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Always Darkest
Ronoven, a demon dreaming of an escape from Hell, finds an excuse for an extended vacation on Earth, where he pretends to be a young drifter called Ben. Everything is going great - until he meets Chris. This unassuming teacher is using an assumed identity, too. Cursed with immortality and named in a prophecy Ben thought was fake, Chris becomes an unlikely friend. Together the two of them discover the main subject of the prophecy, Mal, a young woman not only fathered by an angel, but also the last in the direct line of Jesus and Mary Magdalene. Mal learns her true identity but is determined not to be forced into a corner by circumstances or some ancient scrap of paper. Falling in love was never part of Ben's plan, but together he and Mal are drawn into conflict that could destroy them. Slippery ancient gods, as well as angels and their fallen siblings bring to bear all of their power to force Mal to their side. With the help of a small band of allies, Mal tries to shake free of the cage of prophecy and end Hell's hold on Ben. Will any of them find the future they desire?
- GenresFantasy
280 pages, ebook
Published June 21, 2017
About the author
Jess Flaherty
3 books47 followersJess and Keith Flaherty are one of those married couples sitcoms never get right. They have been together for over twenty years and still can’t get enough of each other’s company.
They live in the beautiful mountains of Vermont with their two children, three cats, a dog, and an immortal guinea pig. Jess has worked in newspaper and art publishing, freelance writing, cake decorating, and in addition to writing and editing, she works as the program/house manager for a residential transition program for young adults. She enjoys playing the ukulele badly, reading, and binge-watching unhealthy amounts of TV.
Keith spent many years as a chef and business manager, and now runs a quaint country store. In his free time, he enjoys writing poetry, reading, or cooking something his family will think is amazing.
As a couple, Jess and Keith love to cook together, go hiking, and spend time together and with their boys. Of course, they also love writing together. Their first book, Always Darkest, was recently called “A very different story,” and “A solid fantasy novel,” by fantasy icon, Piers Anthony, and fans have compared their style to a combination of Douglas Adams, George R.R. Martin, and Christopher Lamb.
From fantasy, to horror, to romance, to humor, if you check out Jess and Keith’s work, you won’t be disappointed!
They live in the beautiful mountains of Vermont with their two children, three cats, a dog, and an immortal guinea pig. Jess has worked in newspaper and art publishing, freelance writing, cake decorating, and in addition to writing and editing, she works as the program/house manager for a residential transition program for young adults. She enjoys playing the ukulele badly, reading, and binge-watching unhealthy amounts of TV.
Keith spent many years as a chef and business manager, and now runs a quaint country store. In his free time, he enjoys writing poetry, reading, or cooking something his family will think is amazing.
As a couple, Jess and Keith love to cook together, go hiking, and spend time together and with their boys. Of course, they also love writing together. Their first book, Always Darkest, was recently called “A very different story,” and “A solid fantasy novel,” by fantasy icon, Piers Anthony, and fans have compared their style to a combination of Douglas Adams, George R.R. Martin, and Christopher Lamb.
From fantasy, to horror, to romance, to humor, if you check out Jess and Keith’s work, you won’t be disappointed!
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
February 4, 2020
Hip Demons Save the World!
Above and below, humor and imagination abound in this great novel that kicks off a series. Demons and Archangels, Knights Templar, the Catholic Church hierarchy, ancient wanderers cursed to live until the end of time, and a beautiful child of prophesy all combine in this wonderful work of fantastic fiction. The authors have crafted a solid narrative with lyrical prose to describe the angelic and the demonic, for example, a demon wields “a difficult power …to function over the background noise of all Creation, many chains of events large and small, conducting the symphony of the unfolding universe.” The writing is solid and the story moves at a great pace to its climatic conclusion, leaving just enough room for the sequels.
Current pop cultural references make this a “laugh out loud” read and provide a connection to today’s audience. Well defined characters drive this love story including the Biblical Gatekeeper living under the Church’s protection into his third millennial, and a collection of demons born in the wrong era condemned before Christianity could save them, a group less interested in evil and more interested in playing hooky and dodging “work” commitments on earth, a much nicer place than hell. However, for horror fans the truly evil do lurk in the pages, including Lilith and her sister, backed by an army of stupid devils and monstrous demi-gods from pagan religions.
Malin Alina Sinclair, the girl of prophecy, is a great heroine, struggling with the life of a teenaged girl in the modern world while slowly falling for a “college boy,” who, surprise, just happens to be a refugee from the pits of Hell. This is a paranormal romance of epic proportions, exciting and a great read. Highly recommended!
Above and below, humor and imagination abound in this great novel that kicks off a series. Demons and Archangels, Knights Templar, the Catholic Church hierarchy, ancient wanderers cursed to live until the end of time, and a beautiful child of prophesy all combine in this wonderful work of fantastic fiction. The authors have crafted a solid narrative with lyrical prose to describe the angelic and the demonic, for example, a demon wields “a difficult power …to function over the background noise of all Creation, many chains of events large and small, conducting the symphony of the unfolding universe.” The writing is solid and the story moves at a great pace to its climatic conclusion, leaving just enough room for the sequels.
Current pop cultural references make this a “laugh out loud” read and provide a connection to today’s audience. Well defined characters drive this love story including the Biblical Gatekeeper living under the Church’s protection into his third millennial, and a collection of demons born in the wrong era condemned before Christianity could save them, a group less interested in evil and more interested in playing hooky and dodging “work” commitments on earth, a much nicer place than hell. However, for horror fans the truly evil do lurk in the pages, including Lilith and her sister, backed by an army of stupid devils and monstrous demi-gods from pagan religions.
Malin Alina Sinclair, the girl of prophecy, is a great heroine, struggling with the life of a teenaged girl in the modern world while slowly falling for a “college boy,” who, surprise, just happens to be a refugee from the pits of Hell. This is a paranormal romance of epic proportions, exciting and a great read. Highly recommended!
September 21, 2020
I found this story very interesting. It was nice seeing how other people 'see' certain angels and their behaviour. As a woman who works with angels regularly for healing, some parts made me laugh, in a good way!
The story itself is alright, though, to be honest, I think it went on way to long, and there were lots of areas that didn't help the story for me, so I found myself skipping through endless conversations that could have been edited down, given with more force and offered the same outcome.
The problem I had is the ending. It just - ended - then I realised it was a series - part 1. THIS is the reason I hate series - I like stories I have invested time into, and I like to know the ending - I was annoyed! It also seemed to get to about ten pages from the end - rush on and then end. I also didn't like the 'time frames'. Months went by etc. I prefer stories to be within a believable time frame, and this seemed rushed through for me.
All in all, I enjoyed the characters, the interaction of various angels, demons from myth and legend. Interesting take on a Pagan being a demon and going to Hell????? Being Pagan myself I roared with mirth!!
The story itself is alright, though, to be honest, I think it went on way to long, and there were lots of areas that didn't help the story for me, so I found myself skipping through endless conversations that could have been edited down, given with more force and offered the same outcome.
The problem I had is the ending. It just - ended - then I realised it was a series - part 1. THIS is the reason I hate series - I like stories I have invested time into, and I like to know the ending - I was annoyed! It also seemed to get to about ten pages from the end - rush on and then end. I also didn't like the 'time frames'. Months went by etc. I prefer stories to be within a believable time frame, and this seemed rushed through for me.
All in all, I enjoyed the characters, the interaction of various angels, demons from myth and legend. Interesting take on a Pagan being a demon and going to Hell????? Being Pagan myself I roared with mirth!!
March 11, 2019
Book 1 of the Arbitratus Trilogy had my interest from the first page. Heaven and Hell are competing. With the unique perspective of demons and angels in the modern day, this book keeps you pulled into the story. Enter in two main characters who are not totally demons, or angels and I became even more propelled into the story. This is a well paced and engrossing read. There is a striking undercurrent of people who do not fit in a specific label or are trying to be good in a position of intense pressure to be evil.
Being the first book in the series a few questions are left unanswered but just enough to keep me compelled and ready for the next book.
Being the first book in the series a few questions are left unanswered but just enough to keep me compelled and ready for the next book.
August 12, 2020
This book was inspired by the Supernatural TV series but the characters and events definitely come from the authors' imaginations.
A great mix of drama, suspense, awkward teenage flirting, comedic banter, difficult decisions and breathtaking revelations make this a thoroughly absorbing and enjoyable read.
Don't get me wrong, I love medieval fantasy, but there's so much of it about and it does make a refreshing change to read something that's set in the modern era.
I'm looking forward to the next instalment of this saga.
A great mix of drama, suspense, awkward teenage flirting, comedic banter, difficult decisions and breathtaking revelations make this a thoroughly absorbing and enjoyable read.
Don't get me wrong, I love medieval fantasy, but there's so much of it about and it does make a refreshing change to read something that's set in the modern era.
I'm looking forward to the next instalment of this saga.
June 26, 2018
Expected much better from this. Although kudos for an original idea and original approach - demons and angels in modern times - so much of the first few chapters were derivative of Dr. Who, Harry Potter, and The Terminator. Much of the writing, the dialogue and exposition, focused on the mundane and then the important things were summed up in a paragraph. Many times the writing simply came across as sophomoric. Sorry, didn't care for it the way I wanted to.
August 22, 2022
Stuff happens at the beginning and the middle, and in between is normal life.
It wasn’t uninteresting, but I do think I had a hard time focusing on the story because of how the print was formatted.
I really liked the characters and enjoyed the overall plot. I’m not a fan of the Jesus x Magdalene theory, but I enjoyed the Supernatural vibes and there being a prophecy not directly related to Armageddon. That was definitely a refreshing touch!
It wasn’t uninteresting, but I do think I had a hard time focusing on the story because of how the print was formatted.
I really liked the characters and enjoyed the overall plot. I’m not a fan of the Jesus x Magdalene theory, but I enjoyed the Supernatural vibes and there being a prophecy not directly related to Armageddon. That was definitely a refreshing touch!
February 23, 2021
Engaging
This book had a great plot and neat, celestial characters. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series, and I would recommend it to anyone interested in this genre.
This book had a great plot and neat, celestial characters. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series, and I would recommend it to anyone interested in this genre.
July 12, 2018
Heaven and Hell are fighting for the Scion. Meanwhile a couple of angels and demons who don't really belong to either side are trying to protect the Scion. Mix cool demon and angel mythology, some horror, and a love story, and you've got Always Darkest! Leaves you page turning like mad and already waiting for book two!
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews