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Ash Angels #1
Dread Uprising
From the Author of the Trysmoon Saga comes a 3 book series, Ash Angels! All 3 books finished and ready to binge.
When Trace took a bullet for his wife’s lover, his life ended…but didn’t. By the divine promise of sacrifice, he awakened an Ash Angel with a new body, new powers, and a new war to fight. Cassandra, his temperamental trainer, tries to get him ready to battle Ghostpackers and Dreads, but it might be too little too late: for the first time in history, the Ash Angels are faltering against the fury of an evil more ancient than they are.While he fights to survive run-ins with a Sheid-hunted popstar and a gorgeous but dangerous Dread, Trace realizes his new life cannot erase the trauma of the old. Thrust onto the front lines of a violent war with ancient ambition, Trace finds that the deadliest demons are the ones lurking in his own mind.
When Trace took a bullet for his wife’s lover, his life ended…but didn’t. By the divine promise of sacrifice, he awakened an Ash Angel with a new body, new powers, and a new war to fight. Cassandra, his temperamental trainer, tries to get him ready to battle Ghostpackers and Dreads, but it might be too little too late: for the first time in history, the Ash Angels are faltering against the fury of an evil more ancient than they are.While he fights to survive run-ins with a Sheid-hunted popstar and a gorgeous but dangerous Dread, Trace realizes his new life cannot erase the trauma of the old. Thrust onto the front lines of a violent war with ancient ambition, Trace finds that the deadliest demons are the ones lurking in his own mind.
436 pages, Paperback
First published June 14, 2019
42 people are currently reading
180 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
June 15, 2019
Arc received from the author Brian Fuller for an honest review.
“Ash Angel life appeared full of purpose. What did awakened evil creatures do with their time? Hunt Ash Angles? Play the slots at Las Vegas? Tangle extension cords?”
Ash Angels is a new series from Brian Fuller, the author of Trysmoon Saga and Flametouched (and if anyone wanted my 2 cents, some of the best fantasy books I’ve read). Unlike those previous series, this one is an Urban Fantasy focusing on the year 2019 and 2020. In this world when someone dies a death that is considered good or sacrificial in nature there is a possibility that the individual could be resurrected as what the call an Ash Angel. So the story begins with the protagonist Trace Evans, taking a bullet and dying for somebody that most of us would probably wouldn’t take a bullet for. After he is resurrected and learns the ins and outs of being an Ash Angel. The main threat to Ash Angels are beings called ‘Dreads’ and those are practically the exact opposite (humans that have done bad and have died and resurrected). So I will say before the nitty gritty that I love this book. I don’t read urban fantasies that often but when I found out Fuller was writing one I had to jump aboard. His writing style and character building is fantastic and I found myself engrossed in his latest adventure. And for one last note, in general when reviewing I do try not to compare new series to older ones from an author because I believe in letting a book speak for itself, that being said if I do make comparisons, note it comes from a place of deep respect for his older series as well as this new amazing adventure.
So first the characters. While the story focused on Trace, there is a wealth of characters that make an appearance throughout the book. With this book (just like his others) his main protagonist was fantastic, I loved Trace's perspective. Fuller has a way of making main characters that have flaws that are neither arrogant nor naive. I can’t tell you how relieving that fact is. Trace has flaws, he has demons and a past that he does not enjoy. If you have read his earlier books you also know that he is (in my opinion) masterful at writing a strong female lead as well. He does not disappoint with Cassandra, who has just a rough and shadowed history as Trace, but has a biting edge in her personality that you don’t see too often in leads. It made her that much more real to me and her character that much more believable. There is a slew of other characters that you’ll read about in the story that you will grow to love or hate, and that really is what makes the story so deep and enjoyable.
While the story/concept isn’t ground breaking, it held my interest plenty. It helped that I thought the pacing was great and I was on the edge of my seat for most of the ride. There was plenty of action and there were twists that I did and didn’t see coming. Some surprises really hit home especially towards the end. The epilogue, for example, took me by surprise and ignited my want to read the next book. The world isn’t anything new, he uses real life places in the United States, mainly Phoenix, but also ventures to other cities such as Seattle and Chicago. I thought his description of the bases the AAO use were vivid and enjoyable, especially Deep7.
Overall like I said before and apparent by my rating, I loved the book. What really drives his books for me is his characters, specifically the leads and this was no exception. When reading his books, I feel that we value the same things about books, the only real difference is his talent to write them. I do not know if he writes full time but I hope he never stops for the foreseeable future because we (well, at least I) need more.
”Look at you,” Cassandra said, doing just that. “Swords and motorcycles and a little attitude. Not bad, Helo. Not bad at all.”
“Ash Angel life appeared full of purpose. What did awakened evil creatures do with their time? Hunt Ash Angles? Play the slots at Las Vegas? Tangle extension cords?”
Ash Angels is a new series from Brian Fuller, the author of Trysmoon Saga and Flametouched (and if anyone wanted my 2 cents, some of the best fantasy books I’ve read). Unlike those previous series, this one is an Urban Fantasy focusing on the year 2019 and 2020. In this world when someone dies a death that is considered good or sacrificial in nature there is a possibility that the individual could be resurrected as what the call an Ash Angel. So the story begins with the protagonist Trace Evans, taking a bullet and dying for somebody that most of us would probably wouldn’t take a bullet for. After he is resurrected and learns the ins and outs of being an Ash Angel. The main threat to Ash Angels are beings called ‘Dreads’ and those are practically the exact opposite (humans that have done bad and have died and resurrected). So I will say before the nitty gritty that I love this book. I don’t read urban fantasies that often but when I found out Fuller was writing one I had to jump aboard. His writing style and character building is fantastic and I found myself engrossed in his latest adventure. And for one last note, in general when reviewing I do try not to compare new series to older ones from an author because I believe in letting a book speak for itself, that being said if I do make comparisons, note it comes from a place of deep respect for his older series as well as this new amazing adventure.
So first the characters. While the story focused on Trace, there is a wealth of characters that make an appearance throughout the book. With this book (just like his others) his main protagonist was fantastic, I loved Trace's perspective. Fuller has a way of making main characters that have flaws that are neither arrogant nor naive. I can’t tell you how relieving that fact is. Trace has flaws, he has demons and a past that he does not enjoy. If you have read his earlier books you also know that he is (in my opinion) masterful at writing a strong female lead as well. He does not disappoint with Cassandra, who has just a rough and shadowed history as Trace, but has a biting edge in her personality that you don’t see too often in leads. It made her that much more real to me and her character that much more believable. There is a slew of other characters that you’ll read about in the story that you will grow to love or hate, and that really is what makes the story so deep and enjoyable.
While the story/concept isn’t ground breaking, it held my interest plenty. It helped that I thought the pacing was great and I was on the edge of my seat for most of the ride. There was plenty of action and there were twists that I did and didn’t see coming. Some surprises really hit home especially towards the end. The epilogue, for example, took me by surprise and ignited my want to read the next book. The world isn’t anything new, he uses real life places in the United States, mainly Phoenix, but also ventures to other cities such as Seattle and Chicago. I thought his description of the bases the AAO use were vivid and enjoyable, especially Deep7.
Overall like I said before and apparent by my rating, I loved the book. What really drives his books for me is his characters, specifically the leads and this was no exception. When reading his books, I feel that we value the same things about books, the only real difference is his talent to write them. I do not know if he writes full time but I hope he never stops for the foreseeable future because we (well, at least I) need more.
”Look at you,” Cassandra said, doing just that. “Swords and motorcycles and a little attitude. Not bad, Helo. Not bad at all.”
March 16, 2021
I wanted to like this book. I really did. But nothing fits. It's like the author couldn't decide which way he wanted the story to go, so there are all these elements that pull it at several different angles.
First, the plot is not strong enough to say it is a plot-driven story, and there is a very strong character development element that could hold this together as character-driven, except there really isn't any character conflict worth caring about.
There is the MC betrayal, but he died, so there's no conflict there to solve (although the author attempted to, but it was just weak, in my opinion). Then there is Cassandra, but she isn't a very sympathetic character and her personal conflict is less than captivating. The author tries to develop the characters, but there's nothing to develop. They have no goal, and their struggles are few. If I had to point at something, I'd say they had to overcome their pain, but the author didn't convey enough to the reader for us to care about that pain that much. The MC seems ready to forgive his wife from the start; if he doesn't care then why should we?
Second, an attempt was made to introduce some plot elements, but they just don't connect with the rest of the story.
Before the MC turns into an angel, there was a terrible event that happened to the angel organization. Yet, they attempt to place blame onto him for seemingly no good reason. In fact, all the angel politics just doesn't seem very solid. They behave in an almost juvenile way. Their arguments are so weak that they get destroyed on the same page they were written, yet they appear again and again throughout the book.
First, the plot is not strong enough to say it is a plot-driven story, and there is a very strong character development element that could hold this together as character-driven, except there really isn't any character conflict worth caring about.
There is the MC betrayal, but he died, so there's no conflict there to solve (although the author attempted to, but it was just weak, in my opinion). Then there is Cassandra, but she isn't a very sympathetic character and her personal conflict is less than captivating. The author tries to develop the characters, but there's nothing to develop. They have no goal, and their struggles are few. If I had to point at something, I'd say they had to overcome their pain, but the author didn't convey enough to the reader for us to care about that pain that much. The MC seems ready to forgive his wife from the start; if he doesn't care then why should we?
Second, an attempt was made to introduce some plot elements, but they just don't connect with the rest of the story.
Before the MC turns into an angel, there was a terrible event that happened to the angel organization. Yet, they attempt to place blame onto him for seemingly no good reason. In fact, all the angel politics just doesn't seem very solid. They behave in an almost juvenile way. Their arguments are so weak that they get destroyed on the same page they were written, yet they appear again and again throughout the book.
June 30, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed Brian K Fuller's Trysmoon series, so decided to take the dive into this one even as it seemed to not be very popular (only 18 reviews on Goodreads? Crazy). I'm glad I did.
This book has some heavy, blatant religious overtones. These angels have divine power from a very Biblical source. In fact the whole premise of the book comes from a skewed reading of Matthew 10:39: "whoever loses their life for my sake will find it." In this book it literally means anyone who loses their life for another person can potentially be raised as an Angelic being, living a second life on the earth with divine gifts and direction. Probably not the most sound theological interpretation, but makes for a fun setting.
Because of that very loose interpretation, we get a wide range of very flawed humans acting in the roles of angels in this book. We also get a very ancient, shadowy organization that has been built by angels over several centuries. This organization feels very much like a spy network with agents that go on various missions, mostly fighting off unnatural aggressions by the opposite of the angels - the "Dreads." As indicated by the title, there is a dread uprising and our main character gets thrust right into the middle of it.
This book had some elements of a mystery and a thriller, blended in a mostly fast-paced religious-tinged urban fantasy. It is very heavy on gore and mutilation (angels don't feel pain or bleed, so the violence cranks up 11 fairly often). There are a lot of strong characters here, and even though I felt the plot stalled a bit occasionally, it was still a quick paced book that kept me glued to it.
This book has some heavy, blatant religious overtones. These angels have divine power from a very Biblical source. In fact the whole premise of the book comes from a skewed reading of Matthew 10:39: "whoever loses their life for my sake will find it." In this book it literally means anyone who loses their life for another person can potentially be raised as an Angelic being, living a second life on the earth with divine gifts and direction. Probably not the most sound theological interpretation, but makes for a fun setting.
Because of that very loose interpretation, we get a wide range of very flawed humans acting in the roles of angels in this book. We also get a very ancient, shadowy organization that has been built by angels over several centuries. This organization feels very much like a spy network with agents that go on various missions, mostly fighting off unnatural aggressions by the opposite of the angels - the "Dreads." As indicated by the title, there is a dread uprising and our main character gets thrust right into the middle of it.
This book had some elements of a mystery and a thriller, blended in a mostly fast-paced religious-tinged urban fantasy. It is very heavy on gore and mutilation (angels don't feel pain or bleed, so the violence cranks up 11 fairly often). There are a lot of strong characters here, and even though I felt the plot stalled a bit occasionally, it was still a quick paced book that kept me glued to it.
May 9, 2021
Honestly this book was amazing. I don’t know why I hadn’t picked it up earlier, but I’m extremely glad I did. I listened to the audiobook and got fully immersed into the story. The world building was fantastic and the author’s style has a way of getting you to feel so much emotion with just a few sentences. There were literally some parts of the book that left my heart beating a mile a minute just from either anticipation, joy or anger. 5/5 would definitely recommend. Can’t wait to read the next instalment.
July 18, 2019
Disclaimer - I don't know the author, and I read the book through Kindle Unlimited, without being asked. This is a book I thought looked interesting and decided to read
First thing that I noted is that this is a chunky book. I usually read on my phone while waiting for my son, and most of the books I have been reading don't take that long to read. If you read this in paperback, however, it's over 400 pages long! It didn't feel too long, though. As a writer, I'm aware that sometimes things can be trimmed or padded. It can be a difficult call to make. Objectively, I'm sure that there could have been some cuts made, but I enjoyed all I read and I didn't feel anything dragged. The conversations, the descriptions and the action scenes all contributed to the story and the development of the characters. It was a well-paced, satisfying read.
And speaking of things dragging (or not), I thought the pace throughout was good. It was varied and interesting, with some great action sequences. I am a sucker for a good fight scene, and I think that these were great. You never lost track of who was doing what, which is testament to the skill of the writer, because these fast paced, detailed scenes with plenty of characters can be hard to track.
It wasn't just a series of action scenes, though. The characters were distinct, interesting and well drawn. I loved that the characters developed through the story, changing and responding to changes in a believable way.
The plot is modern day fantasy, where Ash Angels battle Dreads, the forces of Good versus the forces of Evil. The setting has a well thought out, consistent and subtly complex background. At first it seems to ignore the theology that comes with the concept of Angels, but the implications are addressed as part of the plot. I should add that the plot has plenty of twists and turns, and some amazing surprises. I've had to be careful to avoid spoilers, because it's worth uncovering the layers as the story progresses.
I am going to risk being a little controversial. I would say that this is a masculine book, as in there is more focus on the characters and the action than on relationships. This does not mean that the relationships are treated poorly, and that the interactions between the characters are not well drawn, just that romance is not the main focus.
I really recommend this intense, well paced, action packed story and I shall be dipping in to the rest of the series.
First thing that I noted is that this is a chunky book. I usually read on my phone while waiting for my son, and most of the books I have been reading don't take that long to read. If you read this in paperback, however, it's over 400 pages long! It didn't feel too long, though. As a writer, I'm aware that sometimes things can be trimmed or padded. It can be a difficult call to make. Objectively, I'm sure that there could have been some cuts made, but I enjoyed all I read and I didn't feel anything dragged. The conversations, the descriptions and the action scenes all contributed to the story and the development of the characters. It was a well-paced, satisfying read.
And speaking of things dragging (or not), I thought the pace throughout was good. It was varied and interesting, with some great action sequences. I am a sucker for a good fight scene, and I think that these were great. You never lost track of who was doing what, which is testament to the skill of the writer, because these fast paced, detailed scenes with plenty of characters can be hard to track.
It wasn't just a series of action scenes, though. The characters were distinct, interesting and well drawn. I loved that the characters developed through the story, changing and responding to changes in a believable way.
The plot is modern day fantasy, where Ash Angels battle Dreads, the forces of Good versus the forces of Evil. The setting has a well thought out, consistent and subtly complex background. At first it seems to ignore the theology that comes with the concept of Angels, but the implications are addressed as part of the plot. I should add that the plot has plenty of twists and turns, and some amazing surprises. I've had to be careful to avoid spoilers, because it's worth uncovering the layers as the story progresses.
I am going to risk being a little controversial. I would say that this is a masculine book, as in there is more focus on the characters and the action than on relationships. This does not mean that the relationships are treated poorly, and that the interactions between the characters are not well drawn, just that romance is not the main focus.
I really recommend this intense, well paced, action packed story and I shall be dipping in to the rest of the series.
August 31, 2025
DNF 13%. I noped out pretty quickly.
We learn that Trace is a rare Blank Ash Angel, a bunch of whom were just lost to enemy action. He is pulled out of the first day of training and verbally abused, kept in the dark, and thrown at the nearest enemy that can be found — knowing nothing of his own abilities, nor the threat posed by the enemy. Does he miraculously exhibit powers beyond mortal ken? No, he nearly dies.
If that sound like a sensible training program to you, then please enjoy this book.
We learn that Trace is a rare Blank Ash Angel, a bunch of whom were just lost to enemy action. He is pulled out of the first day of training and verbally abused, kept in the dark, and thrown at the nearest enemy that can be found — knowing nothing of his own abilities, nor the threat posed by the enemy. Does he miraculously exhibit powers beyond mortal ken? No, he nearly dies.
If that sound like a sensible training program to you, then please enjoy this book.
August 2, 2021
I really wanted to drop this book at the beginning, but I'm glad I stuck with it. It turned out to be entertaining. I didn't expect that from how the novel started.
I only stuck with it because I enjoyed the author's other books.
This is feeling like an alternative, more adult universe of the Shadow Hunter books I read a decade plus ago. It is thankfully missing the love triangle drama.
Why do I feel that the author likes misery porn? His characters are always suffering from a broken heart that they overcome in the end.
I always wondered why these books make it seem as if America stands alone.
This had a nice mix of Christian myths, that was original enough (to me at least) to be very interesting.
I will probably read the sequel. Although
3.5/5 Stars
I only stuck with it because I enjoyed the author's other books.
This is feeling like an alternative, more adult universe of the Shadow Hunter books I read a decade plus ago. It is thankfully missing the love triangle drama.
Why do I feel that the author likes misery porn? His characters are always suffering from a broken heart that they overcome in the end.
I always wondered why these books make it seem as if America stands alone.
This had a nice mix of Christian myths, that was original enough (to me at least) to be very interesting.
I will probably read the sequel. Although
3.5/5 Stars
August 1, 2020
The book was entertaining and kept my attention throughout the entire book. Most of the characters were entertaining. Despite my criticisms below it was worth reading and will read the next book in the series.
The bad:
This book makes use of stupidity on several occasions to make something crucial to the plot happen. On more than one occasion something was happening to the MC and I was irritated the blatantly obvious choice was overlooked and not used. Most of the time it became clear this was done to introduce a new character or to justify an ambush or whatever.
There are a few other things that I could nitpick about but honestly it's not a big deal when compared to the using stupidity as a plot device issue mention above.
The bad:
This book makes use of stupidity on several occasions to make something crucial to the plot happen. On more than one occasion something was happening to the MC and I was irritated the blatantly obvious choice was overlooked and not used. Most of the time it became clear this was done to introduce a new character or to justify an ambush or whatever.
There are a few other things that I could nitpick about but honestly it's not a big deal when compared to the using stupidity as a plot device issue mention above.
May 25, 2023
Trace Evans was a Marine, but he had so many emotional vulnerabilities, and you just don't see that when authors write Marine characters. So that was the first thing that drew my interest to this series. The hero was not invincible, and that made him all the more genuine.
The second thing was the overall idea. If someone is good enough in life to sacrifice themselves, especially for one who does not deserve it, they become ash angels, a beginning to immortal life with a lot of percs, but also danger. Fascinating idea, and it was woven into a story very well.
I'm looking forward to future books, to see where this story goes.
The second thing was the overall idea. If someone is good enough in life to sacrifice themselves, especially for one who does not deserve it, they become ash angels, a beginning to immortal life with a lot of percs, but also danger. Fascinating idea, and it was woven into a story very well.
I'm looking forward to future books, to see where this story goes.
January 31, 2022
HEAVY religious overtones mid-tones and undertones
The inertia from the well written, engaging and original early chapters was the only thing keeping me reading through the sheer Christian preachyness that slowly replaced any original World building or mythology. and it was only the fact that I was almost done with the book that kept me reading through literal Satan being defeated by the power of forgiveness.
I would describe this book as a mini-cupcake of urban fantasy topped with ten inches of Christian icing.
The inertia from the well written, engaging and original early chapters was the only thing keeping me reading through the sheer Christian preachyness that slowly replaced any original World building or mythology. and it was only the fact that I was almost done with the book that kept me reading through literal Satan being defeated by the power of forgiveness.
I would describe this book as a mini-cupcake of urban fantasy topped with ten inches of Christian icing.
July 31, 2020
Yeaaaaah, no. There is some super shady and pretty sick shit in this book and they just sort of... They aren't playing into it. That doesn't seem to be the point. The writing is just glossing over it. The good guys are apparently those who steal and desecrate remains, make huge choices for other people, and then try to brainwash them into joining their little private military. Maybe that sort of premise turns some folks on. Seems shitty to me.
July 4, 2019
Fast and fun read
Fast and fun read with a bit of humor thrown in as well. I especially was drawn into the important life lessons interlaced throughout the book as well that you can’t judge someone just by their past and that we can all receive forgiveness. Was a fun book that also made me want to be a better person. So that’s a win-win!
Fast and fun read with a bit of humor thrown in as well. I especially was drawn into the important life lessons interlaced throughout the book as well that you can’t judge someone just by their past and that we can all receive forgiveness. Was a fun book that also made me want to be a better person. So that’s a win-win!
July 21, 2022
This is not normally the type of book I read. This series popped up on my sci fi lists, and I didn't read the synopsis well enough to realize it was urban fantasy. As someone who doesn't read this genre, I nearly put it down when it started talking about Devine gifts from God, literal Angles and the forces of the devil.
I'm glad I didn't put it down, because I really enjoyed the book. While it involves God, and "religion", per se, it isn't about either. This book is about the redemption of a person. Not their spiritual soul, but in their emotional soul. Letting go, forgiveness, and sacrifice.
I found the main character very easy to connect with. He was written tragically, and every paid he felt, I emphasized with. He was flawed, but likeable. Complex and written with great depth. The main character made the story.
The secondary characters, for the most part, were also written well. Definitely less depth, and more emotions on their sleeve kind of characters. However, they had elaborate back stories and were always great to have around.
The settings felt well fleshed out. Often using tropes or familiar places, to do the heavy lifting, but at no point did I feel like "oh, this again?".
The pace of the book was a little slow at times, and other times it seemed to sprint. The book was a little too long, with complications used to pad the page count. However, it never got to the "why isn't this over yet?" point.
The voice narration, by RC Bray, is excellent. He does a great job at male and female voices, accents and the type of dialog that brings this book to life.
All in all this was a great book, but definitely not the sci fi I was expecting. Voice narration and characters were great. Pacing was a little random and the book was a little too long. But overall, it was a really fun read.
I will definitely be checking out book 2.
I'm glad I didn't put it down, because I really enjoyed the book. While it involves God, and "religion", per se, it isn't about either. This book is about the redemption of a person. Not their spiritual soul, but in their emotional soul. Letting go, forgiveness, and sacrifice.
I found the main character very easy to connect with. He was written tragically, and every paid he felt, I emphasized with. He was flawed, but likeable. Complex and written with great depth. The main character made the story.
The secondary characters, for the most part, were also written well. Definitely less depth, and more emotions on their sleeve kind of characters. However, they had elaborate back stories and were always great to have around.
The settings felt well fleshed out. Often using tropes or familiar places, to do the heavy lifting, but at no point did I feel like "oh, this again?".
The pace of the book was a little slow at times, and other times it seemed to sprint. The book was a little too long, with complications used to pad the page count. However, it never got to the "why isn't this over yet?" point.
The voice narration, by RC Bray, is excellent. He does a great job at male and female voices, accents and the type of dialog that brings this book to life.
All in all this was a great book, but definitely not the sci fi I was expecting. Voice narration and characters were great. Pacing was a little random and the book was a little too long. But overall, it was a really fun read.
I will definitely be checking out book 2.
August 25, 2020
It's basically vampires without blood lust, and they have to have died for someone else... and they're angels.
So, that's a thing.
But I appreciate the fact that the story stresses the importance of forgiveness and that the ability to forgive is a power and strength. Forgiveness is not something you do because it allows people to hurt you, it's something you choose to do so you can be happy for others and find peace within yourself.
The story is a little weak in some places, but I think they stand out because I listened to the audiobook version and finished in 2 days. This is a book you need to give your attention to because it skips quickly through things, such as the powers the dreads and ash angels can have. I wish they'd let us have more time with the idea of angel training. It could have been a story within itself. It has the same vampirey "I turned you... you don't have a choice" vibe, but you just gotta expect to be reading a vampire story that was re-written by a church.
I don't say that to be mean or to criticize as the story is definitely worth a read, I just thought it was amusing. And really, the main character does have a choice and freedom (after being run over by a car...).
So, that's a thing.
But I appreciate the fact that the story stresses the importance of forgiveness and that the ability to forgive is a power and strength. Forgiveness is not something you do because it allows people to hurt you, it's something you choose to do so you can be happy for others and find peace within yourself.
The story is a little weak in some places, but I think they stand out because I listened to the audiobook version and finished in 2 days. This is a book you need to give your attention to because it skips quickly through things, such as the powers the dreads and ash angels can have. I wish they'd let us have more time with the idea of angel training. It could have been a story within itself. It has the same vampirey "I turned you... you don't have a choice" vibe, but you just gotta expect to be reading a vampire story that was re-written by a church.
I don't say that to be mean or to criticize as the story is definitely worth a read, I just thought it was amusing. And really, the main character does have a choice and freedom (after being run over by a car...).
February 5, 2021
A mixed book for me. I enjoyed the premise of the story, the fight between good and evil on earth between the ash angels and the dreads. Ash angels are people who have died by sacrifice for others and they are an imperfect lot, who evolve eventually into real angels if they survive. The story has some good flow and action. The main character was a bit too emotionally distraught for my taste and there was a bit of reliance on stupidity or blindness at various points to make the story come out the way the author wanted it to head, but overall I enjoyed reading it and it kept my interest and attention.
February 7, 2022
I picked this up during an Audible 2-for-1 sale, and I'm happy I went into it cold. The premise was interesting and different from others I've read, and has a darkly humorous tone throughout. Gallows humor for the undead. It is heavily steeped in Christian lore and mysticism, so if that isn't your bag, I would recommend passing on this whole series. That being said I found it engaging and fun. There's a lot of violence, and some serious suspension of disbelief in some plot-related sequences, but I very much enjoyed the cadence and pacing of the story. I'll finish the series on audiobook, as R.C. Bray really does do a fantastic job as the protagonist, Trace.
December 6, 2022
I loved this book and most of Brian K. Fuller's works. I have noticed however that he is rather mean to his MC's.
SPOILERISH ALERT
I have been wondering about something. In this book trace/Helo is told that blanks get 6 bestowals while the regular ash angels get 7, and blanks get their "first bestowal" after about a year on average. My thought is that being a blank and having no aura is actually a bestowal and no one has ever really thought about it.
SPOILERISH ALERT
I have been wondering about something. In this book trace/Helo is told that blanks get 6 bestowals while the regular ash angels get 7, and blanks get their "first bestowal" after about a year on average. My thought is that being a blank and having no aura is actually a bestowal and no one has ever really thought about it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 8, 2021
It had some really great elements and characters but many times the story just meandered and got boring.
February 15, 2021
completely engrossing and can't wait until the next one is released on audio!
November 3, 2021
Not bad, might continue with the series.
Christian/not anti
Christian/not anti
December 6, 2022
I love this author but this wasn't for me.
January 2, 2023
Looking forward to the continuation of this story. Interesting spin on life after death.
September 15, 2023
This book is the definition of never judge a book by it's cover. the story and plot remains me of the some 80s movies.
December 30, 2024
Loved it! Interesting plot, good characters, great writing. Probably my new favorite book.
July 10, 2025
I quite enjoyed this book but it's not quite for me it's well written and I think a lot of people will enjoy it
September 7, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. Looking forward to the rest of the series. Classic good angels vs bad devils with a old testament anchor, but with modern bent. The angel bureaucracy is hilarious. Looking forward to the next book in this series.
June 15, 2019
Amazing book and I am very excited to read the rest of the series. The Trysmoon Saga and Ash Angels are so good that I will read every book this author puts out.
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