For centuries Gabriel, Michael, and Lucifer have worked together, coexisting in the same universe. Gabriel chooses to remain silent and secluded, preferring the garden in the Hall of Souls. He dances beneath the tree of life, barefoot and with reckless abandon…until the day he looks into the eyes of another angel and sees the dreams he’s kept silent mirrored there.
Eons have passed since the moment Michael came to be General of the All Father’s army in Heaven, the protector of mankind. Michael has been in love with Lucifer for as long as he can remember, their relationship second only to his oath to All Father. But lately, Michael has begun to notice cracks in the surface of their bond, sensing that his lover is not as angelic as he seems.
Lucifer is the All Father’s first creation, the bringer of light, his Morning Star. He sits to the right of the throne, as he’s done every day since the dawn of time. Two things were tasked to the archangels from the start: put no other before the All Father, and protect the humans he cherishes. Lucifer challenges both sacred rules. He puts his love for Michael before his love for his creator, and he questions his creator’s wisdom when it comes to the atrocities he has seen committed by mankind.
One will fall while two remain and grow stronger. A battle of wills is on the horizon.…Not only mankind, but the fate of all beings will hang in the balance.
A military brat born and raised at Ft. Benning Georgia; Smith is an avid reader that just happens to write sweet & sexy gay romance. A Texas transplant, she now calls DFW her home. Most days she can be found curled up with a good book, or ticking away on her next novel.
Smith is a single mom of three disturbingly outspoken and decidedly different kids, one of which is Autistic. Besides her writing, she is passionate about Autism advocacy and LGBT rights. Because, seriously people, Love is Love!
I’m am absolutely not a religious person, never read the Bible, and what I know of Christianity is from friends, required literature in school, and television. So, as you might expect I had no real preconceived ideas of any religious framework before starting to read this story. I personally think that was a good thing, since I was able to see the author’s vision for the story and not overlay it on any existing religious beliefs—this is fiction after all, and our world should have very little bearing on the story the author is trying to tell. What I found was a thought-provoking book that played with my emotions (I mean, who’d have thought you could sympathize with Satan?), and some powerful scenes that were stunning in their imagery and intensity.
Though this is meant to be Gabriel’s story, in order to tell it we need to learn about Michael and Lucifer’s relationship—one that is cracking under the strain of Lucifer’s continued questioning of the All Father and his loss of faith in humanity. While I mentioned having sympathy for Satan, given what was expected of Lucifer (what is expected of all archangels-protecting mankind and putting no other before the All Father), and his insistence on not just pushing but smashing those boundaries, there was only ever one outcome that could come to be.
Gabriel is the essence of innocence, but can protect and fight when needed just as fiercely as his counterparts. His penchant for communing with the souls at the Tree of Life embodies hope and joy, something he willingly shares with anyone who needs it to refresh their own souls. Michael, as the general of the All Father’s army in heaven, is a relentless protector, strong and true, but still hurts from the splintering of his relationship with Lucifer. Gabriel and Michael fit easily together, with Gabriel helping Michael to heal.
Yes, this is a romance—one that rewrites what you may see as religious canon—but don’t let your own religious beliefs color your opinion of this story. This is about love, pure and simple, regardless of the players. Part of telling the story includes some scenes of obvious religious nature, some of which I personally could have done without (but this is a strongly personal viewpoint due to my own beliefs…or rather non-belief), but without which Lucifer’s true nature of what he becomes cannot be fully realized. There are also times when the characters become quite introspective, and I found that this lead to a greater depth in the overall story.
The Messenger was a 4.5-star read for me, and I’m really looking forward to the rest of this series—especially given the epilogue and its tease with Raphael’s character. I think readers’ reactions will probably differ quite a bit depending on their own religious backgrounds, but regardless you’re still going to find a strong, solid, and provocative story that will have your attention from cover to cover. This book is meant for readers 18+ for sexual content.
This was a hard book for me to rate, heck - it's a hard book for me to even know what bookshelves to put it in! I finally settled with a 3 star rating since I really enjoyed the middle and what the author was trying to create here, but it was admittedly tough for me to get into the story at the start.
The story is basically a "what if," where the angels that we know from western Christianity were all in relationships, and same sex ones at that, and what caused God to make the decisions he did, what happened before and when Satan/Lucifer fell, and how everything from Genesis to the birth of Jesus and beyond was affected by angels such as Gabriel, Michael, Azrael, Lucifer, and so on.
As I said, this was a slow starter for me. There is a lot of explanation, a LOT of names, and the writing is in such a formal style, that it was a bit hard for me to get into the story. Things really did pick up for me and I enjoyed the middle bit, but then the ending lost me just a little bit, too. There is no menage (which I thought for a second from the blurb there may be) and no cheating, so don't be worried about that.
I would be interested to see where the author goes next with this, especially as the epilogue definitely seems to set things up for the next story.
I received an arc in exchange for an honest review.
(FIRST PASS) -------------- B*E*T*A - C*O*P*Y -------------- Read through and critiqued AS-IS, not final copy and subject to change, therefore I will not leave a review with details about the plot at this time. ~*~ Rated: R / Score: 4.125 / Stars: 4 ~*~ Prepare to have an open mind because Author TM Smith rewrites Christian theology with a vivid imagination and true, all-encompassing-love God, introducing us to her new world of Angels and Demons! There was a lot of new world building and character introduction that made the first 20/25% feel a little heavy and technical, making it more complex and difficult to follow for those looking for a light and easy read. But, that said, the characters are well developed and the world is intriguing.
Note: While the synopsis is a bit tricky, this is not a true menage story nor is there cheating.
Talk about a book that will blow you away, this one is it. I knew this would be a book about good versus evil but I can honestly say that I did not think that TM Smith would use so many references to the Bible in this book. But I am glad that it was used. In a way, though this is a book based on fiction, TM Smith is spreading the word of God through this read. Though most is fiction or made up, there is a lot that is not. So I WHOLE HEARTEDLY COMMEND TM Smith for spreading the word, the love, and also the truth in that God will always forgive as long as we ask for it. That in of itself made this book so much better for me and has now left me wanting to read the next book as soon as it is available.
There was a time that Lucifer was Gods most trusted angel. In that time Lucifer was in love with another angel named Michael. Over the years after God created man, Lucifer seen more of the bad and good then most had but the bad is what eventually started to stay with Lucifer even after their soles went to the pit of hell. Lucifer started to question God and Michael could feel the dark starting to take over the light in him. Michael knowing that if the dark keeps taking over Lucifer, he will no longer be able to stay with him. For Michael is purely good.
Michael tries to get Lucifer to go and seek God and to ask him to help him with the darkness but at that point Lucifer was no longer willing too. So Michael did what he had to do for himself and that was to break the bond with Lucifer once and for all. This broke Michael’s heart but he knew that he had no choice left because Lucifer did not leave him with one.
This is the point of no going back for Lucifer. He knew before it happened that he was losing Michael. He knew that Michael had already started to see the light in someone else, Gabriel. So when the time came and Michael broke the bond, it broke what light was left in Lucifer. There was no redemption left for Lucifer when he turned his back on God and all that God stands for. God cast Lucifer from heaven and condemned him to hell for it. Of course some others followed and Heaven was mournful for their loss.
This was what started the beginning of Satan and all of the bad that Satan stands for. Because of this fallen angel, a war between good and evil, heaven and hell is set upon earth and everyone there. The actions of Lucifer will affect so many including the angels in Heaven. Can good win in the end?
This was truly an amazing read. As I was reading this book I was able to pick out things I have learned in church that was truth and I was able to pick out the fiction. In my opinion, this is a book that God had a hand in helping TM Smith to write. I say that because though this book is fiction, as I have already mentioned there is also some truths as well. This book may help someone who does not know God to decide to see if there is any truth to this book at all. I truly cannot wait for the next book to come out and see if I can once again find the truth in the story. TM Smith, this is truly a work of amazing writing.
Was given this galley copy for free for an open and honest review
This book is the story of God and his angels. At its center is an all consuming love. Michael loved Lucifer. Lucifer fell from grace. Michael loved Gabriel.
Michael had been with Lucifer since the beginning of time. When Lucifer let the darkness take over his being, he was banished to hell. Michael turned to Gabriel, realizing there had always been a thread between them.
Angels having sex isn’t your everyday type of story. The author took bits and pieces from the Bible and turned it into an interesting love story. As a person who vaguely accepts the theories of religion, I had no issues with the religious aspect of the story.
Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads.
I usually do not read religious books, but this was not really a religious book. We have the dawn of man from the side of the Angels. And a different take of the bible, where it is spouted, by others who have rewritten the word of God to support their thoughts & beliefs. But I’m not here to debate Christianity, I’m here to review a story that I really enjoyed. We have a story of which Lucifer, Michael & Gabriel are at the forefront. Lucifer and Michael bonded eons ago & they do love each other and have built a home together. But there is something going on with Lucifer, Michael feels that there is something changing in him, but he doesn’t know what to do. He believes that he should bring it to the attention of the All Father, but he is hesitant. Gabriel is attracted to Michael but knows that he can never have him. While the divide between Lucifer and Michael is widening, Michael has taken notice of Gabriel for the first time. Also, Lu is starting to feel Michael pull away from him and will not let him go. He breaks one of two commands the All Father has given them, do not put someone else above me (the other is protect the humans that he loves). Lu puts Michael above the All Father, and the only thing that the All Father can do is strip, basically his first born, his wings and ban him from Heaven. It was heart breaking and I felt so very sorry for Lu, if he would have only gone to the All Father earlier things could have ended up so differently. Now Lu goes ahead breaks the other command, he has had enough of what humans are doing to each other. We see the temptation in the Garden of Eden up to the crucifixion of Jesus and the battle between Lu and his armies and the Archangels. During this time Lu is now unrecognizable and so very evil. But all is not completely lost. I can’t wait for the next book in this trilogy.
ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
This is a very unique story based on the All-father (God) and his army of Angels. It is her version of the fall of Lucifer. I loved how Lucifer and Michael were bonded and so in love but as lucifers heart grew dark that bond faded. I loved each and every character. You could see how much work and love was put into developing them. I especially loved Gabriel and how he watched over souls at the tree of life and how sweet and innocent he was. it was a great contrast to Gabriel. I did expect to see Michael stronger as a warrior but this is a romance and I loved the story. There are a few lighthearted moments, some sad, dark ones and sexy moments as well. The story is told from many viewpoints not just Lucifer, Michael and Gabriel though those are the major three. It can get a bit overwhelming with so many but it did help you delve deeper into the story and get more insight into what is going on. when I first started hearing about this I thought it was going to be menage but it is not. It is a simple romance between two men and there is o cheating!
If you love Angels, a great romance and a unique story this is for you.
I have always been in love with this author's books. She is a very gifted writer and her creations (pardon the pun, in this case) never fail to hit me right in the heart. Though this story took me a bit to really get into, as it reads very differently than her other novels, I have to give this author kudos for her fearlessness as she took on a very controversial subject (Christianity and good/evil) and created such an unusual new "reality" that included the angels talked about in theological literature and churches all around the world, including Michael, Gabriel and Lucifer as well as many others. The fact that she blended this subject and same sex relationships is nothing short of genius in my eyes. I am glad to be able to give one of my favorite writers a 5 ***** rating makes me very happy. I heartily recommend this to anyone who believes in a higher power but is also open to the belief that this higher power loves everyone and has no prejudices. The Archangel Trilogy series promises to be something to behold! I received an advanced reader copy from the author in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
10/5 stars. Maybe more. I'm not entirely sure yet. I only wish I could give it that many stars.
TM Smith has created a world and book that is spiritual, sacred, loving, romantic, and very hot.
Lucifer and Michael are archangels, the first and strongest choir of angels. They are bonded to each other with a deeply emotional and spiritual bond. The only problem is that Lucifer also has problems with the darkness within and it's starting to break that bond apart.
Gabriel has loved Michael for many years. Michael is starting to feel the draw to Gabriel as well, but he's conflicted because of Lucifer and the bond that they have. But as Lucifer continues to deal with his darkness, Michael becomes more and more separate from him and closer to Gabriel.
Seriously, the worldbuilding that happens in this book is just wonderful. Smith has taken a framework that people are pretty familiar with, that of deity and angelic followers, and put what I think is a pretty unique spin on it. I'm really looking forward to seeing what happens next.
This is an imaginative retelling of the stories from the bible, bringing in the creation, angels, the fall of Lucifer and the various angels and arch angels whose names are familiar to us. When books are woven around tales from the bible, they tread a fine line. They will appeal to those who have a belief in the core of these stories. For others, such as myself, they become closer to a paranormal story. It is well written and, as I have said, imaginative with enchanting descriptions of the heavenly realm. Gabriel is a beautiful soul and his love for Michael (and vice versa) is deep and sweet. Overall, this book is a 3.5 for the story and a 4 for the writing.
With a unique perspective on the fall of Lucifer, TM Smith asks the question: What if angels fell in love? Writing an MM love story set to a timeline similar to that which many have learned as faith while growing up is a daring move. And she pulled it off. From beginning to end I was enthralled. If you like fantasy and can keep an open mind, I highly recommend this read.
A well-woven story, complete with love and betrayal, I couldn't put this down. I loved Michael and Gabriel's romance, and oh goodness, that ending! The next book can't come soon enough!
Are you a fan of Supernatural? Because I am. I'll freely admit that my love of the Winchester Brothers is what prompted me to take a chance on this book. Oh man, did it deliver. You are immediately immersed in Heavenly lore and mythology, and taken on adventures you didn't realize you wanted to know the story behind until the author was painting them for you.
What happens when an archangel falls for another archangel? What about when you challenge the structure and rules the All Father has set out for them? How are you supposed to feel as the adored creature of God when your job is to monitor his silly human creation and the thing that makes them special has also been gifted to you? What kind of emotions simmer dangerously in this pressure cooker situation? ALL OF THEM.
If you need something off the beaten track in the romance world, this is it. Be warned, it's the first in a trilogy, so if you have a hard time starting a series only to have to wait for sequels you may want to give a little time so the others can come out first!