What do you think?
Rate this book
Chamiel
1st edition Quartet 1973 paperback, vg++ In stock shipped from our UK warehouse
128 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1973
3 people are currently reading
145 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
March 3, 2017
Chamiel the angel visits a human boy throughout his life and relays stories about his own life: his boyhood in Heaven, his tutelage under Archangel Michael, the War of Revolt and the casting of the Black Angel from Heaven, various side adventures, and the fall from grace of Adam and Eve.
all of that sounds so amazing to read as a finite story between two covers, all of those great tales that have been told through so many vehicles, now one simple tale to be read as a sort of adventurous personal narrative. an angel's personal narrative. sadly, the prose let me down. it is as if the Black Angel himself made the writing as pedestrian as possible so that it reads more like a casual account of certain events rather than a grand vision. alas! the writing is certainly not bad or inept, it just lacks any sort of flair. uninspiring prose.
but I will give Pearson my respect nonetheless. this may not be lyrical yet epic Tolkien or warmly human Lewis or even drolly stylish Dunsany, but the story here is well-told and engaging. there are occasional moments of beauty in the spare simplicity of the writing, and in the often pastoral imagery. Pearson is happy to approach his story sideways to surprise the reader or straight-on when he wants them to be right there. the battle between the legions of Good and Ill was exciting enough (flying cones of fire!) and includes a literal deus ex machina. I can't remember if I've ever read about a deus ex machina that features the actual Deus.
SPOILERS AHEAD
Pearson's approach to Adam and Eve and that infernal snake was interesting. an unusual take. Black Angel comes to Eve in his own form (i.e. hot). Eve's fall from grace isn't due to any apple, it is simply because she slept ("companied together") with sexy Black Angel because why not. Adam's fall from grace comes because that sneaky devil tells him all about it under the guise of brotherly concern, and so Adam starts feeling this new thing called "jealousy" that makes him uncomfortable and unsure of himself, and unable to even look at Eve in the same way. then Eve starts wearing a skirt because she's feeling a little uncomfortable with herself now too. and so off the unhappy duo go from Eden because home just doesn't feel like home anymore.
so yeah, that was an unusual take on that topic. I appreciated how Pearson makes Eve curious and soulful rather than wanton or irresponsible. he has Adam realize that he has taken Eve for granted. Pearson treats this sequence, and all others, with straightforward seriousness while leaving a lot of room for ambiguity. this is his style throughout the book. he doesn't stand in judgment and even the Black Angel is treated fairly by him. only God should judge! and Goodreads reviewers too, of course.
MORE SPOILERS
my favorite part of this unique little novel is when Chamiel meets the Lord... who takes on the image of whoever He is meeting with. fascinating!
all of that sounds so amazing to read as a finite story between two covers, all of those great tales that have been told through so many vehicles, now one simple tale to be read as a sort of adventurous personal narrative. an angel's personal narrative. sadly, the prose let me down. it is as if the Black Angel himself made the writing as pedestrian as possible so that it reads more like a casual account of certain events rather than a grand vision. alas! the writing is certainly not bad or inept, it just lacks any sort of flair. uninspiring prose.
but I will give Pearson my respect nonetheless. this may not be lyrical yet epic Tolkien or warmly human Lewis or even drolly stylish Dunsany, but the story here is well-told and engaging. there are occasional moments of beauty in the spare simplicity of the writing, and in the often pastoral imagery. Pearson is happy to approach his story sideways to surprise the reader or straight-on when he wants them to be right there. the battle between the legions of Good and Ill was exciting enough (flying cones of fire!) and includes a literal deus ex machina. I can't remember if I've ever read about a deus ex machina that features the actual Deus.
SPOILERS AHEAD
Pearson's approach to Adam and Eve and that infernal snake was interesting. an unusual take. Black Angel comes to Eve in his own form (i.e. hot). Eve's fall from grace isn't due to any apple, it is simply because she slept ("companied together") with sexy Black Angel because why not. Adam's fall from grace comes because that sneaky devil tells him all about it under the guise of brotherly concern, and so Adam starts feeling this new thing called "jealousy" that makes him uncomfortable and unsure of himself, and unable to even look at Eve in the same way. then Eve starts wearing a skirt because she's feeling a little uncomfortable with herself now too. and so off the unhappy duo go from Eden because home just doesn't feel like home anymore.
so yeah, that was an unusual take on that topic. I appreciated how Pearson makes Eve curious and soulful rather than wanton or irresponsible. he has Adam realize that he has taken Eve for granted. Pearson treats this sequence, and all others, with straightforward seriousness while leaving a lot of room for ambiguity. this is his style throughout the book. he doesn't stand in judgment and even the Black Angel is treated fairly by him. only God should judge! and Goodreads reviewers too, of course.
MORE SPOILERS
my favorite part of this unique little novel is when Chamiel meets the Lord... who takes on the image of whoever He is meeting with. fascinating!
"Michael - when I saw the Lord - when He talked to me, d'you know what I saw?"I think the cover is quite striking but I'm not sure who it is supposed to represent. Based on the descriptions within, it is certainly neither Black Angel nor Chamiel.
"Yes. I think so. But you must tell me yourself."
"I saw myself."
Michael smiled and put his hand on my knee.
"Yes. You did. All of us see ourselves when we meet Him. We see in Him all that we should be. He is each one of us. For how else could He know us all? That is why we have no fear of Him. That is why He knows us."
"Yes," I answered and I was too full of thought to say any more.
November 26, 2015
Chamiel is a hidden gem. I am suprised at how unknown and unrecognized this book is in the Fantasy canon. First published in London, 1973 and released a year later in the States, the book was written by its equally obscure author, Edward Pearson, who mysteriously has seemed to disappear from the writing scene after this book was published. The front cover states, 'A magnificent epic in the tradition of J.R.R. Tolkien,' which becomes apparent halfway through its mere 143 pages. I'd also compare, contrast, and praise this book in relation to another 'epic' fantasy writer, who on the other hand is extremely well-known, C.S.Lewis. Both The Narnia Chronicles and Chamiel possess incredibly noteworthy and 'fantastic' Christian imaginings---The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe, metaphorically, and Chamiel, rather directly. Perhaps, because of Pearson's direct style with its religious content and plot, the book unfortunately never caught on.
Simply, the main character of the story, Chamiel, as the book begins, is a young angel under Archangel Michael's apprenticeship. Most of the book takes place in a Heaven, a rolling, majestic, unspoiled earth. The story includes the rebellion of the Black Angel against God/part Creation Story/Original Sin.
Overall, I found the story to be very well-written, meaningful, and welcome in its portrayal of Heaven and characterizations. In fact, I really liked how Heaven was portrayed, which should be appreciated by many Fantasy readers as well as Nature enthusiasts.
Maybe the weakest part of this little epic in 143 pages is the beginning, where we find Chamiel on Earth about to begin narrating his story to a young boy (which lends a slightly juvenile tone in the first few pages)---but, (a) this was necessary for how the story is narrated by Chamiel, himself, and (b) David, the human boy, in retrospect, gives the story a dimension of time that helps and marks reference points. Soon into the book, any worry that I had disappeared...
The real meat of the book (as it should be) is in the middle, and I can best describe by pulling a quote from the book's back cover by C. Day Lewis,
"The writing is surely excellent; many passages have a vivid unearthliness....Exotic yet coherent imagining...bold and unusual."
I strongly agree with this quote, as I found the language and heavy visuals of Pearson's descriptions absolutely wonderful and compelling.
It may also be important to recognize the meaning behind his portrayal of Heaven (as Archangel Michael explains to Chamiel on p.70, 'Even Heaven can be troubled without end.'), the hard 'earthly' but fantastic terrain, and the trials of characters in the book. (It's not all roses in Heaven, necessarily).
My final words: I find this book, unique, expressive, and admirable. A true wonder. A fast and pleasant read. And a real bargain for the 20 cents (December 2008) I got Chamiel for at the last remaining used bookstore in my area.
About the Cover: The Pocket Book version cover with the illustration by Michael Gross is fantastic and fits the tone and visual assets of the author perfectly.
Simply, the main character of the story, Chamiel, as the book begins, is a young angel under Archangel Michael's apprenticeship. Most of the book takes place in a Heaven, a rolling, majestic, unspoiled earth. The story includes the rebellion of the Black Angel against God/part Creation Story/Original Sin.
Overall, I found the story to be very well-written, meaningful, and welcome in its portrayal of Heaven and characterizations. In fact, I really liked how Heaven was portrayed, which should be appreciated by many Fantasy readers as well as Nature enthusiasts.
Maybe the weakest part of this little epic in 143 pages is the beginning, where we find Chamiel on Earth about to begin narrating his story to a young boy (which lends a slightly juvenile tone in the first few pages)---but, (a) this was necessary for how the story is narrated by Chamiel, himself, and (b) David, the human boy, in retrospect, gives the story a dimension of time that helps and marks reference points. Soon into the book, any worry that I had disappeared...
The real meat of the book (as it should be) is in the middle, and I can best describe by pulling a quote from the book's back cover by C. Day Lewis,
"The writing is surely excellent; many passages have a vivid unearthliness....Exotic yet coherent imagining...bold and unusual."
I strongly agree with this quote, as I found the language and heavy visuals of Pearson's descriptions absolutely wonderful and compelling.
It may also be important to recognize the meaning behind his portrayal of Heaven (as Archangel Michael explains to Chamiel on p.70, 'Even Heaven can be troubled without end.'), the hard 'earthly' but fantastic terrain, and the trials of characters in the book. (It's not all roses in Heaven, necessarily).
My final words: I find this book, unique, expressive, and admirable. A true wonder. A fast and pleasant read. And a real bargain for the 20 cents (December 2008) I got Chamiel for at the last remaining used bookstore in my area.
About the Cover: The Pocket Book version cover with the illustration by Michael Gross is fantastic and fits the tone and visual assets of the author perfectly.
January 15, 2018
An obscure and charming book from an unknown author, a pastor whose only fictional work was this slim fantasy.
It chronicles the life of the angel Chamiel as he relates his part in heaven's war and its aftermath to a young boy, and ends with a curious interpretation of Genesis and Eden.
All told, its style echoes Lewis more than Tolkien, both in its simple, poetic prose and its unorthodox metaphors. Certainly worthwhile.
It chronicles the life of the angel Chamiel as he relates his part in heaven's war and its aftermath to a young boy, and ends with a curious interpretation of Genesis and Eden.
All told, its style echoes Lewis more than Tolkien, both in its simple, poetic prose and its unorthodox metaphors. Certainly worthwhile.
January 3, 2015
Truly a hidden gem. I read Chamiel in 1982 and have remembered it ever since. The sense of wonder pervading the story and the vivid language add beautifully to the experience of reading it, but the element that won me over completely was the voice of the protagonist. Chamiel's naivety combined with his humility and essential love utterly beguiled me. I wish there were more books set in this fantasy Heaven, relating Chamiel's experiences as he grew to his full maturity and power.
September 24, 2018
What a strange little book.
September 16, 2023
As softly spoken a vision of epic fall, as ever was writ. Not that Chamiel falls. No; he's a minor character in the Miltonian struggle; narrating the events to a human ages later, explaining why he declined glorious rebellion.
The problem with unfallen angels is that they have no story but service to the throne. The closest they can get to a story is to be a human's guardian. They have no home; only the office.
But Chamiel is at home in Heaven; it's a peaceful place full of interesting people. Including the one on the Throne. Not a costume animatronic deity, but someone who gives the reader a bit of chill of awe.
But in war or revelation or kindly conversation in the Garden, Chamiel tells his story in simple words. That is the challenge Milton failed; to bring his vision down to a level humans could identify with. (Not to diss Milton, the Master of Angelic vision).
But Chamiel is a quiet alternate view to Paradise Lost . Not a Pratchett riff; not a shouted sermon. Just a story about souls and fates, God and devils, war and peace.
Simple stuff.
The problem with unfallen angels is that they have no story but service to the throne. The closest they can get to a story is to be a human's guardian. They have no home; only the office.
But Chamiel is at home in Heaven; it's a peaceful place full of interesting people. Including the one on the Throne. Not a costume animatronic deity, but someone who gives the reader a bit of chill of awe.
But in war or revelation or kindly conversation in the Garden, Chamiel tells his story in simple words. That is the challenge Milton failed; to bring his vision down to a level humans could identify with. (Not to diss Milton, the Master of Angelic vision).
But Chamiel is a quiet alternate view to Paradise Lost . Not a Pratchett riff; not a shouted sermon. Just a story about souls and fates, God and devils, war and peace.
Simple stuff.
January 6, 2026
An interesting enough premise but absolutely dreary execution all around. “And then I took the path to the woods, and then through the woods I travelled to the stream, and there followed the stream to the mountains, which gave way to a valley that led to a plain”— it’s that for 100 pages. Thankfully, it’s mercifully short, and I’ll be honest, rates 2 stars instead of 1 due to the goated cover art.
January 1, 2023
I found this book by chance in a used book store and got it because of its cool looking cover. I am glad I found it, because it was a neat little story I would not have read otherwise. I tried looking up more information on the author, but I think this may have been all he has written. It is a shame, because I enjoyed his writing style.
November 24, 2025
High highs lashed together by some rather mundane lows. Confuses and intrigues me.
“What is death?”
I remembered how the blades of young corn had shone green in the wind-dried earth as I left the kingdom. And I said to her:
In the time since I’ve finished this book it’s scarcely left my mind. Based on some unsourced information provided by another reviewer that Pearson was a minister, this book being his only foray into fiction, I realized that he may have missed his calling. Everything about the book save the meeting with the Lord and final two chapters have left my memory, but those are some great chapters. Pearson’s depiction of Azrael (Lucifer) on Earth, and the dialogue in the Garden of Eden have stuck with me. I truly think he had something unique to say about the biblical canon, something new, something at times heretical. If the entire book had been the bit at Eden, or retellings of various early books and apocryphal tales, it would’ve been much better. I think it’s a disservice to try to tie this to Tolkien and bend it as an adventure. Instead it should be a meditation on the nature of divinity, sin, free will, fatalism, etc. And I think it sort of is, buried beneath the cold waves of a frozen over lake, towards the end nearly bursting through ice. In another life, maybe. If this Pearson is still around I hope he kept writing, even if I’ll never see it.
It is November 24th, 2025 and I’ve been thinking about this again. Adam is so confused at the end.
“What is death?”
I remembered how the blades of young corn had shone green in the wind-dried earth as I left the kingdom. And I said to her:
In the time since I’ve finished this book it’s scarcely left my mind. Based on some unsourced information provided by another reviewer that Pearson was a minister, this book being his only foray into fiction, I realized that he may have missed his calling. Everything about the book save the meeting with the Lord and final two chapters have left my memory, but those are some great chapters. Pearson’s depiction of Azrael (Lucifer) on Earth, and the dialogue in the Garden of Eden have stuck with me. I truly think he had something unique to say about the biblical canon, something new, something at times heretical. If the entire book had been the bit at Eden, or retellings of various early books and apocryphal tales, it would’ve been much better. I think it’s a disservice to try to tie this to Tolkien and bend it as an adventure. Instead it should be a meditation on the nature of divinity, sin, free will, fatalism, etc. And I think it sort of is, buried beneath the cold waves of a frozen over lake, towards the end nearly bursting through ice. In another life, maybe. If this Pearson is still around I hope he kept writing, even if I’ll never see it.
It is November 24th, 2025 and I’ve been thinking about this again. Adam is so confused at the end.
June 25, 2009
A re-telling of the story of the fall of the angels and the Garden of Eden. It starts out as a good but unsatisfying adventure story. Unsatisfying because information known to the narrator-protagonist is withheld. The story falls apart as it gets to the preordained end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews