Forlorn

LOCAL AUTHOR

This book combines friendship, romance, and music with a biblical reality of angels and demons in a thrilling read. The novel follows Grace Fortune and her friends as they survive a school shooting and their first experience of demons and become involved with the mysterious Jared Lorn. As the band of friends comes together, both figuratively and musically, they quest to destroy the demon Azazel, Jared’s father. Although this bears all the hallmarks of yet another supernatural romance, I should point out the book’s magic is in its seamless interweaving of Christian mythology. The point of view shifts between Grace and her Guardian, the angel Ariel, and through him we see the higher ranks of heavenly hosts, demons and their effects on mortals, and even God himself, or Elohim. This refreshing take on Nephilim, fallen “watchers,” and the ranks of angels would make this a must-read for fans of Karice Bolton’s The Watchers trilogy or Cassandra Clare’s The Mortal Instruments, and I would certainly recommend it to fans of Percy Jackson, if only for its introduction to a different religious base. My only reservation with is that, as an atheist, I found the attitude toward prayer a bit on-the-nose, but I’m being picky, and in fact I was happily engrossed in this book’s respectful portrayal of Christianity. The novel plays host to a wonderful range of characters, from the cynical scientist, bubbly optimist, reformed devotee to the starkly corrupted film star, giving something for everyone to relate to. Even through its gritty and realistic portrayal of everything from loss to fame, from addiction to the complexities of family life, the book maintains an exciting pace and remains accessible. My only problem with the plot is the cliff-hanger seen at the end; I need a sequel!