For centuries since The Fall, Shael has carried the stigma of being responsible for the disgrace of the Nephilim. When he disappears, that burden falls on his daughter, Achaia, who he kept ignorant of the spiritual world, to keep her safe.
Now, not only does Achaia have to come to grips with a whole new reality that rips her mundane world apart, but she also has to determine where she can place her trust. In the spiritual world it is choose or be chosen, but allegiance must be pledged. When it’s not just her life on the line, but her father’s as well, Achaia’s options are less than ideal. Forced to choose between angels who want nothing to do with her, and demons who want too much, it’s tempting to just let fate decide...
Brandy was born and raised in North Carolina on the barrier islands known as the Outer Banks. She is an avid reader, and writer of both fiction and non fiction. Her debut book, Transgression, book one of The Kingdom Come Series, was released on November 11, 2017. The Kingdom Come Series will have 4 books in total. Ange, is also said to be working on a non-fiction personal development book to be released in increments as e-books, then later in hard copies. For more information on Ange and what she is working on, you can check out her website, brandyange.me
Ever open a book and before you know it it's two days later??? That's Trangression by Brandy Ange. It is a bueatiful and well thought out story about angels and demons through the eyes of a teenage girl. Transgression is written in such a way it flows giving romance to religion in the same way Erin Morgenstern gives romance to magic in Night Circus.
I'm looking forward to the rest of the series! Highly recommend.
I'm going to be completely honest with you, I was terrified to read this novel for two reasons. One, is that I've known the author, Brandy Ange, almost my whole life. And two, I'm not a young adult. I didn't need to be afraid of either!
There is a lot of pressure to crack open a book somebody you've known for decades poured their heart and soul into. I was so nervous that it would be mediocre or boring. How do you politely tell a great friend that they should probably stick to their day job because this author thing might not work out?? I wasn't even done with the prologue before I could breath a giant sigh of relief. It's GOOD. Like, really really REALLY good. And I'm not just saying that because she's my friend. I love the fantasy and action and geek world of shows, movies, and fandoms. I've never really gotten into the side of books or comics that go hand in hand, but I might have to change my mind after reading Transgression. It was so well developed that I could vividly see each character, each scene, the places described, the tension or emotions in the air.
I'm one of those weirdos who gets caught up on little details like "when does Jack Bauer ever eat or sleep?" or "didn't Frodo need to brush his teeth, like ever?" And Brandy has thankfully covered so many realistic, intricate, amazing details of the story that it is breathtakingly real. The characters remember to pack clothes, they brush their teeth, they get hungry, they worry about when they last showered, or about their stinky feet. I loved being able to relate to these things and have them woven to tell a complete story without making you roll your eyes at the omission. I know it seems silly, but when you read it, you will see that it adds a whole depth to the story without taking away from the amazing storyline and characters.
When I heard Young Adult, I was thinking.. ehh, I'm at the age where raisin brans are on my grocery list. Is this going to be too immature for me? NO!! From the first page to the last, even though some of the characters are teenagers, this has so much substance and meat, it will hold the attention and curiosity of teens through adults.
The one thing that was a little hard for me at first was to pronounce the character names and remember who was who, since some are foreign. They kind of tripped me up in my head as I got my reading rhythm going. Thankfully, Brandy posted a video on her website with pronunciations and that really helped. After a few chapters, it was just second nature to read all of the unique character and location names seamlessly flow with the story.
I don't want to give away spoilers so I'll be vague, but brace yourself for action, good and evil, battles, incredibly well developed characters, amazing descriptions of landscapes, travels, planes, trains, natural and human disasters, innocence, families, friends, finding yourself, emotions... I could go on and on. This book has it all crammed into a neat package of page turning addiction. I normally read books in a day or two, and I WANTED to read this one that fast. But part of me was loving the characters and the story so much that I forced myself to slow down and savor it. I know it's cliche but I am already ready for book two. These are the types of characters and storyline that stick with you long after the book ends. I cannot wait to see where this adventure unfolds. (And wouldn't mind them being made into movies!)
Excellent YA novel! First of the series, and I am ready for the next book already. The imagery really allowed me to be fully immersed in Achaia’s world, and Brandy’s (the author) wit really got me laughing several times. As the story progressed, I found myself trying to read faster and faster so I could find out what would happen. In the broad sense it’s a coming-of-age piece, but it really is so much more. The action, drama, suspense and, yes, a little bit of romantic tension keep the story moving so well. Will definitely read this again, and will also be loaning my book out to friends!
I truly loved this book. Brandy has an incredible way of introducing the characters in the middle of the action. No need to wait until the last 100 pages (like most books) to reach an exciting event, the action is how you get to know the characters, their hearts, their intentions, and their depth. I was a little nervous as it seems like the book is going to be about a group dramatic high school students, as high school is where the book opens... but it's not that AT ALL. This book is intriguing, deep, and so so well written. Well done Ange! I am so excited for Penance!
"Some people are all too quick to forget greatness in the midst of mistake."
This book is totally about Angels and God, Heaven and Hell, and much more!! Plus the funny parts! Ahh this book is amazing!
For years, Shael, a Nephilim, the greatest warrior, a Guardian Angel, kept his true identity and everything about the spiritual world to himself and didn't tell his wife and daughter. As he was not so loved in the Heaven despite being the greatest among them, except of course God, he loved Shael, like he did all his children, Shael carried the stigma of being responsible for the disgrace of the Nephilim
So after he disappears suddenly, the burden, the truth, it all falls on Achaia. She didn't know a thing about it all until this incident. Now, she not only got to keep her mundane life from tearing apart, but also determine where to put her trust and what to do. "Chose or be chosen" this is what happens in the spiritual world, allegiance must be pledged. But after what happened, Achaia is not so sure if she wants to pledge to either of them; Heaven or Hell, God or Lucifer
The characters, the world building, the writing, the whole story is just splendidly amazing! No matter how good Emile is, Olivier and Achaia's friendship is the best! And of course, Noland, arghh!! I can't wait to read the second book!!
What an adventure! I loved following along with Achaia on her epic journey, going from normal (well, relatively) every day life at school into the depths of the woods and beyond! A great story with action, drama and humor that intertwines religion, angels and demons, and the challenges of being a teenager and an outlier.
I enjoyed the realism of the everyday teen conversations and worries merged with the discovery of the supernatural and how it might feel to discover you have powers. Some of the descriptions are so vivid you can almost feel it happening, so hats off to Ange for that. And as someone who was a shy teen, I really felt I could relate to Achaia. She’s a great protagonist, filled with fears and determination and kindness.
I felt the prologue was a touch longer than it needed to be, but once chapter 1 started I was hooked! Pacing was excellent after that and I couldn’t wait to find out more. In fact, I can’t wait to read the rest of the series to do just that!
Transgression is an exciting YA story that follows main character Achaia as she is pulled from her high-school life and into a world she never knew existed around her. Hunted by both demons and angels alike, Achaia discovers her father’s previous life has come to haunt her when he goes missing. With her safety in the hands of a group of newfound friends, Achaia sets off on a journey that doesn’t let up. The ending is satisfying, in that wraps up several points in this story but leaves plenty unanswered and yet to explore, nicely setting up sequels. An enjoyable adventure!
From beginning to end, Ange draws you into a world that recognizes the warfare between angels and demons. She uses vivid imagery to pull you into the story - so much so that I found myself forgetting it is not a movie!
Her description of hell is chilling and gives the reader a sense of the serious degree to which its occupants suffer there.
I loved her unorthodox imagery and willingness to push boundaries on Traditional topics. In particular, I loved the imagery she used when describing Naphtali, the main character's surrogate uncle.
This book drew me in with interesting characters and kept me turning pages because of the story line. I am so glad I purchased the second book in the series so I could keep reading.
Transgression depicts an interesting Biblical perspective on the battle for good and evil. I can clearly tell that it is the product of a lot of hard work and dedication. The settings are detailed, and Ange does a beautiful job of bringing the reader into her realm. Overall, Transgression is a thought-provoking, well-crafted work that will resonate with anyone interested in the more intricate side of human nature and the very real spiritual battles that are being fought in our world today.
When offered a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, I was excited to read it. Nephilim play a significant role in my YA series, and I was looking forward to seeing how Ange wrote them. Though they are different than the Nephilim in my series, I enjoyed the well-thought-out plot.
The characters were believable, the settings were vivid, and I found myself wondering what the author had in store for us next.
I'm curious to see what happens in the next books.
If you are interested in fantasy and mythology then this book is already on your radar. Since it's a YA book it is an easy read with comic relief and light-hearted banter that is sprinkled throughout the book. This is an epic running start into the Kingdom Come-Verse. Transgressions introduces you to all of the characters as you see how their individual personalities unfold to come together to help each other for a common cause.
Although this is a traditionally Christian religious-based adventure I did not find it "preachy" or condescending at all. There is a heavy mythological back story that forces you to look beyond what you knew about the religion as you embrace this new hiarchy of the angels along with the Dante's Inferno inspired spiraling depths of hell.
The author goes into great discription and detail when it comes to every character and the worlds they visit. This is a truly inspired read and I appreciated every nerdy reference to comic books and Harry Potter, which stitched together this ancient plot line into the present-time like a well tailored garment.
I had some trouble trying to decide on the rating as I honestly wanted to like this book, but was conflicted by my own personal beliefs.
I will start by saying the book definitely gives 'first book' vibes. Spelling mistakes aside, some of the conversations between characters were a little repetitive or just didn't move the scene along. And I know some readers won't be very fond of the 'flowery' descriptions that included a lot of figurative languages, especially similes. I personally do not mind first books vibes. After all, everyone starts from somewhere. And I don't mind excessive descriptions as I am not a very visual thinker.
I don't want to give spoilers, but I didn't really like the whole angel concept. As someone who has very traditional beliefs, I couldn't get my head around the Nephilim being neither fully good nor bad. It didn't make sense to me that they had betrayed God, but were allowed to escape Hell, but had no salvation. And the angels' battle happening after the humans were created, took away from the whole meaning of humans to me.
And I had always thought Nephilim were the offspring of fallen angels and humans. I didn't really like that the Nephilim were made to be the closest angels to God instead. And the whole thing about Angels breeding with each other and humans felt almost blasphemous. Even if they had fallen and had taken a more human nature, they still should have kept their pure nature even if they had supposedly repented.
And the way Achaia just constantly uses God’s name in vain had me cringing. I get she wasn't supposed to know any better, but I would have thought the Nephilim say something to her at least.
On a more positive note, I loved the friend group, especially Olivier, Emile, and Yellainer. The characters supernatural powers were also very intriguing.
To finish this review, I'll say that I really wished the characters could have been more angel-like, and that their relationships were platonic rather than romantic. The ending was a bit too anti-climatic. I was hoping the main characters would work things out themselves, rather than someone else just suddenly show up to save the day. I did enjoy the writing style and I did finish the book very quickly once I got through the first few chapters.
The whole angel concept just isn't how I view angels an made me feel uncomfortable. If the story had been based around non-fictional spiritual beings (that were not supposed to be angels), I would have really enjoyed it.
I want to start off by saying I loved the book and found it very difficult to put it down. The characters development, the world building, the plot, how the author describes everything into detail that just brings it to life was incredible. I really enjoyed the fact that every chapter started with a quote that grabbed the reader’s attention and went with every chapter itself. As if the author was trying to give her readers an insight on what was to come in each chapter. I found the book very intriguing. The biblical perspective on heaven and hell was interesting and very well thought out. Not only was the plot of the story easy to follow the character introductions throughout were very nicely done. You could imagine yourself being there experiencing the adventure with the characters and being a part of the intensive action that is depicted all throughout. It was very easy to read and to follow.
The author did a very good job creating this fantasy world between angles and demons in such a way that one could believe it was a possibility. She gives us an interesting perspective on how demons and angels interact with humans as well as the battle between both heaven and hell. How free will impacts the world itself. She personally got me thinking more about religion and the biblical hierarchy of it all.
All in all I highly recommend this book to those that are interested in reading about angels and demons and getting a new perspective of the biblical hierarchy that the author depicts in this book. Not only is it a page turner but you will not regret it. I can’t wait to see what the author has in store for us next and how she will take her adventure to the next level. I received an advanced review copy of this book and I am leaving a review willingly.
This was such an interesting read. I loved the plot and the characters! Shael took up caring for his daughter alone after his wife was murdered by a demon. He made a deal with Lucifer to leave his daughter and him alone. He raised Achaia by not telling her anything about the Nephilim part of his life.
They kept moving from state to state for protection and they reach New York. Achaia meets Olivier and his friends, Noland, Emile, Amelia and Yellaina. They end up getting closer and become fast friends. When Shael goes missing, Achaia learns about the side of the world she didn’t know about.
Things are set in motion and decisions have to be made by Achaia in this new world for her future. I loved watching Achaia getting closer with Noland and his friends. I loved how they practically became family by the end. The development was heart warming!
The plot and world building was the highlight! The concept of Nephilim and the history that went with it was intriguing and made the story a page turner!
I am excited for the sequel! Thank you to the author and BOMM for sending me the ARC of this amazing read!!
Transgression introduced Achaia as she and her father move to New York, where he is gone for long stretches of time, only returning with mysterious wounds he won't explain. At a new school, she finds herself surrounded by an unexpected group of teens, all who know a secret about her that her father has never revealed. Achaia is half human, half Nephilim.
As a creature of Devine power with a human's ability for choice, Achaia is a hot commodity in the spheres of angels and demons. Achaia struggles to wrap her head around not only creatures she didn't know existed, but a religion her father had kept her from. He hoped her lack of knowledge would protect her. Instead, it proves a dangerous Achilles heel.
Transgression is a beautiful debut into the Kingdom Come universe. As soon as the last page closed, I was already reaching for Penance, the next book in the series. I highly recommend this for fans of urban fantasy who love angels, demons, and a respectful twist on Christian lore.
DO NOT MAKE THE MISTAKE OF READING THIS. God, this book sucked. My sister got it for me at some bookstore, and I was excited to read it at first, the inside cover grabbed my attention. The problems start appearing on the first page, however. The scenes are poorly written, rife with grammatical inaccuracies. I read almost two hundred pages of this atrocity of a novel, desperately hoping that on the next page, it will get better. It didn’t. The protagonist, Achaia, has the personality of a wet rug in a bathroom. The plot has more holes than a sponge and holds less water than the paper towels of a high school cafeteria. Putting aside these facts, the author’s bio in the back of the book claims that she has a bachelor’s degree in ‘Bible’, which is in no way an actual academic degree that one can have. Religious studies, perhaps, but I have yet to see a college offer degrees in ‘Bible’. ‘Transgression’ is an apt title for whatever life choice caused Brandy Ange to write this book.
Finding your own way in high school is hard enough without having to change cities every few months. Add an ancient battle between angels and demons to the mix, and it becomes near impossible. And that's before Achaia finds out about her wings.
Dragged head first into the fight between good and evil, Achaia struggles to reunite her family and soon realizes that, eventually, everyone must choose a side.
Ange's debut novel Transgression explores that grey space between good and evil and the courage it takes to make your own choices. Perfect for emerging adults caught between walking the path of their ancestors or carving their own.
Highly entertaining and perfectly paced, polishing for distracting typos and grammatical errors would be a 5/5!
This had been on my TBR since the early days of its release, and it did not disappoint.
Brandy Ange builds a wonderful world where a balanced relationship exists between humans and angels, yet the girl of the moment Achaia delves deep into a dark twisted world of troublesome demons and monsters.
I normally struggle with books over the 300 page mark, yet I really enjoyed every chapter, both captivating and action-filled fun. One particular scene really takes the bull by the horns...
I'm now a fully fledged fan of Brandy Ange's work and I can't wait to start the next installment.
Such a good book! I actually took a few weeks off from reading to slow myself down. I didn’t want it to end. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series. The characters and plot were so different from other YA novels out there which made it unpredictable!
This YA book put a different spin on the “angels vs demons” niche that I really enjoyed. The author manages to depict the characters in the book in a way that draws us into the on going fight between heaven and hell and also don’t blatantly go against basic Biblical principles. I’ll definitely be adding the rest of the series to my TBR/wish list.