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Horns and Halos
My World is Built on Debts and Deals.
Beneath them all, you’ll find horrific secrets that we all hide. It’s lives. It’s souls. Scattered and countless, the dead have built towns, cities, and nations. They are forever damned in the afterlife because they wanted to live without fear. But did they really live without fear, or was it all an illusion?
A pact between devils is the only thing that keeps villages out in the desert-like land untouched by the scourge of this planet. The world we once knew is destroyed and what remains are those left behind trying to build homes to escape the reality that the end has already come. But are we any better than the creatures that loom, roam, tear, and destroy? Are we really worth saving?
At the age of nineteen, I was chosen and cast out of my village as a sacrifice. Now, I have no choice but to make a deal of my own or die out in the endless stretch of the Wastes.
Beneath them all, you’ll find horrific secrets that we all hide. It’s lives. It’s souls. Scattered and countless, the dead have built towns, cities, and nations. They are forever damned in the afterlife because they wanted to live without fear. But did they really live without fear, or was it all an illusion?
A pact between devils is the only thing that keeps villages out in the desert-like land untouched by the scourge of this planet. The world we once knew is destroyed and what remains are those left behind trying to build homes to escape the reality that the end has already come. But are we any better than the creatures that loom, roam, tear, and destroy? Are we really worth saving?
At the age of nineteen, I was chosen and cast out of my village as a sacrifice. Now, I have no choice but to make a deal of my own or die out in the endless stretch of the Wastes.
- GenresFantasy
350 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2022
21 people are currently reading
126 people want to read
About the author
Nia Rose
8 books63 followersReading and writing are everything to me. But I also have an unhealthy obsession with coffee, anime, video games, and I enjoy lounging in bed for far longer than I should.
I am a proud mother of four beautiful children that light up my life and home with their laughter and tomfoolery. I have one fuzzy prince, Thor, the king of the hyper puppies, and one handsome (if I do say so myself) husband.
Oftentimes, I find myself battling my demons on paper and discovering pieces of myself through the adventures that I write. It is both my therapy and my joy. I couldn't imagine a day without reading or writing, and I hope that I pen a world for you to get lost in.
I am a proud mother of four beautiful children that light up my life and home with their laughter and tomfoolery. I have one fuzzy prince, Thor, the king of the hyper puppies, and one handsome (if I do say so myself) husband.
Oftentimes, I find myself battling my demons on paper and discovering pieces of myself through the adventures that I write. It is both my therapy and my joy. I couldn't imagine a day without reading or writing, and I hope that I pen a world for you to get lost in.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
May 10, 2022
Horns and Halos is a captivating read. A tale of light and dark. Evil and good. The balance between the two and most importantly, faith.
Once I began reading, I was immediately intrigued. I could picture the landscape. The desolate areas. The terrors that awaited after the sun went down. Miss Rose is a master at word play. As the story went on, I became more and more invested. I needed to know what would happen next! Our main character’s journey isn’t an easy one. Sia is tested at every corner. That ending though…it’s safe to say I did not see it coming. Very nice. Well done. This tale may invoke some feelings about certain characters and what they represent. You’ll have to read the book to know what I mean.
If you’re looking for a different read, this book is for you. This right here is your next read. I promise you, you won’t be the same after reading it. I look forward to whatever comes next from Nia Rose. I give this 5 stars.
Once I began reading, I was immediately intrigued. I could picture the landscape. The desolate areas. The terrors that awaited after the sun went down. Miss Rose is a master at word play. As the story went on, I became more and more invested. I needed to know what would happen next! Our main character’s journey isn’t an easy one. Sia is tested at every corner. That ending though…it’s safe to say I did not see it coming. Very nice. Well done. This tale may invoke some feelings about certain characters and what they represent. You’ll have to read the book to know what I mean.
If you’re looking for a different read, this book is for you. This right here is your next read. I promise you, you won’t be the same after reading it. I look forward to whatever comes next from Nia Rose. I give this 5 stars.
March 3, 2022
Natasia's (Sia) village has a deal that a ransom person between 19 and 23 must be chosen and sent out into the Wastes as a sacrifice to stay safe. Now it's Sia's turn. She must fight to survive and makes deals that will keep her alive.
Wow. Just wow. The story that the author has written was incredible. Full of action, adventure, and everything inbetween. Sia was a strong lead and made the book a great read with her determination and strong will. It was heartbreaking to see her have to leave, knowing there was nothing that could be done, so the author truly did a fantastic job in pulling emotions from their readers.
Wow. Just wow. The story that the author has written was incredible. Full of action, adventure, and everything inbetween. Sia was a strong lead and made the book a great read with her determination and strong will. It was heartbreaking to see her have to leave, knowing there was nothing that could be done, so the author truly did a fantastic job in pulling emotions from their readers.
May 13, 2022
'In a world of endless night:
Be the love.
Be the light.'
I loved the other books of Nia Rose but fell in love with this one here. It's magic on a page!
In a world after Armageddon, pacts between devils are the only things that keep villages out in the desert-like land untouched by the scourge of the planet.
Sia, a nineteen year old girl, is one of those unlucky enough to be picked as sacrifice and cast out of her village. To honour the deal made with their protecting demon.
Hunted and alone, with nothing but a backpack with provisions and her father's machete to call her own, Sia has no choice but to make a deal of her own, or die out in the endless stretch of the Wastes.
Since the world seems to be nothing but trading one hell for another, within hours Sia ends up not only with her own devil but also her own personal hell. All by the name of Draki. Well, perhaps not quite all if we're to be fair. Because in a world full of pain and loss, the kill-or-be-killed and eat-or-be-eaten kind, humans might be even more abhorring than the horrifying demon who chose Sia as his plaything.
'Draki was a storm: unpredictable, full of controlled fury, and brimming with destructive lightning. His rain could quench your thirst right before he drowned you in it.'
And I couldn't help but love and hate him at the same time. He was a perfect mix of sinful, delightful, smouldering sexy and downright terrifying.
And then there was Sia: a tormented soul made up of a wonderful combination of bravery, determination, gentleness and sweetness. With a heart big enough to fit in the whole world. Wishing for Heaven but bound for Hell, Sia could break the chains that bound her to Draki and risk all that she loved and cared for, or she could suffer with him.
No matter what choice she made, she was going to be burned. And it was going to hurt like hell.
'Everything in this life comes at a price, my dear. The more you fight it, the more the world will try to remind you of it.'
My heart went out to Sia, as the pages flew by and she slowly found less and less things to like about herself. Blaming herself for her deal, and her actions; because she wasn't able to do more.
Fast paced and gripping from the very first page, with lots of action and gore, all sorts of creepy demon spawn, but also a hell lot of feeling, Horns and Halos delivers not only in terms of wordbuilding, pace and amped tension, but also in terms of layers and three dimensional characterisations. The setting is terrifyingly vivid, with a delicious 'shit's about to hit the fan' vibe at just the right moments. The characters are all beautifully fleshed out in different shades of grey and leaping from the page, supporting cast included, and don't even let me get started on that imparted message!
Straight to the heart!
Dark and downright addictive, Horns and Halos is a tale of courage and strength, sorrow and hope, love and most of all, unwavering faith. A tale that delves deep into human nature, bringing out both the worst and best in humanity as a whole. A tale with a wonderful message embedded in its pages - never loose faith, because sometimes the blackest darkness may give way to the brightest light.
This is one of those rare books that not only keeps you at the edge of the seat turning page after page to see what comes next, but also gives you a gentle nudge to do better, be better, and try to be a little spark in someone else's darkness.
It is one of those tales which remind you that counting your blessings might reveal quite a long list of things to be grateful for, even if the world around you seems pitch dark. Because, in the end... 'Perspective is everything.'
And the author manages to impart all that, without being preachy! Something that's really hard to achieve given the depth and importance of the message. KUDOS for pulling that off like a charm.
All in all, because I already held you too long, if you love well written dark fantasy with meaning, give this one a try and you won't be disappointed.
Dark, brutal and unique, terrifying and uplifting. This book is ...
Chef's kiss!
Be the love.
Be the light.'
I loved the other books of Nia Rose but fell in love with this one here. It's magic on a page!
In a world after Armageddon, pacts between devils are the only things that keep villages out in the desert-like land untouched by the scourge of the planet.
Sia, a nineteen year old girl, is one of those unlucky enough to be picked as sacrifice and cast out of her village. To honour the deal made with their protecting demon.
Hunted and alone, with nothing but a backpack with provisions and her father's machete to call her own, Sia has no choice but to make a deal of her own, or die out in the endless stretch of the Wastes.
Since the world seems to be nothing but trading one hell for another, within hours Sia ends up not only with her own devil but also her own personal hell. All by the name of Draki. Well, perhaps not quite all if we're to be fair. Because in a world full of pain and loss, the kill-or-be-killed and eat-or-be-eaten kind, humans might be even more abhorring than the horrifying demon who chose Sia as his plaything.
'Draki was a storm: unpredictable, full of controlled fury, and brimming with destructive lightning. His rain could quench your thirst right before he drowned you in it.'
And I couldn't help but love and hate him at the same time. He was a perfect mix of sinful, delightful, smouldering sexy and downright terrifying.
And then there was Sia: a tormented soul made up of a wonderful combination of bravery, determination, gentleness and sweetness. With a heart big enough to fit in the whole world. Wishing for Heaven but bound for Hell, Sia could break the chains that bound her to Draki and risk all that she loved and cared for, or she could suffer with him.
No matter what choice she made, she was going to be burned. And it was going to hurt like hell.
'Everything in this life comes at a price, my dear. The more you fight it, the more the world will try to remind you of it.'
My heart went out to Sia, as the pages flew by and she slowly found less and less things to like about herself. Blaming herself for her deal, and her actions; because she wasn't able to do more.
Fast paced and gripping from the very first page, with lots of action and gore, all sorts of creepy demon spawn, but also a hell lot of feeling, Horns and Halos delivers not only in terms of wordbuilding, pace and amped tension, but also in terms of layers and three dimensional characterisations. The setting is terrifyingly vivid, with a delicious 'shit's about to hit the fan' vibe at just the right moments. The characters are all beautifully fleshed out in different shades of grey and leaping from the page, supporting cast included, and don't even let me get started on that imparted message!
Straight to the heart!
Dark and downright addictive, Horns and Halos is a tale of courage and strength, sorrow and hope, love and most of all, unwavering faith. A tale that delves deep into human nature, bringing out both the worst and best in humanity as a whole. A tale with a wonderful message embedded in its pages - never loose faith, because sometimes the blackest darkness may give way to the brightest light.
This is one of those rare books that not only keeps you at the edge of the seat turning page after page to see what comes next, but also gives you a gentle nudge to do better, be better, and try to be a little spark in someone else's darkness.
It is one of those tales which remind you that counting your blessings might reveal quite a long list of things to be grateful for, even if the world around you seems pitch dark. Because, in the end... 'Perspective is everything.'
And the author manages to impart all that, without being preachy! Something that's really hard to achieve given the depth and importance of the message. KUDOS for pulling that off like a charm.
All in all, because I already held you too long, if you love well written dark fantasy with meaning, give this one a try and you won't be disappointed.
Dark, brutal and unique, terrifying and uplifting. This book is ...
Chef's kiss!
June 14, 2022
As a long-time reader of Nia Rose, I can say with certainty that this is one the best novels ever written by her yet! From start to finish, this epic tale of survival in a world ruined by Devils and Demons is a thrilling joy-ride of action and emotion through Hell and back.
Sia, banished from her home as a sacrifice to the Devil who protects their village, must use everything she has to survive the terrifying world outside. Just as all seems lost, she makes a deal with Draki, a roguish Devil who promises to protect her. But are his intentions so innocent? It's hard to believe a monster, and Sia is gonna learn the hard way what it means to make a deal with the Devil.
I always love reading a new story from Nia Rose, and this one did not disappoint! From the first page you're drawn in to Sia's story of exile and survival. To see her separated from her family was heartbreaking, but reading about her desire to fight and live was also inspiring! Once again Author Nia Rose enchants with a magnificent story! I cannot wait for the next one!
Sia, banished from her home as a sacrifice to the Devil who protects their village, must use everything she has to survive the terrifying world outside. Just as all seems lost, she makes a deal with Draki, a roguish Devil who promises to protect her. But are his intentions so innocent? It's hard to believe a monster, and Sia is gonna learn the hard way what it means to make a deal with the Devil.
I always love reading a new story from Nia Rose, and this one did not disappoint! From the first page you're drawn in to Sia's story of exile and survival. To see her separated from her family was heartbreaking, but reading about her desire to fight and live was also inspiring! Once again Author Nia Rose enchants with a magnificent story! I cannot wait for the next one!
June 23, 2022
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pHjGt...
Blog: https://nanasbookreviews.wordpress.co...
I received a copy from Poisoned Apple Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
Horns and Halos by Nia Rose is a young adult fantasy novel.
It's about a girl named Sia that was exiled from her village as a sacrifice. Her grandma had told her about the faith city of Saint Augustine where things were way better than in the Wastes. Her new purpose in life was to find that place and create a new home. On her way there she was attacked by various demons which almost caused her death. At the very last moment, she managed to make a deal with a devil in order to stay alive. He was going to keep his promise and protect her as long as she paid her debt. Could Sia trust the devil and have the happy life she imagined?
It's a truly beautiful story about a person's strength, dreams, and faith. The plot is incredible, easy to follow and so entertaining. A well-written book with great world-building and very vivid descriptions. I liked the combination of the mythology and how every character was described. Sia represents every human being that has inner fights between good and evil. She basically teaches us
to have a dream and chase it. To never give up and most of all to keep our eyes open. I have to say that the Devil was my second favorite character and that I might have been rooted for them. I loved the scenes they had together, especially those where he seemed to be vulnerable. The ending was magnificent and unexpected.
I fell in love with this book and I highly recommend you to read it. I will rate it with 5 stars.
Blog: https://nanasbookreviews.wordpress.co...
I received a copy from Poisoned Apple Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
Horns and Halos by Nia Rose is a young adult fantasy novel.
It's about a girl named Sia that was exiled from her village as a sacrifice. Her grandma had told her about the faith city of Saint Augustine where things were way better than in the Wastes. Her new purpose in life was to find that place and create a new home. On her way there she was attacked by various demons which almost caused her death. At the very last moment, she managed to make a deal with a devil in order to stay alive. He was going to keep his promise and protect her as long as she paid her debt. Could Sia trust the devil and have the happy life she imagined?
It's a truly beautiful story about a person's strength, dreams, and faith. The plot is incredible, easy to follow and so entertaining. A well-written book with great world-building and very vivid descriptions. I liked the combination of the mythology and how every character was described. Sia represents every human being that has inner fights between good and evil. She basically teaches us
to have a dream and chase it. To never give up and most of all to keep our eyes open. I have to say that the Devil was my second favorite character and that I might have been rooted for them. I loved the scenes they had together, especially those where he seemed to be vulnerable. The ending was magnificent and unexpected.
I fell in love with this book and I highly recommend you to read it. I will rate it with 5 stars.
June 7, 2022
This book has an absolutely phenomenal premise. It is set in a quasi-Western apocalyptic world full of scattered human settlements, each of which relies on a pact made with a devil to sustain themselves. When Sia is chosen as a sacrifice to her village’s devil, she is cast out into exile and must explore this strange and dangerous world.
My favorite character, by far, was Draki, a demon with whom Sia is forced to make a deal of her own for survival. He is clever, sly, compellingly evil, and I kept looking forward to his appearances in each scene. All of his banter with Sia is beautifully executed. He is a truly great character.
Another real strength of the book is its prose. Rose is an extremely skillful writer, and her mastery of the English language shows throughout the book. Particularly strong are her descriptive passages, which really conjure up the imagery of this new world. However, character-based introspective scenes are also written with moving insight, and the dialogue is clever and consistent to each character.
The only thing I didn’t love was the pacing. It felt like the revelations and worldbuilding came very fast at the beginning, and then there was a long period of relatively aimless wandering for Sia, followed by an explosive climax. That did not detract, however, from an overall excellent read.
You can find this review here as well: https://anyajosephs.wordpress.com/202...
My favorite character, by far, was Draki, a demon with whom Sia is forced to make a deal of her own for survival. He is clever, sly, compellingly evil, and I kept looking forward to his appearances in each scene. All of his banter with Sia is beautifully executed. He is a truly great character.
Another real strength of the book is its prose. Rose is an extremely skillful writer, and her mastery of the English language shows throughout the book. Particularly strong are her descriptive passages, which really conjure up the imagery of this new world. However, character-based introspective scenes are also written with moving insight, and the dialogue is clever and consistent to each character.
The only thing I didn’t love was the pacing. It felt like the revelations and worldbuilding came very fast at the beginning, and then there was a long period of relatively aimless wandering for Sia, followed by an explosive climax. That did not detract, however, from an overall excellent read.
You can find this review here as well: https://anyajosephs.wordpress.com/202...
March 20, 2022
ARC Review
The main character of this story is a young woman named Sia that’s forced to start an epic journey when her parents and town had to offer her up as a sacrifice to the town’s devil. In the process, she finds her purpose and the truth to life. On the way, she meets demons, leeches, grunts, devils, and people. All of which are keen on abusing, using, or wanting to eat her.
My favorite minor character was Lucian—a lesser devil. He reeked with potential…hint, hint, maybe in a spinoff, I hope. Draki, the antagonist, carried his weight until the very end. Sia described him perfectly as “danger incarnate.” Elijah and Ivy were the perfect assistant protagonists. If this was a movie they would get “Best Supporting Actor/Actress,” at an awards ceremony. By the end of this story, you will be clapping.
Overall, the characters, even the minor ones were multidimensional, well-balanced, and relatable. True-to-life dialogue to engage readers moving the story at a comfortable pace. Nia doesn’t skip a beat. It’s all in there like Prego Spaghetti sauce.
“Horns and Halos,” earned all 5-stars. I would recommend this well-written novel to anyone. You will not be disappointed.
The main character of this story is a young woman named Sia that’s forced to start an epic journey when her parents and town had to offer her up as a sacrifice to the town’s devil. In the process, she finds her purpose and the truth to life. On the way, she meets demons, leeches, grunts, devils, and people. All of which are keen on abusing, using, or wanting to eat her.
My favorite minor character was Lucian—a lesser devil. He reeked with potential…hint, hint, maybe in a spinoff, I hope. Draki, the antagonist, carried his weight until the very end. Sia described him perfectly as “danger incarnate.” Elijah and Ivy were the perfect assistant protagonists. If this was a movie they would get “Best Supporting Actor/Actress,” at an awards ceremony. By the end of this story, you will be clapping.
Overall, the characters, even the minor ones were multidimensional, well-balanced, and relatable. True-to-life dialogue to engage readers moving the story at a comfortable pace. Nia doesn’t skip a beat. It’s all in there like Prego Spaghetti sauce.
“Horns and Halos,” earned all 5-stars. I would recommend this well-written novel to anyone. You will not be disappointed.
May 18, 2022
What I loved:
The world building was absolutely wonderful. It kept me interested almost the whole way through. The devils (Draki especially) where also a fun to read. The book is also quite lovely in design (I love the cover and the chapter art).
What I didn't enjoy:
Sia felt somewhat inconsistent, especially after reading the ending. There is one single chapter in 3rd person about halfway through and it was horribly jarring (the epilogue is also in 3rd person but I didn't find that bit disruptive to the flow). I also found it annoying there's a cut away when Sia makes her deal; it felt strange that there was is major point for her and it just got skipped until the ending (I think this is furthered by the fact the book is mostly in 1st person). There was also a lot more lust and romance than I'd been expecting from the given snippet.
Overall I did enjoy reading the book despite its issues and would highly recommend it to people looking for Christian lit.
The world building was absolutely wonderful. It kept me interested almost the whole way through. The devils (Draki especially) where also a fun to read. The book is also quite lovely in design (I love the cover and the chapter art).
What I didn't enjoy:
Sia felt somewhat inconsistent, especially after reading the ending. There is one single chapter in 3rd person about halfway through and it was horribly jarring (the epilogue is also in 3rd person but I didn't find that bit disruptive to the flow). I also found it annoying there's a cut away when Sia makes her deal; it felt strange that there was is major point for her and it just got skipped until the ending (I think this is furthered by the fact the book is mostly in 1st person). There was also a lot more lust and romance than I'd been expecting from the given snippet.
Overall I did enjoy reading the book despite its issues and would highly recommend it to people looking for Christian lit.
February 15, 2023
Brilliantly written!
Goodness, where do I start? I read the blurb, it intrigued me. Didn't begin reading right away. Once I did.... Wow! I devoured this book in 3 evenings. Read until my eyes saw double, no joke.
Literally told myself, just one more chapter. Multiple times.
The characters are well portrayed, very relatable. Their world becomes so real as you read. This is a fictional tale but there is truth within it, in many ways. I am still absorbing it all. I feel like I could read it again and understand something else in a new way.
Anyone that has struggled with life, yearned for understanding, felt incomplete will appreciate this book. This is book.... will help any whose Faith may flounder. This book could be a great doorway for those unfamiliar with Jesus and God.
Strongly recommend giving this tale a try!
Goodness, where do I start? I read the blurb, it intrigued me. Didn't begin reading right away. Once I did.... Wow! I devoured this book in 3 evenings. Read until my eyes saw double, no joke.
Literally told myself, just one more chapter. Multiple times.
The characters are well portrayed, very relatable. Their world becomes so real as you read. This is a fictional tale but there is truth within it, in many ways. I am still absorbing it all. I feel like I could read it again and understand something else in a new way.
Anyone that has struggled with life, yearned for understanding, felt incomplete will appreciate this book. This is book.... will help any whose Faith may flounder. This book could be a great doorway for those unfamiliar with Jesus and God.
Strongly recommend giving this tale a try!
February 24, 2023
Great story
I liked the characer Sia who did what she had to to survive after being banned from the only home she ever knew. She had lots of trials to go through, dealing with a devil. But in the end justice and faith prevailed. It definitely kept me reading till the end which was a total surprise as I wasn't sure how it was going to end.
I liked the characer Sia who did what she had to to survive after being banned from the only home she ever knew. She had lots of trials to go through, dealing with a devil. But in the end justice and faith prevailed. It definitely kept me reading till the end which was a total surprise as I wasn't sure how it was going to end.
July 13, 2025
A glorious blend of The Stand meets The Book of Eli in a semi-romantic fantasy with a thrilling twist ending! Couldn't put it down!!
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews