Orders From Above

by J.M. Forrest

This is a novel full of charm and good humour and teeming with memorable and eccentric characters. It is about love (and hate) and marriage, about renovating an old building, about strange magical forces at work in a beautifully evoked English country setting. In J M Forrest's world, the person sitting next to you in the pub or caf� or on the bench on the village green may just turn out to be an angel fulfilling his destiny - and messing about with yours. A novel that concerns itself with small things and great ones and the relationship between the two, with generosity and meanness, and above all with how kindness and caring can bind a community together.

311 pages, Paperback

First published September 7, 2013

Reviews

[Connie · Rating 3 out of 5]

*An ARC of the book was provided through MissLiterati.com (through the publisher) in exchange for an honest review. Nothing was given.*

This is Nigel's story.

I am well aware that the 'interesting' part of this book is Nick (Lucifer) and Gabe's switch of places in the Afterlife. I know that this is how the book will be marketed, since that's how readers nowadays will buy it. However, it's not their story. It's Nigel's story, and how he has to watch the events in Ham-Under-Lymfold. It's about how he feels about the brothers' actions, and what he can and cannot do.

I haven't seen a book like this in ages, nothing that's published recently at least. It reminds me so much of Anne of Green Gables especially with the events in Rilla of Ingleside. Sometimes you can't have a battle to the death or action-packed approach when the world is ending. Sometimes it just doesn't happen. Sometimes there is only so much you can do.

Which is interesting because the books that I've read that care about family, are always from a female perspective. This is from a male POV, which is quite interesting.

Since the way the book played out, it actually raises a lot of unanswerable questions. It doesn't take on the 'I need to save the world approach', so it's not a simple and clear cut. Why are we eager to have a good Lucifer, but not a bad Nick?

Which I must say, the forementioned issue was handled beautifully. We're dealing with Biblical characters here. They've got an aloof and set personality, which wasn't ignored, but given a life of it's own. Nick and Gabe seemed like real people, because trying to see the stiff Lucifer do good dead's would have been quite difficult.

I also feel that this book will give off the impression of a mystery at first, but that's not the case. The 'mystery' only last until about page 150, while this book still has a 100 page to go. People expecting a mystery will be disappointed, this is very much Nigel's life.

This book has very clear imagery of the mill, which is rare for me, as I could picture the mill so clearly which was great since so many scenes take place there. I'm not sure if it's because I've been to mills with a similar description, but I still had a lovely picture of the mill in my head.

Although this is very much Nigel's story, the book does take place in other POVs. I think this only helps reinforce the book's point, as even those in the centre of the conflict can't take a normal hero's stand.

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[Elen Sentier · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not at all my usual reading matter; my normal story-fare is dark and edgy – things this story most certainly is not!

When the old grave-digger turns up a strange coin while in the process of digging a grave the find sets off a train of events that nobody had the least inkling of. The coin was hidden way, way back when Lucifer was sent to be the boss of Hell; it’s finding means he can swap that job with his brother Gabriel … except that Gabriel doesn’t want to make the swap.

The struggle between the two angels for who does what job takes place in a Wiltshire village that time has passed by. The DiAngelo brothers (Nick and Gabe) commission the refurbishment of the old mill at Ham-Under-Lymfold in an attempt learn how to be heavenly and hellish before they actually swap roles. The little village takes them in as the finch does the cuckoo’s chick, completely unaware of the havoc the two “angelic” brothers will wreak.

This story is charming and amusing, … not a story to give you the creeps despite its quirky twist on the idea of good versus evil. If you are looking for a good read with lots of feel-good factor and warm humour this book is for you.

[Olivia Morris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just finished reading this book and truly enjoyed it. Orders From Above is a light hearted look at what angels can do amongst us. Do you believe in angels? Sometimes it seems that there are powers at work in our lives that can only be described as supernatural!
The characters in this book are very interesting and likeable. An easy read that takes you through the lives of some very ordinary people with "big" problems or character defects and some really special people too!
Oh there are angels among us and they are working for the benefit of the people of a small town. Nigel and his wife Amelia are offered a "job" that neither one of them wants to turn down. After all they are in need! The result of this "job" is a wonderful outpouring of blessings on the people whom they come into contact with! Needless to say, it's a light hearted look at the possibilities when there are "angels walking among us"!

I really enjoyed this book with all the twists and turns! The slate of characters are really interesting too! I'm sure you'd enjoy it as well.

[Nicolas Forzy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely story full of well-defined characters and a very original take on the archangel hierarchy. I found myself wanting to spend as much time as possible in Ham-under-Lymfold, the quaint little village in which Gabriel and Lucifer set about renovating a mill into a restaurant while they decide who to temp into a range of virtues and sins, all to a mysterious and quite innovative end.

I would recommend this wholeheartedly to anyone with a taste for angelic figures turned on their heads. J M Forrest writes crisp and wonderful dialogue, carving clearly distinct characters throughout her story. A delightful read!

[Steph Elias · Rating 5 out of 5]

Orders From Above is such a fantastic story. It's about an architect and his wife who are expecting a baby, two brothers Nick and Gabe, who are much more than they appear, and a small village with plenty of eccentric characters. They all come together to create this story about relationships, generosity, and how kindness and caring can bind a community together. I loved the characters and the small village was the perfect setting. Such a well-written and fabulous book. I did not want it to end. I can't wait to read more from this author.

[Ramani P · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading "orders from above". This book is story of what happens when a mysterious coin was found while digging a grave in a remote village and series of events it triggers. The characters are relatable, realistic. The eternal fight of good versus evil in a story that is filled with sense of community, good faith in a charming village setting, mixed with a good dose of subtle humor makes this book an enjoyable read.

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a light, fun read with a good plot, likeable characters, and some humor. Recommended for an easy read.

Thanks very much for the free review copy!!