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Relent
After spending her life in foster care, Simone discovers she's half angel when the demon Wraith comes into the diner where she waits tables. Wraith--the only one who is ever truthful enough with her to admit his words are mostly lies.
Years later, angry that her mother abandoned her to return to heaven, Simone finds herself abandoning her lover, Reese, and their newborn child after Wraith tells her what she can't deny is "They will grow old and die while you remain young."
But could he have lied? The only way Simone can know is by finding them, and making a place for herself in their life. And when the balance between human and angel begins to shift in her, she must turn to Wraith again regardless of whether she can trust him or not.
"A unique and twisted journey into the supernatural. Compulsively readable! I was totally captivated by Heckenbach's vision." - Rachel A. Marks, author of The Dark Cycle trilogy.
"Relent is a fresh, unique take on angels and demons that will sweep you away on a wild ride you won't soon forget." ~Amy Brock McNew, author of the Reluctant Warrior Chronicles.
Years later, angry that her mother abandoned her to return to heaven, Simone finds herself abandoning her lover, Reese, and their newborn child after Wraith tells her what she can't deny is "They will grow old and die while you remain young."
But could he have lied? The only way Simone can know is by finding them, and making a place for herself in their life. And when the balance between human and angel begins to shift in her, she must turn to Wraith again regardless of whether she can trust him or not.
"A unique and twisted journey into the supernatural. Compulsively readable! I was totally captivated by Heckenbach's vision." - Rachel A. Marks, author of The Dark Cycle trilogy.
"Relent is a fresh, unique take on angels and demons that will sweep you away on a wild ride you won't soon forget." ~Amy Brock McNew, author of the Reluctant Warrior Chronicles.
207 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 29, 2017
6 people are currently reading
202 people want to read
About the author
Kat Heckenbach
33 books233 followersKat Heckenbach grew up in the small town of Riverview, Florida, where she spent most of her time either drawing or sitting in her “reading tree” with her nose buried in a fantasy novel…except for the hours pretending her back yard was an enchanted forest that could only be reached through the secret passage in her closet… She never could give up on the idea that maybe she really was magic, mistakenly placed in a world not her own…but as the years passed, and no elves or fairies carted her away…she realized she was just going to have to create the life of her fantasies. She shares that life with her husband and two homeschooling kids.
Kat is a graduate of the University of Tampa, Magna Cum Laude, B.S. in Biology. She spent several years teaching, but never in a traditional classroom–everything from Art to Algebra II. Her writing spans the gamut from inspirational personal essays to dark and disturbing fantasy and horror, with over forty short fiction and nonfiction credits to her name.
Kat is a graduate of the University of Tampa, Magna Cum Laude, B.S. in Biology. She spent several years teaching, but never in a traditional classroom–everything from Art to Algebra II. Her writing spans the gamut from inspirational personal essays to dark and disturbing fantasy and horror, with over forty short fiction and nonfiction credits to her name.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
September 25, 2017
A very well written story that i enjoyed reading. Simone is the main character and she is half angel to boot. Talk about your heroine journey in life that comes when Wraith walks into her life. A must read book for any and all book lovers everywhere.
July 10, 2017
Relent is categorized as a paranormal romance, but really, it's so much more. Yes, there is romance but it's more of a heroine's journey. Where do I start? First off, if Kat weren't one of my favorite authors, I might not have picked this book up. I'm not a fan of paranormal romance, especially with demons and angels.
There is a reason that I will read anything Kat Heckenbach writes. She is a master of description. I'm sure it has to do with her being an artist. She sees, and then paints with words. This strength is more and more apparent as the story progresses with the last half being a full immersion into the spiritual realm. I'm not going to spoil this because there are visuals that are simply mind-blowing.
There were so, so many places where this story could have gone off the rails. At one point, I had this horrible feeling Simone was going to fall in love with Wraith, the demon. I was mentally screaming, "noooo! You know he's a demon!" Fortunately, it's not like that at all. Wraith is what he is, a demon. But more. He's something of an adviser who earns Simone's trust. He's so deceptively likable; you want to believe him even when you know he's lying or telling half-truths.
This is where Relent departs from being a romance. It's more about Simone accepting that she's an immortal half-angel. The story focuses on Simone learning the truth from Wraith, and then coming to depend on him as her "spiritual guide". Of course he's a demon so he leads her astray.
The story is so tightly written that each part flows into the next. Simone and Wraith's relationship, Reese, her daughter Emily's birth, and Simone's search for Emily after she abandons her with Reese. With each step Simone loses a bit more of herself that leads to a gut-wrenching, soul-searching spiritual journey that places her on the brink of hell.
**For those of you who've read the Toch Island Chronicles, Relent is a whole different genre and is decidedly not young adult. As a warning to teen readers and parents, this book is for adults. I can't imagine the story really appealing to anyone much younger than 18-19. Also, there is adult subject matter, some swearing, and alcohol use. Sex outside of marriage is a big part of the story, but there is no sexual content; it's all off screen with not even a steamy fade-to-black transition.**
There is a reason that I will read anything Kat Heckenbach writes. She is a master of description. I'm sure it has to do with her being an artist. She sees, and then paints with words. This strength is more and more apparent as the story progresses with the last half being a full immersion into the spiritual realm. I'm not going to spoil this because there are visuals that are simply mind-blowing.
There were so, so many places where this story could have gone off the rails. At one point, I had this horrible feeling Simone was going to fall in love with Wraith, the demon. I was mentally screaming, "noooo! You know he's a demon!" Fortunately, it's not like that at all. Wraith is what he is, a demon. But more. He's something of an adviser who earns Simone's trust. He's so deceptively likable; you want to believe him even when you know he's lying or telling half-truths.
This is where Relent departs from being a romance. It's more about Simone accepting that she's an immortal half-angel. The story focuses on Simone learning the truth from Wraith, and then coming to depend on him as her "spiritual guide". Of course he's a demon so he leads her astray.
The story is so tightly written that each part flows into the next. Simone and Wraith's relationship, Reese, her daughter Emily's birth, and Simone's search for Emily after she abandons her with Reese. With each step Simone loses a bit more of herself that leads to a gut-wrenching, soul-searching spiritual journey that places her on the brink of hell.
**For those of you who've read the Toch Island Chronicles, Relent is a whole different genre and is decidedly not young adult. As a warning to teen readers and parents, this book is for adults. I can't imagine the story really appealing to anyone much younger than 18-19. Also, there is adult subject matter, some swearing, and alcohol use. Sex outside of marriage is a big part of the story, but there is no sexual content; it's all off screen with not even a steamy fade-to-black transition.**
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September 17, 2017The book Relent, by author Kat Heckenbach, is an emotional tour-de-force of a half-angel, half-human woman born and then abandoned by her full-angelic mother. (Don't get me started on how or how not this may be possible. Or the why. This book is the author's world.) A fantastic look behind the scenes and within the mind of a young woman growing up to womanhood in the foster care system. Once an adult, she strikes out on her own and is befriended by a biker who comes to her diner for his evening meal. The biker slowly worms his way into her life and eventually explains to her what she and he really are. He is a demon. Appalled that her mother left her, she grows in anger and resentment, all encouraged by her demon/biker friend who tells her truth through lies. What can she really believe? And what is she to do with her blooming powers/talents?
At one point in my read, I wanted to reach into the story world, shake the woman by the shoulders, and tell her to find a gospel preacher! She's going the wrong way!
I'll leave the rest of this delicious story to you. I greatly recommend that you read it. Family friendly but not for young tweens.
At one point in my read, I wanted to reach into the story world, shake the woman by the shoulders, and tell her to find a gospel preacher! She's going the wrong way!
I'll leave the rest of this delicious story to you. I greatly recommend that you read it. Family friendly but not for young tweens.
January 31, 2018
While the market is full of angel and demon novels, I have to say, none are as unique and real as this one. I read it in two very hooked sittings and was surprised at how much it challenged me and made me think. It has mythology without laboring over world building and character growth without preaching. They were real and human, and yet, they weren't. Ms. Hackenbach did a great job walking that line. The journey is well worth the read and it will linger after it's put down. Loved!!!!
August 24, 2017
Excellent book. Really makes you think and changes your thoughts on angels and demons. This book might even make you more interested in the topic of angels and demons.
April 13, 2022
*I received a e-book copy for free from the author in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own. *
I would like to start off by saying that Kat emailed me way back at the end of 2017 asking for a review and it has taken me way too long to get to this book. So, I am so sorry that it took this long for me to get to this.
Now onto my review:
I did not know what to expect while reading this book. I only really knew that it was paranormal and we were reading about a half angel half human, Simone, and a demon, Wraith. Other than that, I went in pretty blind. I was intrigued for the first half of the book. The issue that I had was I felt that the pacing was off with parts two and three. I would have liked some scenes to be extended a bit to beef up the book and add to the relationship prior to moving on to part four.
The second half of the book picks up a bit, but without giving away spoilers, I was curious to see what happened between Wraith and Simone and why he was fighting her on her journey. Again, without spoilers, I think the true antagonist was not too clear for me, but I would like to recognize that I think Simone’s journey of self-discovery and her story arc was done well and she came to her own self-realization, which was nice.
Overall, I am giving this book three stars. While it was interesting, it ended up just being okay for me as a whole.
I would like to start off by saying that Kat emailed me way back at the end of 2017 asking for a review and it has taken me way too long to get to this book. So, I am so sorry that it took this long for me to get to this.
Now onto my review:
I did not know what to expect while reading this book. I only really knew that it was paranormal and we were reading about a half angel half human, Simone, and a demon, Wraith. Other than that, I went in pretty blind. I was intrigued for the first half of the book. The issue that I had was I felt that the pacing was off with parts two and three. I would have liked some scenes to be extended a bit to beef up the book and add to the relationship prior to moving on to part four.
The second half of the book picks up a bit, but without giving away spoilers, I was curious to see what happened between Wraith and Simone and why he was fighting her on her journey. Again, without spoilers, I think the true antagonist was not too clear for me, but I would like to recognize that I think Simone’s journey of self-discovery and her story arc was done well and she came to her own self-realization, which was nice.
Overall, I am giving this book three stars. While it was interesting, it ended up just being okay for me as a whole.
July 30, 2019
I was reluctant to pick up this book because it isn't my genre, or at least that's what I thought. I liked the Toch Island trilogy by Kat Heckenbach so I decided to give this one a try.
This book is listed as paranormal romance with angels and demons. I feel this is slightly misleading. I don't do romance stories of any kind*, but Relent is not primarily a romance. Relent is about Simone facing her fear/guilt/anger as well as Wraith's lies and her abandonment by her mother and wanting to be with her daughter whatever it takes. And it is sooo well done. I can't think of another story which connects the reader to the main character as well as Relent does with Simone.
See also Gretchen's review. She said it better than I did.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
(*except perhaps some of George MacDonald's short story fairy tale romances, but those are unique and not what is generally thought of when someone describes a story as a romance...)
This book is listed as paranormal romance with angels and demons. I feel this is slightly misleading. I don't do romance stories of any kind*, but Relent is not primarily a romance. Relent is about Simone facing her fear/guilt/anger as well as Wraith's lies and her abandonment by her mother and wanting to be with her daughter whatever it takes. And it is sooo well done. I can't think of another story which connects the reader to the main character as well as Relent does with Simone.
See also Gretchen's review. She said it better than I did.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
(*except perhaps some of George MacDonald's short story fairy tale romances, but those are unique and not what is generally thought of when someone describes a story as a romance...)
February 5, 2018
Interesting spin
What if you were abandoned by your mom, never known the love of a family and suddenly you find out that you are half angel? What if the stranger telling you this is a demon, named Wraith? Follow Simone as she struggles to come to terms with who she is, what she is and whether she can trust Wraith.
An interesting spin on angels, demons and God's grace. I found the story enjoyable and mesmerizing. One small thing I did notice though is a few times people swear in the book. They also drink, I say these things to warn those who struggle with the idea that Christian fiction should only be squeaky clean. If you find humanity a problem then this is probably not the book for you. However, if you enjoy a good story, and a few swear words don't bother you,then I think you will really enjoy this book.
What if you were abandoned by your mom, never known the love of a family and suddenly you find out that you are half angel? What if the stranger telling you this is a demon, named Wraith? Follow Simone as she struggles to come to terms with who she is, what she is and whether she can trust Wraith.
An interesting spin on angels, demons and God's grace. I found the story enjoyable and mesmerizing. One small thing I did notice though is a few times people swear in the book. They also drink, I say these things to warn those who struggle with the idea that Christian fiction should only be squeaky clean. If you find humanity a problem then this is probably not the book for you. However, if you enjoy a good story, and a few swear words don't bother you,then I think you will really enjoy this book.
February 23, 2018
A half-breed, a demon, a tragic romance, and a search for meaning . . .
This book was beautiful.
My absolute favorite part was the fact that I HAD to keep reading! What would happen next? How would this possibly end? I love to be surprised and I love it when books are unpredictable and Kat did a fantastic job! (personally, I'm a rather slow reader and if a book doesn't grab me, it takes me a long time to get through books)
This book is also a beautiful example of what I love to see in Christian fiction. Christian characters and a Christian worldview alongside non-Christian characters going through their own struggles and "finding the light" as it were. This book was in no way "preachy" or "cheesy." Even characters like the nice older Christian lady and the tragically handsome pastor aren't overdone or stereotypical. Even the demon character I came to enjoy for his own complicated emotions (he gave me this twilight vibe, which was also entertaining).
Highly recommended!
This book was beautiful.
My absolute favorite part was the fact that I HAD to keep reading! What would happen next? How would this possibly end? I love to be surprised and I love it when books are unpredictable and Kat did a fantastic job! (personally, I'm a rather slow reader and if a book doesn't grab me, it takes me a long time to get through books)
This book is also a beautiful example of what I love to see in Christian fiction. Christian characters and a Christian worldview alongside non-Christian characters going through their own struggles and "finding the light" as it were. This book was in no way "preachy" or "cheesy." Even characters like the nice older Christian lady and the tragically handsome pastor aren't overdone or stereotypical. Even the demon character I came to enjoy for his own complicated emotions (he gave me this twilight vibe, which was also entertaining).
Highly recommended!
March 7, 2024
This book is not your normal paranormal story. It’s much better than most I have read. The complexities of the relationships are well done, as well as the artful look inside the humanness vs supernatural aspects of the characterizations.
June 7, 2018
Loved this book! I enjoyed this unique story of the struggle between good & evil. The characters had depth and I found myself engrossed in the emotional roller coaster that Simone rode as she discovered more and more of the truth of who she was and her past. Great twist ending. Definitely recommended!
January 3, 2022
Kat’s writing never fails to take me to another space and time. Her imagery puts me in each scene. The pace of the book never lets up. My Apple Watch reminded me more than once to breathe.
We’ll do e!
We’ll do e!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews