Angelic Wars: First Rebellion

Angelic Wars #1

by Rick E. Norris

Have you ever wondered how evil began? Or why God gave angels the free will to reject Him? The Angelic Wars, First Rebellion is a musical novel where the book’s characters sing when the reader activates QR Codes. It is the epic story of the internal struggles and external battles among the angels for the control of Heaven during Satan’s rebellion. This first book in a series is unlike any other action-adventure fantasy because its setting is in Heaven and guided by Biblical passages. Azarias and six other angels are commissioned as the Septemviri by God’s guardian cherub to seek out and conquer a rebellion. They are commanded to offer the rebellious ones the choice of mercy or spiritual warfare. Little do they know that they are up against the most powerful angel of all, Satan and his army consisting of a third of Heaven’s population.

308 pages, ebook

Published November 20, 2019

About the author

Award-winning author, Rick E. Norris, has taught the Bible to adults and Sunday school to teens for thirty-one years. Since 2011, he has volunteered as an international online missionary for a Christian non-profit where he disciples individuals and answers biblical questions. Angelic Wars, First Rebellion received recognition, including second place by the 2020 Catholic Press Association. Rick E. Norris earned a bachelor’s degree from UCLA in 1979 and law degree from Southwestern University School of Law in 1985. He is a songwriter/musician and member of the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences. He is the creator and the co-host of the Rambling Business podcast.

Reviews

[Books Shelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Angelic Wars: First Rebellion" by Rick Norris is an engaging and imaginative novel separate from the Christian Bible. It retells the story of Lucifer and his angel followers, keeping readers captivated regardless of their religious knowledge. The book explores the rebellion of angels and the actions of chosen angels tasked with suppressing it, offering intriguing insights into angelic landscapes, interactions, and appearances. The author's well-placed biblical references demonstrate their deep familiarity with the source material. While not overly focused on religion, the book remains accessible and enjoyable for all readers. With its action-packed narrative and seamless blend of biblical references and imaginative storytelling, "Angelic Wars: First Rebellion" comes highly recommended for a wide audience.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Hidden Gems for the free digital ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

“But the battle will not stop in my Father’s kingdom. No… when these demons are unleashed into the material world, they will expand their darkness into the universe, seeking to inject evil into all they touch, a force repelling all that is good, and perverting all that is pure. They seek to destroy my Father’s creations.”

Let me start by saying this is not my normal read . I never read religious books, mainly because I find them boring or I am at a loss for what they are talking about. Angelic Wars was none of those. Rick Norris was kind enough to add footnotes to assist in the passages, so when I was scratching my head, I had a reference to look at. Another stand out in this book is that it is a musical novel (at least the digital copy). There are several links to Hymns throughout the book. I thought that was a nice touch. Overall a decent read for those religious and not religious.

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this take on how Satan was cast from Heaven as the Fallen Angel. A note for you that this is a work of fiction and not part of the Christian Bible. As someone that is only slightly religious I wasn't sure I could get into the novel but I'm glad I kept reading. One thing I really liked was the fact that the author left footnotes to help with the passage (a positive for those non religious people like myself). As I delved further into the book I found it easier to follow along and that's a credit to the author's writing as with a lot of religious books it gets more difficult to follow as the story proceeds. The action also kept me enthralled and made this book very hard to put down. I found this particular line particularly perfect "Light exists in Heaven, but some angels love darkness instead of the light because their deeds are evil. " I'm looking forward to reading much more from this dedicated author.

[Gary Rowell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful Reading for Those in God’s Light

Other than the Bible itself, I can think of no book that has touched me more deeply than this. Although presented as a fictional portrayal of the Great, and ongoing, War between Good and Evil, it so rings as a Divinely inspired version of truth in this Battle. I share this because of my experience as a combat Marine Corporal in Vietnam also fluent in Vietnamese, and as an Air Force Major in Desert Storm in a middle management role. I commend this first volume to you, and l look forward to reading the second, and last, volume starting today.

[Shani · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very interesting, engaging and entertaining read. With this retelling of how satan became the fallen angel and cast out from heaven, I felt like it reached out to my faith on a personal level. Instead of the story being retold like a sermon or feeling like I was being "preached" at, I felt a connection to it. There is a level of understanding and even empathy for some of the characters within the story. I came away from reading it feeling like I had gained more knowledge in an area I constantly look for answers. It's really well written and I encourage anyone who takes a chance with it, also checks out the author's website to connect with the corresponding music as well. Kudo's to the author for including footnotes, something that lacks in a lot of teachings in books. I really enjoyed it and look forward to going back over it again to share with friends even more.

[Kristine Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

i love the fact that Rick Norris referances Revelation 22:18 in his preface to Angelic Wars. It is a public declaration that he is not adding to or taking away even one word of the Holy Bible. After that the story dives into the Rebellion in heaven. The plot follows a group of angels that God has appointed to root out the rebellious angels. i enjoyed this book for the most part only giving it 4 stars because in places I found it a bit hard to follow. I still recommend taking the time to savor a tale of what may have occurred as angels chose sides. Mr. Norris does include Biblical references to the events giving credence to his story.

My advice is to brew up a large cup of tea, and settle in for an interesting fictional portrayal of an actual event.

I read this book on Kindle Unlimited. All thoughts are my own.

[Anna Faversham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having written a book about what happens to us after we die I was drawn to this book and found it was a scholarly and absolutely fascinating read.

It was interesting to see that each of the angels chosen to defeat the rebellious ones had something to offer. Some good life lessons tucked in to this book.

One of the evil angels feels very guilty and recognizes that God’s light has gone from his eyes.

There’s an added treat because there are musical links – you really must try these – beautiful. There’s also some cool illustrations.

[José Colón · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read

Not bad. Pacing was a bit off but the story was engaging. Worth a read and love the references and poetry.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story!

[Marco Elizondo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thrilling

Magnificent! It intrigued me to read more and more. I wasnt sleeping well at all because of this book lol

You’ll enjoy it!

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book explores the epic battle between good and evil before earthly time began. It follows Angel Azarias and six other angels, known as the “Angels Septemviri, as they confront Satan’s rebellion in Heaven. The novel incorporates original music sung by the characters, activated through a QR code.