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The Angel Alejandro
Angel or Demon?
Naive and heart-stoppingly handsome, he calls himself Alejandro, and Madison O’Riley has no clue what to do with him. As they set out to recover his lost identity, Madison realizes the mysterious man who saved her life harbors deep, otherworldly secrets that will put her in grave danger.
The Devil is in the Details
Gremory Jones has something for everyone, and for a price, he’s willing to make a deal. Walking the streets in top hat and trench coat, he tempts the citizens with nefarious wares from his shiny black briefcase. But buyer All sales are final - and fatal.
A Scorching New Terror Has Come to Town
The townspeople are changing in appalling ways and it's up to Madison - with the help of a psychic, a local priest, and the new chief of police - to help Alejandro unlock his forgotten powers before an unspeakable evil tears apart the fabric of existence ... and costs them their very souls …
From bestselling author Alistair Cross comes a forbidden tale of love and redemption, of good and evil, and those who dare to stand up to Hell itself.
Praise for the work of Alistair
"Alistair Cross’s THE ANGEL ALEJANDRO is an intriguing tale that pits evil against good and keeps the reader on edge with surprising shifts and changes."
- New York Times Bestseller, Dianna Love
“The Angel Alejandro sets the bar high for urban fantasy; Alistair Cross brings thrills, chills, and otherworldly delights to every page. I’ve never read a novel like it - it delivers terrifying in-your-face horror even as the romance and humor melt your heart and make you laugh out loud. I came away from this book pumped full of adrenaline and deeply satisfied. An excellent read!”
-Tamara Thorne, international bestselling author of HAUNTED and CANDLE BAY
“The Angel Alejandro is as lush and ethereal as it is visceral and unholy. A demonic horde seeks to swallow up the citizens of Prominence made vulnerable by their weaknesses. Those who take a stand against the evil are emotionally damaged as well; particularly a sheriff who battles his personal demons in a bottle. The author had me rooting for each of them in spite of, or maybe because of their flaws. With masterful pacing, Cross brings a small mystery to a raging boil that threatens every soul in Prominence. His exquisite prose drew me into the story as if I were living it. Highly recommended.”
-QL Pearce, author of the Scary Stories for Sleep-Overs series, and Spine Hair-Raising Tales
“Put Bram Stoker in a giant cocktail shaker, add a pinch of Laurell K. Hamilton, a shot of John Carpenter, and a healthy jigger of absinthe, and you’ll end up with Alistair Cross’s modern Gothic chiller, “The Crimson Corset” - a deliciously terrifying tale that will sink its teeth into you from page one.”
- Jay Bonansinga, New York Times Bestselling author of THE WALKING INVASION and LUCID
“Alistair Cross’ new novel THE CRIMSON CORSET … is taut and elegantly written taking us into the realms where the erotic and the horrific meet. Reminiscent of the work of Sheridan Le Fanu (CARMILLA, UNCLE SILAS) in its hothouse, almost Victorian intensity, it tells a multi-leveled story of misalliance and mixed motives. The language is darkly lyrical, and the tale is compelling. Read it; you'll be glad you did.”
- Chelsea Quinn Yarbro, author of the SAINT-GERMAIN CYCLE
Naive and heart-stoppingly handsome, he calls himself Alejandro, and Madison O’Riley has no clue what to do with him. As they set out to recover his lost identity, Madison realizes the mysterious man who saved her life harbors deep, otherworldly secrets that will put her in grave danger.
The Devil is in the Details
Gremory Jones has something for everyone, and for a price, he’s willing to make a deal. Walking the streets in top hat and trench coat, he tempts the citizens with nefarious wares from his shiny black briefcase. But buyer All sales are final - and fatal.
A Scorching New Terror Has Come to Town
The townspeople are changing in appalling ways and it's up to Madison - with the help of a psychic, a local priest, and the new chief of police - to help Alejandro unlock his forgotten powers before an unspeakable evil tears apart the fabric of existence ... and costs them their very souls …
From bestselling author Alistair Cross comes a forbidden tale of love and redemption, of good and evil, and those who dare to stand up to Hell itself.
Praise for the work of Alistair
"Alistair Cross’s THE ANGEL ALEJANDRO is an intriguing tale that pits evil against good and keeps the reader on edge with surprising shifts and changes."
- New York Times Bestseller, Dianna Love
“The Angel Alejandro sets the bar high for urban fantasy; Alistair Cross brings thrills, chills, and otherworldly delights to every page. I’ve never read a novel like it - it delivers terrifying in-your-face horror even as the romance and humor melt your heart and make you laugh out loud. I came away from this book pumped full of adrenaline and deeply satisfied. An excellent read!”
-Tamara Thorne, international bestselling author of HAUNTED and CANDLE BAY
“The Angel Alejandro is as lush and ethereal as it is visceral and unholy. A demonic horde seeks to swallow up the citizens of Prominence made vulnerable by their weaknesses. Those who take a stand against the evil are emotionally damaged as well; particularly a sheriff who battles his personal demons in a bottle. The author had me rooting for each of them in spite of, or maybe because of their flaws. With masterful pacing, Cross brings a small mystery to a raging boil that threatens every soul in Prominence. His exquisite prose drew me into the story as if I were living it. Highly recommended.”
-QL Pearce, author of the Scary Stories for Sleep-Overs series, and Spine Hair-Raising Tales
“Put Bram Stoker in a giant cocktail shaker, add a pinch of Laurell K. Hamilton, a shot of John Carpenter, and a healthy jigger of absinthe, and you’ll end up with Alistair Cross’s modern Gothic chiller, “The Crimson Corset” - a deliciously terrifying tale that will sink its teeth into you from page one.”
- Jay Bonansinga, New York Times Bestselling author of THE WALKING INVASION and LUCID
“Alistair Cross’ new novel THE CRIMSON CORSET … is taut and elegantly written taking us into the realms where the erotic and the horrific meet. Reminiscent of the work of Sheridan Le Fanu (CARMILLA, UNCLE SILAS) in its hothouse, almost Victorian intensity, it tells a multi-leveled story of misalliance and mixed motives. The language is darkly lyrical, and the tale is compelling. Read it; you'll be glad you did.”
- Chelsea Quinn Yarbro, author of the SAINT-GERMAIN CYCLE
594 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 25, 2017
4 people are currently reading
22 people want to read
About the author
Alistair Cross
53 books195 followersAlistair Cross' debut novel, The Crimson Corset, a vampiric tale of terror and seduction, was an immediate bestseller earning praise from veteran vampire-lit author, Chelsea Quinn Yarbro, and New York Times bestseller, Jay Bonansinga, author of The Walking Dead series. In 2012, Alistair joined forces with international bestseller, Tamara Thorne, and as Thorne & Cross, they write - among other things - the successful Gothic series, The Ravencrest Saga. Their debut collaboration, The Cliffhouse Haunting, was a bestseller. They are currently at work on their next solo novels and a new collaborative project.
In 2014, Alistair and Tamara began the radio show, Thorne & Cross: Haunted Nights LIVE!, which has featured such guests as Anne Rice, author of The Vampire Chronicles, Charlaine Harris of the Southern Vampire Mysteries and basis of the HBO series True Blood, Jeff Lindsay, author of the Dexter novels, Jay Bonansinga of The Walking Dead series, Laurell K. Hamilton of the Anita Blake novels, Peter Atkins, screenwriter of HELLRAISER 2, 3, and 4, worldwide bestseller V.C. Andrews, and New York Times best sellers Preston & Child, Christopher Rice, and Christopher Moore.
In 2014, Alistair and Tamara began the radio show, Thorne & Cross: Haunted Nights LIVE!, which has featured such guests as Anne Rice, author of The Vampire Chronicles, Charlaine Harris of the Southern Vampire Mysteries and basis of the HBO series True Blood, Jeff Lindsay, author of the Dexter novels, Jay Bonansinga of The Walking Dead series, Laurell K. Hamilton of the Anita Blake novels, Peter Atkins, screenwriter of HELLRAISER 2, 3, and 4, worldwide bestseller V.C. Andrews, and New York Times best sellers Preston & Child, Christopher Rice, and Christopher Moore.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
July 4, 2018
Book Reviewed by Julie on www.whisperingstories.com
‘The Angel Alejandro’ is written in the past tense and the third person, allowing us to see the story unfold through the eyes of various protagonists.
We join the story in dramatic fashion with Madison O’Riley on her roof trying to mend a hole which is allowing rain to damage the newly refurbished oak floor below. We quickly meet Alejandro who saves her when she misses her footing on the ladder.
Alejandro is a blond Adonis who would rather be naked than fettered by ‘garments’. He has no idea who or what he is, although the reader has a shrewd idea from the book title. He has a naivety about him which makes him appear vulnerable but also an uncanny knack of eliciting all manner of shameful secrets from everyone he meets. He possesses an overwhelming desire to help anyone in trouble and seems to have an affinity with animals. Whilst Madison finds him incredibly attractive, this feeling is outweighed by the responsibility of helping him discover his true identity.
In a separate thread, we meet Nick Grayson, the new Chief of Police who has just moved to town and whilst an honest and trustworthy officer of the law, is also a flawed character who is far too fond of drinking and women.
Upon this backdrop, the small town of Prominence in California is shaken to its roots by the arrival of the mysterious Gremory Jones and his cohort. Tensions boil over as he weaves his wicked web of corruption and chaos. Norms and values are broken down and primitive instincts come to the fore.
The main characters are well-rounded with the supporting cast contributing some colourful cameos. The descriptive passages are vivid and engaging. Cross successfully tells his tale through the use of alliteration, irony, humour, pathos, similes, symbolism, imagery, metaphors, inclusion and foreshadowing, with the probable addition of a few devices I missed.
This is basically a story of good versus evil. The tempo gradually builds as we begin to understand more of Mr Jones’ malevolent intentions, with people turning against each other in the most brutal of ways. In stark contrast, we also witness a tender and gentle relationship unfolding between Madison and Alejandro.
The levels of sex and violence increase as the story progresses. In the context of the plot much of it is appropriate, however some is gratuitous. This is a very strong piece of work which did not need to rely on superfluous content. In particular, I couldn’t see that the sordid scene in St John’s Church contributed anything towards advancing the story. That said, I doubt fans of the supernatural horror genre are easily offended and believe they will thoroughly enjoy this story for its twists, turns and diversity. For the idea and writing skills demonstrated, I award ‘The Angel Alejandro’ four-and-a-half stars.
‘The Angel Alejandro’ is written in the past tense and the third person, allowing us to see the story unfold through the eyes of various protagonists.
We join the story in dramatic fashion with Madison O’Riley on her roof trying to mend a hole which is allowing rain to damage the newly refurbished oak floor below. We quickly meet Alejandro who saves her when she misses her footing on the ladder.
Alejandro is a blond Adonis who would rather be naked than fettered by ‘garments’. He has no idea who or what he is, although the reader has a shrewd idea from the book title. He has a naivety about him which makes him appear vulnerable but also an uncanny knack of eliciting all manner of shameful secrets from everyone he meets. He possesses an overwhelming desire to help anyone in trouble and seems to have an affinity with animals. Whilst Madison finds him incredibly attractive, this feeling is outweighed by the responsibility of helping him discover his true identity.
In a separate thread, we meet Nick Grayson, the new Chief of Police who has just moved to town and whilst an honest and trustworthy officer of the law, is also a flawed character who is far too fond of drinking and women.
Upon this backdrop, the small town of Prominence in California is shaken to its roots by the arrival of the mysterious Gremory Jones and his cohort. Tensions boil over as he weaves his wicked web of corruption and chaos. Norms and values are broken down and primitive instincts come to the fore.
The main characters are well-rounded with the supporting cast contributing some colourful cameos. The descriptive passages are vivid and engaging. Cross successfully tells his tale through the use of alliteration, irony, humour, pathos, similes, symbolism, imagery, metaphors, inclusion and foreshadowing, with the probable addition of a few devices I missed.
This is basically a story of good versus evil. The tempo gradually builds as we begin to understand more of Mr Jones’ malevolent intentions, with people turning against each other in the most brutal of ways. In stark contrast, we also witness a tender and gentle relationship unfolding between Madison and Alejandro.
The levels of sex and violence increase as the story progresses. In the context of the plot much of it is appropriate, however some is gratuitous. This is a very strong piece of work which did not need to rely on superfluous content. In particular, I couldn’t see that the sordid scene in St John’s Church contributed anything towards advancing the story. That said, I doubt fans of the supernatural horror genre are easily offended and believe they will thoroughly enjoy this story for its twists, turns and diversity. For the idea and writing skills demonstrated, I award ‘The Angel Alejandro’ four-and-a-half stars.
April 8, 2017
The Angel Alejandro was an intriguing and somewhat surprising read. When Madison O'Riley is saved by a young man with silvery eyes, life in her little village begins to change.
Sin features as a key theme as the villagers are tempted into committing dark deeds. Lust and greed fuel the second half of the novel, making for a more steamy story.
The writer paints vivid pictures through his use of language and brings each scene to life in gorgeous detail. I would note for sensitive readers that there is a TRIGGER in this book, in the form of a SELF-HARM scene in the second half. There is also content that could be seen as EROTICA.
I would recommend this novel for lovers of modern paranormal fiction. Demons and Angels await you in this quirky read. I rated this book 5 stars as I would happily read it over and over.
My only issue was with the ten or so pages of acknowledgments at the front of the ebook. Readers want to dive into the story, so I would recommend placing most of this extraneous data at the back of the file.
Sin features as a key theme as the villagers are tempted into committing dark deeds. Lust and greed fuel the second half of the novel, making for a more steamy story.
The writer paints vivid pictures through his use of language and brings each scene to life in gorgeous detail. I would note for sensitive readers that there is a TRIGGER in this book, in the form of a SELF-HARM scene in the second half. There is also content that could be seen as EROTICA.
I would recommend this novel for lovers of modern paranormal fiction. Demons and Angels await you in this quirky read. I rated this book 5 stars as I would happily read it over and over.
My only issue was with the ten or so pages of acknowledgments at the front of the ebook. Readers want to dive into the story, so I would recommend placing most of this extraneous data at the back of the file.
March 6, 2017
At over 500 pages reading this book could be a heavy task for readers. After, reading this book I can tell you that you are in for a delight reading this book. In fact, I found reading this book to be an easy, fast task. Instantly, I fell into the storyline and the characters.
Alejandro starts out as a quiet, mild-mannered man; yet when the story ends he is revealed as a great and powerful angel. What I am happy to report is that Alejandro was not the only main character in this story. It seemed that everyone had a part to play and no one was left out as a under study or filler. This helped a lot to lend to the fact that there was not a dull moment in the story. Although, I must admit that the second half of the story is where the intensity picked up and the action really happened.
The devil is one evil person. Another reader made a comment that the story was graphic. Yes, it was but I understood this going into the book. I was fine with the darkness of the story. Which I thought the author did a good job of keeping it classy. There were times where it could have went in the opposite direction and it pushed to the edge. It was all part of the story and one that I enjoyed a lot.
Alejandro starts out as a quiet, mild-mannered man; yet when the story ends he is revealed as a great and powerful angel. What I am happy to report is that Alejandro was not the only main character in this story. It seemed that everyone had a part to play and no one was left out as a under study or filler. This helped a lot to lend to the fact that there was not a dull moment in the story. Although, I must admit that the second half of the story is where the intensity picked up and the action really happened.
The devil is one evil person. Another reader made a comment that the story was graphic. Yes, it was but I understood this going into the book. I was fine with the darkness of the story. Which I thought the author did a good job of keeping it classy. There were times where it could have went in the opposite direction and it pushed to the edge. It was all part of the story and one that I enjoyed a lot.
September 20, 2017
The Angel Alejandro by Alistair Cross Review
Sin and mankind's misconceptions about the world at large play major themes in the supernatural thriller The Angel Alejandro by Alistair Cross.
Exploring the world of tempations and the battle everyone faces within themselves when they give into their darkest desires, this incredible story
showcases the ruthlessness that can reside in the best of us, and the strength it takes to push temptation aside to do what is right. Here is
the synopsis:
The Angel Alejandro
A Man without a Past
After a near-fatal accident, Madison O'Riley is faced with an astonishing problem: What to do with the man who saved her life. Naive and heart-stoppingly handsome, he calls himself Alejandro ... and he has no memory of his past. As they set out to recover his lost identity, Madison realizes he harbors deep - and otherworldly - secrets that will shatter her understanding of reality ... secrets that may put her in grave danger.
The Devil in the Details
And now, there’s another stranger in town. Gremory Jones has something for everyone, and for a small price, he’s willing to make a deal. By day, he walks the streets of Prominence in top hat and trench coat, tempting the citizens with nefarious wares from his shiny black briefcase. By night, he and his legion of insatiable acolytes corrupt the locals at Club Mephistopheles, a den of unholy delights housed in an abandoned church.
The Battle has Begun …
The townspeople are changing in outrageous and appalling ways and it's up to Madison - with the help of a psychic, a local priest, and the new chief of police - to help Alejandro unlock his forgotten powers before an unspeakable evil tears apart the fabric of existence ... and costs them their very souls ...
The first thing that grabbed me about this story was how similar the premise is to one of my favorite Stephen King stories, Needful Things. A
charming salesman brings chaos and destruction to a small town, and must be battled by the forces of good within that very town. However this story
is unique in that the overpowering threat of Gremory Jones and his followers is evenly matched by a powerful force for good working to help
those few souls who see the cracks forming amongst the townspeople. The mysteries of the town's descent, the arrival of Gremory Jones and the
identity of Alejandro come colliding in the final moments of the book in a vicious and bloody battle between good and evil, and the small town of
Prominence threatens to be destroyed forever by its own greed and sin.
The story and characters were very well drawn out throughout this story. Combining the best elements of authors like Stephen King and Dean Koontz,
Alistair Cross showcases a unique talent for bringing to life the complex differences between people and showcase how supernatural or extraordinary
events are handled by ordinary people. The characters are very relateable and the story itself flows smoothly, setting up the arch slowly and then
zig-zagging at lightning speed as the action begins and the town begins to tear itself apart. The grammar was spot on and the imagery throughout
the story is vivid, painting a picture that can easily be played across the recesses of the mind like a movie on a projector screen.
Overall this was a wonderful read. It had twists, shocking deaths and a fantastic ending that leaves the story for some characters open and brings
a dramatic conclusion for others. This story highlights the incredible storytelling abilities of Alistair Cross, and he proves that he is one of
the growing voices in the supernatural thriller genre. Be sure to pick up your copies of The Angel Alejandro by Alistair Cross today!
Rating: 10/10
The Angel Alejandro: http://amzn.to/2fAGFUE
Sin and mankind's misconceptions about the world at large play major themes in the supernatural thriller The Angel Alejandro by Alistair Cross.
Exploring the world of tempations and the battle everyone faces within themselves when they give into their darkest desires, this incredible story
showcases the ruthlessness that can reside in the best of us, and the strength it takes to push temptation aside to do what is right. Here is
the synopsis:
The Angel Alejandro
A Man without a Past
After a near-fatal accident, Madison O'Riley is faced with an astonishing problem: What to do with the man who saved her life. Naive and heart-stoppingly handsome, he calls himself Alejandro ... and he has no memory of his past. As they set out to recover his lost identity, Madison realizes he harbors deep - and otherworldly - secrets that will shatter her understanding of reality ... secrets that may put her in grave danger.
The Devil in the Details
And now, there’s another stranger in town. Gremory Jones has something for everyone, and for a small price, he’s willing to make a deal. By day, he walks the streets of Prominence in top hat and trench coat, tempting the citizens with nefarious wares from his shiny black briefcase. By night, he and his legion of insatiable acolytes corrupt the locals at Club Mephistopheles, a den of unholy delights housed in an abandoned church.
The Battle has Begun …
The townspeople are changing in outrageous and appalling ways and it's up to Madison - with the help of a psychic, a local priest, and the new chief of police - to help Alejandro unlock his forgotten powers before an unspeakable evil tears apart the fabric of existence ... and costs them their very souls ...
The first thing that grabbed me about this story was how similar the premise is to one of my favorite Stephen King stories, Needful Things. A
charming salesman brings chaos and destruction to a small town, and must be battled by the forces of good within that very town. However this story
is unique in that the overpowering threat of Gremory Jones and his followers is evenly matched by a powerful force for good working to help
those few souls who see the cracks forming amongst the townspeople. The mysteries of the town's descent, the arrival of Gremory Jones and the
identity of Alejandro come colliding in the final moments of the book in a vicious and bloody battle between good and evil, and the small town of
Prominence threatens to be destroyed forever by its own greed and sin.
The story and characters were very well drawn out throughout this story. Combining the best elements of authors like Stephen King and Dean Koontz,
Alistair Cross showcases a unique talent for bringing to life the complex differences between people and showcase how supernatural or extraordinary
events are handled by ordinary people. The characters are very relateable and the story itself flows smoothly, setting up the arch slowly and then
zig-zagging at lightning speed as the action begins and the town begins to tear itself apart. The grammar was spot on and the imagery throughout
the story is vivid, painting a picture that can easily be played across the recesses of the mind like a movie on a projector screen.
Overall this was a wonderful read. It had twists, shocking deaths and a fantastic ending that leaves the story for some characters open and brings
a dramatic conclusion for others. This story highlights the incredible storytelling abilities of Alistair Cross, and he proves that he is one of
the growing voices in the supernatural thriller genre. Be sure to pick up your copies of The Angel Alejandro by Alistair Cross today!
Rating: 10/10
The Angel Alejandro: http://amzn.to/2fAGFUE
March 18, 2017
Modern Gothic Masterpiece
Alistair Cross once again excels himself with another of his modern Gothic masterpieces, this time set in the seemingly sleepy town of Prominence in California. I am a real sucker for books pitting angels against demons, as I just love tales of good versus evil. I therefore jumped at the chance to review the author’s latest novel The Angel Alejandro, which blurs the lines between paranormal romance, urban fantasy and horror and is an absolute delight for fans of these genres.
When a handsome and mysterious stranger saves Madison O’Riley from a fatal fall, little does she realise that her life and that of the inhabitants of the town of Prominence will soon descend into the depths of the Twilight Zone. It is not long before Madison and others start to realise that the amnesiac who calls himself Alejandro, has powers which defy comprehension…
When the strange and compelling Gremory Jones and his associates arrive in town the book gets increasingly darker as Gremory’s intent becomes clear as he begins to ensnare the townspeople in his machinations. Add to the mix a psychic, a local priest, and the new chief of police, who is a recovering alcoholic, and the scene is set for a series of dastardly, dark and depraved scenes. The town succumbs to chaos and carnage, with its inhabitants merely collateral damage in a battle between good and evil. Rest assured though the read also contains plenty of scenes of humour and romance giving relief from the ensuing horror!
I just LOVED this thoroughly gripping and entertaining read and I was on pins waiting to discover if Alejandro would remember his true nature and protect himself, the town and the woman he is growing to love before it is too late.
The author’s characterisations are brutally honest, insightful and full of dark humour as he explores the human condition, lifting the lid on the private desires and personal hang-ups of the characters. The romance between Madison and Alejandro is a sweet one and due to Alejando’s innocent disposition there are plenty of scenes where the author exploits this for comedic value. The new Police Chief Nick Grayson, who has come to Prominence to make a new start and to clean up his act, certainly has his work cut out with the temptations and increasing body count that the town throws at him from day one of his arrival! I enjoyed the pivotal part he plays in the emerging plot.
If you are already familiar with his author and/or you enjoy the work of Steven King and the cinematic genius of David Lynch you will savour this read as much as I did. Highly recommended!
Please note that a copy of this book was given to me by the author for the purpose of a fair ad honest review.
Alistair Cross once again excels himself with another of his modern Gothic masterpieces, this time set in the seemingly sleepy town of Prominence in California. I am a real sucker for books pitting angels against demons, as I just love tales of good versus evil. I therefore jumped at the chance to review the author’s latest novel The Angel Alejandro, which blurs the lines between paranormal romance, urban fantasy and horror and is an absolute delight for fans of these genres.
When a handsome and mysterious stranger saves Madison O’Riley from a fatal fall, little does she realise that her life and that of the inhabitants of the town of Prominence will soon descend into the depths of the Twilight Zone. It is not long before Madison and others start to realise that the amnesiac who calls himself Alejandro, has powers which defy comprehension…
When the strange and compelling Gremory Jones and his associates arrive in town the book gets increasingly darker as Gremory’s intent becomes clear as he begins to ensnare the townspeople in his machinations. Add to the mix a psychic, a local priest, and the new chief of police, who is a recovering alcoholic, and the scene is set for a series of dastardly, dark and depraved scenes. The town succumbs to chaos and carnage, with its inhabitants merely collateral damage in a battle between good and evil. Rest assured though the read also contains plenty of scenes of humour and romance giving relief from the ensuing horror!
I just LOVED this thoroughly gripping and entertaining read and I was on pins waiting to discover if Alejandro would remember his true nature and protect himself, the town and the woman he is growing to love before it is too late.
The author’s characterisations are brutally honest, insightful and full of dark humour as he explores the human condition, lifting the lid on the private desires and personal hang-ups of the characters. The romance between Madison and Alejandro is a sweet one and due to Alejando’s innocent disposition there are plenty of scenes where the author exploits this for comedic value. The new Police Chief Nick Grayson, who has come to Prominence to make a new start and to clean up his act, certainly has his work cut out with the temptations and increasing body count that the town throws at him from day one of his arrival! I enjoyed the pivotal part he plays in the emerging plot.
If you are already familiar with his author and/or you enjoy the work of Steven King and the cinematic genius of David Lynch you will savour this read as much as I did. Highly recommended!
Please note that a copy of this book was given to me by the author for the purpose of a fair ad honest review.
May 16, 2017
I choose my angel/demon books carefully, because while I am not going to compare this book to Hush, Hush, this genre typically winds up being the same.
The Angel Alejandro started off in a way that intrigued me, Madison O'Riley was on her roof during a storm and fell, plummeting to her death only to be saved by a mysterious individual she chose to name Alejandro. Alejandro took care of the unconscious Madison and when she found him stark naked in the kitchen things only got more interesting from there.
I found Madison to be an interesting character and strong, too. Strong enough to help this lost man and be the support for a vast array of characters, and there are a lot. I think that is where the book lost me, because soon we meet some background characters and some add to the story while others simply act as a distraction. They don't add anything and they will crop up amidst what I found to be a pivotal moment between Alejandro and Madison. I felt as though it were constantly being ripped from me because it kept switching scenes to something that was completely off-topic.
The overall story was interesting, if it focused on the characters that were primary characters I think it would have flowed better, because the more background stories that popped up, the more scene cutaways happened, the more I found I was disinterested in what was happening. I wanted to know how Alejandro grew, how Madison grew and a few other minor supporting roles.
2.8 stars for this read.
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The Angel Alejandro started off in a way that intrigued me, Madison O'Riley was on her roof during a storm and fell, plummeting to her death only to be saved by a mysterious individual she chose to name Alejandro. Alejandro took care of the unconscious Madison and when she found him stark naked in the kitchen things only got more interesting from there.
I found Madison to be an interesting character and strong, too. Strong enough to help this lost man and be the support for a vast array of characters, and there are a lot. I think that is where the book lost me, because soon we meet some background characters and some add to the story while others simply act as a distraction. They don't add anything and they will crop up amidst what I found to be a pivotal moment between Alejandro and Madison. I felt as though it were constantly being ripped from me because it kept switching scenes to something that was completely off-topic.
The overall story was interesting, if it focused on the characters that were primary characters I think it would have flowed better, because the more background stories that popped up, the more scene cutaways happened, the more I found I was disinterested in what was happening. I wanted to know how Alejandro grew, how Madison grew and a few other minor supporting roles.
2.8 stars for this read.
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August 12, 2017
The premise seems one you may have read or seen before.
A young woman named Madison almost dies. Alejandro, a somewhat seemingly ordinary man, saves her life.
In all honesty, that is what I’d thought I’d get when I first opened this book.
Except Alejandro has deep secrets and yawning holes in his past; cavities that he is desperate to fill.
As such, this isn’t the last time he and Madison meet.
And that, personally, is where the intrigue began.
With the paintbrush of horror, the author makes use of the intricate themes to tell a story of angels and demons, doing so by means of atypical paranormal and mysterious elements.
Furthermore, the two main characters—Madison and Alejandro—and others are interwoven in their world’s state of affairs.
Despite its shown traits in the area of fantasy, it seemed real.
For instance, one scene depicts a crowd of overly “righteous” and possessed people attacking a young shoplifter and beating him bloody over a pack of stolen gum from the local grocery store; an action for which they see nothing wrong.
Due to the various situations and characters within the story, it did seem as if the connected scenes jumped from one space to another so it took some time to realize which tales were connected.
In spite of this, it didn’t take long to catch the links and relationships. Not to mention, the character development is sensational.
Both minor and major characters are those that you’ve seen in the real world and, as those in the real world, have many a layer to explore.
I rate this 4 out of 5 stars.
The Angel Alejandro is a superb, graphic story of good and evil during which Cross does not pull any punches. It’s not for the faint of heart, but you will not regret reading it.
A young woman named Madison almost dies. Alejandro, a somewhat seemingly ordinary man, saves her life.
In all honesty, that is what I’d thought I’d get when I first opened this book.
Except Alejandro has deep secrets and yawning holes in his past; cavities that he is desperate to fill.
As such, this isn’t the last time he and Madison meet.
And that, personally, is where the intrigue began.
With the paintbrush of horror, the author makes use of the intricate themes to tell a story of angels and demons, doing so by means of atypical paranormal and mysterious elements.
Furthermore, the two main characters—Madison and Alejandro—and others are interwoven in their world’s state of affairs.
Despite its shown traits in the area of fantasy, it seemed real.
For instance, one scene depicts a crowd of overly “righteous” and possessed people attacking a young shoplifter and beating him bloody over a pack of stolen gum from the local grocery store; an action for which they see nothing wrong.
Due to the various situations and characters within the story, it did seem as if the connected scenes jumped from one space to another so it took some time to realize which tales were connected.
In spite of this, it didn’t take long to catch the links and relationships. Not to mention, the character development is sensational.
Both minor and major characters are those that you’ve seen in the real world and, as those in the real world, have many a layer to explore.
I rate this 4 out of 5 stars.
The Angel Alejandro is a superb, graphic story of good and evil during which Cross does not pull any punches. It’s not for the faint of heart, but you will not regret reading it.
March 17, 2017
4.5 Stars
First things first: this is not my normal read (meaning generally I stir clear of paranormal/supernatural books), however I found the premise intriguing and decided to give it a go. Another thing that needs to be mentioned: this is a very graphic book in regards to violence and sexual depravity, not for the faint of heart.
Madison is an independent woman, whose life has already had its fill of ups and downs. But when her roof is leaking, and she decides to fix it, she gets the biggest down of them all…she falls off and dies…but she doesn’t, she’s saved by a mysterious man, who has no memory of who he is.
A church with a tragic history, a mysterious man willing to buy it, a small town is turned upside down.
There are so many things happening in this book (and that can get a bit confusing at times). The author switches POV quite often, but I didn’t find it difficult to follow as it was well done. However, it did get a little difficult to keep track of all the characters and the things happening to them. Nevertheless, this was such a fascinating and intricate tale into the deepest, darkest corners of the human mind and what the influence of pure evil can have on a person and a community.
It’s a long book, so settle in for the ride and enjoy!
I received the book for free in return for an unbiased review.
First things first: this is not my normal read (meaning generally I stir clear of paranormal/supernatural books), however I found the premise intriguing and decided to give it a go. Another thing that needs to be mentioned: this is a very graphic book in regards to violence and sexual depravity, not for the faint of heart.
Madison is an independent woman, whose life has already had its fill of ups and downs. But when her roof is leaking, and she decides to fix it, she gets the biggest down of them all…she falls off and dies…but she doesn’t, she’s saved by a mysterious man, who has no memory of who he is.
A church with a tragic history, a mysterious man willing to buy it, a small town is turned upside down.
There are so many things happening in this book (and that can get a bit confusing at times). The author switches POV quite often, but I didn’t find it difficult to follow as it was well done. However, it did get a little difficult to keep track of all the characters and the things happening to them. Nevertheless, this was such a fascinating and intricate tale into the deepest, darkest corners of the human mind and what the influence of pure evil can have on a person and a community.
It’s a long book, so settle in for the ride and enjoy!
I received the book for free in return for an unbiased review.
October 15, 2017
His books get better and better!
Third book I have read by Mr. Cross and still can't get enough. Great characters and such an engrossing read. Always sad when they end because I love being in his worlds. Well done Alistair Cross! I am off to read series he writes with Tamara Thorns.
Third book I have read by Mr. Cross and still can't get enough. Great characters and such an engrossing read. Always sad when they end because I love being in his worlds. Well done Alistair Cross! I am off to read series he writes with Tamara Thorns.
October 6, 2019
Intriguing read
I enjoyed the pace of the book it had a needful things feel to it but changed to much more. Loved the characters and how the author brought characters from other book.
I enjoyed the pace of the book it had a needful things feel to it but changed to much more. Loved the characters and how the author brought characters from other book.
September 10, 2018
Great book, great story. I loved the bad guys.
March 20, 2017
A 4.5 for sure
**I received a copy of this book in exchange for a review**
When I read a book, I want to forget all the boring parts of my life and enjoy a little escape. I love reading books that make me want to serve my family cereal because I am too busy reading the next chapter. This book does that. The story of an angel who forgets and a demon who wants to take advantage of the situation. The whole town suffers. The characters are solid and completely believable as real people. The action in this story drives the plot forward. I didn't feel like there were any down times. Bottom line- I enjoyed this book.
**I received a copy of this book in exchange for a review**
When I read a book, I want to forget all the boring parts of my life and enjoy a little escape. I love reading books that make me want to serve my family cereal because I am too busy reading the next chapter. This book does that. The story of an angel who forgets and a demon who wants to take advantage of the situation. The whole town suffers. The characters are solid and completely believable as real people. The action in this story drives the plot forward. I didn't feel like there were any down times. Bottom line- I enjoyed this book.
February 1, 2017
Magnificent!
Something about Alejandro and the way he entered Madison's life. He definitely made an entrance. This story caught me from the beginning and I could not put it down. It's one thing to not remember your past, but when your past is filled with mysterious powers, it's something else. The clash of good and evil, angels versus devils, it's an amazing story that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Cross writes this story so well that the reader gets lost in the adventure. An unholyness that is brought to corrupt this small town is just the topper of this story! Again, it was magnificent! A definite must read.
Something about Alejandro and the way he entered Madison's life. He definitely made an entrance. This story caught me from the beginning and I could not put it down. It's one thing to not remember your past, but when your past is filled with mysterious powers, it's something else. The clash of good and evil, angels versus devils, it's an amazing story that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Cross writes this story so well that the reader gets lost in the adventure. An unholyness that is brought to corrupt this small town is just the topper of this story! Again, it was magnificent! A definite must read.
April 12, 2017
I’m a fan of any sort of biblical or supernatural fiction, so when I saw angel I knew I wanted to read it. It’s described as urban fantasy/dark fiction and I could agree with that. There were touches of horror at times, but nothing to keep me up at night. It definitely delivered on the blurb, which is important for me as a reader. I don’t like it when blurbs over promise.
The title of the book I feel had a big impact on how I read it. As I already knew Alejandro was an angel, any questions as to who he was were answered for me. It was interesting to be an omnipotent reader and follow Madison as she tried to figure out who Alejandro was.
However, while I liked the story, I feel like it could have done without the sex. I don’t mind when it’s done tastefully, but it was graphic at times and it made me a little uncomfortable. I’m no prude by any means, but it took me a little off guard, I wasn’t expecting it. On the flipside, it does fit with the story since the town gets completely corrupted in an effort to get Alejandro’s soul.
I’d like to know there will be sex before I read a book. They have ESRB ratings for games and films so why not for books?
I liked the variety of characters and how they came together in the end. The chapters jumped quickly from character to character. While some may find it jarring but I liked its fast pace. I could have read for only half an hour but I still felt like there was progression in the story.
Sadly, I was reading this at a time when I could give it little attention. With my university course and work and various other things, I found I had little time to read it. So there’d be huge gaps between readings. The book was very easy to read and I found that even if I’d left it a week, I could pick it back up and follow the story again very quickly.
If you’re into fallen angels, romance and some sexy stuff then definitely give The Angel Alejandro a read.
The title of the book I feel had a big impact on how I read it. As I already knew Alejandro was an angel, any questions as to who he was were answered for me. It was interesting to be an omnipotent reader and follow Madison as she tried to figure out who Alejandro was.
However, while I liked the story, I feel like it could have done without the sex. I don’t mind when it’s done tastefully, but it was graphic at times and it made me a little uncomfortable. I’m no prude by any means, but it took me a little off guard, I wasn’t expecting it. On the flipside, it does fit with the story since the town gets completely corrupted in an effort to get Alejandro’s soul.
I’d like to know there will be sex before I read a book. They have ESRB ratings for games and films so why not for books?
I liked the variety of characters and how they came together in the end. The chapters jumped quickly from character to character. While some may find it jarring but I liked its fast pace. I could have read for only half an hour but I still felt like there was progression in the story.
Sadly, I was reading this at a time when I could give it little attention. With my university course and work and various other things, I found I had little time to read it. So there’d be huge gaps between readings. The book was very easy to read and I found that even if I’d left it a week, I could pick it back up and follow the story again very quickly.
If you’re into fallen angels, romance and some sexy stuff then definitely give The Angel Alejandro a read.
April 14, 2017
At the core, The Angel Alejandro by Alistair Cross is about greed and lust and its effects when all restraints are removed. A true good versus evil story. The book is rather long (521 pages) and took longer than I thought to read. The reason for the slow read was not the speed of the plot, but I found myself totally absorbed in the story and wanted to go slower and savor all the details.
Alejandro is an angel that has been pulled into this world when Madison O’Riley fell from the roof of her home. He saved her life, yet he cannot remember who he is and strange things happen around him. He hears voices calling for help in his mind and when he responds to one such voice his powers are revealed to the entire world. There is an immediate media frenzy and everyone seems to want a piece of him, including another new comer in town, Gremory Jones.
Since Mr. Jones and his various associates have arrived in the small town of Prominence, to open a night club, there has been nothing but chaos. Their evil influence has taken hold in this normally sleepy, small town. The residents are rocked by one shocking event after another, each worse than the one before. With few exceptions, the entire town seems to have gone crazy.
Nick Grayson is the new chief of police and also a new arrival to Prominence. In all his years in law enforcement he has never seen the likes of what is happening. As a recovering alcoholic, his resolve is pushed to the breaking point as he deals with each new crisis and rising crime and murder rates. For law and order to be restored, Nick will have to learn to believe in things not of this world and seek the help of his new found friends.
This is a new take on angels and the devil for me. It made for an imaginative and fascinating read. I do want to issue a word of caution, the subject matter was dark and the details were graphic. Some readers might find it disturbing and I would not recommend this for younger readers. However, if you like urban fantasy and horror mixed with a tad of romance this is the book for you.
Please note, I received a free copy from the author in exchange for my honest review.
See more of my reviews, and author interviews, on my blog at www.thespineview.com
Alejandro is an angel that has been pulled into this world when Madison O’Riley fell from the roof of her home. He saved her life, yet he cannot remember who he is and strange things happen around him. He hears voices calling for help in his mind and when he responds to one such voice his powers are revealed to the entire world. There is an immediate media frenzy and everyone seems to want a piece of him, including another new comer in town, Gremory Jones.
Since Mr. Jones and his various associates have arrived in the small town of Prominence, to open a night club, there has been nothing but chaos. Their evil influence has taken hold in this normally sleepy, small town. The residents are rocked by one shocking event after another, each worse than the one before. With few exceptions, the entire town seems to have gone crazy.
Nick Grayson is the new chief of police and also a new arrival to Prominence. In all his years in law enforcement he has never seen the likes of what is happening. As a recovering alcoholic, his resolve is pushed to the breaking point as he deals with each new crisis and rising crime and murder rates. For law and order to be restored, Nick will have to learn to believe in things not of this world and seek the help of his new found friends.
This is a new take on angels and the devil for me. It made for an imaginative and fascinating read. I do want to issue a word of caution, the subject matter was dark and the details were graphic. Some readers might find it disturbing and I would not recommend this for younger readers. However, if you like urban fantasy and horror mixed with a tad of romance this is the book for you.
Please note, I received a free copy from the author in exchange for my honest review.
See more of my reviews, and author interviews, on my blog at www.thespineview.com
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