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The Fallen #2
Aerie and Reckoning
DESTINED FOR HEAVEN OR HELL?
Aaron's senior year has been anything but typical. Half angel and half human, he has been charged to reunite the Fallen with Heaven. But the leader of the Dark Powers is determined to destroy Aaron—and all hope of angelic reconciliation.
Struggling to harness the incredible force within him, Aaron trains for the ultimate battle. With the Dark Powers gaining in strength, their clash may come sooner than he expects. And everyone who's ever mattered to Aaron is now in grave danger.
Aaron must protect the girl he loves and rescue the only family he's ever known. Because if he can't save them from the Dark Powers, how can he hope to save the Fallen?
Aaron's senior year has been anything but typical. Half angel and half human, he has been charged to reunite the Fallen with Heaven. But the leader of the Dark Powers is determined to destroy Aaron—and all hope of angelic reconciliation.
Struggling to harness the incredible force within him, Aaron trains for the ultimate battle. With the Dark Powers gaining in strength, their clash may come sooner than he expects. And everyone who's ever mattered to Aaron is now in grave danger.
Aaron must protect the girl he loves and rescue the only family he's ever known. Because if he can't save them from the Dark Powers, how can he hope to save the Fallen?
541 pages, Paperback
First published July 20, 2010
176 people are currently reading
9006 people want to read
About the author
Thomas E. Sniegoski
281 books1,105 followersThomas E. Sniegoski, often credited as Tom Sniegoski is the author of more than two dozen novels for adults, teens, and children. His teen fantasy YA series Fallen was adapted into a trilogy of monstrously successful TV movies by ABC Family Channel. His other books for teens include Sleeper Code, Sleeper Agenda, and Force Majeure, as well as the upcoming series The Brimstone Network. The author's first adult novel, A Kiss Before the Apocalypse, hit the shelves in 2008, with its sequel, Dancing on the Head of a Pin to be released in 2009.
Sniegoski's work for younger readers includes Billy Hooten: Owlboy, and the fantasy quartet OutCast, which he co-authored with Christopher Golden. OutCast is in development as a film at Universal. Sniegoski and Golden have also collaborated on the adult dark fantasy series The Menagerie, and multiple creator-owned comic book series, including The Sisterhood, which is being prepped for a feature film by InterMedia, and Talent, currently in development at Universal after a major bidding war.
As a comic book writer, Sniegoski's work includes Stupid, Stupid Rat Tails, a prequel miniseries to international hit, Bone. Sniegoski collaborated with Bone creator Jeff Smith on the prequel, making him the only writer Smith has ever asked to work on those characters. Sniegoski and Golden also wrote the graphic novel BPRD: Hollow Earth, a spinoff from Hellboy.
Sniegoski was born and raised in Massachusetts, where he still lives with his wife LeeAnne and their Labrador Retriever, Mulder. Tom recently completed the new young adult novel, Legacy, which is set to be released in October of 2009.
Sniegoski's work for younger readers includes Billy Hooten: Owlboy, and the fantasy quartet OutCast, which he co-authored with Christopher Golden. OutCast is in development as a film at Universal. Sniegoski and Golden have also collaborated on the adult dark fantasy series The Menagerie, and multiple creator-owned comic book series, including The Sisterhood, which is being prepped for a feature film by InterMedia, and Talent, currently in development at Universal after a major bidding war.
As a comic book writer, Sniegoski's work includes Stupid, Stupid Rat Tails, a prequel miniseries to international hit, Bone. Sniegoski collaborated with Bone creator Jeff Smith on the prequel, making him the only writer Smith has ever asked to work on those characters. Sniegoski and Golden also wrote the graphic novel BPRD: Hollow Earth, a spinoff from Hellboy.
Sniegoski was born and raised in Massachusetts, where he still lives with his wife LeeAnne and their Labrador Retriever, Mulder. Tom recently completed the new young adult novel, Legacy, which is set to be released in October of 2009.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 287 reviews
September 20, 2019
I thought this book was good
September 8, 2010
I read volume 1 (The Fallen and Leviathan) earlier this year and while I wasn't completely enamoured of the story, I was interested enough that I wanted to know how it ended. My biggest issue with the book (as it was with volume 1) is that random characters are introduced that are almost immediately killed off. You never have the chance to connect to these characters and their deaths ultimately have little impact emotionally. I'm not terribly well versed in angelic lore (however, ask me a question about vampires, demons or werewolves and I'll knock your proverbial socks off with my answers!) so I can't say whether the mythology that's created was wildly imaginative or totally off base or anything along those lines. I ultimately liked the entire series, especially the idea that the most innocuous of creatures can have the greatest impact. Also, the cover's not to shabby.
April 12, 2015
Third and fourth in the Fallen urban fantasy series for young adults about an angel who will forgive those of the fallen angels who regret their actions.
Reckoning follows below this.
My Take
Verchiel reminds me of religious leaders and priests who turned into zealots. Fiery, burning zealots who were/are as bad as the devil himself in their single-minded, narrow perspectives. Interpreting the compassion of God to suit their own ends. Twisting the evils that befall them into a license to destroy any who don't agree with them.
It's an interesting storyline if only for Sniegoski's interpretation of Lucifer Morningstar's revolt against God. It's hard to believe that angelic beings could be so petty and insecure. It's been a long, hard road for Morningstar. No less than it should be for what he incited against God, and it's fascinating to listen to his story as he relates it to his tiny friend.
I do wish Sniegoski gave us some reason, a believable one, for why Verchiel has become the demon we've been taught that Lucifer was. How can he seriously believe the things he says?
It's sweet that Camael is having his attack of conscience as to his worthiness in being in Aerie, but it feels more like "he doth protest too much". I mean, gimme a break, he "came to his senses" and he's been doing his best to counter Verchiel's moves. He's protecting the Nephilim and the fallen. What reason has Sniegoski ever given us to believe that Camael has to earn his ticket home? Supposedly Camael was doing what God wanted him to do. Including gaining a conscience and using his freewill.
Poor Gabriel. He is missing Aaron so much. "He was mine first; Aaron belongs to me" is a fair statement. I do love Sniegoski's explanation of the bond between man and his dog. It certainly feels accurate.
Okay, yeah, I like the basic premise of the series' storyline, but it seems as though Sniegoski slips into cliché every now and again. Although, then again, am I thinking this simply because some of the directions Sniegoski goes off in irritate me? I don't know. All I do understand is that Sniegoski is expounding on his message and then suddenly jerks me back.
Belphegor is explaining Verchiel to Aaron, Aaron's purpose in all this which results in Aaron's anguish, which seems perfectly reasonable for a kid who just turned eighteen. Then the millenniums-old Lehash drops in with his whining. Well, excuse me.
The Story
The trigger is Aaron's attempted rescue of a fallen angel being chased by a couple of Powers angels. And it's the first hint Aaron has that having all this power is not going to be easy.
For it's a suspicious, wary Aerie who finds them. A town of proscribed angels. Until they discover that one of their prisoners is Camael. A former Power who rescued so many of them.
Is it possible that this boy could be the prophecy come to life?
The Characters
Aaron Corbet is Nephilim. The one spoken of in the prophecy who will save the fallen. His one aim is to find and rescue Stevie. Gabriel is his yellow Labrador whom Aaron changed when he was struck by a car (see Fallen ); Gabriel can speak mind to mind and his understanding, while mostly obsessed with doggy delights, is very intuitive now. Camael is a former Power, who has turned from Verchiel's path, appalled by the violence and death. And addicted to French fries.
Vilma Santiago, a very popular girl in Aaron's old school, is in love with Aaron. Sad that Aaron left, Vilma is suffering from nightmares, depression, and a loss of appetite. That will all seem minor once Verchiel kidnaps her.
Verchiel, the leader of the Powers, has gone over the edge. He doesn't heal as fast as he once did, and he interprets this as God being angry that he hasn't done enough. He believes that God himself is ill and that he will have to take over until God recovers. Uh-huh. He despises mankind and will destroy anyone who gets in his way. Kraus is a blind human healer who willingly heals Verchiel. Malak has been distorted from the human child he was. Tortured by the Archons into a Hound who will be used to hunt down and kill his brother.
Archons Jaldabaoth, Oraios, Jao, Sabaoth, Katspiel, Domiel, and Erathaol are the "angels" who lend their magics to Verchiel's madness.
The inhabitants of Aerie
Belphegor is the leader of this community and a fallen. Camael had pretended to kill him all those millennia ago and now Belphegor does his best to clean the planet of its environmental ills. Lehash is fallen and uses golden pistols as his weapon of choice; Lorelei is his daughter, a Nephilim with healing powers. Scholar is their knowledge keeper.
Nephilim are the rare children born of angels and human women (who usually die in childbirth). The Powers are secret police, God's storm troopers, and their job is to destroy what they believe is offensive to the Creator. Only, they've gone overboard. Archons are Powers who have mastered angelic magick. Lucifer Morningstar is imprisoned inside an iron cage by Verchiel. His only friend a mouse he befriended.
The Cover
The cover is a black-and-white of Aaron in tight jeans and his black wings, heavy on the dramatic shadows.
The title is of a town thought to be mythical---Aerie.
Reckoning is the fourth in the Fallen urban fantasy series for young adults about an angel who will forgive those of the fallen angels who regret their actions.
My Take
It's an interesting interpretation of the angels of God and Lucifer's war against Heaven. To think that such power and beauty should be so insecure, to believe that God's love for them could be less. Then there's Sniegoski's definition of Hell---the most realistic one I've encountered in all my reading. But if we were to accept this, then I suspect we'd have to accept that the only demons that exist are the ones already among us.
How can Verchiel possibly think that what he is doing is something that God will accept?
We learn of a sweet yet short period in Lucifer's life. His time with Aaron's mother. His memories serve two purposes: telling us of his love and their history and as a conversation with his conscience. We also discover how badly anyone needs to be assured of being loved.
Oh, boy. Sniegoski's ending is opening up a whole new can of worms. I'm curious as to where he will go with this in Forsaken .
The Story
Camael and Belphegor are dead. Verchiel is determined to break the barrier holding all of Heaven's suffering inside of Lucifer. To let it loose upon mankind, and Verchiel anticipates this horror with glee. Only it will be necessary to rip the knowledge of destroying the Word of God from another angel. An innocent.
And the Powers know Aerie's location. Fight or flight is the question now before Aerie's inhabitants. But Vilma's angelic side is thrashing its way out, battling everything and everyone and Aaron must fight the rest to allow her to live.
The Characters
Aaron Corbet is Nephilim and even the inhabitants of Aerie believe he is the one spoken of. He's also Lucifer's son. Gabriel is his enhanced yellow Labrador with a great nose. Taylor was Aaron's mother.
Vilma Santiago, the girl with whom Aaron fell in love, is battling with her inner angel.
Verchiel, the leader of the Powers, can no longer heal; infection has set into his wounds. He intends to unleash Hell on earth before he returns to Heaven to take over for God. He is the true demon in all this. Kraus is a human healer who finally understands the monster Verchiel was/is, but he still does nothing.
Archons Jaldabaoth just wants to get along (& dies in the second Malakim attack); Oraios is beginning to doubt the path they follow; Jao passionately follows Verchiel; Katspiel has been blinded and knows what he is doing is wrong; and, Domiel believes their cause is just, even as they murder angels who have no connection to the fallen.
Malakim Peliel is one of three angels who are a direct conduit to God; Raphael survives for a short time.
The inhabitants of Aerie
Lehash is a fallen angel and enamored of the time he spent living through the Old West; Lorelei is his daughter, a Nephilim with healing powers. With Belphegor's death, Lorelei has become the leader of Aerie. Scholar is their keeper of angelic knowledge. Atliel is a fallen who is disgruntled with Aaron's dedication.
Nephilim are the rare children born of angels and human women (who usually die in childbirth). The Powers are secret police, God's storm troopers, and they believe their job is to destroy what they believe is offensive to the Creator. Only, they've gone overboard. The Archons are the "angels" who lend their magics to Verchiel's madness. Lucifer Morningstar is imprisoned inside an iron cage by Verchiel, held for torture. His mouse friend may be his only salvation.
The Cover
The cover is a black-and-white of Aaron in tight jeans and his black wings, heavy on the dramatic shadows.
The title is Aaron's purpose and what Verchiel has been pursuing for the past four installments. The leader of the Powers wants his Reckoning.
Reckoning follows below this.
My Take
Verchiel reminds me of religious leaders and priests who turned into zealots. Fiery, burning zealots who were/are as bad as the devil himself in their single-minded, narrow perspectives. Interpreting the compassion of God to suit their own ends. Twisting the evils that befall them into a license to destroy any who don't agree with them.
It's an interesting storyline if only for Sniegoski's interpretation of Lucifer Morningstar's revolt against God. It's hard to believe that angelic beings could be so petty and insecure. It's been a long, hard road for Morningstar. No less than it should be for what he incited against God, and it's fascinating to listen to his story as he relates it to his tiny friend.
I do wish Sniegoski gave us some reason, a believable one, for why Verchiel has become the demon we've been taught that Lucifer was. How can he seriously believe the things he says?
It's sweet that Camael is having his attack of conscience as to his worthiness in being in Aerie, but it feels more like "he doth protest too much". I mean, gimme a break, he "came to his senses" and he's been doing his best to counter Verchiel's moves. He's protecting the Nephilim and the fallen. What reason has Sniegoski ever given us to believe that Camael has to earn his ticket home? Supposedly Camael was doing what God wanted him to do. Including gaining a conscience and using his freewill.
Poor Gabriel. He is missing Aaron so much. "He was mine first; Aaron belongs to me" is a fair statement. I do love Sniegoski's explanation of the bond between man and his dog. It certainly feels accurate.
Okay, yeah, I like the basic premise of the series' storyline, but it seems as though Sniegoski slips into cliché every now and again. Although, then again, am I thinking this simply because some of the directions Sniegoski goes off in irritate me? I don't know. All I do understand is that Sniegoski is expounding on his message and then suddenly jerks me back.
Belphegor is explaining Verchiel to Aaron, Aaron's purpose in all this which results in Aaron's anguish, which seems perfectly reasonable for a kid who just turned eighteen. Then the millenniums-old Lehash drops in with his whining. Well, excuse me.
The Story
The trigger is Aaron's attempted rescue of a fallen angel being chased by a couple of Powers angels. And it's the first hint Aaron has that having all this power is not going to be easy.
For it's a suspicious, wary Aerie who finds them. A town of proscribed angels. Until they discover that one of their prisoners is Camael. A former Power who rescued so many of them.
Is it possible that this boy could be the prophecy come to life?
The Characters
Aaron Corbet is Nephilim. The one spoken of in the prophecy who will save the fallen. His one aim is to find and rescue Stevie. Gabriel is his yellow Labrador whom Aaron changed when he was struck by a car (see Fallen ); Gabriel can speak mind to mind and his understanding, while mostly obsessed with doggy delights, is very intuitive now. Camael is a former Power, who has turned from Verchiel's path, appalled by the violence and death. And addicted to French fries.
Vilma Santiago, a very popular girl in Aaron's old school, is in love with Aaron. Sad that Aaron left, Vilma is suffering from nightmares, depression, and a loss of appetite. That will all seem minor once Verchiel kidnaps her.
Verchiel, the leader of the Powers, has gone over the edge. He doesn't heal as fast as he once did, and he interprets this as God being angry that he hasn't done enough. He believes that God himself is ill and that he will have to take over until God recovers. Uh-huh. He despises mankind and will destroy anyone who gets in his way. Kraus is a blind human healer who willingly heals Verchiel. Malak has been distorted from the human child he was. Tortured by the Archons into a Hound who will be used to hunt down and kill his brother.
Archons Jaldabaoth, Oraios, Jao, Sabaoth, Katspiel, Domiel, and Erathaol are the "angels" who lend their magics to Verchiel's madness.
The inhabitants of Aerie
Belphegor is the leader of this community and a fallen. Camael had pretended to kill him all those millennia ago and now Belphegor does his best to clean the planet of its environmental ills. Lehash is fallen and uses golden pistols as his weapon of choice; Lorelei is his daughter, a Nephilim with healing powers. Scholar is their knowledge keeper.
Nephilim are the rare children born of angels and human women (who usually die in childbirth). The Powers are secret police, God's storm troopers, and their job is to destroy what they believe is offensive to the Creator. Only, they've gone overboard. Archons are Powers who have mastered angelic magick. Lucifer Morningstar is imprisoned inside an iron cage by Verchiel. His only friend a mouse he befriended.
The Cover
The cover is a black-and-white of Aaron in tight jeans and his black wings, heavy on the dramatic shadows.
The title is of a town thought to be mythical---Aerie.
Reckoning is the fourth in the Fallen urban fantasy series for young adults about an angel who will forgive those of the fallen angels who regret their actions.
My Take
It's an interesting interpretation of the angels of God and Lucifer's war against Heaven. To think that such power and beauty should be so insecure, to believe that God's love for them could be less. Then there's Sniegoski's definition of Hell---the most realistic one I've encountered in all my reading. But if we were to accept this, then I suspect we'd have to accept that the only demons that exist are the ones already among us.
How can Verchiel possibly think that what he is doing is something that God will accept?
We learn of a sweet yet short period in Lucifer's life. His time with Aaron's mother. His memories serve two purposes: telling us of his love and their history and as a conversation with his conscience. We also discover how badly anyone needs to be assured of being loved.
Oh, boy. Sniegoski's ending is opening up a whole new can of worms. I'm curious as to where he will go with this in Forsaken .
The Story
Camael and Belphegor are dead. Verchiel is determined to break the barrier holding all of Heaven's suffering inside of Lucifer. To let it loose upon mankind, and Verchiel anticipates this horror with glee. Only it will be necessary to rip the knowledge of destroying the Word of God from another angel. An innocent.
And the Powers know Aerie's location. Fight or flight is the question now before Aerie's inhabitants. But Vilma's angelic side is thrashing its way out, battling everything and everyone and Aaron must fight the rest to allow her to live.
The Characters
Aaron Corbet is Nephilim and even the inhabitants of Aerie believe he is the one spoken of. He's also Lucifer's son. Gabriel is his enhanced yellow Labrador with a great nose. Taylor was Aaron's mother.
Vilma Santiago, the girl with whom Aaron fell in love, is battling with her inner angel.
Verchiel, the leader of the Powers, can no longer heal; infection has set into his wounds. He intends to unleash Hell on earth before he returns to Heaven to take over for God. He is the true demon in all this. Kraus is a human healer who finally understands the monster Verchiel was/is, but he still does nothing.
Archons Jaldabaoth just wants to get along (& dies in the second Malakim attack); Oraios is beginning to doubt the path they follow; Jao passionately follows Verchiel; Katspiel has been blinded and knows what he is doing is wrong; and, Domiel believes their cause is just, even as they murder angels who have no connection to the fallen.
Malakim Peliel is one of three angels who are a direct conduit to God; Raphael survives for a short time.
The inhabitants of Aerie
Lehash is a fallen angel and enamored of the time he spent living through the Old West; Lorelei is his daughter, a Nephilim with healing powers. With Belphegor's death, Lorelei has become the leader of Aerie. Scholar is their keeper of angelic knowledge. Atliel is a fallen who is disgruntled with Aaron's dedication.
Nephilim are the rare children born of angels and human women (who usually die in childbirth). The Powers are secret police, God's storm troopers, and they believe their job is to destroy what they believe is offensive to the Creator. Only, they've gone overboard. The Archons are the "angels" who lend their magics to Verchiel's madness. Lucifer Morningstar is imprisoned inside an iron cage by Verchiel, held for torture. His mouse friend may be his only salvation.
The Cover
The cover is a black-and-white of Aaron in tight jeans and his black wings, heavy on the dramatic shadows.
The title is Aaron's purpose and what Verchiel has been pursuing for the past four installments. The leader of the Powers wants his Reckoning.
August 24, 2017
3 stars
I read these two novels over a year ago, but I recall both as being extremely fasinating and quick reads.
I read these two novels over a year ago, but I recall both as being extremely fasinating and quick reads.
March 3, 2013
This volume was really good compared to the first one.., :) I almost forgot to eat just to finish this. :) after reading this, I learned a lot of things. Forgiving, and loving your enemies inspite of the pain and suffering they had caused you. That no one, other than God has the power to take one's life to end.. It was always God who had the last judgement on things or wrongs we had done. No matter how sinful we maybe, God always forgive those who heartedly repent with their sin..
I almost cried at end, about the petty jealousy that started it all.. It really had an impact in me. Because from my personal experience, jealousy could really destroy a once beatiful relationship into a hell of a sin and nightmare..
:) readingis really fun! :) anyway. :) I don't care if some people don't want this book, we are entitled to our own opinion but one thing I want to say is I loved this book.:)
I also got another persception about HELL. Sorrows, pain, all in one feeling. That was totally frighthenig enough for me..
I almost cried at end, about the petty jealousy that started it all.. It really had an impact in me. Because from my personal experience, jealousy could really destroy a once beatiful relationship into a hell of a sin and nightmare..
:) readingis really fun! :) anyway. :) I don't care if some people don't want this book, we are entitled to our own opinion but one thing I want to say is I loved this book.:)
I also got another persception about HELL. Sorrows, pain, all in one feeling. That was totally frighthenig enough for me..
September 16, 2018
Having read this book due to loving the movie and series, The Fallen 2 was disappointing. Chapters switched between characters often and there were several names with no relevance to them as well as characters being called various names throughout the book. The first part (Aerie) felt confusing with lack of character description and almost as if entering the story at a random spot. Reckoning began with good description of characters and what was going on yet then reverted back to swapping characters every few paragraphs.
December 31, 2010
Half way through. Aerie was slow but picked up at the end, I'm almost interested in the second half. I'll let you know! Finished and I'm so glad. Not worth reading, although a bit different the story is slow, the love story is non-existent, and it doesn't tie up all the loose ends. Pick something else up, this isn't worth it.
February 17, 2018
This book has a good plot however the reason for the two stars is because of how it was written.
A lot of it is repetitive, lengthy sentences to describe something to then be repeated only slightly different a couple of pages later. For this I found it difficult to carry on reading at times and I found then I would keep losing myself and forgetting what had just happened.
A lot of it is repetitive, lengthy sentences to describe something to then be repeated only slightly different a couple of pages later. For this I found it difficult to carry on reading at times and I found then I would keep losing myself and forgetting what had just happened.
October 16, 2020
I could go the rest of my life without ever reading the word "upon", thanks to this author. Also extremely overused phrases or words: maw, arc, skull, and star (any metaphor dealing with stars).
The repeating in this novel is so over done, I'm sure 300 pages could have been eliminated if the author stopped repeating himself🤦🏽♀️.
Aaron's attitude grated on my nerves. He made things worse.
The repeating in this novel is so over done, I'm sure 300 pages could have been eliminated if the author stopped repeating himself🤦🏽♀️.
Aaron's attitude grated on my nerves. He made things worse.
June 10, 2021
I wasn't in love with this book. I liked the first book enough to go on to the second. Book 3 was OK but by the fourth book with the story having barely moved along, I lost interest.
Edited for grammar.
Edited for grammar.
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February 22, 2015WHY CAN'T THIS BOOK BE THE LAST BOOK? HAVING MORE BOOKS DOESN'T MAKE SENSE! LIKE AT ALL... SO I HAVE ALL FIVE BOOKS WITH ME AND I FINISHED THE SECOND BOOK AND I'M LIKE YAY! HAPPY ENDING! AND THEN I REMEMBER THE OTHER BOOKS AND I'M LIKE... WHY... -_-
September 1, 2015
I just can't.
I'm someone who will finish a book, even one this long, within a week. This book it has taken weeks to get even half way through..I just can't do it it's so bad to me. I can't stand this guys writing style and the talking dog is just too much.
I'm someone who will finish a book, even one this long, within a week. This book it has taken weeks to get even half way through..I just can't do it it's so bad to me. I can't stand this guys writing style and the talking dog is just too much.
May 15, 2018
I really did try with this series. Even when I was getting bored, I pushed through but honestly, I'm just done. The writing isn't terrible by any means. Sniegoski is talented. But this just isn't my cup of tea.
August 23, 2010
Awesome! As good as the first! Definitely didn't disappoint!
December 21, 2010
i really like the story of fallen angels being forgiven. however, on this second installment, it was a dismay that the book end that way. for me, the ending is quite a disappointment.
March 13, 2011
Taking a break .... God these are so violent!!!
January 2, 2012
Why did I waste my time on this one. Just couldn't get into it.
May 30, 2019
OH MY GOSH!!
February 18, 2013
Horrible book. Bad ending and a very predictable ending.
January 24, 2014
This one took me a bit longer to get through than the first book. But it was still just as good. Aaron has embraced his powers and is doing everything he can to stop Verchiel.
April 1, 2019
Aerie and Reckoning is a bind up of the third and fourth books in The Fallen series written by Thomas E. Sniegoski and centered on Aaron Corbet, who on his eighteen birthday learned that he is a nephilim – a human/angel hybrid.
Aerie (★★★★☆) Aaron Corbet is still coming to terms about being a nephilim and he is no closer to discovering the identity of the angel who sired him. By pure accident, they stumble upon folks who are from Aerie, a place where the Fallen and Nephilim live together to avoid the Powers. However, Verchiel is still in hot pursuit and sends his magical warrior Malak to hunt for him – all the way to Aerie.
Reckoning (★★★★☆) Aaron Corbet discovered the identity of the angel that sired him – Lucifer Morningstar – the greatest sinner, first of the Fallen, and known as Satan. Aaron has accepted his destiny as the Redeemer chosen by God to be able to forgive the Fallen for their sins and send them back home to Heaven. However, he is struggling with the fact on who gave him these powers. He also becomes the protector of Aerie, which is needed for the final confrontation with Verchiel.
Aerie and Reckoning is written rather well. Sniegoski has broadened the wonderful world of angels and nephilm that he has created. Aaron Corbet has finally accepts the angelic part of him and learned how to use his powers. However, after learning that Satan himself was his father, he struggles with this knowledge as he continues his destiny of being The Redeemer.
The pacing is slightly better, but it could be smoother still. There some parts that I felt I have to trudge through. Aaron Corbet, the protagonist, is more likable in these two installments, he’s not as annoying – just a tad, but it was nice to see his character development.
All in all, Aerie and Reckoning is written rather well and is a rather good continuation to what would hopefully be a wonderful series, which I plan to continue in the very near future.
Aerie (★★★★☆) Aaron Corbet is still coming to terms about being a nephilim and he is no closer to discovering the identity of the angel who sired him. By pure accident, they stumble upon folks who are from Aerie, a place where the Fallen and Nephilim live together to avoid the Powers. However, Verchiel is still in hot pursuit and sends his magical warrior Malak to hunt for him – all the way to Aerie.
Reckoning (★★★★☆) Aaron Corbet discovered the identity of the angel that sired him – Lucifer Morningstar – the greatest sinner, first of the Fallen, and known as Satan. Aaron has accepted his destiny as the Redeemer chosen by God to be able to forgive the Fallen for their sins and send them back home to Heaven. However, he is struggling with the fact on who gave him these powers. He also becomes the protector of Aerie, which is needed for the final confrontation with Verchiel.
Aerie and Reckoning is written rather well. Sniegoski has broadened the wonderful world of angels and nephilm that he has created. Aaron Corbet has finally accepts the angelic part of him and learned how to use his powers. However, after learning that Satan himself was his father, he struggles with this knowledge as he continues his destiny of being The Redeemer.
The pacing is slightly better, but it could be smoother still. There some parts that I felt I have to trudge through. Aaron Corbet, the protagonist, is more likable in these two installments, he’s not as annoying – just a tad, but it was nice to see his character development.
All in all, Aerie and Reckoning is written rather well and is a rather good continuation to what would hopefully be a wonderful series, which I plan to continue in the very near future.
February 11, 2025
I have so many issues with this book, so many.
I immediately took the third book I had in the series and put it right into the donation pile.
1. I don’t care about the characters, at all. The only one that I care about is the mouse, and that’s probably because he doesn’t talk or have a pivotal role.
2. Why are we introducing all these characters to just have a “dramatic” death so shortly after? I’m supposed to care? I don’t. I swear if they introduce ONE MORE old man mentor character just to die I’m going to lose it.
3. The dog could smell a scent thousands of centuries old? That had been touched by countless other people since then? Yeah, okay. Sure.
4. How come all of these angels keep dying, the ones with millennia of experience, but then the others just… don’t?
5. The writing was BORING like I was fighting for my life to try and finish this book. I read 550 pages and like nothing happened? How is that possible?
6. I am so sick of Vilma, she is boring and weak. Yet we are supposed to think she is so cool and amazing? And are we supposed to be invested in their relationship? Have they actually had any conversation outside of book one? The whole rest of the time was emails that we got nothing out of and then she was asleep the rest of the time.
7. Why did they wait for the powers to be gone before forgiving the angels in aerie??? That’s crazy to me.
Alright, I think I’m done ranting now. I’m sure there are more issues I’m not thinking of.
So happy I’m done reading this book.
I immediately took the third book I had in the series and put it right into the donation pile.
1. I don’t care about the characters, at all. The only one that I care about is the mouse, and that’s probably because he doesn’t talk or have a pivotal role.
2. Why are we introducing all these characters to just have a “dramatic” death so shortly after? I’m supposed to care? I don’t. I swear if they introduce ONE MORE old man mentor character just to die I’m going to lose it.
3. The dog could smell a scent thousands of centuries old? That had been touched by countless other people since then? Yeah, okay. Sure.
4. How come all of these angels keep dying, the ones with millennia of experience, but then the others just… don’t?
5. The writing was BORING like I was fighting for my life to try and finish this book. I read 550 pages and like nothing happened? How is that possible?
6. I am so sick of Vilma, she is boring and weak. Yet we are supposed to think she is so cool and amazing? And are we supposed to be invested in their relationship? Have they actually had any conversation outside of book one? The whole rest of the time was emails that we got nothing out of and then she was asleep the rest of the time.
7. Why did they wait for the powers to be gone before forgiving the angels in aerie??? That’s crazy to me.
Alright, I think I’m done ranting now. I’m sure there are more issues I’m not thinking of.
So happy I’m done reading this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 16, 2010
Sometimes when I pick up a series, I worry that a story that begins with an incredibly epic premise might leave me disappointed and wanting in the end. I’m not saying that it happens a lot, or that I’m an authority on what makes a series great. But I do know that I’ve been reading voraciously since my Mom put my first Dr. Seuss early-learner’s book in my hands at age three; and that the eclectic tastes of my parents, my brothers and my equally book-obsessed friends have exposed me to a broad spectrum of titles and genre over the course of the last twenty-two years.
In my review of Volume 1 (Books 1-2) of this omnibus set, I mentioned that I’d been hunting down the second omnibus volume of Thomas E. Sniegoski’s The Fallen in every bookstore I could check into. Since I’m not what I would call a patient creature by nature, coming up empty-handed after walking into about nine or ten different bookstores was pretty much the frustration of the week.
What can I say? I was that compelled to read more. There were just so many questions milling around in my head at the end of Book Two that I was itching to find out if my assumptions and/or suspicions were correct. But anyway;
When we last see Aaron Corbet, he and his two companions – his trusty Labrador Retriever, Gabriel and the angel Camael – had just left a little town in Maine where they encountered a creature so ancient, it had a long history of bones to pick with the Divine Creator. Since then they’ve been back on the road, searching for a haven called Aerie, which Camael insists is important to Aaron fulfilling his destiny.
What is Aerie, you ask? To quote from Camael: “It is a place unlike any other on this world… a special place—a secret place, where those who have fallen await their reunion with Heaven” (Leviathan, Sniegoski). He goes on to explain that though he has searched for this haven for so long, it is a place that he has never found. It doesn’t take long for our little trio to realize that they don’t really have to look very far, because Aerie finds them soon enough.
The concept of havens is a universal thing, and it doesn’t have to be a physical place. It is natural for a person to want to belong somewhere safe enough that it becomes easy to let one’s guard down; this is true for Nephilim and fallen angels as well.
The thing about Aerie though, is that with so many gathered and hanging onto the hope of redemption and forgiveness at the hands of a savior, things are bound to be more complicated than anyone expects. After all, you have to remember that everything in this prophesy hinges on an eighteen-year-old boy who is still coming to terms with the weight of a destiny thrust upon him. One also has to ask: Is Aaron even convinced that he is the One? What makes him so special that out of all the thousands of Nephilim born to the many fallen—he is the one to redeem them all?
If you’ve read the first two books, these are questions that pull you back by the scruff of your shirt because after what you’ve seen (or read) so far, you might be thinking along the same lines that I did – Of course Aaron is the one, don’t you know what he’s capable of? These questions play Devil’s Advocate (pardon the pun), peering at you with unconvinced eyes and asking: But are you absolutely sure?
Tying this back to the idea of havens and safe places, this thought occurred to me: Havens exist because doubt exists. We doubt ourselves, we doubt the people around us; we doubt promises and possibilities. We doubt that there is a great, invisible mechanism that will eventually allow all the pieces in the confused mess of our lives to fall into place. Havens – physical or otherwise – are there because we need reassurance. We seek these out, we create them for ourselves because it is terrifying, putting your faith in one inconclusive thing. The old adage goes: Believe without seeing. But that’s a really hard thing to do when something means so much.
Last time, I mentioned the concept of Choice. In these last two books of The Fallen, I couldn’t help but think that in the end, what Aaron and the rest had to learn and understand for themselves was the value of certain choices. Finding a safe place is good, but when do you decide that running just isn’t good enough anymore? When do you assert that holding one’s ground—no matter how tenuous—is? Can you accept that while facing things you don’t want to confront inevitably hurt, it is more essential to understand whether fighting outweighs fleeing, and vice-versa?
Again, I can’t answer these for you. So instead, I’m going to encourage you to pick up these books, this series; because then you can explore the questions and any others you might think up, on your own – or heck, even with friends.
While the narrative is relatively light, the topics tackled and explored in this series are definitely not. Good vs. Evil is a universal theme that has been written down, turned around and looked at from varying angles. The use of the mythology surrounding God, the heavenly host, and the offspring of angels who have fallen from grace, gives the story of a teenaged boy’s quest for answers an inquiry that is both deep and perhaps, a little bit troubling.
Again, I recommend this read for mythology buffs, because the depth of the mythos that is integral to Aaron’s journey will surely give you something to gnaw on. I recommend this for those who enjoy asking questions even as they read, because the ride will definitely throw you for a loop. I recommend this to people who love characters that are complex, because you won’t be found wanting. And finally, I recommend this just because. If you want a good read that’ll make you laugh, make you go WTF, make you want to rage because you were hoping for something else – if you want a read that asks you to invest. Then pick this one.
In my review of Volume 1 (Books 1-2) of this omnibus set, I mentioned that I’d been hunting down the second omnibus volume of Thomas E. Sniegoski’s The Fallen in every bookstore I could check into. Since I’m not what I would call a patient creature by nature, coming up empty-handed after walking into about nine or ten different bookstores was pretty much the frustration of the week.
What can I say? I was that compelled to read more. There were just so many questions milling around in my head at the end of Book Two that I was itching to find out if my assumptions and/or suspicions were correct. But anyway;
When we last see Aaron Corbet, he and his two companions – his trusty Labrador Retriever, Gabriel and the angel Camael – had just left a little town in Maine where they encountered a creature so ancient, it had a long history of bones to pick with the Divine Creator. Since then they’ve been back on the road, searching for a haven called Aerie, which Camael insists is important to Aaron fulfilling his destiny.
What is Aerie, you ask? To quote from Camael: “It is a place unlike any other on this world… a special place—a secret place, where those who have fallen await their reunion with Heaven” (Leviathan, Sniegoski). He goes on to explain that though he has searched for this haven for so long, it is a place that he has never found. It doesn’t take long for our little trio to realize that they don’t really have to look very far, because Aerie finds them soon enough.
The concept of havens is a universal thing, and it doesn’t have to be a physical place. It is natural for a person to want to belong somewhere safe enough that it becomes easy to let one’s guard down; this is true for Nephilim and fallen angels as well.
The thing about Aerie though, is that with so many gathered and hanging onto the hope of redemption and forgiveness at the hands of a savior, things are bound to be more complicated than anyone expects. After all, you have to remember that everything in this prophesy hinges on an eighteen-year-old boy who is still coming to terms with the weight of a destiny thrust upon him. One also has to ask: Is Aaron even convinced that he is the One? What makes him so special that out of all the thousands of Nephilim born to the many fallen—he is the one to redeem them all?
If you’ve read the first two books, these are questions that pull you back by the scruff of your shirt because after what you’ve seen (or read) so far, you might be thinking along the same lines that I did – Of course Aaron is the one, don’t you know what he’s capable of? These questions play Devil’s Advocate (pardon the pun), peering at you with unconvinced eyes and asking: But are you absolutely sure?
Tying this back to the idea of havens and safe places, this thought occurred to me: Havens exist because doubt exists. We doubt ourselves, we doubt the people around us; we doubt promises and possibilities. We doubt that there is a great, invisible mechanism that will eventually allow all the pieces in the confused mess of our lives to fall into place. Havens – physical or otherwise – are there because we need reassurance. We seek these out, we create them for ourselves because it is terrifying, putting your faith in one inconclusive thing. The old adage goes: Believe without seeing. But that’s a really hard thing to do when something means so much.
Last time, I mentioned the concept of Choice. In these last two books of The Fallen, I couldn’t help but think that in the end, what Aaron and the rest had to learn and understand for themselves was the value of certain choices. Finding a safe place is good, but when do you decide that running just isn’t good enough anymore? When do you assert that holding one’s ground—no matter how tenuous—is? Can you accept that while facing things you don’t want to confront inevitably hurt, it is more essential to understand whether fighting outweighs fleeing, and vice-versa?
Again, I can’t answer these for you. So instead, I’m going to encourage you to pick up these books, this series; because then you can explore the questions and any others you might think up, on your own – or heck, even with friends.
While the narrative is relatively light, the topics tackled and explored in this series are definitely not. Good vs. Evil is a universal theme that has been written down, turned around and looked at from varying angles. The use of the mythology surrounding God, the heavenly host, and the offspring of angels who have fallen from grace, gives the story of a teenaged boy’s quest for answers an inquiry that is both deep and perhaps, a little bit troubling.
Again, I recommend this read for mythology buffs, because the depth of the mythos that is integral to Aaron’s journey will surely give you something to gnaw on. I recommend this for those who enjoy asking questions even as they read, because the ride will definitely throw you for a loop. I recommend this to people who love characters that are complex, because you won’t be found wanting. And finally, I recommend this just because. If you want a good read that’ll make you laugh, make you go WTF, make you want to rage because you were hoping for something else – if you want a read that asks you to invest. Then pick this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 9, 2021
Gabriel is a delight and perfectly written. That is all.
But seriously, I love the world that has been created here. It does Paradise Lost justice.
It never holds back on the horror elements, but never feels over the top gory- it’s all about the dread. It shows how fanaticism can’t bend or accept fault, but will instead tie itself into knots to be self-righteous, even when it’s obvious they’re wrong. The themes here are spectacular, and I loved it even more than the themes of forgiveness.
The end of this is perfect, which makes me question why this series continues (I’m personally not going to read the rest, because it feels it’s running the risk of dragging on past it’s prime, and I’ve been burned before).
But seriously, I love the world that has been created here. It does Paradise Lost justice.
It never holds back on the horror elements, but never feels over the top gory- it’s all about the dread. It shows how fanaticism can’t bend or accept fault, but will instead tie itself into knots to be self-righteous, even when it’s obvious they’re wrong. The themes here are spectacular, and I loved it even more than the themes of forgiveness.
The end of this is perfect, which makes me question why this series continues (I’m personally not going to read the rest, because it feels it’s running the risk of dragging on past it’s prime, and I’ve been burned before).
November 4, 2020
Love how the author weaves angel mysticism and lore into fresh and innovative fiction. At several turns there were predictable and tired opportunities for the author to go down well worn and predictable paths. Never once does he do this. It’s almost as if he is setting up the reader for predictability then makes a sharp turn away from where you think the plot is taking you. I love how the main character is doubtful and resistant yet willing to allow his mission to unfold and go along with where his optimal purpose takes him.
May 30, 2020
I really like the view that this story takes, the whole "hell is not a physical place, Lucifer is just a really sorry, sad guy waiting for his chance to apologize" concept is really neat. For someone who isn't really religious, I've noticed that I have a lot of books that deal with the idea of fallen angels, which is kind of funny to me. Compared to the last fallen angel book series I read, this one is much much better.
August 20, 2020
I bought this books years ago because I had really enjoyed the first book at the time. I reread the first book and wasn't as big a fan but still read this because I had it and wanted to know what happened next. When I found out there were three more books I lost interest. The overall concept it pretty cool but I think the series is more for younger readers who maybe aren't as critical about unnecessary characters and long fight scenes.
December 30, 2018
I thought that this was a pretty good sequel. Some of the fight scenes went on for way too long and that's why it wasn't a five star book for me. I am interested to see what the problems and plots of the other books in the series are since the ending of this volume wrapped some things up pretty nicely.
March 5, 2020
this was a pretty easy read even though it’s longer than most books i finished in two days, but i give credit to the middle grade writing style. i liked this book for taking a different route than i’ve seen in fallen angel redemption stories. i’ve definitely haven’t seen someone characterize lucifer as likable or someone to sympathize with the way i did in this book.
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