Alastair

Sons of the Fallen #7

by Jaclyn Osborn

Pride comes before the fall. Or so they say.

Cursed with the deadly sin of Pride, failure isn’t an option for Alastair. Win at all costs. With the war intensifying, the stakes are higher than ever. Sacrifices must be made. Throw in the awakening of a soulmate bond on top of that, and things have never been so complicated. Especially when that soulmate is an angel with icy eyes but whose touch is surprisinly warm.

What happens when your fated mate is the one person you’re forbidden to love?

Lazarus has lived an obedient life of a celestial warrior. Taking nothing for himself. Tossing aside all desires. Fate has other plans. One kiss. That’s all it takes for the emotions he sealed away to surge forward. But is loving Alastair worth falling for?

War is unpredictable. And as the final battle approaches, hearts—and lives—are put on the line. It all leads to one heart-pounding conclusion.

Book 7 in the Sons of the Fallen series with fated mates, an angel’s first taste of love, a war between good and evil, and one epic conclusion. Each book features a different main couple, but the series must be read in order. HEA guaranteed

Genres: M M Romance, Fantasy, Romance, Paranormal, Angels, Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Romance

577 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 27, 2022

About the author

As an avid reader and coffee addict, Jaclyn Osborn can always be found with either a book in her hand or one being written on her laptop. The men in her stories mean the world to her, and she's thankful for each day she's able to do this as a career.
She writes M/M romance across all genres and worlds, including contemporary, historical, fantasy, and paranormal.

Reviews

[len ❀ · Rating 2 out of 5]

“Fly with me, Alastair,” he murmured, resting his cheek on mine. “And if you fall, let me fall with you.”

Sometimes, reading this felt dreadful.

I had low expectations going into this, as I knew they would help my enjoyment overall while reading it. And they sure did. However, things still felt out of pocket, and they only made the reading process a bit more frustrating.

My thoughts are a little contradicting. There are things I enjoyed, but even within those things, there are others I didn’t enjoy.

The anticipation for the leader of the fallen angels, Alastair, and their cold commander, Lazarus, was striking. We had to wait four extra months for this release after originally set for August, yet the disappointment of this finale ended up conquering.

The first half was written somewhat better than the second one. You can feel and see some of the longing and pining between the two characters as they develop and reveal their feelings more. While Laz already knows Al is his mate, he has to hide it. His unrequited feelings go unfollowed and ignored at first, which adds to the angst. He had a push-and-pull relationship with himself, having to stay away from Al when he could because of how much he felt, but also wanting to be as close as possible. I loved some of his inner monologue; he’d recall his moments with Al where he felt like he was suffering inside because Alastair didn’t reciprocate his feelings. However, Al’s feelings don’t go fully unnoticed after a while. His reaction to finding everything out made sense, and I enjoyed seeing how he started feeling the same way as Laz. I liked seeing the timeline of his feelings. His unawareness and confusion added emotion because of the unexpected and new feelings.

I loved the power dynamics between the two. They struggle together, but they also fight together. Their relationship, fortunately, is steady. There’s a balance between communication and respect. Laz doesn’t take Al’s bullshit, and Al lets Pride consume his thoughts for Laz’s respect when needed. The two still have a power dynamic, sexually, romantically, and socially. Al becomes submissive to Laz’s domination, and Laz finds pleasure in pleasuring his mate. I’ll say it was delightful to read sometimes. I loved seeing Al give in and lose control and loved seeing Laz take control. Al’s praise kink and need for validation radiate in the relationship; Laz’s need to please is glorious. Although the bloody, cold, and murderous Lazarus is a virgin (I WAS SHOCKED!), he’s not new to the world of pleasure. Even though Al describes him as a submissive top, who’s in charge is clear. They are a little versatile, especially with Al’s selfish desires and Prideful sin. The banter was fun, too. It was balanced and stayed true to itself. I appreciated how the author didn’t change her characters because of their new feelings and relationship. The snarkiness between the two only increased, but it became more romantic. The two attack each other in a way they understand. Laz goes from being Al’s superior to his lover, but the respect doesn’t entirely leave or change. While their relationship becomes more friendly, Al still respects Laz as his commander.

Some of my friends have mentioned that they think Alastair changed and became a whole different person. I didn’t see it that way, so I can’t really comment on that. The way I saw it more is that Al still had parts of who he was before, but was able to show who he hid. While he’s still arrogant and cold, it isn’t who he is entirely. I do see that change, but I didn’t see it negatively, or it wasn’t a full spin he took in his personality. I think it also made sense how Al lost some of his strength with Laz. He was so used to carrying everything in his shoulder that he was used to not being vulnerable. He was able to show that vulnerability with him because of the control Laz took. Even during their playful banter, Al was able to lose some of the cold demeanor he usually carries. He was able to become more childish, in a ways, which let him forget about everything for a while. I personally liked it because it was a type of character development that reflected his true feelings instead of just those he tried showing. Even though he has the sin of Pride in him, part of that pride is making others proud, and part of that means feeling rejected and disappointed if he doesn’t. Therefore, Laz was able to help show him that there still can be Pride even if all fails.

“Such a good boy,” Lazarus murmured against my skin, his smoldering gaze flickering to mine. “Responding to me like this.”

While one of my complaints is how much the story dragged and how much page time the other couples/brothers got, I will admit that my love for them grew much more here. I haven’t been a fan of any book in this series besides book 3. The shy, ice dragon prince and his grumpy, coffee-addicted Nephilim remain my favorites, and my love for them grew here. Their relationship sometimes stole the spotlight for me, which I wouldn’t necessarily say it’s a good thing. Still, while I didn’t enjoy the previous books, I did like seeing the others here. All brothers have their mates, and seeing them happy (despite the war happening) and a little freeing was joyful. There were so many cute scenes between them, with their mates and everyone as a family. The bond between the brothers is amazing and quite intense and emotional. The plot thickens towards the end, causing scene after scene of agony and angst. My sensitive self cried. Chapters 23 and 24 made me into a sobbing mess at 1 am to the point of sniffling as if I had a cold. Tears after tears fell and couldn’t be contained. I applaud Osborn for this. I always give bravo to authors when they make me cry. Not that it’s hard, it just shows their ability to create emotional scenes for me.

“What the hell is that supposed to be?” Galen asked, staring at the target dummy in front of him.
“It’s Lucifer,” Castor said, poking the drawn-on grumpy face. Plastic blue gems had been glued on for the eyes, and it wore a long black wig. Fake wings were attached to the dummy’s back, like the type you found in costume stores with straps that went over the shoulders. “Duh.”
Gray cocked his head and scrunched up his face. “If you close one eye and squint with the other, it looks like… Kyo’s brother with cheap angel wings.”
“Or a Victoria’s Secret reject,” Bellamy said.
“Can you assholes stop mocking my hard work?” Castor put his hands on his hips. The rising sun made his red hair more vibrant. “This took me all night to make.”
“I can attest to that,” Kyo said, raising a hand. “I woke up to him giggling like a little kid as he drew a small dick on it.”
Daman studied it, unamused. “Good thing you fight better than you craft, or you’d be dead by now.”
“It resembles him,” Kallias said, turning his head from side to side. “I think.”
“Fuck, Cas.” Bellamy exhaled. “The more I look at it, the creepier it gets.”
“Says the one married to a literal demon,” Castor shot back. “You have no room to talk. Your definition of creepy is subjective.”
“Your face is subjective.”
“I think it looks good.” Raiden clapped Castor on the back. “A for effort.”
“But F for actual talent,” Daman said.
“All right. Enough.” I massaged my temple before lowering my hand. “Your dedication to our training is… admirable, Castor.”
“Wow.” His green eyes widened. “Someone’s being nice this morning. You need to suck face more often. And get laid while you’re at it.”
Gray crinkled his nose. “Is kissing Laz even fun? It’d be like kissing a rock. Well, I bet the rock would kiss better.”
“He kisses just fine,” I snapped, cheeks heating. “Now, drop it.”

This quote is long, but it was one of my favorites between the brothers. Their banter never failed to make me laugh, cry, or smile. Their friendship and love are admirable and sweet. They would all die for each other as they would for their mates. Their love for each other is indescribable; it was amazing seeing how supportive they are of each other.

However, here is where my praise ends.

Despite how enjoyable many scenes were—the bonds between the brothers, everyone with their mates, Laz and Al, the banter—this lacked in the romance aspect. Sometimes, it felt like the romance was a subplot and not an integral part of the story and characters. I stopped to think if I was reading a book in the same series when the plot felt heavier than the romance, overtaking it and making it drag. Even with the longing and pining, there was a lot missing. There was little actually shown AND told. We’re told about how Laz has known Al was his mate for 2,000 years, but we don’t really see that. He mentions how he has waited thousands of years for Al, but we don’t see that. Flashbacks showing how Laz struggled would’ve added emotion to it all, like when Laz mentioned how he felt when Al was with Joseph or took other men to bed; or how difficult it has been for Laz to hide this secret for thousands of years; or how he has secretly been pining for Alastair and doesn’t know how to tell him. There was a lot of potential to make the story angsty in the relationship aspect because of how many years Laz waited for Al, but we’re robbed of a lot of it. We’re told a lot more than shown, yet we still weren’t told enough. The connection between Laz and Al is there because it has to be. They’re destined and fated mates, but the chemistry was missing. In other words, it’s as if we had to accept the two belonged together because that’s what fate decided. Yet, I wondered what exactly called the two towards each other.

This is the same problem I had with the previous books. I mentioned in my review of Daman how D and War were the only two with that spark that felt lacking in the rest. They actually got to know each other, so that allowed us to get to know them. With Al and Laz, it’s similar to the other brothers and how fate decided for the readers on how to feel. However, there weren’t enough scenes to convince me of their love fully. The chemistry was lacking because the relationship was somewhat forced. Al suddenly starts feeling and smelling Laz a certain way after certain things start happening. Obviously this could make sense, if there were reasons for Al feeling that way. What provoked it? What about Laz called to him? Why his smell in particular? Is it just because? The reason it worked in Daman for me is because of how the two continued getting to know each other despite the instant attraction they felt. Their relationship continued developing, whereas with Al and Laz, it was formed and it stayed that way.

Because of how little interactions we get between the two men, there was a lot of filler. For a story of 577 pages, there were a lot of unnecessary scenes of dialogue, fights, and interactions. The only example I have is this quote:

Flowers sprang from the beds of soil around me. Among them was evening primrose, with its yellow petals that smelled faintly of oranges. Night-blooming jasmine grew along the outer path, the cream flowers emitting a sweet scent. A small area toward the trees housed another plant, the apricot petals a splash of color against the thick undergrowth behind it. The blossoms of the angel’s-trumpet thrived at night and, although beautiful, were poisonous.

I read that and just thought: “Wow. I really do not give a shit about those fucking flowers.”

What an unnecessary, pointless, unmeaningful paragraph. It reminded me of my high school days when I had to reach a word count limit to submit my work.

This was only one example of an unnecessary monologue. There were scenes with unnecessary dialogue as well. Scenes of the side characters. Descriptions of things that added nothing to the story. There was no relevance or important factor to many written words and sentences.

As much as I appreciate the fondness I grew for the other boys, it felt like a book mixed with all the couples, as if this wasn’t Al and Laz’s story. I had to remember exactly whose story I was reading when it felt like a jumbled mess. It’s quite messy, in my opinion, to make the story drag by adding scene after scene of side characters, including those that aren’t the brothers and just friends of the characters. They were distracting and irrelevant; too often, we knew more about others than Laz and Al, as if their presence and life updates were more important. I wouldn’t mind being told a couple of updates and whatnot to fill in some background, but following along their romantic journeys in a book that wasn’t there’s didn’t feel right, ruining a big portion of the enjoyment.

Part of this writing style is why the story dragged. A lot. The plot overtook the romance to the point where the romance was hardly there. There were little to no scenes where Laz and Al could just be. Part of it is understandable since there was a war, and they had to all get back up and fight. But why is it possible in all the previous six books but not this one? Is it because it was the finale and everything had to be wrapped up? It makes it feel rushed as if there wasn’t room for the characters to be together because of everything happening around them. Furthermore, I felt robbed of this couple's potential for their relationship. Not only that, but the times Laz and Al were together, it was only through sex. There was so much room for intimacy in other ways, and I know these two don’t find intimacy just through sex. Every moment was interrupted or not detailed and developed enough. We end up knowing more about the war and strategies they form rather than the relationship between the main couple.

“Whatever the reason… it’s given me the freedom to do this.” Lazarus tightened his grip on my nape and kissed the edge of my mouth before placing another to my lips. “And this.” More followed, light pecks around my lips before he softly sighed and kissed me so deep my head spun. Little growls rumbled in his chest.

This was 48% in, when the two gave into their feelings.

Light pecks...

Around the face...

Physical affection...

My weakness!

Then it just went to sex, and more sex, and more.

As for living with Lazarus?
Well, that morning was a good example. Our days had been filled with making love and deepening our connection, learning more about each other. He had built me a library and helped me stock it with copies of all the books I’d lost in the fire. Some evenings, he would sit with me as I read. And sometimes, he’d ask me to read aloud to him while he held me. It was those moments that felt the most intimate. Special.

This was 98% in. I had to wait till the end to be told of a scene that Alastair literally dreamed of. Why couldn’t we get more of this before? Why couldn’t we see it instead of just being told?

“What will happen when you kill Lucifer? Answer me!”
“Just kiss me,” I pleaded. “I’ll tell you everything. I promise. But right now, I just need you to kiss me. Please.”

This was one of those “We will talk, but not right now” scenes. Laz knew something was up with Al and wanted him to tell him the truth. Al obviously wouldn’t because he just wanted to forget. It led to sex, of course, despite the scene being emotional. This takes away the angst factor for me. Luckily, because Laz doesn’t stand any bullshit, he didn’t forget Al didn’t tell him, and the two communicated later.

There was more angst before they got together due to their unaware feelings. But their time together is interrupted after they confess, accept, and move forward. Constantly. Over and over. Sometimes, it made sense. Other times, it was just to add to the weight of the war.

So, despite a war, of course, they had time for sex, but nothing else?

Not to mention, we were ROBBED of Alastair’s praise kink. Even though I briefly mentioned it in the beginning, it’s hardly there. We’re more teased about it, with Las constantly praising Al and calling him a “good boy,” to which Al shivers to. This power dynamic had so much power and potential. Why are you gonna tease us, the readers, by having Laz call Al a brat and say he’ll spank him but not actually do it?

The book was unnecessarily long. The war could have ended in 100-200 pages less than it did. The book wouldn’t even be chunked together, or in other words, forced to end. There are clear indications of how everything could have wrapped up before. Instead, we get the story dragged where the war is pushed. Again. And again.

So basically, lots of telling and no showing; hardly any relationship development; little to no time between the characters being together; lots of details on the war, strategizing, and theories, and political warfare; interruptions from side characters; irrelevant details and descriptions on irrelevancies.

As I said, I do understand how the two couldn’t live happily ever after until the death of Lucifer and the war ended. While the plot is important in this series, we all know it’s not the main focus. If the plot had to be more important and justified here, it would have been nice if it was balanced out with the relationship. Instead, the relationship felt at the lowest of the importance pyramid, as if it wasn’t what we all were waiting for.

So much potential, but very poor execution.

“When we face Lucifer again, we do so together. I will fight beside you. Watch over you. Just as I always have.”

Overall, to say this was a disappointment would be an understatement. I’m only seconding what some of my friends have said. It was difficult to enjoy this when the couple wasn’t fully grilling, and the plot dragged the story. With unnecessary filler and side characters taking over, it added to the frustration and annoyance. No matter how emotional this story made me towards the end, most of my enjoyment stems from the main relationship, which hardly felt adapted. I’m only looking forward to the novella next year because Daman and Warrin will get more page time for themselves. I’m excited for the others, too, especially after finding all the couples cute in this installment. Plus, that ending with the news of Daman, Warrin, and possibly Bellamy and Phoenix? At least there will be something to look forward to.

“Normally, this is where I’d say I don’t take orders from you, Pride.” I grabbed his hand, holding the wine in my other. With our gazes locked, I then dropped to one knee in front of him. He sucked in a small breath. “But tonight, I kneel before you and offer you everything I am. Our path has not been easy. Obstacles kept us apart for so many years. But I believe that only made the love we feel now stronger. I give you my life. I give you my heart, for it has never belonged to anyone but you. I vow to love and honor you for the rest of our days and to hold you up in moments where you need strength. Lean on me, and I will never let you fall.”

*Sigh* Such a waste on lovely quotes. All talk, no show.

[Imme [trying to crawl out of hiatus] van Gorp · Rating 3 out of 5]

|| 3.0 stars ||

I liked this. I really did. However, it unfortunately did not blow me away.
You don’t even want to know how excited I was for this book, so I am a little disappointed that I didn’t love it as much as I could have.

Lazarus and Alastair had so much potential and, although I enjoyed their relationship, they did not fully live up to what they could have been. I felt like too much focus was put on the general plot-line (or even on the other brothers and their mates) instead of on these two’s blossoming love story. The scattered and broad focus of the story took away from the depth and intensity of the romance, which was a shame.
Nonetheless, the scenes we did get between Laz and Al were pretty good. I loved the forbidden love and pining aspect of their story, and I definitely wish we had seen more of it. This could have been so angsty and all-consuming, but it did not end up being like that. It all was a little bit too… easy.
All in all, I definitely preferred the first half of the book over the second when it came to these two. When they got together in the middle of the book they lost most of the tension between them and it became a bit more boring. I would have loved their relationship to remain more interesting, but alas.

“You honestly believe I could move on from you now?” I rolled on top of him and grabbed his chin. “Such a silly, beautiful boy. Whether we’re fully bound as mates together or not, there will never be anyone else for me. My soul will always cry out for yours.” I rested my head on his. “My heart will too.”

With this book we also get the final resolution of the war against Lucifer, and I thought that part was done well. It was quite heartbreaking and I adored seeing the intense bond the brothers have with each other as well as the bond they have with each of their mates. I was rooting for them so hard, and I felt very happy to see them all win their hard-fought happy ending in the end.

Although none of these books (with the exception of Daman and Warrin’s story) blew me away on their own, I really enjoyed this series as a whole.
The author said she was going to write more books in this universe and I am most definitely planning on reading those as well! After all, I have really grown attached to all these characters and this world they live in.


'Sons of the Fallen' series:
1. Galen - 2.5 stars
3. Daman - 3.0 stars
4. Gray - 3.5 stars
5. Bellamy - 3.0 stars
6. Raiden - 2.5 stars
7. Alastair - 3.0 stars

[Iman (hiatus) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Question of the day: What had happened to Alastair?

I have to be honest here, I am not those people who predicted Al and Laz together. I was oblivious, maybe, but I didn’t get any hint of him and Lazarus might soon to be lovers. But it was also no surprise when my friends on here raged about it because Al and Laz made a lot of appearances together in previous books. I was like Al and Lazarus, seriously? How come everybody notice and I don’t 😢 Also, I had no memory of them in previous books so yeah, this review is based on this book alone. With zero knowledge of them in other books. I did rely on their memories in this book so I had no way to prove what was right and how I feel about them before.

Let’s move on to my review.

The beautiful first half

The beginning of the book was so exciting just like the previous ones, Jaclyn managed to deliver the same consistency of excitement. I enjoyed every word I couldn’t stop reading. Can’t spoil much, but the pining hurt so good, I couldn’t stop reading. I also couldn’t stop blushing and my heart fucking poured for Laz. Damn, him! However, the rages my friends and Goodreads community of Al and Laz shared moments were so much better than what I experienced. Was I expecting too much? Or was this book being hyped up so much? Idk. The pain in the beginning teared me up, but the enjoyment of pain was dimmed by how much more I should have felt for them.

Ehh…

After the truth unfolds and they started to get together, I didn’t know what I wanted, it wasn’t even about depth, but something was missing. I believe the intense feelings from before was gone. I felt entirely different afterwards. Don’t get me wrong, I love Al and Laz, and both of them fit, but after contemplating their history and backstory, I didn’t feel fulfilled when they united. Both of them has changed, it felt weird. As if I was watching two different people. Maybe my demands were off the hills, or just maybe I loved them too much as an individuals that it bothered me they become someone else.

It gets confusing

So all of the complaints I had was combination of mixed feelings. There are moments that I mentioned was disappointing, but there are also moments I cherished. I really want to remember the good parts, so here goes some quotes that make me believe they actually fit despite the lacking.

“You’re… here.” “I am. I’m not leaving you.” I tried to smile but couldn’t. “Did I do good?” “Yes,” Lazarus said as a tear slipped free. “You did so good.”

“You can be cold and detached, but that’s not the real you.” “Oh?” He smiled a little. “You know the real me, do you?” “I’m beginning to.” His smile softened, and something achingly tender reflected in his eyes. “I’m beginning to know you too.”

I don’t fault you for living your life, Alastair. For loving and being loved.” “I could’ve been loved by you.”

His expression softened, and he brushed his thumb over my bottom lip. “That’s my good boy.” A low whimper climbed up my throat. “I love when you say that.”

Loved the storyline

The fantasy plotline in this one was good. The best amongst all the book. Probably because the ending and the unique concept behind it. Also because of the twists and turns, grieve and happiness all together. I enjoyed the heck out of it.

My frustrations with Alastair

I loved Alastair in all the previous book EXCEPT this one. And it was so fucking painful to even write this. Alastair changed personality. I think I loved Alastair too much differently before. And I noticed that I loved his character when it’s told by someone else. When he had identity in someone’s story. His character, even boastful, I had my eyes on him since day one. Even Bellamy can’t top him (he’s my second favourite). I looked up to Al and in all his silence, I had adore him. Now, I didn’t know what happened. Maybe it was the way his Pride were written before. It was hard seeing his sweetness and caring side. It was overall difficult seeing him with Laz. Was it because of the lack connection, or of his different personality in this book. I wouldn’t know. His pride wasn’t there. He was not as charismatic and arrogant as before. I understand, when you love someone you started showing this new side of you, or even become stupider. And maybe it’s the case with Al, but also, I have never even seen a glimpse of that side of him before. It was like a switch. Maybe because Jaclyn wanted it to be a surprise and only Laz can see him that way. But oh well, it didn’t feel good at all. The lacking ruined everything for me. This is so frustrating. ALASTAIR IS NOT ALASTAIR! I am gonna wallow so bad after this.

You guys have no idea how much I tried gaslighting myself into thinking Al didn’t change, but I couldn’t and my heart hurts. Ouch.

[magic_of_darkness_and_books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Update: After thinking for a long time about this book, I decided to lower my rating. At first, I gave it five stars because I adore Al and Laz, but in reality, the book wasn't as good as I expected (I explain my reasons in my review). I can't get past some things that just didn't make sense to me, the disappointment of how lacking their romance was, and the absurdity of some situations. My rating is 3,5 stars, and honestly, I didn't expect to give such a low rating to Al and Laz. But just thinking about all the frustrating things in this book drives me crazy, and I can't give five stars, no matter how much I love Al and Laz.

With the release of the e-book today I can post my full review now. I will divide the review into parts because it will be a long one. MY REVIEW WILL CONTAIN BIG SPOILERS so don't keep reading unless you've finished the book!!! And it's not exactly a review, more like pouring all my thoughts, feelings, frustrations, and everything else. If you want to comment together, I'm always up for discussing Al and Laz (and the other brothers).

I will start with that I have mixed feelings about this book. Maybe part of that was because I read the paperback (I usually do rereads of paperbacks, and prefer reading first on Kindle), or maybe because I wasn't in the best mental state while I read Alastair (most likely that's the reason and I hate it that it happened while reading their book). However, I thought for a long time about the book, and how I felt didn't change.

So, here we go.

1. The plot

I LOVED the plot! I loved how we get answers to so many questions about Lucifer, Lazarus, and the war. I didn't see some things happening, others I guessed. The plot was complex and very well developed. For which I can say Jaclyn did an AMAZING job. I loved how they defeated Lucifer, what role Asa played, and most importantly what role the mates played.


2. Alastair and Lazarus

AL and LAZ!!! I waited so long for their story. I became obsessed with these two from the second we started to guess that Laz is Al's mate. I was so fucking curious to see Al and Laz's minds, to read their point of view. And let me tell you these two were exactly as I imagined. Laz was the perfect angel boy warrior. He never wavered, he led the boys and his army. It broke my heart when I learned that Laz knew about the mate bond... He watched Al fall in love with others and my heart ached, my eyes got glassy while reading it. Not only that... to know that Laz has never slept with another, he never wanted to. That he only wanted Alastair. God, I don't know how to describe all the feelings I have for Laz.

Alastair... my prideful brat. He was also everything that I expected and so much more. I loved how he let down his guard around Lazarus. I loved how he was his brother's support, but Laz was his pillar. I loved seeing all sides of Alastair, the thing he hid, his insecurities, his burdens, and his dreams.


3. The romance
Now, about the romance... I loved their romance, but it wasn't enough. Every time we had moments between them they were interrupted by something or someone. It was frustrating honestly. I loved them together, and it pains me to say it, but Daman and War, and Bell and Nyx's romance were far much better than Al and Laz's. It was absurd to me how a 570 pages book couldn't focus more on their romance. I expected at least some kind of balance between the love story and the war plot. For me there was no balance, it was basically love-war planning-the brothers and their mates-war talking-love-descriptions-the brothers-again the brothers-war actions-side characters like Clara, Konnor, Michael-love. While I loved the plot and was impressed by it, I wanted more moments between Al and Laz. I'm not sure we even got one full chapter focused only on them.


4. What I loved:

- Al and Laz together
- EVERYTHING about Laz
- how he knew about the mate bond, how he suffered for so long, how amazing he was
- how the walls Laz and Al had built they lowered and destroyed for each other, baring their souls and feelings
- Laz as a submissive top
- Al being a brat
- Al and Laz's banter
- Laz and his love for apples
- Laz smiling only for Alastair
- Alastair smiling only for Lazarus
- Laz being insecure during their first time
- the tender moments between the two
- the plot, how the war was solved
- Michael (I adore him!!!)
- the brothers and their mates (I loved seeing all of them together, it warmed my heart!!!)
- Alastair sharing his feelings and his burdens with the brothers
- Kallias's being with his mate in the real world
- every little and big detail, thought, feelings, just EVERYTHING about Al and Laz
- Laz kneeling for Al!!! That was THE SCENE in this book, it was EVERYTHING!!! I cried so much while reading that scene


5. What I didn't like:

Brace yourself friends because this will be long. Please keep in mind that these are my thoughts and my feelings about the things I didn't enjoy. I know everyone will feel differently about this book and the things that I will mention (and that's the beauty of books and reviews).

- the love story needed way more attention. Every time Al or Laz said something touching that made me cry, bared their souls, or had heart-shattering beautiful moments... it was all interrupted by something or someone

- okay this wasn't fair, like at all!!! We didn't get to see Al and Laz completing their bond after the mate ceremony (wedding); with all of the other brothers we got to see them completing the bond... but not with Al and Laz... wtf!? why!? I was shocked and royally pissed at that. Not only the focus was on the war but we didn't even get to see that!?

- for the life of me I CAN'T UNDERSTAND the following thing... it came out of nowhere and it was a complete shock to me... Daman and Warrin want a baby!? I never saw this coming and the reason!? It is simple really... Jaclyn said she doesn't plan on writing babies, the brothers having babies was not something she envisioned, and now out of nowhere, she throws babies. Not only that but to Daman, the avatar of envy? I can't imagine him sharing Warrin with anyone else... hello, envy? Okay, if I try really hard I can imagine him loving the baby since it will be theirs, but... Okay, I just hated that part and felt let down, because I clearly remember Jaclyn saying that about the babies in her group! Not only that but Bell and Nyx also want kids in the future. I can imagine that for them (though it is again hard with Phoenix but definitely not as hard as with Daman). I'm sure some of my friends will love that for Daman and Warrin... but I hated it honestly. I will pretend it never happened. Well, until I read the bonus book for all of them since I'm sure we will get to see the baby there. Who knows, maybe I will love seeing Daman and Warrin cuddling a baby. But for now... I hate it.

- why Nyx is always the one getting hurt!? and Bell suffering because of it!? These two went through the most pain... why add more in the last book as well...

- the brother's reaction to Lazarus being Alastair's mate. THIS DIDN'T MAKE ANY SENSE!!! I'm currently rereading Bell's book (yes, I missed him and Phoenix) and the brother's reaction was TERRIBLE, they were awful. NOW we are talking about Lazarus, the angel who we are repeatedly told from book one how much the brothers (except for Bellamy and Raiden) hate him, they despised him. And suddenly they hear the same man that they hate, blame for beating them, raising them as pawns, killed their parents (in Castor's case) is Al's mate... and their reaction was NON EXISTENT. I expected something similar to in Bell's book. I get it they all have mates and know how it feels... still it was absurd for this to be their only reason to accept it all so quickly. It bugged me that there was NO REACTION at all. It was said and then forgotten.

- all the descriptions of the battlefield while the brothers' souls were trapped in the weapon. This was absurd for me (again)... So, imagine your mate's body is lying on the ground unmoving, lifeless, and his soul is trapped in a weapon. YOUR MATE! And then we have Lazarus's point of view and he is describing the battlefield, how the other Nephilim brothers' mates hold them sobbing (not all of them if I may add), and again descriptions of the setting around them. It was absurd for me, sorry. I get it, you want to describe how the war ended, the consequences, the battlefield, the feelings of the other mates seeing the person who they love the most like this... but come on, Lazarus's first reaction should have been Alastair, not the battlefield.

- the last chapter... couldn't we get a bit of alone time between Al and Laz and see for ourselves how they live together instead of being told? Honestly, after reading 570 pages of war plot and romance that was constantly interrupted, I wouldn't have minded at all for this book to be 600 pages if that meant we got a few chapters with them living alone, reading a book, enjoying their life together, being all romantic and gentle for each other. I loved seeing all of the brothers and their mates together, but seriously I couldn't enjoy it because I was pissed we didn't get to see more of Al and Laz alone together. Throw in the mix at the end the baby news and I had enough. Honesty, this constant romance interruption, and the baby ruined a big part of the experience for me. Maybe next time I read it, I will feel different because I will know what to expect and instead of focusing on the interruptions, side characters, and unnecessary descriptions I will just relax and focus on Alastair and Lazarus.


💜🤍💚💙💙🖤🧡💛❤️🧡💛💙💙🧡

5. Rating of the Nephilim brothers after reading Alastair:
7. Castor (I need to reread his book, I didn't like him in Bell's and Raiden's books mainly because of how he always made fun of Phoenix and Raiden)
6. Gray (he was the last, but I changed it to Castor when I remembered how Castor made fun of Raiden all the time like he was stupid)
5. Galen
4. Raiden
1. Bell, Daman, Alastair (I CAN'T RATE THESE THREE, for me they all hold the first place)

6. Rating of the couples:
7. 💙🧡 Gray and Mason 💙🧡 (Gray is too annoying for me)
6. 💛💙 Castor and Kyo 💛💙 (Kyo is saving the day here)
5. ❤️🧡 Galen and Simon ❤️🧡 (I don't like Simon)
4. 🧡💛 Raiden and Titan 🧡💛 (my sweet cinnamon rolls)
1. 💙🖤 Bell and Nyx 💙🖤, 💚💙 Daman and Warrin 💚💙, 💜🤍 Alastair and Lazarus 💜🤍 (the three couples in this series that hold my heart)

💜🤍💚💙💙🖤🧡💛❤️🧡💛💙💙🧡


If we're talking about the greatest love story I will say Daman and Warrin, if we're talking about heartbreaking, touching love and a couple that went through Hell (and the most pain in my opinion) I will say Bellamy and Phoenix, if we're talking about characters who hold a special place in my heart with amazing love moments then I will say Alastair and Lazarus

With this, I will finish my review. I love this series with all of my heart. The Nephilim boys and their mates all have a special place in my heart. It's a series I will never walk away from, something that will always be there for me. These boys gave me a lot and it's a bittersweet feeling knowing their books are complete. (Luckily, we have a bonus book that will come out next year, but I'm trying not to get my hopes high.) I hope when I do a reread of Alastair and Lazarus's book I will love it more than I did the first time. That's not to say I didn't, I just needed a bit more. Nonetheless, these two were PERFECT for each other and I loved every second of their time together.


Original review:


It's a bittersweet feeling, finishing Alastair. These boys, all of them, mean so much more to me than book characters. I can't even begin to put it into words.

I will post a detailed review, once the e-book is released. I know a lot of my friends are waiting for the release and I don't want to spoil anything. However, I will share my general thoughts on the book as a whole. DO NOT READ AHEAD if you don't want to know anything. There are no big spoilers, but I share my thoughts and feelings which can be a spoiler for some of you.


Alastair was my most anticipated book, ever. My expectations were very high. And it pains me to admit this, but Daman's and Bellamy's books were better than this one. Alastair was too plot-heavy. For a book that was 570 pages, I thought there will be a balance between the plot (the war) and the love story. Well, for me there wasn't. The focus was on the war, not on the main couple. I'm not even sure there was even one whole chapter that focused sorely on Alastair and Lazarus. There was always the war, or side characters interfering between the couple. We would get one touching moment only for it to be interrupted by someone else. I didn't care about Baxter's library, the sweets the archangels ate, or the boring details of things that just annoyed me.

However, I loved Al and Laz. I didn't expect to love Lazarus even more than Alastair. But alas, I did and God this angel has my whole heart. The things he said, the things he went through, the things he did... Al and Laz were perfect. I just wish we got to see more of their love like in Daman's and Bellamy's book.

One last thing, some things in this book didn't sit right with me. One thing specifically made me so angry, and it wasn't fair.

But there's no way I will give less stars to my beautiful angel and prideful Nephilim. I laughed, I smiled, I cried. And I'm so happy I got to see them all together!!! Their story has not ended and it never will for me.

I loved Lazarus and Alastair, and my heart warmed seeing them love each other. When I closed the book I cried and just stared at it, feeling so many things. But some feelings overcame others... happiness, warmth, a feeling of something ending, yet also beginning. 💜🤍

[Mariam,]

If you know me, if you know me at all, you would have known what has been breaking me apart, piece by piece, day by day, second by second, one breath at a time. It had been the agony, the heart-stopping pain that was waiting for Alastair's book.

“I mean it, Alastair. As the saying goes, pride comes before the fall. And I dread the thought of you falling, my friend”

Now before I go on, this is gonna be dramatic. This is gonna be hysterical in the eyes of a sane person. This is gonna be dissapointing to some other people, and I'm so sorry. I really can't.

“I know you’re ignoring me,” Alastair said. “I don’t appreciate it, you white-winged bastard.”

This is going to be the most heartfelt review I'd have ever written. You can read my soul through my words if you look closely.

“You taught me to never surrender. Every time I was knocked down in training, you yelled for me to get back on my feet. You beat that weakness out of me. You never let me give up.”

I bared my heart waiting for this book and I felt every shivering quake of it as I read every heart beat of this book.

And I'm staring at the aftermath, my dried tears mixing with the fresh ones, feeling my heart sink in a bottomless tomb inside my chest, because I don't think I've ever felt so lost.

“Enough of this.” Lazarus grabbed my jaw and dropped his voice lower. “If you think so poorly of me, why am I the one you call out to when you’re in trouble?”
I swallowed the sudden tightness in my throat. “Because I know you’ll hear me.”

Like I said, if you know me, you would've known how much I love Alastair and Lazarus. How much I have pinned for them. I had fucked with myself, screwed with my sanity and basically made a deal with the fucking devil for this book.

There hasn't been a day gone by, since January of this year, 2022, when I first read Galen's story, that Alastair's book hasn't beat a synchronized tone in my heart. And every day since, it has been an absolute shit show.

And now, that I reached the unsurreal end, I am quite lost for words on what to say.

One thing I will say? I have a Pride tattoo with angel wings beside it. The meaning has been questioned timelessly this past year, and it stood for one man only. Alastair.

The fates really were cruel… but not nearly as cruel as the male they’d chosen for me.

Let's start with my review shall we?

Nahhh, let's start with this god-forsaken cover.

I almost forgot it existed because I brainwashed my brain into erasing it's existence.

First of all, I can't believe that this happened to Alastair. TO ALASTAIR! Do you understand the levity of that phrase?? To Alastair! Pride is probably making someone pin their hand against bulletin board, and persuading them to stab their hand with a fucking stylus.

How dare Alastair look down in this cover.

No. This is hands down, one of the worst covers I have ever seen in my entire life.

One moment. That’s all it would take for everything I’d built to be destroyed.

Now, as for the content. For the book.

God-damnit.

Alastair and Lazarus deserved better.

They deserved more time.

More nose gazes, more hair petting, more finger brushes, more jaw touching, more kisses, more sincere smile and heart-eyes. More sex!

They needed more time, damnit!

They were together for too short of a time. You'd be surprised how long this book is and how short of a time Al and Laz had together. And what screwed it up even more is when the author skipped some of those scenes too, in exchange for the war.

Now, at first, I understood. This book is heavily detailed in the strategy and the underlining of their war against Lucifer. It was both, the ending bow to all the loose ends over the past books, and basically a first hand premier to Al and Lazarus' life as warriors, as leaders and commanders to their army. All the extreme details of the war made sense.

And it was brilliant. The war and every hidden meaning behind it, was genuis. It was incredible as a reader to experience such a thrilling ending to an overarching plot.

But that is not why we're here, are we?

That's not why we're reading these stories, reading brother after brother and giving them our hearts as they bare their soul to their mate.

We are not here for the war. We are not here for genuis plot.

We are here for the love.

The love shared amongst the brothers, amongst their mates and the love that would grow between Alastair and Lazarus.

And how FUCKING dare this author skipped a smut scene in exchange for bullshit war talk!

For thousands of years, I had endured the pain of desiring someone I could never have. I wouldn’t wish it on anyone.

When I saw the *** I laid in my bed, in a ball of sad and frustrated tears, and absolutely heartbroken that this happened TO MY ALASTAIR AND LAZARUS! We waited SO LONG for this book. How could this author do this, TO US?

Part of me feels like, if the author has more time, she would've written the ***, and that's the worst feeling at all.

I felt like I read more pain than love, I read more about this DAMN War than Alastair and Lazarus exploring each other. Christ. I know they're commanders, I know they're leaders. But asking for just a moment, a scene suspended in time WHERE THEY AREN'T INTERRUPTED and just Got to know Each other???! In real time!

“We will win the battle,” Pride whispered. “And return to our angel.”

Yes, Al and Laz have known each other for thousands of years, Yes, Laz can real Al like the back of his hand (thanks to his not so creepy stalking) but that doesn't mean Alastair knows Laz, inside and out. Lazarus sacrificed so much for the boys, I bet, that even by the end of the book, Alastair had no idea even half of what Laz has done. And considering how persuasive Alastair his, his pride wouldn't allow for unanswered questions.

I just-

GAH! I JUST WANTED TO HAVE LAZ AND AL to be TOGETHER.

“Lazarus denies himself the things he desires,” Michael said, placing the apple back in the basket. “He thinks himself unworthy of life’s pleasures.

But it was too good to be true.

So why am I really mad?

Because, this book, Alastair and Lazarus' story doesn't feel finished.

Or, in fact.

This book didn't reach the FULL potential of Al and Laz. Alastair and Lazarus had so much more room to grow together, this book epically failed to show and embrace that. And that, is truly, heartbreaking.

That, was betrayal.

Michael studied me. “Those boys will never fully know all you’ve done for them.”

But somehow, I had, no I HAVE to move past this. I couldn't let this dark cloud hang over me because it would break my heart if I did.

So moving past this? Moving past how my precious loves deserved better?

Alastair and Lazarus breathe life into my heart, they touched my soul with every second of their love.

And their love was painful. It was raw, and gut-wrenching. And through all the pain, birth a love I didn't realize could grow so big, and so full.

My love for my pure angel, Lazarus.

“The sight of him walking away from me is one I know all too well,” I whispered. “Yet, it’s the way it has to be.”

He truly was an angel of storm, a commander of strength and courage, of bravery even when you faltered every step. He was a beacon of light in this book. And he won my heart.

Sometimes, I regretted not showing them more compassion. However, hating me had been the fuel they had needed to persevere, if only to spite me. It had also brought them closer together. Strengthened their bond.
If I had to be the bad guy for that to happen, so be it.

He won it so fiercely and freely. So effortlessly.

“My presence would only ruin everyone’s appetite,”

And he was my perfect match for my prideful love.

“You’re wrong,” Alastair whispered. “It changes everything.” His heavy-lidded gaze dropped to my mouth.

Alastair is my special angel. Everyone knows Daman is my love, my diva, but there has always been a special, soul deep and aching love that I held for Alastair.

He was the deadliest, most beautiful thing of all.

Alastair has deserved nothing but the best, and pride will accept nothing but the significance of that fact. And man... this bratty, power-bottom, and absolutely prideful warrior has made me loose my sanity, made me almost Lazarus-bitch-slap him at some point, and I have nearly cried and hugged him and thanked him for all that he is.

“Let’s stay like this until the world ends.”
“And long after.”

At the heart of it, the seconds where Lazarus became an affectionate lil lamb, where he ate apples from Al's hands, where Alastair leaned on Lazarus, when their hands brushed together as a holy figure of strength.

“I’ve always been yours.” Lazarus caught my hand and pressed it to his cheek. “And I always will be.”

When Alastair collapsed, my heart burned to crisp when Lazarus caught him.

It was the most heartbreaking and beautiful thing I had ever witnessed.

“Fly with me, Alastair,” he murmured, resting his cheek on mine. “And if you fall, let me fall with you.”

When Lazarus shared all his firsts with Al, all his moans and whimpers and declarations of love, all for Alastair. When Lazarus kneled for Alastair. When he kissed his knuckles. When he fucking dropped down on his porch... When Lazarus gave Alastair the most sinful compliment and a praise that makes me weak in the knees...

I have to ask myself.

How could i, sit here and talk and rant about the things I didn't like about this book when really, the heart of Alastair and Lazarus caught me?

How do I begin to make people feel how my heart twisted in two directions of dissapointment and happiness.

I'm gonna have to face the knowledge, that everytime I reread Daman's book, it's gonna be different. The lines are gonna be blured. The diva I once knew like the back of my hand was someone else entirely, had felt something else entirely. That everytime I reread Bell's book, I would have to reminisce in the fact that their pain and what they faced in their book was only just the beginning.

And that... Hurts... So.... Damn... Much.

“I’ll always return to you.” He glided his nose along my jaw. “You’re my home.”

But do u know what else was a knife straight to my heart?

Where. The. Hell. Was. The. Brotherly. Teasing??????

Where was Bellamy sensing Lazarus' lust and making Lazarus embarssed???

Where was Castor throwing digs at Lazarus??? Poking lightheartedly at Al and Laz, and screwing with them both.

Where was Daman's cringe?

“Love,” I whispered. “It has the power to break any spell.”
“You’ve always been such a romantic at heart,” Konnar told me. “And in this, I do believe you’re right. Love is irrational, unpredictable, and one of the strongest forces in all the realms. Capable of turning enemies into lovers, breaking hexes, and—” His gaze flickered to Lazarus. “—even bringing an angel to his knees.”

Hell, what the hell was Laz's thought process behind the boys finding out about them being mates? Wasn't he even, I dunno, the slightest bit embarssed showing affection in front of them, after, oh I don't know, nearly 3 thousand years of stocism???? The man just needed a second, a sentence, a fucking paragraph of thought to say what he needed to say, his feelings and emotions and this shit would've been solved, and it fuckin WASN'T!

This will be precisely the reason why I won't be rating this book.

Pride doesn't deserve anything below than perfect stars, and I wouldn't dare disrespect him.

So, to conclude.

“Lean on me, and I will never let you fall.”

These boys, their mates, the love the brothers share for one another, their protection against a world that hasn't for one second deserved it, and the fierce strength of their characters, fueled by love, a love that is so indestructible that it has the power against all odds.

This is the heart of our nephilim adventure. A journey of love, heartbreak, disaster, pain, betrayal, but so much joy, so much food and laughs and snuggles and tears shared together.

My heart is embedded with these precious boys, and with this, my final goodbye to this series. But this is not a farewell to my boys. I will see them again, I will dream of them tomorrow, I will think of them always. They will always be in my heart.

One final thank you to my precious boys.

Final Ranking of characters.
1. Warrin
2. Lazarus
3. Daman
4. Alastair
5. Michael, Archangel of war
6. Prince Viktor
7. Bellamy
8. Raiden
9. Konnar
10. Phoenix
11. Titan
12. Castor
13. Gray
14. Galen
15. Mason
16. Kyo
17. Simon

Final Ranking of my loves.
1. Daman and Warrin
2. Alastair and Lazarus
3. Bellamy and Phoenix
4. Raiden and Titan
5. Castor and Kyo
6. Gray and Mason
7. Galen and Simon






Initial reaction: I think.... I absolutely hate this book. But that doesn't even come close to how shattered my heart is right now.

review to come, because Lazarus' gum is currently ugly crying in the bathroom because I don't want to wake my family up


.
.. ..

pain is my best friend waiting for this book 💜 august 17, 2022 🤍

[lakshmi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m on vacation so this is not the original review. But basically :

- plot dragged
- the secondary characters got wayyy too many appearances
- the whole book felt like an epilogue
- the romance between Al and Laz could’ve been more cutesy than sex
- the scenes between Al and Laz were good though, and I enjoyed reading them and they even made me smile
- the final fight made me cry and break
- i liked the little twist at the end with Kallius even though it felt very disney channel types
- overall not too bad but it was my biggest anticipation and didn’t really meet MY expectations but I’m glad others enjoyed it

[Meags · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars

I sat on this review for a week to see if my initial high would fade, revealing (perhaps) any feelings of dissatisfaction with the story that some other readers seemed to have felt, but, thankfully, no ill feelings presented themselves to me on deeper reflection.

In my experience, this entire series was a ripper start to finish. Sure, I loved certain characters and couples a bit more than others, but the overall epic story arc—following the seven immortal sons of Lucifer’s fallen angels, as they prepared to battle Lucifer and his army to save humanity—held me captive throughout all seven books, and, as predicted, this final instalment was literally everything I could have hoped and craved it would be.

So, yeah, turns out I had not a single complaint here on my end when all was said and done. Woo hoo to that!

Like most readers, Daman and Warrin were and still are my favourite couple of the series, but I gotta admit that Alastair and Lazarus definitely put up a hell of a fight for that top title.

As far as fated mate romances go, I loved the way this one played out. The dynamic between these two, who had been in each other’s orbits for millennia, was everything I wanted, and the way the mate bond was revealed?!?… sheer perfection that made my heart ache and burst in all the right ways.

In terms of this being the grand conclusion of a larger story, with a long, slow build-up to the final battle between heaven and hell… well, the intensity and high stakes hit all my buttons, playing out epically as the boys faced scary-formidable Lucifer, doing their destined parts, literally willing to sacrifice everything, to end the war once and for all, no matter the cost.

Needless to say, Osborn is fantastic at orchestrating battle scenes and forcing a reader’s heart rate into an unhealthy state of arrhythmia. I literally couldn’t put the book down once the scene was set, and I’ll be the first to admit I cried more than once during this finale, both from heartache and pure happiness. But never fear, all is well that ends well, because this is first and foremost a romance series—despite the fantasy action and drama—and, as such, Osborn would never do her readers dirty and deny us the best HEA’s ever for these beloved characters.

Although this main series is now sadly over, there were enough delicious open-ended tidbits and plenty of sexy-compelling uncoupled side characters, that going forth with writing new and exciting stories here is no doubt a no-brainer for Ms Osborn. I, for one, will be first in line to one-click the shit outta each and every new story set in this world.

[Elena Rodríguez · Rating 2 out of 5]

No. Absolutamente no. Ni me apetece ponerle citas a la reseña. Ha sido sin lugar a dudas el peor de todos. No quería que esto pasase porque me parecía una broma de mal gusto, pero cuando vi de quienes serían los capítulos de su supuesto “mate” mis peores pesadillas se confirmaron. Incluso, llegué a pensar que era una broma pesada, pero no, aunque lo que más me molesta es que la autora lo justifica y eso no hizo sino empeorar mi opinión del libro.

Eso sí, desde un punto de vita literario es el que mejor veo escrito, pero…lo siento, no.

[Jay H (Hiatus) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 Stars

The romance between Lazarus and Alister didn't blow me away but they had their moments

“I turned my head to the side, meeting Lazarus’ watery gaze. “You’re… here.”
“I am. I’m not leaving you.” I tried to smile but couldn’t.
“Did I do good?”
“Yes,” Lazarus said as a tear slipped free. “You did so good.”

But what did make me happy was the way the war was handled I kinda wanted Gray to kill Belphegor but I can live with it. What confused me is that he wanted to die when he knew what was waiting for him in the afterlife and Michael decided to keep him alive cause he did not want him to die easily how does that make sense?

Plus Purah and Vepar just walked away?? That angered me so much I wanted them to die painfully. When vepar begged Belphegor to save him and he found out his Belphie didn’t love him Lazarus should have killed him then.

Aside from all that I loved how they defeated lucifer and the way the brothers were brought back. I especially loved how Elasus came back to save his mate. I desperately need those two to get a full book and not a novella.

[~✡~Dαni(ela) ♥ ♂♂ love & semicolons~✡~ · Rating 3 out of 5]

~3.5~

This series is creative, intense, fast-paced, and romantic.

It's heavily plot driven, with the overarching focus being on killing Lucifer and saving humans from annihilation, but the brothers' relationships shine through war and darkness.

The one exception is this book, the highly anticipated coming together of Alastair and Lazarus.

This story is drawn-out and busy: filled with all the brothers and their mates, additional secondary characters (so many!), celestial realm politics, battle training, discussions about everything under the sun ... basically all the things except the romance between Al and Laz.

The second half was better than the first. I teared up when the boys' souls returned to their bodies and they reunited with their loves. I was especially touched by Kallias and Elasus.

Damn Uriel for being decent and making me cry.

Raiden remains my favorite brother, while Daman and Warrin are my favorite couple.

I adore Michael, Konnor, Oliver (and Daichi??). There are a few teasers here ... I'm waiting.

[martina (the life of a chaotic reader) · Rating 5 out of 5]

first of all, reading slump? we don’t know her. alastair demolished that bitch.
i honestly can’t believe this series has come to an end. i am so sad, but also so happy that i read this and i can’t wait to read it over and over.
i didn’t particularly like alastair and lazarus so i didn’t know what to expect but it definitely wasn’t this. this was better than anything i could imagine. they might even become my favorite couple. their relationship is truly emotional and beautiful and perfect.
i got everything i wanted and more.
i actually made a list of predictions after reading raiden and i have to say that i guessed quite a few. shocking.

just to make you understand how i feel, i always take notes while i read and one of them was “i’m flabbergasted and i’m not even sure i know what that word means”, that’s still me. but i looked flabbergasted up. lmao. watch me overuse this word from now on.

If choosing him meant I had to fall, then I'd fall a thousand times before ever letting him go.
can you see me swoon and cry at the same time?????

alexa, play the great war by taylor swift.

i can’t thank the author enough for “beyond the storm” because i’m definitely not ready to say goodbye to this boys. and it comes out the day after my birthday so i already have a favorite present.

now, i need more information about michael because i think i fell in love. this is me calling dibs. #1 michael stan.

this is already a long ass review and i feel like i could say more but i don’t have enough brain power so i’ll just leave my notes here, because they make me laugh lmao.

SPOILERS AHEAD

-OKAY VIRGIN LAZ WAS NOT ON MY LIST
-plsssss al is an attention whore
-homeboy is dumb DUMB
-lucy is girly pop AND a comedian we stan
-LAZ PLS DO IT SPANK HIM DONT JUST MENTION IT
-is michael playing cupid? you go bestie
-laz is my baby
-are they going to become my fav couple? i did not see this
-micheal is my #1 character now sorry lucy you’re #2
-cant wait for kallias to die again xoxo (this aged so badly btw)
-al the power bottom i’m screaming
-i just read the words lazarus is a submissive top i can’t recover
-i’m flabbergasted and i’m not even sure what that word means
-somewhere in the haze got a sense i’ve been betrayed
-currently ugly crying

[Reem · Rating 1 out of 5]

“If this were a book, the reader would be screaming at you right now, saying, ‘Just go talk to him, you idiot.’ So word of advice? Spare yourself the hate of a fictional audience and go talk to your man. Trust me. It will all work out.”

was that supposed to be funny? was this reader supposed to laugh at the author’s….. whatever the fork that was?! because it made the audience more annoyed and disappointed!!! I had such high hopes for this one! the only reason I continued this damned series was to read Alastair’s story and now I have a headache from rolling my eyes too much. I’m going to hell for reading these books and they weren’t even good. and what the freak is up with that cover?!!!

[Cat the bookworm (semi hiatus ish) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good, albeit a bit lengthy finale to an epic series - with at least one star of the rating solely for the audio version 🥰

Here’s the thing: I’ve been late to the Sons-Of-The-Fallen party, and I devoured the first 4 books in one go, in the audio version. And it’s NJR, so even the many characters had distinct voices in my head, because Nick made them come alive. There were times when I sat back and thought - would I enjoy it as much if I’d “only” read the ebook? The answer is a clear NO, because the emotions NJR adds while narrating are impossible to imagine while “only” reading.

I read the last 3 books with pauses in between, because - let’s be honest - the plot is a bit formulaic: one of the brothers meets his mate, they are attracted to each other, have sex (including the infamous wing slit-gasm 🙄), and towards the end there’s a battle (with either Asa, the son of Lucifer, or with Lucifer himself), one of the mates almost dies, and at the end they have their mating ceremony.

So yeah. To fully enjoy it, you should try to “forget” the formula a bit.

And here, we have the last couple, the least likable: Alistair, the one with the sin of pride. And his mate is another character who’s not really been known for his charm: Lazarus, the angel who abducted the brothers when they’ve been children, who trained them to we the ultimate weapons, the only ones to be able to defeat Lucifer.

I wasn’t sure if the author will manage to make me root for them, but she did: each one on his own was… lovable. I understood where they came from, and why Laz acted the way he did all this time ago.

I just didn’t really “feel” the switch from almost-enemies to lovers.

And another thing that kept me from giving it 5 stars: there are SO MANY DETAILS. It’s too long. So many subplots or scenes that didn’t actually add to the story. While I understand that the author wanted to include all the side characters, and have them add to the final battle, it was a bit lengthy.

Had I read it, I’d have skimmed. But with NJR narrating, it felt like watching the epic finale of Lord of the Rings: a bit long, but impossible to NOT stay hooked. And yes, I cried during “that” scene, even if I knew it’ll end well.

“Breaking isn’t always a bad thing,” Lazarus said. “Sometimes it’s necessary in order to build yourself up stronger. But if you break and find you’re unable to mend those pieces…” His arms came around me. “Lean on me. We’ll shatter together.” “If I fall, you’ll fall with me,” I said. “But where I’m going, you can’t follow.” “Watch me.”

I’m pretty sure I’ll relisten at some point, it’s perfect if you want something that’s not too taxing, but highly entertaining.

[Kati *☆･ﾟ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4**** stars


Sadly, Alistair and Lazarus’ romance left me rather cold. (I’m very sorry to all of you who loved them. ♡) And later I was annoyed by the emotional drama the conclusion caused as to how Lucifer is to be defeated. Probably because it felt a bit useless to me as I expected a HEA-outcome for them all anyway.


Nonetheless, I was still captivated by the overall plot and am once again thankful for the great job Nick J. Russo did for the audio. I hope the last one comes out soon too.

“Pride has never allowed me to love anyone more than I love myself. […] “But I love you, Lazarus. More than I ever expected or thought was possible.”

***************
Sons of the Fallen Series

Book 1 - Galen - 4.25 stars
Book 2 - Castor - 3.5 stars
Book 3 - Daman - 4.25 stars
Book 4 - Gray - saved for later
Book 5 - Bellamy - 4.5 stars ♡
Book 6 - Raiden - 3.75 stars
Book 7 - Alastair - 4.0 stars
Book 7.5 - Beyond the Storm - wait for audio

[Layla · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars.

This one os easily my favorite after Daman.
Daman and Warrin were not dethroned and co tine to be my faves, both in relationship and book.

Alistair and Lazarus however are a close second for many reasons.

1. Lazarus pining for Alistair for thousands of years and being jealous of every lover Alastair had. That in itself made me love the book because I ADORE pining.

2. Their dynamic was very sweet and very sexy with Prideful Alistair submitting to Lazarus.... sometimes🤣. Seems like Al is a power bottom and proud of it.

3. I cried. Many times. There are some heartbreaking moments in this book because of.... spoilers lol. And as much as I didn't like Bellamy's book, He and Phoenix were totally adorable here. But not as adorable as Daman and Warrin. These two stole the show whenever they were on page.

4. Lazarus being a total simp for Alistair and apples. It was adorable.

5. The action scenes and the dialogue were top notch in this book.

6. The HEA 🤌🏻🥲

What I missed tho was more time with Al and Laz' s relationship. There was a war over their heads and I felt like their relationship got overshadowed. Understandable but still... with such a big book, it could have handled a bit more just of them.

I struggled with this series. I loved the forst three books, disliked the next three but this one came through for me.

I'm excited for the spinoff!

[❁Ila ☽20 pages to the wind☾]

“Good boy,” Lazarus whispered, sliding his hand to Alastair’s jaw. HOLY SHIT!!! Is the sexy, cold, prideful bastard going to have a PRAISE KINK??? PLEASE GOD!!

[Rosabel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have very conflicting emotions about this book, while it is the second best of this series for me. The author couldn't outdo Daman and Warren, and I felt she had the tools with Alastair and Lazarus, but what can ya' do?

As a whole, I can say Jaclyn created and amazing world and developed it in a very brilliant way, it must be hard to be writing Galen's book and thinking ahead to Alastair's, so I think she's brilliant for it.

What always bothered me was the lack of character development and romance development that I perceived in her stories.

Why character development? At the end of the books, all characters read the same to me, the only exception is Daman and Warren, those two were described as one thing from the beginning and they didn't change drastically, they didn't loose their essence, the rest of them did.

Even Alastair lost his prideful facade, his seriousness, even the way he talked, changed in here, and became more like his brothers. Lazarus changed 180° and it made his character so not interesting. He was a virgin, but suddenly he knew how to fuck like a God, he had felt the bond with Alastair for 200 hundred fucking years and yet, I couldn't feel it.

I wanted flashbacks of his longing, I wanted flashbacks of his struggles, his inner turmoils and his perspective as Alastair lived his life without him. Didn't get it. Just got two stupid fights and then a little bit of space cause he's a virgin and nervous, and then he became a God in the sheets. Doesn't make sense.

I also wanted more of the brothers, Lazarus is like a father, or an uncle to them, he raised them, a lot of them wanted his approval, wanted to know he cared for them, cause they felt he didn't. I wanted like what happened in pride and prejudice, Darcy mended every mistake he made, Lazarus should have done that, just not simply be accepted by the brothers and by Alastair.

And the romance, it was sweet, insta, and what really frustrates me is that it could have been so much more. I think that there should have been another book, I think the author had to rush this one. The romance was in the first part, the second part was the conclusion of the war.

So it took from their story. I enjoyed it, but still Daman and Warren are the best, the rest are just bad, bad.

[Renae Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alastair is the perfect conclusion to this epic paranormal series. The final entry focuses on the forbidden relationship between Alastair and Lazarus. I loved their relationship and dynamic. They are completely smitten with one another and have such a beautiful connection that makes for the perfect send-off for this epic story.

Overall I shed many tears and found this the best conclusion. These Nephilim boys and their mates offer such funny moments that make for such an entertaining series that I am sad has reached its conclusion.

[Liya · Rating 5 out of 5]

~4.5
Excellent ending to the series with the overarching plot wrapped in the best possible way. It was captivating and emotional journey - I laughed and cried, was angry and sad and happy. I lived through the story and it's the highest compliment I can give to a book.
And I loved Alastair and Laz together: the chemistry, the connection, the pain, the struggle, the surrender. Pride being Pride and yet purring for Laz. I just wish there was more of them spending time one on one. Their romance happens at the final stage of the war, they are always surrounded by people and dragged into action. I love Nephelim brothers and their mates, and there are many other great secondary characters (Konnor, Michael, Pen to name a few) and they all played a part in this story but sometimes it was too much and Al/Laz romance felt lost in everything that was happening.
Daman and Warrin are still my favorites and I think one of the reasons it that they got the most alone time, the most time to fall in love and get to know each other. If Alastair and Laz got this, they could end up on the top.
At the same time, the connection between the brothers, the sense of found family is one of the best things about the series and this installment showcased it even more. The love between the brothers shined in every interaction between them and I loved those moments even if it was at the expense of Al/Laz time together.
Plus, there will be one more book - extended epilogue for each of the couples so there will be more of Alastair and Laz and the rest. And it makes me happy - I'm not ready to say goodbye.
So, rounding up - all in all it was a great ending to an amazing series. Not perfect but things rarely are.

[εllε · Rating 5 out of 5]

Update after finishing the book:

I loved it! ❤️❤️ Absolutely loved it! So many feels right now. It was my most anticipated read and it couldn’t have been more perfect. Alastair and Laz were so perfect, so perfect 😭❤️. I’m so happy for them. Their love story is so amazing and I want more! I don’t want this to be the end 😔

This book is hands down the best in the series. I loved reading about all the couples and seeing them all together. Al and Laz? 🔥🔥🔥 oh God, the chemistry… the tension between them 💥🔥💥🔥💥.

“Good boy…” (goosebumps)

I know they all deserve to live happy lives now, but I’d like nothing more than for this series to continue (or a spin off). There are many other characters that I want to read about and of course visits into the boys’ happy lives with their mates. I love this universe and I’ll read anything about any of the characters.

5 million stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟


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Laz better be his mate, or else!!!

I’ve felt those vibes since 1-3 books ago.

[Ben Howard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alastair is the final main book in the Sons of the Fallen series. The culmination of the fight with Lucifer and also Alastair's romance with the Angel Lazarus.

This one is a chunky book. Having the job of telling the final battle, Alastair and Lazarus' romance, and also showing us the other couples and how they are dealing with the final fight. The author did a great job in my opinion. The action was engaging and even though it lacked a sense of danger because it was obvious our main characters were going to get out of it okay, even with that "life threatening" condition to them defeating Lucifer, it was still exciting and had some nice emotional moments.

I really didn't care for Lazarus in the beginning, but getting his perspective did wonders for turning my opinion on him around. And despite being hesitant about the pairing, I ended up loving Alastair and Lazarus' romance.

I'm looking forward to reading the 7.5 book, Beyond the Storm; getting an extended epilogue for each couple, and I'm especially excited to read Kallias' romance. It'll be a nice send off. The audiobook isn't out yet so I might have to grab the ebook. But, Nick J. Russo has done an amazing job narrating each book, that I might wait for the audio.

Sons of the Fallen

Book 1: Galen - 4 stars
Book 2: Castor - 3 stars
Book 3: Daman - 4.5 stars
Book 4: Gray - 2.5 stars
Book 5: Bellamy - 3.5 stars
Book 6: Raiden - 4 stars
Book 7: Alastair - 4 stars
Book 7.5: Beyond the Storm

[Kanishka · Rating 3 out of 5]

You have no idea how MUCH I had waited for this book. I used to visit the author's insta profile on a weekly basis to see if there was any update (I wish I was exaggerating) The beginning was great, so much so that I was prematurely planning to restart the book again to have the same feels, lol.

Honestly, things went a bit downhill from 50% mark when they got together. It's like they had a personality change or sth. I really wanted Al to know some things Laz did while pining for him. Like one time Michael mentioned how Laz used to drag him to watch Al. I wished Al could have been told about that, I would've loved to witness that scene.

In all the previous books both Al and Laz have been shown as serious characters but here they couldn't portray that grumpiness. I couldn't connect with the two. There was also no relationship development between Laz and the brothers. They just randomly accepted him as Al's mate and everything was dandy again. There was no awkwardness or wariness or protectiveness, nth.

As far as sex scenes are concerned there was so much potential with Al's praise kink and this whole talk of dominance and possessiveness that author didn't even explore. I mean they only talked about spanking. I won't believe it if I don't see it!!!!

Plot wise it was fine. Everything came together and achieved their HEA. Even though the end of "Love conquers all" seemed so fairy-tale-ish to me. Tbh, by the end I was waiting to see if Oliver or Michael got their partner or not, lol.

[Dani · Rating 4 out of 5]

I struggled to read this one, not because of the actual content but because of my anxiety about what was going to happen! I kept procrastinating, which I never usually do.

I love this group of characters so much and the relationships they all have between them, so it was stressful knowing something 'bad' was looming. I cried way more than I expected to, especially once the part about the trapped souls was revealed, and when they were releasing their souls again.

The final battle with Lucifer was better than I hoped for and I really liked the twist for Kallias. I'm also really glad about the whole souls and Elysian fields thing.

I also think that although this was Alastair and Lazarus' book and the battle/war kind of overshadowed everything else, their relationship was exactly as I thought it would be. They were very subtle and practical about everything, which isn't everyone's idea of romance, but I feel like their relationship is more in the small details than the over the top PDAs and declarations - making tea, apple desserts, books etc. It was nice to see them be together, and I loved the character of Michael also.

Looking forward to the companion book for the series, I always want more of these guys and their mates, especially Daman, Bellamy and Gray!

[timtam (semi-slump) · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars✨
bawling my eyes out and swooning at the same time. So happy everyone got their HEA 🥹

[Sabrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

NOW LIVE!
Amazon US * Amazon UK

[juli✨]

i- *sighs disappointedly at myself*


this whole series has been a weird one for me. i feel like i should have adored this series. and yet, hmmm … i've honestly been left pretty lukewarm on each book.


except my guys, daman and war. those two are doing things different over in ice dragon kingdom 🐉

[Cadiva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well that's how you end a series in style

So, my thoughts about Simon and Light Bringer weren't right but I was on the right lines with what actually happened.

I'm not spoiling it, but it was an absolutely perfect way to draw this battle between light and dark to a close.

It's also a perfect way to wrap up the Nephilim romances with the most obvious one of them all - Alistair and Lazarus!

From the off it’s been clear there was something more than just devotion to duty that kept Lazarus returning to his boys when Alistair called.

Now we get to see just what's been going on behind the ice cool exterior and it's definitely not chilled!

There's plenty of action to drive the plot towards the final battle with the big bad Lucifer and his fallen angel crew and here I would say I'd have liked to have seen some mote get their comeuppance than actually did.

But, either way, the brothers find a secret, something I'd not suspected, so that was a great surprise, and they go to face their fates in style.

Loved the way things went and there was a healthy dose of pathos to stop things being too triumphant, which I think helped make the impact of the last fight more effective.

I'd have liked a bit more time with Alistair and Lazarus together, but what we got was super sweet and pretty emotional.

The whole series has been a triumph and I'm hoping we'll be back in the world soon with a certain archangel and ancient one vampire!

[Sheena · Rating 3 out of 5]

3/5 stars

I think it had so much potential to be amazing BUT Lazarus and Alastair didn’t live up to it. The three stars is basically for the ending and seeing all of the brothers interacting with each other and their mates.

Rankings of the Couples:
1. Daman and Warrin 🫶🏽 My sweet babies. I love them.
2. Bellamy and Pheonix
3. Raiden and Titan
4. Castor and Kyo
5. Alastair and Lazarus
6. Gray and Mason
7. Galen and Simon

Truthfully only continued for Daman and Warrin. I was heartbroken at the end when Daman started crying. Like my heart could not take it. But yea the execution could have been better. But thank god for the banter between the brothers.

[Mir · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Ughhhhhhhhhhh so much potential 😩 I don’t have it in me to write a structured review so here are some thoughts which have mild spoilers in them so please don’t continue reading if you haven’t read the book.

Alastair and Lazarus were set up for PERFECTION. Much like Bellamy and Phoenix. And just like Bell and Nix, this was so disappointing. Honestly, it takes a very interesting skill to make me fall so deeply in love with all these characters over the course of this series and still not love the books. This book started off quite well. We had some pining from Lazurus, who has known he and Al were mates for THOUSANDS OF YEARS. I especially liked the absolutely, 100% appropriate reaction that Al had when he learned this had been stolen/kept from him for so long. This was all very promising but ultimately this book was far more plot-focused and family-focused. Al and Laz’s romance took a huge step onto the back burner behind the Lucifer plot and admittedly adorable scenes between all the other couples. The book is very long but the romance is very underdeveloped. This felt more like a series ending tie it all together book rather than Alastair and Lazarus’ romance book.

I did like how the Lucifer plot was handled and I honestly was pretty impressed with the fight scenes as well! Thankfully, since it took up so much of the book. There were a lot of near-romance moments between Al and Laz though that continuously were interrupted by the over-arching plot and this was incredibly annoying. I had to put the book down a few times and take a breather. Although I really loved that Kellias got to be happy

Besides the lack of romance and relationship development between Alastair and Lazarus, here are a few other things that drove me fucking insane (SPOILERS):

- Bellamy and Phoenix, and Daman and Warrin both mention wanting to have a family. Which pisses me off so much because one: we were told by the author that this series would not include babies, and two: these are the ABSOLUTE WORST couples of all of them to have kids. Then in the epilogue, Daman and Warrin announce their surrogate is pregnant. Sure Envy, have a kid, that’ll work out real well. I’m tired of babies being forced into series’ even when it makes no sense. If Raiden and Titan had made that announcement, I would’ve still been annoyed since the author said it wouldn’t happen, but it would have made sense since both of them are clearly interested in and comfortable with being parental figures.

- The hard lines on sexual positions in almost all these books. These are supernatural beings hundreds to thousands of years old and you’re telling me they’re stuck on only being a top or only being a bottom? Come on and explore a bit guys.

- The teaser praise kink that was introduced here with Alastair. He is clearly aroused by being told “good boy” by Lazarus but it’s never fully explored and what a waste that was. This could’ve been the hottest book of them all of that had been further explored. Good praise kink books are so hard to find.

- Al and Laz have zero time to get to know one another or just be as a couple. Once they get together, it’s just sex. It would be nice to see them falling in love for a reason rather than just because fate told them to

- I would’ve really appreciated more focus on the level of emotions flooding Al and Laz once the seal on the soulmate bond was broken. This was such a fascinating plot point that also wasn’t taken advantage of. Their feelings, especially Alastair’s, rocketed from negligible to a thousand in seconds.

- The brothers’ reaction to Alastair telling them that Lazarus was his mate. What a let down. Like dropping a bomb that never goes off. Especially considering their reaction to Phoenix being Bell’s mate. I mean come on…Lazarus was a fucking asshole. He did a lot of things that hurt these men and was consistently a jerk through out their thousands of years. He’s also a full fucking Angel and I would’ve hoped for a bit more drama from the brothers over all those facts.

- Throughout the series, all the ways Gray is described makes me so uncomfortable. He waddles into rooms. He talks like a child. I hated it. I just need to add that on to this one more time

- I hate in books like this with “found families” where in the HEA they all live apart from one another.

[Jennifer Reilley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jaclyn knocked it out of the part with this final book of the series.

I felt every emotion and absolutely loved Alastair and Laz together. Jaclyn is so creative with the series she wove together and the arc reaching from book one to seven. Amazing. Simply amazing.