Flaming Dove

by Daniel Arenson

The battle of Armageddon was finally fought... and ended with no clear victor. Upon the mountain, the armies of Hell and Heaven beat each other into a bloody, uneasy standstill, leaving the Earth in ruins. Armageddon should have ended with Heaven winning, ushering in an era of peace. That's what the prophecies said. Instead, the two armies--one of angels, one of demons--hunker down in the scorched planet, lick their wounds, and gear up for a prolonged war with no end in sight.

In this chaos of warring armies and ruined landscapes, Laila doesn't want to take sides. Her mother was an angel, her father a demon; she is outcast from both camps. And yet both armies need her, for with her mixed blood, Laila can become the ultimate spy... or ultimate soldier. As the armies of Heaven and Hell pursue her, Laila's only war is within her heart--a struggle between her demonic and heavenly blood.

Genres: Fantasy, Paranormal, Demons, Angels, Urban Fantasy, Post Apocalyptic, Supernatural

293 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 19, 2010

About the author

Daniel Arenson is a bookworm, proud geek, and USA Today bestselling author of fantasy and science fiction. His novels have sold over a million copies. The Huffington Post has called his writing "full of soul." He's written over forty novels, most of them in five series:

EARTHRISE — They came from deep space. They came to destroy us. Against the alien onslaught, Earth stands alone. But we will fight. We will rise. We will win. Start reading with Earth Alone, the first novel in this military science fiction series.

REQUIEM — Welcome to Requiem, an ancient kingdom whose people can grow wings and scales, breathe fire, and take flight as dragons. Requiem is explored in six trilogies, which can be read in any order. If you're new to Requiem, you can start reading with Requiem's Song (you can download it for free). For fans of dark, gritty fantasy like A Game of Thrones.

MOTH — Discover Moth, a world torn between day and night—its one half drenched in eternal daylight, the other cloaked in endless darkness. For fans of classic fantasy worlds such as Middle Earth and Narnia. Start reading with Moth, the first novel in this epic fantasy saga.

ALIEN HUNTERS — Got trouble with aliens? Call the Alien Hunters. A group of scruffy mercenaries, they'll remove the pest for you. Low rates. No questions asked. Start reading with Alien Hunters, the first book in this space opera series. For fans of Star Wars, Firefly, and Guardians of the Galaxy.

KINGDOMS OF SAND — Enter a world of sand and splendor, a world where gladiators battle in the arena, where legionaries and barbarians fight for glory, and where empires rise and fall.

Reviews

[E.J. Stevens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Laila is born of angel and demon, her mixed blood a curse that bars her from both Heaven and Hell, so she must fight for the one place she calls home...earth. Flaming Dove is an action packed urban fantasy that dares to challenge the reader to question the traditional roles of good and evil. The apocalypse has come and gone, but the war between Heaven and Hell continues. Earth is a wasteland where angels and demons slaughter each other with no regard for human life. Heaven and Hell are deadlocked, but there is one woman who could tip the balance...for either side. Laila is half demon and half angel, a deadly combination that gives her strength to rival the strongest archangels and archdemons, but she doesn't belong to either side. Laila swears allegiance to no man, angel, or demon, but when the one place in all of existence that she can call home is threatened she must make a choice. Will she side with Heaven, for which her half sister fights, or will Laila fight alongside her former lover Beelzebub the current ruler of Hell? Flaming Dove presents an interesting look at the gray areas of good and evil. These aren't just your usual pure of heart angels and slithering evil demons...though there are also those in abundance. Arenson presents a dark and gritty look at armageddon and a kick butt heroine who comes armed with fangs, claws, and an uzi. A thought provoking dark fantasy novel filled with non-stop action and intriguing characters.

I recommend Flaming Dove to readers of urban fantasy, paranormal suspense, and especially to fans of dark fantasy.

Don't miss author Daniel Arenson's visit to From the Shadows tomorrow December 27th!

Source: This book was provided by the author or publisher for honest review.

** This review originally posted on my blog: www.FromTheShadows.info **

[Wyrdness · Rating 2 out of 5]

I guess this was okay. It was quite interesting and/ or fun in places, and it was interesting to view an Armageddon story from the viewpoint of the angels and demons for a change instead of the typical human-centric focus, but overall it didn't really hook me. I'm not sure how much of that is just me being my usual difficult to please self (I have ridiculously high standards. Some of my favourite authors still only get 3 star reviews!) and how much was that the story itself seemed quite simplistic even though the second half seemed to be trying to shove in some deeper philosophical meaning on the nature of good and evil.

TBH most of my time seemed to be spent rolling my eyes at how every woman seemed to throw themselves at Beelzebub and profess to love him so much even when he was nothing but a massive horndog that couldn't keep it in his pants and not actually a very nice person... Demon... Whatever. It was weird how much time the story spent focused on him, especially since he wasn't even the main character. I still have no idea how his supposed star-crossed lover thing with Bat El happened, or why she still thought she loved him even though he'd chain her to a wall in a dungeon for weeks at time whenever his demonic wife was around (Zarel was a crazy demon, but I kind of felt sorry for her. She just wanted her husband to stop sleeping around on her and love her).

At 97% I thought the ending was really quite fitting, in a sad, tragic sort of way, until the "true" reveal happened at which point it completely spoiled everything for me turns out Laila wasn't a half-demon at all, she was just a fanged, bat-winged angel baby all along. The angels made up a lie about how her mother was raped by Lucifer because it was easier than admitting that even angels had both good and evil inside (that manifests as bat wings? I'm still unclear on that part). After they consigned their daughter to a life of misery and loneliness on Earth for no real reason it's no wonder that her nameless mother committed suicide and her father became a withdrawn workaholic.

I'm also a little unclear on the division between realms and supernatural concepts in this story. Heaven and Hell seem to be separate from Earth, but you can get to Heaven by flying through the clouds and you can get to Hell by digging down really far. Nothing is ever mentioned about how you have to do this in a particular ritualistic manner to make it work, so I have to assume it's a literal, child like view of Heaven as white, fluffy cloudland and Hell as the core of the world. Also god seems to be an actual being that (used to at least) chastise wayward angels before the Rebellion, but then at least two of those same (arch)angels claim that god never literally spoke to them and was more of an abstract concept that was in all things. Yet angels and demons were both very biblical in form and function (except for that whole sex thing and acting like winged humans most of the time), so I'd have expected the angels to have more of a concrete and tangible relationship with the god that's supposed to rule in Heaven.

Anyway, to round things up I found this to be an adequate time waster but I don't really care to re-read it in the future. If you like biblical depictions of angels and/ or demons, or like tales of Armageddon, then perhaps this will be more to your liking.

[Debra Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Armageddon. Angels vs. Demons. Good vs. Evil. These are the themes in the author’s new book, “Flaming Dove.” But, for me, the book was much more than these larger-than-life themes. I found the relationships especially those of Laila, the half-angel, half-demon, had with Beezlebub, Michael, Bat-El and even Zarel, The Demon Queen, were what propelled the book forward and kept me turning the pages. Mr. Arenson did a magnificent job in portraying Laila – her wants and desires, her sorrow and ultimately her anguish at what her life had become. She is a sad tortured soul. Everyone wants a piece of Laila except for her ever-faithful wolf, Volkfair. It is to Volkfair that Laila pours her heart out -- from her tragic childhood to her current struggle to find some peace and a place to call her own. This is where the author shines and makes Laila come alive in the reader’s mind.

Being half-demon half-angel means she does not belong in either Heaven or Hell, but that doesn’t stop each side from trying to woo Laila to their side. Her power could turn the tide in the 27-year long war that continues after Armageddon failed to produce a clear winner. Beezlebub, King of Hell, and Archangel Michael, Heaven’s highest-ranking angel, would say anything to win her loyalty. There is no black or white or good vs. evil here, only shades of gray. Demons are not all bad. Angels are not all pure and good. Beezlebub plays on their former love affair, while Michael continually reminds her of her angel side and her responsibility to her sister, Bat El. Laila doesn’t want to help either one of them because it won’t matter which side wins the war, she will lose her temporary home on Earth, the only place she has found a modicum of peace.

There are many twists and turns in the story that continually surprised me, but I have some slight criticism. The author needs to trust his readers more. There are too many character descriptions that are repeated over and over along with countless instances of dripping fangs. All of these become distracting after awhile.

Without spoiling the ending, I will say that the climax is exciting and unexpected. Everything you want in a novel. This book is a fun read, but on a deeper level it makes you think--nothing is purely black or white, good or evil, it’s much more complicated than that. It takes a talented author to make you ponder these things long after you finish the book. I highly recommend “Flaming Dove” and look forward to reading more books by Mr. Arenson.

[Luis L · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an absolutely fantastic book. I really really enjoyed it. I loved it so much I kept quoting it to my wife. Beelzebub was one of my favorite characters. He had so many different personalities, with trying to be romantic, sweet, mean, funny. He was awesome. The book was pretty much non-stop action with a few flashbacks about the characters, but it never slowed down the pace of the main story line. The ending caught me by surprise as well. I never expected it to end the way I did.

I always like alternate takes on stories and hearing about the fighting of angels and demons was a nice fresh story. I'm an atheist so whether this was true to another fictional book, the bible, doesn't matter to me. This is a fantasy book and I enjoyed it. It was entertaining which is what I look for in a fiction book.

[Alice Yeh · Rating 3 out of 5]

In Flaming Dove, Arenson weaves an absorbing tale of the ultimate example of internal conflict: a being part angel, part demon, and fully belonging nowhere. In her quest for a home, she becomes caught up in the ongoing battle between Heaven and Hell for dominion over the Earth, knowing that a win from either side would lead to her death. He places his heroine in quite the predicament!

Laila rises to the task admirably, causing the reader to root for her despite the impossibility of her goals. The complexity of her character — unpredictable, angry, impulsive, loving, and lonely — makes her personality stand out when it could easily have been swallowed up by a face-paced storyline and rapid-fire action sequences. Similarly, Bat El and Beelzebub are thoroughly explored, calling into question the belief that the two represent opposite ends of the spectrum. There is a humanization of the major players here that draws out a reader's compassion. I was flipping each screen with a combination of anticipation and dread, knowing that there was no way for everyone to wind up happy.

One of the risks in writing about angels and demons is the polarization effect: characters are depicted as being wholly good or wholly evil. In Arenson's world, however, the angels have their own hedonistic tendencies, while the demons are barbarians with a heart. He capitalizes on these traits, creating a storyline filled with internal conflict, betrayal, and sacrifice, with thousands of unnamed casualties tossed in for good measure. I almost missed my bus stop a few times as I focused on satisfying the itch to find out how everything would be resolved. I finished the novel satisfied with the course of events and the open doors that the author left.

A second challenge in writing about angels and demons is dealing with readers' preconceived notions based on Judeo-Christian theology. Some circumvent this by leaving faith and God out of the equation, creating an alternate environment in which these beings exist and fight one another in an age-old battle of good versus evil without the oversight of an omnipotent, all-powerful being. Arenson, however, takes a different route entirely, referencing angels such as Michael and Gabriel and turning them into flawed protagonists. While this is an innovative approach, it greatly diminished my ability to believe in the book.

In Judeo-Christian theology, sin is sin, regardless of the magnitude of the transgression. Within this framework, therefore, it is unlikely that adultery and drunkenness would be so easily overlooked by the same God who threw fallen angels out of Heaven for their rebellion. Equally difficult to swallow is the lack of human involvement, as the war being waged is over souls, not burned up land. That Bat El's actions were never punished, or even really addressed, is still a source of incredulity, as is the acceptance of the plethora of lies told by those who are supposed to be good. Still, I gave the author some creative license to pick and choose aspects of religion that suited his needs. After all, this world was his; I just wish that someone would explain to me from where Laila obtained all those bullets and grenades.

There were many passages in this book that were written well, drawing the reader into the unfolding drama and rapidly pushing the story forward. Even so, there were also areas where the information presented became redundant. For instance, multiple references might be made to a character's current location when it has already been established where he or she is. This might not have been as noticeable had the same word, such as amphitheater, not been used each time and in back-to-back paragraphs. The author also favored the word "maw" throughout the novel, and it started to lose its impact by the fourth or fifth instance of its use.

Stylistic preferences are subjective, but another issue that I had was grammatical in nature: the confusion of direct object pronouns and subject pronouns. An example of this would "It was her" instead of "It was she." This came up several times, and while it's understandable in dialogue, I was still bothered by it when it occurred outside of quotation marks.

Overall, this was a fascinating fantasy novel. The plot moves along quickly, the sequence of events makes sense, and the development of the characters along the way adds depth to an action-filled tale.

[Shelleyrae at Book'd Out · Rating 3 out of 5]

Flaming Dove is a dark fantasy that pits angels against demons in the battle for supremacy on earth. However as the battle rages, the distinction between good and evil blurs, epitomised by the dual nature of Leila, a half angel, half demon. After twenty seven years, weary from the unforgiving conflict, both sides hope that Leila will deliver them victory.
Banished from God's grace and abandoned by Hell, Leila searches for a place to call home among the wasteland that is Earth. Leila's bleak and lonely existence provokes a sympathetic response from the reader, even while she proves she is more than able to take care of herself. Leila's desires are seemingly simple, a wish for acceptance and belonging, but her very nature means that this will always be denied despite her admirable struggle to achieve this aim. Arenson portrays both Leila's internal and external conflict well, through both thought and behaviour.
As a half breed, Leila emphasises the schizm that is present in all of Arenson's characters. Arenson has humanised the iconic symbols of good and evil to communicate his basic premise that neither people nor situations are inherently, nor completely, good or evil.
The angels, including Michael and Gabriel are not only righteous avengers but are also flawed with an odd vulnerability. They may believe that they are fighting on the side of right but recognise their hypocrisy. Neither is Beezlebub a being of evil, but instead a creature motivated by revenge and bitterness for what he feels is an unjust punishment, who is also capable of a suprising charm, and affection for the women in his life. For me, Bat El is the character that I found the least credible, her change in personality and behaviour didn't track for me.
Arenson's imagery for both character and place are detailed and evocative. I particularly enjoy his descriptions of the crumbling streets in the battle scarred towns. I do feel the narrative could be tighter in places, as at times it is melodramatic and repetitive. I also felt that Arenson's dialogue is often inconsistent with the character or situation. While Laila is prone to dramatic declarations, "I am Laila of the night, godlight and hellfire..", she also refers to Lucifer as Dad, and Bat El trades quips with Beezlebub who promises "no funny stuff", the disparaty in language is jarring for me.
Despite the focus on the internal conflicts of the characters, there are action packed scenes as demon hordes and angel warriors face each other in battle which Arenson skillfully describes with lashings of godlight, trails of demonfire, dripping fangs and bloodied courage. These are well written and introduce tension and excitement into the story.
I think this is a story that will appeal to both male and female fans of the genre. Arenson has written a creative and entertaining fantasy with an unexpected conclusion. While I had some issues with the writing, I enjoyed the story elements of Flaming Dove, with its complex characters, epic conflict and thought provoking examination of good versus evil.

[Lauren Burd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Laila’s blood wars within her. Her mother an angel and her father a demon, she wanders the earth after Armageddon has arrived. Both factions seek her assistance in ending the stalemate between heaven and hell. All she seeks is a place to belong.

I was torn between giving the book 3 or 4 stars. I wish you could give a 1/2 star. For me this story is a sad one. Laila is a tragic character and very well written. The plot is a new take on the very old story of Armageddon. Even the devil gets a makeover. I really enjoyed this book and the ending had me on the verge of tears. I did roll my eyes a few times at some of the scenes between Beelzebub and Bat El, but liked both of the characters. All in all a well written story with great characters a good plot and pace.

[Dawn Judd · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are good books. There are really good books. And then there are the books you can't tear yourself away from. This is one of those books. Daniel's descriptions so vivid and alive that you feel like you're right there. I loved it from the first few sentences and enjoyed it to the end. There are very few books that can hold your attention through every single word, but this one can. It is an amazing story that I plan on reading again and again.

[Misty Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I was a teenager I was fascinated by angels. Not the puffy-winged-halo-sporting type, more the Archangel-wrath-of-God type. The fact that there was a whole army of sword wielding higher beings blew my mind. The more I read, the more I needed to read, and before I knew it I was knee deep in biblical reference material and spouting angelic tales to any poor soul that would listen. Now… like every other one of my unique (and sometimes warped fascinations) my futile need for warrior-angel information wained and I moved on, (If I remember correctly Al Capone was next on the list) but one thing is forever certain; once a junkie always a junkie. That being said, I will ask you now to imagine my excitement when I read the blurb for Daniel Arenson’s new novel “Flaming Dove” and discovered it is basically the literary version of “Avenging Angel Crack.”

Life on Earth hasn’t been the same since Armageddon. A battle that was supposed to bring peace and happiness instead brought confusion, desolation, and for Laila a whole lot of anger. Being the daughter of an Angel, and the rape victim spawn of a Lucifer Laila, (more than anyone,) finds herself at a loss. Not wanting to take sides in the inevitable battle for Earth’s holy possession she roams the woods like the outcast she has unknowingly made herself. But sometimes hiding is not enough. As the armies of Heaven and Hell search for their pawn, Laila finally realizes something… until she can accept her demon/angel ways, she will never be able to accept her fate in the history of the world.

Having read (and reviewed) Arenson’s work before I was almost certain I would enjoy it. I am no stranger to fantasy (duh) and Arenson (more than most) has a genuinely unique way of storytelling, but even with the expected rapture, the quick reading, and unwillingness to put my Kindle down what I didn’t expect was to: gasp, sigh, grit my teeth, cuss my Kindle and cry.

This was not just a story about an emotionally lost half-breed girl. It’s was more than epic battles and avenging angels. It was the discovery of ones self, the inner battle between good and evil. It was about accepting our fates, understanding our future, and blazing our own paths to happiness… regardless of our ancestry. This was a story about choosing your own way of life.

Now… I’m sure your next question is “Misty, how in the hell can you wrap all of that up in 294 pages?” and to that I say “It’s simple.” Perfectly executed inner dialogue. Off the charts characterization, and battles so intense that even the smallest of deaths left a dent in the reader’s armor. If there were flaws I failed to notice. If there were holes, I must have taken a different path, because to me… “Flaming Dove” is what a fantasy novel should strive to be.

Happy reading my fellow Kindle-ites and remember: Michael may be made of stone, but in the end… everything can be broken.

[Gaby G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Posted at http://oh-my-books.blogspot.com/2010/...

The Armageddon has taken place, and now angels and demons are fighting for the Earth.

In the middle of this fight is Laila, the half angel, half demon. Her only place to live is Earth, since the light at Heaven or the hellfire at Hell would burn her.

Laila was an intriguing character. Since the begging of her story, we know she isn't interested in this war. It doesn't matter to her who wins, since she would still die. She only cares for her wolf, and drinking. But when she discover she may have a future after this war, she decides it's time for her to take her rightful place.

Besides Laila, the other characters were also interesting. They were all angels or demons, but it was difficult to think of them only as good or bad. For example, Michael, the good archangel, likes to lie. And Beelzebud, Michael's brother and the ruler of Hell, can be kind and charming when he wants. As if it wasn't difficult to fight your own family, love is also present, mixing things more, specially when the characters fall for someone at the wrong side.

Personally, I wasn't immediately caught in the story. The first chapters were slow, only trying to explain the war and Laila's life. But as the story unfold, I found myself wanting to know more about the characters and wondering how was this story going to end. It wasn't a light reading, and it took me more time to read it than normally because sometimes I stopped, and continued after a couple of hours.

Overall, I liked the story even when it wasn't the page turner - fast-paced book I prefer. I recommend it if you're interested in the fight between good and bad, angels and demons.

[Al Burke · Rating 2 out of 5]

I got a free audiobook from the author in exchange for an honest review - and here it is.

I usually like the author's work, whether it's sci-fi or fantasy. This sounded like a great idea - Judgement Day has been and gone and angels and demons are fighting for dominance of the earth. Human beings are an endangered species, taken to hiding in the ruins of cities or living far out in the countryside. Laila, half-demon half-angel, is reviled by both sides, yet the powers that be seem both seem to want her on their side. Also, Lucifer is dead, killed by Beelzebub, who took over hell in his place. The author worked hard on this one, going to Jerusalem (not sure for research or a holiday), but he went and got lost of material for this book. So far, so good.

However, this is certainly not his best work. The angles and demons, instead of being might ethereal powers, behave like a bunch of whiny teenagers. I'm no expert on angels or demons, but I'm sure being immortal and all-powerful would change your world view. They really are just like humans, even with armies and divisions and so forth. The only character who has any business acting like a teenager, Laila (an exile who grew up on earth), isn't, and is a pretty good character.

The plot's a bit messy, with things hinted at then forgotten, and at times is a bit daft. The narrator did a good job with weak material, and I'd be interested to hear what she thought after reading it.

So 2 stars, mostly for a great concept and a decent heroine. Back to the World of Ruin for me.

[Tracey Alley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Daniel Arenson has written a really unique and quite entertaining book. As a Christian, even if a slightly esoteric Christian, I found some of Daniel's characters a little hard to identify with and make that wholehearted connection so necessary to really enjoy a novel. His angels are flawed and conflicted, his demons are not all that bad. Take out the Christian element of it and you're left with a very exciting, page-turner that is well worth reading. His fluency and pace are quite amazing and for that alone I would've liked to have given more stars but I personally felt uncomfortable with some of the theological themes.

All in all a great fantasy read but be aware these are not the angels and demons that most Christian readers will be familiar with

[Daniel Arenson]

My dark fantasy novel. I hope you enjoy it! You can learn more about Flaming Dove at DanielArenson.com.

[Danielle The Book Huntress · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating 4.5/5.0 stars.

For a full review, check the Bitten by Books website: http://www.bittenbybooks.com/

[Jewell Moreno · Rating 3 out of 5]

Story about a half angel/half demon who is being torn between forces during the angel war that occurs after Armageddon...Listed with a list of survival stories, and I would not have placed it there. More Urban Fantasy. Complete fantasy as far as the lore is concerned but the author definitely did his research about ancient beliefs, and ancient gods. I had trouble with how the demons and angels both seemed Evil and Good,,and I had a hard time not argueing with the book over what was truth,,,but still interesting story.

[Ruby McDemon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved hearing Laila's story. Getting to hear her struggle to just be herself and to be left alone when it seems as if everyone is pulling at her is really different. I like this view on Armageddon and it's a lot different than most views. Getting to hear about everything going on from the different perspectives is also really great. I will admit that it felt a lot longer than it was while I was listening to the story, but I'm not sure why because the story doesn't drag. Heather does a great job narrating and add a level of urgency and excitement to the story that's all her own.

[Emily S · Rating 3 out of 5]

A war between heaven and hell, who's the bad guy in the story?
I would say there is a tragedy here that ended before it started.
The story is well written, but if I knew I wouldn't bother to read it, because the plot even though it has a lot of heroes, but no one really personal, and no one is really the one who sets the tone, because in the end it is destiny derived from heaven, and there is no No chance of anything, and that's how I end the book with disappointment because it would have been otherwise possible.

[Howard Brazee · Rating 2 out of 5]

Many years after Heaven and Hell went to war and are pretty much stalemated, angels and demons fight and love. The archangels and archdemons are so very much more powerful than their minions who are killed in droves... except uzis and grenades eventually get them, and so does betrayal.

[Ann Alton · Rating 1 out of 5]

Dnf. I think it was too many povs for my mood at the moment.

[Myra Wray · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unfortunately I found that this book not so good. Story-line could have been better.

[Laura · Rating 1 out of 5]

I hate it when I don't like a book, but aside from the cover, which is awesome, I'm having a hard time coming up with something I liked about this one. And I'm not saying that to be mean - judging by other reviews of this book, plenty of people like it, so I'm going to chalk this one up to not being my cup of tea, especially since I enjoyed Arenson's Eye of the Wizard.

The first minor annoyance I had with this book is that Arenson repeated himself again and again and again. Phrases, words (words other than "the," "and," and so on), and content. Again and again. And again. Just as an example, he used the phrase "swan wings" to describe angel wings 35 times and the phrase "bat wings" to describe fallen angel wings 37 times in 131 pages. That's once approximately every 3-4 pages. I think the readers would have been just fine if the angel wings had been described as swan wings and the fallen angel wings described as bat wings just one time each. Every other time, he could have just referred to their wings and we as readers would have still been able to picture to appropriate swan or bat wings. Readers are not stupid. Other reviews commented on this as well, so I know I'm not alone in being bothered by this.

My big problem with the book though was Beelzebub and his relationships with both Laila and Bat El. I think those relationships were meant to show that Beelzebub isn't all evil and that he's capable of love, but EW, NO!! As written, there is no way that I can believe what Beelzebub and Laila or Beelzebub and Bat El shared was love...on either side of the relationship.

This is how Arenson described Beelzebub's "love" for Laila:
She knew Beelzebub. He had wanted her love, her kisses, her innocence, her dependence on him. He would have hidden this if he’d thought it could give her strength, give her a reason to leave his comforting embraces, his power.

How he described Laila's "love" for Beelzebub:
She had been seventeen, scared, innocent; he was millennia old, endlessly wise and strong, whispering in her ears promises he could never keep. Yes, she had fallen for him then, thought that he could save her from the turmoil within her.

Also:
He had taught her to cook her meat, and she had fallen in love with him, because he tamed her.

Beelzebub's lust for Bat El:
There’s just something irresistible about taking this innocent, virginal angel and showing her all the pleasures of Hell.

Bat El's "love" for Beelzebub:
“I chose this,” she whispered, tasting the saltiness of her tears mixed with ash. “I chose to stay here, I chose captivity.”

She could have let Michael kill Beelzebub. She could have escaped then, returned to Heaven’s camp, yet she had sided with Hell. No. Not with Hell. I sided with Beelzebub. Because I love him. Even here, chained underground, the thought of Beelzebub sent shivers of love through her, made her heart leap with light.

In the end Beelzebub shows his love for Bat El by letting her go, so I can believe maybe he eventually sort of kind of loved her, or at least as close as he can get, but he was essentially a creepy old man who gave off statutory rape vibes by preying on innocent young girls who were WAY YOUNGER than him and for which there was a major power imbalance in his favor. The one woman in his life that was on equal footing with him in terms of age and power, Zarel, he said he loved but never showed it at all and constantly cheated on her with women that when compared to him were children. It all just felt...icky and wrong to me.

Don't even get me started on Bat El's Stockholm Syndrome or Laila supposedly liking being "tamed" by Beelzebub. So. Not. Love.

The only real love I saw in this book was the sisterly love between Laila and Bat El.

Maybe I was blinded by this book hitting one of my major squicks, and I don't mean to cut down on Arenson at all. This book just was not for me. I can see what Arenson was trying to do (I think) with this story, and I don't think he intended Beelzebub to be a creepy old man, but it just didn't work for me. I'm also perfectly willing to admit, some of my impressions of this book may have been me projecting my own thoughts onto it, but that's what reading is all about - how what is written and what the reader brings to the table combine in the reading experience.

[Caleb Blake · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to like this book and as a story it was brimming with promise. It's for that reason alone that it's attracted a 3 star rating from me; afterall - it's the story I usually sign up for.

This is a post-armageddon novel following the ongoing and bloody war between angels and demons for supremacy of the earth. Laila, half-demon and half-angel, becomes the pivotal pawn in a battle between two angels who are also brothers: Michael, leader of the angellic hosts and Beelzebub, fallen angel and ruler of Hell.

The author gets alot of things right in this story. The portrayal of both brothers in this setting is well thought-out and appealing. The weariness they feel, the slow death of optimism and idealism after 27 years of warfare seems very real to me. Additionally, the author presents an interesting moral grey zone when it comes to characterising both the angellic hosts of Heaven and the hordes of Hell. The angels were not necessarily paragons of virtue and I could see admirable qualities in Beelzebub and some of his demon minions.

But what could have been a gripping and sophisticated tale of post-armageddon told with a refreshing perspective started to fall flat due to a fairly unimaginative use of narrative and dialog.

The first thing I noticed was repetition; repetition of words and repetition of whole thoughts/phrases.

All impacts were described as 'crashes' or 'slams'. It was always a demon crashing to the ground or a army slamming into resistance. With the the demons there were constant repetitions of 'maws' and 'drool'. We were told the angels' wings were swan wings where the demons had bat wings and it's fine to make the distinction, but this was repeated endlessly throughout the novel as if we might forget the difference.

Sentiments were also repeated ad nauseam throughout the book and this was something that destroyed the appeal of the main character for me. Every few pages we had to read about how Laila only wanted a home, was banished from Heaven, banished from Hell and hunted on earth, was all alone with her wolf as her only friend. I could almost feel my fists clenching everytime these whining contemplations were repeated. By the end of the novel, I had little sympathy for this character which was unfortunate given her central role and the obvious intention of the author to garner sympathy from the reader.

The next thing that really bothered me was the incongruous dialog used by the central characters. To give some examples:

- The excessive use of the term 'dad' as uttered by Laila, Beelzebub and Zarel (demon queen of Hell) seemed completely inappropriate.

- One review I read picked on the use of the exclamation 'Owie' as uttered by Laila after almost being destroyed at the claws of the demon queen. I was similarly incredulous.

- Curses as uttered by Beelzebub in particular were bizarre. "Like hell!", "God!", "Hell!" These all make sense from humans, but make no sense whatsoever when coming from the lips of the king of Hell.

- I also had real trouble with the demon queen of Hell referring to Beelzebub as "Beelzie".

All of this made me feel like this was a really decent story screaming out for an editor of quality. At times, I almost got the impression that the author had the story in mind and then rushed it out in the quickest possible timeframe. An editor would have pulled him back and made him reconsider every repeated phrase/sentiment, forced him to fight for the words he had chosent. If this had happened, I think I would be writing a 4-5 start review rather than something that is barely 3 stars.

An editor would also have vetoed the ending. At the end of the book there was a rather unfortunate plot twist which seemed to render earlier parts of the story illogical. It felt like the author added it as an afterthought because he thought it was a good idea to have a twist but hadn't really considered what it did to the internal logic of the story.

Final note - about the 3 stars. The problems I had with the writing really put this book at a 2 star level. However, because I really did like how some of the characters were portrayed and the storyline (other than the ending) was quite superb, I have marked up rather than down.

[Juli Rahel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This has to be one of the most original story's I have read. The idea's not only great, but also well executed. Laila is a half-angel/half-demon, born after Armageddon. During Armageddon the human race became largely extinct and angels and demons battled it out in Jerusalem, Israel. Being a half-demon Laila can't live in Heaven with the Angels, but because she's a half-angel as well she can't live in Hell.

At the beginning of the book Laila returns to Jerusalem, where both Heaven and Hell are trying to get her to join them, hoping that with her on their side they can end this war. Years ago Laila almost married Beelzebub, now leader of the forces of Hell. What side will she join if the victory of either side will make Earth inhabitable for her?

I really enjoyed this book. I was familiar with most of the "Biblical" characters, such as Beelzebub, Raphael etc. I really liked Beelzebub's character, because Arenson really investigated the angel aspect of the 'fallen angel' concept. How would a fallen Angel feel, leading armies of demons? He loved Laila, perhaps because he saw the same conflict inside her. Laila is a complex character as well. I love the relationship she has with her wolf, Volkfair. Maybe because I am a sucker for wolves, but he actually is important to her character development.

I already said how ingenious I think the idea for the story is, but I just wanted to say it again, in more detail. Stories about angels and demons aren't anything new, but this was something different. Not only does it give palce to epic battles, which Arenson already mastered in 'The Gods of Dream'. but also gives him the possibility to show his skill in analysing and developing his characters. Laila's flashbacks wo then she was young are a great wat of getting to know her more and explain how she became who she is. I also enjoyed Bat El, :aila's sister. She's the perfect angel, pious, beautiful and strong. Yet during the book she not only starts to question her own feelings and morals but also those of Heaven and hell.Also, may I say I love Laila's mantra, which is at the beginning of this review. I think everyone has a little something they say to keep their spirits up, but mine definitely isn't as epic or impressive as thins one.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review was originally posted on Big Al's Books and Pals review blog on 06/28/2012.

The first character we are introduced to is Nathaniel. He is a jaded and gritty angel who had lost his wings and an eye fighting an arch-demon during the battle of Armageddon. He was my favorite angel and he drew me in. This story though is about Laila, both forces of Heaven and Hell think having Laila on their team will finally turn the tide in their favor.

When Laila returns to Jerusalem and finally chooses a side, she has her own agenda and refuses to follow orders. She will not let her fate be decided for her. Her only friends are Volkfair, a very large black wolf, who fights by her side, and Bat El, her innocent and pious angel sister, who has only been on earth a few months and serves as a captain in Michaels' army. We learn of their relationship through flashbacks that are easy to follow. Humans are a rarity now and seldom mentioned. It was easy to feel the angst and exhaustion of the characters. God seems nonexistent, except to Raphael, who seems to be in the story only to remind us that God exists in all things.

The characters are complex, fully developed, and well drawn; the plot is unique and flowed well. I enjoyed the tongue in cheek dialogue that served to lighten some scenes. The battle scenes were epic with tens of thousands of angels and demons, narrated with descriptive prose. The settings were vivid around Jerusalem, Caesarea, Masada and the Sea of Galilee. The ending was a bit surprising with a twist to leave us something to ponder and open enough for perhaps a sequel.

Arenson did get a bit repetitive in a few places describing angel wings and demon wings, but not enough to remove a star or lessen my enjoyment of the whole story. This story may cause you to rethink or reevaluate your concepts of good and evil. If you can not handle spitting, cursing, hard edged angels, or devils who have a heart and react with some humanity this book may not be for you.

**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **

[Natasha Larry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and as soon as I downloaded the image for this cover I was blown away. I could waste an entire review just on this cover. This is-hands down-the best e-book cover I've ever seen in my life. I should stop, because we all know you judge books by the cover, but I'll give a quick peek-a-boo before you go and nab it.


The first thing I have to say about Daniel Arenson's writing, is his style stands out above all else. Some writers restrict the readers ability to get lost in the book, with overy-obstrusive narrative, and others just put TOO much responsibility on the reader. Most writer's do a little of each, Arenson doesn't do this, EVER. The pacing was perfectly executed, Arenson is one of the few writer's in this genre whose style doesn't lag in the story-EVER.


The style made up for the fact that a few times he lost me with a concept that was ALMOST corny, but not corny enough that I wouldn't read it again.


The other thing I have to comment on, is that Arenson writes about a familiar topic through fresh new eyes (the battle between heaven and hell) without being corny about it. Layla, the half human-half demon is an incredibly fresh heroine, and the reader will find her very easy to identify with and cheer for. Not only that, the other sides-the world of angels and the world of demons-while pitted against our heroine who the reader clearly feels is in the right-are two sides that are equally understandable.

[Cheryl M-M · Rating 4 out of 5]

If all the Fallen Angels are brothers then doesn't that make the daughters and sons of said angels relatives of all the other angels. So technically that makes Beelzebub an uncle to the half-sisters Bet-al and Laila. That makes all the seducing of very young girls just ever so slightly incestuous and Beelzebub a little less of a charming seducer.
The concept was quite interesting but the story suffered a little from repetitive phrases and the superb battle between the evil and good forces was overshadowed by the romantic overtures of the overeager Lord of Hell.
With Beelzebub being such a lech with a penchant for young virgins it might be easy to overlook another dilemma I found intriguing.
There is a grey area in between the evil demons and the good angels. Laila is both, which means she is neither completely demon nor angel. Then there is the issue of Bat-al changing her affiliations. So that must mean that angels and demons can be good and/or evil and perhaps a combo of the two. The murky waters that follow this conclusion are bound to ruffle some feathers and bat wings.
This book is part of Sinners & Sorcerers: Four Urban Fantasy Thrillers a four book box-set of Urban Fantasy stories.
I received a copy of this book courtesy of the author.

[Adam · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wish there was a 1.5 star rating, for "meh". I can't give this a 1-star, because I can't say I didn't like the book. I finished it, and there were parts that I liked, especially in the way the story treated the lesser, third tier characters. (Sidebar: I would read a series about Nathaniel and the Wrecking Balls, as long as it fits the Glen-Cook's-"Black Company"-but-with-angels that I've half written in my head.)

Having said that, Laila (the protagonist), and this book in general, reads like the Judeo-Christian-influenced version of that one fantasy character who is half dark elf, or half giant, or half orc, and constantly at war with his-or-herself, and happens to be every teenager's favourite character because ANGST! "I'm so dark and evil and badass, but I have a soul that yearns to be good, but in a badass way." "I'm so misunderstood by both of my peoples, but they both need me for reasons based in epic destiny AND personal redemption."

Not SPOILERS below, but possibly it could be construed as.




I also feel incredibly disappointed by the ending. The final battle is epic, yes, but after several fights that went that intense, it wasn't a satisfying climax. The final result is fine, but in light of the final twist, it's confusing. The twist is... honestly, ridiculous, simply because this can't be the only time something like this has happened in millenia, so why does everyone treat it like it's unique?

[R. Wheeler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I must state up front, that as a writer, I am a much more critical reviewer than any casual reader. And, because I'm not a regular reader of this genre, I can't say it is a five star per MY tastes…but I am certain a reader of epic or dark fantasy will agree this is a five star work.

Preamble stated to be fair. Now I'll rate per my normal thought process.

Setting (4 stars) The reader will smell the brimstone and fire, sense the decay and rot, visualize in the sky the black, bat-winged demons, and the swan-winged angels.

Plot (4 stars) This work would be a good example of how to use multiple points of view. The reader gets four complete stories in one, bringing together the lives of the characters in a fabric rich with emotion.

Action (4 stars) The most difficult task a writer has is getting across to a reader, the horror of war, scene after scene. Daniel did an admirable job, allowing us to feel more the gut reactions of the point of view character, without bogging us down in the gut wrenching gore.

Character (5 stars) This element of Daniel's writing is his greatest feat. Not only did he make you see, feel with, and care for the protagonists, he enabled the 'bad guys' to show their motivation in just as riveting a story.

Overall, a good read. I recommend.

[Tobyann Aparisi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book in the good reads/first reads give away. This is the first book in a while that really had me fully absorbed. I love the thought of this book. Angels fighting demons. Then along comes a character we would not expect and she is strong, beautiful, tormented, loving, a soldier, and a fighter for man and wolf. This was an amazing read and every step of the way it was fun, exciting and riveting. The characters are well put together that you feel invested in them and can imagine their strength, beauty and grace. The setting is a scary thought of what could be to come in the future when armageddon has destroyed us and the earth. The battles are amazing and in ones imagination you can see it all unfold as you read along. what the characters fighting look like, what the scene looks like, what the emotions are like. That is how well this book was written. You feel what the characters are feeling, you can smell the scorched bodies in the air. What a fabulous book. Very well written! I can't wait to read more on this topic or others from this author. Thank you so much for choosing me for the giveaway, this will be a book I will cherish for a very long time.

[Blodeuedd Finland · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am a bit torn really, I really liked the book, but the thing is, I hated the end. I am sure many will say, but the end was perfect! Just as it should be. Well not in this girl's book. It made me sad and angry.

The world was just, wow, so cool. Earth is almost destroyed, almost no humans around as they are all dead. Instead demons and angels fight each other in a war going on 27 years. I liked the world, the angels, the demons. All strength and weaknesses.

The main character Laila is both and can neither go to heaven of hell. She is sad, angry and lonely and I loved her. I kind of just wanted to hug her. At least she has one friend, a wolf.

Then there is Michael who is the angel's leaders, and Belzebub who rules Hell. Both need her to win. A battle of epic proportions are about to begin.

I did not like her sister though, Bat El. She was tstl, but at the same time she was not. She was just pure, naive, a harp playing angel, but still I wanted to give her a smack over the head.

And then there was the end who made me angry. But up to that, one cool book and Arenson one talented writer.