Fallen Reign

Sins of the Father #1

by Nazri Noor

Half human, half angel, 100% pissed off.Mason Albrecht’s life changed the day the angels tried to kill him. As the son of a fallen angel king, Mason is an abomination, one who can command the Vestments, divine arms and armor summoned from heaven’s own arsenals. And everybody wants a death witches, demon princes, even deities of ancient myth.

Then an enterprising enchantress offers to cloak Mason from those who would corrupt him into a living weapon. But will Mason run from supernatural entities forever, or embrace his unholy birthright and defy the very forces of heaven and hell?

Sins of the Father is a new adventure from Nazri Noor, bestselling urban fantasy author of the Darkling Mage series. Follow Mason’s first steps in Fallen Reign, a humorous, high-impact supernatural suspense story filled with magic, mythology, and plenty of mayhem.

Genres: Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, Paranormal, Magic, Fiction, Contemporary, Ebooks

268 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 19, 2020

About the author

Hi, I'm Nazri, a Filipino-Malaysian author based in California. I’m trilingual, but I really only write in English. I can also speak just enough Sindarin and Valyrian to impress absolutely no one. My urban fantasy novels focus on realistic heroes who use wits, style, and their wildly unpredictable magic to (try) and save the day. Think sass and class, while kicking ass.

My influences come from horror and fantasy: HP Lovecraft, Anne Rice, George R.R. Martin, Chuck Palahniuk, Terry Pratchett, and Neil Gaiman. Growing up I was shaped by the Blood Sword, Fighting Fantasy, Lone Wolf, and Grey Star game book universes. I'm also inspired by video games, specifically the Castlevania, Final Fantasy, and Persona series.

TL;DR: I'm a huge nerd. And yes, that's my real hair. I try to donate it to the American Cancer Society as often as I can. Also, have you heard? You can get a free book at www.NazriNoor.com.

Reviews

[Ronie Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Runaways, an action taken by many. Escaping unhappiness, abuse, criminal offences and the like.

Yet there are instances were running could save your loved ones. I mean! I don't know what happened in book 0.1. I can piece together...a father making a decision. A son trying to come up with alternate ideas. A big explosion. Missing weapons! Beings are erased from minds. Running...lots of running.

Here in these pages. We find Mason attacked by demons. Shoot I would have ran further than that, if that's what was chasing him. Over some swords. I mean talk about petty.

Any who, thanks to this black Friday, cyber Monday sales. I will catch up on more of Mason's adventures along side powerful beings. I mean he is a prince

[Alex (HEABookNerd) · Rating 3 out of 5]

FALLEN REIGN begins Mason's story and I'm looking forward to seeing what he's been getting up to since the end of the DARKLING MAGE series. I liked Mason's humor and his willingness to roll with the punches -- and there are a lot of punches. As a nephilim (half human/half angel) he's sought after by angels, demons, and gods and goddesses and he's never quite sure who is truly on his side. Mason is also only 18 years old so he makes some impulsive decisions that sometimes gets him in trouble; I'm hoping we'll see some development in his maturity and ability to navigate all the things changing around him. As for side characters, I really liked Florian and I hope we learn more about him.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Connected Series:
1. Darkling Mage
2. Sins of the Father
3. Infernal Inheritance
4. Vampire Vigilante

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mason has moved out of the Boneyard to keep his friends safe from both Angels and Demons, who either want to kill him or harness his power, and they will stop at nothing to get what they want. There is a witch who can make a cloaking device for a fee, but unfortunately it costs big bucks, and Mason, his roommate - a Dryad called Florian - haven't even got enough money for the rent. Then Mason is offered a job of retrieving an Obsidian Rose from a garden. Sounds easy right.....
The Sins of the Father is a spin off series from the Darkling Mage. Full of action, humour and some great new characters.

[Tim Putney · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Fun series to read, especially if you’ve read any of the Darkling Mage and Infernal inheritance series (same world and tied in) Humor, weird creatures of all varieties and magical battles abound in this series. Recommended!

[Myriam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was looking forward to this book so much, and the idea of a spinoff from one of my favourite series ever, and as expected the author delivered beyond all expectations. It is still his recognisable style yet different, as it takes the perspective of a familiar yet new character.
This series focuses on Mason who joined the Boneyard crew in Darkling Mage series, last several books, and then decided to leave and branch out on his own for reasons that are explained in this book. He is still fairly new to his newly surfaced nephilim nature, so the readers learn more about him as he does. But the best of all is that we get to see more of Mason and get to know his character in more depth than ever before. 
Mason is sweet and stubborn and smart but in a different way from Dustin, so this truly feels like a new series and not just repeat of what we read in Darkling Mage. This is also pretty amazing, considering that the story is situated in the same world with some of the same side characters and entities, some of which are featured more prominently than ever before, such as Artemis and Belphegor. 
But Mason gets his own side kick Florian, who is freaking adorable. Yes, I foresee that Florian will become one of my favourite characters of all times. He is a bit confused in the beginning but when he gets unconfused, he becomes a force to be reckoned with. 
This is such a fantastic beginning of a new series, and a fantastic spinoff. I love this author so much. His writing and his stories are amazing. I still can't get enough of his work after ten books and two stories, I am still dying to read more.
Books in the series are: Ex Nihilo (Sins of the Father Book 0) coming soon, Fallen Reign (Sins of the Father Book 1), False Gods (Sins of the Father Book 2) coming soon, and Morning Star (Sins of the Father Book 3) coming soon. This is a spinoff from Darkling Mage and happens after book 9, so if you are interested, this is the reading order: Penumbra (Darkling Mage Book 0), Shadow Magic (Darkling Mage Book 1), Dark Harvest (Darkling Mage Book 2), Grave Intentions (Darkling Mage Book 3), Oblivion Heart (Darkling Mage Book 4), Midnight's Son (Darkling Mage Book 5), Last Rites (Darkling Mage Book 6), Blood Pact (Darkling Mage Book 7), Crystal Brawl (Darkling Mage Short Story) in Urban Magic – Hungry, Young & Clever: An Urban Fantasy Anthology, Soul Fire (Darkling Mage Book 8) and Endless Knight (Darkling Mage Book 9).

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A character from the Darkling Mage series by the same author, Nephilim Mason Albrecht is trying to make his own way with help (or hindrance) from a trio of friends angel Raziel, dryad Florian and demon prince Belphegor. His main concern is earning enough money to make the rent and buy food as well we protect himself from various attempts to use or capture him from all sorts of ancient beings from deities to demon princes. Can Mason find ways to earn the money he needs, protect himself and learn the skills he was born to have at the same time?

I LOVED this new series. It was delightful to see Mason be the grown-up at times as well as the struggle to reach his full potential (and we went through the learning curve at the same time as he did). Florian was a great new character introduced in this series which has the promise of great things to come. I loved the way Mason finally lost it and just went into rant mode which was a very human emotion considering the things he was going through and the obtuseness of the people he was dealing with. Well written, clear and easy to understand, and a pleasure to read, my only sadness was in coming to the end of the story and having to wait for the next instalment!

[Buttercupp77 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This spin-off series from the Darkling Mage novels takes place (chronologically) after the most recent Darkling Mage book, and follows Mason after he has departed the Boneyard. Some characters from the Darkling Mage books are mentioned, while others have cameos which are handled with the author's usual skill.

The pacing is, as I've come to expect, excellent. The world-building is, likewise, very well-done, although, given that the new primary characters have differing abilities than those to which I've become accustomed, I would have liked a bit more detail in what these particular beings can do. Having said that, this is a first-in-series (although it feels strongly like a continuation of Darkling Mage), and I wouldn't expect all the cards to be on the table. I expect more information will trickle out as the series progresses.

The character development is also strong, and (also as is this author's habit) progression feels organic, unforced, and completely in line with what we know of the characters' temperaments and proclivities.

The series off to a fine start, and promises to reveal different angles to the universe revealed in Darkling Mage.

I received an ARC through the author.

[Mary Enck · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read more than most people. I consider it an important element in my education to become the best writer I can be. After reading all of the prior series by this author of Darkling Mages, I feel as if he has given us a gift of this new one to keep us from feeling too lost at the ending of the previous one. I am so delighted with the handling of the way he has portrayed the various characters of gods we are all likely familiar with when we hear their names. Loki is just as devious as ever but this one is fleshed out so well you can get to know him and his motives in depth. Artemis is likable with her Perscilla the Gorilla. There is quite a bit of tongue in cheek humor in this series that makes it so much fun to read. I laugh out loud at some of it, saying "Ah-Ha" when someone gets his comeuppance. It's just delightful in spite or the rigors that our poor Mason suffers. I know I am going to enjoy pursuing this entire series and already have the next two standing by ready to take over. Once I finish reading one of Mr. Noor's stories, I am always impatient to get on with more.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an awesome story. A spinoff from the popular series, "The Darkling Mage." Mason is alone except for a bothersome trio of hangers-on. An angel, Raziel, a dryad, Florian and a demon prince, Belphegor. Unable to make rent or buy food, Mason goes on the quest to find work of any kind to get money to keep himself and Florian off the streets. You would think that being a Nephilim would help him out but he is too busy fighting demons, gods, demon princes, angels, witches and unknown enemies to find a job. He just wants to disappear and yet he can't even do that because he needs MONEY. Soon he is backed into a corner and doesn't even trust that his friends are not his enemies anymore. Florian is the only one he trusts his life with. Battles, torture, surprise enemies, new friends, finding family and a chance to fly from his problems. I would highly recommend this new series by Nazri Noors. It is well worth it. I voluntarily read and reviewed this ARC book.

[Cyrene Olson · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I first started this book, I wasn’t feeling the main character at all. It was a true slow starter for me. One of the things that may have made this better starting out for me, is this is a spin-off of a popular series, in which the world is already built. Here I think I was left hanging a few times, since I haven’t read the original series. But bear with me, the book does find its way, but it’s a sluggish start. When everything finally clicked in place for me and the character seemed to find his voice, is when everything starting picking up. And I’m glad I hung in with the story – there is some nice action and another one of those odd rag tag group of friends you find in urban fantasies, but it works. Lots of humor, some good original takes on demons, Nephilim and angels and plenty of action.

I think this is a solid 4 Star read for me, and I do believe I will go back and read the original series and keep going on this spin-off also.

[Sherry Vaughan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dramedy

Mason has run away from the Boneyard to keep his friends safe. Now, he is bothered by demons, demon princes, and angels. Each faction wants something from him that he is unwilling to give. He is trying to help Florian reach his full strength. (He's doing this for a demon prince.) He's trying to keep away from Mammon who wants his sword back. And, above all else, he is trying to keep from getting killed by angels. His life is complicated but it will become even more so as he and Florian try to get some work. The jobs are not simple or easy. But what can you do when your rent is due and you have no money? A comical new series, Mason is full of comedy and drama. A new read from the author of the Dark Mage series.I

[GG · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable book and a spinoff from the Darkling Mageseries the story follows Mason on his adventures and misadventures. You'd think a Nephilim would get some respect, but that's not the case in this fast-paced, well-written book.

Trying to make ends meet just lands Mason in more trouble.

This was an enjoyable read. The dialogue and descriptions were strong and the characters made me want to keep reading more. Happily, it's the first in a new series and I am looking forward to reading the next.

I was given an ARC of this book and have chosen to review it.

[Dolorianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's the first in Mason's storyarc and it was fun to see the world through his eyes. This first book catches people up with who and what everyone is and the relevant details so if you wanted to jump right into this series instead of Dustin's Darkling Mage series then you absolutely can. And it seems that Mason has been keeping plenty busy all on his own ... doing deals and odd jobs for angels and demon, which have all the ways to go sideways at any given minute, in order to make rent and babysit and 100+ year old being who is just waking up from a long nap. Lots of fun!

[Shayla Morgansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very polished and fun urban fantasy. Mason is a nephilim with immense potential powers, however his sights are set on living a normal life and, at the very least, paying his rent. The side characters were full and colourful, particularly the couch-surfing tree spirit Florian and the hipster angel Raziel, and I always cared enough about all of them to keep turning pages as their attempts to find paid work led them from one struggle to another, always more magical and dangerous than the last. Recommended for fans of Supernatural.

[echo1440 · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did enjoy this book, don’t get me wrong. I’d totally recommend it. The ending was fantastic and I really loved Florian. I guess I had trouble connecting with Mason as a character for some reason (I wasn’t super into him in the Darkling Mage series either). This book was maybe a little lighter on the sass and banter than I’ve grown accustomed to with this author as well which was part of my decision to rate this three stars. All in all, it was an interesting start to the series and I do look forward to seeing where his journey takes him.

[Tom Intiso · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sound, solid beginning

I was forced to give this book only four stars, and reluctantly, I might add.

The storytelling is superb, but the writing and flow are, for lack of a better word, choppy and certainly not up to the standard set by its predecessors. It’s hard to explain, but I attribute it to Nazri simply needing to find his voice for Mason. Because, in the end it really doesn’t matter. The story is good and everything moves forward and I’m certainly and eagerly grabbing the next book. So that’s gotta say something. Hehe

[Lisa Cripe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Angels, Demons, Gods and a gorilla that can cook!

Absolutely wonderful story. Nazi knocked it out of the park with Mason's story. I enjoy his arcane underground stories so much and think Mason's story might surpass my love of Dustin. Great characters. Florian and Raziel are interesting and we get to see a couple characters from the arcane underground. There are surprising plot twists that you would never see coming. Absolutely ready for the next story in Mason's journey.

[Kristine · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

This is my first time reading anything by this author and I listened to this entirely on Audible. The Audible version was okay, I didn't have any major problems with it, but it also didn't grab me and make me feel like I couldn't put it down. It is an interesting storyline about a male (Mason) who is a half human and half angel. In this world, this is not a good thing. There are several escapades as we get to know Mason and his sidekick Florian, who Luke Daniels portrays as a complete surfer dude.

There are several characters that are thrown at us - almost to the point of being too many to keep track of, but for the most part it is a nice beginning to a series. I bought the entire trilogy on Audible so I will endeavor to finish book 2 and 3.

[Annette Sullivan · Rating 1 out of 5]

nazri noor likes using foul language

Really that tells you just how much useless filler she needs in her story to flesh it out.
Bad language I recently heard is the language of an uneducated mind. Probably not, but it is rather boring, trite and useless. So glad I didn’t waste money on this tripe, cause I only read two pages, enough to know the language was bad and would probably become worse still.

[Barbara Menter · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Good Start

Somehow knowing the author himself can swear in three languages, gives me a fondness for him. He really has taken a tired trope in Christian divinity and made it his earthy own.
About the only complaint I had is that the book hints at a prequel and the ending felt rushed.
All this does not disturb the pace of the book overall, but it does cause it to dip in places, pulling it's level down from rollicking to annoying.

[Rodrigo · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’ll get you hooked

I had fun reading this book. The mix of angel lore, demons, and the hero just trying to pay rent felt good enough to keep reading. Some descriptions ran a bit too long for my taste and a few quips undercut tense moments, but overall it was a good and entertaining fantasy book that got me hooked to read the next one. So I think it still deserves 5 stars for that. For sure a great start that I want to continue following.

[Dan Haller · Rating 5 out of 5]

MASON IS MORE. WHO WOULD HAVE THOUGHT?


He's Done it again. Noor uses his genius to draw you into his world's to cheer and choke with hope for another humble hero. Mason handles his own story well and Florion is an A1 surfer dude side kick. Frustrating to have to let Mason grow but all younglings have to. Looking forward to Jason's surprising life.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Creative world building

This is the first book I’ve read from this author. Overall, this was a pretty good read. Some of the wit/humor seemed a bit forced and didn’t come off as naturally as others, but I can look past that because of the creative mixture of supernatural and mythological elements the author weaved together in this story which I enjoyed.

[Daniel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good but empty

I feel like I am missing a good chunk of story from this series. Maybe this is a spin off of a book series from earlier. It was a good story by itself, it just moved so fast there wasn't much character development at all or a resolution to a deal made earlier in the story.

Going to try book two and see how it is.

[Kat Sanders · Rating 4 out of 5]

Keeps you interested all the way through

Thought the plot and the characters were very well as if written so you could be in the story with Mason. all his friends are fun to get to know. Including the twist and turns of some of the so called friends. Great start to a series highly recommend

[E · Rating 3 out of 5]

Continues to be hugely entertaining, and entirely disposable, urban fantasy goodness from Noor. This is proper literary candy floss, done reasonably well - genuine credit for a voice and tone in Mason that's noticeably different from Dustin or Jackson. Better than adequate, by no means great, and sometimes that's exactly what you want.

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new series that has it all

Angels, demons, and everything in between. A deity or two to round it out. Action, fun, suspense, and a wicked learning curve full of magic and mayhem. I loved it.

[Audrey Cienki · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great first book for a series. I can’t wait to follow Mason on his further adventures and learning experiences. Ex, “magical not-a-cactus ointment”. New, interesting characters, humor, fun plot. If you like Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman, you will love this book

[John-Torleif Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author just got on my must-buy list

I've been curious about this author for a while, and now I'm kicking myself for not reading these books sooner. I thoroughly loved Mason and his efforts to function in this new world he's found himself in.

[Sandra Burke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun Universe

I am actually only half way through the story but had to comment: I love the characters. I love the banter. I still feel like I'm missing something but I think it's because I read the prequel. What is happening?