This book can be compared to a bomb.
Slow short fuse and when it blows, it lasts a very long time.

The truth is, I went to this book with low expectations. From the blurb I automatically labeled it as not my kind of kind of book. From the prologue I felt as though I was right in thinking that. And then the story really began...

It's good, it's really good. Not great, but damn close to it. The writing is the kind that you'll sit yourself down and say "I'll read for a couple minutes." next thing you know, an hour's passed. It's immersive, engaging, and original. This is the type of material that could easily bend into preachy, but Jason Patrick Crawford does well to hold back on it. Instead he goes on to give a different view on it, while giving the story what it needs. And by that I mean the surprising graphic detail. No spoilers, but there is an angel I've been wanting to incorporate into my work, and Jason blows mine out the water. Wonderfully done.

Thank you to the author, Jason P. Crawford, for gifting me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

This is certainly one of those hidden gems! Like The Truth About Drew, this book is slightly religious although you can look past it if you choose.

The plot kept me glued to the page until I finished! It was so interesting to see the perspectives of two people who both thought they were doing the right thing (one was under and influence but still...). You don't see that very often. You see villains but they are always so obviously evil and twisted and one person is so obviously 'good'. In this book, the concepts of good and bad are exposed as the perceptions they are.

I also really liked how the angels were interpreted. They were traditional angels yes but Mr. Crawford introduced some new elements that I never thought about before.

I do wish that there was a sort of montage or something to show how Samuel actually learned all the spells and gestures. It seemed like all of a sudden, he was a master at it and I'm not entirely sure how that happened.

The Final Verdict:
I simply loved the plot of this book and the two 'good guys' who were pitted against each other. It's such a fascinating concept to me. I could have used a bit more about the book and Samuel and how it all worked.
4.5 stars


Quotes:
"'She passed on the knowledge when it was time, as has been necessary since the Arts were given to Mankind.' He shrugged"


"'Do you want proof?' His eyes held no more of the childish innocence he had pretended, and the wisdom of untold millennia echoed in their depths like ripples on a dark pool. 'I don't think the flaming sword would be appropriate, here.'"


"'Angels are servants, not kings. Not rulers. Those that forgot this are in Hell, and no longer counted among us.'"


"'I do not hide; I wait.'"


"'Very well, young Buckland; you may wish to cover your ears.' The djinn inhaled, frost forming on it ephemeral lips, then spoke. The words erupted like a close-range thunderclap, a sonic boom, and the sky outside rumbled and roiled in response; clouds boiled from nowhere as the djinn's name echoed from the mountains. Sam pulled his hands from his head. 'Alright then. Sky-King it is.'"


"Begone"