositesattract #philosophy #collegeprofessor #fury #LosAngeles #Venice #California #winterseason #worldbuilding #spice #touchheranddie #butch/femme #HEA #fosterkid #demigod
I received a free ebook copy from the author. This is my honest opinion.
April 10, 2017
Wow, did I read the same book as everyone else? I found the story to be a plodding mess, full of extraneous and repetitive descriptions and events. Frankly, there is no shortage of "What if Gods were real?" novel premises and all seem to follow the tenet that amount of believers = amount of godly power/existence. This book didn't really break any new territory on that front, other than perhaps focusing more on the bland main character Selene instead of the far more interesting Gods with their past and current lives and existence. But maybe that's what (the far superior) American Gods is for...
From the moment Selene is introduced, she's grating with this underlying sense of superiority that never quite leaves her. I am thrilled beyond belief that I finally made it through the book so that I never have to read another soap box diatribe on why science and philosophy are amazing and religions are crutches. It's like trying to have a nice dinner party with friends but someone invited "that guy" who keeps bringing up religion and politics, just itching for a fight.
Alec as one of the avenging furies is the far more interesting protagonist, but once she becomes involved with Selene, she's more like a lap dog looking for a head scratch and belly rub. If this was going to be a series (ugh) pacing-wise I would have liked to see the relationship hold out a bit more from turning romantic because the moment that happens, Alec no longer felt dangerous or powerful. Or interesting, really.
Selene was a hard character for me to find sympathetic. I was on board for the initial book jacket summary of the book, but once it began to turgidly unfold, I couldn't wait to reach the end and move on. This will be the first and last "Afterlife, Inc" book I ever read.
ARC provided by NetGalley
From the moment Selene is introduced, she's grating with this underlying sense of superiority that never quite leaves her. I am thrilled beyond belief that I finally made it through the book so that I never have to read another soap box diatribe on why science and philosophy are amazing and religions are crutches. It's like trying to have a nice dinner party with friends but someone invited "that guy" who keeps bringing up religion and politics, just itching for a fight.
Alec as one of the avenging furies is the far more interesting protagonist, but once she becomes involved with Selene, she's more like a lap dog looking for a head scratch and belly rub. If this was going to be a series (ugh) pacing-wise I would have liked to see the relationship hold out a bit more from turning romantic because the moment that happens, Alec no longer felt dangerous or powerful. Or interesting, really.
Selene was a hard character for me to find sympathetic. I was on board for the initial book jacket summary of the book, but once it began to turgidly unfold, I couldn't wait to reach the end and move on. This will be the first and last "Afterlife, Inc" book I ever read.
ARC provided by NetGalley
August 24, 2019
I have a soft spot for stories that see gods walk amongst us, often more human than any of us. This was a nice take on the idea that gods will vanish when people stop believing in them, that also features in American Gods, Small Gods, and no doubt many more. What this adds is a nice love story between an ancient fury of justice and a seemingly very human philosophy professor. Who is open minded but not a believer. She’s coping well with finding that nothing she knows to be true actually is.
If you are religious this might not be for you. It’s not going out of its way to be insulting to religion but meeting their very humanised deities might not be for everyone.
Up until the end this was a clear 5 stars from me. But the drama and tension resolved too conveniently and easily for my liking and was a bit of a let down.
The author is clearly a great writer and well-read. I’m looking forward to Part 2.
If you are religious this might not be for you. It’s not going out of its way to be insulting to religion but meeting their very humanised deities might not be for everyone.
Up until the end this was a clear 5 stars from me. But the drama and tension resolved too conveniently and easily for my liking and was a bit of a let down.
The author is clearly a great writer and well-read. I’m looking forward to Part 2.
October 22, 2021
3.8 star rating
So many absurd parts in this book that I couldn't stop laughing on many occasions.
This is a story where supernaturals are seen living human like and that really makes this weirdly funny.
Entertaining read.
So many absurd parts in this book that I couldn't stop laughing on many occasions.
This is a story where supernaturals are seen living human like and that really makes this weirdly funny.
Entertaining read.
May 26, 2022
I like the plot and the flow. I thought it could be longer, ending is a bit sudden to me. On the bright side, there are two other books in the series. I got to know of this book when a GR friend read and recommended it recently. I forgot who the friend is, but thanks all the same.
September 21, 2018
This commentary applies to all 3 books in the trilogy “Fury’s Bridge” (Book 1), “Fury’s Choice" (Book 2), and “Fury’s Death” (Book 3).
I recently had a blast reading Brey Willows‘ Fury Trilogy (Afterlife Inc. series)! Never had I encountered anything like this before! All the Gods, Demigods, Demons, Devils, Furies, Angels, even the Cosmos, the list goes on… from all types of religions, philosophies, mythologies that you can think of, gathering together, mingling with mere mortals?! Wow! Now THAT’s original!
Yup, the trilogy is told around 3 Fury sisters, featured in each Book – Black (Alec), White (Tis) and Red (Meg) romancing a philosopher, philanthropist and Death, respectively, and saving the world along with their cohorts! Think Greek mythology & philosophers, Egyptian and Asian mythologies, old and new religions, Shakespeare’s Macbeth, Medusa, Dante Aligheri’s works (Purgatory, Inferno, Paradiso), so on and so forth! Just so many references from so many different kinds of literature, philosophies, theologies, mythologies and science that I’ve read throughout the years!
Full commentary here... In Bugs' Own Words
I recently had a blast reading Brey Willows‘ Fury Trilogy (Afterlife Inc. series)! Never had I encountered anything like this before! All the Gods, Demigods, Demons, Devils, Furies, Angels, even the Cosmos, the list goes on… from all types of religions, philosophies, mythologies that you can think of, gathering together, mingling with mere mortals?! Wow! Now THAT’s original!
Yup, the trilogy is told around 3 Fury sisters, featured in each Book – Black (Alec), White (Tis) and Red (Meg) romancing a philosopher, philanthropist and Death, respectively, and saving the world along with their cohorts! Think Greek mythology & philosophers, Egyptian and Asian mythologies, old and new religions, Shakespeare’s Macbeth, Medusa, Dante Aligheri’s works (Purgatory, Inferno, Paradiso), so on and so forth! Just so many references from so many different kinds of literature, philosophies, theologies, mythologies and science that I’ve read throughout the years!
Full commentary here... In Bugs' Own Words
May 7, 2017
I liked the idea of the book with the Gods all living in a building, however I found the book spent way too long setting out the relationship between the really bland and lacklustre Selene and the fury. The actual Gods in the St Monica building part didn't start until approximately half way through when I was honestly losing the will to live, despite the book blurb very much selling this as what the book was about. It's as if the author was trying to drag the story word count out. Maybe as it's a trilogy that's what she was trying to do. As mentioned I didn't find the main character dynamic or anyone I'd be interested in reading more about. This is a very average book.
April 7, 2021
I really liked the idea, the writing style and the characters. No complaints from me
March 14, 2018
A trilogy I hadn’t come across until Fury’s Death hit my inbox, these three are an interesting mix of fantasy and realism with a romance on top.
In Fury’s Bridge Alectho (Alec), one of the three mythical Fury sisters, is given the job of saving the world by the Fates. She must convince Selene Perkton, an atheist philosophy professor in LA who think humanity would be better off without religion, that the gods exist and work at a company called Afterlife in LA. Together they must defeat the forces of darkness threatening to overwhelm the world, and along the way work out how to deal with their obvious attraction.
The whole is an intriguing concept, light and playfully done but well researched and constructed, with enough ancient and mythological detail to make it work without ever becoming an theology lesson. If you believe in a higher being how would you react to God or Jesus, Jehovah or Mohammed, being available by email? If you don’t believe, how would you feel if the gods – all of them – materialised?
Brey Willows has created an amusing cast from Fates and Furies to the gods of old; led, managed and bullied along by Z, (Zeus). The gods are extremely well done, literally personifying the characteristics we associate with them, drawn with wit and humour, they are exactly who we would expect them to be. God (that’s the Christian God, he’s called God) is a bit stuffy and rather serious, Jesus has some level of resentment towards his father but does well with his sandal business, Azrael is really concerned with how people perceive Hell and wants to do a complete overhaul, Death is contemplating what happens to those who believe Death is a destination.
The romances are well done, unusual issues when eternal forces fall for mortal humans and mental concepts collide. But while the romances are central, the stories are far bigger, dealing, albeit lightly, with the constant battle between good and evil, forces of Chaos and destruction wanting humanity to destroy itself while the gods make a stand for peace, love and ecological sanity.
Thoroughly enjoyed these; romances with a difference, fantasy set in the here and now with an interesting twist. Highly recommended.
In Fury’s Bridge Alectho (Alec), one of the three mythical Fury sisters, is given the job of saving the world by the Fates. She must convince Selene Perkton, an atheist philosophy professor in LA who think humanity would be better off without religion, that the gods exist and work at a company called Afterlife in LA. Together they must defeat the forces of darkness threatening to overwhelm the world, and along the way work out how to deal with their obvious attraction.
The whole is an intriguing concept, light and playfully done but well researched and constructed, with enough ancient and mythological detail to make it work without ever becoming an theology lesson. If you believe in a higher being how would you react to God or Jesus, Jehovah or Mohammed, being available by email? If you don’t believe, how would you feel if the gods – all of them – materialised?
Brey Willows has created an amusing cast from Fates and Furies to the gods of old; led, managed and bullied along by Z, (Zeus). The gods are extremely well done, literally personifying the characteristics we associate with them, drawn with wit and humour, they are exactly who we would expect them to be. God (that’s the Christian God, he’s called God) is a bit stuffy and rather serious, Jesus has some level of resentment towards his father but does well with his sandal business, Azrael is really concerned with how people perceive Hell and wants to do a complete overhaul, Death is contemplating what happens to those who believe Death is a destination.
The romances are well done, unusual issues when eternal forces fall for mortal humans and mental concepts collide. But while the romances are central, the stories are far bigger, dealing, albeit lightly, with the constant battle between good and evil, forces of Chaos and destruction wanting humanity to destroy itself while the gods make a stand for peace, love and ecological sanity.
Thoroughly enjoyed these; romances with a difference, fantasy set in the here and now with an interesting twist. Highly recommended.
September 22, 2020
I am always up for a paranormal/ urban fantasy where the supernatural beings are part of the world they live in and have to deal with how they interact with humans, so this is right up my alley. In this case, all the gods and goddess, demi gods, and religious figures from all of known human history are living beings that only exist insofar as people believe in them. Problem is, humans are not believing as much or as strongly as before, and the gods are fading.
The book and series follows the exploits of the three furies from the Greek legends. They are some of the oldest immortals and are not likely to fade because they represent vengeance and justice. So, it is up to one of the sisters, Nic, to find and convince a philosophy professor to convince humans to believe again. Unfortunately, this professor is an atheist, and uses her job to question faith. So Nic has to struggle with her own fears while guiding Dr. Selene Perkton.
This is a sneaky smart book, it does have themes of faith vs burdens of proof, how strong a god's powers are based on the strength of their own imagination. I love the little details that pop up in the book, it just gives more life into the world building. I also like that the gods have basically made themselves into a bureaucracy, with Zeus (now Zed) as the head of the company. So many things make this book wonderful.
The center of the book is the relationship between Nic and Selene. Selene is stuck in a rut, while she felt content with her life, she knows that she can do better. When Nic comes into her life, she realized that she was missing a partner who makes her feel wanted. But Nic, being supernatural and on a mission to save her coworkers and friends, is very much drawn to Selene's intellect and beauty but does not know when to reveal her true form. When that inevitably happens, the book really takes off. Selene and Nic are the heart of the book, and the heart of the theme. Again, it is a sneaky smart book, and I couldn't wait to see how they would grow with the theme. It also helps that they have some excellent chemistry and their romance is hot and sweet at the same time.
I love this first book, and recommend it to readers who like the Toby Daye series or even the Kate Daniel series, but more gay.
The book and series follows the exploits of the three furies from the Greek legends. They are some of the oldest immortals and are not likely to fade because they represent vengeance and justice. So, it is up to one of the sisters, Nic, to find and convince a philosophy professor to convince humans to believe again. Unfortunately, this professor is an atheist, and uses her job to question faith. So Nic has to struggle with her own fears while guiding Dr. Selene Perkton.
This is a sneaky smart book, it does have themes of faith vs burdens of proof, how strong a god's powers are based on the strength of their own imagination. I love the little details that pop up in the book, it just gives more life into the world building. I also like that the gods have basically made themselves into a bureaucracy, with Zeus (now Zed) as the head of the company. So many things make this book wonderful.
The center of the book is the relationship between Nic and Selene. Selene is stuck in a rut, while she felt content with her life, she knows that she can do better. When Nic comes into her life, she realized that she was missing a partner who makes her feel wanted. But Nic, being supernatural and on a mission to save her coworkers and friends, is very much drawn to Selene's intellect and beauty but does not know when to reveal her true form. When that inevitably happens, the book really takes off. Selene and Nic are the heart of the book, and the heart of the theme. Again, it is a sneaky smart book, and I couldn't wait to see how they would grow with the theme. It also helps that they have some excellent chemistry and their romance is hot and sweet at the same time.
I love this first book, and recommend it to readers who like the Toby Daye series or even the Kate Daniel series, but more gay.
July 19, 2018
Wow! When I first heard the premise of this book, the Gods are real and they live in Santa Monica, I immediately thought of Neil Gaiman and his book "American Gods", or Bill Willingham's graphic novel series "Fables", or even the television show "Once Upon a Time". In short, the idea of gods or creatures of myths, legends and fairytales being real and attempting to live 'normal' lives has been done. But nobody has done it like Brey Willows. She's managed to blend a delicious romance between two unlikely characters, a human and a Fury, with a bit of a mystery novel, while at the same time creating a believable world and very compelling characters. When the main character attends a party hosted by another Fury (remember there are three) and attended by all manner of Gods and demigods from Zeus to Jesus in sandals and board shorts, not to mention some miscellaneous Celtic and Roman gods, I was all in. The authors knowledge of mythology from various cultures is impressive. I found myself checking Google a few times to confirm or refresh my memory of who characters were supposed to be, and they all were spot on. The story held my interest throughout. There are two or three love scenes, which are not something I necessarily need or even sometime want in a story, but these seemed to help further the story and were just explicit enough to keep me intrigued without reaching erotica levels. I don't recall the last time I read the last line of a book and said HA! out loud. I did this time. I know this is the first in a series. I look forward to following the author on the rest of this ride and I'm so glad I picked up this treat of a book.
March 19, 2017
This was an absolutely incredible first novel from Brey Willows. I don't usually read any books of the supernatural/fantasy genre but I'm so glad I decided to give this a go. I loved every minute of reading it.
Selene is a philosophy professor in LA leading a quiet and calculated life. Sensible shoes, a girlfriend of three years who she only sees on select evenings, train rides to work in company of the conductor, an air horn for the bears that sometimes come visit her in her secluded cabin... Everything is as it should be. But then she meets Alec and her life is thrown off course when Alec reveals who she really is and why they were destined to meet.
I liked that even though many of the characters were Gods and Goddesses and other mythical creatures it was still totally relatable. The book is set in LA not in some other world and I think that the ever present realism made this an easy and entertaining read in a genre I usually never venture into.
I don't know if I felt infinitely smarter after reading this book or infinitely stupider because much of the philosophical musings went over my head. This book was brilliant and thought provoking with topics touching on philosophy, religion, faith, belief, hope, evolution, perception. Can I say incredible again? Because, yes, incredible.
The tension and affection between our leading ladies was downright sizzling and downright perfect. I loved Selene's house and Alec's as well - I can just imagine how beautiful they were. The dialogue was witty and the clever humour throughout the book was fabulous - Jesus and Mohammed at the water cooler had to be one of my favourite moments in the book.
I will 100% be reading the other books in the series. I loved Death as a character and I'm hoping we get to see her again and maybe see her get her happy ending.
I received an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Selene is a philosophy professor in LA leading a quiet and calculated life. Sensible shoes, a girlfriend of three years who she only sees on select evenings, train rides to work in company of the conductor, an air horn for the bears that sometimes come visit her in her secluded cabin... Everything is as it should be. But then she meets Alec and her life is thrown off course when Alec reveals who she really is and why they were destined to meet.
I liked that even though many of the characters were Gods and Goddesses and other mythical creatures it was still totally relatable. The book is set in LA not in some other world and I think that the ever present realism made this an easy and entertaining read in a genre I usually never venture into.
I don't know if I felt infinitely smarter after reading this book or infinitely stupider because much of the philosophical musings went over my head. This book was brilliant and thought provoking with topics touching on philosophy, religion, faith, belief, hope, evolution, perception. Can I say incredible again? Because, yes, incredible.
The tension and affection between our leading ladies was downright sizzling and downright perfect. I loved Selene's house and Alec's as well - I can just imagine how beautiful they were. The dialogue was witty and the clever humour throughout the book was fabulous - Jesus and Mohammed at the water cooler had to be one of my favourite moments in the book.
I will 100% be reading the other books in the series. I loved Death as a character and I'm hoping we get to see her again and maybe see her get her happy ending.
I received an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 3, 2020
An extremely interesting take on religion, & deities and demons of all sorts. This fun supernatural romp will make you think &laugh. I can't wait to start the next book in the trilogy.
This is the premier novel. The main character Selene is a philosophy professor. She's a logical thinker, who enjoys teaching her students. She's dating her stuffy accountant girlfriend Mika.
One day she's walking & accidentally gets a coffee spilled on her by Alec. This is the catalyst for so many things😉
This is the premier novel. The main character Selene is a philosophy professor. She's a logical thinker, who enjoys teaching her students. She's dating her stuffy accountant girlfriend Mika.
One day she's walking & accidentally gets a coffee spilled on her by Alec. This is the catalyst for so many things😉
November 25, 2022
Where to start?
This is a re-read of my all-time favourite book (and series for that matter), the first in the Afterlife Inc. trilogy, in preparation for starting the author’s A Memory’s Muses series, which is also set in the Afterlife Inc. universe.
To be clear, in saying this is my favourite book, I really do mean F-A-V-O-U-R-I-T-E book. If I could only read one book for the rest of my life, this would be it, without a shadow of a doubt.
Whenever I start to read this series I’m incessantly excited to delve back into the amazing world that Willows’ has created for her readers. And without fail, every time I reach the end of Fury’s Bridge (or any of the other books in the series), I desperately hope that the Afterlife Inc. world is real, and that I simply just don���t know it, yet! It’s a world I can completely immerse myself into. One where Willows’ expertise at her craft, produces an endless array of avenues for a reader’s imagination to run wild down, time and time again.
And the protagonists who are running amok with your imagination are none other than, Alectho (Alec) Graves – an avenging, smoking hot, bad-ass mythical (Greek) fury, and Selene Perkton – philosophy professor, logical thinker and all round ordinary human being, or so she thinks…As Alec and Selene’s relationship begins to blossom and grow, the weight of the truth weighs heavily on Alec’s shoulders, but telling Selene the truth will change everything. Can Alec simultaneously tear apart Selene’s belief system and hold onto the unexpected love she’s found? Can Selene forgive Alec and come to terms with her universe being turned upside down in order to save both humanity and the gods?
Only time and a hell of a lot of soul searching will tell…
Unfortunately for both Alec and Selene, time is of the essence if the gods are to be prevented from fading away entirely. But Alec has her work cut out for her because, where there’s good, there’s also bad, and the dark side have thrown their weight behind atheist and philosopher celebrity, Frey Falconi, in the hopes of bringing Selene into the darkness, so that chaos can rule.
The nuts and bolts of Fury’s Bridge revolve around the key concepts of religion, philosophy and mythology. Through the thoughts, feelings and experiences of Alec and Selene, readers are introduced to two opposing discourses; religion and faith, and philosophy and logical thinking. Whilst at first glance, this might appear to be a ‘heavy’ book, it’s actually anything but. Sure, the juxtaposition of religion and philosophy certainly lends itself to engaging questions and material for readers to ponder over, but Willows compliments this with healthy splurges of wit and humour, and did i mention the hot sex with a fury…a fury that has wings, and fangs…
Despite the core of this story being grounded in religion, the author does a fantastic job of treading the line between exploring opposite positions without leaning one way or another, nor forcing any particular viewpoint onto readers. If you’re the type of reader who’d see the word ‘religion’ and run a mile, let me reassure you – this isn’t that type of book. Instead the book reads like an imaginative playground, where anything is possible and the fun is in submerging yourself into the Afterlife Inc. world and seeing where you end up.
In my opinion, Willows has a creativity and quality to her writing that few can match. It takes significant expertise to produce a world and characters that are truly palpable – like I could step outside of my front door and not bat an eyelid at seeing Jesus in a tank top and board shorts, marketing his new clothing line.
Because that is the real world, right?
It’s no surprise then, that I’ve yet to find another book which has drawn me in so completely, whilst still hitting the bullseye for intriguing plot and well developed characters. For me, Fury’s Bridge stands out from the crowd for a reason, the story is different and unusual, whilst still retaining all the hallmarks of a fantastic piece of writing. I mean where else would you find Zed (aka Zeus) still with his lightning bolt, but now answering prayers via email and riding around in a convertible BMW?!
If you haven’t read this book, you’re denying your imagination the time of its life!
This is a re-read of my all-time favourite book (and series for that matter), the first in the Afterlife Inc. trilogy, in preparation for starting the author’s A Memory’s Muses series, which is also set in the Afterlife Inc. universe.
To be clear, in saying this is my favourite book, I really do mean F-A-V-O-U-R-I-T-E book. If I could only read one book for the rest of my life, this would be it, without a shadow of a doubt.
Whenever I start to read this series I’m incessantly excited to delve back into the amazing world that Willows’ has created for her readers. And without fail, every time I reach the end of Fury’s Bridge (or any of the other books in the series), I desperately hope that the Afterlife Inc. world is real, and that I simply just don���t know it, yet! It’s a world I can completely immerse myself into. One where Willows’ expertise at her craft, produces an endless array of avenues for a reader’s imagination to run wild down, time and time again.
And the protagonists who are running amok with your imagination are none other than, Alectho (Alec) Graves – an avenging, smoking hot, bad-ass mythical (Greek) fury, and Selene Perkton – philosophy professor, logical thinker and all round ordinary human being, or so she thinks…As Alec and Selene’s relationship begins to blossom and grow, the weight of the truth weighs heavily on Alec’s shoulders, but telling Selene the truth will change everything. Can Alec simultaneously tear apart Selene’s belief system and hold onto the unexpected love she’s found? Can Selene forgive Alec and come to terms with her universe being turned upside down in order to save both humanity and the gods?
Only time and a hell of a lot of soul searching will tell…
Unfortunately for both Alec and Selene, time is of the essence if the gods are to be prevented from fading away entirely. But Alec has her work cut out for her because, where there’s good, there’s also bad, and the dark side have thrown their weight behind atheist and philosopher celebrity, Frey Falconi, in the hopes of bringing Selene into the darkness, so that chaos can rule.
The nuts and bolts of Fury’s Bridge revolve around the key concepts of religion, philosophy and mythology. Through the thoughts, feelings and experiences of Alec and Selene, readers are introduced to two opposing discourses; religion and faith, and philosophy and logical thinking. Whilst at first glance, this might appear to be a ‘heavy’ book, it’s actually anything but. Sure, the juxtaposition of religion and philosophy certainly lends itself to engaging questions and material for readers to ponder over, but Willows compliments this with healthy splurges of wit and humour, and did i mention the hot sex with a fury…a fury that has wings, and fangs…
Despite the core of this story being grounded in religion, the author does a fantastic job of treading the line between exploring opposite positions without leaning one way or another, nor forcing any particular viewpoint onto readers. If you’re the type of reader who’d see the word ‘religion’ and run a mile, let me reassure you – this isn’t that type of book. Instead the book reads like an imaginative playground, where anything is possible and the fun is in submerging yourself into the Afterlife Inc. world and seeing where you end up.
In my opinion, Willows has a creativity and quality to her writing that few can match. It takes significant expertise to produce a world and characters that are truly palpable – like I could step outside of my front door and not bat an eyelid at seeing Jesus in a tank top and board shorts, marketing his new clothing line.
Because that is the real world, right?
It’s no surprise then, that I’ve yet to find another book which has drawn me in so completely, whilst still hitting the bullseye for intriguing plot and well developed characters. For me, Fury’s Bridge stands out from the crowd for a reason, the story is different and unusual, whilst still retaining all the hallmarks of a fantastic piece of writing. I mean where else would you find Zed (aka Zeus) still with his lightning bolt, but now answering prayers via email and riding around in a convertible BMW?!
If you haven’t read this book, you’re denying your imagination the time of its life!
February 17, 2017
A great paranormal read! So I am giving it a 5 stars!
The author took their time to research different paranormal creatures and put a lot of time into the character of Selene. Selene is funny, strong and yet her heartbreak from being in foster care and alone most of her life has caused her to doubt her worth. There is a point where you can feel Selene isn't happy with her girlfriend Mika, but Selene won't pull the trigger to end it. Yet you know Selene wants out. However when Mika suggest it, the pain of years of feeling abandoned surface for Selene.
Alec is charming, and also a fury. Enough said. She starts out on a 'job' assignment, but by the end she is having to accept different feelings than she has hand for many years.
It's a fun read and I highly recommend this book.
Avenging fury Alectho (Alec) Graves has been tasked with saving the world, when she isn’t out seeking justice for those innocents who suffer at the hands of evil-doers. If she fails in her mission, those she loves will cease to exist.
Selene Perkton is a philosophy professor in Los Angeles. She lives an ordinary, well scheduled life, and knows her place in it. When Alec appears, the world she thought she knew becomes a very different place.
Can Alec and Selene put aside their differences, or will the evil lurking in the shadows manage to pull them apart?
ARC provided by publisher for an honest review.
February 24, 2018
I loved Fury’s Bridge and I’m not sure I can even define why. I initially tried to write a review on it right after finishing it and couldn’t come up with anything that seemed valuable to share. I’ve read so many reviews on this book that give it far more justice than I ever could. Still, nothing got me to actually purchase and commit to reading this book except a really good sale. I’m thankful for that sale, as I loved this enough to go out and buy book 2 immediately afterwards. Yes, I fell into their evil ploy...take my money.
Anyway, my thought is that pure romance fans may read the synopsis or see this shelved under fantasy and immediately think, ‘not my cup of tea.’ That was my initial reaction, too.
My personal thought is that this is much more a romance than a fantasy/paranormal book, but that could be because I read it from the perspective of a romance fan, not a fantasy fan. Perhaps it’s a misunderstanding on my part, but I suppose I expect fantasy to involve more world building and more fantastical creature descriptors. Because one of the main themes of this book is religion, there wasn’t much necessity to explore the physicality of the mythical creatures/gods here because, for the most part, many of us are raised with a preconceived notion of what the gods across many religions look like. Since this information is already in our head, it’s not hard to imagine for ourselves. Even without that, there’s Google. Look up the three furies, Zeus, or Ganesh, chose the one most appealing to you, and carry on. This may not be a tactic for everyone, but I love books that make me pause and look up information on different subjects.
The main setting of this book is in Southern California, so even if you’ve never been there, it’s still a place of this world; so, as noted, not much need for world building. This may not be something that’s appreciated by fantasy/paranormal fans, but I loved it because I was able to focus on the story rather than imagining a world that’s supposed to be a 3rd MC.
There is certainly thought provoking subject matter in Fury’s Bridge, along with adventure and some mystery; all of which I thoroughly enjoyed. This book is well written and it’s obvious that the author has a long history with the written word. Overall, after all this carrying on, I suppose my only point is that I don’t think pure-romance readers should shy away from this one.
And now, for me, on to book 2...
April 24, 2022
The beginning of a trilogy with the three Furies from Roman mythology
I always enjoyed reading and learning about various mythologies since childhood, and that was what had drawn me to this series. It wasn't restricted to just one belief system, and which was much of the fun in the story. It was a mix of romantic comedy with forbidden love, added with an ensemble of amusing deities, making it very enjoyable. Can't wait for the next two books!
I always enjoyed reading and learning about various mythologies since childhood, and that was what had drawn me to this series. It wasn't restricted to just one belief system, and which was much of the fun in the story. It was a mix of romantic comedy with forbidden love, added with an ensemble of amusing deities, making it very enjoyable. Can't wait for the next two books!
June 16, 2019
What a great concept - all the gods and goddesses throughout the ages are still around, working out of an office building in LA, and dealing with how to remain relevant as humanity moves away from religion and belief towards science and reason. Each of these entities is dependent on belief and some are starting to fade as they fall from memory and worship. Enter Alec - one of the Furies, not a goddess but a universal concept of justice/retribution that transcends religion so she's relatively safe - who is given the task of watching over Selene, a philosophy professor who happens to be at the centre of a prophecy and the focal point of some not so nice gods' plans. Willows does a fantastic job of setting up the premise and it's obvious she's done her research - I've always been fascinated with mythology and religion and I kept getting distracted googling to find out more about the god characters (not all of them are familiar/standard gods and goddesses and in some cases they are archetypes or global concepts like Justice or Death), which made my inner geek very happy. Between the plot and the premise, I found this to be an extremely intriguing book.
On top of an fascinating concept, Willows layers on the budding relationship between Alec and Selene and develops both the characters nicely while introducing a pretty large cast of supporting characters (loved Alec's sister and Zeus). The romance works, as does the intrigue/mystery portion as Alec and Selene dodge attacks from the bad guys and work together to thwart the larger nefarious plan as well as figure out how Selene fits into the prophecy.. This is the first in a series, so not everything is settled but the some of the main plot points do wrap up so you won't necessarily be throwing the book across the room in frustration - but you will definitely be on the look out for the next one.
On top of an fascinating concept, Willows layers on the budding relationship between Alec and Selene and develops both the characters nicely while introducing a pretty large cast of supporting characters (loved Alec's sister and Zeus). The romance works, as does the intrigue/mystery portion as Alec and Selene dodge attacks from the bad guys and work together to thwart the larger nefarious plan as well as figure out how Selene fits into the prophecy.. This is the first in a series, so not everything is settled but the some of the main plot points do wrap up so you won't necessarily be throwing the book across the room in frustration - but you will definitely be on the look out for the next one.
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