A lost relic. An attempted kidnapping. A mystery to unravel.
Finding her place at Celestial Academy as the only Fallen is tougher than Zuri expects. She has to try ten times harder to fit in and show that Fallen and Archangels can coexist. Every day spent on campus brings her closer to Miry, a friend she never thought she’d have. When Zuri nearly becomes the latest kidnapping victim—disappearances Archangel Michael ignores—she and Miry set out to hunt down the kidnapper and stop them before more kids vanish.
Miry hopes having Zuri as her first ever best friend will make life less lonely. Nearly losing her to the campus kidnapper only makes Miry cling harder, much to the annoyance of her boyfriend, Chris. No one is thrilled to chase down Gabriel’s Scroll, especially when it means paying Miry’s hyper-religious mother a visit.
But the scroll, which contains record of every angelic birth and death throughout history, even ones yet to pass, holds their only clue to who might be kidnapped next. Why is Miry’s death date already recorded? Can they stop the kidnapper in time or will Miry’s world come to an abrupt end?
Sarah is a USA Today Bestselling author as well as a licensed attorney and works for a state agency in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. When not working on her next novel or reading the latest installment of one of the many series she follows, she is busy watching TV and running a TV recap blog with her friend. She lives in Massachusetts with her husband and son.
Zuri finds it difficult to fit in at school, however, her friend, Miryam, stands by her to find missing students. They hope Gabriel’s Scroll holds a clue. However, there is one entry that shocks Zuri. Gabriel’s Scroll has some interesting twists.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is book two of the Celestial Academy series and continues the story of roommates Miry and Zuri at Celestial Academy. Zuri is the only student who comes from one of the Fallen and not just any Fallen, but Lucifer himself. Zuri is descendant from Archangel Michael and most other students are from family lines of Angels and Saints. Having Zuri at the school is an experiment to see if the Fallen and Archangels can get along, but a lot of people don’t like her presence in the school.
But her presence is not the main problem. There have been a large number of students disappearing from the school, over fifty so far and all were from Angel families. Archangel Michael doesn’t seem too concerned about these disappearances, even though he is in charge of the school and its students. When Zuri and Miry go out for a night in town, against the strict school curfew, Zuri is almost lured away by a woman whilst in a nightclub, and could have been the next one to disappear. Miry’s boyfriend Chris and his roommate also saw this woman, but each describes her as looking like their own mothers! This points to the person being a powerful demon and leaves them wondering what she needed the kids for.
Miry believes that if they can locate Gabriel’s Scroll, which lists the births and deaths of all Angels, will let them see if any of the missing students are shown as being dead on the scroll, as no bodies have ever been found, but none of the students have ever shown up anywhere. Miry’s boyfriend Chris really doesn’t like Zuri and the feeling is totally reciprocated, as Zuri believes Chris is too controlling and as she learns more about Miry;s childhood and upbringing, the more this feeling is strengthened! Once they have the scroll, the fact that Miry is actually on it and supposedly died two years before, in a pool accident, which may not have been a real accident once you know more about Archangel Michael and his children’s survival rates, and the fact Chris supposedly brought her back to life, leaves Miry feeling she owes him her life!
Who might be next to disappear and why these particular students are being taken, is what they hope the scroll will help them to find out. A secret that Chris is keeping from everyone, including Miry, could become a massive clue to what has been happening. Miry and Zuri get closer than ever as they investigate the missing kids and have to prove to all that Fallen and Archangels can coexist. They have become best of friends, something neither of them have ever had before. Each Archangel was given a powerful relic, with unknown powers. Lucifer’s Emblem as now been destroyed and Gabriel’s Scroll is the next one they have had to track. Michael has his sword and Uriel has a lariat. Stories to follow, will show what these relics can do and what importance they will have to the students of the school. It will be interesting to see what happens next. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
Don't let the 3 Star rating fool you! I love this series!! But even though I liked it, I can't ignore some flaws it has.
Lets start with the stuff I loved first though. Because there is stuff this one did better, than the one that came before it. I loved the characters in book 1, but we didn't really get too much of them, especially the ones that were not our two MC's, in regards to development or even page time. I loved Raphael, but he was more of a 'Yeah I'm cool and I'm there' kind of guy. In this one, he's more present and more involved in the story. And he isn't the only one. All the side characters get more time. Especailly those, that didn't get as much in book 1. Because of that, we get a better insight into some relationships, and their nature.
There is - however - already one of my first problems. I'm sure, that some stuff was already hinted at in book 1, but other stuff came out of nowhere and I honestly have to say, that I'm not too happy with that creative choice. What I'm talking about is the Michael reveal. Sorry, but that's too far of a scretch (honestly, I think if the Michael reveal had not happend, I could have given this 4 stars. That's how much I hated that plot point). The thing with Miry's mom didn't bother me as much, because I felt like we had gotten hints of that in 1. What did bother me though is, that the nightmares felt a little out of nowhere. I would have liked for one nightmare to have happened in book 1. The books biggest strenght and weakness is Lilith, the kidnapper and Saint Boy aka Mirys Boyfriend. I'm not sure if those two were really toxic and unhealthy. Honestly, I don't think so. Miry was just not in a good mental place, but from what I saw in book 1, it seemed like Saint Boy DID care about her. He was a bit controlling, but on the other hand, I don't think that's because of his toxcicity, but rather because of his racism towards Zuri. Lilith felt really wasted in this one. She was mostly just there, while people said how dangerous she was. But did she do anything REALLY dangerous? Well ... no. And that's kinda sad. Yes, I'm sure she will appear again in book 3, but the ending was just meh. Pretty anti-climactic. Zuri & Miry: Lillith, please go. Lilith: Understandable, have a nice day.
This book in the series is shorter than book 1. I'm sure you could have used those pages for a tiny bit more epicness towards the end. Be it in the emotions or action department.
The slow burn is still going on and I love it. My enemys-to-friends-to-lovers cravings are getting everything they wanted and my body is ready to enter the 'to-lovers' part of the trope. I'm really happy that we're taking the time to build this ship slowly.
Raphael is still not confirmed ace, buuuuut there might be another asexual character in there. There was one conversation that gave me heavy ace vibes, but we'll see if those are going to lead somewhere or nah.
All in all, not as good as 1, but still enjoyable.
Miry is at school during break, she never goes home because of the way her mother treats hers. Miry is bored at school so she decides to text both Chris and Zuri. They both say they are busy. She is surprised by Cece coming early. Miry is surprised by both Chris and Zuri. They still don't like one another. Zuri is back at school. She is determined that others see that her father and others are bad guys. Zuri is also wants to help the real Miry come out. Zuri decides to take Miry to a fallen club. Something strange happens while she is there. Zuri is almost kidnapped there and Miry's drink is spiked. Chris suddenly shows up and starts. Zuri and Miry make it back to there room. Miry has a bad dream and tells Zuri a little about her life. While in class, they learn about the other relics. One tells you about the births of angels. Miry talks to her Uncle, learns where it is. Miry talks to her father about it. He allows her to go home with Zuri but he insists the two others go. Zuri is not happy to be traveling with Chris and , is friend. Zuri tries to help Miry see just how Chris really treats her. Miry is not willing to hear it. Zuri tells Miry that they are friends. Zuri wants Miry is strong and do anything she wants. They are confronted by someone on their trip, they will need information as to why.
This is just a snippet of what is going on, I don't want to give to much out. You will see Zuri and Miry get closer in their friendship. Miry will learn about herself and Chris, that she will have to confront. There is a lot that goes on in this book. I can't wait to see what happens in the next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The continuing social experiment of a Fallen Archangel enrolled under Miryam bat-Michael's supervision at Celestial Academy continues, and an epic battle between a boyfriend and a bestie begins. I'm Team Zuri all the way because Saint Boy? Eff that guy. What a douchecanoe.
I don't know if this book was short or just incredibly easy to read, but I devoured it in one bite. Miryam had me hooting and rooting for her all the way, and Zuri had me damn-righting and you-know-it-girlfriend-saying. I want this unlikely friendship to blossom into a bi-curious moment more than I can say, even though I don't think it needs to happen. I love what these two have just fine as it is.
And what is it in Gabriel's Scroll?
The missing angel kids are still a mystery, and the kidnappings are puzzles that Miry can no longer abide. When her father's efforts and her saintly friends' interests fall short, she enlists the help of the only person as likely to get into trouble as she is, Zuri. Quickly the two are tracking down a relic that will surely answer the ultimate question of whether the missing are living or dead--but instead, it raises a far more painful question than it provides an answer to.
Don't worry, though, at the end of the day, the unlikely pair won't let the experiment end before they are ready to finish it. And now they are turning up the heat further--Uriel's Lariat will be a wild ride. I can't wait. Zuri is about to let Miryam raise some Hell.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary advance copy of this book.
“Gabriel’s Scroll”, the second installment in the “Celestial Academy” series by Sarah Biglow & Molly Zenk is a worthy follow-up to this most original series in YA academy.
Zuri is still trying to fit into the Academy, intending to prove that Angels and Fallen can live together again, with Miri as her only ally. To make things worse, students are disappearing, while Michael (Chief Archangel and Miri’s father) keeps ignoring the fact, until Zuri almost becomes the latest casualty and decides to investigate on her own, with Miri willingly help. The clues lead to Gabriel’s Scroll which keeps record of every angel’s birth and death and it the key to the kidnappings. Zuri and Miri will have to solve the mystery before their world comes to an end.
“Gabriel’s Scroll” is an amazing continuation to this series, which interweaves elements of urban fantasy, YA academy, mythology and a brand new take on angels (fallen and otherwise) into a fast-paced, action-filled, very entertaining page-turner with the signature writing of Biglow and Zenk, who complement each other to perfection. A veritable wonderful series and a must-read recommendation for any Academy fans.
When Miryam first came to Celestial Academy it was a welcome reprieve from time spent with her crazy pious mother. The mother who kept her licked in a closet with a shrine to Michael, the books of the bible - basically a biblical torture chamber
Chris has been her beau for the last few years, and her nightmares may have more to tell about her relationship with her Archangel father Michael and her beloved Chris .
Gabriel’s Scroll shows the births and deaths of all the archangel children. Mysteries and heartbreak lie within
Zuri believes in and accepts Miry. The connections between the Archangels, the Fallen and the missing children are also heart wrenching and Lucifer seems more present for the struggles than Michael
Difficult discoveries lie behind and ahead of these ladies. Intense drama and action packed thrilling read!
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I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Zuri is one of the Fallen who is still trying to fit in at Celestial Academy. She has a new-found friend in Miry and has become fairly clingy so she doesn’t lose her only friend. Zuri almost becomes the next kidnapping victim and, since Archangel Michael chooses to ignore that, Zuri and Miry set out to find the kidnapper before anyone else is taken.
In class, they learn about relics and a scroll that has records of all angelic births and deaths, even those that haven’t occurred yet. Thinking maybe they can get an idea of who is next to be kidnapped, they will try to find Gabriel’s Scroll, but it will mean a visit to Miry's hyper-religious mother. Why is Miry’s death date already recorded in the scroll! Is she next? Can they protect her and still capture the kidnapper?
The best Celestial tale ever! The storyline continues as Miry and Zuri decide to find the students missing from the academy. While working on this, Miry finds out Chris’ secret and wait for the twist on that one. Miry learns the truth of how her father, Archangel Michael feels about her. The drama and action are non-stop on this tale that has Zuri and Miry using everything they have to find and rescue the missing students without the help of the archangels. I love this thrilling tale and the twists, OMG! I could not put it down. The cliffhanger will have you impatiently waiting until book 3, “Uriel’s Lariat” comes out.
We have some heart felt parts, that go with life. We learn more about some of the characters lives. Miry and Chris have secrets and Zuri is trying to figure out. Miry and Zuri are still working on proving that the Fallen and the others can still get along. When they go looking for answers what will they find? Can they survive the truth? Who will be there to pick up the pieces?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Zuri and Miry's story continue in book 2 of Celestial Academy.For Zuri dealing with the academy has been no easy feat, mix in an almost kidnapping, and the crappy Archangel Michael leaves these to two with a new goal. Finding Gabriel’s Scroll and stopping any chance for the abrupt end for Miry written in the scroll. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I loved book one and this one was just as good. Most of the characters are crazy but they make for a great story. Miry and Zuri decided to make trouble again to figure out some secrets (what a surprise...not) and determine what is up with the kidnappings. The story was a blast and made me laugh and groan and shake my head at them all. But I was wildly entertained. I love this different take on the Angel vs Fallen.
This is a brilliant read. Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start. Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believeable. Great suspense and action with wonderful world building. Can't wait to read what the author brings out next. Recommend reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Gabriel's Scroll by Sarah Biglow is an awesome story to read. This is book number two in this awesome story that I have loved reading and can not wait to finish this series. I highly recommend this story to everyone who loves reading about LBGT and paranormal romance.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I really enjoyed reading this book, the characters were great and I really enjoyed reading this one. I think one of the things that shines is that it's a unique premise.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.