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After the Ashes
A behind the scenes look at the hierarchy of angels from Cecelia Earl's Kingdom Come series. A Kingdom Come Novella: Mila's story. Book 1.5 After the Ashes.
Warrior Angel Mila is determined to prove to Archangel Michael she's the right angel to lead the saints into battle, but there's more at stake than her will and pride.
Guardian Angels are disappearing. Mila is prepared to fight any battle to find and rescue them. She'll also do anything to win the coveted position as the leader of the squadron of saints--until that includes becoming a Guardian.
She's been a Warrior since Beginning Times. It's all she knows how to do, all she wants to do. She doesn't think she's the right person for the job, but an important soul is Unguarded, and she can't bring herself to tell Archangel Michael no. Besides, if her rival and competitor, Nicholas, can be both Guardian and Warrior, then so can she. Where Nicholas is strict and fierce, she's fiery and impulsive. He's a rigid Traditionalist, she's quick and always ready to attack. Will her strength become her weakness when she continuously makes mistakes--and worse--falls for her rival?
Who will earn the coveted position, especially once Nicholas' charge lives... and hers dies?
Early Praise for After the Ashes:
"Another awesome addition to your series!"
"So incredibly beautiful and descriptive....What an incredibly well written story! The descriptive narrative was just lovely to read. In parts I almost felt like I was reading poetry. I really enjoyed the POV 1 in Mila's voice. As a reader I really felt like I could understand how she was feeling--the pressure, guilt, determination. Her range of emotions was broadcast so loud and clear, at moments I wanted to hop in the pages and yell at her, while at others, I wanted to pat her on the back and give her a high five.... Great book!"
Warrior Angel Mila is determined to prove to Archangel Michael she's the right angel to lead the saints into battle, but there's more at stake than her will and pride.
Guardian Angels are disappearing. Mila is prepared to fight any battle to find and rescue them. She'll also do anything to win the coveted position as the leader of the squadron of saints--until that includes becoming a Guardian.
She's been a Warrior since Beginning Times. It's all she knows how to do, all she wants to do. She doesn't think she's the right person for the job, but an important soul is Unguarded, and she can't bring herself to tell Archangel Michael no. Besides, if her rival and competitor, Nicholas, can be both Guardian and Warrior, then so can she. Where Nicholas is strict and fierce, she's fiery and impulsive. He's a rigid Traditionalist, she's quick and always ready to attack. Will her strength become her weakness when she continuously makes mistakes--and worse--falls for her rival?
Who will earn the coveted position, especially once Nicholas' charge lives... and hers dies?
Early Praise for After the Ashes:
"Another awesome addition to your series!"
"So incredibly beautiful and descriptive....What an incredibly well written story! The descriptive narrative was just lovely to read. In parts I almost felt like I was reading poetry. I really enjoyed the POV 1 in Mila's voice. As a reader I really felt like I could understand how she was feeling--the pressure, guilt, determination. Her range of emotions was broadcast so loud and clear, at moments I wanted to hop in the pages and yell at her, while at others, I wanted to pat her on the back and give her a high five.... Great book!"
- GenresFantasy
131 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 17, 2017
29 people want to read
About the author
Cecelia Earl
9 books234 followersCecelia Earl credits her passion for penning fiction to a mandatory sixth grade study hall. She could have gotten her math done, but instead chose to write a teen mystery series, loosely inspired by Sweet Valley High, Trixie Belden, and Nancy Drew--her favorite series at the time. She never shared the stories with anyone, and time moved on. Sadly, she had no more mandatory study halls during which to write.
It wasn’t until she had three children, worked full-time as a teacher, and kept a home relatively tidy that she realized her passion for writing wasn’t something she had to give up with childhood and the end of study halls. Four years and five novels later, she wrote the first book in the Kingdom Come trilogy.
She lives with her husband, three sons, and male dog near enough to Green Bay, WI that her refrigerator is always stocked with cheese, and the first colors her children learned were green and gold. (She happily spends time with her female characters whenever the testosterone levels get too high in the house.)
She can usually be found snuggling her kids, reading on the couch, drinking strong coffee, or sipping Malbec. Once in a while she vacuums.
To receive a Kingdom Come series exclusive sneak peek collection and future book updates, notification about giveaways, and behind-the-scenes information, etc. sign up for Cecelia's newsletter! http://eepurl.com/cdvvIj
Learn more: http://www.ceceliaearl.com
Hang out with Cecelia on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/authorcecelia
Or find her on Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, and Pinterest @authorcecelia
It wasn’t until she had three children, worked full-time as a teacher, and kept a home relatively tidy that she realized her passion for writing wasn’t something she had to give up with childhood and the end of study halls. Four years and five novels later, she wrote the first book in the Kingdom Come trilogy.
She lives with her husband, three sons, and male dog near enough to Green Bay, WI that her refrigerator is always stocked with cheese, and the first colors her children learned were green and gold. (She happily spends time with her female characters whenever the testosterone levels get too high in the house.)
She can usually be found snuggling her kids, reading on the couch, drinking strong coffee, or sipping Malbec. Once in a while she vacuums.
To receive a Kingdom Come series exclusive sneak peek collection and future book updates, notification about giveaways, and behind-the-scenes information, etc. sign up for Cecelia's newsletter! http://eepurl.com/cdvvIj
Learn more: http://www.ceceliaearl.com
Hang out with Cecelia on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/authorcecelia
Or find her on Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, and Pinterest @authorcecelia
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
January 31, 2018
After the Ashes tells about an angel sent to protect a human who is actually superior to her.
Mila is jealous, conflicted and defiant, while Rach is content and loving.
It begs the question: which one needs the other more?
Poetic in parts and deeply reflective, this story on the periphery of Julia's saga makes one shake her head at Mila's self-imposed torment, then say, "Ahh, now I see" when the Archangel speaks.
The scenes where Mila details how demons and angels infiltrate human interactions are especially good.
I didn't like Mila, but she was strong in resisting temptation. If she could learn to accept the judgment of those with more knowledge and prowess, she could be truly admirable and formidable.
The cryptic ending suggests we haven't seen the last of her.
December 31, 2017
What an interesting short novella story. I liked the view I got of Mila. Was very interesting to read how her fallen friends keep trying to get her to join them. Liked all the fighting scenes and how the author made all the angels feel more "human" especially Milla. Really liked the bit of mystery added to the story. Just a great read finished in one sitting. Very clean story except for all the demon goo.
January 4, 2018
I love stories with strong female protagonists and AFTER THE ASHES has one to top all. Fighting bad guys with a bow & arrow or sword is second nature to Mila which made me view angels in a whole new way. The bad guys in this case are hideous demons, lurking at every turn. But when Mila has to give up the sword in order to become a guardian angel, she faces her toughest challenge yet. This book is a quick read and is packed with non-stop action.
January 10, 2018
Angel Mila needs to prove she’s the one to lead the others. Loved it.
January 5, 2018
4.5 Stars!
After the Ashes was an interesting novella to the Kingdom Come series. Mila is a warrior angel turned Guardian sent to protect Rachel. It is told from Mila's perspective and how she must adapt to her new role. Cole, Nicholas, Julia and Mitch also make a small appearance in this novella. It was nice to see things from a different perspective and to see how the angels train. Fans of the Kingdom Come series should read Mila's story too!
After the Ashes was an interesting novella to the Kingdom Come series. Mila is a warrior angel turned Guardian sent to protect Rachel. It is told from Mila's perspective and how she must adapt to her new role. Cole, Nicholas, Julia and Mitch also make a small appearance in this novella. It was nice to see things from a different perspective and to see how the angels train. Fans of the Kingdom Come series should read Mila's story too!
September 14, 2018
Ooh...this was a good novella. I read this after book 2 (When Smoke Rains Down) but before book 3 (When Fire Rains Down) and it explained Mila quite well so I was prepared for her involvement and role in the last book of the trilogy. I really enjoyed her strength and determination as a Warrior Angel and her perspective also shed light on what was going on with Rachel, Julia’s friend and Mitch’s girlfriend, in the first book of the series. This novella tied in nicely to the conflict found in the final book of the series and gave more depth to the battle, conflict, and angst between the angels and demons.
I received a copy of this novella from the author/publisher via JustRead Publicity Tours with the second novel When Smoke Rains Down. I was under no obligation to post a review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
I received a copy of this novella from the author/publisher via JustRead Publicity Tours with the second novel When Smoke Rains Down. I was under no obligation to post a review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
January 1, 2018
I’ve enjoyed writing the series prequel short story and novellas from various characters’ points of view. Because each character has his or her own voice, the stories may read a little differently than the series main novels. I hope you enjoy getting to know a little more about the side characters and their lives.
I hope you enjoy Mila’s story and this behind-the-scenes look at the hierarchy of angels in my angel fantasy series.
I hope you enjoy Mila’s story and this behind-the-scenes look at the hierarchy of angels in my angel fantasy series.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews