The design and UX isn't done, Rob and Abbie, okkurrrr! đ
ts_anne13's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Self harm, Blood, Body shaming, Emotional abuse, Religious bigotry, Sexual content, Animal death, Body horror, and Homophobia
Minor: Rape
alicia_ann_reads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
First, it's a queer retelling of Satan's (Lucifer) Falling, which I wasn't familiar with so did a quick google to discover it was mentioned in two books if the Bible.
I'm not a Bible follower, but I imagine that anyone who had any form of religious trauma in their life would find this book incredibly cathartic.Â
The prose was wonderful, the first half is the telling of Lucifer's life from birth, his struggles with being the centre of attention, the 'angel of beauty", his shame and lack of self confidence... Until he meets Michael, who slowly coaxes him out of that shell. You see a really slow burn romance.
The second half of the book takes that and shows Lucifer's fall, how his worship focus went from God to Michael and how God had punished, and from that punishment the seed and kernel of defiance and hatred grew, how Lucifer coined new terms, created Sin as God created...Â
It is graphic and gory, and really hard to read at times, but it was also powerful.Â
The negative aspects: Was a little long. Middle part dragged and in the second half saw an increase in internal dialogue; which in and if itself is not an issue but the way it was presented on page was really difficult to read.
You had internal dialogue between apostrophes butted next to external dialogue in quotes with no delineation; and multiple POVs back and forth on one page.. I had to read slowly.Â
Graphic: Toxic friendship, Violence, Animal death, Hate crime, Alcohol, Animal cruelty, Blood, Physical abuse, Self harm, Sexual content, Body horror, Body shaming, Emotional abuse, Gore, Grief, Homophobia, Mental illness, Sexual assault, and Toxic relationship
ploganiv's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Self harm and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Sexual content, Sexual assault, Homophobia, Body horror, and Violence
Minor: Animal death
angelas_book_nook's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Self harm, Emotional abuse, Religious bigotry, Homophobia, and Violence
Moderate: Body horror and Mental illness
Minor: Sexual assault and Animal death
tinyelfarcanist's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This is one of the darkest books I've read and I suggest you look at the content warnings before diving into this one. The following is a list of the topics included in my review, just a meagre example of those contained in this novel.
CW: swearing, blasphemy, and mention of wicked acts.
"He is beautiful," the seraph said as the cherub cried out from a scathingly sore throat. "The most magnificent of all your angels, Father."
I loved the prose reflecting Luciferâs mental state. Lucifer is an interesting character if unappealing at times.
This book is split into two distinct sections. I divided my review as such. Don't be fooled by the sweetness of the first part, this book doesn't shy away from picturing the depravity that a tortured individual is driven to.
Part 1:
So. Fucking. Cute. A naive and recently created Lucifer shares sweet banter with other playful angels in Heaven...
What else could an angel be but happy?
On the surface, this is a story about a beloved bard finding his purpose, a story about a narcissistic pimp and his favourite twink. A story about angels in love.
Why would God make him so beautiful if that beauty wasnât meant to be admired?
Paradise is not what it seems.
Part 2:
Looking deeper, this is a commentary on jealousy, identity, and religious trauma.
The Lord said, "Sing, angel," His voice all-encompassing, "and you will be saved." Lucifer did so, fearing his God.
For a restless angel like Lucifer, mindless worshipping and hedonism wonât do.
Angels Before Man is powerful in its painfully accurate depictions of depression, wrath, passion, and pride. It is a blasphemous display of the unforgiving Father and the angel who was punished for questioning.
God may have created his equal. He made a perfect angel, and He will soon discover that power corrupts. Lucifer grows more spiteful every time heâs reprimanded.
Letâs not forget that for all of Luciferâs deviousness, he is Godâs creation.Â
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Murder, Self harm, Blood, Body horror, Alcohol, Animal death, Gore, Sexual content, Suicide attempt, Cursing, Death, Animal cruelty, Torture, Violence, Body shaming, Domestic abuse, Gaslighting, Suicidal thoughts, Physical abuse, and Religious bigotry
Moderate: Sexual assault, Fire/Fire injury, Homophobia, Panic attacks/disorders, Rape, and Sexual violence
pasteldemon's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Animal death, Body horror, Gore, Sexual assault, Sexual content, and Death
Minor: Homophobia