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Los Nefilim #2
Carved from Stone and Dream
"Frohock seamlessly blends fantasy and WWII history into a heart-wrenching story of war in the action-packed second Los Nefilim novel." —Publishers Weekly (starred review)
In this sequel to Where Oblivion Lives, the first entry in the Los Nefilim series set during the Spanish Civil War, a coded notebook containing the identities of Los Nefilim’s spies falls into enemy hands, and Diago is faced with an impossible choice: betray Los Nefilim or save his family.
February 1939
Catalonia has fallen. Los Nefilim is in retreat.
With the Nationalist forces hard on their heels, the members of Los Nefilim—Spanish Nephilim that possess the power to harness music and light in the supernatural war between the angels and daimons—make a desperate run for the French border.
Diago Alvarez, a singular being of angelic and daimonic descent, follows Guillermo and a small group of nefilim through the Pyrenees, where the ice is as treacherous as postwar loyalties—both can kill with a single slip. When a notebook of Los Nefilim’s undercover operatives falls into a traitor’s hands, Diago and Guillermo risk their lives to track it down. As they uncover a pocket realm deep within the Pyrenees, Diago discovers his family is held hostage.
Faced with an impossible choice: betray Los Nefilim, or watch his family die, Diago must nurture the daimonic song he has so long denied in order to save those he loves.
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First published February 25, 2020
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T. Frohock
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T. Frohock has turned a love of history and dark fantasy into tales of deliciously creepy fiction. A real-life cyborg, T has a cochlear implant, meaning she can turn you on or off with the flick of a switch. Make of that what you will. She currently lives in North Carolina, where she has long been accused of telling stories, which is a southern colloquialism for lying.
Check out my newsletter for updates and more.
T. Frohock has turned a love of history and dark fantasy into tales of deliciously creepy fiction. A real-life cyborg, T has a cochlear implant, meaning she can turn you on or off with the flick of a switch. Make of that what you will. She currently lives in North Carolina, where she has long been accused of telling stories, which is a southern colloquialism for lying.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
December 4, 2019
ARC from Edelweiss – Thank you to Edleweiss, Harper Voyager, and Teresa Frohock for the ARC (release date feb. 25 2020)
Diago needs to get Guillermo through the mountains and in to France where the Los Nefilim can regroup, more importantly he needs to keep Guillermo out of Jordi’s reach because Jordi wants Guillermo’s signet. With the ring and his brother dead, Jordi can force an abdication and become King again. To complicate matters, a wrench is thrown into their retreat when a coded notebook is lost to the enemy.
My first introduction to Los Nefilim was Where Oblivion Lives. I fell in love with the world, the writing, and the characters. I had hoped to go back and catch the first novellas before this book was released, that didn’t happen of course, but I loved that it didn’t matter because these work as self-contained entries into the world.
This story is quite different in tone from Where Oblivion Lives. It’s less a Hitchcock mystery/creeping horror and more Cold War Spies sneaking behind enemy lines.
At first, I missed the Stradivarius, that haunting song and fevered-dream muzziness that we shared with Diago, as he worked through his memories and on the key in Where Oblivion Lives . But I began to realize that while the environment may have changed, the core aspects that I loved were present. Just maybe not in the same way. The haunting music isn’t as prominent other than in the angel’s song and in their magic, and that creepy horror ambience may not be spilling out of the story as thickly this time around, but it most certainly exists, along with that solid, thoughtful and beautifully stark writing that doesn’t waste a word or pull a punch when it needs to.
The dangers to the Los Nefilim feel bigger while also hitting closer to home for Diago, and his family.
Diago is always walking a line between his daimon side and his angel side. We see a lot of that struggle for him in this book, with his daimon side being stroked easily by the discomfort that anyone feels; including the people he cares about. He has to keep it tamped down, try to ignore it, lest it overcomes him, but he finds he is having to call on that part of himself more often to help the people he loves.
We see Miguel being pushed to the edge – he’s in a bad way and his personality may not be the best due to that. For me, who hadn’t spent a huge amount of time with Miguel as a character, the use of Diago’s memories of Miguel bolstering him through his own dark times, went a long way in showing me the kind of person Miguel usually is, and how much of himself he was losing to the drugs and torture.
I think my favourite character in this book though was Nico – he is faced with the decision to either stick by or betray the one he loved, knowing that either way he will lose that person. I don’t want to go into it too much because of spoilers, but I felt so much heartache for Nico and the struggles he was dealing with in this story.
The story is solid – everything from characters right down to the tone is near perfect.
At the risk of repeating myself from my previous review of her work, and from my twitter yacking:
It’s the details that impress me, the weaving together of events and placement of bread crumbs, small thoughtful comments that get followed through with later, or hit us with horror when the understanding dawns. The yellow scarf that tells us everything about Rafael’s personality while doing dual duty as a scene setter. The hints about Sam that later make my heart pound through my chest when I realize just who it is that our boy is getting ready to meet. And especially the follow-through on Martinez, who could have easily been a throwaway character, but served to show us the impact and repercussions of a tough decision. These are the things that raise a story up to the next level for me but coupled with everything else, just made this a stellar read.
Diago needs to get Guillermo through the mountains and in to France where the Los Nefilim can regroup, more importantly he needs to keep Guillermo out of Jordi’s reach because Jordi wants Guillermo’s signet. With the ring and his brother dead, Jordi can force an abdication and become King again. To complicate matters, a wrench is thrown into their retreat when a coded notebook is lost to the enemy.
My first introduction to Los Nefilim was Where Oblivion Lives. I fell in love with the world, the writing, and the characters. I had hoped to go back and catch the first novellas before this book was released, that didn’t happen of course, but I loved that it didn’t matter because these work as self-contained entries into the world.
This story is quite different in tone from Where Oblivion Lives. It’s less a Hitchcock mystery/creeping horror and more Cold War Spies sneaking behind enemy lines.
At first, I missed the Stradivarius, that haunting song and fevered-dream muzziness that we shared with Diago, as he worked through his memories and on the key in Where Oblivion Lives . But I began to realize that while the environment may have changed, the core aspects that I loved were present. Just maybe not in the same way. The haunting music isn’t as prominent other than in the angel’s song and in their magic, and that creepy horror ambience may not be spilling out of the story as thickly this time around, but it most certainly exists, along with that solid, thoughtful and beautifully stark writing that doesn’t waste a word or pull a punch when it needs to.
The dangers to the Los Nefilim feel bigger while also hitting closer to home for Diago, and his family.
Diago is always walking a line between his daimon side and his angel side. We see a lot of that struggle for him in this book, with his daimon side being stroked easily by the discomfort that anyone feels; including the people he cares about. He has to keep it tamped down, try to ignore it, lest it overcomes him, but he finds he is having to call on that part of himself more often to help the people he loves.
We see Miguel being pushed to the edge – he’s in a bad way and his personality may not be the best due to that. For me, who hadn’t spent a huge amount of time with Miguel as a character, the use of Diago’s memories of Miguel bolstering him through his own dark times, went a long way in showing me the kind of person Miguel usually is, and how much of himself he was losing to the drugs and torture.
I think my favourite character in this book though was Nico – he is faced with the decision to either stick by or betray the one he loved, knowing that either way he will lose that person. I don’t want to go into it too much because of spoilers, but I felt so much heartache for Nico and the struggles he was dealing with in this story.
The story is solid – everything from characters right down to the tone is near perfect.
At the risk of repeating myself from my previous review of her work, and from my twitter yacking:
It’s the details that impress me, the weaving together of events and placement of bread crumbs, small thoughtful comments that get followed through with later, or hit us with horror when the understanding dawns. The yellow scarf that tells us everything about Rafael’s personality while doing dual duty as a scene setter. The hints about Sam that later make my heart pound through my chest when I realize just who it is that our boy is getting ready to meet. And especially the follow-through on Martinez, who could have easily been a throwaway character, but served to show us the impact and repercussions of a tough decision. These are the things that raise a story up to the next level for me but coupled with everything else, just made this a stellar read.
February 12, 2020
To read more reviews in this series and others, check out keikii eats books!
Quote:
Review:
Getting into trouble is a family affair. Good thing getting out of trouble is one, too. And what an amazing family, as well!
Carved From Stone and Dream starts with Diago in the wilderness somewhere between France and Spain in the Pyrenees. The Spanish Civil War blew up, and Los Nefilim have had to evacuate. Diago is looking forward to joining up with his family again. But trouble instantly descends upon his head, because they are being hunted by agents of their enemy. And I swear, I've said it before and this time I super, super mean it: this book starts and just Never. Ever. Stops.
I was so scared for the characters the entire time. They were never safe, and they never once seemed like they were about to get out of the trouble they started in as soon as we met them in the story. In fact, they just kept getting into more and more trouble. The book has a slightly different feel than Where Oblivion Lives due to this fact. There was danger before, but this is on an entirely different level, with an entirely different set of consequences. And it is frightening as hell.
Plus, this really is a family affair. Unlike the previous installments in this series that focused primarily on Diago with some extra, Carved From Stone and Dream shares almost equal time between him, his husband Miquel, and their son Rafael. And they all get into trouble, big trouble. And they're all in trouble in different places. And seriously I was so stressed while reading this.
Carved From Stone and Dream is so good because it emphasizes this war that is currently being fought, the lines that are drawn, while also drawing us deeper into the world of the nephilim. It isn't just a human fiasco. But we're also looking towards the future, as well. Look at the date. 1939. It is just that much more scary for that piece of information, which drops in hints throughout the book. As much as Carved From Stone and Dream is terrifying in the moment, the hints it drops for future books scares me even more.
And I can't wait.
ARC received from Harper Voyager on Edelweiss. This did not affect my review.
To read more reviews for this series, check out the Los Nefilim series page!
Quote:
“He’s also not the first youngster we’ve had to kill, and unless I can find some way to persuade my brother into a truce, he won’t be the last. Let’s move.”
Review:
Getting into trouble is a family affair. Good thing getting out of trouble is one, too. And what an amazing family, as well!
Carved From Stone and Dream starts with Diago in the wilderness somewhere between France and Spain in the Pyrenees. The Spanish Civil War blew up, and Los Nefilim have had to evacuate. Diago is looking forward to joining up with his family again. But trouble instantly descends upon his head, because they are being hunted by agents of their enemy. And I swear, I've said it before and this time I super, super mean it: this book starts and just Never. Ever. Stops.
I was so scared for the characters the entire time. They were never safe, and they never once seemed like they were about to get out of the trouble they started in as soon as we met them in the story. In fact, they just kept getting into more and more trouble. The book has a slightly different feel than Where Oblivion Lives due to this fact. There was danger before, but this is on an entirely different level, with an entirely different set of consequences. And it is frightening as hell.
Plus, this really is a family affair. Unlike the previous installments in this series that focused primarily on Diago with some extra, Carved From Stone and Dream shares almost equal time between him, his husband Miquel, and their son Rafael. And they all get into trouble, big trouble. And they're all in trouble in different places. And seriously I was so stressed while reading this.
Carved From Stone and Dream is so good because it emphasizes this war that is currently being fought, the lines that are drawn, while also drawing us deeper into the world of the nephilim. It isn't just a human fiasco. But we're also looking towards the future, as well. Look at the date. 1939. It is just that much more scary for that piece of information, which drops in hints throughout the book. As much as Carved From Stone and Dream is terrifying in the moment, the hints it drops for future books scares me even more.
And I can't wait.
ARC received from Harper Voyager on Edelweiss. This did not affect my review.
To read more reviews for this series, check out the Los Nefilim series page!
January 1, 2020
Carved from Stone and Dream is the fifth entry and the second full length novel in T. Frohock’s Los Nefilim universe. I’ve been a fan of Frohock’s work for ages, and have found the Los Nefilim series to be an absolute gem, filled with relatable characters with complex, believable relationships, within a vividly realised slice of history. So I was quite excited to get my hands on this one, albeit a little worried it wouldn’t live up to my expectations.
Fortunately, it met and exceeded them instead.
The story is set in the aftermath of the Spanish Civil War, as broken Republican forces and lines of non-combatant fall back toward France. And in France, we find our Nephilim. They’re the offspring of angels (or demons), individuals able to harness the power of the infernal and the divine to shape the mortal world. They feud and politick as much as anyone else, or perhaps more. It’s possible to see the Nephilim as a stand against a darkness most of us don’t know exists – though equally, one can argue that some of them are as much a part of that darkness as any angel, fallen or otherwise. In any event, the Nephilim and their struggles are deeply embedded in this world, influencing and influenced by its events.
Frohock has always been fantastic at worldbuilding, and that hasn’t changed here. The refugee camps for those on the road to Paris are believably appalling. Starving refugees crammed cheek-by-jowl. Turning on each other, turning on themselves, walking out into the sea on the border coast, leaving their worldly goods behind. This is the harrowing aftermath of appalling conflict, brought to life and brought home to the reader. The camps are real. The simmering tensions in the aftermath fo the conflict are real. The atrocities are real. You can turn the page with these people, feel the surf against your legs, look across the sand at weary, broken people trying to find a new home, a new life away from madness and the horror of war. This is a text which is unafraid to evocatively portray the spectre of war, and its consequences. It does so with haunting effectiveness.
Time is also spent in France, in a Paris not yet at war. The atmosphere is febrile, the air taut with truth unspoken. There is a certain joi de vivre though, standing in stark contrast to the horrors of the refugees. Still, even Paris is not a safe place; gangs are paid off, crimes committed, oaths taken. Sections of pre-war Paris are here drawn with an exacting precision, and the lush, evocative prose helps to bring Paris darkly to life. This is the post-war world, and if our characters are important to us, and to their own story, there are factions and factors seething away in the background which may yet change everything.
The other core component of the story is the characters. I want to give particular space to Diago and Rafael, whose relationship has formed the backbone of the series. It’s at the core of the story here, as well. Separated in the swift tides of conflict, their search for each other is fraught, and the emotions that are drawn forth are genuine, valid, and powerful. The way that both men lean on each other, trust each other, know they can depend on each other is a tonic. That they also have their own vices, their own struggles, that just makes them more real. This is their life, their romance, their relationship. The fear and dread of possible loss is there, but also the casual affection, the longing, the comfortable silences. These are men who complete each other, and the depicition of their love on the page continues to be beautifully, truthfully realised.
There are other types of relationship here of course. This is a story which wants to talk about family as much as it wants to talk about friendship, romance, or enmity. Watching Rafael and Diago trying to raise a son has always been as delightful as it is painful. Mistakes are made on all sides, but the struggle, the fact that everyone involved is trying, continues to be a delight, and gives their struggle both weight and emotional impact. Incidentally, it’s an absolute joy to follow their son through these pages, each instalment of the story bringing him a little closer to his family, and pushing him a little further away at the same time. In any event, this is a story which is thinking hard about families, about what ties them together and about what breaks those ties. It feels honest, raw, real. You can stand beside these men as they dig into the depths of their being, struggling to articulate their own truths – and that is both uplifting and humbling. It’s wonderfully done.
Oh, and there’s a story too. Did I not mention that? Well, I won’t get into the details, because, of course, spoilers. But there’s a lot that goes on here, in a vibrant world, filled with characters who seem almost too real for the page. There’s betrayal, for sure There’s setbacks, and hurt. There’s blood and tears. But also close friendship, heroism, triumphs against all the odds. There’s secret plots, acts of terrible villainy, shocking revelations, and heart-wrenching heroism. There’s fast-paced action, beautifully crafted magic, and consequences which will grab hold of you and keep the pages turning long into the night.
Should you read this? Yes, yes, I think you should.
Fortunately, it met and exceeded them instead.
The story is set in the aftermath of the Spanish Civil War, as broken Republican forces and lines of non-combatant fall back toward France. And in France, we find our Nephilim. They’re the offspring of angels (or demons), individuals able to harness the power of the infernal and the divine to shape the mortal world. They feud and politick as much as anyone else, or perhaps more. It’s possible to see the Nephilim as a stand against a darkness most of us don’t know exists – though equally, one can argue that some of them are as much a part of that darkness as any angel, fallen or otherwise. In any event, the Nephilim and their struggles are deeply embedded in this world, influencing and influenced by its events.
Frohock has always been fantastic at worldbuilding, and that hasn’t changed here. The refugee camps for those on the road to Paris are believably appalling. Starving refugees crammed cheek-by-jowl. Turning on each other, turning on themselves, walking out into the sea on the border coast, leaving their worldly goods behind. This is the harrowing aftermath of appalling conflict, brought to life and brought home to the reader. The camps are real. The simmering tensions in the aftermath fo the conflict are real. The atrocities are real. You can turn the page with these people, feel the surf against your legs, look across the sand at weary, broken people trying to find a new home, a new life away from madness and the horror of war. This is a text which is unafraid to evocatively portray the spectre of war, and its consequences. It does so with haunting effectiveness.
Time is also spent in France, in a Paris not yet at war. The atmosphere is febrile, the air taut with truth unspoken. There is a certain joi de vivre though, standing in stark contrast to the horrors of the refugees. Still, even Paris is not a safe place; gangs are paid off, crimes committed, oaths taken. Sections of pre-war Paris are here drawn with an exacting precision, and the lush, evocative prose helps to bring Paris darkly to life. This is the post-war world, and if our characters are important to us, and to their own story, there are factions and factors seething away in the background which may yet change everything.
The other core component of the story is the characters. I want to give particular space to Diago and Rafael, whose relationship has formed the backbone of the series. It’s at the core of the story here, as well. Separated in the swift tides of conflict, their search for each other is fraught, and the emotions that are drawn forth are genuine, valid, and powerful. The way that both men lean on each other, trust each other, know they can depend on each other is a tonic. That they also have their own vices, their own struggles, that just makes them more real. This is their life, their romance, their relationship. The fear and dread of possible loss is there, but also the casual affection, the longing, the comfortable silences. These are men who complete each other, and the depicition of their love on the page continues to be beautifully, truthfully realised.
There are other types of relationship here of course. This is a story which wants to talk about family as much as it wants to talk about friendship, romance, or enmity. Watching Rafael and Diago trying to raise a son has always been as delightful as it is painful. Mistakes are made on all sides, but the struggle, the fact that everyone involved is trying, continues to be a delight, and gives their struggle both weight and emotional impact. Incidentally, it’s an absolute joy to follow their son through these pages, each instalment of the story bringing him a little closer to his family, and pushing him a little further away at the same time. In any event, this is a story which is thinking hard about families, about what ties them together and about what breaks those ties. It feels honest, raw, real. You can stand beside these men as they dig into the depths of their being, struggling to articulate their own truths – and that is both uplifting and humbling. It’s wonderfully done.
Oh, and there’s a story too. Did I not mention that? Well, I won’t get into the details, because, of course, spoilers. But there’s a lot that goes on here, in a vibrant world, filled with characters who seem almost too real for the page. There’s betrayal, for sure There’s setbacks, and hurt. There’s blood and tears. But also close friendship, heroism, triumphs against all the odds. There’s secret plots, acts of terrible villainy, shocking revelations, and heart-wrenching heroism. There’s fast-paced action, beautifully crafted magic, and consequences which will grab hold of you and keep the pages turning long into the night.
Should you read this? Yes, yes, I think you should.
July 7, 2020
A beautiful, intense dark fantasy novel that reads like a thriller with characters of incredible depth and nuance. The setting is 1939 in Spain and France. The earthly realm is in turmoil, and the supernatural war is escalating as well. This is historical fantasy at its finest, with realistic and heartfelt queer rep.
February 25, 2020
Rating: 9.0/10
Thanks to the publisher and author for an advance copy of Carved from Stone and Dream (Los Nefilim #5) for review consideration. Receiving a copy of the book did not influence my thoughts or opinions.
Frohock once again delivers the goods with her follow-up to the mesmerizing Where Oblivion Lives. Carved from Stone and Dream, while more low-key with the musical overtones, cranks up the volume when it comes to action, pacing, and the grandiose implications of the major players in the game. It is a story that will tear at your heartstrings and leave you breathless. It is simply spectacular.
This story is set some nine (9) years after the events of its predecessor and turns part of the focus away from Diago and Guillermo, two (2) of the focal points in WOL, and gives a hefty amount of spotlight to their children, Rafael and Ysabel. Now in their teens, the children begin to grow into themselves and attempt to forge their own paths, though they do not have the strength or experience necessary to do so. At least, not without their parents’ guiding hands. It is a story with a focus on family, bonding, and relationships, on top of that of war, spies, traitors, and the like.
It was a neat experience seeing the relationships between the children and their parents. While the kiddos tend to be bull-headed when it comes to decision making, always rushing in instead of taking a second to think about the implications, their elders are always what feels like just a whisper away, guiding them through life’s complications and the scenarios they find themselves in. While all of this is going on, you have the Spanish Civil War happening with the Battle of Minorca starting and ending, the Los Nefilim in retreat through France, and postwar loyalties being put to the question.
Having said all that, it is also a thriller chock-full of daimons, angels, spies, Nazis, portals, magic, and explosions. OH MY. Frohock does a wonderful job juggling the family aspects of the story with the intense surroundings of war, and precisely adds in factual history elements to the story because that is apart of what historical fiction/fantasy is all about.
If you haven’t given the Los Nefilim series a shot yet, I encourage you to do so. The novellas are not essential reading material, so you can begin with Where Oblivion Lives. While Carved from Stone and Dream CAN be read as a stand-alone thanks to Frohock’s amazing writing ability, I’d encourage you to read it in order.
Thanks to the publisher and author for an advance copy of Carved from Stone and Dream (Los Nefilim #5) for review consideration. Receiving a copy of the book did not influence my thoughts or opinions.
Frohock once again delivers the goods with her follow-up to the mesmerizing Where Oblivion Lives. Carved from Stone and Dream, while more low-key with the musical overtones, cranks up the volume when it comes to action, pacing, and the grandiose implications of the major players in the game. It is a story that will tear at your heartstrings and leave you breathless. It is simply spectacular.
This story is set some nine (9) years after the events of its predecessor and turns part of the focus away from Diago and Guillermo, two (2) of the focal points in WOL, and gives a hefty amount of spotlight to their children, Rafael and Ysabel. Now in their teens, the children begin to grow into themselves and attempt to forge their own paths, though they do not have the strength or experience necessary to do so. At least, not without their parents’ guiding hands. It is a story with a focus on family, bonding, and relationships, on top of that of war, spies, traitors, and the like.
It was a neat experience seeing the relationships between the children and their parents. While the kiddos tend to be bull-headed when it comes to decision making, always rushing in instead of taking a second to think about the implications, their elders are always what feels like just a whisper away, guiding them through life’s complications and the scenarios they find themselves in. While all of this is going on, you have the Spanish Civil War happening with the Battle of Minorca starting and ending, the Los Nefilim in retreat through France, and postwar loyalties being put to the question.
Having said all that, it is also a thriller chock-full of daimons, angels, spies, Nazis, portals, magic, and explosions. OH MY. Frohock does a wonderful job juggling the family aspects of the story with the intense surroundings of war, and precisely adds in factual history elements to the story because that is apart of what historical fiction/fantasy is all about.
If you haven’t given the Los Nefilim series a shot yet, I encourage you to do so. The novellas are not essential reading material, so you can begin with Where Oblivion Lives. While Carved from Stone and Dream CAN be read as a stand-alone thanks to Frohock’s amazing writing ability, I’d encourage you to read it in order.
March 26, 2024
Whew! This was one of the most stressful books I ever read. The whole series is some of the best historical fantasy out there and Carved from Stone and Dream is no different. But WOW it does not pull any punches. Funnily enough, I originally got it as an ARC, but even though I was sure it was going to be good, I avoided it for ages because I wasn’t in the right headspace for something as anxiety-inducing as the summary implied. Some books just need the right moment.
Los Nefilim are in trouble. After Franco’s forces under Jordi’s oversight take control of Catalonia, they are forced to split up and retreat to France. Diago and Guillermo with two escorts take a secret journey through the Pyrenees, while Miquel, Rafael, Ysabel, Juanita, and others join the mortal Spanish refugees crossing the border. They plan to meet up in Paris, but treachery lies everywhere and soon everything goes disastrously wrong.
And it’s insanely intense. The protagonists are constantly in mortal danger with never a moment of rest. And the author pulled off the breakneck pacing perfectly. It’s never disjointed and the stakes feel as high as they should. The ending, too, was just the right mix of ominous about what comes next and relieving some of the tension.
Another thing I really admire is how seamlessly Frohock blends history and magic. Speculative historical fiction can often break suspension of disbelief because the real and speculative elements do not blend seamlessly and the made up parts feel tacked on, or it makes you wonder why, if there is magic, it did not change the course of history. But in the whole Los Nefilim series, the inclusion of angels and daimons and nefilim feels quite organic. And for those interested in the time period, there’s a list of non-fiction books in the end 😁
I’m not sure what’s the point of writing a full review for a middle book in the series when I didn’t do so for any of the others, but I highly recommend it, and I hope I find the mood and the time to finish the series soon.
Enjoyment: 3.5/5 (stressful!!)
Execution: 5/5
Recommended to: fans of books about angels and demons (biblically accurate and not), anyone looking for a fast and intense read, those looking for fantasy books where the protagonists are parents (bonus: queer parents)
Not recommended to: the easily stressed
Content warnings: torture, children being in danger/harmed
More reviews on my blog, To Other Worlds.
Los Nefilim are in trouble. After Franco’s forces under Jordi’s oversight take control of Catalonia, they are forced to split up and retreat to France. Diago and Guillermo with two escorts take a secret journey through the Pyrenees, while Miquel, Rafael, Ysabel, Juanita, and others join the mortal Spanish refugees crossing the border. They plan to meet up in Paris, but treachery lies everywhere and soon everything goes disastrously wrong.
And it’s insanely intense. The protagonists are constantly in mortal danger with never a moment of rest. And the author pulled off the breakneck pacing perfectly. It’s never disjointed and the stakes feel as high as they should. The ending, too, was just the right mix of ominous about what comes next and relieving some of the tension.
Another thing I really admire is how seamlessly Frohock blends history and magic. Speculative historical fiction can often break suspension of disbelief because the real and speculative elements do not blend seamlessly and the made up parts feel tacked on, or it makes you wonder why, if there is magic, it did not change the course of history. But in the whole Los Nefilim series, the inclusion of angels and daimons and nefilim feels quite organic. And for those interested in the time period, there’s a list of non-fiction books in the end 😁
I’m not sure what’s the point of writing a full review for a middle book in the series when I didn’t do so for any of the others, but I highly recommend it, and I hope I find the mood and the time to finish the series soon.
Enjoyment: 3.5/5 (stressful!!)
Execution: 5/5
Recommended to: fans of books about angels and demons (biblically accurate and not), anyone looking for a fast and intense read, those looking for fantasy books where the protagonists are parents (bonus: queer parents)
Not recommended to: the easily stressed
Content warnings: torture, children being in danger/harmed
More reviews on my blog, To Other Worlds.
April 6, 2021
Pros: interesting characters, tense, fast paced
Cons: scenes of torture some may find disturbing
It is 1939 and the Spanish Civil War has gone poorly for the Republicans, backed by los Nefilim. With his wife and daughter, heir to his crown, sent to Paris in advance, Don Guillarmo is pursued by Nationalist forces while crossing the Pyrenees. A betrayal alerts him to the existence of a pocket realm where his brother Jordi, backing the Nationalists, is helping the Germans plan an invasion of France.
While this is technically the second in a trilogy (following 3 novellas), the book is designed to stand on its own. There’s enough background information to jump in here, but I do feel you won’t get the same emotional kick if you aren’t aware of the relationship between Diego, Miquel and Raphael.
The book cleverly ties the Nefilim (offspring of angels and demons) into the history of the Spanish Civil War and the coming second world war. There’s a bibliography at the back of the book that shows the author’s done their research regarding the period and how LGBT characters fit in historically, while also allowing readers to expand their own knowledge if they’d like to learn more.
The book gets very tense at times, with depictions of torture. Though horrible things happen, it never felt gratuitous. The story is fast paced, with several point of view characters, so the horror is never overpowering.
The book really shines with its family relationships. The love Diego and Miquel have for each other, and their desire to help each other through difficult circumstances shines through. I also liked seeing Raphael become a young man, making mistakes and learning hard lessons.
The Grigori was horrifying and I can’t wait to learn more about it and the other fallen angels.
I’m really enjoying this series and look forward to the final volume.
Cons: scenes of torture some may find disturbing
It is 1939 and the Spanish Civil War has gone poorly for the Republicans, backed by los Nefilim. With his wife and daughter, heir to his crown, sent to Paris in advance, Don Guillarmo is pursued by Nationalist forces while crossing the Pyrenees. A betrayal alerts him to the existence of a pocket realm where his brother Jordi, backing the Nationalists, is helping the Germans plan an invasion of France.
While this is technically the second in a trilogy (following 3 novellas), the book is designed to stand on its own. There’s enough background information to jump in here, but I do feel you won’t get the same emotional kick if you aren’t aware of the relationship between Diego, Miquel and Raphael.
The book cleverly ties the Nefilim (offspring of angels and demons) into the history of the Spanish Civil War and the coming second world war. There’s a bibliography at the back of the book that shows the author’s done their research regarding the period and how LGBT characters fit in historically, while also allowing readers to expand their own knowledge if they’d like to learn more.
The book gets very tense at times, with depictions of torture. Though horrible things happen, it never felt gratuitous. The story is fast paced, with several point of view characters, so the horror is never overpowering.
The book really shines with its family relationships. The love Diego and Miquel have for each other, and their desire to help each other through difficult circumstances shines through. I also liked seeing Raphael become a young man, making mistakes and learning hard lessons.
The Grigori was horrifying and I can’t wait to learn more about it and the other fallen angels.
I’m really enjoying this series and look forward to the final volume.
Read
August 18, 2018Hi, everyone!
If you're looking for the next Los Nefilim novel, it has its own page at Where Oblivion Lives.
Thanks so much!
T
If you're looking for the next Los Nefilim novel, it has its own page at Where Oblivion Lives.
Thanks so much!
T
February 9, 2021
I had been expecting something closer to the last book in terms of timing and scope, but instead, we got a story where 90% of it takes place in less than 36 hours. This was basically a historical thriller, and it was great. It was so tightly plotted, while it never left me out of breath, I just wanted to keep GOING (the only reason I didn't read this in one sitting was because I have a kid and also had to go to work). This also takes place several years after Where Oblivion Lives, so the kids are a bit older now (Rafael is a great little 14-year-old). I'm very curious to see how Miquel's experience in this one will translate to the next book (if it does), as he probably had the roughest time of anyone in this book.
Anyway, if anyone reading this happened to have read any of the other Los Nefilim stories: please keep going! I need more people to read this so I can talk to them about it. (And if you haven't read any of them yet--start with Los Nefilim (or one of the individual novellas), and then catch up, please.)
Watch for me.
Anyway, if anyone reading this happened to have read any of the other Los Nefilim stories: please keep going! I need more people to read this so I can talk to them about it. (And if you haven't read any of them yet--start with Los Nefilim (or one of the individual novellas), and then catch up, please.)
Watch for me.
March 23, 2022
This book is not like the first book and you find that out really quickly in the prologue. I'm not usually one for prologues, but I do like how the prologue was handled here! It's CREEPY. I feel like that's the theme for this series. It brings readers up to speed with what's happened to the characters from the end of book 1 (in 1932) to now (1939), after the events of the Spanish Civil War. Los Nefilim is in retreat and anyone can be a traitor. Already, this book starts out with an intensity and urgency we didn't feel as much in the first book.
Something I didn't know because I was listening to the audiobook is that in the text version of this book, there is a recap of all the pertinent events that have happened so far. So, if you need a quick refresher, there is a recap in the text version of the books.
Content notes torture, kidnapping, drug use, violence, death, and mentions of rape.
This book explores more of the dynamics behind our major characters, and what happened with them in their past lives. I think the biggest difference for a character from book 1 to this book is Jordi, actually. While I found his revenge scheme a little haphazard, I thought there was another character who overshadowed him in the previous book. Here, we see Jordi changed. He's behind a lot of bad things happening in this book, and I definitely see him more of the big bad now than I did before.
I didn't feel like this book was necessarily DARK dark, but I have a very bad gauge on what is dark as far as storylines go? But there are torture scenes that might be hard to read for some folks. There are very harrowing scenes here that involves our favorite characters being tortured and drugged, and things are pretty grim.
I like that we see more of Miquel in this book. He might not be in his element, but we learn a lot more about him and how he ticks. There's still plenty of Diago and Guillermo, and now we just see a lot more from a lot of the different characters. They've all been separated by the war and this book contains the different storylines and leads us to the point where they ultimately meet again. I would recommend reading these books in order. It doesn't do anyone any good to start, say, from this book. I think it would just feel like you're missing part of the story, especially since the storylines take awhile to converge and the characters meet up again.
I think it's interesting to see more involvement from Ysabel and Rafael now that they're teenagers having grown up in the midst of war. Ysabel is Guillermo's heir and Rafael is Diago and Miquel's son. Rafael wants to be able to DO grown up things instead of sitting on the sidelines, which leads him into a lot of trouble.
An interesting addition to the cast is Nico, Jordi's lover. We saw a bit of him in the first book, but his presence is much more pronounced here in a way that I wasn't expecting. Readers are left wondering if he's trustworthy or if he's a liar. I don't know what it is about books making me second guess characters named Nico, but here we are again (the first being the Hazard and Somerset series by Gregory Ashe). I think Nico is an interesting character, but definitely someone I wanted to dive deeper into - what's his backstory, his past lives (does he have any?), and how on earth he winded up finding Jordi in the first place (if the book said, I missed it).
As for the ending, I did find the showdown in this book a bit confusing because it was hard to picture in my head what was actually going on? There's a lot happening and I'm easily lost, I guess. There's daimons and souls involved. I didn't understand all of it, but I did enjoy this book.
The audiobook is still fantastic. Vikas Adam is very enjoyable to listen to as he performs the hell out of all these characters. I would highly recommend checking out this series in audio. I have no complaints. I'm sure I wouldn't be able to pronounce half the names and places in this book, and so listening to the audio really helps.
There's not really much for me to say about Diago. Diago is great, and I think I would still count him as the MAIN character, even as we circle between all the different storylines and cast. He's still the key to the Key (haha get it?) for Los Nefilim and the composition that will open the path between their realms. It's interesting to see how his life ties those around him in his past incarnations. Because we learn a lot more about his and Jordi's relationship from a past life, don't we? Apparently Jordi chose Nico as a lover due to his likeness to Diago, and ISN'T THAT INTERESTING? I would say, let's explore that soap opera a little deeper because I want to know more!
Like I said before in my review for book 1, there should be more people reading this series! I love that there's an epic established queer relationship that has spanned years and years, through multiple incarnations. I love that this story is so intense, but still manages to have such lovely characters that keep us grounded in their lives while providing a satisfying outcome at the end of the book. This book still ends on a hopeful note, even though we know the inevitable is coming to Europe that book 3 covers. Even though this isn't Romance with that capital R, I feel like this ends on a satisfying HFN between Diago and Miquel and that's all I can really ask for.
Something I didn't know because I was listening to the audiobook is that in the text version of this book, there is a recap of all the pertinent events that have happened so far. So, if you need a quick refresher, there is a recap in the text version of the books.
Content notes torture, kidnapping, drug use, violence, death, and mentions of rape.
This book explores more of the dynamics behind our major characters, and what happened with them in their past lives. I think the biggest difference for a character from book 1 to this book is Jordi, actually. While I found his revenge scheme a little haphazard, I thought there was another character who overshadowed him in the previous book. Here, we see Jordi changed. He's behind a lot of bad things happening in this book, and I definitely see him more of the big bad now than I did before.
I didn't feel like this book was necessarily DARK dark, but I have a very bad gauge on what is dark as far as storylines go? But there are torture scenes that might be hard to read for some folks. There are very harrowing scenes here that involves our favorite characters being tortured and drugged, and things are pretty grim.
I like that we see more of Miquel in this book. He might not be in his element, but we learn a lot more about him and how he ticks. There's still plenty of Diago and Guillermo, and now we just see a lot more from a lot of the different characters. They've all been separated by the war and this book contains the different storylines and leads us to the point where they ultimately meet again. I would recommend reading these books in order. It doesn't do anyone any good to start, say, from this book. I think it would just feel like you're missing part of the story, especially since the storylines take awhile to converge and the characters meet up again.
I think it's interesting to see more involvement from Ysabel and Rafael now that they're teenagers having grown up in the midst of war. Ysabel is Guillermo's heir and Rafael is Diago and Miquel's son. Rafael wants to be able to DO grown up things instead of sitting on the sidelines, which leads him into a lot of trouble.
An interesting addition to the cast is Nico, Jordi's lover. We saw a bit of him in the first book, but his presence is much more pronounced here in a way that I wasn't expecting. Readers are left wondering if he's trustworthy or if he's a liar. I don't know what it is about books making me second guess characters named Nico, but here we are again (the first being the Hazard and Somerset series by Gregory Ashe). I think Nico is an interesting character, but definitely someone I wanted to dive deeper into - what's his backstory, his past lives (does he have any?), and how on earth he winded up finding Jordi in the first place (if the book said, I missed it).
As for the ending, I did find the showdown in this book a bit confusing because it was hard to picture in my head what was actually going on? There's a lot happening and I'm easily lost, I guess. There's daimons and souls involved. I didn't understand all of it, but I did enjoy this book.
The audiobook is still fantastic. Vikas Adam is very enjoyable to listen to as he performs the hell out of all these characters. I would highly recommend checking out this series in audio. I have no complaints. I'm sure I wouldn't be able to pronounce half the names and places in this book, and so listening to the audio really helps.
There's not really much for me to say about Diago. Diago is great, and I think I would still count him as the MAIN character, even as we circle between all the different storylines and cast. He's still the key to the Key (haha get it?) for Los Nefilim and the composition that will open the path between their realms. It's interesting to see how his life ties those around him in his past incarnations. Because we learn a lot more about his and Jordi's relationship from a past life, don't we? Apparently Jordi chose Nico as a lover due to his likeness to Diago, and ISN'T THAT INTERESTING? I would say, let's explore that soap opera a little deeper because I want to know more!
Like I said before in my review for book 1, there should be more people reading this series! I love that there's an epic established queer relationship that has spanned years and years, through multiple incarnations. I love that this story is so intense, but still manages to have such lovely characters that keep us grounded in their lives while providing a satisfying outcome at the end of the book. This book still ends on a hopeful note, even though we know the inevitable is coming to Europe that book 3 covers. Even though this isn't Romance with that capital R, I feel like this ends on a satisfying HFN between Diago and Miquel and that's all I can really ask for.
April 24, 2020
Review to follow
December 19, 2019
Carved From Stone and Dream dials the intensity and action up to 100 from the word go. The stakes are higher than ever, the losses greater and betrayal poses a constant threat. Though I have given all of the Los Nefilim books five stars I think Carved From Stone and Dream is my five-iest five stars out of all of them. It was so wonderful being back in Diago's world. We meet them several years on from the last time we saw them, they got their backs against the wall but they are Los Nefilim and they will not go down without a fight.
Rafael plays a larger role in Carved From Stone and Dream, finding himself right in the middle of the danger. On the threshold between boy and man, Rafael is struggling to find his footing - particularly with those that whilst trying to keep him safe inadvertently stifle him. But being Diago and Miquel's son he isn't about to let himself be sidelined when his parents are in danger.
What I will forever love about these books are the strength of the characters, the importance placed on their bonds with each other and the strength they draw from each others love. Miquel and Diago in particular will always hold my heart - I said something along these lines in one of my goodreads updates but every time Miquel refers to Diago as his husband the world gets a little brighter.
The writing as per usual is beautiful. It pulls you right in and brings the story to life with a colourful intensity. The characters and the setting are so wonderfully drawn. Frohock has created something truly brilliant and it's always such a joy to inhabit this world (even when it hurts).
I don't tend to spoil the plot of books much, if at all in my reviews - but just know that you absolutely need to be reading this book and the series in general. The writing, the characters, the world - you do not want to miss this.
Rep: Diago and Rafael are bi, Miquel is gay and there are multiple queer side characters.
*I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own*
This review and more can be found at https://wildheartreads.wordpress.com/
I will hunt you...in this incarnation, and all others. I will find you.
Rafael plays a larger role in Carved From Stone and Dream, finding himself right in the middle of the danger. On the threshold between boy and man, Rafael is struggling to find his footing - particularly with those that whilst trying to keep him safe inadvertently stifle him. But being Diago and Miquel's son he isn't about to let himself be sidelined when his parents are in danger.
What I will forever love about these books are the strength of the characters, the importance placed on their bonds with each other and the strength they draw from each others love. Miquel and Diago in particular will always hold my heart - I said something along these lines in one of my goodreads updates but every time Miquel refers to Diago as his husband the world gets a little brighter.
The writing as per usual is beautiful. It pulls you right in and brings the story to life with a colourful intensity. The characters and the setting are so wonderfully drawn. Frohock has created something truly brilliant and it's always such a joy to inhabit this world (even when it hurts).
That is my oath and I will teach you to fear the dark.
I don't tend to spoil the plot of books much, if at all in my reviews - but just know that you absolutely need to be reading this book and the series in general. The writing, the characters, the world - you do not want to miss this.
Rep: Diago and Rafael are bi, Miquel is gay and there are multiple queer side characters.
*I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own*
This review and more can be found at https://wildheartreads.wordpress.com/
May 1, 2020
Yes! This book was everything I was hoping it would be. Once again Frohock brings her amazing writing and voice to this riveting tale of the Los Nefilim. The stakes are even higher for Diago and Miguel, and now Rafael takes an even larger role. This book had some great action in it, but the heartbeat is still the characters.
I really love the blend of historical fiction with dark fantasy. The way the angels and daimons cast their spells through songs and glyphs is just so cool.
I can't wait for the last book!
I really love the blend of historical fiction with dark fantasy. The way the angels and daimons cast their spells through songs and glyphs is just so cool.
I can't wait for the last book!
December 3, 2020
This review was originally posted on RockStarlit BookAsylum!
Over the summer I hopelessly fell in love with the Los Nefilim series when I read first the novella collection, Los Nefilim then the first full novel in the series, Where Oblivion Lives. I went ahead and bought the next book, Carved from Stone and Dream and you can be sure as hell, I’ll buy the next and last of the series, A Song with Teeth too.
We are in 1939, a few years after the events in Where Oblivion Lives. The second World War is just around the corner, though our characters don’t know that yet. They are more concerned about the Spanish Civil War and Franco taking over – not least thanks to Jordi Abelló, Guillermo’s half-brother. As well as the new German leader, Hitler supported by Die Nephilim’s Queen Jäger who plan to invade France as quickly as possible. Los Nefilim has to retreat and while Ysa, Juanita, Rafael, and some others are already in Paris, Miquel only just stepped over the border waiting for Diago, Guillermo, Carme, and Feran to cross the Pyrenees. But plans have that annoying trait to never go as intended.
I would rather not go into the details regarding the plot as it’s something you have to experience yourself. Events in Carved from Stone and Dream take place within 48 hours or less. Not sure if this is the reason, but the 350 pages long book felt more like 100. It’s a super-fast read and a highly engaging one. Then again, I’m biased, because I just love these characters so much and if it was up to me, this book easily could have been 600 pages long for all I care. And I don’t even like chonky books.
To my surprise and delight, Carved from Stone and Dream introduces Rafael as a POV character. It takes a while to wrap one’s head around the fact that he is 15 years old already. A Civil War is not exactly a time period you would want to grow up in, and young Rafael had seen his share of horror already. Thankfully that did not break him and he had become a remarkable – if still brash – young man. We also get to see a different side of Miquel and Diago. They kind of switch roles, and this time it’s Miquel who is going to need Diago’s unwavering support. I said this before in my Los Nefilim review, but really, my most favorite part about this series is the relationships of the characters.
Frohock in this book brings in another layer regarding angelology with the Watchers or as they called here, the Grigori. As much as I enjoy the plot and the characters, I also enjoy how she uses mythology in her fiction. So. Cool.
The Los Nefilim series never shied away from being dark and dealing with heavy topics, and Carved from Stone and Dream is not an exception. While Spain and France face oppression by either their nation or another one, the characters deal with their own fears and nightmares. Be it drug-induced or otherwise. Bringing drug experiments into the picture was an interesting choice and one that’s probably not very far from what actually happened during the war, or maybe even before that. Though it was likely much more brutal than what we glimpsed here. Just flip up any historical book on Nazis and you’ll see.
Carved from Stone and Dream raises the bar yet even higher in a series that keep giving ever more excellent books. I already can’t wait to read the last book, but I’m also dreading it, because I wouldn’t mind spending eternity with Diago, Miquel, Rafael, Ysa, and all the others. If there is only one historical fantasy series you’ll ever read in your life, then Los Nefilim should be the one.
“Maybe. But animosity murdered empathy and gave understanding little room to grow. The darker emotions had their place. Diago glanced over his shoulder and noted his son’s grim features. But they’re not to be nurtured.“
Over the summer I hopelessly fell in love with the Los Nefilim series when I read first the novella collection, Los Nefilim then the first full novel in the series, Where Oblivion Lives. I went ahead and bought the next book, Carved from Stone and Dream and you can be sure as hell, I’ll buy the next and last of the series, A Song with Teeth too.
We are in 1939, a few years after the events in Where Oblivion Lives. The second World War is just around the corner, though our characters don’t know that yet. They are more concerned about the Spanish Civil War and Franco taking over – not least thanks to Jordi Abelló, Guillermo’s half-brother. As well as the new German leader, Hitler supported by Die Nephilim’s Queen Jäger who plan to invade France as quickly as possible. Los Nefilim has to retreat and while Ysa, Juanita, Rafael, and some others are already in Paris, Miquel only just stepped over the border waiting for Diago, Guillermo, Carme, and Feran to cross the Pyrenees. But plans have that annoying trait to never go as intended.
I would rather not go into the details regarding the plot as it’s something you have to experience yourself. Events in Carved from Stone and Dream take place within 48 hours or less. Not sure if this is the reason, but the 350 pages long book felt more like 100. It’s a super-fast read and a highly engaging one. Then again, I’m biased, because I just love these characters so much and if it was up to me, this book easily could have been 600 pages long for all I care. And I don’t even like chonky books.
To my surprise and delight, Carved from Stone and Dream introduces Rafael as a POV character. It takes a while to wrap one’s head around the fact that he is 15 years old already. A Civil War is not exactly a time period you would want to grow up in, and young Rafael had seen his share of horror already. Thankfully that did not break him and he had become a remarkable – if still brash – young man. We also get to see a different side of Miquel and Diago. They kind of switch roles, and this time it’s Miquel who is going to need Diago’s unwavering support. I said this before in my Los Nefilim review, but really, my most favorite part about this series is the relationships of the characters.
Miquel closed his eyes and inhaled the scent of him. “And you were surprised. Do you remember that? You said I was a fool; that only mortals fell in love at first sight, because their lives were like those of butterflies, short and filled with fleeting beauty. You said no one could possibly love you.” But I did, and I do, and this is all backward and wrong, because I should be saving you.
Frohock in this book brings in another layer regarding angelology with the Watchers or as they called here, the Grigori. As much as I enjoy the plot and the characters, I also enjoy how she uses mythology in her fiction. So. Cool.
The Los Nefilim series never shied away from being dark and dealing with heavy topics, and Carved from Stone and Dream is not an exception. While Spain and France face oppression by either their nation or another one, the characters deal with their own fears and nightmares. Be it drug-induced or otherwise. Bringing drug experiments into the picture was an interesting choice and one that’s probably not very far from what actually happened during the war, or maybe even before that. Though it was likely much more brutal than what we glimpsed here. Just flip up any historical book on Nazis and you’ll see.
Carved from Stone and Dream raises the bar yet even higher in a series that keep giving ever more excellent books. I already can’t wait to read the last book, but I’m also dreading it, because I wouldn’t mind spending eternity with Diago, Miquel, Rafael, Ysa, and all the others. If there is only one historical fantasy series you’ll ever read in your life, then Los Nefilim should be the one.
March 22, 2020
Although it took me a while to finish Carved from Stone and Dream thoroughly enjoyed the second book in the Los Nefilim series. I am now going back and reading the short stories in this universe.
I was captivated from the first page and adore Diago and his husband Miquel and their son. It is a wonderfully dark but touching book filled with all the angst you expect for the Nefilim series.
If you need a good read that will pull at your heartstrings in all the right way Carved from Stone and Dreams is the book for you but you probably need too read Where oblivion lies first just to truly get the sense of this intricate world of Angels and Demons
I was captivated from the first page and adore Diago and his husband Miquel and their son. It is a wonderfully dark but touching book filled with all the angst you expect for the Nefilim series.
If you need a good read that will pull at your heartstrings in all the right way Carved from Stone and Dreams is the book for you but you probably need too read Where oblivion lies first just to truly get the sense of this intricate world of Angels and Demons
May 9, 2020
Spanish Civil War found our protagonists on the defensive, fleeing to France. Alas, on the Pyrenees, something foul is afoot.
This continues to be great alternate history with magic that comes from music (my favorite magical trope, but usually poorly done - not so here!), engaging characters, and tight plot that usually makes me read deep into the night. I look forward to continuing this story for however long the author continues with it.
This continues to be great alternate history with magic that comes from music (my favorite magical trope, but usually poorly done - not so here!), engaging characters, and tight plot that usually makes me read deep into the night. I look forward to continuing this story for however long the author continues with it.
August 18, 2020
God, I love this series so much! The blend of history, mythology, and magic is so wonderfully done, it’s so hard to put the book down! And the way events among the nefilim is echoing and influencing the events leading up to WWII! Sometimes graphic and painful to read, I love these characters and this story so much~ and that ending feels like so much foreshadowing! Can’t wait to start the next book! (Good thing I have an arc 😉)
January 15, 2021
This novel is set in the dark of a fictional WWII, which is strongly reflected in the story. It is, therefore, somewhat disconcerting that while much of the setting and events are historically accurate, there are a few glaring discrepancies. While the previous volume, Where Oblivion Lives, was set slightly earlier, the historical events did not play nearly as great a role in the story, and so these discrepancies, while present, did not stand out so clearly. The first discrepancy involved the use of current profanity not generally in evidence in 1938-39. I don’t generally object to profanity when used for emphasis, but here it was strongly evident in the first chapter and then vanished; I kept expecting it to return, but it never did. The other glaring discrepancy was Diago’s marriage to Miquel, which was incredibly open for the time represented in the book. I understand that nefilim have different morals than humans, and that their marriage was only mentioned between nefilim, but they clearly exist in a larger world that would be totally unaccepting of their relationship, during a time when men (if not nefilim) would not refer to another man as husband, no matter their emotional connection, and in that context, every time it happens it jarred me from the story.
Those aside, I enjoyed seeing more of Miquel and Rafael than in the previous novel. They came alive as characters in a way they did not before. The interweaving of the story between the three was well done. The plot itself, with a hidden society within a larger world was also well done, with the nefilim hidden within human society. Despite that, I don’t think it was quite as good as the previous volume. I hope that any eventual third volume, which I would like to read, keeps the strengths of this one, while avoiding its weaknesses and building more on the strengths of the first one.
Those aside, I enjoyed seeing more of Miquel and Rafael than in the previous novel. They came alive as characters in a way they did not before. The interweaving of the story between the three was well done. The plot itself, with a hidden society within a larger world was also well done, with the nefilim hidden within human society. Despite that, I don’t think it was quite as good as the previous volume. I hope that any eventual third volume, which I would like to read, keeps the strengths of this one, while avoiding its weaknesses and building more on the strengths of the first one.
January 23, 2021
1938-39
A very interesting and intriguing approach to the end of the Spanish Civil War. Weaving the music-based magic into the struggle between Nationalists and Republicans, and bringing the French and German interests into the mix has yielded a convoluted plot with many surprises. Frohock's broad cast of characters are complex, varied and human, albeit nephritis too. Significant research as well as advanced world-building kept my attention as I savored the tale for four evenings.
I received an ebook copy of this second book in the series through an online drawing at Goodreads. My review is freely offered and expresses my impressions and thoughts.
A very interesting and intriguing approach to the end of the Spanish Civil War. Weaving the music-based magic into the struggle between Nationalists and Republicans, and bringing the French and German interests into the mix has yielded a convoluted plot with many surprises. Frohock's broad cast of characters are complex, varied and human, albeit nephritis too. Significant research as well as advanced world-building kept my attention as I savored the tale for four evenings.
I received an ebook copy of this second book in the series through an online drawing at Goodreads. My review is freely offered and expresses my impressions and thoughts.
February 10, 2021
Raising the stakes and the tension, CARVED FROM STONE AND DREAM has all the right pieces for an engaging and successful sequel.
With rich world-building and a novel magic system, Los Nefilim continues to give me more reasons to love this series.
With rich world-building and a novel magic system, Los Nefilim continues to give me more reasons to love this series.
March 7, 2021
Suspenseful, captivating, a really wonderful sequel to Where Oblivion Lives.
June 10, 2021
⭐️ 4.5 stars ⭐️
April 7, 2020
This is one of the few times where I've been genuinely concerned if a character is going to make it out in the end. Which is almost silly since Diego and Miquel made it out alright in the the previous books but when you throw in the heightened tension of Franco and evil angels trying to kill everyone and you know Nazi's it cranks up the oh gods meter up quite a lot. The how will they make it out of this base, how will they make it out of Spain and to France. Will they be safe. It doesn't skimp on the details of how Franco came to power and the effects it had.
With saying that I absolutely loved this latest addition to the book I love how much Rafael has grown in this book but he is still a cocky teenager out to prove himself and that he still has to face the consequences of that. The war isnt leaving anyone unscathed in this.
I liked how Nico changed in this book and that he was more than just Jordi's lover that he was a scientist albeit one that did terrible terrible things.
I also liked how Diego was able to connect with his demonic nature and powers but not lose himself to feelings of pain and darkness that he was able to find the necessary balance he needed in this lifetime.
The relationships in this series are what gives it its backbone of queer found family and queerness in general with the French nefil queen and her lady consort. It is this casual queerness that is ever expanding with each book that makes me relish each page of this series. The relationship of Diego and Miquel is complex and fascinating and not an entirely smooth road which I like because they havent to work through the weight of 4 different past lives occasionally rearing their heads to throw a rench in things.
This series continues to impress me with its ferocity and also gentleness that characters can go through great trauma and come out the other end with their support network helping and holding them.
Hopefully everyone makes it through the war mostly in tact as we've reached the point before the invasion of France by the germans.
With saying that I absolutely loved this latest addition to the book I love how much Rafael has grown in this book but he is still a cocky teenager out to prove himself and that he still has to face the consequences of that. The war isnt leaving anyone unscathed in this.
I liked how Nico changed in this book and that he was more than just Jordi's lover that he was a scientist albeit one that did terrible terrible things.
I also liked how Diego was able to connect with his demonic nature and powers but not lose himself to feelings of pain and darkness that he was able to find the necessary balance he needed in this lifetime.
The relationships in this series are what gives it its backbone of queer found family and queerness in general with the French nefil queen and her lady consort. It is this casual queerness that is ever expanding with each book that makes me relish each page of this series. The relationship of Diego and Miquel is complex and fascinating and not an entirely smooth road which I like because they havent to work through the weight of 4 different past lives occasionally rearing their heads to throw a rench in things.
This series continues to impress me with its ferocity and also gentleness that characters can go through great trauma and come out the other end with their support network helping and holding them.
Hopefully everyone makes it through the war mostly in tact as we've reached the point before the invasion of France by the germans.
April 8, 2020
A thrilling installment to Where Oblivion Lives, packed with tension and supernatural flavour. The writing is excellent and atmospheric, capturing the dark tone of the story with a fluidity that keeps the pacing saturated with suspense. I enjoyed reading it.
Miss Frohock brilliantly weaves the backdrop of the Spanish Civil War, and the World War 2 into her narrative. She also subtly touches on the immigration issues. The volatile political ambience of the 1940s is integrated into the action surrounding the plot, and the characters that try to navigate against the treacherous odds. I loved the fact that, we get to see the dangerous squabbles afflicting the supernatural and the mortal world. However, I would like to know more about the angelic interferences, and the role of various factions of the Nephilim in this deadly conflict of power.
The characters were well-defined as well. What intrigues me more is the Antagonist Jordi. He's one hell of an Machiavellian freak. The personal relationships of the characters are skillfully handled, bringing out the complex emotions and personalities that shapes their action in the conflict that's raging in the world. The fearsome aspect of the Grigori was quite effectual in making the plot more riveting. I also liked the way how Rafael has grown out from his innocent shell, and helps in the final turn out of the events, that afflicts his parents and the choices of the Los Nefilim.
The most significant aspect of this series is the depiction of the supernatural entities and their shadowy world. I don't think I have read anything that treats angels, nephilims, demons in such a creative way. The essence of magic is also beautiful, being centered around music. I would love to read more of Los Nefilim, and hope that the next books will be more epic, and quench my thirst of historical supernatural fantasy novels.
Miss Frohock brilliantly weaves the backdrop of the Spanish Civil War, and the World War 2 into her narrative. She also subtly touches on the immigration issues. The volatile political ambience of the 1940s is integrated into the action surrounding the plot, and the characters that try to navigate against the treacherous odds. I loved the fact that, we get to see the dangerous squabbles afflicting the supernatural and the mortal world. However, I would like to know more about the angelic interferences, and the role of various factions of the Nephilim in this deadly conflict of power.
The characters were well-defined as well. What intrigues me more is the Antagonist Jordi. He's one hell of an Machiavellian freak. The personal relationships of the characters are skillfully handled, bringing out the complex emotions and personalities that shapes their action in the conflict that's raging in the world. The fearsome aspect of the Grigori was quite effectual in making the plot more riveting. I also liked the way how Rafael has grown out from his innocent shell, and helps in the final turn out of the events, that afflicts his parents and the choices of the Los Nefilim.
The most significant aspect of this series is the depiction of the supernatural entities and their shadowy world. I don't think I have read anything that treats angels, nephilims, demons in such a creative way. The essence of magic is also beautiful, being centered around music. I would love to read more of Los Nefilim, and hope that the next books will be more epic, and quench my thirst of historical supernatural fantasy novels.
May 19, 2020
Note: I read an ARC (advance reader copy) which may differ slightly from the final published version. This book is historical horror/dark fantasy with a strong military component. Set in early 1939, close to the end of the Spanish civil war and before the outbreak of World War II, it centers on the nefilim, beings with part mortal and part supernatural ancestry. The setting and the fantastical elements are distinctive and very well drawn. The story and action are compelling: the book held me from the first page and didn't let go. But it is the characters that matter most to me.
This is the third book with Diago and Miquel and their son Rafael, one of my favorite fictional families, and, as with the previous books, also highlights the deep friendship between Diago and Guillermo. I love these characters. I think about them in between books. There are a lot of books with solitary heroes or heroines, and many others where people are divided by misunderstandings and dramatic strife before finally coming together. I often enjoy those books, but I crave stories where people help each other without reservation. Even though "Carved from Stone and Dream" takes the characters into some very dark places (very dark -- be warned), they continue to care for each other. Highly recommended.
5/18/2020 note: I just finished re-reading this, and enjoyed it every bit as much the second time round. I love these characters and how they care for each other.
About my reviews: I try to review every book I read, including those that I don't end up enjoying. The reviews are not scholarly, but just indicate my reaction as a reader, reading being my addiction. I am miserly with 5-star reviews; 4 stars means I liked a book very much; 3 stars means I liked it; 2 stars means I didn't like it (though often the 2-star books are very popular with other readers and/or are by authors whose other work I've loved).
This is the third book with Diago and Miquel and their son Rafael, one of my favorite fictional families, and, as with the previous books, also highlights the deep friendship between Diago and Guillermo. I love these characters. I think about them in between books. There are a lot of books with solitary heroes or heroines, and many others where people are divided by misunderstandings and dramatic strife before finally coming together. I often enjoy those books, but I crave stories where people help each other without reservation. Even though "Carved from Stone and Dream" takes the characters into some very dark places (very dark -- be warned), they continue to care for each other. Highly recommended.
5/18/2020 note: I just finished re-reading this, and enjoyed it every bit as much the second time round. I love these characters and how they care for each other.
About my reviews: I try to review every book I read, including those that I don't end up enjoying. The reviews are not scholarly, but just indicate my reaction as a reader, reading being my addiction. I am miserly with 5-star reviews; 4 stars means I liked a book very much; 3 stars means I liked it; 2 stars means I didn't like it (though often the 2-star books are very popular with other readers and/or are by authors whose other work I've loved).
March 21, 2025
This book was incredibly tense for me. I spent a lot of my time with it with anxiety in my stomach. I care so much about these characters and their well-being that this one was hard for me. It starts in the middle of the Spanish Civil War, something that I always saw coming, but I was never ready to really see. This entire book takes place in an enemy base with some character being captured and some sneaking around in disguise. It was incredibly stressful to watch, but I have a lot of trust in the author at this point. These books are made on the basis that change for the better is not only possible, but the only way to live (at least for the protagonists; I'll wait and see for the antagonists). Watching the relationship between Diago and Miquel change and shift was so interesting. It feels like Diago is almost fully actualized as a character. He has learned the lessons that he needed to and now it's Miquel's turn. I also loved watching Rafael and how he takes his first tentative steps towards adulthood.
I feel like I can see where some elements of this series are going and I'm not sure if I'm ready for them. Will the series end soon? On the cusp of WWII? Or will we go through the war? Will the main characters stay the main characters throughout all this time or will there be a changing of the guard? Either way, I will be there to find out.
3/20/25
God I love these books. I forgot just how stressful these can be. I kept putting it down because I was stressed out and I've read this one before. I just love these characters so much and I care about their wellbeing. I can never get enough of this family.
I feel like I can see where some elements of this series are going and I'm not sure if I'm ready for them. Will the series end soon? On the cusp of WWII? Or will we go through the war? Will the main characters stay the main characters throughout all this time or will there be a changing of the guard? Either way, I will be there to find out.
3/20/25
God I love these books. I forgot just how stressful these can be. I kept putting it down because I was stressed out and I've read this one before. I just love these characters so much and I care about their wellbeing. I can never get enough of this family.
April 14, 2020
Writers are architects, working in different materials. Teresa works in filigreed wrought iron, creating stories that are elegant , beautiful, and strong.
Continuing the tale of the Nephilim Diago ( actually a nephilim/ daimon hybrid) his husband Miguel, and Diago’s son Rafael- now all separated as a result of the Spanish Civil War ( a partial result of the conflict between the angelic factions who influence human history) and each must find themselves as they struggle in the period between the Spanish Civil War and World War 2.
Teresa flawlessly melds fantasy with fact, obviously doing her historical homework with the period so you feel part of what is unraveling. Characters are fully realized and further refined from her previous work Where Oblivion Lives. This is a wonderful melange of genres and if you have never read her work before you are completely missing out on an under appreciated author who deserves status on best seller lists everywhere.
Continuing the tale of the Nephilim Diago ( actually a nephilim/ daimon hybrid) his husband Miguel, and Diago’s son Rafael- now all separated as a result of the Spanish Civil War ( a partial result of the conflict between the angelic factions who influence human history) and each must find themselves as they struggle in the period between the Spanish Civil War and World War 2.
Teresa flawlessly melds fantasy with fact, obviously doing her historical homework with the period so you feel part of what is unraveling. Characters are fully realized and further refined from her previous work Where Oblivion Lives. This is a wonderful melange of genres and if you have never read her work before you are completely missing out on an under appreciated author who deserves status on best seller lists everywhere.
December 26, 2019
This is the next book in a series, so read the previous one, Where Oblivion Lives, first:
It's really good. I reviewed it here:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...
This series is a supernatural action saga set in the Spanish Civil War. So you can learn history stuff as well as read about angels fighting demons. That's two kinds of books in one, an excellent value.
This one, like book 1, is a fun, thrilling story that reads fast. It's the kind of book (and series) that you'll go back and re-read.
The author has clearly had an absolute blast constructing the world and these characters and couldn't wait to get back to them. You'll feel the same way.
It's really good. I reviewed it here:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...
This series is a supernatural action saga set in the Spanish Civil War. So you can learn history stuff as well as read about angels fighting demons. That's two kinds of books in one, an excellent value.
This one, like book 1, is a fun, thrilling story that reads fast. It's the kind of book (and series) that you'll go back and re-read.
The author has clearly had an absolute blast constructing the world and these characters and couldn't wait to get back to them. You'll feel the same way.
August 10, 2020
This book is a glorious combination of WW2 commando movie, urban fantasy, and with a little sprinkling of gothic horror (less of that than the last book had). The cosmology of angels and daimons and the secret society of nephilim Frohock has created is really cool, and when crossed with the rise of fascism in Europe around 1930, it forms a unique and interesting "secret history" kind of book. Fans of Tim Powers would do well to check this book out, especially. A lot of fun and highly recommended!
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