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Angel
"A delight to read. So delicate, casually cruel, wickedly funny and wildly alluring." - Stephen Fry
Damion is a boy so beautiful that everybody falls in love with him. This, his greatest advantage in life, gradually turns into his heaviest burden and so as he reaches adulthood, Damion, in an act half wanton, half heroic, destroys what for most people-but not for him-has come to define his essence. A classic tale of a young man seeking his destiny.
Damion is a boy so beautiful that everybody falls in love with him. This, his greatest advantage in life, gradually turns into his heaviest burden and so as he reaches adulthood, Damion, in an act half wanton, half heroic, destroys what for most people-but not for him-has come to define his essence. A classic tale of a young man seeking his destiny.
378 pages, Paperback
First published September 4, 2008
2 people are currently reading
13 people want to read
About the author
Sebastian Michael
18 books6 followersSebastian Michael was born in Manchester, UK, into a Swiss family who flew him to Basel in a red wicker basket, when he was just six weeks old.
He grew up in Basel, where his first two plays, Sentimental Breakdown... and Dialog were performed while he was still at school and university. At the age of 21, Sebastian moved back to England, making his favourite city in the world, London, his home.
Sebastian has written several stage plays, among them The Power of Love, Love Hurts and Time After Time, which together now form the Love Trilogy and each of which individually reached the shortlist, long list and final ten respectively of the Verity Bargate Award in separate years. His play Elder Latimer is in Love was staged to critical acclaim at Arcola Theatre in Autumn 2009 and his most recent plays Top Story and Baur Au Lac, are now earmarked for production in 2012 and 2013 respectively, following rehearsed readings in London. Earlier plays of Sebastian's include Sisters, QED, All the World and Exit, which were all staged on the London and Edinburgh Fringe.
He has written and directed two short films: Twenty-Six Takes on Life Without Allen, which was screened at festivals in Chicago, Los Angeles, Lisbon and Padua, and The Study of Bunkers & Mounds in a Temperate Climate (Relatively Speaking), which was in the official Pardi di Domani selection of the International Film Festival Locarno in 2007. His debut feature, The Hour of Living was completed in February 2012 and has since been shown at festivals in Italy, New York and Australia and was nominated 'Best Feature' in the Basel Film Awards 2012.
Sebastian is the writer of Genius Planet, a collaboration with authors Professor Ludger Hovestadt and Vera Bühlmann of ETH Zürich, which postulates a radical roadmap from energy scarcity to abundance (awaiting publication), and he is also a contributing author to A Quantum City – Mastering the Generic for which he wrote Orlando in the Cities, a playful literary odyssey through 2500 years of civilisation.
Currently, Sebastian is publishing EDEN – a concept narrative in the here & now about the where, the wherefore and forever in blog format under the metanym FREI.
Angel is Sebastian's first novel.
He grew up in Basel, where his first two plays, Sentimental Breakdown... and Dialog were performed while he was still at school and university. At the age of 21, Sebastian moved back to England, making his favourite city in the world, London, his home.
Sebastian has written several stage plays, among them The Power of Love, Love Hurts and Time After Time, which together now form the Love Trilogy and each of which individually reached the shortlist, long list and final ten respectively of the Verity Bargate Award in separate years. His play Elder Latimer is in Love was staged to critical acclaim at Arcola Theatre in Autumn 2009 and his most recent plays Top Story and Baur Au Lac, are now earmarked for production in 2012 and 2013 respectively, following rehearsed readings in London. Earlier plays of Sebastian's include Sisters, QED, All the World and Exit, which were all staged on the London and Edinburgh Fringe.
He has written and directed two short films: Twenty-Six Takes on Life Without Allen, which was screened at festivals in Chicago, Los Angeles, Lisbon and Padua, and The Study of Bunkers & Mounds in a Temperate Climate (Relatively Speaking), which was in the official Pardi di Domani selection of the International Film Festival Locarno in 2007. His debut feature, The Hour of Living was completed in February 2012 and has since been shown at festivals in Italy, New York and Australia and was nominated 'Best Feature' in the Basel Film Awards 2012.
Sebastian is the writer of Genius Planet, a collaboration with authors Professor Ludger Hovestadt and Vera Bühlmann of ETH Zürich, which postulates a radical roadmap from energy scarcity to abundance (awaiting publication), and he is also a contributing author to A Quantum City – Mastering the Generic for which he wrote Orlando in the Cities, a playful literary odyssey through 2500 years of civilisation.
Currently, Sebastian is publishing EDEN – a concept narrative in the here & now about the where, the wherefore and forever in blog format under the metanym FREI.
Angel is Sebastian's first novel.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
January 15, 2013
Angel by Sebastian Michael explores the life of Damion, the most beautiful boy in the world. His beauty is so great that everyone he meets seems to fall in love with him despite their gender or sexuality and people cannot believe he is human, he must be an angel. Growing up Damion experienced many traumatic events, the most dominant being the deaths of friends and family, and eventually this seemed to take its toll on Damion. One night changed Damion's life forever. There was a fire, people died, but Damion survived...barely. He was scarred for life, no longer the most beautiful man in the world, but a horrific sight which made people gag. During this time we get an insight into the real Damion and his feelings before and after the fire, leading to a revelation about the fire.
When I first started to read this novel I found it quite confusing as it wasn't always chronological, and would often go off at a tangent. There was also a case of 'too much information' throughout and I felt these words would be better used on developing the plot. For anyone planning on reading this I really do urge you to read on despite the first half being particularly boring, as the second half of the book is so poignant that it nearly brought me to tears. Sebastian Michael has a superb writing talent and can describe raw emotion in such a way that it really effects the reader. The turn of events after the fire is the making of this book and answers many questions about Damion which weren't so clear in the beginning. This novel is not polished or pristine is not the perfect story, it doesn't leave the reader totally satisfied with a happy ending but is written in such a way that reflects real life and the harsh reality of being scarred both physically and mentally. A wonderful and thoughtful book which will leave you thinking about Damion for days after you've finished reading and will enhance your appreciation of 'normal' life.
When I first started to read this novel I found it quite confusing as it wasn't always chronological, and would often go off at a tangent. There was also a case of 'too much information' throughout and I felt these words would be better used on developing the plot. For anyone planning on reading this I really do urge you to read on despite the first half being particularly boring, as the second half of the book is so poignant that it nearly brought me to tears. Sebastian Michael has a superb writing talent and can describe raw emotion in such a way that it really effects the reader. The turn of events after the fire is the making of this book and answers many questions about Damion which weren't so clear in the beginning. This novel is not polished or pristine is not the perfect story, it doesn't leave the reader totally satisfied with a happy ending but is written in such a way that reflects real life and the harsh reality of being scarred both physically and mentally. A wonderful and thoughtful book which will leave you thinking about Damion for days after you've finished reading and will enhance your appreciation of 'normal' life.
July 8, 2012
Angel
Author: Sebastian Michael
There are some people who create a special feeling when they enter a room, walk down the street or are viewed from a glance. Their presence captivates others to the point of the exclusion of others. Sometimes the feeling is so strong that others block out the images around them and focus on this one person. Imagine being in this person’s presence. Imagine being this person. Damian was more than just beautiful he had an aura around him that caused people to stop and stare, visualize themselves in his presence and just hope for a hidden nod, glance or smile to let them know he saw or recognized them. Would you want to be someone that everyone falls in love with at first sight? Would this be a blessing to you or a great burden? Born into a family we first meet Damion when he is older and we see the effects of what happens when he walks down the street passes many people and one even falls to his untimely death. The author then brilliantly flashes back to where it all began, his birth, his parent’s reactions to him and the hospital staffs admiration and love bestowed upon him. A mother who treated him as an adult even at the age of two with no baby talk, coddling or acting like he could not understand. His father on the other hand wanted to allow him to grow up at his own pace but was soon distance from him by his mother. This is a story about being perfect, beautiful and accepted in a world that dislikes flaws and loves perfection. As we meet Damion we next meet Barbara the opposite as the author describes her as more than just ugly but grotesque too. Getting to know her we realize that she is bright and quite unique in her own right. Befriending her was easy for Damion and they became fast friends. Added to their small group was a young boy named Matthew who would round out the threesome. Burp or Barbara would now fall under Damion’s protection and would no longer be a victim of the bullies in her school or anywhere else. This friendship would last for two years until things would change. Damion was sensitive in many ways and his feelings for Matthew were starting to become strong. Doing things together the three would bond but one Saturday night would change it all. Damion’s parents were divorced and he often enjoyed a night at his father’s house but this night would prove tragic. His father, Brett decided to take a detour to have a drink on the way home and when he arrived with his friend she saw Burp crying. Burp could not sleep and in her own mind she could not accept herself for who she was even though so many loved and cared about her. What happens next is more than just tragic as she takes her own life. Throughout this first part of the book the author introduces many characters whose voices are heard by the reader and shared with the other characters too. Damion is the only one who really heard Burp’s as she shares in her own words a poem on page 40 that tells you why she could not face another day. Each character that is introduced throughout the novel intertwines with the others and their presence in relation to Damion different. Both Matthew and Damion witness a boy getting injured and the next character is Severin, the Norman followed by a loud yelling scene that includes all of the parents and the kids along with Brett his father. But, Damion cannot stand what has happened and learning that his mother died he disappears causing not only the people where they are staying to panic, the staff of the hospital but the entire police force to search for him. But, there is much more as Brett learns the truth behind his relationship with Matthew in a long conversation with him when he is finally found.
Damion finally realizes he needs to take his life back and do something with it. But, his feelings for Matthew although genuine were not as strong as his friend’s for him. So, what happens to Matthew will come as a surprise as no one really can answer what causes his blindness or what happened to his or her friendship. Damion remained alone for the next two years socializing at a minimum. How can he deal with the adulation of the world and everyone he meets? How can he ever find a way to be just himself and have people accept him as a person on the inside and not just the outside? Then he meets Benjamin at school and things would change. Their friendship would grow and Damion would even flourish in school and later realize that he needed to earn his own way. With Ben’s help he might even learn to become a waiter. But, there is so much more as Damion searches to find himself and in the interim lives are destroyed, changed and his life takes on many new and different turns that most people would never experience in any lifetime. It is almost like how can he live up to himself and what would happen if at any moment he had a flaw? So, why did he befriend Paula and what happens between him will definitely surprise the reader and Damion as he shares his feelings in a poem on page 127.
One young man whose life touched so many in many different lights. Some in awe of him and others seemed to use him for their own delight or just to be near him. Meeting several he would do things in a wanton way and release his inhibitions and try his hand at new things in order to try to fit in and find a place for himself. But, will Damion ever find peace in his own skin and what will the final outcome be? Where will he wind up and will he ever find any kind of meaning in his life?
Deciding to become a monk and staying at an Abbey was one choice that he thought would be right for him. But, when he returned home the next thing that happened would cost him more than just his beauty as a fire caused by a cigarette causes him to be disfigured and burned and with so many surrounding him and hoping for his recovery would this young man who so many loved, adored and revered survived? Benjamin, his only friend always by his side and faithful. So many others along the way and his father not able to deal with his affliction. The ending will shock the reader and the torment within Damion’s mind as he relives his time and memories with Matthew and as with Dorian Grey he has not seen the final image. Even when his conscious actions create a dangerous situation, his subconscious creates a diversion. Going into the fire and blaze unprotected he did it to protect someone else. But, when Damion finally faces the reality of his image he decides to create another one for himself with the help of a new friend and his computer. Naphtali: Chronicler of his own destruction. What finally happens and where this leads you will have to read for yourself to take the finally journey the rest of the way with Damion. Read the book he wrote, understand his sacrifices and why he destroyed who he was and the reason. Beauty is the cruelty that the gods bestow upon us. What this means and Damion’s final act will definitely explain many things. Why did he walk into a burning fire? Why and how did so many die? What part did he play? Can anyone save the Angel? Read this interesting, unique and thought provoking novel and decide for yourself what price did he pay for being beautiful and an Angel. Society often shuns those that do not fit into their mores. Some find it hard to be different and others trying to fit in will pay the ultimate price. What impact did he have on those he met and those that loved him. Read Angel: This is one novel that will change your perspective on so many levels.
Fran Lewis: reviewer
Author: Sebastian Michael
There are some people who create a special feeling when they enter a room, walk down the street or are viewed from a glance. Their presence captivates others to the point of the exclusion of others. Sometimes the feeling is so strong that others block out the images around them and focus on this one person. Imagine being in this person’s presence. Imagine being this person. Damian was more than just beautiful he had an aura around him that caused people to stop and stare, visualize themselves in his presence and just hope for a hidden nod, glance or smile to let them know he saw or recognized them. Would you want to be someone that everyone falls in love with at first sight? Would this be a blessing to you or a great burden? Born into a family we first meet Damion when he is older and we see the effects of what happens when he walks down the street passes many people and one even falls to his untimely death. The author then brilliantly flashes back to where it all began, his birth, his parent’s reactions to him and the hospital staffs admiration and love bestowed upon him. A mother who treated him as an adult even at the age of two with no baby talk, coddling or acting like he could not understand. His father on the other hand wanted to allow him to grow up at his own pace but was soon distance from him by his mother. This is a story about being perfect, beautiful and accepted in a world that dislikes flaws and loves perfection. As we meet Damion we next meet Barbara the opposite as the author describes her as more than just ugly but grotesque too. Getting to know her we realize that she is bright and quite unique in her own right. Befriending her was easy for Damion and they became fast friends. Added to their small group was a young boy named Matthew who would round out the threesome. Burp or Barbara would now fall under Damion’s protection and would no longer be a victim of the bullies in her school or anywhere else. This friendship would last for two years until things would change. Damion was sensitive in many ways and his feelings for Matthew were starting to become strong. Doing things together the three would bond but one Saturday night would change it all. Damion’s parents were divorced and he often enjoyed a night at his father’s house but this night would prove tragic. His father, Brett decided to take a detour to have a drink on the way home and when he arrived with his friend she saw Burp crying. Burp could not sleep and in her own mind she could not accept herself for who she was even though so many loved and cared about her. What happens next is more than just tragic as she takes her own life. Throughout this first part of the book the author introduces many characters whose voices are heard by the reader and shared with the other characters too. Damion is the only one who really heard Burp’s as she shares in her own words a poem on page 40 that tells you why she could not face another day. Each character that is introduced throughout the novel intertwines with the others and their presence in relation to Damion different. Both Matthew and Damion witness a boy getting injured and the next character is Severin, the Norman followed by a loud yelling scene that includes all of the parents and the kids along with Brett his father. But, Damion cannot stand what has happened and learning that his mother died he disappears causing not only the people where they are staying to panic, the staff of the hospital but the entire police force to search for him. But, there is much more as Brett learns the truth behind his relationship with Matthew in a long conversation with him when he is finally found.
Damion finally realizes he needs to take his life back and do something with it. But, his feelings for Matthew although genuine were not as strong as his friend’s for him. So, what happens to Matthew will come as a surprise as no one really can answer what causes his blindness or what happened to his or her friendship. Damion remained alone for the next two years socializing at a minimum. How can he deal with the adulation of the world and everyone he meets? How can he ever find a way to be just himself and have people accept him as a person on the inside and not just the outside? Then he meets Benjamin at school and things would change. Their friendship would grow and Damion would even flourish in school and later realize that he needed to earn his own way. With Ben’s help he might even learn to become a waiter. But, there is so much more as Damion searches to find himself and in the interim lives are destroyed, changed and his life takes on many new and different turns that most people would never experience in any lifetime. It is almost like how can he live up to himself and what would happen if at any moment he had a flaw? So, why did he befriend Paula and what happens between him will definitely surprise the reader and Damion as he shares his feelings in a poem on page 127.
One young man whose life touched so many in many different lights. Some in awe of him and others seemed to use him for their own delight or just to be near him. Meeting several he would do things in a wanton way and release his inhibitions and try his hand at new things in order to try to fit in and find a place for himself. But, will Damion ever find peace in his own skin and what will the final outcome be? Where will he wind up and will he ever find any kind of meaning in his life?
Deciding to become a monk and staying at an Abbey was one choice that he thought would be right for him. But, when he returned home the next thing that happened would cost him more than just his beauty as a fire caused by a cigarette causes him to be disfigured and burned and with so many surrounding him and hoping for his recovery would this young man who so many loved, adored and revered survived? Benjamin, his only friend always by his side and faithful. So many others along the way and his father not able to deal with his affliction. The ending will shock the reader and the torment within Damion’s mind as he relives his time and memories with Matthew and as with Dorian Grey he has not seen the final image. Even when his conscious actions create a dangerous situation, his subconscious creates a diversion. Going into the fire and blaze unprotected he did it to protect someone else. But, when Damion finally faces the reality of his image he decides to create another one for himself with the help of a new friend and his computer. Naphtali: Chronicler of his own destruction. What finally happens and where this leads you will have to read for yourself to take the finally journey the rest of the way with Damion. Read the book he wrote, understand his sacrifices and why he destroyed who he was and the reason. Beauty is the cruelty that the gods bestow upon us. What this means and Damion’s final act will definitely explain many things. Why did he walk into a burning fire? Why and how did so many die? What part did he play? Can anyone save the Angel? Read this interesting, unique and thought provoking novel and decide for yourself what price did he pay for being beautiful and an Angel. Society often shuns those that do not fit into their mores. Some find it hard to be different and others trying to fit in will pay the ultimate price. What impact did he have on those he met and those that loved him. Read Angel: This is one novel that will change your perspective on so many levels.
Fran Lewis: reviewer
December 6, 2016
Angel is a tale about this boy named Damion who is exceptionally beautiful. A god-like beauty - mesmerizing and lethal. Damion's life revolves around the people who are attracted towards him just like a moth is drawn to a flame, hoping to get love from Damion. His life is entangled with many lives, and deaths.
But just like everything in this world, his glory is short-lived when something terrible happens and everything he once had is lost - all because of his beauty. He faces harsh truths about life and himself. A very intriguing tale about a beautiful boy in an ugly world.
Although it was a slow read, I enjoyed this unique book that was written like a biography. It is one of those books that reveals the bitter truths about human nature - the evil that lurks under our angelic surface. Especially, in today's world where everyone is judged by their outer appearances, and fan following, this book was a real eye-opener.
The biggest trouble, for me, regarding this book was too much description - not enough conversation. There were very few dialogues and many sudden character introduction that pulled my interest out of the book. The transaction between past scenes and flashback although smooth was quite confusing at times. It seemed by the end that the author wanted to keep suspense regarding Damion's feelings yet the character felt far. I couldn't reach him or hear him. I couldn't sense what he felt for his boyfriends. I had no idea where the story was going. There was no specific plot sequence, just bits and pieces of Damion's life up until that moment. And it bothered me.
After the major incident, I was hooked to the story and finally understood what all the build up was about. Everything became clear. And the writing was magical. I'd have given around 3 stars but the climax was exceptionally well-written. I could feel everything everyone was feeling. The problem I had with the book was worth it, in the end.
Beauty truly can be as wondrous or as lethal as it can be!
But just like everything in this world, his glory is short-lived when something terrible happens and everything he once had is lost - all because of his beauty. He faces harsh truths about life and himself. A very intriguing tale about a beautiful boy in an ugly world.
Although it was a slow read, I enjoyed this unique book that was written like a biography. It is one of those books that reveals the bitter truths about human nature - the evil that lurks under our angelic surface. Especially, in today's world where everyone is judged by their outer appearances, and fan following, this book was a real eye-opener.
The biggest trouble, for me, regarding this book was too much description - not enough conversation. There were very few dialogues and many sudden character introduction that pulled my interest out of the book. The transaction between past scenes and flashback although smooth was quite confusing at times. It seemed by the end that the author wanted to keep suspense regarding Damion's feelings yet the character felt far. I couldn't reach him or hear him. I couldn't sense what he felt for his boyfriends. I had no idea where the story was going. There was no specific plot sequence, just bits and pieces of Damion's life up until that moment. And it bothered me.
After the major incident, I was hooked to the story and finally understood what all the build up was about. Everything became clear. And the writing was magical. I'd have given around 3 stars but the climax was exceptionally well-written. I could feel everything everyone was feeling. The problem I had with the book was worth it, in the end.
Beauty truly can be as wondrous or as lethal as it can be!
August 31, 2018
was left with mixed and unsettled feelings at the end of “Angel” and for reasons I can’t completely put my finger on. There were elements I found both compelling and disturbing.
Mr. Michael’s writing style felt a little high-brow, tangential, and long-winded, which equated to ‘dry’ in places. Many a sentence would end up someplace unrelated to where it started (for example: the sentence might start out commenting on Damion’s walking pace but end with what was in a jeweler’s display window), which left me perpetually feeling as if perhaps I’d zoned out and missed something. After a few episodes of rereading to make sure this wasn’t the case, I just resigned myself to the feeling. I will say, though, that it made it hard for me to settle into the story and made the chapters seem much longer than they actually were.
In addition to the rambling style, I was unsettled by certain aspects of the story itself. Events such as the dog being crushed by the falling scaffold worker in Chapter 1 appeared to be present more for shock value—and thus, filler—than actual plot advancement. I will admit to a higher level of sensitivity where animals and children are concerned, so that may account for my distaste of the tactic. Regardless, that passage in particular was a complete turn-off and I considered setting the book aside right then and there. Seriously, if I wanted to read about brains squirting out, I’d pick up a horror novel.
That being said, if you can slog through the first half of “Angel”, your efforts will be rewarded. And the ending? Well, let’s just say it didn’t disappoint!
The underlying story is excellent and takes a direction one would not expect when beauty is the main topic. There were levels and nuances to “Angel” that were surprisingly subtle, sophisticated, and powerful. On the surface, this was a coming-of-age story about a young man bearing what many would consider a gift. Mr. Michael showed a great deal of understanding and empathy for Damion’s journey and situation. But beneath that was an unexpectedly deep exploration of society’s obsession with superficiality. “Angel” also presented some serious and important questions: Are our lives pre-determined, and if so, do we bear any responsibility for the impact we have? How much power do those with responsibility truly have in an unequal world?
Bottom line: Slow to start, but finishing strong, “Angel” is worth the read. The story evoked so many feelings and was, at times, achingly real and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a deep and thought-provoking story.
Mr. Michael’s writing style felt a little high-brow, tangential, and long-winded, which equated to ‘dry’ in places. Many a sentence would end up someplace unrelated to where it started (for example: the sentence might start out commenting on Damion’s walking pace but end with what was in a jeweler’s display window), which left me perpetually feeling as if perhaps I’d zoned out and missed something. After a few episodes of rereading to make sure this wasn’t the case, I just resigned myself to the feeling. I will say, though, that it made it hard for me to settle into the story and made the chapters seem much longer than they actually were.
In addition to the rambling style, I was unsettled by certain aspects of the story itself. Events such as the dog being crushed by the falling scaffold worker in Chapter 1 appeared to be present more for shock value—and thus, filler—than actual plot advancement. I will admit to a higher level of sensitivity where animals and children are concerned, so that may account for my distaste of the tactic. Regardless, that passage in particular was a complete turn-off and I considered setting the book aside right then and there. Seriously, if I wanted to read about brains squirting out, I’d pick up a horror novel.
That being said, if you can slog through the first half of “Angel”, your efforts will be rewarded. And the ending? Well, let’s just say it didn’t disappoint!
The underlying story is excellent and takes a direction one would not expect when beauty is the main topic. There were levels and nuances to “Angel” that were surprisingly subtle, sophisticated, and powerful. On the surface, this was a coming-of-age story about a young man bearing what many would consider a gift. Mr. Michael showed a great deal of understanding and empathy for Damion’s journey and situation. But beneath that was an unexpectedly deep exploration of society’s obsession with superficiality. “Angel” also presented some serious and important questions: Are our lives pre-determined, and if so, do we bear any responsibility for the impact we have? How much power do those with responsibility truly have in an unequal world?
Bottom line: Slow to start, but finishing strong, “Angel” is worth the read. The story evoked so many feelings and was, at times, achingly real and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a deep and thought-provoking story.
December 11, 2016
This book really left me in a state of uncertainty. Though the message is clear and valuable, it took a while to get there.
Due to Damion’s beauty, people would fall “in love” with him quickly, but it wasn’t necessarily real love. Even when it was, Damion never felt the same. This is a very realistic aspect of the book – finding reciprocated true love is not always easy.
However, a good portion of the book, I found tedious to read. All the supporting characters that came in and out of Damion’s life added to the story, but when their backstories were explained, they were long-winded and I found unnecessary. It interrupted the reading flow and the smoothness of the plot. Because of the amount of people (and movement), I had to continually try to remember whom was whom and what role they played in Damion’s life. As an aside that added to the confusion, I did not understand the need for Damion to have multiple names depending on who was addressing him.
Also, I struggled with the writing flow in general. Sometimes, the writing was nice and readable, and other times not so much. There were lengthy sentences with several commas throughout the text, which I felt could have been edited to create a better flow. They sentences would include multiple subjects and actions, that by end, I had to remind myself what was being said.
I did find the ending to be appropriate, but not truly surprising since the author does mention it towards the beginning of the read. Even though the premise of the book is about beauty, there was too much focus on it for my taste; I felt it repetitive.
At one point, I could not for the life of me understand why would a father not be there for his son during such a vulnerable time. Without giving too much away, this really bothered me. Lastly, I didn’t really get to know Damion very much. Yes, towards the end, I was able to understand him a bit more, but even then, I felt it was rushed and it was over before it began.
Overall, the message is strong and clear, but I don’t feel this book was for me.
As a warning, there is clear talk about teen and young adult suicide, the death of someone due to cancer, and alcohol/drugs.
https://bookloverblogs.com/2016/12/11...
Due to Damion’s beauty, people would fall “in love” with him quickly, but it wasn’t necessarily real love. Even when it was, Damion never felt the same. This is a very realistic aspect of the book – finding reciprocated true love is not always easy.
However, a good portion of the book, I found tedious to read. All the supporting characters that came in and out of Damion’s life added to the story, but when their backstories were explained, they were long-winded and I found unnecessary. It interrupted the reading flow and the smoothness of the plot. Because of the amount of people (and movement), I had to continually try to remember whom was whom and what role they played in Damion’s life. As an aside that added to the confusion, I did not understand the need for Damion to have multiple names depending on who was addressing him.
Also, I struggled with the writing flow in general. Sometimes, the writing was nice and readable, and other times not so much. There were lengthy sentences with several commas throughout the text, which I felt could have been edited to create a better flow. They sentences would include multiple subjects and actions, that by end, I had to remind myself what was being said.
I did find the ending to be appropriate, but not truly surprising since the author does mention it towards the beginning of the read. Even though the premise of the book is about beauty, there was too much focus on it for my taste; I felt it repetitive.
At one point, I could not for the life of me understand why would a father not be there for his son during such a vulnerable time. Without giving too much away, this really bothered me. Lastly, I didn’t really get to know Damion very much. Yes, towards the end, I was able to understand him a bit more, but even then, I felt it was rushed and it was over before it began.
Overall, the message is strong and clear, but I don’t feel this book was for me.
As a warning, there is clear talk about teen and young adult suicide, the death of someone due to cancer, and alcohol/drugs.
https://bookloverblogs.com/2016/12/11...
August 13, 2012
Angel is a story about Damion - the most beautiful boy in the world. He could get anything he wanted. He could get anyone he wanted. On paper, his life seemed ideal. Who wouldn’t have people showing them adoration all of the time. But, to Damion, this wasn’t always a blessing, and when it comes to what he wants, the end result may surprise you.
“But beauty is the cruelest gift the gods bestow. With it, you are everything to everyone, even if you are nothing to yourself”
Alright now I have a few things to say, I will state the cons first since the last part of a review is usually what people remember.
The story was really good, but the writing style had it running a bit dry at time. The beginning was very slow; it took me awhile to get through. I can’t pin point the exact reason. It could have been the length of the chapters, or just the writing.
It felt like the ending was written FIRST. This is not a writing style I am opposed to - if it doesn’t make the beginning run slow because the main events have already been written. I see why the first part was as long as it was; the tone was just very… sophisticated… I guess I could say. Nothing wrong with that, but for me it’s hard to read at times.
Now for the reasons you must read this.
As I stated before, the story is great. It points out that beauty is not always a blessing, which I feel the world needs to recognize more.
The last half of the book moved very quickly. There were many exciting events that made reading it seem like a breeze.
THE ENDING. The ending. The ending. Reading the rest of the book was so worth it just to see how it ended up. It really doesn’t disappoint.
3/5 Stars for me only for the slow beginning.
“But beauty is the cruelest gift the gods bestow. With it, you are everything to everyone, even if you are nothing to yourself”
Alright now I have a few things to say, I will state the cons first since the last part of a review is usually what people remember.
The story was really good, but the writing style had it running a bit dry at time. The beginning was very slow; it took me awhile to get through. I can’t pin point the exact reason. It could have been the length of the chapters, or just the writing.
It felt like the ending was written FIRST. This is not a writing style I am opposed to - if it doesn’t make the beginning run slow because the main events have already been written. I see why the first part was as long as it was; the tone was just very… sophisticated… I guess I could say. Nothing wrong with that, but for me it’s hard to read at times.
Now for the reasons you must read this.
As I stated before, the story is great. It points out that beauty is not always a blessing, which I feel the world needs to recognize more.
The last half of the book moved very quickly. There were many exciting events that made reading it seem like a breeze.
THE ENDING. The ending. The ending. Reading the rest of the book was so worth it just to see how it ended up. It really doesn’t disappoint.
3/5 Stars for me only for the slow beginning.
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November 24, 2016I've read this book many, many times, not least because I wrote it.
So I can't review it, nor can I in that sense 'recommend' it. I certainly can't 'rate' it. I can only commend it to you.
It's been described variously as a Dorian Gray for the 21st Century and as a Death in Venice for our generation, and the great Stephen Fry has called it "A delight to read. So delicate, casually cruel, wickedly funny and wildly alluring."
I first wrote this post before it had any reviews, to share one of the first, genuine reader responses it got:
"Just to say that I have just finished Angel and I wanted you to know how much I enjoyed it. I thought it was beautifully written and I loved the twists and turns of the plot. The characterisation was fantastic - I really liked the way new characters were introduced. Your use of language was really expressive and wildly descriptive. The story has haunted me and stayed in my mind - as I read, I couldn't wait to pick up the book each day. It's a great first novel - totally compelling, tender, funny and inspiring."
Now there are quite a few reviews both here and on Amazon, and the best way of course is to make up your own mind. Angel is out in hardback, paperback and on Kindle, and should soon also become available for Nook and iBooks.
Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/Angel-ebook/dp/...
Amazon.co.uk: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Angel-ebook/d...
More: http://www.optimistcreations.com/ange...
Thanks for reading & enjoy!
Sebastian
So I can't review it, nor can I in that sense 'recommend' it. I certainly can't 'rate' it. I can only commend it to you.
It's been described variously as a Dorian Gray for the 21st Century and as a Death in Venice for our generation, and the great Stephen Fry has called it "A delight to read. So delicate, casually cruel, wickedly funny and wildly alluring."
I first wrote this post before it had any reviews, to share one of the first, genuine reader responses it got:
"Just to say that I have just finished Angel and I wanted you to know how much I enjoyed it. I thought it was beautifully written and I loved the twists and turns of the plot. The characterisation was fantastic - I really liked the way new characters were introduced. Your use of language was really expressive and wildly descriptive. The story has haunted me and stayed in my mind - as I read, I couldn't wait to pick up the book each day. It's a great first novel - totally compelling, tender, funny and inspiring."
Now there are quite a few reviews both here and on Amazon, and the best way of course is to make up your own mind. Angel is out in hardback, paperback and on Kindle, and should soon also become available for Nook and iBooks.
Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/Angel-ebook/dp/...
Amazon.co.uk: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Angel-ebook/d...
More: http://www.optimistcreations.com/ange...
Thanks for reading & enjoy!
Sebastian
December 2, 2014
Is beauty a gift from God, a test of the essence of a human being’s character, or like fame and wealth, a well-disguised curse—coveted by all but those who possess it? That question is at the heart of Sebastian Michael’s first novel, Angel.
Damion, the novel’s central character, is an Adonis, so physically attractive that since his birth everyone who sees him—their genders (or as we say today, “gender identities”) notwithstanding—desire him. They want to hold him, to touch him, to kiss him, to simply be near him, and of course to have sex with him. The author for the most part wisely eschews detailed physical descriptions of his hero (do we even know the color of his hair?) since it would be impossible to portray a physical human being that would be every reader’s “type.” Instead he is simply characterized as perfect, beautiful, and, of course, an angel—his face as if “chiseled from a magic ore.”
A calamitous fatality caused by Damion’s looks opens the novel, foreshadowing much of what is to come; for nothing positive seems to come from the young man’s physical perfection. Instead depression, suicide, infidelity, and loneliness are left in his wake. Yet Damion comes through it all unscathed. Or so it appears, and appearances—or at least the importance we all place on them—are what the book is all about. In a telling passage early in the book, Damion’s father senses a “deep loneliness” in his son and wonders if he will ever experience sex, or sex and love together, in his life.
...read the rest of this review at UndergroundBookReviews(dot)com
Damion, the novel’s central character, is an Adonis, so physically attractive that since his birth everyone who sees him—their genders (or as we say today, “gender identities”) notwithstanding—desire him. They want to hold him, to touch him, to kiss him, to simply be near him, and of course to have sex with him. The author for the most part wisely eschews detailed physical descriptions of his hero (do we even know the color of his hair?) since it would be impossible to portray a physical human being that would be every reader’s “type.” Instead he is simply characterized as perfect, beautiful, and, of course, an angel—his face as if “chiseled from a magic ore.”
A calamitous fatality caused by Damion’s looks opens the novel, foreshadowing much of what is to come; for nothing positive seems to come from the young man’s physical perfection. Instead depression, suicide, infidelity, and loneliness are left in his wake. Yet Damion comes through it all unscathed. Or so it appears, and appearances—or at least the importance we all place on them—are what the book is all about. In a telling passage early in the book, Damion’s father senses a “deep loneliness” in his son and wonders if he will ever experience sex, or sex and love together, in his life.
...read the rest of this review at UndergroundBookReviews(dot)com
November 29, 2016
Beauty has its problems
Damion is the most beautiful boy in the world. He can have anything or anyone he wants. His life from the outside seems perfect but is it? He's always wanted to be seen for more than just his beauty. He feels he's more than just a beautiful face, he knows he's more but no one try to go deeper. When he makes a split second decision he may get his wish.
This book makes you think are we really doing justice to the way we treat beautiful people ? Even though the first part of the book was kind of slow I'm glad I hung in as a second-half half moved very quickly, and the ending WOW! I have to say the ending was worth the read. I really enjoyed this fascinating look into the life of a boy that was so beautiful that nobody looked beyond the surface.
Independent reviewer for Romance Authors That Rock.
Damion is the most beautiful boy in the world. He can have anything or anyone he wants. His life from the outside seems perfect but is it? He's always wanted to be seen for more than just his beauty. He feels he's more than just a beautiful face, he knows he's more but no one try to go deeper. When he makes a split second decision he may get his wish.
This book makes you think are we really doing justice to the way we treat beautiful people ? Even though the first part of the book was kind of slow I'm glad I hung in as a second-half half moved very quickly, and the ending WOW! I have to say the ending was worth the read. I really enjoyed this fascinating look into the life of a boy that was so beautiful that nobody looked beyond the surface.
Independent reviewer for Romance Authors That Rock.
December 2, 2019
I was not prepared for the exuberant, knowing humour of this book, an exploration of the implications of beauty. Whether metaphor or fable, a breezy read that shades into inexorable tragedy by its end.
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December 25, 2016Read full review here : https://sonalify.com/2016/12/01/book-...
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